Cloaked Panther

The Cloaked Panther is a ferocious predator characterized by a large, wing-shaped membrane extending from its forelegs to its tail. Its streamlined, muscular body allows it to reach very high sprinting speeds across the grasslands. Once it has accelerated enough, the membrane can be deployed to allow it to glide for short distances and descend on its prey with silent and deadly precision.

Travelling in packs of up to five, the Cloaked Panther has keen sight and hearing. They use stealth to approach herds of Arrow Deer before attacking together, hoping to separate vulnerable prey from the herd which they then chase down and kill.

The strong, flexible membranes of its wings are prized by the Na’vi, who use them as hardwearing canopies for their shelters. The Zeswa tell the story of a warrior – not unlike the Earth myth of Icarus - who stitched together a cloak of Cloaked Panther wings and leaped from a cliff, hoping to fly like an ikran. It has become a popular cautionary tale to impetuous youths who are apt to reach further than they are able.