Koodils

Koodils are a genus of arboreal marsupials endemic to the Norvale Archipelago. They belong to the monotypic family Koodilidae and are most widely represented by the species Koodilus varus. The name derives from the Norvalian word koodil, meaning “sun-spotted wanderer.”

They range from 20 to 28 cm in body length, with tails of 18 to 25 cm and a weight around 0.25 to 0.55 kg. Fur color varies from tan to dark brown with lighter spots on the back. They have sharp claws for climbing and a semi-prehensile tail used for balance on branches.

Koodils inhabit cloud and montane forests on five main islands of the Norvale Archipelago, at elevations between 900 and 1800 meters. Populations are fragmented due to historical deforestation and barriers to dispersal. They are nocturnal and mostly solitary outside the breeding season, and they are primarily arboreal, feeding on fruits, seeds, nectar, and insects.

Reproduction occurs mainly from August to December; females typically give birth to one or two young after a gestation around 30 to 33 days. The young spend several weeks in the pouch before gradually accompanying the mother.

The Koodil is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include habitat loss, fragmentation, and introduced predators such as cats and rats. Conservation actions focus on habitat protection, predator control, and community-based ecotourism.

The genus Koodilus was described by Renner in 1987. The name koodil reflects the local language.