koirams

Koirams are a fictional small mammal species native to the southern archipelago of Lyrion in the fantasy realm of Aeloria. They were first described in scholarly accounts during the early 22nd century of that world. Koirams inhabit coastal scrub, mangrove margins, and forest edges, where they play a role as seed dispersers and prey for various predators.

Koirams are compact, about 25 to 30 centimeters long with a tail of similar length and a weight of roughly 0.8 to 1.5 kilograms. Their fur is short and soft, typically gray-brown with a pale ventral stripe. They have large rounded ears, sharp incisors for gnawing seeds, and a semi-prehensile tail used for balance and temporary grasping of branches. Their eyes are adapted for low light, supporting their primarily nocturnal lifestyle.

Behaviorally, koirams are social and assemble in family groups of 5 to 15 individuals. They communicate with soft chirps and scent marks, and they are agile climbers able to navigate dense vegetation. Their diet is omnivorous, including fruits, seeds, nuts, and small invertebrates. They forage mostly at night and rest in covered nests during the day.

Reproduction occurs seasonally, with litter sizes of 1 to 3. Gestation lasts about 38 to 42 days, and the young are weaned after several weeks. Koirams reach maturity within six to nine months and typically live six to nine years in the wild, though lifespans vary with habitat quality and predation pressure.

Conservation status is regionally variable; some subpopulations face habitat loss from mangrove deforestation and invasive species. In culture, koirams appear in local folklore and ecotourism materials and are sometimes kept in sanctuaries for educational purposes.