Taileyes
The Taileyes (Arc. Fortiscauda oculos) is a species of rodent belonging to the marmotini tribe. It is native to the snowy wilderness of northern Urenburg (Serebla) and the Starogradsk Peninsula.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Taileyes have a dense, snow-white fur coat that serves as excellent camouflage in their snowy habitat. The light-grey highlights on their fur help them blend in with the surrounding gravel and snow-covered terrain.
Their tail is their most prominent feature. It is large, bushy, and often held in an curved position. The tail is typically greyish in color. The flattened shape helps them balance when navigating through the snow and provides extra insulation during cold winters.
The most captivating aspect of the Taileyes' appearance is the striking eye patterns on the upper surface of their tails. These eyes usually come with a black pupil and yellow iris, but it varies among individuals. These patterns serve as a form of mimicry to deter potential predators. When threatened, Taileyes will raise their tails to display these false "eyes," making themselves appear larger and more intimidating.
Their tail is their most prominent feature. It is large, bushy, and often held in an curved position. The tail is typically greyish in color. The flattened shape helps them balance when navigating through the snow and provides extra insulation during cold winters.
The most captivating aspect of the Taileyes' appearance is the striking eye patterns on the upper surface of their tails. These eyes usually come with a black pupil and yellow iris, but it varies among individuals. These patterns serve as a form of mimicry to deter potential predators. When threatened, Taileyes will raise their tails to display these false "eyes," making themselves appear larger and more intimidating.
Genetics and Reproduction
Breeding typically occurs in the late spring to early summer when food is more abundant. During this time, males compete for the attention of females through playful chases and vocalizations. After a successful courtship, females enter a brief gestation period of approximately three to four weeks. Taileyes typically give birth to litters ranging from two to five pups, although larger litters can occur in times of exceptional food availability. Mothers provide devoted care to their young, nursing and protecting them in a cozy nest within their burrows. The young are weaned after about two months and gradually learn essential survival skills from their mother.
Ecology and Habitats
map of the taileyes habitat range.
The taileyes are native to the cold taigas and mountains of the north, which are spread across Urenburg and the Starogradsk peninsula.
a taileyes scanning the horizon, northwestern Urenburg.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Taileyes are opportunistic feeders and regularly consume a variety of foods. They have strong jaws and massive incisors, which allow them to crack open the shells of various seeds and nuts, including pinecones and acorns. During the warmer months of spring and summer, Taileyes enjoy a diet rich in fruits such as berries, apples, and marucco. They also tend to forage mushrooms, especially chanterelles and brown mushrooms. On occasion, Taileyes may raid bird nests to feed on eggs, especially during times of high food demand, such as when raising their young.
Taileyes are known for their habit of caching food during times of plenty. They bury seeds and nuts in various locations and rely on their excellent memory to retrieve these hidden food stores during the winter months. This caching habit makes them one of the most important "tree planters" in the northernwestern ecosystem.
Taileyes are known for their habit of caching food during times of plenty. They bury seeds and nuts in various locations and rely on their excellent memory to retrieve these hidden food stores during the winter months. This caching habit makes them one of the most important "tree planters" in the northernwestern ecosystem.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The dense and soft fur of Taileyes is highly valued for its insulating properties and aesthetic appeal. People use their fur to craft warm clothing, hats, mittens, and even decorative items like fur trim on traditional garments.
While not a primary source of meat, Taileyes are occasionally hunted by folk for their meat, especially during lean times when other food sources are scarce.
While not a primary source of meat, Taileyes are occasionally hunted by folk for their meat, especially during lean times when other food sources are scarce.
Average Intelligence
Taileyes are considered moderately intelligent among squirrel species. Their survival in harsh, changing environments requires adaptability and problem-solving skills. They are known for their excellent memory, which helps them locate and retrieve cached food during the long winter months. Taileyes also exhibit social behavior, often living in large family groups and cooperating to build and maintain burrows. Their mimicry behavior, using the eye patterns on their tails to deter predators, suggests a level of cognitive sophistication in recognizing and responding to threats.
Scientific Name
Fortiscauda oculos
Lifespan
15-18 years
Conservation Status
least concern
Average Height
38cm / 1'3" standing quadrupedally
48cm / 1'7" standing bipedally
48cm / 1'7" standing bipedally
Average Weight
5,4kg / 12 lbs
Average Length
106cm / 3'6"
Related Organizations
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