Shtokus

Shtokus are a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to the river basins and coastal mangroves of the fictional archipelago of Kestara. Adults typically measure 45 to 60 centimeters in body length, with a broad, rounded snout and a tail of 25 to 35 centimeters. They have dense, water-repellent fur that ranges from slate gray to brown, and partially webbed hind feet. They are mainly nocturnal, foraging at night and resting in burrow-like dens during the day.

They inhabit brackish wetlands, including mangrove-lined estuaries and floodplain lakes across the Kestaran archipelago. They prefer sheltered channels with abundant debris for cover and foraging. Their range overlaps with several fish species and migratory birds, and populations appear fragmented due to habitat modification.

Shtokus are omnivorous. Their diet includes small fish, crustaceans, amphibians, berries, and aquatic plants. They live in loose social groups of 6–20 individuals, communicating with a repertoire of chirps, whistles, and tail-slaps used to coordinate movement and signal predators. They construct simple night shelters from driftwood and vegetation near the water's edge.

Breeding occurs seasonally, with gestation lasting about 60 days. Litters range from two to four pups, which remain with the mother for several months and reach sexual maturity around one year. Life expectancy in the wild is approximately 8 to 12 years.

Shtokus face threats from coastal development, pollution, and wetland drainage. Conservation measures include protected wetlands, restoration projects, and community monitoring programs. In local folklore, Shtokus are associated with guiding fishermen at night and guarding riverine habitats, contributing to their cultural importance in coastal communities.