Animals and Men - No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Seven
Publisher: STP Communications and The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Price: £1.75
Cover Headline: Mystery Whales .. The Bodmin Skull .. On Collecting a Cryptid .. Strangeness in Scotland

This issue of 'Animals & Men', the journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, is presented as Issue Seven. The cover features an illustration of a prehistoric-looking creature and highlights several key articles: 'Mystery Whales', 'The Bodmin Skull', 'On Collecting a Cryptid', and 'Strangeness in Scotland'.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team for this issue includes Jonathan Downes (Editor), Jan Williams (Newsfile), Alison Downes (Administratrix), Lisa Peach (Artist), Mort D Arthur (Cartoons), John Jacques (Sole Representation), and Graham Inglis ('We are the road crew'). The magazine also lists its consultants: Dr Bernard Heuvelmans (Honorary Consulting Editor), Dr Karl Shuker (Cryptozoological Consultant), C.H. Keeling (Zoological Consultant), and Tony 'Doc' Shiels (Surrealchemist in Residence). A comprehensive list of Regional Representatives from various countries and regions is also provided.

The editorial, written by Jonathan Downes, notes that the issue is slightly late due to the release of new books by Karl Shuker and Bernard Heuvelmans. The magazine has added four extra pages without increasing the cost, making it twelve pages longer than the previous year. A reader poll indicated an equal division between zoologists and forteans among the readership, with a minority desiring a greater academic bias. In response, the magazine is launching a new series on Cryptocetology and planning more research papers. An annual collection of longer material, 'THE CFZ YEARBOOK 1996', is also announced, costing £10.00 and containing over 180 pages.

The editorial also welcomes cryptozoologist Grover S. Krantz as an article contributor and Clinton Keeling to the editorial consultants panel. A significant challenge for the CFZ is managing the volume of information received, which has led to some stories, such as the Hooded Seal in Cornwall, Indian spiders on the south coast, and a mysterious carcass at Mount Edgecombe (identified as a dog), being held over. Sightings of Morgawr and the Owlman of Mawnan are also mentioned as stories to be covered in the next year.

The next issue is scheduled for January, and the editorial team wishes readers a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year, looking forward to 1996.

Newsfile

Compiled and edited by Jan Williams, the 'Newsfile' section covers several new species and unusual animal reports:

• Chinese Bears: Chinese scientists have discovered two previously unknown species of Giant Panda with grey or white fur in the Shaanxi province. Ancient Chinese manuscripts also depict white bears. The diet of Giant Pandas is questioned, with reports of them killing calves and goats, and one observed eating a sheep. A gang was arrested in Gansu for peddling three Giant Panda skins.
• Horse-Headed Snake: Marine biologists discovered twenty new species of ocean creatures southwest of Tasmania, including one with the body of a snake and the head of a sea-horse.
• Elusive Tortoise: In 1963, John Cann found tortoise hatchlings in Sydney, Australia, leading to the identification of the Mary River Tortoise 'Elusor macrurus', characterized by a laterally flattened tail.
• Lizards and Amazons: An all-female lizard species that reproduces without male contact has been discovered in the West Indies and South America. It appears to be derived from hybrids of two species.
• Tiniest Primate Returns: The Pygmy Mouse Lemur ('Microcebus myoxinus') has been restored to full species status after fieldwork by Jutta Schmid and Peter Kappeler.
• Chinese Wildman Expedition: An expedition led by Professor Yuan Zhengxin searched for evidence of a 'Wildman' in the Shennongjia mountain range. They found teeth described as 'larger than human teeth' and red hair samples. A $80,000 reward is offered for a live wildman, with a $8,000 reward for a dead specimen, and $1,500 for hair and droppings. Wang Fangchen criticized the hunt as 'uncivilised'.
• Tuatara Puzzle: The New Zealand Department of Conservation is investigating the origin of a tuatara found on the north-eastern coast of North Island.

Animal Sightings and Encounters

This section details various unusual animal sightings and events:

• Bear in Dolomites: A brown bear was seen in the Dolomites for the first time in 160 years, near Cortina D'Ampezzo. The last known bear in the area was killed in 1830.
• 'Wild Beast' of the Alps: Swiss police and Italian border guards hunted a 'beast' resembling a German Shepherd dog with long hair, which had killed about 70 sheep in the Val Faret.
• Grunts from the Loch: Strange, deep grunting sounds were heard from the depths of Loch Ness by a survey team and tourists. While not attributed to the monster, it was noted that grunts have been associated with Nessie previously.
• Mystery Cats: Numerous sightings of large black cats are reported across the UK:
• Somerset: A large black cat was filmed by Wayne Broad.
• Wiltshire: Francesca Maner reported a black cat with large green eyes and an enormous tail.
• Buckinghamshire: Sightings of a black, Labrador-sized cat, dubbed the 'Beast of Horwood', were reported, with a reward offered for photos.
• Highland, Scotland: A black cat, longer and taller than a Labrador, was seen near Inverness.
• Tayside, Scotland: Fife police issued a warning about a giant wild cat in woodlands near Kelty.
• Grampian, Scotland: Norman Russell reported a huge black cat bounding across a road.
• Italy: Pumas and panthers are reported to be roaming the Umbria region, with livestock killings.
• Denmark: Police hunted a 'lion-like' cat on the island of Fyn.
• Escapes:
• Two lions and a lioness escaped from a safari park in Warragamba, Australia. The lioness was shot dead.
• Fifteen lions escaped from Ligertown Game Farm in Idaho, USA, and were tracked down and shot. The owners, Robert Fieber and Dotti Martin, were attacked.
• Three chimpanzees escaped from a safari park in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, causing damage.
• I Thought I Saw A...:
• A wallaby was caught at Brentwood, Essex, believed to have escaped from a private zoo.
• An animal seen chasing sheep in Devon was believed to be a wolverine.
• A man in Kent mistook an iguana in his window box for a bird.
• Crocs Run Amok:
• A 3-foot crocodile was caught by a fisherman in Belgium.
• A 3-foot male alligator, believed to be an escaped pet, was captured in New York City.
• Hunters searched for a missing caiman in Numansdorp, Netherlands, which was later found at home.
• Killer Frogs: A campaign against North American Bullfrogs in London highlighted concerns about their breeding and potential damage to native pond life. The Department of the Environment warned against releasing them into the wild.

Other Reports

• Breeding Terrapins: East Sussex Wildlife Rescue is surveying whether terrapins, particularly the Red Eared Terrapin, are breeding in Britain.
• Spiders Close School: Bembridge Primary School on the Isle of Wight was closed due to a colony of poisonous spiders, identified as Steatoda noblis (Black Widow family).
• Rhinoceous Beetle: A mahogany-coloured Rhinocerous Beetle, possibly the first found in Britain, was discovered on a banana boat.
• Fishy Stories:
• A foot-long piranha was caught in a pond in South Yorkshire.
• Piranhas were reported in the Menango River in Italy, prompting warnings to swimmers.
• A rare Angler Fish was caught in the Kessock Firth, Inverness.
• A 'fish from Hell' identified as a Sail-finned Rough Shark was displayed in a shop window near Hull.
• Fish were dissolved by hydrochloric acid due to a leak from a storage tank in East Sussex.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Animals & Men' revolve around the unexplained, the unusual, and the newly discovered in the animal kingdom. Cryptozoology is a prominent focus, with articles on cryptids, expeditions for unknown creatures like the Chinese 'Wildman', and ongoing investigations into legendary animals such as Morgawr and the Owlman. The magazine also highlights reports of 'mystery cats' and other anomalous sightings across various regions, suggesting a widespread interest in phenomena that defy conventional zoological explanations.

The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the inclusion of consultants like Dr Bernard Heuvelmans and Dr Karl Shuker, is one of serious inquiry into fortean phenomena and cryptozoological claims. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between academic zoology and the study of the unexplained, catering to both zoologists and forteans. There is a clear effort to present factual reports, often citing sources and dates, while also acknowledging the speculative and mysterious nature of many of the topics covered. The magazine appears committed to documenting and exploring these fringe aspects of zoology.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Seven
Date: Not specified
Character: This issue of 'Animals & Men' is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Garcia and Bert the Capybara. It covers a range of unusual and mysterious topics, from animal sightings and unusual natural phenomena to investigations into potential cryptids and a new branch of cryptozoology.

News Items

Giant Turtle A giant turtle prompted a sea rescue alert in Kingswear, Devon. The Brixham Lifeboat, a Royal Navy helicopter, and coastguards were involved in searching the coast after a report of an upturned dinghy drifting towards rocks. The object was identified as a turtle, and there have been several reports of an 8-foot hump-backed turtle off the South Devon coast.

Plague of Mice British summertime is plagued by various insects and wasps, but these pale in comparison to an estimated 1 billion mice devastating grain crops in Queensland, Australia. This mouse plague is the worst ever seen, stretching 220 miles and affecting 750,000 acres of farmland. The State cabinet has approved bombing the mice with strychnine.

Rare Remains Police and customs officers, in a raid on a taxidermist's home in Newtown, Powys, on August 15th, uncovered a large collection of remains from some of the world's most endangered animals. A 40-year-old Dutchman was arrested. The house was filled with animals, many in freezers. Investigators found the skull of a Monkey-Eating Philippine Eagle, the skin of a Komodo Dragon, and the skin and head of a Red Panda, along with stuffed chimpanzees, frozen black jaguar cubs, tiger skins, and hundreds of bird specimens. Crawford Allen, an investigator with Traffic (the WWF's wildlife trade monitoring programme), stated that the final list would read like a roll-call of endangered species.

Articles

A Caseful of Cougars. By Jonathan Downes. This article discusses the 'Beast of Bodmin' saga, framing it not just as a zoological problem but as a sociological phenomenon with political, folkloric, and cultural implications. Downes suggests that there might be 'real' cats involved, as confused as the public. He reflects on his involvement in the events of July and August 1995 and draws parallels with the 1976 'Owlman of Mawnan' flap. He references an article by Tony 'Doc' Shiels titled 'The Case... for Owiperson' in a previous issue (A&M6).

Downes notes that the summer of 1995 was exceptionally hot, reminiscent of 1976, which also saw UFO reports, animal mutilations, Sea Serpent reports, and the 'Owlman of Mawnan' in Cornwall. He quotes 'Doc' Shiels describing the heat as 'unwholesome and destructive,' a sentiment many would agree with, given the context of inner-city riots and urban violence reported in the newspapers.

Genuinely Stupid? By G.S. This section addresses the MAFF report on 'The Beast of Bodmin'. The author, G.S., clarifies that he did not call the report 'Rubbish' but expressed disappointment with its findings. He agrees with the report's conclusion that the presented video and photographic evidence, along with sheep kills, did not constitute proof of big cats on the moor, but stresses this is different from stating there are categorically no big cats.

G.S. was approached by newspapers and radio stations for his views. His appearance on Gemini Radio in Exeter led to further developments. He spoke with DJ Steve Browning about mystery big cats and mentioned the need for a specimen. Shortly after, a caller claiming to be a Christian named only by his first name telephoned the station, alleging that three animals, including a pregnant female, had been shot.

Getting Silly By G.S. Steve Browning called G.S. again, informing him about the mystery caller. G.S. was put on air and appealed for the caller to phone back, promising confidentiality and expressing a strong desire to obtain a carcass to resolve the mystery. He repeated this appeal to the 'Western Morning News' and publicly shared his telephone number. He received two calls: one from a woman claiming the animals were sent by God, and another from a drunk individual.

A later call, after another appeal on the 'Steve Browning Show', seemed more genuine. This caller claimed to have been involved in a government and military cover-up regarding big cats on Exmoor and Bodmin. The caller suggested a reason for such a cover-up, which G.S. had previously dismissed as paranoid conspiracy theorising, as an introduced population of big cats would not compromise national security. The caller also claimed involvement in the scandal surrounding the Princess of Wales and Major James Hewitt, who lives in Devon. G.S. remains sceptical but open to further evidence.

Government Scandal By G.S. The informant claims to have been a sergeant in charge of a reconnaissance party during the Royal Marines' hunt for the Beast of Exmoor in the mid-1980s. He states the Marines were also searching for the beast in another unspecified location in the South West, and that the primary aim was not the hunt for the beast but security implications that prevented him from revealing their true objective.

The informant's main claim is that three animals were shot at unspecified locations, with at least one shot on private ground by individuals trespassing and without permission to carry firearms. He alleges a junior officer panicked, and the cover-up was perpetuated up the chain of command to 'save face'. G.S. views this as potentially real-life 'X Files' material but suspects a more prosaic explanation, though he expressed interest in receiving a corpse or skull.

Gruesome Skull By G.S. Three days later, G.S. received a call from UFOlogist Mrs Joan Amos, who informed him that a skull had been found on Bodmin Moor. Initial reports suggested it belonged to a young female big cat, possibly a leopard or puma. G.S. found the timing suspicious, occurring shortly after the MAFF report, and questioned whether a genuine beast would conveniently allow itself to be found in such a manner.

He joked that the skull might have come from an old leopard skin rug. This was the third skull found in the South West; the first was found on Dartmoor in 1988 by schoolboys. One of these schoolboys later admitted the skull found at Lustleigh had been wrapped in a plastic bag, casting doubt on the claims made for this evidence. The second skull was also suspected to be from a tiger skin rug. When Doug Richardson from London Zoo announced that the skull was from a recently dead animal with flesh particles, G.S. decided to investigate further.

Getting Serious By G.S. Bodmin had a peculiar atmosphere, with groups of men in pubs discussing 'the beast'. Rumors circulated about the army being called in and about creatures escaping from genetic research labs. G.S. noted army trucks with soldiers in full battle dress on the road to Falmouth, though he suspected they were likely Territorials on an exercise.

Graffiti in Bodmin expressed public sentiment, with messages like "HOW LONG BEFORE A CHILD IS KILLED?" and "MAFF IS MURDER". G.S. spent two days with 'Doc' Shiels, discussing the matter and participating in a live phone-in to Gemini Radio. Doug Richardson announced plans for another investigation into the Bodmin creatures, with some reports suggesting he intended to kill the animal. G.S. believes any danger to humans is minimal and danger to livestock is exaggerated, and he and colleagues began planning their own expedition.

Guilty Soldier By G.S. An anonymous informant told G.S. that the skull's discovery was a direct result of his radio and newspaper appeal for a skull. The informant's acquaintances delivered the skull in a more flamboyant manner than G.S. had anticipated, expecting a 'gruesome parcel wrapped in a bin bag'. The inference was that the skull was from one of the creatures shot in the mid-1980s, though the truth was different, G.S. still believes his appeal was instrumental.

Good Scam? By G.S. Doug Richardson later announced he had found tropical insect egg cases inside the cranium and that the flesh was from dried tissue left inside a skull prepared for a skin rug. G.S. felt sorry for Barney Lanyon-Jones, the schoolboy who found it, as it was clearly a hoax. However, he concludes that one swallow does not make a summer, and three hoaxes do not disprove a mystery cat, stating that 'the case' is still open.

On Collecting a Cryptid By Grover S. Krantz. This article explores the controversy surrounding the collection of specimens to demonstrate the existence of unknown species. Krantz distinguishes between various kinds of cryptids, arguing that for some, a specimen is crucial for resolution, while for others, it would accomplish nothing. He notes that the Sasquatch (bigfoot) in America and the Loch Ness Monster are examples where specimens would be highly significant.

Krantz outlines four categories for cryptozoological interest: Unexpected Size, Unexpected Morphology, Unexpected Time, and Unexpected Place. He discusses how collecting specimens for each category would provide different levels of evidence. For 'Unexpected Morphology' (e.g., Sasquatch), a specimen would prove existence. For 'Unexpected Place' (e.g., the Beast of Exmoor), a specimen would not prove existence as the species is already known.

He applies these categories to UK examples: the Loch Ness Monster as 'unexpected morphology' and the Beast of Exmoor as 'unexpected place'. He argues that retrieving a specimen of the Loch Ness Monster would strongly support its existence and location, whereas for the Beast of Exmoor, proving its existence is not the issue, and the possibility of escape from captivity makes a specimen less conclusive.

Cryptocetology: Introducing a new branch of Cryptozoology Part one of a seven-part series by Darren Naishex. This article introduces 'Cryptocetology,' a new field combining the study of whales with cryptozoology. Naishex was inspired by an illustration by Sir Peter Scott of a dolphin seen in the Magellan Straits in 1968, which he did not recognise as a known species. His research revealed a wealth of whale species seen or photographed but not yet scientifically documented.

He mentions Heuvelmans' recognition of eight such species and suggests more exist. Naishex coins the term 'Cryptocetology' to explore these 'habitat-induced elusiveness' phenomena in marine life. He notes that whales, due to their aquatic environment, have historically been harder to study than terrestrial animals. He cites examples like the coelacanth and megamouth as evidence of modern species remaining unknown for extended periods.

This first article serves as a primer, familiarizing readers with terms and ideas that will be explored in subsequent articles. It begins with a basic introduction to whale diversity and evolution.

The Evolution of Whales and the cryptocetological aspects therein. This section details the evolutionary history of whales (Cetacea). The current scientific consensus is that Cetacea are monophyletic, sharing a single ancestor, a mesonychid (an omnivorous, wolf-like ungulate) that became amphibious and fish-eating in the early Eocene, about 50 million years ago. These early whales, called protocetids, were ancestral to later whales and are described as looking like long-snouted sea-lions, with the example of Ambulocetus natans illustrated.

Protocetids evolved into basilosaurids, such as Basiliosaurus, a large form from the late Eocene. Protocetids and zeuglodonts are collectively known as 'archaeocetes'. The article notes that protocetids may represent a more explicit cryptozoological link. It also mentions that other theories on whale origins exist and will be discussed later.

The Rise of Modern Whales. Modern whales are divided into toothed whales (Odontoceti) and baleen whales (Mysticeti). Both groups evolved from the Archaeoceti. The article suggests that while previously thought to have evolved independently, there is now molecular evidence indicating otherwise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, the mysterious, and the unusual in the natural world. There is a strong focus on cryptozoology, with detailed investigations into specific cases like the 'Beast of Bodmin' and the introduction of a new field, 'Cryptocetology'. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and speculation while acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The magazine also touches upon issues of wildlife conservation and the impact of human activity on endangered species. The 'Lest We Forget' dedication highlights a melancholic tone, acknowledging loss within the community of 'Animals & Men' readers.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Seven

This issue of 'Animals & Men' is a compilation of articles focusing on two primary themes: the evolutionary history of whales and cryptozoological accounts, particularly those involving unusual animal sightings.

Whale Evolution and Systematics

The issue presents a detailed phylogenetic tree of cetaceans, illustrating their evolutionary journey from the Paleocene to the Pleistocene epochs. It discusses the divergence of odontocetes (toothed whales) and mysticetes (baleen whales), noting that while mysticetes were once thought to have evolved from early Oligocene archaeocetes, recent genetic evidence suggests a more complex relationship, possibly indicating that sperm whales evolved from other odontocetes.

Key points regarding whale evolution include:

• Early Ancestors: The earliest toothed whales, like Squalodon, appeared in the Oligocene (around 37 million years ago). By 30 million years ago, four lineages had emerged, leading to sperm whales, beaked whales, river dolphins, and typical dolphins.
• Miocene Adaptation: During the Miocene (23-5.3 million years ago), the basic dolphin design was adapted for various environments, including polar regions, rivers, and marine areas. Three families of Delphinoidea survive today.
• Delphinoids: This group includes a wide range of sizes and behaviors, from small dolphins to the Orca. Some, like the Narwhal, possess unique features such as a tusk-like incisor.
• River Dolphins (Platanistoids): These have independently evolved to inhabit muddy rivers, with some species being poorly sighted and their evolutionary paths still being investigated.
• Mysticetes vs. Odontocetes: The Oligocene period was a time of significant divergence. While DNA evidence initially suggested mysticetes diverged from sperm whales in the mid-late Miocene, fossil evidence from the early Oligocene casts doubt on this. More recent genetic analyses suggest mysticetes are monophyletic and distinct from sperm whales.
• Sperm Whales: The three known species are divided into two families: Kogiids (pygmy sperm whales) and Physeterids (Great Sperm Whale). Their unique features and feeding habits link them to cryptozoology.
• Beaked Whales (Ziphoids): Known from the mid-Miocene, they share asymmetrical skulls with physeteroids but are not closely related. They are mostly deepwater forms, with some species being poorly known.
• Mysticete Diversification: Baleen whales were successful in the Oligocene, Miocene, and lower Pliocene. While fewer species exist today, they were once more numerous. The issue categorizes them into groups like Grey whales, Balaenidae (right whales), Neobalaenida (including the Pygmy Right Whale), and Balaenopteridae (rorquals, including the Blue Whale).
• Systematics: The classification of whale species is complex, with ongoing debate about population variations and species definitions. This has implications for cryptozoology, as unrecognized species might exist.

Cryptozoological Accounts

Strangeness in Scotland

Mark Fraser recounts several unusual incidents experienced by his family in Scotland during 1994. These include:

• Phantom Wolf: A sighting of a wolf with large red eyes that disappeared instantly in Drummoir, Banffshire. Later, local residents confirmed the area was supposedly haunted by a phantom wolf blamed for cattle mutilations.
• Strange Animal in Glenshee: A sighting of an animal with large hind legs, described as a cross between a kangaroo and a hyena, with red glowing eyes. The witness felt it was laughing at them.
• Other Incidents: The family also experienced dangerous behavior from cows, a UFO sighting, and poltergeist activity.

Fraser expresses a fascination with collecting accounts of strange/alien animals and notes that many witnesses prefer to remain anonymous.

Editors Note: Zooform Phenomenon

The editors highlight a sighting by Joan Gilbert in Branksome, Dorset, on April 7, 1974, of a creature identified as a Thylacine. The Thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger, is presumed extinct since the 1930s and was known only from Tasmania. Gilbert's description of a striped, long-tailed, grey animal was uncanny, and she later identified it from a picture.

The editors adopt a 'fortean' approach, refraining from drawing immediate conclusions from such sightings.

Bibliography

The issue concludes with Part Two of 'A Bibliography of Cryptozoological and Zoomythological Books,' listing numerous titles under the category 'Man-Beasts,' with authors and publication details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry (particularly in evolutionary biology) and the more speculative realm of cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and personal accounts without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, especially in the case of unexplained phenomena. The use of scientific references alongside anecdotal reports suggests an attempt to bridge these two fields.

This issue of 'Animals & Men', titled 'Issue Seven', is a comprehensive compilation of books and articles related to cryptozoology. The content is predominantly bibliographical, listing numerous publications on various unknown creatures and phenomena. The magazine appears to be aimed at enthusiasts of the unexplained and covers a wide range of topics from unknown hominoids to aquatic and aerial mysteries.

Key Content Areas

Unknown Hominoids (Bigfoot, Yeti, Sasquatch, etc.)

The majority of the issue is dedicated to listing books concerning the Yeti, Sasquatch, and Bigfoot. Authors like John Green, Bernard Heuvelmans, and Grover S. Krantz are frequently cited, with titles covering their tracks, encounters, and the general phenomenon. The listings span a wide range of publications from different countries and eras, indicating a global interest in these creatures. Specific regional variations like the 'California Bigfoot/Sasquatch' and 'Pennsylvania Bigfoot' are also noted.

Lake and Sea Monsters

Another significant section focuses on aquatic cryptids, with a strong emphasis on the Loch Ness Monster. Numerous books are listed, detailing investigations, evidence, and the history of sightings. Authors such as Tim Dinsdale, Roy P. Mackal, and Nicholas Witchell are prominent. The coverage extends to other lake monsters like Ogopogo and Mokele-Mbembe, as well as sea serpents, the Kraken, and other marine mysteries. The 'Water Monsters' section is extensive, reflecting a deep interest in these phenomena.

Other Cryptids and Phenomena

Beyond hominoids and aquatic creatures, the issue touches upon other cryptids and unexplained phenomena. 'Bird Brained' features a letter discussing the 'Cornish Owlman', with the author suggesting it might be a misidentified owl. 'The Bear Facts' includes commentary on the Nandi Bear and the classification of 'Australopithecus ramidus'. 'Flying Mystery Beasts' lists books on creatures like the Piasa. The issue also includes a review of a book on dragons by Karl P.N.Shuker, highlighting his scholarly yet entertaining approach to zoomythology.

Vampirism

'Reading the Vampire' by Ken Gelder is reviewed, examining vampirism from cultural and literary perspectives. The review notes that the book avoids discussing 'real' vampirism, focusing instead on socio-political analysis and historical context.

Reader Contributions and Commentary

The issue includes letters from readers, such as Eric Sorensen, Janet Bord, Clinton Keeling, M. Playfair, and Darren Naish. These contributions offer personal insights, comments on articles, and additional information or perspectives on the topics discussed. For instance, M. Playfair writes about Loch Lomond monster sightings, while Darren Naish corrects a point about chalicotheres. Janet Bord offers her thoughts on the Owlman, suggesting it might be an owl.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed in detail. 'On the Track of Unknown Animals' by Bernard Heuvelmans is lauded as a foundational work in cryptozoology. 'In Search of Prehistoric Survivors' by Karl P.N.Shuker is described as a significant contribution to the field, focusing on 'prehistoric survivors'. 'Dragons - a Natural History' by Karl P.N.Shuker is also reviewed positively for its entertaining style and illustrations. The review of 'Reading the Vampire' by Ken Gelder is also included.

Special Offers

The 'Crypto Shop' is advertised, offering discounts on 'In Search of Prehistoric Survivors' by Dr Karl P.N.Shuker and 'On the Track of Unknown Animals' by Dr Bernard Heuvelmans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'Animals & Men' consistently explores the fringes of zoology and folklore, with a clear focus on cryptozoology. The magazine seems to encourage serious investigation into unexplained phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed bibliographies and scholarly reviews. However, there is also an acknowledgment of the need for critical analysis, as seen in the discussion of the Owlman and the critique of overly speculative claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry balanced with a demand for rigorous evidence and logical reasoning. The inclusion of reader letters suggests an interactive and community-oriented approach to the subject matter.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Seven
Date: Not specified
Content Type: Magazine issue focusing on cryptozoology, forteana, zoology, and natural history.

"Now That's what I Call Crypto!" by Neil Nixon

This section reviews the album "The Magnificence of Stereo" by Richard Scott and Rex Crasswell, released in 1992 on the Sruti Box label (catalogue number CD 01). The reviewer, Neil Nixon, highlights the track "Slug Talk" as a particularly unusual "sonorial weirdness" that is less than two minutes long. He describes it as a gurgling, slurping, droning, and humming soundscape that shifts to sampled electronic piano. Nixon speculates that the sounds might be from slugs that have mutated after imbibing radioactive juices near Sellafield, or that the artists are "pale skinned techno fiends" unaware of the 1995 heatwave. He notes that the album is difficult to find, not appearing in official music industry lists, and suggests looking in the small ads of "out to lunch music mags".

Disclaimer

A notice states that the material printed in the magazine represents the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the editorial team or The Centre for Fortean Zoology. It also asserts that efforts have been made to ensure no copyright restrictions have been infringed and no defamatory statements have been published.

Periodical Reviews

The magazine features a "Periodical Reviews" section, welcoming exchanges with other magazines and categorizing them.

Cryptozoology and Zoomythology

• DRAGONCHRONICLE: Published by The dragon trust, PO Box 3369, London SW6 6JN. Described as a fascinating collection of draconian topics, appearing four times a year, A4 and glossy.
• THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CRYPTOZOOLOGY CLUB NEWSLETTER: Located at 3773 West 18th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. V65 1B3. Considered excellent and well put together, with an online presence.
• CREATURE RESEARCH JOURNAL: Published by Paul Johnson, 721 Old Greensburg Pike, North Versailles, PA 15137-1111 USA. A fascinating periodical correlating mystery animals and UFO reports.
• CRYPTOZOOLOGIA: Published by Association Belge d'Etude et de Protection des Animaux Rares, Square des Latins 49/4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium. A French language magazine from the Belgian society for Cryptozoology.

Fringe Science

• NEXUS: Located at 55 Queens Rd, E. Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1BG. An intelligent and impressive look at the fringes of science.

Fortean

• TEMS NEWS: Located at 115 Hollybush Lane, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2QY. An entertaining collection of odds and sods and generally weird stuff, recommended.
• DEAD OF NIGHT: Located at 156 Bolton Road East, Newferry, Wirral, Merseyside, L62 4RY. An amusing and intelligently put together Fortean magazine, featuring an article on the occult aspects of Loch Ness.
• ENIGMAS: Located at 41 The Braes, Tullibody, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, FK10 2TT. A "mysteries" magazine with a UFO bias. An article by the reviewer on animal mutilation is forthcoming.
• THIRD STONE: Located at PO BOX 258, Cheltenham, Glocs, GL53 OHR. The magazine of the Gloucester Earth Mysteries group, offering a witty and stylish look at earth mysteries, particularly in Gloucestershire.
• EARTHLY DELIGHTS: Located at PO Box 2, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0YY. A mixture of anarchic silliness and oddball synchronicity.

Zoology/Natural History

This section lists various societies and their newsletters.

• SOUTH WEST HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER: From Frank Gibbons, Acanthus, 59 St Marychurch Rd, Torquay, Devon. Entertaining and informative, with quasi fortean oddments.
• PORTSMOUTH REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN SOCIETY NEWSLETTER: From M Jones, 7 Hazelmere Rd, Southsea, Hants. Described as a thriving regional organization with authoritative publications.
• MILTON KEYNES HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY: Located at 15 Esk Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes. An excellent A5 magazine with handy hints and informative articles.
• MAINLY ABOUT ANIMALS: Edited by veteran Zoologist Clinton Keeling, located at 13 Pound Place, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8HH. This A5 magazine is described as "mainly about animals" and is highly recommended as a genre that was feared lost.
• WILD EQUID SOCIETY: Located at 5 Percy Rd., London E16 4RB. An intelligent and well-written journal about wild animals of the horse tribe.
• ANIMAL KEEPER: Located at PO Box 1, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5NE. A glossy but erudite magazine aimed at exotic wild animal keepers.
• ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE ANIMAL KEEPERS: Located at 8 Yewlands Walk, Ifield, Crawleigh, W. Sussex RH11 OQE. An organization aimed at safeguarding hobbyists from restrictive legislation.
• YOUNG HERPETOLOGISTS CLUB: Located c/o Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY. An excellent organization for young reptile enthusiasts.
• NATIONAL TERRAPIN PROJECT: Located at 151 South Rd., Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3NT. Maintains a register of out-of-place Chelonians in the UK.
• ESSEX REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS SOCIETY: Located at 6 Chestnut Way, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex, COS ONX. An excellent and lively regional society with valuable information.

The magazine also mentions exchanging publications with "The Cereaologist", "Bipedia", "Nessletter", "Promises and Disappointments", "Touchstone", "Annals 2", "The Reptilian", "Kingsbridge Natural History Society", "South West Tarantula Society", "The Bigfoot Record", and "Track Record", noting that nothing has been received from the latter group in the past three months.

Cartoon

A cartoon by Mort is featured on the last page, with the caption "FAR OUT! I KNOW IT'S BEEN HOT, BUT..... WOW!" and the instruction "put on your rubber chicken suit and take me for a ride". The ISSN is listed as 1354-0637, and the typesetting is credited to Hens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and zoology/natural history. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration of unusual topics, as evidenced by the reviews of fringe science and cryptozoology publications, alongside a more traditional zoological focus. The disclaimer suggests a commitment to presenting diverse opinions while adhering to legal and ethical standards.