Görgk

Görgk is a fictional species of small nocturnal mammal described as endemic to the montane forest belt of the exoplanet Nivea Prime in the Alpha Centauri sector. In the speculative taxonomy of its world, Görgk belongs to the genus Görgk, within the family Görgkidae, order Diprotoformes, class Mammalia, phylum Chordata.

Physically, görkks are compact and agile, with a head-body length around 18 to 24 centimeters and a semi‑prehensile tail of similar length. They have dense, bluish-gray fur, a pointed snout, and a distinctive infra-red sensing organ on the muzzle that is described in lore as helping to navigate fog-enshrouded treetop habitats. Their hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs, supporting agile climbing and leaping between branches. Görgkks are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of arthropods, fruit, and nectar, and they exhibit complex vocalizations used for social bonding and territory defense.

Discovery and etymology are rooted in the planet’s exploratory records. The species was formally described by xenobiologist Dr. Mira Kael in 2140 after a field survey. The name görgk is drawn from a local term meaning “shadow-skipper,” reflecting the animal’s quiet, nocturnal habits.

Conservation and cultural context are integral to the entry. In the fictional biosphere of Nivea Prime, görkks face habitat fragmentation from mining and forest clearance, with a restricted range and small populations. They appear in regional folklore as symbols of resilience and stealth, and conservation programs in the narrative universe advocate habitat protection and captive breeding to stabilize their numbers.