Fruinecs are a small omnivore mammalian species that populate many of Wukrii’s forests and jungles. While not able to take flight in the way birds or drabbunnies do, their parachute-like membrane, a patagium, which runs from the base of their tails to their front paws helps them glide from tree to tree with remarkable stability. Their primary habitats can be found within the tops of the forest canopies and within tree hallows, where they make their home. There, they live in either a communal nest or more solitary. They commonly eat various fruits, berries, fungi, tree sap and nuts. They can also eat insects, larvae, worms, grubs, birds, eggs, and honey from beehives that are found among the tropical Wukriian trees.
Fruinecs are known for having very sensitive hearing. This allows them to hear low frequencies beyond what humans and many other animals can detect. Combined with their use of echolocation, they can navigate the deep dark jungles of Wukrii during the nighttime. Other uses of echolocation include locating prey, such as bugs, from a distance or within tree bark and track their movement. They even have the unique ability to use echolocation to find ripe fruit that is ready to eat.
Fruinecs have a number of ways to defends themselves when threatened including their sharp claws and teeth. They have a distinctive high frequency pitch squeal that is used to scare away unwanted intruders. Its harsh sharp tone is effective on many creatures, and even humans. They can even emit an offensive foul-smelling odor that clings to those on the receiving end from their tail to ward off bigger and stronger predators. On the opposite side of the spectrum, they can also give off a very pleasant and fruity aroma, especially after eating extremely ripe fruit, mainly used to attract potential mates.
Although they are primarily wild animals, some locals have managed to raise and domesticate Fruinecs as pets. They are especially known in Wukrii as a farmer’s best friend as they can be trained to find and chase off invasive wildlife. Many of the bugs and fungi that often feed on or damage crops are the preferred food sources of Fruinecs. They are particularly effective for specific pests such as the Triiurchin, who often strip bear fruit trees and berry bushes of their yield. Fruinecs via echolocation, can locate a triiurchin nest, lure them out with their pleasant fruity smelling aroma and finally using a combination of their high-pitched squeal and foul order, can overwhelm the senses of these pests enough to drive them out of the tree or bush. Marking it with their foul odor long enough to keep the invasive pests at bay.
It’s safe to say that Fruinecs are just one of many important creatures keeping the balance of the fragile but diverse natural Wukriian ecosystem going.