Animals and Men - No 21

Magazine Overview

Animals & Men, Issue 21, is the journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology. The cover prominently features the headline "GIANT BIRDS!" and lists other featured topics: "PYGMY ELEPHANT EXISTS - Heuvelmans Vindicated", "HORNED CROCODILES", and "NEW TATZELWORM THEORY". The issue is priced at £2.00.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "THE GREAT DAYS OF ZOOLOGY ARE NOT DONE...", welcomes readers to Issue 21, marking its coming of age. The editor, Jon Downes, announces two new projects for the millennium. The first, suggested by Erik Sorensen, will explore an under-explored branch of European Fortean Zoology, focusing on folklore surrounding extra-large fish. The magazine plans to feature pictures of massive Danish pike in the next issue and build a comprehensive look at Europe's fantastic fishes over the next year. The second project is a comprehensive study of the golden frog phenomenon, from its medieval folklore to its current reality, with the magazine currently searching for specimens and aiming to start a breeding program in spring 2001. The editorial also touches upon the folklore of cryptofolkloric denizens in European waters, from village ponds to lakes, mentioning monstrous fish like the huge perch described by John Blashford-Snell and the giant pike from Arthur Ransome's children's stories.

Newsfile

The "Newsfile" section, collated by "The Boys of the Old Brigade", focuses heavily on "MYSTERY CATS" sightings across the UK.

• UK: CORNWALL: In November 1999, forty RAF reservists on Bodmin moor searched for the Beast of Bodmin during night exercises but found no evidence, despite using night vision aids.
• UK: KENT: On November 1, 1999, an animal, believed to be a puma, attacked a dog in Minster, Isle of Sheppey. Police warned the public about the 4ft long black cat.
• UK: DEVON: In late October 1999, newspapers reported police investigating a mysterious sighting.

An "EDITOR'S NOTE" apologizes for the focus on "mystery moggies worldwide" due to a long time since the last rundown of such stories.

Feature Articles

"MYSTERY CATS" (Continued)

• Cornwood, Dartmoor: A local woman reported seeing a large "puma-like" black cat chasing pheasants. Police were called, and officers searched the area but found no evidence. The creature was described as longer than a dog and bigger than an alsatian, with a long tail and jet black fur.
• Blachford Estate: Marion Meadows, landlady of The Cornwood Inn, reported that a panther had been seen on the Blachford Estate, urging it to be taken seriously.
• Smithaleigh, near Plympton: Breeder Judith Lapthorne installed security lights after a puma-like cat killed and ate one of her pedigree rams. The ram's remains showed severe bite wounds. Mrs Lapthorne has seen the cat, described as sandy-coloured, the height of a labrador but with a sleeker body, a very long tail, and big feet.
• Plymouth Area: Businessman Geoff Drew reported seeing a big black cat on the A30 near Okehampton. He described it as supple and sleek, larger than a labrador, about 4ft long with a long tail, and unconcerned by his presence. A high-tech surveillance system set up in the Plymouth area by Newquay Zoo boss Mike Thomas has failed to capture the elusive cats.
• Callington Home: Ginsters, a pasty firm, launched a "Beast of Bodmin" pasty and is keen to learn more about big cat sightings near Callington. Mr Thomas's infra-red time-lapse cameras have so far only captured rabbits and foxes.
• Leicestershire: Fishery operator Roy Marlow claims to have seen a big black cat and found the remains of a 14lb carp devoured by one. A "biscuit coloured" big cat was also spotted in the same area. David Spencer has logged 250 sightings in Leicestershire and Rutland and plots locations on www.bigcats.org.uk.
• Anstey Cemetery: Two sisters reported seeing a big black animal with a longish tail, which turned out to be a big cat moving at incredible speed.
• Suffolk: Pupils at an exclusive girls' school were warned not to go out at night after a "big cat" was seen prowling near the grounds. Paw marks were found in woodland, and there have been over a dozen sightings of a sandy-coloured animal, the height of a labrador, with a very long tail and big feet.

"FIRST MONSTER OF THE MILLENIUM"

• Yeti in Malayan Jungle: The new millennium began with reports of two yetis sighted in the Malayan jungle. Liong Chong, a villager, described seeing two "mawas" (the local name for yeti) near rubber trees. One was about 1.83 meters tall with long, black, shiny hair, and the other was shorter at 1.52 meters with brownish hair. The article notes that Westerners often mistake the yeti for a white-furred creature of the Himalayas, but they can have brown or black fur and inhabit tropical forests.
• Yeti History: The yeti is not new to Malaysian rainforests, with sightings dating back many years, including three huge yetis seen in 1979 and 18-inch footprints found in 1966. Many zoologists believe the yeti is a surviving Gigantopithecus blacki.

"RETURN OF THE MAPINGUARI"

• Brazilian Amazon: Mr dos Santos reported hearing a horrible, soul-wrenching humanlike cry while hunting peccaries. He saw a creature in the vines and fled. The Mapinguari is described as covered in long red hair, standing over two meters tall, emanating a stench, and being immune to bullets. It is reputed to twist palm trees and have backward-turned feet.

"NEW AND REDISCOVERED"

• Yowie Investigation: Members of the Australian Hominid Research Society are investigating the "yowie" or Australian man-beast. Spokesman Dean Harrison claims to have seen it on several occasions, describing it as "an elephant on two legs". The group is using advanced equipment, including night-vision cameras and an infra-red scope from a Russian tank, to find proof.
• New Elephant Species: Scientists believe they have proved the existence of a new species of African forest elephant, genetically distinct from its savannah-living cousin. DNA testing from an elephant named Coco at Paris' Vincennes Zoo supports this theory.
• Heuvelmans Vindicated: The article concludes by stating that after over four decades, the work of Bernard Heuvelmans seems to be vindicated, with many of his predictions potentially being proven true.

Other Content

• Contents Page: Lists articles including "Scamp – The alternative animal" by Nick Redfern, "My sighting of one of Kent's Big Cats" by Neil Arnold, "The Wurm Turns – a suggested explanation for the Tatzelwurm" by Richard Freeman, "The Kota Mama Expedition" by John Blashford Snell, "Worlds in Collision" by Emmet Sweeney, "Big Birds and Out of Place Quadrupeds" by Terry Hooper, and "The Parrots of Woodbury" by Jonathan Downes. It also includes "Letters to yer Editor".
• CFZ Contact Information: The Centre for Fortean Zoology is located at 15 Holne Court, Exwick, Exeter, Devon, EX4 2NA, England, with the email address [email protected] and website http://www.eclipse.co.uk/cfz.
• Subscription and Book Orders: Details are available on page 45.
• Quote: "In her abnormalities, nature reveals her secrets" (Goethe).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly advocates for the study of Fortean phenomena, cryptozoology, and unexplained anomalies. It presents a wide range of alleged sightings and discoveries, from cryptids like big cats, yetis, and yowie, to potential new species of animals. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, giving credence to anecdotal evidence and folklore while also looking for scientific validation, as seen in the discussion of the African forest elephant. There is a clear interest in exploring the fringes of zoology and challenging conventional scientific views, as highlighted by the vindication of Bernard Heuvelmans' work.

This issue, #21 of "Animals & Men," published around March 2000, features a variety of articles under the "FEATURE" section, covering unusual animal sightings, conservation news, and alternative animal care. The cover headline is "OUT OF PLACE," hinting at the theme of animals appearing in unexpected locations or situations.

Out of Place: Porpoise in the Thames

The issue begins with a report of a porpoise sighting in the Thames, noting it as the first cetacean sighting in the river for many years. Crowds observed the 4ft mammal near the Millennium Wheel, with one onlooker describing it as "a bit disorientated." The editorial comment acknowledges recent reports of otters and salmon returning to the Thames and invites readers with further information on porpoise or cetacean sightings in the river to contact the editorial address.

Extinct or What? The Pyrenean Ibex

This section details the extinction of the Pyrenean ibex, described as one of Europe's most striking wild animals and the first great conservation failure of the new century. The final animal, a thirteen-year-old female, was found dead in late February in the Ordesa national park in the central Pyrenees, crushed by a fallen tree. The editorial comment expresses interest in receiving more information from readers familiar with the taxonomy of hooved mammals.

Weird Weekend Event

A prominent feature announces the "Weird Weekend" event, presented by CFZ Communications and the Exeter Strange Phenomena Research Group, scheduled for March 5-7. The event lists several speakers and their topics, including "The Truth behind the Pyramids" (Emmet Sweeney), "The mystery of Marsden Grotto" (Mike Hallowell), "Dragons" (Richard Freeman), "The Highgate Vampire" (David Farrant), "The CIA and Noah's Ark" (Nick Redfern), "UFOs and other strangeness from Scotland" (Malcolm Robinson), "The Devil on Dartmoor" (Mark Norman), "Mysterious appearances and disappearances" (Jonathan Downes), and "The Mystery Big Cats of the Westcountry" (Chris Moiser). Details are available by telephone at 01392 424822.

Scamp: The Alternative Animal

This multi-page article, written by Nick Redfern, details the story of Scamp, a dog who recovered from two serious strokes through alternative therapies. The article highlights the work of Sue and John Bithell, who established a new alternative healing centre for animals in Wolverhampton. They were inspired by the positive effects of therapies such as herbs, magnets, and massage on their pet dog, Scamp. The centre aims to provide options beyond conventional veterinary care, emphasizing natural remedies. Sue, a reflexologist, worked with a healer named Linda Potter, who used telepathy to help Scamp. Linda describes the process of tuning into the animal's needs, sometimes receiving mental pictures or emotional links. Scamp's recovery is described as remarkable, with him regaining mobility and energy. The article also mentions the opening of "Scamp's Pet Clinic" on the grounds of the Centre for Natural Healing, offering nutritional programs, herbs, vitamins, and magnets. Sue and John's ultimate goal is to help both pets and their owners, believing that healing an animal can also benefit the stressed owner. Contact information for Scamp's Pet Clinic is provided.

My Sighting Of One Of Kent's Mystery Cats

Written by Neil Arnold, this article recounts a sighting of a large, cat-like animal in Kent. On February 16, 2000, Neil's uncle Dean and cousin Mark were driving on Capstone Road in Chatham when they saw a dark brown, streamlined animal with glowing eyes protruding from the undergrowth. They described it as taller than a fox and longer, disappearing quickly. Neil, a researcher into Kent's big cat population, investigated the sighting. He and his father later observed glowing eyes in a field near sheep pens, describing a graceful form floating down a path. They were unable to identify the creature definitively but felt it was unlike a fox. A few days later, a local farmer reported finding a sheep's leg, adding to the evidence of a large predator. Neil believes there are multiple big cats in the area and hopes to solve the mystery without it becoming a media frenzy.

A map illustrating the sighting area is included, showing locations like Capstone Road, Stud Farm, Farmland, Elm Court, and fields with sheep. The map indicates the beast's route and where it was sighted.

Neil Aims to Solve Big Cat Mystery

This article, by Geoff Maynard, profiles Neil Arnold, a "beast buster" who is dedicated to solving the mystery of big cats in Kent. Arnold has cataloged over 300 sightings dating back to 1972, with a recent emphasis on the Medway Valley, North Downs, and areas around Blue Bell Hill and the Haley Wood Beast. He believes there are multiple big cats, possibly pumas or cougars, in the region, capable of traveling significant distances. Sightings have been reported from Bexley and Orpington in the east to Cuxton and Wouldham in the west, as well as on the Hoo Peninsula. Arnold suggests that some reports of black panthers might be misidentifications of sandy-colored cats in low light. He has found evidence such as ripped animal carcasses and large paw prints. Arnold conducts his research on weekends, interviewing witnesses and examining sighting locations. He hopes to one day achieve his dream of seeing a big cat and documenting it for a catalogue of sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of the natural world with the unexplained and unusual. Themes include the unexpected presence of animals in urban or unusual environments (porpoise in the Thames), the stark reality of extinction (Pyrenean ibex), and the persistent mystery of cryptozoological creatures (big cats in Kent). There's also a strong focus on alternative and natural approaches to health, particularly for animals, as seen in the Scamp story. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging reader participation and investigation into phenomena that lie outside conventional understanding, while also acknowledging the importance of established scientific and veterinary practices where appropriate.

Title: ANIMALS & MEN
Issue: #21
Date: (Implied 1999 based on context of other articles and the presence of a 1998 expedition phase)
Publisher: Headline
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.95

This issue of ANIMALS & MEN features a diverse range of articles, from cryptozoological investigations and historical expeditions to scientific theories on Earth's past.

The Wurm Turns: A Suggested Explanation for the Tatzelwurm

This feature article by Richard Freeman explores the legend of the Tatzelwurm, a creature reported in the Alps of Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland. Described as a cylindrical, scaly animal with a blunt head, powerful jaws, and greatly reduced legs, it is said to grow up to 90 cm (3 feet) long and is feared for its aggressive nature and venomous bite. It is known by various names, including Tatzelwurm (worm with feet), Springwurm (jumping worm), and Stollerwurm (tunnel worm).

The article recounts historical accounts, starting with Swiss naturalist Friedrich von Tschundi, who in 1861 was convinced of its reality. He noted that in the Bernese Oberland and Jura regions, a belief in a "cave worm" existed, described as 30-90 cm long with two short legs, appearing after storms.

An anecdote from 1828 describes a peasant in the Solothurn canton finding a creature in a dried-up marsh. The skeleton was sent to Heidelberg but was lost. The article notes that cryptozoological evidence often goes missing during transportation.

In 1903, Austrian Privy Councillor A. von Drasenovich reported an encounter where a professional hunter was attacked by a worm-like beast, about 50 cm long and 8 cm thick with four stubby legs. The hunter's knife could not penetrate its scales, and the creature made six leaps before disappearing into a crack in the rocks.

Further reports include a poacher in Hochfilzenalm, Austria, in the mid-1960s, who saw a 90cm Tatzelwurm and had to flee when it leaped at him. Three years later, travellers in the Mur valley found a carcass identified by a veterinary student as a roe deer, but the bones later disappeared. A young shepherd in the same spot reported a giant lizard.

In the 1930s, Dr Gerhard Venzmer and Hans Fulcher collected evidence from 60 witnesses describing a creature 30-60 cm long, cylindrical, with a blunt head and large eyes, which hissed like a snake.

Sightings are also reported from France, with a woman in Ossum encountering one in 1939. Farmers in Palermero, Sicily, reported a snake-like creature with a cat-like head attacking pigs in 1954. A report from Denmark in June 1973 described a strange "snake" about 4.5 feet long with a "nasty" head.

Freeman explores potential identifications for the Tatzelwurm. He considers skinks, a group of elongated lizards, some of which are tubular. He also discusses the European legless lizard (Opisaurus apodus), which can grow up to 90 cm and has a powerful bite, though not venomous. The Mexican beaded lizard and Gila monster are mentioned as venomous reptiles.

Another possibility is a giant salamander, as suggested by an Austrian schoolmaster who encountered a white, smooth-skinned animal with a flat head and short feet in a cave in 1929. The animal had large eyes and disappeared into a hole.

Finally, Freeman examines a 1924 photograph by Swiss photographer Balkin, which showed a blunt-headed, heavy-scaled animal. He tentatively suggests this could be a rare picture of a new species of lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), noting their tubular shape and resemblance to the creature in the photo.

The Kota Mama Expedition: Interim Report

This section details the Kota Mama expedition, led by Col. John Blashford-Snell, which successfully completed a 1000-mile journey over the Andes and an 1800-mile voyage by river from Bolivia to Buenos Aires. The expedition utilized two traditionally built reed boats, a remarkably tough Avon inflatable, and a Bolivian Navy support ship. The reed boats were constructed by skilled Aymara boat builders on Lake Titicaca.

The expedition encountered severe storms with force 6 winds and waves up to 4 feet high. Temperatures were as low as 30°F, necessitating the use of a Suzuki outboard motor. The Mariner outboard was used for steering in emergencies. The primary aim was to test the construction and fabric of the reed boat hulls.

During the voyage, the boats suffered some damage, including split sails and a broken steering oar. The expedition also engaged in scientific and community aid projects, examining archaeological sites and excavating an ancient fortress. Petroglyphs were examined in Eastern Paraguay, and the expedition's archaeologist, Andrew Millar, catalogued fauna and directed a wildlife survey.

In the Pantanal swamps of Brazil, snakes attempted to board the boats, and mosquitoes were a problem due to high temperatures. A mascot, a Paraguayan piglet named 'Rocket', was adopted by the crew.

In NE Argentina, 57 endangered marsh deer were located using microlight aircraft. A hydrographic project produced a navigation guide for the waterway. Royal Engineers officers designed flood prevention measures for a remote village, and British dentists extracted over 1400 teeth from local people.

The expedition's website proved popular, attracting many visitors. The team included 50 members from various countries and was supported by several naval and scientific organizations, as well as companies like American Airlines and JP Knight.

Worlds in Collision

Written by Emmet Sweeney, this article reviews the theories of Immanuel Velikovsky, particularly his contention that Earth's history has been marked by cataclysmic upheavals, contrary to the prevailing uniformitarianism championed by Charles Lyell. Velikovsky's books, "Worlds in Collision" (1950) and "Earth in Upheaval" (1956), generated significant controversy.

The article focuses on Velikovsky's arguments regarding mass extinctions. He challenged the idea that the Ice Age was the primary cause of the disappearance of extinct animals, arguing that the circumstances in which animal remains are found do not support this. He noted that vast numbers of animals, both extinct and extant, are found frozen in permafrost across Siberia, Alaska, and Canada, often dismembered with broken bones, yet with flesh and fur intact. These remains are found in confused settings, suggesting a sudden, catastrophic event rather than a gradual climate change.

Velikovsky pointed to the preservation of mammoth flesh in Siberia, with some remains showing undigested buttercups, indicating they were grazing in summer temperatures when they perished. He argued that the Ice Age theory fails to explain these findings.

The article highlights the rejection of catastrophism by the scientific community, attributing it to socio-political conditions and the prevailing notion of progress, rather than a lack of evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the natural world with unexplained phenomena, legends, and historical expeditions. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology, with the Tatzelwurm being a prime example of a creature examined through historical accounts and scientific speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing them as fact, as seen in the Tatzelwurm and Velikovsky articles. The inclusion of the Kota Mama expedition highlights a fascination with human endeavor and exploration in challenging environments. The magazine seems to favor detailed reporting and historical context for its subjects.

This issue of "ANIMALS & MEN" (Issue #21) is a FEATURE section that explores a variety of unusual and controversial topics, ranging from global cataclysm theories to eyewitness accounts of strange animals and the establishment of exotic species in the UK.

Velikovsky's Cataclysm Theories

The article delves into the theories of Immanuel Velikovsky, who proposed that Earth's history was shaped by recent, violent cosmic events rather than gradual geological and evolutionary processes. It highlights his arguments that phenomena like "waves of translation" (giant tidal waves) and rapid mountain formation, evidenced by raised beaches, were caused by celestial bodies, specifically a planet-sized comet named Typhon. Velikovsky's work, particularly "Worlds in Collision" and "Earth in Upheaval," is presented as a challenge to conventional geology and palaeontology, which he felt ignored or downplayed evidence of sudden destruction in favor of gradualism like Ice Ages.

• Key points from this section include:
• Geological Evidence: The presence of whale bones in continents, fish frozen in ice-caps, and seals found at high altitudes are cited as evidence of rapid transport by massive waves. The formation of raised beaches, such as the one observed by Darwin in the Andes, is argued to have occurred rapidly (weeks or days) rather than over millions of years, contradicting uniformitarian geology.
• Mammoth Problem: The extinction of mammoths is presented not as a gradual process but as a result of sudden destruction, possibly linked to floods or cataclysms.
• Cosmic Cataclysm: Velikovsky suggested that a comet caused a great disaster on Earth approximately 3,500 years ago. This event is linked to the extinction of most Pleistocene creatures and is believed to be the origin of many global myths and legends about cosmic serpents or dragons.
• Planet-Sized Comet: The comet involved was described as planet-sized, with a gravitational pull that shook Earth off its axis, caused massive tidal waves, ignited seismic activity, and buckled Earth's plates, raising mountains and submerging land.
• Predictions and Validation: Velikovsky's predictions about the solar system, including the molten core of the Moon, seismic activity on Venus, impact craters and volcanism on Mars, and powerful electromagnetic fields on Jupiter and the Sun, are presented as having been surprisingly accurate based on later space exploration.
• Scientific Reception: Despite his accurate predictions, Velikovsky is portrayed as having been derided as a crank by the scientific community, with official silence and hostility being the strategy employed against his work.

Eyewitness Accounts of Unusual Animals

The issue features personal accounts of sightings of animals that are considered "out of place" or unusually large.

• "Big Birds" Sightings: Terry Hooper recounts two personal sightings: one in 1966 in Dalborn, Germany, of a large bird, possibly a golden eagle, with an estimated 8-9 foot wingspan, and another in 1975 near Ramsgate, UK, of a large owl with an estimated 7-foot wingspan.
• Out-of-Place Quadrupeds: The article discusses reports of large canids and other unusual animals. A correspondent named KBH reported seeing a wolf-like animal near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in 1975. Loren Coleman is mentioned for noting the existence of hyenas in the US, prompting speculation about similar sightings in the UK. A young man named Peter reported a hyena-like animal. Pauline reported seeing a spotted hyena near Bristol. MH from BBC Radio Nottingham reported a roadkill of a monkey-like animal near Etwall in November 1999.

Exotic Parrots in the UK

Another significant section of the magazine focuses on the presence of exotic parrot species living wild in the United Kingdom.

• Macaws in Woodbury: Jonathan Downes recounts his search for a colony of macaws, large parrots from tropical South America, reportedly living wild on Woodbury Common in Devon. Despite initial skepticism, local accounts suggest these birds have established themselves.
• Feral Parakeets: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has confirmed populations of several thousand wild ring-necked parakeets (from tropical Africa) in and around London, with a flock of about 850 near Heathrow Airport. Smaller numbers of Alexandrine and Monk parakeets are also present.
• Historical Precedents: The article notes that the African ring-necked parakeet is now reported in most counties of England and Wales and is considered a pest by some fruit farmers. It also mentions historical introductions, such as budgerigars to the Scilly Isles (Tresco) thirty years prior, where over a hundred established themselves. Cockatiels and black-headed parrots from South America have also been reported in Devon.
• Future Prospects: The piece suggests that with the growing trade in exotic pets and the advent of global warming, more exotic bird species may become established in the UK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of established scientific paradigms (particularly in geology and palaeontology), the presentation of anecdotal evidence for unusual phenomena, and the exploration of the natural world beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards controversial theories and unexplained sightings, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations and report their own experiences. The magazine seems to champion the idea that many accepted scientific narratives may be incomplete or incorrect, particularly concerning Earth's history and the presence of unexpected fauna.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue #21) is a feature-heavy publication from the Centre for Fortean Zoology, focusing on zoological and cryptozoological topics. The primary article, "Crocodiles on Madagascar" by Darren Naish, revisits the debate about how crocodiles colonized the island. Other features include reports on a science day at Plymouth College of Further Education and reader correspondence detailing sightings and expeditions.

Crocodiles on Madagascar

Darren Naish's article challenges the idea that "Crocodylus" crocodiles colonized Madagascar via land bridges after its Late Cretaceous isolation. He argues that much recent work on the island's paleobiogeography, particularly discoveries in the Mahajanga Basin, indicates close ties with Late Cretaceous India and South America. This suggests Madagascar became isolated late in the Cretaceous, and that recent arrivals must have occurred much later.

Naish refutes the idea of land bridges, citing that recent Madagascan fauna evolved too recently (within the last 5 million years) to have used any land bridges that might have existed prior to the island's isolation. He specifically addresses McCall's (1997) proposal of a Paleogene land bridge across the Mozambique Channel, noting that geological evidence suggests this was flawed, with seamounts forming insignificant islets.

Instead, Naish posits that crocodiles, like other fauna such as hippos, likely reached Madagascar by swimming across the Mozambique Channel. He highlights that all crocodylids possess salt glands, indicating an ability for dispersal across marine barriers. Even alligatoroids, which lack salt glands, are believed to have dispersed across marine barriers historically. The article notes that species like "C. robustus" (now understood to be a relative of "Osteolaemus") and other "Crocodylus" species first appear in the fossil record around the late Miocene-early Pliocene, around 5 million years ago, long after Madagascar's isolation.

The article concludes that the most probable scenario is that recent Madagascan crocodiles arrived by sea, supported by three key points:
1. Madagascar became an island late in the Upper Cretaceous and was not linked by landbridges subsequently.
2. Recent Madagascan crocodiles evolved far too recently to have invaded prior to isolation.
3. All crocodylids possess salt glands, enabling dispersal across marine barriers.

National Science Day, Plymouth College of Further Education

This section reports on two events held at Plymouth College of Further Education on March 24, 2000. The first event was a lecture on 'Bucky Balls' (Buckminsterfullerene), a new type of carbon molecule, presented by Dr. Jonathan Hare of Sussex University. The lecture covered the molecule's structure and a demonstration of its creation in the faculty's science laboratories.

The second, and more interesting, event was a conference on British big cats organized by the CFZ. The panel of experts, largely composed of CFZ members and associates, included Jon Downes, Chris Moiser, Paul Crowther, Ellis Daw, and the author. Bob Jasper, a police wildlife liaison officer, also attended. The topics ranged from photographic analysis of claimed beast sightings to theories on the origins of these creatures. The speakers were convinced of the existence of exotic cats in Britain, with many attendees having personally seen specimens. The event was considered a success, being televised locally and reported in a national newspaper. A minor incident involved a nameless CFZ team member commenting on the high cost of Buckminsterfullerene (£150 a gram) compared to other substances, and a report of "cervicals" living wild in the area, which was dismissed as a smear campaign.

Reader Correspondence

Letter from John Blashford-Snell:

John Blashford-Snell congratulates the magazine on its 20th issue and shares information from a recent expedition in South America. He reports on numerous stones of giant anaconda, particularly in Brazil and Guyana, including a story of a 42-foot anaconda captured alive after eating a cow. The reptile is reportedly living in a pond in NW Brazil. He also mentions a "river monster" reported by Indians at Vallemi on the Rio Paraguay, noting that while Caiman are common, the reported creature is said to be different. Blashford-Snell also announces an upcoming expedition in February 2001 to study "strange giant elephants" in Western Nepal, where they have found a herd including cows and calves, and observed a tiger eating another tiger.

PS from Darren Naish:

Darren Naish adds a postscript regarding a conversation with Glenn Storrs about Madagascan crocodiles. He learned that people still report sightings of crocodiles that resemble the fossil 'C. robustus' more than living "C. niloticus," noting the prominent 'horns' on the skull of the fossil.

Back Copies and Publications

The magazine lists its available back issues for £2 each, with a note to see the next page for payment methods. A detailed contents list for back issues #1-20 is provided, covering a wide range of topics including extinct animals, mystery creatures, and cryptozoological bibliographies.

Additionally, the magazine advertises "The Owlman and Others," a new updated edition by Jonathan Downes, priced at £12.95. It also promotes the "CFZ YEARBOOK 1999," which contains longer articles than those in "Animals & Men" magazine, covering topics like "Surviving Neanderthals," "The Beast of Bluebell Hill," "Wolverines in Wales?," and "Pelorus Jack." The yearbook is priced at £10.75 (UK) and £11.50 (overseas).

Finally, Jonathan Downes's new book, "The Blackdown Mystery: A tale of UFOs, Crash Retrievals and High Strangeness," is advertised for £7.50, including postage and packing. The ISSN for "Animals & Men" is listed as 1354-0637.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a strong interest in cryptozoology, paleontology, and unusual zoological phenomena, as evidenced by the diverse range of topics in its back issues and featured articles. The editorial stance, as stated in the "Letters to Yer Editor" section, is to welcome correspondence and to clarify that opinions expressed are those of the individual correspondent, not necessarily the editorial team or the Centre for Fortean Zoology. There is a commitment to not infringing on moral rights or copyright. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating research and reports within the Fortean and cryptozoological communities.