Valakis

Menk (formerly Valakis) is a planet which is home to two sentient species, the Menk and the Valakians.

When the Valakians were the dominant species, they provided the Menk with land, food, clothing and other resources in exchange for their services.

By the 22nd century, a genetic mutation was causing the Valakian population to decline. This led to a planetary wide epidemic, with a cure seeming to evade the Valakian scientists. They several rockets into space, hoping to discover another species who will help them.

One rocket was discovered by the Earth starship Enterprise, who at first offered their assistance. However, when Dr. Phlox discovered the Menk were an evolving species, the Enterprise left, hoping the Valakians will find a cure on their own. 

In 2236, Menk was admitted into the United Federation of Planets following their discovery of warp drive. By that time, the population of Menk had reached to the tens of millions while the population of the Valakians was only a few hundred thousand.