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Post by mingle on Jun 1, 2014 20:25:14 GMT 10
Hi All,
I thought I'd create this thread as a forum for those who'd like to list which (if any) cryptids, or remnant species, are out there in the Aussie bush. No pressure for anyone to do likewise, but here are mine:
Thylacine: Possible, but I'd say any remnant populations (in Tassie or on the mainland) would be on their last legs, due to isolated populations, miniscule gene-pools, human encroachment, etc.
Thylacoleo: Highly unlikely, but not completely impossible. Population-wise the same pressures as the thylacine is facing, or even more so.
Big cats: Large ferals, certainly. Panthers, cougars, leopards, jaguars or any others - faintly possible, as the stories of captives being set free or escaping seem reasonable enough. As for self-sustaining populations - very, very unlikely.
Yowie: Nope.
Now these are just my personal opinions and over the past 5-10 years I've certainly become more sceptical. They're not intended to contradict anyone else's views or persuade anyone to my point of view, and I'd happily eat a king-szed humble pie if any of these creatures are proven to be 'out there'.
So, go ahead... If you dare! :-)
Cheers,
Mike.
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Post by Anubis on Jun 1, 2014 21:04:48 GMT 10
All pretty doubtful, Mike. Perhaps some the large cat is about the only possibility mainly cos they are the only extant animal you've listed, despite the incorrect biogeographic location... Spent a good deal of time being optimistic in the Blue Mountains, both looking and listening to the experiences several people had had up there, but while they were convinced, it only caused me to increasingly have my doubts. But I will continue enjoying all the anecdotes.
A
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Post by DP on Jun 1, 2014 22:41:36 GMT 10
Hi Mingle, my thoughts are similar to yours, I live in the bush, I travel and camp in the bush, I've spent time hunting in the bush and working in the bush... never seen anything other than regular ferals.
Having said that, My sister and brother in-law are certain that they saw an American Bobcat one day in the hills near Warburton in Victoria, and I know several locals that swear black and blue that they have seen Thylocines in the Dandenong Ranges - these reports have never been made public. One of my friends mothers has even grabbed a broom and chased one away from her sheep! This was near Monbulk about 15 years ago.
Here is another one that sounds like pure fiction, but I know these people very very well. The Wife of my old mate Bob from Lysterfield went to pick up the three girls from secondary school in the afternoon. to the surprise of all in the car, they had to break hard to avoid a Thylocine crossing Lysterfield Road! They got a good look at it and were in no doubt about what it was.
It get better, in 1998 I rented an empty house down at the end of my street for 6 weeks while mine had some work done. The old guy (Anton) that owned the house was a talkative chap and he used to come up on the weekends and camp out in an old shed up the back (never used the house for some reason)He liked it out there because he used to feed the wombats and all. As he was right at the end of the street and next to the forest and used to walk therein, I asked him if he had ever seen a Thylocine (As there are reported sightings here also).
This old chap came to Australia in the 1950's and was not familiar with the animal in question. But he did tell me that on one occasion back in the 70's he came across a large animal that could fit the Thylocolao profile. He described it as like a huge possum with a big bushy tail and when it saw him it stood up and walked on it's hind legs. he said he thought that it must be some kind of monkey. Not being at all familiar with Australian wild life he was not overly shocked but thought that it was best left alone... (Oh yeah).
People see things that don't fit the narrative and they are often reluctant to report it - a bit like saying that you have seen a UFO
Oh, there was something very unusual that I did see in the bush a while back, that's a topic for another post after I scan the photo.
- David
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Post by youcantry on Jun 2, 2014 13:24:02 GMT 10
Thylacoleo: Highly unlikely, but not completely impossible. This got me raising my eyebrows. I did not expect you to suggest thylacoleo was a possibility. My list: Thylacine: In Tasmania, I put as more likely than not (50-85%). On the mainland, I put as possible but unlikely (0-10%). In Indonesia / PNG, I put as possible but even less likely than mainland AU (0-5%). Thylacoleo: Possible but highly unlikely (1%). It's Arthur Davies' story (http://www.thylacoleo.com/archives/emmaville_00.php) and the Queensland Mammals textbook reference that give this species the possibility for me. Big cats: Breeding in the wild, I put as possible in Blue Mountains / Wollemi (0-5%). Rogue escapees in the wild, I'd say has certainly happened. Moster feral moggies, I'd put as occasional but likely (85-100%). Yowies: Almost certainly not (1%). Mainland Tasmanian devils: Possible, but unlikely (0-5%). Paddle's references of 1800s record lend some weight, along with the sub-fossil material gathered at that time, and I know what it can be like to spend days hiking in Tas where there are tens of thousands of them but never see one (though capture several on trail cam). Mainland Eastern quolls: Remnant mainland population, I'd put as more likely than mainland devils (0-15%). Rogue escapees in the wild, I'd put as likely (60-90%). Breeding population in the wild deriving from escapees, I'd put as possible but unlikely at this stage (0-10%). Chance of a breeding population in the wild deriving from escapees in the future I'd put as reasonably possible (30%). Ground parrots at Malabar: I'd put as reasonably possible (30%) Night parrots: I'd put as certain (100%)
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Post by observer on Jun 2, 2014 15:44:30 GMT 10
Hi Guys,
I've been lurking on here for a few weeks and this thread has caught my attention more than any other so far. Particularly David's post about the Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield.
I' spent quite a bit of time around these areas as an avid cyclist, particularly on the mountain bike.
I'd never heard the reports of Thylacines in the Dandenongs, only big cats. Personally I've never seen anything to suggest either are still around or ever were, but recently I've heard some first hand reports of big cats over towards Olinda/Silvan.
I love the possibility of any of the animals mentioned being around, the idea that animals can continue without being detected is something I find quite satisfying.
I'll forever have one eye on the surrounding landscape as I ride, in the hope of spotting something a little curious.
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Post by Ian Thomas on Jun 2, 2014 15:49:10 GMT 10
me? i'd say thylacines in tassie - 5% thylacines on mainland - 0.5% thylacoleo - 0.0000000000000000000000000000000000000001 % yowies 0% big cats - 51% mainland tasie devils - 80%
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2014 17:26:59 GMT 10
This old chap came to Australia in the 1950's and was not familiar with the animal in question. But he did tell me that on one occasion back in the 70's he came across a large animal that could fit the Thylocolao profile. He described it as like a huge possum with a big bushy tail and when it saw him it stood up and walked on it's hind legs. he said he thought that it must be some kind of monkey. Not being at all familiar with Australian wild life he was not overly shocked but thought that it was best left alone... (Oh yeah).
- David[/quote] DP,
It sounds to me that the old chap probably did just see a large possum. That is typical possum behaviour...when they see something they perceive as a threat, they stand up on their hind legs to make themselves appear bigger. In fact, I have a photo of one bluffing a young Devil into backing off from some food.
DrTom
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2014 17:36:25 GMT 10
OK, FWIW, my 5c:
thylacines in tassie - 100% thylacines on mainland - 10% thylacoleo - 1%
yowies 10%... I am a firm believer that the Bigfoot exists in North America. If that is so, with nearly 300 million people there, I think there is plenty of room for an analogous species to hide in Australia. What I find telling is that the reports come from heavily forested areas, EXCEPT in Tasmania (which has lots of forest).
big cats - 0% Ferals mistaken for something bigger, I think. mainland tasie devils - 0% now, but some were until recently. There are 5 specimens of Devils found dead in Victoria that now reside in the Vic Museum.
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Post by mingle on Jun 2, 2014 17:55:39 GMT 10
Great thread - I find it interesting to listen to and see other peoples thoughts. Chris, don't be so surprised - I'm with you on the reports, particularly the Emmaville reports - I friend lived up there and the landscape is like nothing else - rocks and gullies everywhere. DP & observer, it's interesting you should mention thylacines around the Lysterfield area. I lived in Endeavour Hills for 20 years and used to ride my bike around the park most evenings - used to sneak in via the Rockleigh Park Road entrance. This was before the park was popular and the mountain biking mob descended. I used to pick my way across the old track between Lysterfield and Churchill Parks most weekends too. I saw plenty of grey roos, echidnas, the odd fox and heard a few koalas, but never saw anything else. My mate once told me of a strange striped dog he saw one time, while walking his pooch just outside Chruchill Park. This was back in 1984 and I've never really thought about it until I read your responses to this thread - interesting! Mike.
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Post by DP on Jun 2, 2014 17:56:56 GMT 10
This old chap came to Australia in the 1950's and was not familiar with the animal in question. But he did tell me that on one occasion back in the 70's he came across a large animal that could fit the Thylocolao profile. He described it as like a huge possum with a big bushy tail and when it saw him it stood up and walked on it's hind legs. he said he thought that it must be some kind of monkey. Not being at all familiar with Australian wild life he was not overly shocked but thought that it was best left alone... (Oh yeah). - David DP, It sounds to me that the old chap probably did just see a large possum. That is typical possum behaviour...when they see something they perceive as a threat, they stand up on their hind legs to make themselves appear bigger. In fact, I have a photo of one bluffing a young Devil into backing off from some food. DrTom[/quote] Hi DrTom, that is interesting, I have never seen a possum pull this stunt. Pretty sure it was not your average brushy, Anton said that when it stood up, it was nearly as tall as him! I here your chuckle from here... I've never related this one before as it's a pretty tall story, just passing on what the old guy says he saw. I know for a fact that there is nothing that is supposed to be in the forest at the end of my street that fits that description, but the old guy was sound in mind when he shared this experience with me.
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Post by DP on Jun 2, 2014 18:09:21 GMT 10
Great thread - I find it interesting to listen to and see other peoples thoughts. Chris, don't be so surprised - I'm with you on the reports, particularly the Emmaville reports - I friend lived up there and the landscape is like nothing else - rocks and gullies everywhere. DP & observer, it's interesting you should mention thylacines around the Lysterfield area. I lived in Endeavour Hills for 20 years and used to ride my bike around the park most evenings - used to sneak in via the Rockleigh Park Road entrance. This was before the park was popular and the mountain biking mob descended. I used to pick my way across the old track between Lysterfield and Churchill Parks most weekends too. I saw plenty of grey roos, echidnas, the odd fox and heard a few koalas, but never saw anything else. My mate once told me of a strange striped dog he saw one time, while walking his pooch just outside Chruchill Park. This was back in 1984 and I've never really thought about it until I read your responses to this thread - interesting! Mike. Hi Mike, the Lysterfield Rd sighting would have been in the late 1980's David
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Post by DP on Jun 2, 2014 18:26:59 GMT 10
Hi Guys, I've been lurking on here for a few weeks and this thread has caught my attention more than any other so far. Particularly David's post about the Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield. I' spent quite a bit of time around these areas as an avid cyclist, particularly on the mountain bike. I'd never heard the reports of Thylacines in the Dandenongs, only big cats. Personally I've never seen anything to suggest either are still around or ever were, but recently I've heard some first hand reports of big cats over towards Olinda/Silvan. I love the possibility of any of the animals mentioned being around, the idea that animals can continue without being detected is something I find quite satisfying. I'll forever have one eye on the surrounding landscape as I ride, in the hope of spotting something a little curious. Welcome to the web epicenter of crypto speculation Mr. Observer. There has been heaps of alleged Thylocine sighting around here over the years and numerous big cats also, Macclesfield seems to be a bit of a hot spot for the cat and also in the Olinda State Forest section of the national park - at least according to the late Peter Chappel. Peter used to tell a great story about he became a true believer, after a very close encounter with a large black cat when walking therein one night. David
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Post by sfrrob on Jun 2, 2014 19:31:20 GMT 10
I am surprised you gave the Thylacine a 100% DrTom, I certainly agree with you though. I firmly believe 100% that there is some kind of very large CAT roaming mainland Australia. My folks both saw one in broad daylight in Woodside Victoria and described it as a "Panther", Jet black huge head, yellow eyes, as big as a German Shepherd. I personally know of a few other people who have seen them as well. I am 100% sure they are not giant feral's.
I would like it if Thylacoleo was responsible for other "Panther" sightings, but I think it's long gone from mainland Australia.
I also believe there is some kind of animal that resembles a Thylacine on mainland Australia, in particular East coast of Vic. Another family member saw what she believed to be a Thylacine on the side of the road between Sale and the 90 Mile beach in Victoria not all that long ago. She described it as a striped dog like animal but it looked extra long in the body and definateley was not a fox. Yowie = 0% for me, I don't buy it....... Bigfoot in the U.S, I would say that I am 30% sure they exist!
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Post by observer on Jun 2, 2014 20:30:03 GMT 10
I've taken a keen interest in the big cats since I was a young boy, it's truly incredible how many people I've spoken to who believe they've seen things that seemed a little unconventional.
I wish I had a great story to share, but I've only got second hand accounts to share. One thing I always keep in mind with reports is that the people I know and the experiences they have relayed would never have been reported. I've had five or so friends who have no interest in this subject who've independently shared stories of cats and thylacines. This is just within my circle of friends who've grown up around the Dandenongs.
Just recently, I came across a few fellow riders who claimed to have seen the Olinda cat twice in two days. Needless to say I spent some time in the general vicinity looking for signs, albeit by bike.
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Post by DP on Jun 2, 2014 23:01:14 GMT 10
OK, as promised last night, here is my only crypto photo and story. It was Melbourne Cup weekend 1996, a few of the young lads went away dirt bike riding to the Upper Haqua region, we camped on the Haqua River which is in the valley between Mt.Buller and Mt. Sterling. The roads and tracks in this area are subject to seasonal road closures over winter and re open at the beginning of November. We wanted to be first in to ensure a good camp site, so I rang the local parks office to esquire what time on Friday the 1st. the gate would be opened, to my delight the ranger said that he would open it last thing the day before... Great we would be first in and get a good spot for the extra long weekend. First ride on Friday morning was to attempt the summit of Mt. Sterling via the tracks and ski trails - (we failed last year due to falling of to many times). we set off up Binderee Rd. stopped at the dugout, topped up petrol from our stash, then set of up Mountain Ash Trail, the plan was to follow this to Monument track, turn left and press on to Stirling and down the other side. We had to climb more than 1000M from camp and we did not count on hitting snow. we had to abandon the ride and head back to camp. We gave up when the snow was so deep that it was able to hold the bikes up when we got off. I thought that we were very near the top of Mountain Ash Trail and it would be worth seeing it the going got any easier once we got onto Monument track, so we walked on a bit. just around the next corner we found a huge set of foot prints in the snow that came out of the thick scrub and continued up the track. We all looked at each other and voted 4:0 that we would go back without delay... People have suggested that they were just human tracks, but we were in a area that had been closed of for months, and who would come here alone? Deer hunter?? he would at least have dogs, and what if he had shot a deer here - no way to get it out. I have thought of a posible critter that could have made those tracks, I wonder if any of the questers reach my conclusion - over to you. David
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Post by mingle on Jun 2, 2014 23:22:44 GMT 10
Hard to say without some scale, but if you look at the spacing and alignment of the tracks (slightly 'wandering', yet close together) make them look pretty wombat-like.
Also, bear in mind that melted tracks (as these appear to be) tend to make the marks look rather larger than the original impressions.
Mike.
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Post by lexicon23 on Jun 3, 2014 7:17:33 GMT 10
My humble opinion for what its worth. As always given my stay at home Englishman status I am more than happy to bow to those of you with much greater knowledge of local wildlife / landscape factors.
Thylacines in Tas - 50% too many sightings to discount offhand, just worried that number of sightings seem to have diminished in recent years. Feel that Fleay expedition 'evidence' and good sightings from those with good experience of Thylacines up to the Hans Naarding 1982 sighting make its existence post 1936 up to the 80s almost 100% sure. Just hope it clings on in sustainable numbers.
Thylacines on Mainland - 50% again as lots of good sightings throughout the country (Col Bailey's for one) and good historical post european settlement anecdotes. Doyle footage interesting and still pretty convincing for me.
Thylacoleo on Mainland - 10% - Lots of reports of seemingly one off marsupial predators seem to indicate that variants of Thylacoleo / Thylacines might still roam the wilds. would love to know what the truth behind Rillas critter is.
Big cats - 80% Likely that escapees live on and may even breed and found sustainable local populations.
Yowies - 5% as ongoing sightings but little / no historical evidence would appear to offer remote chance of existence being proven.
Other cryptids
Bigfoot 0% - loads of fake pics / videos but no tangible proof even though the woods and forests have had many armed hunters roaming them for over 200 years. Patterson Gimlin video a hoax - all too convenient that 'Patty' appears on cue as camera toting bigfoot hunters appear on the scene. Only 2 bigfoot incidents worthy of investigation both historical.
Yeti /Alma - 5% seems more likely largely due to more historical reports and more remote locations.
Loch Ness Monster - 0% Most sightings likely to result from atmospheric / visual anomalies. Intrigued by a couple of Victorian land sightings but no real evidence or good photos which aren't likely hoaxes.
Eagerly await positive news re the continued existence of the Thylacine whether it be Tasmania / mainland or PNG.
Keep up the good work guys,
DT
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Post by saggitarius on Jun 3, 2014 9:15:42 GMT 10
When I first saw this yesterday, I thought what is to be gained from estimating probabilities. Seeing all the other responses is interesting so I add mine. Thylacine in Tasmania 15% Mainland thylacine 20% - spoken to too many reliable witnesses in Gippsland (sadly no sighting for several years now since widespread Foxoff baiting) Big cats 50% - again too many reliable bush-born witnesses who would not mistake feral cat no matter how large. Yowies - 5% (What creature do people see that makes them think they have seen a huge, hairy humanoid? Certainly not a cow or deer!) Thylacoleo or closely related native animal - 5%. I believe they existed into European settlement and in pockets in Gippsland up until the 1960s fires. Mainland Tassie Devils - 5% I tend to think devils found dead on Victorian roads are either wildlife park escapees or have been collected in Tasmania, come back in a car boot on the ferry and then left by the roadside as a hoax. Have you every heard of any one nearly hitting one or seeing a live devil in Victoria?
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Post by molloch on Jun 3, 2014 11:30:30 GMT 10
Ok, no surprises here:
Thylacines: Tassie Now - <5% Tassie 1985 - 25% Mainland - <0.1% PNG - 1%
Thylacoleo - 0%
Mainland Eastern Quoll - 40%
Mainland Devil Now - 1% in 1788 - 5%
Big Cats: Giant F. cattus (ie >15kg but not fat) - 0% Puma/leopard/etc - ~0.0001%
Hominids: Yowies - 0% Pygmies - 0% Non H. sapiens - 0% Ghosts/Angels/Gods/Visiting ETs/Faries, etc - 0%
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Post by Thylacoleo Gal on Jun 3, 2014 12:54:42 GMT 10
OK, seeing as Molloch's willing to put his good name and reputation on the line, I'll bite too! Here's my "cards on table". Thylacines:Tassie Now: 0.1 < Pr(Tassie_Thy) < 0.25 Mainland Now: 0.0 < Pr(Mainland_Thy) <= 0.05 PNG Now: Same as for Aust mainland and for the same reasons. Thylacoleo: ~ 1/45000 to 1/12000 *1: On the basis of the last known fossil and the youngest probable rock-art image and the fact of no reliable sightings in any one year since European settlement. *2: If anyone thinks my probability calcs are a little shaky, you're probably right. Mainland Eastern Quoll: Pr(East_Quoll, mainland) ~ 0.5 Mainland DevilIn 1788: Pr(MTD, 1788) = 0.3 *1Now : Pr(MTD, present)~ 0.85 *2*1: On the basis that they were present during the 1st 7ky of the Holocene, but disappear from the record ~ 3000ya. Hence Pr((Extinct) = 3000/10000; Prob(Not Extinct) = 1-0.3 = 0.7 *2: On the basis of the live capture in Central Victoria, circa 1980 but not sighted since since then: Pr(Extinct on mainland) = (2014 - 1980)/(2014-1788) = 34/226 = 0.15 Therefore, Pr(Not Extinct on Mainland) = 1 - 0.15 = 0.85 Documentation: living animal handed in to ARI, specimen available for scrutiny @ Melb Museum. See WLMD's website. Big Cats:Giant F. cattus (ie >15kg but not fat): Pr < 1/10^6 Leopard/lion etc: Pr = 0.0 Puma: Pr < 0.05 ( Mainly on the basis of credible witness testimony & scientific surveys.) Hominids:Yowies" Pr = 0.0 Pygmies (Now): X? (ie Not known) Pygmies (Up till circa 1930s?): Pr = 1.0 * On the basis that they're well documented. Non H. sapiens (Now): Pr = 0.0 Non H. sapiens (Late Pleistocene): Pr = 1.0 * On the basis of rock-art depictions of them.Ghosts/Angels/Gods/Faeries, etc: Pr = 0.0 UFOs/ETs "Observing us" ( a la Stanton Friedmann's theories): Pr < 0.45 (But highly provisional!) * On the basis of (and other sim. refereed literature) --> All of which goes to show one thing: don't underestimate Serendip.
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Post by youcantry on Jun 3, 2014 12:55:35 GMT 10
Hi DrTom, that is interesting, I have never seen a possum pull this stunt. Pretty sure it was not your average brushy, Anton said that when it stood up, it was nearly as tall as him! I here your chuckle from here... I've never related this one before as it's a pretty tall story, just passing on what the old guy says he saw. Thylacoleo *IS* the Yowie!!
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Post by molloch on Jun 3, 2014 13:11:01 GMT 10
Thylacoleo *IS* the Yowie!! Quite possibly it is the bunyip.
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Post by molloch on Jun 3, 2014 13:12:06 GMT 10
OK, seeing as Molloch's willing to put his good name and reputation on the line, I'll bite too! Here's my "cards on table". UFOs/ETs "Observing us" ( a la Stanton Friedmann's theories): Pr < 0.45 (But highly provisional!) * On the basis of (and other sim. refereed literature) --> All of which goes to show one thing: don't underestimate Serendip. I qualified mine with "visiting".
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Post by youcantry on Jun 3, 2014 13:14:09 GMT 10
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Post by Thylacoleo Gal on Jun 3, 2014 13:17:53 GMT 10
.. I qualified mine with "visiting". That's OK then. Just don't come rushing in one day to tell us your goat's been sucked. And ETs must've dunnit.
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Post by youcantry on Jun 3, 2014 13:24:48 GMT 10
Here's my "cards on table". Crikey! Something a little less scientific?? Or more correctly, our joint project seeing as we pooled resources to put this one together: www.mainlanddevils.comSummary Year State Qty Description 1855 NSW numerous live and/or dead devils examined by naturalist 1855 Vic numerous live and/or dead devils examined by naturalist 1855 SA 2 live and/or dead devils examined by naturalist 1867 SA 2 devils escape botanical gardens 1873 or 1874 SA 1 devil captured near botanical gardens 1896 SA or NSW colony devils living at Lake Albert 1903 Vic 1 devil collected - uncorroborated source pre 1912 Vic 5 locations yielding skeletal material 1912 Vic 1 sighting 1912 Vic 1 devil killed, now at Museum Victoria 1971 Vic 1 devil captured alive, now at Museum Victoria 1974 Vic 1 devil specimen, likely at Museum Victoria pre 1991 Vic 1 devil found at Harcourt, uncorroborated source 1991 Vic 2 devil roadkills, 1 at Museum Victoria, 1 likely at Museum Victoria 1991 Vic unknown footprints sighted 1997 WA 1 devil captured alive, displayed in zoo, possibly smuggled 2009 Vic 1 devil roadkill, known zoo escapee undated Vic unknown footprints sighted
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Post by Thylacoleo Gal on Jun 3, 2014 13:37:44 GMT 10
Thanks Chris. Didn't have the link to hand. Yep, on the basis of the documented record of MTDs going back to the 1850s and involving a live capture as well as killed animals, one would have to assign a very high probability to their existence. 85% might be a little on the conservative side ..
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Post by youcantry on Jun 3, 2014 13:48:02 GMT 10
The 1912 killing gave me hope that any living mainland devil might be from remnant mainland stock (as opposed to Tasmanian import escapees), but then the 1867 escape of devils from botanical gardens in SA dashed that idea - especially as a nearby re-capture was as much as 6 or 7 years after the escape! That is a long time for a devil. The 1896 reference to a colony living at Lake Albert, I would have thought warrants further investigation. There is now ambiguity as to whether this referred to Lake Albert in NSW or SA. Perhaps Bob Paddle can clarify whether his source was explicit (or we could do the research)? I recall a devil jawbone being found on a lake's edge (was it in Vic?) recently - possibly already discussed on these forums - during a period of drought. I wonder what the age of that specimen was?
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Post by molloch on Jun 3, 2014 14:33:04 GMT 10
Ah, sorry. I wasn't referring to actual diminutive Aboriginal people, rather the "little people" that are frequently sighted.
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Post by DP on Jun 3, 2014 17:30:55 GMT 10
Hard to say without some scale, but if you look at the spacing and alignment of the tracks (slightly 'wandering', yet close together) make them look pretty wombat-like. Also, bear in mind that melted tracks (as these appear to be) tend to make the marks look rather larger than the original impressions. Mike. Hi Mike, I did not think to put anything in the picture to indicate scale at the time, but the print spacings were a large step for me. My best guess these days is that they were made by a feral horse, the rear foot partially overprinting the front and thus giving an elongated shape like a human. David
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