Nature Nonfiction Books

Gareth Patterson rediscovered the most southerly elephants in the world, the highly endangered and secretive Knysna elephants of the southern Cape, South Africa. It was during this time that he also made the startling discovery of a being even more mysterious than the Knysna elephants – a relict hominoid known to the Knysna forest people as the ‘Otang’.  

Gareth was at first reluctant to blur the remarkable story of the Knysna elephants with his findings about the otang,   

That is, until now.   

The possible existence of relict hominoids is today gaining momentum world-wide with ongoing research into the Sasquatch in North America, the Yeti in the Himalayas, the Yowie in Australia and the Orang Pendek in Sumatra. Eminent conservationists and scientists – among them Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. George Schaller, Dr. Ian Redmond, Professor Jeff Meldrum and Professor Gregory Forth – have publicly stated that they are open-minded about the possible existence of these cryptid beings.   

In the course of his unannounced research into the otang Gareth heard many accounts – mostly spontaneous and unprompted – of otang sightings by others in the area over a number of years. These accounts, documented in this book, are astonishingly consistent both in the descriptions of the otang and in the shocked reactions of the individuals who saw them.   

Gareth Patterson’s work supports the increasing realization that humankind still has much to learn about the natural world and the mysteries it holds. The possibility that we may be sharing our world with other as yet unidentified hominoids is today being viewed as something that should not be discounted. And as humankind, we need to reassess our role and responsibility towards all forms of life that coexist with us on planet Earth.  

Beyond the Secret Elephants continues the story of Patterson’s search for and eventual familiarity with the remaining Knysna elephants, while also revealing…the presence of an even more legendary creature, a relict hominoid known to the indigenous people as the otang.

Dr. Jeff Meldrum. Professor of Anatomy and Anthropology, Idaho State University  

…it is impressive when a renowned field researcher writes a book like Beyond the Secret Elephants – following in the erudite footsteps of the late Lyall Watson…   

Ian Redmond OBE

With so many reports of big cat sightings around Britain, it's clear that these animals are out there. But why are they here? And what are their origins? In this fascinating book, Jonathan McGowan investigates the phenomenon and shares what he's learned from years of research.

The book closely examines dozens of sightings of big cats from all around Britain, providing detailed descriptions and analyses of each sighting. He also describes his experiences and encounters with big cats, including the London Leopard, the Dartmoor Cats, the Cotswold Puma, and many more.

In addition, the book includes information on how to identify field signs left by big cats and how to find and identify bones left behind by these enigmatic creatures. Whether you're a casual observer or a serious researcher, this book will surely provide plenty of food for thought.

Deep in the British countryside, there is a phenomenon that has been baffling experts for years.

Reports of large cats roaming the land have been coming in from all over, but no one has been able to provide any concrete evidence of their existence – until now.

In his new book, Jonathan McGowan takes us on a fascinating journey as he sets out to find the truth about these elusive creatures. Starting with an exploration of the various territorial marks these animals have left behind, Jonathan quickly delves into the deep end as he searches for scientific proof of their existence.

He analyses footprints, fur samples, and vocalizations to find a match with any known species of big cats. But as Jonathan soon discovers, this is no easy task. The world of big cat research is full of controversy and conflicting opinions, making it hard to separate fact from fiction. With expertise obtained from decades of research, Jonathan finally begins to get to the bottom of this mystery. But what he finds may not be what everyone is expecting…

A fascinating book by Jonathan McGowan explores the impact of large cats on the environment and the politics and cover-ups surrounding their existence.

The book starts with a look at the environmental impact of these animals, specifically their scat. McGowan describes how big cat scats impact the ecology of an area.

He then investigates other scats, including those of dogs, badgers, otters, martens, birds, and fur balls. This leads to a discussion of the concerns around conservation and the risk to humans posed by these animals.

The book then turns to the politics of big cats, looking at the various cover-ups and conspiracies surrounding their existence.

Finally, McGowan looks at the potential future of big cats in the UK and how we can learn to live with them. The British Big Cat Phenomenon is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating animals and the issues surrounding them.

A fascinating book by Jonathan McGowan that explores the many sightings of big cats in Britain.

In the book, Jonathan details his sightings, from the Badger Stalker to the Longham Puma, and delves into the various theories about these animals. He also examines reports from other witnesses, including those who have seen these creatures up close and personal, that are particularly compelling.

Written in an accessible and engaging writing style, this book brings those stories to life. Moreover, the book also looks at the predator's diet and how they could survive in the wild.

With so many sightings of big cats across Britain, this is a fascinating and insightful book that will leave you wondering whether these creatures really do exist.