Yaklamns

Yaklamns are a fictional semi-aquatic mammal genus created for worldbuilding. In the imagined ecosystem of the northern archipelago of Ardentis, yaklamns inhabit freshwater rivers and floodplains, forming stable social groups year round.

Adult yaklamns range from 1.2 to 1.6 meters in length and possess a dense undercoat with an olive-brown to gray-green coloration and a lighter underbelly. They have a broad, laterally compressed tail, webbed hind feet, and moderately webbed forelimbs. A small crest runs along the head and neck, and the limbs are streamlined for aquatic movement.

Ecology: They are opportunistic piscivores, feeding mainly on small fish and aquatic invertebrates, but will consume aquatic plants during lean periods. They are diurnal and hunt along river margins, using vocalizations and scent marking to coordinate groups.

Behavior and reproduction: Yaklamns live in pods of 6–20 individuals, with a dominant pair often leading foraging. They communicate via trills, clicks, and tail slaps. Breeding occurs once yearly; gestation is about nine to ten months; litters are typically one to two pups. Maternal care lasts several months.

Taxonomy and evolution: In the fictional taxonomy of Ardentis, yaklamns form the sole genus Yaklamnus within the family Yaklamnidae. They are depicted as a distinct lineage of semi-aquatic mammals, with no direct modern relatives in the worldbuilding context; fossil evidence suggests divergence in the late Miocene within the narrative.

Cultural significance and conservation: In Ardentis folklore, yaklamns are associated with river guardians and are considered indicators of river health. In contemporary stories, they are used to discuss habitat preservation. There is no real-world conservation status.