The Kongamato is a flying reptilian cryptid commonly spoken about in the folklore of Central Africa, particularly that of the tribes living within the Congo rainforest. Often compared to prehistoric pterosaurs, particularly those in the genus Pterodactylus, the kongamato, whose name translates roughly to 'breaker of boats' or 'over-turner of boats', is one of the most well known African cryptozoological animals in recent years.
Eyewitnesses generally describe the kongamato as a large reptilian creature capable of powered flight. Often said to be covered in dark scaly skin, it is approximately the size of a large eagle and has the aggressive temperament to match. Their long pointed beaks are allegedly filled with numerous dagger-like teeth, allowing it to harass local fishermen, an activity it is said to be very fond of.[1] It is said to be nocturnal.
The kongamato was brought into the western world's public consciousness in 1923 when Frank H. Melland published In Witchbound Africa, a book containing numerous folkloric stories told to him by African tribesmen. Members of the Kaonde tribe of Zambia regaled him with stories of large bat-like animals that would attack fishermen, as well as special charms they carry called 'muchi wa kongamato' to ward off the creatures.[2] When Melland showed the tribesmen images of pterosaurs in various books, they all collectively confirmed that it was a very close approximation of the beast they had routinely encountered.
Many cryptozoologists often approach the promise of surviving pterosaurs with enthusiasm, but to date there is no conclusive evidence that such a hypothesis is true. The last known pterosaurs are thought to have been wiped out 65 million years ago in the KT extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period.[3] While sightings of pterosaur-like animals do occasionally crop up all over the world, no substantial evidence such as carcasses or skin samples has ever been found. The other major hypothesis is that sightings are cases of mistaken identity. Possible culprits could be the African fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), the shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), or any of the several species of large fruit bats that inhabit Zambia.
Popular Culture[]
Video Games[]
- The Kongamato appears as a purchasable mount in the role-playing game Final Fantasy XIV.[4]