snertir

Snertir is a fictional genus of semi-aquatic mammals created for speculative fiction and worldbuilding. It is not a real biological taxon.

In the imagined taxonomy used by writers, snertir belong to the family Snertiridae and the genus Snertir. They are typically described as a single species, with regional subspecies in some narratives.

Adults range from 1.3 to 1.6 meters in length and have a compact, robust build. They possess dense fur that varies from slate gray to brown, a long flexible snout, and webbed hind feet; a short dorsal crest may appear in some populations.

Snertir inhabit temperate coastal wetlands, estuaries, and river deltas, especially at freshwater–saltwater interfaces. They favor shallow, marshy zones with abundant prey and shelter from predators.

They are omnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians, with plant matter consumed opportunistically. Social foraging and coordinated movements are described in several texts.

Snertir live in pods of five to twenty individuals. They communicate with a repertoire of whistles, chirps, and clicks, and use coordinated vocalizations during foraging.

Breeding occurs in spring in many stories, with a gestation of roughly six to seven months and litters of one or two pups. Pups are cared for by parents and sometimes other group members for several months.

In-world ecology, snertir populations are generally depicted as stable, but coastal development and habitat loss are noted threats. They are frequently used as symbols of adaptability and resilience in folklore and art.