Kötédereken

Kötédereken is a fictional species of nocturnal arboreal mammal described for worldbuilding purposes. It is imagined to inhabit the montane forests of the archipelago of Vayr, where its softly glowing dorsal stripe is a prominent feature used in in-universe communication.

Adults measure 25–35 cm in body length, with a 15–20 cm tail and a weight of 350–600 g. The fur is dense and chestnut-brown with a pale ventral side, and a bioluminescent stripe runs along the spine. The eyes are large, adapted to low light, and the paws have sharp claws suitable for gripping bark.

Kötédereken is native to cloud- and moss-draped forests, roosting in hollow trees and elevated crevices. It is mostly solitary outside of the breeding season, with pair interactions focused around food sharing and territory marking.

Its diet is omnivorous, including fruit, insects, nectar, and buds. It uses the glow stripe in social interactions and as a deterrent against predators. Locomotion is agile among branches, aided by a strong tail grip and hind-limb strength for short leaps.

Reproduction is seasonal, with one or two small litters per year. Gestation is around six weeks; young are weaned after about two months and become independent within a year.

In local folklore, kötédereken is regarded as a forest guardian and a subject of lullabies. Modern worldbuilding references sometimes appear in art and speculative biology discussions. In the fictional setting, its conservation status is vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation of the montane forests.