Kronenohr-Nachtläufer Aureauris noctivaga

More about Kronenohr-Nachtläufer Aureauris noctivaga

Crown-Eared Nightwalker
German name: Crown-Eared Nightwalker
Scientific name: Aureauris noctivaga
Order: Aurivolantia
Family: Aureauridae (Crown-Eared Creatures)
Genus: Aureauris
Description
The Crown-Eared Nightwalker is one of the most enigmatic creatures of the ancient shadow forests. Its appearance combines features of a bird, a mammal, and a nocturnal forest dweller. Particularly striking are its enormous, fan-shaped ears, whose feathery projections resemble a crown and give the creature its name.

Its dense black and cream-colored fur is interspersed with luminous speckles that shimmer faintly in moonlight. Its large eyes provide excellent vision even in near-total darkness.

Distribution
This species is known exclusively from the ancient twilight forests of Eryndor. Sightings are rare and occur almost exclusively near quiet forest pools.

Habitat
• Cloud forests
• Shores of old forest lakes
• Mushroom forests
• Caves near underground streams
During the day, the animal rests hidden in hollow giant trees or among the roots of ancient trees.

Size and Weight
• Body length: 50–70 cm
• Tail length: 80–110 cm
• Shoulder height: 35 cm
• Weight: 4–7 kg
• Lifespan: 20–30 years
Diet
The crown-eared nightjar is an omnivore.

Preferred food:
• Fireflies
• Moths
• Forest berries
• Fungal fruits
• Small reptiles
• Moonflower nectar
Behavior
This species is mostly solitary or lives in pairs. At night, it silently roams its territory. Its exceptionally large ears can detect even the slightest movements in the undergrowth.

Researchers suspect that the fan-shaped ear crests also serve for communication. When they encounter each other, their feather fans stand erect, producing a soft rustling sound that can be heard over great distances.

Reproduction
Once a year, the female lays two to three soft-shelled eggs in a nest made of mosses and luminous fungal threads. After about eight weeks, the young hatch, initially completely blind.

Special Characteristics
• Crown-like ear tufts with exceptional hearing
• Eyes can perceive ultraviolet light
• Tail serves as a balancing aid when leaping between branches
• Luminous fur spots change their brightness depending on mood
• Can walk almost silently
Natural Predators
• Clouded Leopard (Panthera umbratigris)
• Duskwood Giant Owls
• Swamp Shadow Wyrms
Conservation Status
Rare (NT – Near Threatened)
The population is considered stable, but the increasing destruction of old-growth forest areas poses a long-term threat to its habitat.

Interesting fact

The inhabitants of the twilight woods believe that a crowned night-walker never appears by chance. According to an old legend, the animal only reveals itself to people who are about to make an important life decision. Whoever meets its gaze is said to dream of their future that same night.