Zukors

The Zukors are a genus of small, arboreal mammals native to the temperate forests of the fictional archipelago of Nerah in the world of Ardent Reach. They form social groups ranging from four to twelve individuals and are notable for bioluminescent whiskers used to communicate in low light. The name Zukor is derived from a local term meaning light.

Adults measure about 25 to 40 centimeters in body length, with a similarly long, prehensile tail. They have soft fur that ranges from cinnamon to slate gray and possess large rounded ears. The most distinctive feature is a pair of luminescent whiskers along the snout that can glow softly, especially during social interactions.

Zukors inhabit mid- to high-canopy zones and build leaf nests or hollows in standing trees. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and insects, with seasonal shifts in diet reflecting local fruiting patterns. They are primarily nocturnal and rely on their whiskers, scent marking, and vocalizations to maintain group cohesion and define territories.

Reproduction occurs mainly in the spring, with typical litters of two to three offspring. Gestation lasts about 40 days, and the young are cared for by both parents for several weeks after birth. In their range, Zukors face habitat fragmentation, but conservation measures include forest reserves and wildlife corridors.

Taxonomically, Zukors are placed in the fictional family Zukoridae, within the genus Zukor. The species are monitored by regional wildlife authorities to track population trends and habitat health.