lobocs

Lobocs are a fictional genus of arboreal mammals described in Veridian natural history and folklore. They are native to the tropical forests of the continent of Veridia, where they occupy mid-canopy to understory layers. In the canon literature, their distribution includes several forest regions and protected reserves.

Lobocs range from small to medium size, measuring roughly 60 to 90 cm in total length, including a prehensile tail that can exceed 40 cm. They have a stocky body, dense fur that ranges from olive-brown to gray-green, and a long flexible snout with sensitive whiskers. Adults possess large rounded ears and eyes adapted to dappled light in the canopy.

Lobocs are primarily frugivores, supplementing their diet with leaves, blossoms, and occasional insects. They are social animals that form stable groups of four to twelve individuals, often with a matriarchal structure. They communicate through a repertoire of vocalizations, grunts, and scent markings, and use their tails for precise locomotion and balance in the trees.

Breeding occurs seasonally, with litters of one to two offspring. Gestation lasts roughly three to four months, and juveniles remain with the group for several years, reaching maturity around two to three years.

Conservation status varies by region; in most protected areas, lobocs are listed as Least Concern, though habitat loss from logging and mining threatens local populations. In Veridian folklore, lobocs symbolize adaptability and resilience; the animal appears in educational materials and ecotourism campaigns to promote forest conservation.