Muuntelevias

Muuntelevias is a genus of small to medium-sized omnivorous mammals native to the montane and boreal forests of the northern continent of Valara. Three described species are recognized: Muuntelevias borealis, Muuntelevias sylvatica, and Muuntelevias littoralis. The genus belongs to the family Muunteleviidae, a monotypic lineage defined by its shared dentition and forelimb morphology.

Members are characterized by a compact body, short limbs, and dense, woolly fur that ranges in color from gray to reddish-brown. They have elongated snouts, sensitive whiskers, and partially webbed hind toes, adaptations for foraging in leaf litter and damp underbrush.

Muuntelevias populations occupy coniferous and mixed forests, often near streams or wetlands, at elevations from roughly 600 to 2,000 meters. They are ground-dwellers that occasionally exploit brushy clearings and forest edges, with occasional seasonal altitudinal movements to exploit fruiting seasons.

Ecology and behavior are nocturnal and secretive. They live in small family groups or solitary ranges and construct leaf-lined nests in communal shelters. Diet is omnivorous, including berries, seeds, fungi, and invertebrates. Predators include larger carnivores and raptors, with opportunistic scavenging also reported.

Reproduction occurs seasonally, with litters of two to five offspring. Weaning occurs around six to eight weeks, and juveniles reach independence within a few months. Conservation status varies by species; some populations are stable, while others face habitat loss from forestry and climate-driven range shifts.