Weird A-Z. P is for Parandrus (Master of Camouflage)
'The parandras is the size of the ox; its head it larger than that of the stag, and not very unlike it; its horns are branched, its hoofs cloven, and its hair as long as that of the bear. Its proper colour; when it thinks proper to return to it, is like that of the ass. Its hide is of such extreme hardness, that it is used for making breastplates. When it is under threat, this animal reflects the colour of all the trees, shrubs, and flowers, or of the spots in which it is concealed; hence it is that it is so rarely captured.' (Pliny the Elder, Natural History).
The beast is described as coming from Ethiopia, but Pliny also mentions the Tarandrus from Scythia which can change colour, which some think must represent a reindeer or elk.
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