parlions

Parlions are a fictional genus of mammals described in world-building and speculative zoology. In the standard world-building convention, parlions are medium-sized, arboreal omnivores with a slender body, a long prehensile tail, and dense, soft fur that ranges in color from gray-brown to russet. They have large forward-facing eyes and a broad snout adapted to foraging for fruit, seeds, fungi, and small invertebrates.

Geographic range and habitat are usually defined within a fictional continent or archipelago. Parlions are said to inhabit temperate forests with well-developed midstory and canopy, where their tails assist in gripping branches while navigating branches and vines. They typically form stable social groups called clans, numbering from about six to twenty individuals, with complex social bonds and cooperative care of offspring.

Behavior and diet. Parlions are diurnal to crepuscular, with peak activity at dawn and dusk. Their diet is omnivorous and opportunistic, reflecting seasonal availability of fruit, seeds, fungi, and invertebrates. They communicate through a diverse vocal repertoire—chirps, whistles, and low rumbles—supplemented by tail-beat signals used to coordinate movement, defend territory, and reinforce social ties. They exhibit play behavior, particularly among juveniles, which supports the development of foraging skills and social learning.

Reproduction and life cycle. Breeding may be seasonal or year-round depending on the variant of the world. Females typically give birth to one or two offspring after a gestation roughly around three to four months. Juveniles stay with the clan for an extended period, gradually attaining independence while contributing to foraging and defense.

Taxonomy and terminology. The name parlion is a constructed term, often explained as reflecting their vocal social behavior, with parlions placed in the fictional family Parlionidae within Mammalia in world-building schemes. In literature, parlions are used as examples of socially complex, vocal mammals.