Kongamato
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| Kongamato | |
|---|---|
| Creature | |
| Name: | Kongamato |
| AKA: | Breaker of boats (Translation) |
| Classification | |
| Grouping: | Cryptid |
| Sub Grouping: | Living pterosaur |
| Data | |
| Country: | Zambia, Angola, Congo |
| Region: | Border area of the above |
| Status: | Unconfirmed |
The Kongamato ("breaker of boats") is a reported pterosaur-like creature from the border area of Zambia, Angola and Congo, Suggested identities include a modern-day Rhamphorhynchus, a misidentified bird (such as the very large and peculiar Saddle-billed Stork), or a giant bat.
Frank Melland, in his 1923 book Witchbound Africa, describes it as living along certain rivers, and very dangerous, often attacking small boats. It was red, with a wingspan of 4 to 7 feet. Members of the local Kaonde tribe identified it as a pterodactyl after being shown a picture of one from Melland's book collection.
It is often described as inhabiting the Jiundu swamp; however this swamp is rarely mentioned outside the context of this creature.
It is curious to note that the area concerned is advertised as a prime birdwatching site [1], but this large, flying animal seems not to have been reported by any visiting birdwatchers.
There are reports of similar creatures (no details given) from Angola, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya.
[edit] See also
[edit] Further reading
- Clark, J. "Unexplained!" (Visible Ink 1993)
- Shuker, K.P.N. "The Unexplained" (Carlton 1996,2002)
