uruplar

Uruplar are a fictional genus of small arboreal mammals native to the cloudforests of the northern archipelago. The name is said to derive from the local language, meaning "glimmering wanderer."

Adults measure 12–15 cm in head-body length, with a tail of 12–18 cm. Fur is dense and soft, typically gray-brown with a light dorsal stripe. Bioluminescent patches run along the sides and tail, producing a gentle glow at night.

They inhabit humid montane forests at elevations roughly 900–1,600 meters, living high in mossy trunks and branches. They rarely descend to the forest floor, relying on the canopy for food and shelter.

Uruplar are nocturnal and shy, living in small family groups of 3–10. They forage for fruit, seeds, nectar, and invertebrates, using their sensitive whiskers to detect odors. The glow may also aid in social signaling.

Breeding season coincides with the rainy period. Litter size is typically 1–2 offspring; gestation lasts about 38 days. Young stay with the mother for several weeks and begin to forage with the group as they mature.

In-universe, there is no real-world conservation status. Threats cited for their habitat include deforestation and invasive predators. Protective measures in field guides involve habitat protection, monitoring populations, and creating canopy corridors.

The name is also used in local folklore as a symbol of resilience and nocturnal agility, appearing in tales to explain sudden lights seen among treetops.