Kalanoro

The Kalanoro are alleged cryptid humanoids described in the folklore of Madagascar. Believed to live as spirits, tradition asserts that they used to live corporeally in the rainforests; however, their physical forms were said to have gone extinct due to habitat destruction. The Kalanoro are described as small, hairy humanoids with fangs. Their legs are said to be oriented backwards, with likewise backward-facing feet; further, their eyes are claimed to glow red. Their hair and fingernails are both long and unkempt. Living solitary lifestyles, they reportedly eat raw meat, and have a "whining voice" that scares dogs. Stories of the Kalanoro and their motivations vary. They have been portrayed as malevolent spirits who rob, kill people, and abduct children. The Kalanoro in recent times have also been associated with alcoholism; however, they are also seen as loyal servants to their human companions and can take a paternalistic interest in humans. One Sakalava tale describes a Kalanoro kidnapping children, but only due to their perceiving mistreatment by the children's parents. Once the Kalanoro's demands were met, the abducted children were returned. As a subject of cryptozoology, they were discussed in an episode of Destination Truth.