Plumerians

For a large period of time, Plumerians [Ploo-mair-ee-ins] were believed extinct. Scientists found fossils of them in temperate areas, but never a live specimen. Recently, though, a couple of living Plumerians were discovered deep in the Amazon rainforest. Many spottings of them in various areas occurred afterwards. Although they are still considered endangered, various breeding programs and wildlife reserves have helped this ancient species make a comeback. Their numbers are rapidly growing, and it's expected they'll be taken off the endangered list very soon.

Plumerians don't seem fully canine or feline. Their anatomy is similar to a mix of that of a fox and a leopard. Their feathers are fully connected to their bodies, and can't be removed without force.

As kits, their feathers are very small and down, but they form more fully and grow more vibrant as the kits do. Feathers *do not* grow back if they are lost, but it is very unusual for a Plumerian to lose their feathers, as they're quite firmly attached. They're thought to be used to attract mates and startle predators. Plumerians are omnivorous. Their diet mainly consists of insects, but it's often supplemented with small animals, leaves, nuts, and berries. Individuals may also show preferences for other foods, so their diets are highly varied.

Their glowing beads may be used to attract insects and small creatures, in the way an anglerfish attracts prey in the sea. They can bob and weave a lot, and often look like small fireflies in the night. They commonly attract moths.