Animals and Men - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Eight
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Price: £1.75

This issue of 'Animals & Men' is the eighth installment of the journal, published by The Centre for Fortean Zoology. It features a diverse range of articles and news items related to cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and unusual animal reports.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team for this issue includes Jonathan Downes as Editor, Jan Williams as Newsfile Editor, and Alison Downes as Administratrix supreme. Lisa Peach is credited as the Artist, and 'Mort' is responsible for the cartoons. Graham Inglis is noted as the 'Saviour of the Road Crew'. The magazine also lists its consultants: Dr Bernard Heuvelmans (Honorary Consulting Editor), Dr Karl P.N.Shuker (Cryptozoological Consultant), C.H.Keeling (Zoological Consultant), and Tony 'Doc' Shiels (Surrealchemist in Residence). A network of Regional Representatives spans various locations including the West Midlands, Mexico, Spain, Germany, France, Wiltshire, Scotland, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Belgium, Norfolk, Leicestershire, Cumbria, Home Counties, S.Wales/Salop, Denmark, and Sweden.

The editorial in the 'THE GREAT DAYS OF ZOOLOGY ARE NOT DONE' section thanks supporters for 1995 and looks forward to an exciting year with new projects. These include books on 'The Smaller Mystery Carnivores of the Westcountry', 'The Owiman of Mawnan', 'The Mystery Animals of Hong-Kong', and 'The Cantrip Codex'. The Centre is also involved in television projects and a movie-length video on fortean phenomena in Cornwall. The editorial appeals for help from readers, seeking volunteers to assist at events and potentially offer accommodation to travelling cryptozoologists.

Contents

The issue features an editorial, a newsfile, and a variety of articles including:

• 'The Quagga Project' by Chris Moiser
• 'A Malayan Man Beast' by C.H.Keeling
• A Bibliography of Cryptozoological and Zoomythological books (part 3) by Dr Karl Shuker and Stephen Shipp
• 'Cryptocetology-the Page 254 Story' by Darren Naish
• 'New and rediscovered species in Devonshire' by David Bolton
• 'The story of a green dog' by Richard Muirhead
• 'A Green Kitten' by Eric Sorensen
• 'The A-Z of Cryptozoology' (part 6) by Jan Williams
• Letters to the Editor
• Book Reviews
• Periodical Reviews
• Cartoon

Newsfile

The 'Newsfile' section compiles various recent reports on unusual animal sightings and phenomena:

• Lake Van Monster: A government-funded investigation is underway in Turkey following reports of a 'dinosaur-like' monster in Lake Van. Witnesses described it as black, with triangular spikes and hairy features.
• Burrum Beast: A long-necked lake monster, the Burrum Beast, has been sighted near Childers, Queensland, Australia, an area where it has been seen since the beginning of the century.
• Toggie on Film?: A report claims that a Reading-based film company may have filmed 'Toggie', the legendary monster of Lake Bala in North Wales, for a Japanese TV crew. However, this story is later revealed to be a spoof that was misrepresented online. The company did film an object, but it was inanimate.
• Ancient Equines: An expedition in the Riwoche area of north-eastern Tibet discovered a population of horses resembling those in European cave paintings. These pony-sized, short-maned, beige-coloured horses have angular heads and dark lines of hair along their backs.
• Zorse Racing: American horse breeder Diane Richards is developing a zebra-horse hybrid, called a 'zorse', named 'White Cloud', for racing. The hybrid possesses the speed of a racehorse and the stamina of a zebra.
• Pony Power: Five Konik ponies have been imported from Poland to help conserve fenland in Norfolk by grazing on sedge and reeds.
• Queensland Thylacine: A man reported seeing an animal believed to be a thylacine near Bundaberg, Queensland, which chased a kangaroo. He described it as a sandy-coloured striped animal with large green-yellow eyes and a crocodile-like jaw.
• Wallabies on the Wane: Wildlife experts believe only two wallabies may be left in the Roaches area of the Staffordshire Peak District. A colony of Barnet's Wallabies, which escaped in 1939, has fluctuated over the years and is now facing extinction.

Mystery Cats

Several reports of large cats sighted in the UK are detailed:

• Cornwall: A black, long, and slender big cat was reported at Trevenning Farm, Fowey.
• North Yorkshire: A large white cat with a 'leopard shaped head' and a long tail was seen in woods near Hovingham.
• Buckinghamshire: A 'big cat with pointed ears' was seen in the Page Hill area of Buckingham.
• Cambridgeshire: The 'Fen Tiger' was reported, described as 'waist-high and bigger than a Great Dane'. Large, unidentifiable prints were found, examined by a university zoologist who concluded they were not from a native wild animal. A labrador-sized black cat with a white chest was also seen in Comberton in 1993.
• Leicestershire: A big cat was reported near a residential estate in Leicester, described as having a small head and a long body and tail.
• Dyfed, Wales: Farmers met to discuss livestock deaths, with an ex-zookeeper claiming a puma or leopard was responsible for the deaths of over 20 sheep. Farmers want to employ him to track the animal.
• Highland, Scotland: Plaster casts of large cat prints, measuring 12 cm by 8 cm, were found in Strathglass.

Other Mammals

• Goatsucker Ate Teddy Bear: A mysterious 'blood-sucking beast' known as 'Chupacabras' or 'Goat-Sucker' is causing concern in Puerto Rico, reportedly responsible for the deaths of numerous domestic animals. Descriptions vary, but one witness described it as about four feet tall, resembling a monkey with no tail, and having huge red eyes and hairy arms. Similar unexplained animal deaths occurred in 1975, alongside UFO sightings.
• Wild Rocker: Police in Suffolk are investigating claims that a wild animal terrorised travellers by rocking their caravan.

Dinosaurs

• Dinosaur Death Theory on Test: The voyage of the Joides Resolution aims to test the theory that a giant meteorite caused the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Core samples will be taken from the Chicxulub crater off the Mexico coast to look for evidence of Iridium gases and extraterrestrial amino acids.
• Dinosaur Discoveries: A fossil of an Oviraptor hatching eggs has been discovered in Mongolia, suggesting dinosaurs protected and reared their young. A new species of pterodactyl, named Arthurdactylus conandoylei, with a six-metre wingspan, has been discovered in Brazil.

Miscellaneous

• Escapes: Two chimpanzees escaped from Southport Zoo, causing chaos. Over 300 crocodiles escaped due to flood waters near Bangkok, Thailand, and are being hunted.
• Trans-Sexual Fish: A species of fish discovered off the coast of Japan can change sex at will.
• Giant Lobster: Divers found a 15lb giant lobster, named 'Neptune', near Portland, Dorset.
• Multi-Storey Snake: A three-foot long black Taiwanese Beauty snake was found on the sixth floor of a multi-storey car park in Southampton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation into unexplained animal phenomena, cryptozoology, and the reporting of unusual sightings and discoveries from around the world. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting reports and theories without necessarily endorsing them, as indicated by the disclaimer stating that the views published are not necessarily those of the publisher or editorial team. The Centre for Fortean Zoology appears dedicated to exploring the fringes of zoology and the unexplained.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Eight
Date: Undetermined (references to 1995 events)
Content Type: Magazine featuring zoological news, scientific projects, cryptozoological accounts, and extensive bibliographies.

News in Brief

This section presents several short, unusual animal-related news items:

• A Zoo in His Luggage: Airport security in Cairo discovered a passenger's suitcase contained a 'mini-zoo' with live crocodiles, baby foxes, chameleons, gerbils, and lizards. (Daily Star, 2.10.1995).
• Strange Smell in Salisbury: Police officers investigating a foul odor unearthed a shallow grave containing the body of a three-foot-six-inch lizard. (Salisbury Journal, 17.8.1995).
• Invest in Pests: Shares in Fumakilla surged on the Tokyo stock market following news of poisonous Australian Red Backed Spiders sighted in Osaka. (Independent, 29.11.1995).
• Take My Llama: An Argentinian animal breeder named Leopoldo Canari wishes to exchange his six-legged llama for a television set, preferably from a scientist, as his home in the Andean Mountains lacks electricity. (Die Welt, 30.11.1995).

The Quagga Project

This extensive article by Chris Moiser details the Quagga, an extinct subspecies of the Plains Zebra (*Equus quagga quagga*). The Quagga, characterized by lacking stripes at its rear and having a brown background color, is believed to have gone extinct around August 12, 1883, primarily due to hunting for meat and leather.

Initially common, Quaggas were not widely bred in European zoos. The article discusses the confusion surrounding its classification, with some taxonomists suggesting a closer relation to horses. This was resolved in the 1980s when American researchers, working with samples obtained by Reinhold Rau (chief taxidermist at the South African Museum), extracted DNA from Quagga tissue. Comparisons with modern zebras showed a strong similarity, confirming it was likely a subspecies of the Plains Zebra. Geographically, this aligns with the Quagga's known habitat in the Karoo and Orange Free State of South Africa, bordering the Plains Zebra's range.

The article explains that if the Quagga is a subspecies, its name (*Equus quagga*) should take precedence over *Equus burchelli* (Plains Zebra) under zoological nomenclature rules, leading to potential confusion.

The Quagga Project began in the mid-1980s, with initial breeding stock sourced from Etosha National Park and Zululand in 1987/8. These Plains Zebras were selected for their lack of rear stripes and brown background color. The animals were initially kept at Vrolijkheid near Robertson and later moved to four sites in the Cape Town area. The project is in its early stages, with some second-generation foals showing Quagga-like traits. It is estimated that it may take ten to twenty-five generations to produce a truly Quagga-like animal.

The ethical and biological implications of recreating an extinct species are discussed, noting that the Quagga's extinction was human-caused and its habitat remains available. The project is seen as a small step towards a 'post-conservation' world. Visitors can view some of the project zebras at the Groot Schuur estate near Cape Town, where there is also a display board and a tea room.

Dr. David Barnaby and Chris Moiser visited the project in the summer of 1995. Barnaby plans to publish a book on the Quagga in 1996.

An Editorial Comment highlights the revolutionary nature of species re-constitution, citing the Quagga project and rumors of mammoth DNA being used to recreate woolly mammoths, suggesting zoologists will need to adapt to new concepts.

A Malayan Mystery Man-Beast

Written by Clinton Keeling, this account recounts a story told to him in March 1961 by a local man, referred to as T.B., who had served in Malaya during the Emergency in the mid-1950s. T.B., described as a simple but honest man, claimed that while on patrol, he nearly shot what he thought was a bandit but turned out to be a 'great big Moonkey' (Monkey).

When questioned about its size, T.B. indicated it was as big as his eleven-year-old son. Crucially, T.B. insisted the creature had no tail, which contradicts known primates native to Malaya, such as the pig-tailed Macaque. The creature was described as mid-brown in color.

Keeling initially doubted the story but was convinced by T.B.'s insistence. He speculates that the creature might have been an Orang Pendek (a cryptid from Sumatra) or one of the ape-like or man-like creatures reported in Perak in the early 1950s, which caused terror among rubber-tappers and required police escorts. Keeling concludes that T.B. was telling the truth, even though the creature's identity remains a mystery.

Bibliographies

The issue contains extensive bibliographies divided into several categories:

• General Zoomythology: A long list of books covering mythical beasts, monsters, and legendary creatures from various cultures and time periods, with authors, titles, publishers, and publication years. Notable entries include works by Jorge L. Borges, Katharine Briggs, Conrad Gesner (dating back to 1551), and Angelo de Gubernatis.
• Dragons: A comprehensive list of books focusing specifically on dragons, their mythology, history, and symbolism, including works from different countries and eras.
• Other Specific Mythological Animals: This section lists books on creatures such as werewolves, unicorns, griffins, and mermaids, covering their lore, history, and cultural significance.
• Biological Curiosities and Controversies - A Brief Selection of Works: This final bibliography covers a broad range of topics including serpent worship, animal behavior, psychic animals, animal legends, feral children, dolphins, and various natural anomalies and mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of zoology, folklore, and the unexplained. It presents factual news alongside accounts of strange phenomena and mythical creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the natural world, including its more mysterious aspects. The Quagga Project article, in particular, touches upon the ethical and scientific implications of 're-constituting' extinct species, suggesting a forward-looking perspective on zoological possibilities. The extensive bibliographies indicate a commitment to providing resources for further research into these diverse subjects.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Eight
Date: Undetermined

This issue of 'Animals & Men' is a compilation of articles and bibliographies related to natural history, cryptozoology, and animal folklore. It features a significant piece on cryptocetology, an editorial on the nature of proof, and a brief report on a new species discovery.

Articles

Mort Says He Wrote This But We Can't Prove It!

This editorial piece, written by 'Mort', questions the human obsession with proof and the unreliability of evidence, particularly eyewitness accounts. The author argues that in cryptozoology, especially concerning phenomena like the Loch Ness Monster, belief and faith are more important than definitive proof. Mort uses the hypothetical example of a marine elephant washing ashore in Loch Ness to illustrate how even concrete evidence can be misinterpreted or insufficient to prove the existence of a cryptid.

Cryptocetology: The Page 254 Story (Part Two)

Authored by Darren Naish, this article continues a series on mystery whales and focuses on a specific case involving Sir Peter Scott. Scott, a renowned naturalist, artist, and conservationist, is introduced as a key figure. The article details Scott's background, his founding of the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and his role in establishing the World Wildlife Fund. It highlights Scott's belief in the Loch Ness Monster and his creation of graphic depictions of it. The central mystery revolves around an illustration on page 254 of Scott's 'Travel Diaries of a Naturalist' depicting an unrecognized dolphin species, which Scott tentatively identified as 'White-bellied' (Cephalorhynchus albiventris).

The author, Naish, investigates this 'mystery' dolphin ('M'), first considering Scott's proposed identification. He explains that the scientific name Scott used has since been subsumed into the Chilean dolphin (C. eutropia), a species known to inhabit the Chilean coast. However, Naish finds inconsistencies between Scott's description and painting of 'M' and the known characteristics of the Chilean dolphin, particularly regarding coloration, white lower jaws, and the shape of the head and dorsal fin.

Naish then examines the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) as another potential candidate but eliminates it due to the lack of reported bright white undersides and differences in fin shape and size.

The article critically assesses the accuracy of cetacean illustrations in general, noting that they have historically been poor due to the creatures' aquatic nature and the reliance on dead specimens. While acknowledging Scott's overall excellence in illustrating birds, Naish suggests that his accuracy with cetaceans might have been less precise, especially during the period of his 'Travel Diaries' (1956-1968). An analysis of 35 of Scott's cetacean renditions from this period, depicting 23 species, found him to be approximately 87% accurate in morphology and pigmentation. However, the assessment also revealed notable errors in some illustrations, such as those of Hourglass dolphins, indicating that Scott was not infallible.

Ultimately, Naish concludes that 'M' does not match any known dolphin species and remains a suspect entity, possibly an inaccurately depicted Chilean dolphin or even an unknown species. The article ends with a list of references and notes, underscoring the unresolved nature of the mystery.

New and Rediscovered species in Devonshire

This short piece by David Bolton announces the discovery and confirmation of the species *Spermodea lamellata* residing in North Devon. The author expresses excitement about this revelation, which has been the subject of rumors, and poses rhetorical questions about the species' identity and the significance of its presence.

Bibliography

The issue includes an extensive bibliography, spanning several pages, listing numerous books and articles related to animals, natural history, folklore, and cryptozoology. This section provides a comprehensive resource for readers interested in further exploration of the topics covered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, the challenges of scientific proof and evidence, the accuracy of scientific illustration, and the fascination with the natural world and its mysteries. The editorial stance, particularly in Mort's piece, leans towards embracing the wonder and mystery of the unknown, suggesting that a degree of faith and belief can enrich our understanding of life, even in the absence of definitive proof. The detailed analysis of Sir Peter Scott's work reflects a deep respect for his contributions to natural history and conservation, while also maintaining a critical eye for scientific accuracy.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Eight
Content Type: Magazine

Mollusc Discoveries in Devon

The issue begins with reports on mollusc finds in Devon. Geoff Musker, a volunteer, discovered the plated snail *Spermodea lamellata* in leaf-litter samples from Exmoor. While this species has been recorded as a fossil in South-Devon, this is the first live find in the south-west peninsula. These Flandrian fossils suggest the species lived in a cooler climate. *Spermodea lamellata* is essentially a species of northern Britain, typically found in ancient woodland, with a few relict outposts in the Weald.

Dr. Michael Keney, recorder for the National Mollusc Recording Scheme, suggested that *S. lamellata* might still survive in Devon. Happily, this proved to be the case.

Additionally, a fresh-water snail, *Gyraulus laevis* (the Smooth Ram's-horn Snail), was re-discovered in Devon after a 144-year absence. This find occurred on September 23, 1994, near Totnes, where the author had previously noted the presence of Curled Pond-weed (*Potamogeton crispus*), often associated with rich fresh-water mollusc communities. The old leat, previously dominated by pond weed, was now choked with Canadian Pond-Weed (*Elodea canadensis*) and Beautiful Water Starwort (*Callitriche hamulata*). The mollusc fauna was notable for the presence of a large Pea-mussel, *Pisidium amnicum*, previously found only in the lower Exe and Clyst catchments. These finds highlight the diversity of wildlife in Devon and the contributions of past naturalists.

Invasive Species in the UK

The magazine then shifts focus to the arrival of new species, particularly in light of the Schengen agreement facilitating free movement across European borders. Residents of the Haute Maritime area of France, described as having an exaggerated reputation for possessing a thousand legs, have apparently invaded Plymouth's Central Park. These diminutive immigrants have evaded customs controls and established a breeding presence, spreading to new areas of the city.

These newcomers, identified as *Polydesmus barberii* (a millipede) by Dick Jones of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter, are surviving in conditions described as 'festering, beridden by fungi and bacteria'. They seek shelter under stones, bricks, or plastic bags, yet appear healthy and prolific. The article suggests they are assisting in recycling natural plant products and pet deposits.

*Polydesmus barberii* competes with other immigrant species such as the Pale Worm-slug (*Boetgerilla pallens*), Puny Toltecium snails (from the Mediterranean via New Zealand), and the Woodhopper (*Talitroides dorrieni*) from New Zealand. It also competes with the Girdled Snail (*Hygromia cinctella*) and the Hedge Snail (*Hygromnia limbata*), both from France. The article notes that thousands of recognized alien species have successfully transitioned to island dwellers, with many others failing to survive or becoming agricultural pests like the Keeled slug (*Miles sowerbyi*) or the New-Zealand Flatworm.

Unusual Animal Reports

The Green Cat

Eric Sorensen reports on a 'zoological sensation' from Denmark: a green kitten found on a hayloft. The kitten's fur and claws are described as being as green as a copper roof. The owner, Pia Bischoff, a Persian Cat breeder, was surprised by the kitten's development. The kitten's mother was a Manx cat. A veterinarian, Knud Steensborg, declared the cat healthy, and hair samples are being investigated. The possibility of copper poisoning has been theorized, but the cat appears too healthy. The article draws a parallel to the greening of polar bears in zoos, which was attributed to algae infestation. The possibility of a new breed or a regression/atavism is raised.

The Green Dog

Richard Muirhead recounts an experience in January 1987 where he saw a green dog. A puppy, born around January 24, 1987, was light green, while its littermates were black or golden. The owner, Joyce Morris, was certain the father was not green. The Middlesborough Evening Gazette reported on the dog on January 29, 1987. Official explanations for the greenness included 'Utera verdi' in the mother's womb, a substance that can stain, though the reason for only one puppy being affected is questioned. Another theory is that the stain would wear off as the dog grew. The article poses questions about why naturally green mammals are rare and speculates on a possible link to the Chernobyl disaster, which occurred nine months prior to the puppy's birth.

The A-Z of Cryptozoology (Part 6)

This installment of Jan Williams' series continues the alphabetical listing of creatures of interest to cryptozoologists.

• CHIPEKWE: A beast from Lake Bangwelu, Zambia, described as having a smooth, dark body and a single horn like a rhinoceros, based on native reports from 1933.
• CHUCHUNAA: A name from the Yakut language for remnant hominids of north-eastern Siberia.
• COCKATRICE: A medieval creature, described as a four-legged cock with a crown, thorny pinions, and a tail ending in a hook. One was reported to have flown from the foundations of a demolished church in Renwick, Cumbria, in 1733, attacking workmen. A similar creature was reported in Renwick in the 1960s. Historically, a 'cockatrice' dish was prepared by combining a capon and a suckling pig.
• COJE YA MENIA: A water lion of eastern Angola, described as a hippo-killing, semi-aquatic beast with large canine teeth or tusks. Its tracks resemble those of an elephant but with toe impressions.
• COROMANDEL MAN: A man-beast reported from the Coromandel peninsula, east of Auckland, New Zealand.
• CU SITH: A Scottish Highland fairy dog, described as the size of a two-year-old heifer, sometimes white but usually green, with flat or curled tails. It is said to bay three times, audible to sailors, and is reputed to haunt the B9008 in Glenlivet forest, Banffshire.
• DAEDELUS SEA SERPENT: A 60-foot serpent witnessed by the crew of HMS Daedelus in 1848. It was dark brown with yellowish-white about the throat, had no fins, but possessed something resembling a horse's mane or seaweed on its back.
• DARD: A folkloric creature from Austria, described as a four-legged serpent with the head of a cat and a mane along its spine.
• DI-DI: A wildman from Venezuela and Guyana, described as short, thick-set, and powerful with reddish-brown fur, said to live in pairs. It is suggested this may be the same as *Ameranthropoides loysii*.
• DINGONEK: An aquatic beast from Kenya, said to be 14-15 feet long, with a scale-covered body, long broad tail, leopard-like spots, and two long fangs in the upper jaw.
• DOGLA: An Indian name for a large cat believed to be a hybrid of a tiger and leopard.
• DOVER DEMON: A four-foot tall entity seen in Dover, Massachusetts, USA, in 1977. It had a huge head, thin monkey-like body, large shiny orange eyes, long toes and fingers, and rough, hairless, peach-colored skin.
• DZU-TEH: A huge ape-man from Tibet and northern China, taller and bulkier than a human, with a dark shaggy coat, flat head, and long powerful arms. Its footprints show two pads on the first toe, which points away from the others.

Letters Page

Whale of a Time

Tom Anderson from Aberdeen shares jottings from a book, including facts about the Scottish Whaling Industry. Rorquals (Humpbacks, Finbacks, Blues, and Sei Whales) were named from the Norwegian 'Royrkval' meaning 'Whale with pleats'. Svend Foyn devised the Inflation Lance to bring whales to the surface. Whalers kept whale eardrums to 'listen to the sea', but found the Innuit practice of biting off Fulmars' heads barbaric. Whalemeat tasted like horse-flesh and turned black as oil dripped out. Fin Whales yielded one ton per foot, and the crew was paid 18 3d per ton. Captured Polar Bears were sold to zoos for £35, and in 1913, 800 penguins were shipped to London and Edinburgh Zoos. 'Moby Dick' was reportedly based on 'Mocha Dick', a sperm whale that attacked a boat off Chile in 1810.

The Case... Growing Slowly

'Hampshire Hog' considers a 'paper tiger' for cryptozoologists: a pensioner and her dachshund attacked by a giant American Cob Chicken in West Wellow. The letter also mentions pony trekkers being terrorized by a rogue pig near Minstead, linking it to William Rufus. It suggests Southampton's Peartree Green for birdwatching.

Chemosit Capers

Mike Grayson writes in response to an article by Clinton Keeling on the Nandi Bear. He suggests that the 'young half and half' specimen displayed in Halifax in the 1730s might have been a Brown Hyena, not a Polar Bear as Keeling suggested. Grayson explains that the Brown Hyena, from Southern Africa, has a rough, long-haired brown coat, which could lead to it being described as having the head of a striped hyena and the body of a bear. He also mentions 'Indian Prairie Fiends' with hippo heads and tiger claws as harder to explain.

Mawnan Has Broken

John Heath Stubbe suggests that the creature seen by 'Gavin' was an Eagle Owl (*Bubo bubo*), which is found in continental Europe and occasionally in Britain. He notes its size (about 26 inches) and characteristic perch with two toes forward and the outer toe reversed, disputing the observer's five-foot measurement.

All You Need Is Love

John Love from Scotland muses on evolutionary anomalies, asking if evolution can go wrong and if new amphibians or frogs might be found. He humorously speculates about an 'acre-bat' if a bat is found in Acre.

A Tribute to Eric Sorensen

A poem dedicated to Eric Sorensen, expressing the need for publicity and inspiration for zoological students. It mentions various cryptids and legendary creatures, including Tatzelwurms, Giant Sloths, Bunyips, Otta Kings, Zeuglodons, Nandi Bears, and winged snakes.

Book Reviews

'Latin Names Explained' by A.F.Gootch

This book is described as an exhaustive guide to the scientific classification of reptiles, birds, and mammals, explaining the meanings of Latin names. Examples given include *Caloprymnus campestris* (Desert Rat Kangaroo) meaning 'Creature with the beautiful rear end that lives in the desert', and Ospreys being named after a legendary king of Athens.

'Fortean Studies Volume Two' Edited by Steve Moore

This volume is presented as a miscellany of Fortean topics, with thirteen articles, four of which are directly relevant to the magazine's readers. Bob Rickard's analysis of Fish-Fall papers is highlighted, suggesting new avenues of investigation. Karl Shuker's paper on living and dead specimens of alien cat species in the UK is noted, mentioning previously unknown specimens like a puma found in Barnstaple and a leopard cub in Manchester. Michel Meurger's analysis of Scandinavian lake monster stories is also mentioned, with the reviewer acknowledging Meurger's academic rigor but also his tendency to provoke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology, cryptozoology, and natural history. There is a clear interest in unusual, rare, and unexplained phenomena, from newly discovered or rediscovered species of molluscs to legendary creatures and anecdotal reports of strange animals. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting information and theories without necessarily endorsing them as fact. The inclusion of reader letters and contributions suggests an engaged readership interested in sharing their own observations and research. The 'A-Z of Cryptozoology' feature, along with book reviews on Fortean topics, reinforces the magazine's focus on the mysterious and the unexplained in the natural world. The editorial notes also indicate a commitment to accuracy and a willingness to correct or acknowledge delays, as seen with the apology for the delayed inclusion of two articles.

'Animals & Men', Issue Eight, is a publication focused on cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and related subjects. The issue contains reviews of books and periodicals, as well as articles on specific topics within these fields. The overall tone suggests an interest in the unusual and unexplained, with a particular emphasis on zoological oddities and historical accounts.

Book Reviews

'On the Track of Unknown Animals' by Bernard Heuvelmans

This section reviews a reprint of the revised edition of Bernard Heuvelmans' seminal work. The reviewer notes that this edition contains more information than the 1958 English language edition and includes a new thirteen-page introduction by the author detailing the progress of cryptozoology over forty years. The book also lists new species discovered in recent decades. The reviewer considers it an essential purchase, stating it "is after all not only the book which first promulgated the science of cryptozoology, but it is the most important book ever written on the subject of Unknown Animals."

'Mysterious Australia' by Rex Gilroy

This book is described as chronicling fortean events in Australia in a similar style to Loren Coleman's 'Mysterious America'. Much of its content is cryptozoological, covering topics such as the Blue Mountain 'panthers', thylacine survival, river monsters, and the yowie. The chapter on giant monitor lizards is highlighted as particularly interesting. The reviewer highly recommends the book, noting that Gilroy has personally researched many of the cryptids and is a painstaking investigator.

Other Mentions

The issue also briefly mentions a compendium of 'out of place' Coclecanth sightings by Michel Raynal and Gary Mangiacopra, which includes speculation about fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and specimens found in Biloxi, Mississippi. An article on UFOs and the media by Neil Nixon, a review of Nazi Archaeology by Ulrich Magin, and a dissection of 'Russians with snow on their boots' legends are also noted as being of interest.

Periodical Reviews

The magazine features an extensive "Periodical Reviews" section, categorizing various publications:

Cryptozoology and Zoomythology

• DRAGON CHRONICLE: A quarterly magazine about draconian creatures, featuring articles on sky dragons, celestial serpents, and Celtic and British dragon myths.
• THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CRYPTOZOOLOGY CLUB NEWSLETTER: An excellent newsletter that is also available online, featuring articles on Loch Ness and the monster of Lake Tanganika.
• CRYPTOZOOLOGIA: A French language magazine published by the Belgian society for Cryptozoology.

Fringe Science

• NEXUS: Described as an intelligent look at the fringes of science, featuring articles on topics such as sugar substitutes and their toxicity.

Fortean

• TEMS NEWS: An entertaining collection of odds and sods, generally weird stuff, and recommended.
• DEAD OF NIGHT: An amusing and intelligently put together Fortean magazine, featuring a piece on Afro-Caribbean magic.
• THIRD STONE: The magazine of the Gloucester Earth Mysteries group, offering a witty and stylish look at earth mysteries.
• ANNALS 2: A wonderful and witty A4 fortean magazine, #26 features a resume of the Roswell autopsy video and US Airforce experiments with anti-gravity.
• FOAFTALE NEWS: A scholarly magazine about folklore and how it becomes assimilated into societies, highly recommended.

Zoology/Natural History

• SOUTH WEST HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER: An entertaining and informative newsletter with quasi fortean oddments, featuring an article on Galapagos Islands reptiles.
• BIPEDIA: A scholarly magazine, partly in French and partly in English, exploring the theory of Initial Bipedalism.
• PORTSMOUTH REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN SOCIETY NEWSLETTER: A thriving regional organization with authoritative publications.
• MILTON KEYNES HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY: An excellent magazine with handy hints and informative articles, particularly on monitor lizards.
• MAINLY ABOUT ANIMALS: Edited by Clinton Keeling, this magazine is described as a genre that was feared lost, focusing mainly on animals.
• ESSEX REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS SOCIETY: An excellent and lively regional reptile society, containing invaluable information and a snippet about a man biting a rattlesnake's head off.

The magazine also lists several other publications with which it exchanges, including 'The Cereaologist', 'The Creature Research Journal', and 'The Wild Equid Society'.

Editorial Notes and Future Plans

Due to pressures of space and cost, several regular features ('NERVOUS TWITCH', 'HELP', and 'NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL CRYPTO') have been held over until the next issue. The next issue is scheduled for publication in April and will be posted out immediately after the F.T Unconvention 1996. Readers are invited to attend.

Back Cover

The back cover features a cartoon by Mort titled "THE WORLD FAMOUS GREEN CAT". The cartoon depicts a cat's face with a message below in a speech bubble: "RECYCLE HOUSEHOLD WASTE, NO NEW ROADS, NO NUCLEAR TESTING...". The ISSN number 1354-0637 is also visible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and the review of niche publications related to these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic engagement with the unexplained and unusual, providing a platform for diverse voices and research within these fields. There is a clear appreciation for detailed research and historical accounts, as evidenced by the positive reviews of Heuvelmans' and Gilroy's books. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to environmental and social commentary, as seen in the back cover cartoon.