There are reports this week that DNA analysis has identified a genetic match between two ‘yeti hair’ samples from the Western Himalayas and Bhutan and the jawbone of an ancient Nordic polar bear.*
This follows hot on the heels of discoveries involving giant squid and other creatures previously thought to have been extinct or mythical.
Obviously there is cause for skepticism. But if science can explain yetis and sea monsters, then why shouldn’t we at least keep an open mind about the long-disputed Australian drop bear?
Instead of continuing to deny their existence, why not accept the possibility that drop bears may have evolved to the point where they:
- have diversified their diet to include animal proteins (providing far more nutrients and energy than the leaves of eucalypts and other Australian natives)
- can conceal themselves so well as to almost totally avoid detection
- can successfully defend themselves against tourists and other potential predators in the harsh Australian bush?
Perhaps this species has simply taken practical Darwinian steps to ensure its own survival, instead of relying on the noble intentions of conservation groups dedicated to saving them (especially given that these animals probably fail the ‘cute and cuddly’ test).
Contrast this with the ‘evolutionary cul-de-sac’ that pandas (and koalas) have gone down.
Maybe we also need to give some credence to rumours that the bushranger Ned Kelly built his armour for protection against drop bears (not just bullets) and that the real reason why the Japanese never landed troops in Australia during World War 2 was because of their fear of drop bears?
And seriously consider whether drop bears were responsible for the disappearance of three schoolgirls while picnicking at Hanging Rock?**
Why not? Last week, you probably didn’t believe in the Yeti.
Recommended reading on this topic: Janssen, V. (2012). ‘Indirect tracking of drop bears using GNSS technology’ in Australian Geographer, 43 (4). pp. 445-452. (Make sure you read the list of references)
* e.g. ‘The ‘yeti’ comes in from the cold with link to ancient polar bear’ by Anjana Ahuja, The Telegraph (published on 17 Oct 2013. Accessed 18/10/13)
** ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ is one of Australia’s great unsolved (and fictitious) mysteries describing the disappearance of three girls on St Valentines Day in 1900 in Central Victoria.
Photo credit: Pip Marks
Categories: Australiana
Sustainability soapbox 
Here in the USA, scientists in California have worked tirelessly to rescue and preserve the Condor. However, scientists and volunteers have to leave dead animals for the birds to eat since the Condor haven’t figured out how to hunt again. I can’t help but think, perhaps these well meaning people should have left nature alone and these raptors were supposed to die out.
Maybe this will help the Californian condor & lots of other species as well? http://summitcountyvoice.com/2013/11/05/biodiversity-feds-agree-to-study-pesticide-impacts-to-rare-frogs-in-california/
Interesting! Thanks
I think we have a moral obligation to do what we can as the rate of habitat destruction, hunting/overfishing and other pressures is so fast and widespread that there is little or no time for species to adapt. But It’s a real dilemma. I was reading a post earlier today along similar lines: http://natureramble.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/elephants-fences-and-the-wild-bush-and-a-snapshot-of-the-indian-ocean/. Maybe other readers have some views on this?
Thanks for the linky love – drop bears, eh? Have you read Terry Pratchett’s visualisation of the drop bears? Quite convincing, really, especially given that koalas get slightly stoned on eucalyptus leaves.
Hi Alison
No. I found some references to drop bears in his land of Fourecks (!) but couldn’t find any of the text. I’ll look out for the book.
Thanks
Pip
Hi Pip,
It’s not a great book, but there are some good parts. The drop bears are basically koalas with heavily-padded bottoms and great big teeth – Rincewind provokes a rain of them at one stage.
I never would’ve considered such possibilities Pip… Drop Bears of Australia, We Salute You!!!
Oh look, I’ve already read it & left a comment. My memory is ageing…
I wonder if you have any Tasmanian Snow Drop Bears in Freycinet National Park? (Mentioned in the Janssen article. Definitely worth a read: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00049182.2012.731307).
Perhaps you could introduce a character like Sesame Street’s snuffaluppacus that only one character (in that case, Big Bird) ever sees so no-one else believes they exist??!!