Rat-monkey (SciiFii)

The rat-monkey (Nothosimius peterjacksonii), sometimes known as the forest goblin (not to be confused with dromaeosaurs, which are known as 'true" goblins), is a species of arboreal primate-like rodent that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced to the subtropical and temperate forests of Azores archipelago to help boost biodiversity. The species name honors director Peter Jackson, whose 1992 film “Braindead” featured a creature half-rat, half-monkey. Unlike its vicious cinematic namesake, the rat-monkey does not have a venomous bite that turns people into zombies, but is rather harmless to people. The closest living relative of the rat-monkey is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). There are several subspecies of rat-monkey. Pictured is the most common, Nothosimius peterjacksonii flavus, the golden caped rat-monkey, named for its color and the thick cloak of long hairs on the shoulders of the male. The average rat-monkey is about 12-20 inches long, with a bare, scaly tail of the same length, weighing up to twelve pounds with a brain capacity of 40 grams, the males being slightly larger. They are omnivores, eating a wide variety of fruits, nuts, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs. They have been observed to make and use simple tools. They posses a complex system of calls, many of which are above the range of human hearing, which almost approaches a language. Their social structure is fascinating, unlike many mammals. Young males woo the unbonded females by building nestlike bowers decorated with bits of bone, shell, feathers, flowers, shiny stones and other eye-catching trimmings. The females are the more aggressive gender, viciously driving off other females that seem interested in the same male. When the 2-4 young are born, the female only nurses them for a few weeks before passing them off to the male, which has the unique ability to lactate. The larger, stronger male stays at the home nest, nursing and protecting the young, while the quick, agile female goes on expeditions to gather food. Several males, usually close relatives, may nest near one another for protection, but the advantages gained by close association are almost negated by the constant low-key squabbling of the females. When the young are older and before the breeding season begins again, the rat-monkeys will travel in loose associations of several bonded pairs (again, the males are typically relatives). Young rat-monkeys stay with the father for several years before striking out on their own, and are ready to breed at around 5 years of age. Wild rat-monkeys can live up to 30 years, with 20 years being the usual lifespan, although rat-monkeys in captivity can live to be about 35-40 years old. The conservation status of all known rat-monkey subspecies is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the rat-monkeys' wide range and their tolerance to many of the human activities.