Dynaverse.net
Off Topic => Ten Forward => Topic started by: Sirgod on October 11, 2004, 03:55:37 pm
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3730574.stm
New' giant ape found in DR Congo
Scientists believe they have discovered a new group of giant apes in the jungles of central Africa.
The animals, with characteristics of both gorillas and chimpanzees, have been sighted in the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to local villagers, the apes are ferocious, and even capable of killing lions.
A report about the mysterious creatures is published in this week's edition of the UK magazine New Scientist.
If they are a new species of primate, it could be one of the most important wildlife discoveries in decades.
The discovery of these apes "reveals just how much we still have to learn about our closest living relatives," New Scientist says.
'NEW' GIANT APE
Large, black faces (like gorillas)
Up to two metres tall (6.5ft)
Weigh 85kg-102kg (187lb-224lb)
Males make nests on the ground (like gorillas)
Diet rich in fruit (like chimps)
They stand up to two metres tall, the size of gorillas, and like gorillas, they nest on the ground, not in trees.
But they live hundreds of km away from any other known gorilla populations, and their diet is closer to that of chimpanzees.
Primatologist Shelly Williams is thought to be the only scientist to have seen the apes.
During her visit to DR Congo two years ago, she says she captured them on video and located their nests.
She describes her encounter with them: "Four suddenly came rushing out of the bush towards me," she told New Scientist.
"If this had been a bluff charge, they would have been screaming to intimidate us. These guys were quiet. And they were huge. They were coming in for the kill. I was directly in front of them, and as soon as they saw my face, they stopped and disappeared."
Mystery
The discovery has baffled scientists. There are three controversial possibilities to explain the origin of the mystery apes:
* They are a new species of ape
* They are giant chimpanzees, much larger than any so far recorded, but behave like gorillas
* They could be hybrids, the product of gorillas mating with chimpanzees.
So far, researchers have little to go on, but they now plan to return to northern DR Congo to study the apes further.
In the meantime, there are fears that unless measures are taken to protect them, poaching could threaten this new group of primates before the mystery of their identity is resolved.
"This is a lawless area," says Kenyan-based Swiss photographer Karl Ammann, who tipped Ms Williams off about the apes.
"The government has practically no control over hunting. If we found something interesting it would attract more investment. People would be more interested in conserving it."
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Stephen
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WOW!!!!!
Thanks for the link - I hadn't even heard about this!
Some Crypto Zoologist I am....
Next Up: Bigfoot!
;)
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Actually I was thinking of you when I found It. Was hoping you could shed some more light on It for us.
Stephen
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Anyone seen the movie or read the book Congo?
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Read the Book Many times Bro.
Stephen
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Maybe they'll discover a mine soon and an ancient city! With killer apes!
;)
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Maybe they'll discover a mine soon and an ancient city! With killer apes!
;)
And zap 'em all with diamond lasers! ;) ;D
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Stephen,
I have not read the full details yet but my theory would be the first one:
*They are a new species of ape
In fact, if I remember right, there had been quite a bit of rumor-talk about man like "monkeys" in that area.
One other thing of particular interest to me is that the infamous "Humanzee", Oliver, was eventually classified as an rare species of Chimpanzee which are suspected to live near this same area.
What is it about this area that seems to have these unusual animals?
Are they closer realitives to Humans then other monkeys and are there interesting "missing link" type fossils to be found in this area?
( I'm a Intelligent Design proponent so I do believe we are related to monkeys/apes )
I think further study will need to be done, but this find - and some Chupacabra talk among my co-workers, has inspired me to create an online Cryptozoology database at some future date.
Thanks bringing this to our attention - do to the digital age - I think quite a few rare (and mythological) species our on the verge of being discovered.
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If only Edgar Rice Burroughs were alive
Mike
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Any time Lono, Just do Us a favor, and let us know when your data Base is complete. I'd love to see It.
I do agree though, I think we will be finding more and more animals that we thought where either in our Imagination, or Mythological.
Stephen
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I do agree though, I think we will be finding more and more animals that we thought where either in our Imagination, or Mythological.
It would be interesting to find out where all the world-wide myths about dragons come from, now wouldn't it?
I mean, here is an animal that is mentioned in virtually culture in the ancient world (except the Pacific Islands IIRC). All the descriptions are uncannily similar, and they all agree that these were REAL animals. I doubt that 'fire-breathing' was actually a trait, but there are some animals that spit venom or acid- and acid would DEFINATELY fit in the 'burning things' line of thought.
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Now that you Mention It Carney, I was very surprised on my Trip to Hawaii, to discover that there where no Snakes on the Island, and the only Dangerous Insect/Arachnid life, had came in on Transport ships.
But yes, I think this all deserves a closer look.
What was the name of the Fish? ixithichl ? Something like that. Giant Squids, etc.
Stephen
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Now that you Mention It Carney, I was very surprised on my Trip to Hawaii, to discover that there where no Snakes on the Island, and the only Dangerous Insect/Arachnid life, had came in on Transport ships.
But yes, I think this all deserves a closer look.
What was the name of the Fish? ixithichl ? Something like that. Giant Squids, etc.
Stephen
Ichthyosaurs? Nope, I'm thinking of the wrong one... I know which one you are talking about, though. *runs off to look again...*
Ok, here it is, I think...
(http://unmuseum.mus.pa.us/coelacan.jpg)
It's called the Coelacanth.
They live on the east coast of Africa around Madagascar.
*edited with smaller pic*
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that's It, I must have had D&D on the mind. ;)
But Who knows what Lives in our Oceans , our Jungles, Our Deserts, and our Plains.
Thanks for the Pic J.
Stephen
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'NEW' GIANT APE
Large, black faces (like gorillas)
Up to two metres tall (6.5ft)
Weigh 85kg-102kg (187lb-224lb)
Males make nests on the ground (like gorillas)
Diet rich in fruit (like chimps)
Goranzee?
Chimpilla?
Uncle Fred?
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'NEW' GIANT APE
Large, black faces (like gorillas)
Up to two metres tall (6.5ft)
Weigh 85kg-102kg (187lb-224lb)
Males make nests on the ground (like gorillas)
Diet rich in fruit (like chimps)
Goranzee?
Chimpilla?
Uncle Fred?
Mangani
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Hooch's lost cousins?
<Snicker>
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Now that you Mention It Carney, I was very surprised on my Trip to Hawaii, to discover that there where no Snakes on the Island, and the only Dangerous Insect/Arachnid life, had came in on Transport ships.
But yes, I think this all deserves a closer look.
What was the name of the Fish? ixithichl ? Something like that. Giant Squids, etc.
Stephen
Giant squid is pretty well known, though the only specimins we can get are either washed up on shore or in the belly of some whale. Which also washed up on shore.
Gotta wonder about what the Nova Scotia shore looks like sometimes with that in mind...
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Gotta wonder about what the Nova Scotia shore looks like sometimes with that in mind...
Bunch of drunk Cannucks listening to Triumph...
Have to admit, I like the band myself...........
Mike
perusing latest addition to CD collection, Frank Marino and Mahogony Rush (you kids, just go to sleep)