Ranmas

Ranmas are a type of cryptid reported in the folklore of the Solomon Islands, specifically among the To'abaita people of Malaita. Descriptions vary, but Ranmas are generally depicted as small, hairy humanoids. They are often described as having a dark complexion and living in dense jungle environments, particularly in caves or near waterfalls.

According to oral traditions, Ranmas are elusive and shy creatures that tend to avoid human contact. Encounters are rare and often fleeting, contributing to their mysterious nature. Some accounts suggest they are nocturnal, while others claim they can be seen during the day. Their diet is not well-documented, but some stories hint at them subsisting on fruits, roots, or small insects.

The cultural significance of Ranmas varies among different communities. They are sometimes viewed as spirits of the forest, responsible for protecting certain areas or acting as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds. In other contexts, they are simply regarded as wild, untamed beings that inhabit the remote wilderness. Efforts to scientifically verify the existence of Ranmas have been unsuccessful, and they remain largely within the realm of folklore and local legend.