**Creatures thought to be extinct or just myths that may still exist:**
– **Thylacine Tiger:** This tiger, once thought to be extinct, has been reported in Tasmania. Although no clear images have been found, many people believe that Tasmanian tigers have been seen alive in the wild. Some researchers, such as Adrien Richardson, have spent decades searching for evidence of the species’ existence, and have even heard its howls.
– **African Black Panther:** The black leopard, once thought to be extinct, was photographed in Kenya in 2019 by British photographer Will Burrard-Lucas. The black leopard carries a special genetic mutation called “melanism” that makes its fur completely black, but its spots are still clearly visible on infrared cameras.
– **Goatman:** An American legend tells of a half-man, half-goat creature that has been appearing in the Maryland woods since the 1930s. Locals believe that the Goatman may have been the result of a failed experiment that turned a scientist into this monstrous creature, and that it still lives in the woods, hunting domestic animals.
– **Megatherium:** The giant ground sloth went extinct 8,000 years ago but is still reported to exist by some tribes in the South American rainforest. This species weighs up to 4 tons, is 12 feet long, and has long claws. Fossil traces show that ancient humans once confronted and hunted this species.
– **Grunch:** This is a mythical creature rumored in New Orleans, with an appearance similar to the Grinch, but is a cold-blooded creature. Stories say the Grunch is capable of using tools, opening doors, and even imitating human voices to lure victims. Legend has it that the Grunch is a magical creature created from the Voodoo spells of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen.
**Mammoth Resurrection**: Scientist Vincent Lynch predicts that in the future, technology could develop artificial wombs to “produce” mammoths, bringing them back from extinction.
**Java Tiger**: In 2019, conservationist Rippy Yanir Fajar reported seeing a Javan tiger, a species thought to have been extinct since the 1980s. A hair and footprints were collected at the site, and testing showed that the hair’s DNA was 97.8% similar to that of a Javan tiger. However, since the similarity could also be to other tiger species, it’s difficult to confirm that the species still exists.
**Dinosaurs and humans**: Research from the University of Bristol suggests that the ancestors of mammals, including humans, may have lived at the same time as dinosaurs, with fossils showing that animals like rabbits and dogs were present during the time of dinosaurs.
**Giant Earthworm of Idaho**: The Palouse earthworm, a giant white worm that once roamed the prairies of Idaho and Washington, is now critically endangered due to farming. However, a few individuals have been found recently, although they are only about 8 inches long, compared to their previous length of 3 feet.
**Legendary animal of the Congo**: Rumors of giant dinosaur-like creatures living in the Congo swamps have not been proven, despite numerous expeditions since the 20th century. Stories and videos of the creature continue to attract attention, but there is no scientific evidence.
**Australian desert kangaroo**: The desert kangaroo was discovered in the 19th century and thought to be extinct. However, in 1932, a few individuals were found with the help of indigenous people. However, no one has seen them since then, and they are still considered nearly extinct.
**Indian Malabar civet**: This species was thought to have become extinct in 1929 due to hunting and habitat loss. However, in 1987, a Malabar civet was found, but the species is now considered critically endangered because of its small population.
**Montane monkey-faced bat**: This bat, which was once found on the island of Guadalcanal, is now classified as critically endangered. This is a very rare fruit bat, and if it still exists, it probably only lives above 3,900 feet above sea level.
**Ethiopian Lion**: The Ethiopian lion with its unique black mane was once thought to be extinct. However, in 2016, a population of about 50 was discovered in Ethiopia, and another group of about 100 in Sudan.
