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Ropen
Islanders in Papua New Guinea report a bioluminescent flying creature they call the Ropen—described as a pterosaur-like animal with a long tail and glowing body. American soldiers reported it during WWII. Expeditions have searched for it. Some believe it's a surviving pterodactyl.
1944 - Present
Papua New Guinea
200+ witnesses
A living pterosaur allegedly flies over Papua New Guinea.
The Creature
Description:
- Leathery wings
- Long tail with flange
- Pterosaur-like
- Bioluminescent
- Large wingspan
The Name
Ropen means:
- “Demon flyer”
- In local language
- Umboi Island term
- Feared by natives
- Nocturnal mainly
WWII Sightings
American soldiers:
- Reported strange flyers
- During Pacific campaign
- Glowing creatures
- Thought was enemy
- Multiple witnesses
The Glow
Bioluminescence:
- Glows in flight
- Described as reddish
- Like embers
- Aids hunting fish
- Distinctive feature
Expeditions
Searches conducted:
- Multiple expeditions
- American investigators
- Eyewitness interviews
- Some video claims
- Never captured
The Theory
What could it be:
- Surviving pterosaur?
- Giant bat species?
- Misidentified bird?
- Cryptid unknown?
- Debate continues