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Cryptid

Kongamato

In Africa's swamps, locals describe a flying creature that attacks boats—a pterosaur that shouldn't exist. When shown illustrations of prehistoric pterodactyls, witnesses said 'Yes, that's it.' A living fossil?

1925 - Present
Zambia/Congo, Africa
200+ witnesses

Kongamato (“breaker of boats”) is a flying cryptid reported from central Africa, described as a large flying creature resembling a pterosaur—a type of animal supposedly extinct for 65 million years.

The Creature

According to documented accounts:

Kongamato is described as:

  • A large flying creature
  • Wingspan of 4-7 feet
  • Bat-like wings (membranous, not feathered)
  • Long beak with teeth
  • Reddish or black coloring
  • Known to attack canoes

The Name

“Kongamato” means:

  • “Breaker of boats” or “overwhelmer of boats”
  • Named for its alleged attacks on canoes
  • Local people greatly fear it
  • They carry charms for protection

The Expeditions

Western awareness began in the 1920s:

  • Frank H. Melland wrote about it in “In Witchbound Africa” (1923)
  • He showed locals pictures of pterosaurs
  • They identified them as Kongamato
  • Similar reports came from multiple regions

The Pterosaur Connection

When shown pictures:

  • Of various animals, natives said “no”
  • Of pterosaurs, they said “that’s Kongamato”
  • This happened with multiple tribes
  • None had seen scientific illustrations before

Geographic Range

Kongamato is reported in:

  • The Jiundu swamps of Zambia
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Angola
  • Remote swampy regions

Similar reports across Africa:

  • Olitiau in Cameroon
  • Sasabonsam in Ghana (possibly related)
  • All describe large, bat-like creatures
  • Some researchers see a pattern

Possible Explanations

Surviving Pterosaur: Incredibly unlikely but exciting.

Large Bat: The Hammer-headed Bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus) has a wingspan of 3 feet.

Shoebill Stork: Large, prehistoric-looking bird native to the region.

Misidentification: Various known animals seen in poor conditions.

Cultural Legend: A creature of folklore, not reality.

Scientific Skepticism

Mainstream science notes:

  • Pterosaurs have been extinct for 65 million years
  • The fossil record shows no survivors
  • African swamps have been surveyed
  • No specimens have been found

Modern Sightings

Reports continue:

  • Occasional accounts from travelers
  • Local people maintain the creature exists
  • No conclusive evidence has emerged
  • Interest from cryptozoologists continues

Sources

  • Historical expedition accounts
  • Cryptozoological documentation
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