Ahool
| Grouping | Cryptid |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Bat |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Region | Java |
| Habitat | Rainforest |
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The ahool is a giant bat purported to exist in western Java.[1] Such a creature is unknown to science and there is no objective evidence that it exists as claimed.
Details[edit]
Like many cryptids, it is not well documented, and little reliable information - and in this case, no material evidence - exists. Named for its distinctive call A-hool (other sources render it ahOOOooool), it is said to live in the deepest rainforests of Java in Indonesia. It is described as having large dark eyes, large claws on its forearms (approximately the size of an infant), and a body covered in gray fur. Possibly the most intriguing and astounding feature is that it is said to have a wingspan of 3 m (10 ft). This is almost twice as long as the largest (known) bat in the world, the common flying fox. It was first described by Dr. Ernest Bartels.[2]
Explanations[edit]
One speculation on its existence by the cryptozoologist Ivan T. Sanderson is that it might be a relative of kongamato in Africa.[3]
Two large earless owls exist on Java, the spotted wood-owl (Strix seloputo) and the Javan wood-owl (Strix (leptogrammica) bartelsi[nb 1]). They are intermediate in size between the spotted owl of North America or the tawny owl of Eurasia, and an eagle owl (horned owl), being 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long and with a wingspan of perhaps 1.20 meters (4 ft). Despite this discrepancy, wingspans are usually overestimated[verification needed]in flying animals not held in hand (see also Thunderbird), especially by frightened observers.
Size nonwithstanding, the Javan or Bartels's wood-owl seems an especially promising candidate to resolve the ahool enigma:[citation needed] it has a conspicuous flat "face" with large dark eyes exaggerated by black rings of feathers and a beak that protrudes but little, and it appears greyish-brown when seen from below. Its call is characteristic, a single shout, given intermittently, and sounding like HOOOH!.[nb 2] Like most large owls, it is highly territorial in breeding season and will frighten away intruders by mock attacks from above and behind. Its flight, being an owl, is nearly completely silent, so that the victim of such sweeps usually only becomes aware of the owl when it homes in, diving with outstretched talons (held at "breast" height to the observer), and they would just have time to duck away. The Javan wood-owl is a decidedly rare and elusive bird not often observed even by ornithologists,[citation needed] as it hides during day. It is found in remote montane forest at altitudes of probably around 1,000-1,500 meters, and does not well tolerate human encroachment, logging and other disturbances.
See also[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ↑ Named in honor of M.E.G. Bartels, the father of Ernest
- ↑ Bats, including megabats, are either silent to the human ear or produce high-pitched shrieks; if threatened they may also snarl. The known bats are physically incapable to produce the loud calls ascribed to the ahool
References[edit]
- ↑ Eberhart, George M. (2002). Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology. 1. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-57607-283-7. Search this book on
- ↑ Coleman, Loren; Clark, Jerome (7 May 2013). Cryptozoology A To Z: The Encyclopedia Of Loch Monsters Sasquatch Chupacabras And Other Authentic M. Simon and Schuster. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-4391-4779-5. Search this book on
- ↑ Shuker, Karl (2013) [2003]. "5: A Belfry of Crypto-Bats". The Beasts That Hide from Man: Seeking the World's Last Undiscovered Animals. Cosimo, Inc. pp. 85–93. ISBN 978-1-931044-64-6. Search this book on
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