Australian Big Cats: An Unnatural History of Panthers

by Michael Williams, Rebecca Lang

The Australian bush holds many secrets, and one of its biggest is ?about to be revealed. For decades there has been talk of big cats roaming the Australian bush. These large cats - predominantly black - have only afforded their witnesses fleeting glimpses, and left behind tantalising clues: scraps of fur, a paw print or three, unusually large scats, and livestock carcasses surgically dismembered and picked clean of flesh. In their wake, they leave carnage and bewilderment: What are they? How did they get here? The authors don't just ask the questions, they seek the answers, and what they have found will intrigue the sceptic and the believer alike. The book also dedicates a chapter to the profusion of sightings and speculation in neighbouring New Zealand, and sharing for the first time highlights from the unpublished manuscript of New Zealand's first big cat hunter. Flesh-and-blood or flight of fancy? Exotic pest, mutant feral or 'extinct' marsupial lion? Join the authors as they explore one of Australia's greatest wildlife mysteries. "The authors' even-handed, open-minded approach provides ample evidences for the theories they touch upon...this is a first-rate Fortean classic, fastidiously sourced, and essential reading for all students of the ABC phenomenon." - Fortean Times "At 434 pages, it s substantial. It s also highly readable, nicely formatted and very well illustrated. The authors have collated a vast amount of information gleaned not only from published sources but also from interviews with both eyewitnesses and people who have examined evidence firsthand. So, to anyone seriously interested in mystery animals, mystery big cats or Australian mammals in general, this book is a must-have..." - Dr Darren Naish, author of Scientific American blog Tetrapod Zoology"

Genres: Cryptozoology, Wildlife

456 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2010

Reviews

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and detailed. Presents pretty compelling evidence that there are ABC's roamimg the Australian Countryside. It's a few years old now, so it would be good if the authors could release a revised/updated edition containing any new evidence.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to read, even if just for a laugh. I'm sorry to all the people who have reported sightings, but I can't believe there are leopards or cougars in the Australian bush; though it would be kind of cool. What I can believe is that there are some freakishly overgrown feral cats because I know those suckers get big.