The burrowing echo stalker is an echo stalker subspecies that has adapted to life in the spires by becoming expert diggers.
Anatomy[]
It is characterized by a thin, muscular body and large ears, with a small horn on top of its snub nose.
Being practically blind, the echo stalker has developed highly tuned echolocation, giving it an advantage in the frequent fogs that occur in the region. Its large ears detect the faintest sounds, while a secondary row of smaller ears on each side of its neck allow for precise location of its target. The large ears can be extended to make the creature appear more threatening to potential predators, as well as being used for mating displays.
Behavior[]
It hunts in packs in the steep rocky landscape of the Clouded Forest, feeding on hexapedes, meer deer and tetrapterons.
Elder burrowing echo stalkers excavate complex burrow system to shelter and raise their young. This constant interaction with soil has led to common bacterial growth in and around the echo stalkers' claws, which means wounds inflicted by these claws often cause infection.
Echo stalkers are extremely protective of their burrows and will detect and respond to any vibrations in their vicinity. They are also extremely sensitive to odors, and will defend their warrens from foul smelling pollutants.
The burrowing echo stalker often lives in close proximity to the chiroptera, frequently cohabiting in caves. They have been observed sharing hunt carcasses.
Na'vi Culture[]
The echo stalker's distinctive ears make it a frequent inspiration for masks in Kame'tire theatre. The wearer is usually represented as a blind chorus and is seen as a prophetic force in performances, as they are not deceived by surface appearances.