The mystery of Mokele Mbembe: myth or undiscovered species?

Several researchers over time have claimed to have encountered it and due to deforestation in recent years the sightings have increased. How much truth is there?

Mokele Mbembe, meaning “the one who stops the flow of rivers,” is a Congo mythological creature. Its description, shrouded in mystery and speculation for centuries, has been that of a dinosaur-like creature.

A hybrid of a hippo, a lion, and an elephant

In the 18th century, French missionary Abbé Proyar wrote that he had glimpsed Mokele Mbembe. He depicted it as a bizarre cross between a hippopotamus, a lion, and an elephant—complete with a snake-like tail and a long neck. Its hairless body was covered in grayish-brown skin. More recently, in 1983, Congolese zoologist Marcellin Agnagna reported a sighting of the mysterious animal on an expedition.

No proof has been convincing enough

Numerous expeditions have been launched over the years in search of Mokele Mbembe. Some have reported to have discovered evidence of its existence, but none of the evidence has been substantial enough to offer scientific confirmation. Mokele Mbembe remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

Deforestation is bringing about sightings

Ironically, the ongoing deforestation of the region has helped to fuel an increase in reported sightings. As creatures that once inhabited the deepest reaches of the rainforest are pushed closer to human populations, locals are catching glimpses of animals that they might never have otherwise seen. Some of these close encounters could be the source of recent reports, perhaps fueled by misunderstandings.

Its home could be Lake Tele”

For its few remaining believers, Mokele Mbembe is reported to live in Lake Tele, a remote lake in a nature reserve. The same area is also home to some 125,000 gorillas, a species now threatened by habitat destruction due to deforestation.

Is Mokele Mbembe truly nothing more than legend, or is it an as-yet-unknown species? The future rests in the hands of present and upcoming researchers.

SOURCES: idosi/Mythology Unleashed/skepdic