Megalania Prisca: The Megalania Monster of the Outback

Have you ever heard legends about a giant lizard lurking in the Australian outback? It’s no myth! Sightings of monitor lizards (or goannas, as they are known in Australia) the size of saltwater crocodiles have been reported even to this day. Even more recently, in 1979, Australian herpetologist Frank Gordon had an encounter with what he considered a living, breathing Megalania – the huge lizard sprinting in front of his jeep with enormous speed while he was traveling in the mountains of northern New South Wales.

Let’s explore the mysterious Megalania and why it has become part of Australian folklore.

What is a Megalania?

Megalania is an extinct species of giant monitor lizard that lived during prehistoric times. It is believed to have been one of the largest terrestrial carnivores that ever lived, growing up to 6 meters long and weighing up to 1 tonne. The name “Megalania” translates from Greek as “Big Roamer” which is apt since these creatures were found all over Australia and parts of Indonesia during prehistoric times. Despite its size, Megalanias were incredibly fast predators who would hunt kangaroos and other large mammals for food.

Sightings Today

Despite science acknowledging Megalania to be extinct, there have been reports of sightings during recent times. In 1979, Australian herpetologist Frank Gordon had an encounter with what he considered a living, breathing Megalania – the huge lizard sprinting in front of his jeep with enormous speed while he was traveling in the mountains of northern New South Wales. Since then there have been numerous other sightings but none as dramatic as Frank’s experience. Unfortunately, there has not yet been enough physical evidence collected to prove conclusively whether or not these reports are true.

Megalania & Folklore

The tales and stories surrounding Megalanias have become part of Australian folklore for generations now. While some believe that these creatures still exist today, others consider them just tall tales told around campfires late at night to frighten children into behaving! Whatever your opinion may be on this matter one thing remains certain – people will continue to tell stories about this mythical beast for years to come!

TL;DR

Although science acknowledges that Megalania is an extinct species from prehistoric times, sightings of monitor lizards (or goannas) the size of saltwater crocodiles have been reported even today – particularly in Australia! Most famously by Australian herpetologist Frank Gordon who encountered one such creature sprinting across his path in 1979!

These tales and stories surrounding mysterious Megalanis have become part of Australian folklore for generations now – but only time will tell if they are more than just tall tales told around campfires late at night!

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