Garlins

The Garlins are a fictional genus of small arboreal mammals described in a contemporary fantasy setting. They are native to the cloud forests of Eldara, a southern continent in that setting, where they inhabit mid-elevation stands of broadleaf and coniferous trees. Individuals range from 14 to 22 centimeters in body length, with a prehensile tail adding another 15 to 25 centimeters; they typically weigh between 120 and 250 grams. The dense fur is soft and varies in color from charcoal to cinnamon, with regional and seasonal variation that aids camouflage in patchy light.

Garlins are nocturnal and live in matrilineal groups called cords, typically of 5 to 20 individuals. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruit, seeds, and invertebrates found on the bark and among leaf litter. Their vocal repertoire includes chirps and trills, complemented by scent-marking via specialized glands on the tail.

Reproduction occurs year-round with a seasonal peak in the wet months. Gestation lasts about 42–50 days, yielding one or two altricial offspring. Young garlins remain with the cord for several months and reach independence after a second wet-season cycle.

In taxonomy within the fiction, Garlins are placed in the family Garliniidae, with the genus Garlin and species such as Garlin caudatus, Garlin viridis, and Garlin fulvus. In the story world, their habitat is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and climate change, giving them an Endangered status in fictional conservation assessments. Eldaran folklore often portrays garlins as symbols of adaptability and careful foraging, and they appear in regional crafts and storytelling.