AVATARfantasten

 
The Great Leonopteryx (Na'vi name: Toruk meaning "Last Shadow") is a species of airborne predatory animals native to Pandora. Scientifically, it is known as Leonopteryx rex - "flying king lion" (from the greek word λέων leon meaning lion, πτέρυξ pteryx meaning wing, and the latin word rex, meaning king).

The fierce beauty and nobility of the Leonopteryx gave the species a central place in Na'vi lore and culture. It is celebrated in dance, song, and with elaborate totems that symbolize both the fear and respect given to the creature. Indeed, the Leonopteryx is crucial to the Na'vi's sense of destiny and interconnectedness. This creature's name in Na'vi translates roughly to "Last Shadow," as its preferred method of attack is from above. Therefore, the last thing its prey sees is its shadow. The Leonopteryx is carnivorous, feeding on mainly Mountain and Forest Banshees, and occasionally on Medusa. Under the rainforest canopy, the Leonopteryx will sometimes feed on ground animals such as Hexapede. It has no known threat from other creatures, and remains a solitary predator.



ANATOMI

The Leonopteryx is closely related to the banshee, with many similarities and differences. The Leonopteryx is primarily colored red and yellow, with black stripes and blue crests on the top of the head and under its lower jaw, though the crests can be albinistic or green. The crest on its head is razor sharp and can be used to injure or disembowel prey, or cut vegetation obstructing flight. The Leonopteryx also has a large brain cavity, flexible, membranous wings stretched taut over a carbon fiber bone structure, powerful talons for grasping prey and perching, twin tails for flight control, flow-through ventilation for high performance, and large hooked claws. The Leonopteryx has powerful jaws which can open at a wide angle, capable of cleaving a Mountain Banshee in two. Despite their superior binocular vision, they are unable to see directly above them, most likely due to the very pronounced brow ridges above their eyes. Being the alpha predator of Pandora, this is not a problem for the Leonopteryx, as it has no need to watch for attackers. However, this weakness is exploited by Jake Sully, who jumps from his banshee from above the unaware Leonopteryx and tames the ferocious beast.

The wingspan of the Leonopteryx is more than 25 meters. It's wings are composed of individual finned members that can separate to act as a slotted airfoil, or overlap and seal to form a solid surface. When separated they can rotate individually to induce or retard vortex formation. These finned members are not unlike the primary feathers of many Terran birds. The fiber composite bones help the animal to achieve flight through the dense Pandoran atmosphere, as with other flying animals of Pandora.