IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Australian Ape Project wishes to issue a correction on our last You Tube audio presentation 'Yowie Research Audio: site 2 - Kim Little' Where we reported that both audio clips where extracted from the recorder in QLD in July 2013. Due to a computer filing error we issue the following correction that the first clip was recorded by Mr. Daniel Raymond in NSW and not Kim, howeverthe second clip was from the specified source.

The Australian Ape Project always gives due credit for research that is shared with us and we apologize for any confusion that this error has caused - Over the next few days this presentation will be removed from you tube and replaced with the correct files

Once again our apologies

New Audio recorder data, July 2013 site 2

Here is the some new audio just released and captured in July 2013
please have a listen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXCKegr_pro&feature=youtu.be

Yowie Research Site Feeding Station Recorder Data part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3MSXI-mxpw&feature=youtu.be

Mysterious Hand & Arm prints 

Here are some quick photos on hand & feet prints found during April in one of our research area's, this a tremendous break through in getting these beings to come close to the cars during daylight hours. These details what has been an eventful April for The Australia Ape Project in terms of findings, will be presenting a full report in the coming weeks but here is a snap shot

These items where found on the following dates 

April 3, 2013

April 3, 2013 - found 30 meters from car


 April 22, 2013 - Same Car

April 30, 2013 found 10 meters from cars previous location. 

All of these events occured in April 2013, we have audio of the objects approaching the cars and details breakdowns of the prints 

FULL REPORT TO COME 

-Ray Doherty 

New Footprints and Site Comparisons

New Foot Prints and Site Comparison

By Ray Doherty

Photos by Ray Doherty and Nigel Francis

March 2013

© Copyright

The Australian Ape Project

 

ABSRACT

The purpose of this report is to present and to discuss findings on the comparison of Unknown foot prints obtained from three (3) locations around the Sunshine Coast, QLD, in order to determine several key points.

1. Identify the consistency in the print patterns in order to confirm the various prints where made by the same animal ‘type’ – Human or Australian Ape?
2. Allow us to determine the existence of a second or several different animals of the same species in different geographic area or does this evidence give rise to different species
3. Or to confirm multiple species co-existing in the same location

Whilst I am not an anatomical or primalogical expert, I open this report to those in the scientific community with the appropriate level of expertise in this field for further comment.

BACKGROUND

IN January 2013, Researcher Anthony Lapanivich and Nigel Francis where responding to a report of a sighting of an alleged Australian Ape in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland by two people who where mountain bike riding. During the course of the investigation two new set of prints where located in two separate area quite a distance but in the general area of the original sighting. This report is to discuss those prints, comparing them two the prints already captured from another study site in 2012. Full detailed reports on those prints (Doherty 2012 – AYR) have previously been published

The photos classified as site C, presented within this document where taken some distance from the original location of the sighting report in an obscure and remote creek located at the bottom of a small range. Access is exceptionally difficult. Researcher Nigel Francis found this prints after a long process of accessing this waterway. In commenting 

On those prints briefly, it is our opinion that the prints where made literally within minutes of their discovery by Nigel. This is evident by the level of water still contained within the print; enough time had not yet elapsed for the water to soak back through the mud.

The site B print (largest print) was taken by myself after the aforementioned researchers contact the author to inspect the prints as Nigel and Anthony where not available at this time, hence my involvement.

I wish to thank Anthony and Nigel for inviting me to take part in their investigation and to have access to the photos of these prints for comparison and for publication.

LOCATION

Location A is a coastal river system where we have been working for 2 years. It shall be referred to as simply as Site A – Control site. Site A is the control site given the extensive previous work done on the prints acquired there, we already know the prints at Site A are not human and are more than like that of an Australian Ape. Location B is the location where the larger prints where found which I inspected and photographed on top of a mountain range and will be referred to as Site B. Location C is in a valley of a mountain range some 5 kilometers away, this is Site C as investigated and photographed by Nigel Francis

RELEVANT DISTANCE FROM CONTROL SITE

If using A as the focal point, then the following distances apply

A – B - 28 Klms (Straight line measure)

A – C- 33 KLM (Straight-line measure)

B – C - 5 Klms (straight-line measure)

Conditions which rule out Migration between sites: In my view it is impractical that the same animals made these prints as in Site A due to two factors (A) size; prints differ in size significantly (B) a direct travel path from site A to B&C is not possible due to highways and residential area in between them. Whilst a trek around these obstacles would be possible it would also impractical given the energy required by the animals to make the trip and the possible risk of exposure, hence why I am very confident that this is indeed a second unit of Australian Apes. 

SITE DESCRIPTION

Site A – there are two sites within A, A1 (camp ground roads and trails) A2, rarely used fishing area – both located deep within a state forest – prints have been located in un official camping grounds, trails, forest and some by road side

Site B – Atop of a mountain range with a rarely used small sealed road and grassy bush laden hillside which rests between two rarely used trails extending across high ridge lines atop of another state forest mountain range

Site C – located 5 klms from Site B, deep into the bottom of a valley nestled amongst said mountain range with creeks running throughout  down from the mountain. The Terrain makes entry nearly impossible, best entry is careful ascent from valley wall, no signs of human presence could be located or identified at all. As far as field researcher Nigel Francis could see that no human presence was detectable whatsoever

CAPTURE PERIOD

Site A photos where captured between May 2012 and January 2012 after heavy rain periods. Site B and C photos where captured on Feb 13, 2013 and Feb 15, 2013, once again after extremely heavy rang periods. NO PRINTS RECENT PRINTS WHERE ABLE TO BE CAST DUE TO WEATHER AND TERRAIN – Print maps are not available as this time

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Australian Ape Nesting and Great Ape Comparison

NESTING

A comparison of bedding between Great Apes and the fabled Australian Ape

By Ray Doherty, Anthony Lipanovic, Nigel Francis, Lindsay Sander and Brad Payne

(C) 2012 

A possible nest found near a tree nest location. This more
than likely belongs to the adult which is more terrestrial
as it gets older and sleeps whilst its young is in the tree nest
(See tree Baby Photo) 

INTRODCUTION

This document is a brief comparison of the bedding and nesting habits of the Great Apes and the fabled Australian Ape.  It is our contention, and one that seems to be growing, that as yet undiscovered Australian Yowie (like the Sasquatch) is simply and undiscovered ape rather than undiscovered type of pre human.

When we began our investigation in river laden national park on Queensland’s Sunshine coast, we began with this hypothesis that we are dealing with an undiscovered great ape. The first item that alerted us to this fact was not the human looking footprints we found and nor was it any other report or witness statements but rather the first grass bed we found in April 2012. I conducted a comparison between this and great apes and found startling similarities between the two, not the same; they simply shared some common traits such as tea cup formations, grass spirals and completely depressed vegetation

This subject, as a starting point of comparison given the lack of data on other areas of comparison being foot prints, habits, diets, hunting or family structures will demonstrate a clear association or ‘possible instinctual association’ between the comparable subjects. Through the assistance of a local academic institutions we where able to rule out known mainstream animals having created these ‘nests’ or ‘beds’ such as Kangaroo’s and Wild Pigs. The only Kangaroo capable of some of these beds are not contained with this area. The species in question is a Red Kangaroo which can reach heights of up to 8 feet in some instances.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The images of nests of various great apes such as Westerns, Lowland and Highland Gorillas; this includes the Silverback species, Orangutan and Chimpanzee. Images of suspected Australian Ape taken April to December. Gorilla photos are courtesy of Google searches. In this exorcise, we are not looking to identify the species obviously as they are different. What we are looking for is ‘convergent behavior’ or ‘similar or to posses ape like qualities’ in their presentation and if this link can be established it may guide us to other ‘Ape-like’ qualities and bring us closer to solving this puzzle.

Assuming these ‘unknown creatures’ are real for the uninitiated, our research team has had numerous encounters with them which include vocalizations, intimidation like behavior such as rock throwing and sensory awareness such as smells of rotting flesh and pungent urine. This also includes some photographic evidence all contained with other reports.

Our research team has dubbed this family unit we are dealing with as ‘River Apes’ given this name as these creatures live on the banks of a river system within a National Park and State Forest. We believe their adaptations to river life and the naturally variable diet compared to those Yowies that live in the mountains regions of Australia. In my view it would be similar in relationship and difference to Highland or Mountain Gorillas and Cross River Gorillas, similar and same in the main but have different nuances and ways of life given their local environment.

In the later part of this post, I have simply inserted pages from the hard copy of our report on this subject in the interests of time 

Nests / Beds of possible Australian Ape V Great Ape selection 

This was found in Queensland Australia April 2012 and
measured 2.0m x 2.2m  

This is a Mountain Gorilla nest, different terrain
different vegetation, similar design and pattern

This tree baby was taken
near research site 2 in September
2012 in Queensland Australia
6 meters off of Forest floor

Here is a chimp nest from Africa........very similar design in construction
but serves the same purpose
3o meters off of forest floor

Whilst at this time it is impossible to confirm the existence of Yowies, let alone their possible relationship to that of ‘Great Apes’, it is noteworthy that based on expert Australian Wildlife experts that no other known animal makes nest of this nature or design in Australia

Furthermore, it is difficult to imagine an animal alive in Australia (other than a wild Boar) big enough to make these nests and provide the required weight in the growth suppression and flattening apparent in the nest is highly unlikely

Dimensions

Fig E -  1.6 meter x 1.2

Fig F -  1.70 x 0.700

Fig G -  2m x 1.70M

Fig H – 1.5m x 1.50M

In figure E it is noteworthy that this is exact spot that the creature was sitting in when we had the rocks thrown in our direction, he ran from this position showing us his back, shortly there after we recorded the voalisation. We contend that this was his day lounging spot, sitting under the dense, cool shaded cover blissfully passing time until we stumbled upon him. We got within 15 meters of this location before the rocks where thrown.

Whilst we cannot definitively make any link whatsoever between Great Ape and the Australia, further, to their existence, what is clear and apparent  is that the direct link of Primate or Ape- like behavior in this forest and that the precedent for these structures and their use is well documented in Natural science. This briefing paper is not saying that if the Yowie exits it is an Ape, but rather we are saying Ape like qualities are present and this course of investigation may continue to provide these interesting results 

We have had several of these beds confirmed by other witnesses in other parts of the country who have observed these creatures in similar structures, we are able to validate those reports and cross reference with what we had found. Through this now confirmed understanding, we are closer to being able to follow the signs of some of thier behavior more closely. The simmilarities to the nesting / bedding habits of other great apes is startling and certainly not a coincidence. There is not one animal in the Australian wildlife landscape that can make beds of this size. Smaller, yes, and similar but not to the same dimensions of diameters and depth. 

The work continues..........................................................

Ray Doherty 

Foot Print collection

Sunshine Coast Prints

Here is a collection of prints we photogrpahed in 2012/13

they fascinating in thier own right

This Print found in a muddy track on Anzac Day 2012 (April 26)
it measured 36 CM long at Site C near the Camp grounds in our research area

Small child size like prints, also found on the same day but 50 meters west of the image above

This image was taken on Jan 9, 2013, it measured 7 Inches long and 5.5 inches accross the ball of the foot

this was found near feeding station 2

This print was also taken near site C and within 100 meters of the first two photos this was captured in May 2012

Another Anxac Day print measures 32 Cm, notice the width 

                                              June 2012 100 meters from site C, measured 46 Cm

The Story so Far, Australian Ape Research

The Story so Far

In December 2011, a group of independent wildlife enthusiasts and bush survival experts began investigating reports of strange small ‘ape like’ creatures at a location on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as the investigation gathered momentum, reports and witness testimony stretching back 40 years led the team to a small forest within a much larger State Forrest

Immediately the signs where clear. The researchers instantly found convergent ‘Ape Like’ signs in the form of day and night beds, tree and ground nests as well as a range of non human BUT non mainstream ape footprints. Experts where sought and traditional Australian Animals where ruled out.  Over the next few months, the team began hearing ‘ape like’ vocalizations from within the forest, recording some of them. Tree knocking was then observed which was returned leading to amazing exchanges. This led to team members being followed on night survey’s, testing a theory that these ‘creatures’ where either nocturnal or simply more active at night, eyeshine photos where captured.

Vocalizations witnessed and recorded had been not only been matched to one specific ape, but rather a range of them from chimpanzee to Gorilla. The team changed tack. Even though these “Australian Apes’ had not been directly sited at this stage, we had daylight vocal encounters at tree lines from 10 meters. The team effectively transformed into amateur primatologists, studying everything and anything on the great apes, seeking insight in the hopes of trying to find out just exactly what they are dealing with.

After a short break the team returned with a new plan to begin programs trying to habituate ourselves with these creatures, the results of which have been stunning. The team set up feeding stations of fruit and vegetables which where being eaten regularly. After several months the Animals could be heard coming closer, more willing to be vocal, yet remaining hidden….that was until August 2012

The Evidence

In August 2012 whilst restocking a feeding station, team members had rocks thrown in their direction by what appeared to be a juvenile. A glimpse was caught of its back; in its simplest form it seemed to be the back of a low land gorilla, but in Australia? A few minutes later team members heard the strongest and the loudest vocalization to date which was recorded. This seemed to be the first vocalization from one of the adults. Shortly there after the team moved to the second station on the eastern river, the adult followed and the following picture was taken

This Image has been enhanced, however, like all Apes, their curiosity gets the better of them and they observe from what they perceive to be a safe distance. This photo was taken at 120 meters with an 8 MP camera. The object in shot was measured at 6’5 – 7ft – Mountain Silver backs can reach in excess of 7ft.

As promising at this image is, it is not good enough for any kind of identification process in science. This creature was bi pedal, standing on its hind legs. We have no idea if that is the primary form of locomotion or if this bipedal stance was the animal trying to get a better look. The second piece of evidence was taken on Trail camera at feeding station 2 of the 9^th of September 2012, located only some 50 meters from the above location.

In this ‘one of a kind’ photo, a gorilla shaped head and face is clearly viable, so too is a typical ‘ape like’ arm. This tree nest was 6 meters above the forest floor at a distance of 35 meters from the camera. This image has been lightened, magnified and cropped. The subject in shot was indicatively measured at 3 ft 4 inches.

This image has been successful in obtaining the interest in several academics around the country, who have declared ‘off the record’ that the subject in this image exhibits classic primate characteristics.                

 The third and final compelling photo we obtained was in January 2013 whilst working with an SBS crew. Also within 50 meters of the previous images, They (SBS) did not capture this image, the author of this proposal did. The subject was only 25 meters away and allowed me to approach for the photo, whilst once again, it isn’t overly clear; the body outline is clearly similar to that of a Gorilla.

Below is the raw image of the tree sitter hiding behind green foliage on a very large branch, just watching us carefully. After months of attempted habituation we feel that the animals might be slowly becoming more comfortable around the research team. The third image is that of the branch he/she was found sitting on when we returned the next day to search for any physical signs of the Australian Ape. 

Note, the classic Gorilla type shape to the body which can be seen clearly, the head, upon magnification reveals two small, dark eyes with upward pointing sockets. This indicates a primary nocturnal function. Camera used was Samsung WB100 16.2MP. Due to the density of the forest the image was difficult to capture with this camera.

The Next Step

In order to reach our goal of obtaining critical and irrefutable evidence of the existence of the Australian Ape we need to ramp up our habituation program. We need to plan and execute our habituation experiments in a more intensive manner and we need to record these limited opportunities in HD.

Ongoing Habituation experiments

Further develop feeding station behavior – fitted with covert HD cameras and audio devices
Further engage in night time feeding and identification via thermal imagingThermal River patrols at night
Covert and long range filming of said baiting stations
Vocalization programs and audio capture     

All to the point of habituation we follow text book Primatology practices, whilst however we are not scientists we have access to world leading primatologists, biologists, Paleo Archeologists and as well as work with some of the best field researchers around the country

Whilst we posses a lot of reasonably high end consumer equipment we do not have access to funds needed, as we are self funded our time in the field is limited. We have no doubt that we can not only improve dramatically on what we have achieved in one year and perhaps make the discovery of a lifetime.

Final Summation

This subject has been in Australian culture and lore for over 200 years and in the Aboriginal culture for at least 10,000 years. Whether you call it “Yowie’ or ‘Junjudee’ the one inescapable fact for us is as below;

They are real

They are in solid numbers across the Australia and their population is increasing

More and more contacts are occurring due to deforestation and human population growth

They are Apes and our team is close to proving it

Our research team has been successful thus far because we apply primatological and scientific principles In our work, we only in engage in evidence and facts and we even in this document have mounted a strong case for the creatures given how brief this document is given the volume of work we have and now we track them as we would any other primate and it works

We thank you for your time and consideration