Driftys

Driftys are a fictional species created for speculative fiction and related media. They are described as semi-aquatic mammals of medium size, notable for a streamlined body, water-repellent fur, webbed feet, and a flexible patagial membrane that enables short glides along wind currents. The name derives from their drifting locomotion, which they use to travel between islands and across marshy environments.

Geographically, Driftys are said to inhabit coastal marshes, river deltas, and island archipelagos within the fictional world where they appear. Their habitat often includes dense vegetation near shallow waters, where they can forage and seek shelter. They are typically portrayed as omnivorous, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates, fish, crustaceans, and fruit. Their physical adaptations support both swimming and bridging gaps between landmasses, making them adept at exploiting fragmented coastal ecosystems.

In behavior, Driftys are commonly depicted as social and family-oriented. They tend to form small groups led by experienced individuals and communicate through a range of vocalizations, scent markings, and tail signals. They are portrayed as cautious but curious, with a tendency to cooperate when navigating hazards such as tides or predators. Reproduction is generally described as seasonal, with parental care lasting through early developmental stages.

In fiction and media, Driftys appear across novels, graphic novels, and video games within the same fictional setting. Their gliding ability is often incorporated into world-building and gameplay mechanics, featuring as a travel method between landmasses or as a strategic tool in exploration and survival scenarios. The concept has been used to explore themes of adaptation, community, and resilience in coastal environments.

See also: drifting, gliding mammals, coastal ecosystems.