Along with every other oddity caused by their long separation from the rest of the worlds land masses, Australians have their own set of Cryptids as well. Like with many other animals, they are similar but not quite the same as the other continents counterparts.
This is especially true with the Bunyip. Sometime described as a large cat type creature, sometimes described as some kind of lizard hybrid monster, the Bunyip is usually described as being associated with wetlands or other waterways.
As for what it is, personally I like Forrest Galante’s theory that the Bunyip is simply explained as holdover lore from a time when the aborigines overlapped with the existence of a large marsupial lion known as the Thylocoleo.
As such, my drawing depicts the Bunyip as a Thylacoleo with an aborigine hunter treed.
Bunyip
Regional Names
- Australia: Bunyip
- Indigenous Names: Various Aboriginal names depending on the region, including Kianpraty and Bunjil
Known Origin and Basic Lore
The bunyip is a mythical creature from Australian Aboriginal mythology, believed to inhabit swamps, billabongs, creeks, riverbeds, and waterholes. The lore surrounding the bunyip varies among different Aboriginal tribes, but it is commonly depicted as a malevolent water spirit. Stories of the bunyip have been passed down through generations, often serving as cautionary tales to warn against venturing into dangerous waters.
Significant Sightings
- 1845: A report in the “Geelong Advertiser” described large, unidentifiable bones found near the banks of a creek, leading to speculation about the existence of the bunyip.
- 1847: Another sighting was reported near the Murrumbidgee River, where local Aboriginal people and European settlers claimed to have seen a mysterious creature.
- 1852: A sighting in the Murray River region was accompanied by reports of strange sounds and large, unidentified tracks.
Physical Description
Descriptions of the bunyip vary widely, but common features include:
- Size: Typically described as large, ranging from the size of a calf to a full-grown ox.
- Shape: Accounts vary from a creature with a dog-like face and flippers to an amphibious animal with a long neck and a horse-like mane.
- Other Features: Some descriptions include tusks, a beak, or a loud, booming call. Its skin is often described as smooth and shiny, similar to that of a seal or hippo.
Behaviors
- Nocturnal: The bunyip is said to be primarily active at night.
- Territorial: Reports suggest it is highly territorial, attacking those who intrude on its habitat.
- Predatory: The bunyip is often depicted as a predator, capable of dragging animals or humans into the water.
Abilities
- Vocalization: Known for emitting terrifying roars or booming calls that can be heard over long distances.
- Aquatic Adaptations: Said to move swiftly in the water, using its flippers or webbed feet.
Preferred Habitat and Range of Sightings
- Habitat: Prefers freshwater environments such as swamps, billabongs, and rivers.
- Range: Sightings and stories are most common in southeastern Australia, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, though reports have come from across the continent.
Likelihood of Existence Based on Similar Species
- Comparative Analysis: While no concrete evidence supports the existence of the bunyip, some theories suggest it could be a cultural memory of extinct animals. One hypothesis posits that bunyip stories might stem from ancient encounters with large, now-extinct Australian megafauna, such as the Diprotodon or the marsupial lion (Thylacoleo).
- Thylacoleo Connection: The marsupial lion, Thylacoleo, was a large, carnivorous marsupial that lived in Australia until about 46,000 years ago. It is conceivable that human overlap with Thylacoleo left an imprint on Aboriginal mythology, leading to the bunyip legends.
- Paleontological Findings: Occasional discoveries of large, unidentified bones in Australian waterways have fueled speculation and stories of the bunyip, though these are often identified as belonging to known extinct or extant animals upon closer examination.
Conclusion
The bunyip remains a fascinating element of Australian folklore, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal mythology and the natural history of the Australian continent. While modern science has yet to provide evidence for the existence of such a creature, the bunyip continues to capture the imagination and serves as a symbol of the mysterious and untamed aspects of the natural world.
