Animals and Men - No 19

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 19
Publisher: Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: England
Price: £2.00

This issue of "Animals & Men," the journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ), marks the magazine's fifth anniversary. The cover prominently features the question "A British Thylacine ?" alongside articles on "Big Cats in KENT" and "Coypu in The ATTIC." The editorial section reflects on the magazine's five-year journey, acknowledging the contributions of its team and expressing a commitment to continuing the search for the truth.

Editorial: The Great Days of Zoology Are Not Done...

Editor Jonathan Downes reflects on the five-year milestone of "Animals & Men." He expresses gratitude to the core team, including Graham Inglis and Richard Freeman, who have been instrumental in the magazine's success and the CFZ's operation. Downes also pays tribute to departed cartoonists Jane Bradley and Mort. He looks forward to the next five years, aiming to "get bigger and better" and continue the quest for "the truth."

Newsfile

The "Newsfile" section compiles various recent reports on zoological anomalies and potential cryptozoological discoveries:

Rediscovery of the Caribbean Monk Seal?

Based on interviews with fishermen in northern Haiti and Jamaica, there is circumstantial evidence suggesting the Caribbean monk seal, last seen in 1952 and generally considered extinct, may still exist. A significant number of fishermen identified monk seals from pictures, and many reported seeing them in recent years.

New Lizard Species

An American herpetoculturist, Chad Arment, may have acquired an undescribed species of tegu. The article notes that the species is being sold in China and its breed identity is a mystery, with the possibility that the dogs have been dyed to appear more saleable.

Freshwater Fun

Shane Ahyong from the Australian Museum has discovered new species of freshwater crab in Sydney pet shops, some of which appear to be new to science. These crabs, some with distinctive markings, are being traced back to specific streams and are popular with aquarists.

Rediscovery of the Javan Tiger

An Indonesian magazine, Tempo, reported in January 1999 that there may be at least five Javan Tigers (Panthera Tigris Sondaicus) surviving in the Meru Betiri National Park on Java. The claims are based on suspicious footprints, claw marks, and scat found by a team of naturalists. While some experts are skeptical, citing previous inaccurate reports of tigers that turned out to be leopards, the Meru Betiri team is convinced, and scat samples have been sent for DNA analysis.

Rhino Resuscitation

Reports from India's border with Myanmar suggest the survival of the rare two-horned Sumatran rhinoceros, a species thought to be extinct in the Indian subcontinent since the early 1920s. Tribal villagers in Manipur and Nagaland have reported sightings, indicating a potential population of 10 to 15 individuals.

The Name Game

The Texas Audubon Society is auctioning the rights to name a newly discovered bird species to fund conservation efforts. Bret Whitney, the discoverer, donated this right, and the auction is set to take place at the society's 100th-anniversary celebration.

Buddy Can You Spare a Paradigm?

C. G. M. Paxton, a marine biologist, has published research using descriptions of large marine animals from 1830 to 1995 to calculate the number of undiscovered species in the oceans. He suggests approximately 47 species are awaiting description, with one new species discovered every 5.3 years. Paxton is now extending his method to freshwater animals.

If You Don't Want to Fouke Me Baby

An article from the Arkansas County Gazette reports on the continued sightings of the "Fouke monster," a Bigfoot-like creature, in Miller County, Arkansas. Over forty sightings were reported in the preceding year, including 22 in a single day. The most recent sighting was of the creature walking along a dry creek bed. The article notes that no specimen has ever been captured on film, and a plaster cast of a footprint from the 1970s was destroyed.

Yeren Win Prizes (All We Need Now Is Dale Winton)

Authorities in Shennongjia, China, are offering prizes for tourists or adventurers who capture a Yeren (Chinese wild man) or "Big Foot." Rewards are offered for live capture, dead bodies, photos, fur, or excrement, as part of a tourism promotion.

Lake and Sea Monsters

A large sturgeon, measuring over seven feet long and weighing 105 pounds, was found washed up on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. The article notes that there have been past reports of sharks and lake monsters from this lake.

Mystery Cats

United States: Evidence suggests the Eastern Cougar may still exist, despite being officially extinct. Researchers are studying hair and muscle samples from a mountain lion pelt found in Missouri. There have been recent sightings and videotaped encounters of mountain lions in Missouri, and a video from New Hampshire suggests the Eastern Cougar is alive and well. However, some biologists are skeptical, pointing to striped tails and pointed ears in a video, suggesting it might be a large feral cat or bobcat.

Rhode Island: A resident reported seeing a large, tawny-coated cat, larger than a German shepherd, with a long tail. While authorities initially suggested it was a bobcat, the description and tracks suggest otherwise. The last proven sighting of a lion in Rhode Island was in 1847 or 1848.

Illinois: Authorities were searching for a mysterious catlike animal in Will County, with searches focusing on areas near Monee and Crete. Paw prints were found, but conclusive evidence of a lynx, bobcat, or other large animal was lacking.

North Carolina: A volunteer at the Carnivore Preservation Trust was attacked by a 150-pound cougar named Cooper. The volunteer, Mark Kostich, suffered bites and puncture wounds but plans to continue volunteering, though he will no longer enter cages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Animals & Men" revolve around cryptozoology, the potential survival of rare or extinct species, and unexplained animal sightings. The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry, presenting various reports and evidence for readers to consider, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for verifiable proof. The editorial emphasizes the ongoing nature of zoological discovery and the enduring human fascination with the unknown in the natural world.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue #19) is a collection of news reports and feature articles detailing unusual animal encounters, mysteries, and cryptozoological subjects. The content spans various animal-related incidents, from common animals in unexpected situations to legendary creatures.

Newsfile Reports

"Animals & Men # 19" Newsfile

The "Newsfile" section presents a series of short reports, primarily sourced from Associated Press and other news agencies, detailing a variety of animal-related events from late 1998 and early 1999.

• Cougar Sighting in Oregon: On January 5, 1999, Associated Press reported a "cougar" sighting in Oregon that turned out to be a large, orange-faced calico domestic cat. Officers noted its unusual coloring.
• Escaped Monkeys in New Orleans: On October 20, 1998, Associated Press reported that workers in Covington, Louisiana, were searching for two dozen rhesus monkeys that had escaped from the Tulane University Primate Centre. The centre's manager, Astor Bridges, assured the public the monkeys were used for breeding and not infected with diseases.
• Sewer Snakes in New Jersey: On October 20, 1998, Associated Press reported the discovery of a seven-foot python in North Bergen, New Jersey. The snake was found "sunning itself" and was later claimed by its owner, who had released it into the sewer due to the cost of feeding it.
• Wallaby Sighting in the UK: On December 21, 1998, Associated Press reported that Kevin Fisher of Tanworth, West Midlands, claimed to have seen a wallaby under a lamppost. An unidentified police spokesman confirmed Fisher was sober and that the wallaby, named 'Willy', had escaped from a nearby zoo.
• Coyotes in Chicago: The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported on December 8 that coyotes were roaming Chicago's south suburbs, attacking pets. One resident, Linda May, described a large animal snatching her cockatoo. Jill Nicholson also reported the disappearance of four family animals over two years.
• Alligator in Rio de Janeiro: Reuters reported on March 4, 1999, about a seven-foot, 175-pound alligator that had resorted to eating local pets after its feeding grounds were disrupted by development in Rio de Janeiro. The report notes that there are no alligators in Brazil, suggesting it was likely a caiman.
• Ladybug Infestation in Missouri: Associated Press reported that a species of black and orange ladybug was reaching plague proportions across Missouri, with exterminators flooded with calls as the beetles sought shelter for winter.
• Tiger on the Loose in New Jersey: On January 27, 1999, Associated Press reported that a 600- to 800-pound tiger was shot and killed by authorities in Jackson, New Jersey, after being on the loose. Officials at Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari Park believed they had accounted for all their animals.
• Cheetah Attack in France: The Electronic Telegraph reported that a cheetah had mauled a three-year-old boy to death after escaping its enclosure in a zoo near Saumur, in the Loire Valley.
• Leopard in India: On November 28, Associated Press reported that a leopard entered a house in Panchkula, India, and spent four hours on a bed before being captured. The leopard had apparently entered the house to escape traffic and watched television programs.

Bird Brains

This section details sightings of unusual birds in the British Isles:

• Mediterranean Cattle Egret in Shetland: The Shetland News reported on February 18, 1999, that a Mediterranean cattle egret, found exhausted in Shetland, was being flown back to its native habitat in southern Portugal.
• Frigate Bird on the Isle of Man: The Manx Independent reported on March 19, 1999, about a spectacular frigate bird, the first to survive reaching the British Isles, recovering on the Isle of Man. It was found injured and exhausted, with an eight-foot wingspan.
• Hummingbird in Wisconsin: The La Crosse Journal Sentinel reported on November 7, 1998, that a green, violet-ear hummingbird native to Central America had died at a rescue center in Wisconsin. Its presence so far from its native habitat was a mystery.

Clinton Declares War on Invasive Species

On February 3, Associated Press announced that President Clinton had declared war on "Troublesome alien species" such as the Chinese mitten crab and the Asian long-horned beetle, which cost Americans billions of dollars.

Features

Fearful Symmetry

This feature discusses several incidents involving large predatory cats:

• Tiger in New Jersey: (As reported in the Newsfile) A large tiger was shot and killed by authorities in Jackson, New Jersey, on January 27, 1999.
• Cheetah Attack in France: (As reported in the Newsfile) A cheetah escaped its enclosure and mauled a three-year-old boy to death near Saumur, France, on December 7, 1998.
• Leopard in India: (As reported in the Newsfile) A leopard entered a home in Panchkula, India, on November 28, 1998, and behaved calmly.

The Case of the British Thylacine

This feature by Richard Freeman investigates the mystery of the "Girt Dog of Ennerdale" in Cumberland, England, which occurred in the spring of 1810. The creature was responsible for a series of livestock killings. Descriptions of the beast, including its striped coat, blood-draining habits, and ferocity towards dogs, led the author to hypothesize that it may have been a Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger). The article discusses the Thylacine's characteristics, its presence in Tasmania in 1810, and the possibility that one might have escaped from a travelling menagerie in Britain. The lack of records from museums and historical societies makes definitive identification difficult, but the author suggests that a skull labeled 'wolf' or 'dog' with unusual features might still exist.

Bestiary: The Rukh

This article by Ade Dimmick explores the legendary giant bird known as the Rukh or Roc. Featured in Arabian myth and legend, its origins may be traced to Persian sources. The Rukh is described as a "Storm Bird" capable of carrying off elephants and blocking out the sun. The article connects the legend to the giant Aepyornis Maximus birds of Madagascar, which were real creatures that stood ten feet tall and weighed nearly a thousand pounds. It suggests that the Rukh legend might have originated from exaggerated tales of these giant birds.

Coypu in a Yorkshire Attic

This personal account by Andrew Scott describes the discovery of a Coypu in the attic of a converted barn in Yorkshire in the early 1980s. Strange scratching noises led to the investigation, and the animal was eventually captured by pest control.

Sweet Wallaby of Mine

This piece, taken from Mojo Magazine, recounts the story of Axl Rose's pet wallaby named Ozzie. Acquired during an Australian tour in 1988, Ozzie was a constant companion to Rose. Tragically, the wallaby died after being accidentally trapped in an equipment case during a tour stop in Alaska.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the unusual, the unexplained, and the fortean. The "Newsfile" section acts as a digest of bizarre animal news, often highlighting the strange and unexpected behavior of animals or the misidentification of creatures. The feature articles delve deeper into specific mysteries, such as the "Girt Dog" and the Thylacine, or explore legendary beings like the Rukh. There's a clear interest in cryptozoology and the possibility of undiscovered or misidentified animals. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to explore even the most outlandish possibilities, often drawing connections between folklore, legend, and reported events. The magazine seems to embrace the idea that the natural world holds many unexplained phenomena.

This issue of ANIMALS & MEN, number 19, features a collection of articles exploring various unusual animal phenomena, cryptozoological reports, and anecdotal accounts. The main cover story, "Curiosity Killed The Cat" by Neil Arnold, delves into the history of big cat sightings in Kent, UK. Other articles include "SIPANDJEE - AN UNIDENTIFIED APE" by Allan Edward Munro, "CLINTON'S COGITATIONS" by Clinton Keeling, and "Ayrshire Tales" by Mark Fraser.

SIPANDJEE - AN UNIDENTIFIED APE

Allan Edward Munro recounts a sighting by Steve Holmes in Gabon in 1993. Holmes observed a 1.5-meter tall, bipedal primate with reddish-brown hair running across a road. The local name for this animal is 'sipandjee,' described as aggressive and built like a man with longer arms. The article suggests it might be related to other cryptozoological primates in Africa, such as the waterbobbejan or agogwe, possibly being a robust australopithecine.

CLINTON'S COGITATIONS

Clinton Keeling addresses the topic of reintroducing beavers to Scotland, expressing skepticism about the plans and questioning the factual basis of some claims. He shares his experience with the Canadian Wildlife Service and disputes the assertion that beavers became extinct in Britain only four hundred years ago, suggesting it was much earlier. Keeling also engages with a letter from Tom Anderson regarding the keeping of exotic animals, agreeing that the idea of wild species breeding in the UK is unlikely but disagreeing with the notion that all non-domestic animals in private hands are merely pets. He highlights individuals who successfully breed exotic animals, such as Raymond Sawyer with Giant Tortoises and Christopher Marler with Gayals and Bald Eagles.

An editor's note defends the article on the GUST expedition to Norway, explaining its necessity due to extensive media coverage and misreporting of Jan Ove Sundburg's claims about a lake monster.

Ayrshire Tales

Mark Fraser, Editor of Haunted Scotland, presents several intriguing accounts from Ayrshire. He interviews Jack Dunlop, who has not seen 'Big Cats' but knows of others who have found remains of lizard-like creatures. Dunlop also reported an incident of 'chicken mutilations' where dead chickens were found neatly piled and later re-arranged. Fraser also recounts a story of a weasel or ferret being shot after being observed near dead chickens, suggesting this as a possible explanation for some 'animal mutilations.'

William O'Neil reported seeing a large, dark animal, the size of a rottweiler, carrying a rabbit in its mouth near Pitlochry. Mrs. White filmed an animal resembling a puma near her bungalow in Inverness.

Curiosity Killed The Cat

Neil Arnold investigates the phenomenon of big cat sightings, particularly in Kent. He traces the history from the 1930s, mentioning the 'Surrey Puma' hunt and the 'Exmoor Beast.' A significant part of the article focuses on Leonard Cuckow's experiences in Kent. Cuckow has had multiple sightings, including a cheetah-like creature in the 1990s and a large feline drinking from a lake in the 1980s. A key historical event detailed is the shooting of a black leopard in the 1930s, which was identified as belonging to Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, owner of a large private zoo. The article suggests that escapes from this zoo and others contributed to the 'big cat flaps' in the region. The zoo, which operated from the 1930s to 1959, housed a vast collection of exotic animals, some of which may not have been legally dispersed after its closure.

Pike & Sheep

David Currie recounts an unsettling experience at Kildrurn Castle, a place known for its connection to black magic. While crossing a field, he and his wife encountered a large pike in a river that seemed to stare at them. Subsequently, they were surrounded by sheep that prodded and nudged them, causing them to flee the area.

A Strange Bird

In May 1995, David Berryman saw a large, dark bird, estimated to be three feet long with a large wingspan, following a car at speeds exceeding 70 mph near Irvine, Ayrshire. The bird had a "square shaped mouth or beak" and tufts of fur instead of feathers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, unexplained animal sightings, and the history of human interaction with the natural world, often through the lens of folklore and anecdotal evidence. The magazine appears to have an editorial stance that is open to investigating and reporting on unusual claims, even if they are not widely accepted by mainstream science. There is a clear interest in historical accounts and local legends, providing a platform for stories that might otherwise be overlooked. The articles often present witness testimonies and historical records, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The magazine also touches upon broader issues such as conservation, the ethics of keeping exotic animals, and the historical impact of human activities on wildlife and ecosystems.

This issue of "ANIMALS & MEN" (Issue #19) is a FEATURE-focused publication delving into a variety of fortean and cryptozoological topics. The magazine explores animal-related mysteries, historical accounts, and book reviews.

Drake's Zoo and Kent's Big Cat Mystery

The issue begins by recounting the history of Drake's Zoo on the Cobtree estate, which operated in the 1930s and housed a diverse collection of animals, including large cats. The author notes that the zoo struggled through World War II and eventually faded, with the site later becoming a golf course. A significant portion of the article discusses the possibility of animals, particularly big cats, escaping from this zoo and potentially contributing to the recent spate of big cat sightings in Kent during the late 1990s. The author cites anecdotal evidence and local accounts of cats escaping from cages, suggesting that insufficient security may have been an issue. The article also speculates on whether these escapes could have spawned the current phenomenon, contrasting the lack of reported sightings in the 1950s-1980s with the increased media coverage in the late 1990s. The 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals Act is also mentioned as a potential factor.

The Chatham High Street Sighting

A particularly intriguing case detailed is the sighting by Marilyn Dorrell in Chatham High Street. She reported seeing a domestic cat, a lynx, and a puma on a building roof at night. The author expresses skepticism about misidentification, given the specific descriptions, but also questions the lack of other witnesses and the unusual urban location for such animals. The incident is described as bizarre and extraordinary, with the fire brigade later being called to rescue the domestic cat, and a lynx was seen to spring out. The author ponders various theories, including the possibility that the puma may have pursued the lynx, or that the animals were simply seeking refuge. The lack of any commotion between the felines and the puma's apparent lack of aggression are noted as peculiar. The author concludes that while some details might be exaggerated, the core event of animals being present on the roof seems too strange to be entirely fabricated, though the possibility of the 'puma' and 'lynx' being the same species is considered.

Animal Smuggling and Illegal Wildlife Trade

The magazine also touches upon the ingenuity of animal smugglers, comparing their methods to those of drug couriers. An example is given of rare snakes being smuggled inside a Michelin man costume during the Tour de France. The issue highlights the disproportionate number of 'hunchbacks' noted at Quito immigration, who were found to be carrying tortoises, and mentions ex-Argentinean army webbing used to transport animals from the Galapagos Islands. A separate article, "NORTH OF THE BORDER" by Tom Anderson, discusses the illegal trade in golden eagles, with recent claims from Moscow Zoo about a successful captive breeding program met with skepticism. The article suggests that if Scottish eggs or chicks are being smuggled into Russia, it is likely part of a larger organized crime operation, with significant illicit goods entering Moscow annually.

Cryptozoology and Book Reviews

The latter part of the magazine is dedicated to book reviews and discussions on cryptozoology and fortean phenomena.

• The search for the Giant Squid by Richard Ellis: This book is praised as the most detailed and authoritative work on the giant squid, tracing its legend from Norse mythology to modern expeditions. The reviewer highlights the chapters on human encounters with the Kraken and poses questions about the squid's diet, breeding cycle, and size, noting that no one has ever seen Architeuthis alive in its natural habitat.
• In the Domain of the Lake Monsters by John Kirk: This book is described as a fantastic read, charting John Kirk's involvement with Ogopogo and exploring lake monsters worldwide. The reviewer notes that while the book is slightly marred by a lack of illustrations and references, it is an excellent addition to any cryptozoologist's collection.
• Fortean Studies Volume 5 (edited by Steve Moore): This annual collection of papers covers various fortean subjects. The review mentions articles on giant constricting snakes in South America, the Fawcett case, and dog/anthropoid hybrids, including werewolves and dog-headed people. The reviewer expresses a strong dislike for the contributions of Michel Meurger.
• Strange & Unexplained Phenomena by Jerome Clark and Nany Pear: This book is categorized as a general fortean work, with a review noting an article by Andy Roberts on the 'big grey men' of Ben MacDhui, which argues the phenomenon is not what it seems.

Letters to the Editor

The "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR" section includes correspondence from readers. Felinda Bullock from Wisconsin inquires about lampreys possibly being an introduced species. Jon Replies that the lamprey in question is special as there are no known warm-water species in the world. Chris Clark from Surrey asks about a 'dragon' sighting in Rhodes, and Richard Replies that it could have been a crocodile or monitor lizard, and that Nile crocodiles dislike saltwater.

The section also features a letter about 'Pelorus Jack', the famous dolphin that escorted ships in New Zealand, and a reader's recollection of a 'wolverine scare' in their childhood.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained animal phenomena, historical accounts of animal encounters, and the investigation of cryptozoological subjects. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting various cases and theories while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes. The editorial stance seems to favor in-depth exploration of fortean mysteries and a critical analysis of evidence, as seen in the book reviews and the detailed examination of the Kent big cat sightings and the Chatham incident.

This issue of ANIMALS & MEN, number 19, features a prominent article on "Giant Ground Sloth Survival" and includes several book reviews and listings of back issues and yearbooks.

Feature Article: Giant Ground Sloth Survival

The main feature, "Giant Ground Sloth Survival," by Richard Freeman, zoologist, explores the existence of giant ground sloths in South America. The article begins with a brief overview of these terrestrial edentates, ranging in size from Megatherium to species no larger than domestic cats. They were herbivores with spectacular claws, capable of bipedal movement, and are believed to have become extinct around 10,000 years ago. However, the author and other cryptozoologists believe at least one species may persist today.

The article then concentrates on sightings from Venezuela. It details the characteristics of Mylodonts, medium-sized ground sloths about the size of a gorilla, which possessed dermal ossicles for protection. Historical accounts are presented, including that of French explorer Father Andre Thevet in 1558, who was told of a Patagonian animal called the 'st' with a short face, long tail, and powerful claws. Ramon Lista, in the 1870s, reported seeing a specimen in Patagonia resembling a pangolin, which escaped despite being shot at, possibly due to its dermal armour. Tehuelche Indians described an ox-sized animal with dense fur and huge claws, famed for its invulnerability.

In 1932, a British Museum expedition led by Dr. Thomas Gann searched Central America, and Gann briefly spotted a ground sloth near the Rio Hondo border with British Honduras (now Belize). He described it as ape-like, with black shaggy fur and a white mane.

Richard Greenwell, secretary of the International Society of Cryptozoology, was told of a ground sloth sighting in a cave in Ecuador.

The article also discusses the "draws" attention to the mapinguary, a creature reported in the Matto Grosso area of the Amazon, investigated by Dr. David C. Oren. The mapinguary is described by Indians as a red-furred, arrow-invulnerable beast with backwards pointing feet and a second mouth in its belly that emits noxious gas. Oren believes the backwards feet are explained by the incurving claws that left tracks looking like the feet were pointing front-to-back, and the 'second mouth' might be a gland for defensive gas.

The mapinguary is said to feed on berries and palm hearts, leaving droppings resembling those of a horse. Oren has collected droppings for analysis.

In Venezuela, these creatures are known as 'mono grande' or 'di-di'. The natives believe them to be huge apes, but the article suggests this is incorrect, as they are more likely ground sloths due to their short faces and partially bipedal stance, unlike apes.

Roger Courteville, a civil engineer, encountered ape-like animals on the Colombo-Venezuelan frontier in 1938 and 1947. He described one as having a prominent brow, grey-blue eyes, a dark hairless face, a tuft of hair on its forehead, and a powerful neck. Its upper arms and thighs appeared longer than its forearms and shins, and its footprints showed it walked on the outside edge of its feet, consistent with ground sloth tracks.

Dr. Charles Barrington Brown, a Government Surveyor in British Guiana, heard rumors of hairy "men" in 1868 and heard the cry of the 'di-di', described as a whistle. He was told by Indians that the 'di-di' is a short, thick-set, powerful wild man covered in hair, living in the forest. A half-breed woodcutter related an encounter with two 'di-di', a male and female, whom he repelled with his axe.

The article suggests that reconstructions of ground sloths shown to local natives might be beneficial for future expeditions.

Other Mysteries

Another mystery discussed is the "monkey-eating tree," reported in a 1974 book. Brazilian explorer Mariano da Silva encountered a flesh-eating tree in Brazil that emitted a distinctive smell attractive to monkeys. The tree's leaves would envelope the monkeys, rendering them inaudible and invisible while being digested, leaving only bones.

Reviews

Strange Beasts: Creatures that both Terrify and Intrigue by Orbis Publishing (99 pence) is described as a shop checkout style book consisting mainly of reprints from the late 70s magazine 'Unexplained'. It covers a mixed bag of subjects including British big cats, Neanderthals, vampires, mermaids, thunderbirds, Irish lake monsters, dinosaur extinction, devil's hoof prints, dragons, surviving mammoths, toad folklore, and werewolves. It is 127 pages long.

The Butterflies of Papua New Guinea: Their systematics and biology by Michael Parsons (Academic Press) is hailed as an ultimate guide to northern antipodean lepidoptera. It is nearly 1000 pages long with over 3000 colour plates, including an exhaustive species list and notes on systematics, phylogeny, and habitats. However, its price of £185 makes it inaccessible to casual buyers.

Back Issues and Yearbooks

The magazine lists back issues of "ANIMALS & MEN" for £2 each, with a detailed contents list for issues 1 through 18, covering a wide range of cryptozoological and fortean topics. It also promotes "THE CFZ YEARBOOK 1999" and "THE CFZ YEARBOOK 1998," detailing their contents, contributors, and prices. The 1999 Yearbook includes articles on surviving Neanderthals, the Beast of Bluebell Hill, Wolverines in Wales, Waitoreke, folk tales of were-beasts from Ghana, and Pelorus Jack. The 1998 Yearbook, edited by Jonathan Downes and Graham Inglis, covers topics such as giant crocodiles, cryptozoological films, African stories, Nessie, mammoths, sea serpents, and the Fortean Fauna of Percy Fawcett.

Own Publications

Information is provided on subscribing to "ANIMALS & MEN" for a 4-issue subscription (£8 UK, £9 EC, £14 US/Canada/Oz/NZ, £15 Rest of World). Methods of payment are detailed, including cash, IMO, Eurocheque, and UK bank cheques, with orders to be sent to CFZ, 15 Holne Court, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2NA, England. The magazine also advertises "THE OWLMAN AND OTHERS" by Jonathan Downes, an "Anomalist" award winner from 1997, priced at £12.95 from Domra Publications.

Additionally, "THE RISING OF THE MOON: THE DEVONSHIRE UFO TRIANGLE" by Jonathan Downes & Nigel Wright is advertised for £12.95 from Domra Publications. This book is described as a major investigation into the links between UFOs, animal mutilations, Mystery Creature Sightings, and other fortean phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, the investigation of unknown or mysterious creatures, and the exploration of fortean phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting evidence, historical accounts, and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of much of the material. The magazine actively promotes its own publications and back issues, suggesting a strong connection to the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ).