Humanoid species indigenous to the planet Valakis. The seemingly primitive Menk are one of two species on the planet; the other is the technologically-advanced Valakians. The Menk are subservient to the Valakians, but are immune to a disease currently ravaging the latter species. Dr. Phlox observed that, while the Valakians are being picked off by the disease, the Menk are in the process of an evolutionary awakening, and will eventually become the dominant species on Valakis.