Adjulé
Adjulé: The Elusive Dog-like Creature of North Africa
The Adjulé is a mysterious, dog-like creature reported to inhabit the vast and arid expanses of the Sahara Desert in North Africa. This enigmatic animal has been the subject of numerous accounts, particularly among the indigenous Berber populations, who have long described it as resembling a wolf in both appearance and behavior.
Etymology and Local Names
The name “Adjulé” originates from the Tamahaq language, spoken by the Berber people of the central Sahara. The creature is known by different names in various regions, reflecting its widespread yet elusive presence across the desert. In Mauritania, it is referred to as “Kelb-el-khela,” which translates to “bushdog.” Another name, “Tarhsît,” is used specifically to describe the female of the species.
Physical Description
The Adjulé is typically described as resembling a wolf, with a powerful build and a coat that blends into the desert environment. Witnesses report it to be a large, agile creature, capable of surviving in the harsh desert climate. Although sightings are rare, the descriptions often liken it to a wolf or a wild dog, emphasizing its predatory nature and its ability to navigate the barren landscape of the Sahara.
Distribution and Habitat
The Adjulé is said to roam the vast stretches of the Sahara Desert, a region known for its extreme conditions and sparse vegetation. The Sahara is one of the harshest environments on Earth, making it an unlikely home for large predators. Despite this, reports of the Adjulé persist, particularly in areas where small populations of gazelles and other desert-adapted prey animals might still be found.
Possible Explanations
While the existence of the Adjulé as a distinct species remains unproven, there are plausible explanations for the reports. One theory suggests that the Adjulé could be an African wild dog (*Lycaon pictus*) straying far outside its usual range. African wild dogs are known for their hunting prowess and typically inhabit protected savanna areas south of the Sahara. These animals can stand up to 2 feet 7 inches at the shoulder and are characterized by their mottled coats and large, rounded ears.
Earlier in the twentieth century, the sub-desert regions of North Africa may have supported small populations of gazelles and other prey species, potentially allowing for scattered packs of African wild dogs to survive in these areas. As these prey populations dwindled due to overhunting and habitat loss, the wild dogs might have become increasingly rare, contributing to the legend of the Adjulé.
Another possibility is that the Adjulé represents a relic population of an as-yet-unidentified canid species, adapted to the extreme conditions of the Sahara. Such a species could have evolved in isolation, maintaining a low profile in the vast desert wilderness.
Cultural Significance and Cryptozoological Interest
The Adjulé holds a place in the folklore of the Sahara’s indigenous peoples, symbolizing the mystery and untamed nature of the desert. For cryptozoologists—those who study and investigate unknown or hidden animals—the Adjulé represents an intriguing subject of study. Its reported sightings, though sparse and often anecdotal, suggest that there may still be undiscovered creatures lurking in the most remote corners of the Earth.
While scientific evidence for the existence of the Adjulé remains elusive, the stories and sightings contribute to the rich tapestry of local legends and underscore the enduring human fascination with the unknown. Whether the Adjulé is a misidentified wild dog, a surviving member of a rare species, or simply a myth born from the harsh conditions of the Sahara, it continues to capture the imagination of those who hear tales of this mysterious desert predator.
Sources:
- Théodore Monod, “Sur la présence du Sahara du Lycaon pictus (Temm.) (Résultats scientifiques de la Mission Saharienne Augiéras-Draper),” Bulletin de la Société Zoologique de France 53 (1928): 262–264
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SOURCE:
Mysterious Creatures – A Guide to Cryptozoology written by George M. Eberhart – Copyright © 2002 by George M. Eberhart – Expanded and Rewritten by Occult World