Mokins

Mokins are small, nocturnal mammals native to the Mokin Basin, a temperate forest region described in regional natural history. The name is thought to derive from the valley language, meaning "soft wanderer," a reference to their quiet, stealthy movement and habit of foraging at dusk.

Physical characteristics include a body length of 25–40 cm, a tail of 20–35 cm, and a mass of 0.9–2.5 kg. They have dense fur that ranges from light brown to slate gray, a pale facial mask, and sharp claws suited to both ground foraging and climbing.

Habitat and distribution: Mokins prefer mixed deciduous-coniferous forests near watercourses, at elevations from 200 to 1,200 meters. They shelter in brush piles, hollow logs, and rock crevices, and create small dens for breeding.

Behavior and ecology: They are mainly nocturnal, solitary or living in small family groups. Diet is omnivorous, including fruit, seeds, insects, and occasional small vertebrates. They may cache food and are important seed dispersers for several forest trees. Predators include larger carnivores and owls. They have a seasonal breeding pattern, with litters of one to four offspring.

Relationship with humans: Mokins are mentioned in local folklore as guardians of the forest. They are not widely kept as pets; they are occasionally observed in ecotourism and conservation awareness programs, where habitat protection is emphasized.

Taxonomy and classification: Scientific placement varies by source; some classifications place mokins within a carnivoran lineage, while others treat them as a distinct, monotypic family Mokinidae.