MeeGos

MeeGos are a fictional small mammal species created for this article to illustrate a typical social forest dweller. They are described as endemic to the temperate woodlands of the continent of Veridia. Adults measure about 22–28 cm in body length, with tails 15–20 cm long, and they typically weigh 0.5–1 kg. They have dense, soft fur ranging from ivory to chestnut, with large rounded ears and a short, blunt snout.

MeeGos inhabit temperate woodland edges, clearings, and scrub in Veridia. They live in extended family groups in communal dens, often hollow trees or woven vegetation structures. Group territories span roughly one to two hectares. Social behavior centers on grooming, cooperative foraging, and a vocal repertoire that includes chirps, squeaks, and tail signals.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruit, seeds, nuts, insects, and occasionally eggs or small vertebrates. Foraging is typically conducted in groups, aiding predator detection and seed dispersal. Breeding occurs once a year in spring. Females give birth to litters of two to four after a gestation of about 38–44 days. Juveniles stay with the clan for several months and reach independence around four to six months; lifespans are commonly five to seven years in the wild.

In the ecosystem of Veridia, MeeGos serve as seed dispersers and as prey for larger predators. In human settlements within the fictional world, they are sometimes kept as companions or studied by researchers. The MeeGos concept is used in discussions of small-group mammalian sociality and forest ecology.