Chlavem Species Guide

Chlavem (claw-vem, the "h" is silent and "a" does not follow the rule it has in "rake' or "skater")

Chlavems are a new, squirrel-like species I made up. I may use them for one of my stories. They are are small herbivores, and their average length (from nose to tail) is two feet. They inhabit dens they form from the roots of dead trees. They live an average of twelve years and hibernate every winter (If I use them in my TLoTaX story, there will be two winters every year). Their diets consist of small roots, fruit and some vegetables. They mature between their first and second years of life. They usually have litters of 3-5 kits in their lives (they have life-long mates). They use the whiskers on their tail to sense predators (which they can hide from with their earthly colored fur). They communicate with sharp and short chirps and with tail positions.

Chlavems have heightened senses of smell, sight, and hearing, but they mostly rely on their tail whiskers which function like the whiskers of felines and canines on Earth. They have opposable thumbs on their forepaws for gathering fruit, berries, roots, and vegetables, and for climbing trees if predators are near. The most distinguishing characteristics between males and females are their fur and body shape. Males tend to have smaller tails, shorter fur, and broader torso and shoulders. Females have thicker fur around their necks and on their heads, wider hips, and longer, furrier tails. Chlavems can also stand on their hind legs for short periods of time. Their teeth also resemble those of squirrels and other rodents.

If any one wishes to help me develop these little guys, you are welcome to do so. However, I don't want anyone using them without permission or credit. Also if anyone has a better name I could call these guys, please tell me.