Aswang in the Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aswang#Appearances_in_other_mediaBunyip in Australia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bunyip_(1935).jpgWhat interests me about both of these is the wide variety of descriptions associated with the same name. This extends not just to what the monster looks like, but whether it is a monster/rare species or an evil spirit.
It is already scientifically recognized that 'Mega Faunna' were still roaming Australia less than 100,000 years ago. As for Aswang, I've heard Americans living in the Philippines describe it more as a mystery than a myth, as something the locals (modern educated people as well as tribal villagers) take very seriously.
I imagine a team of cryto-zoologists catching one of these things...then realizing that they need witchdoctors rather than outdoorsmen.