Cryptozoology and Pterosaurs Alive
Cryptozoology has been defined as "the study of hidden animals," but sometimes involves
looking for creatures thought to be extinct.
In Western cultures, pterosaurs are often
taught to be extinct for millions of years.
But cryptids with names like "ropen,"
"indava,"
and "seklo-bali" resemble
pterosaurs in their descriptions from
eyewitnesses or the local traditions.
In Papua New Guinea, the ropen of Umboi Island (AKA Siasi Is.) shows
itself mostly at night, as it glows in
flight. The same is true
for the indava
on the mainland, near Tawa Village.
Little is known about reports of the
seklo-bali (also on the mainland of
Papua New
Guinea), except that it,
too, glows at night. Perhaps these
three names represent one species.