Cryptozoology Review - Vol 3 No 1 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 1
Date: Summer 1998
Publisher: Ben S. Roesch

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review (TCR) provides a comprehensive look at recent developments in the field of cryptozoology. The editor, Ben S. Roesch, acknowledges the positive response to previous improvements in the magazine's production quality and announces a necessary increase in subscription prices due to rising costs.

Editor's Page

Ben S. Roesch welcomes readers to the Summer 1998 issue, noting the improved quality of the previous issue and the return to a better product with card stock covers and extra pages. He explains that increased production costs necessitate a price increase for TCR, which he hopes will be the last to avoid endangering subscription numbers. New subscription prices are detailed: $16.00 in Canada, $18.00 in the USA, and $22.00 overseas (all in Canadian funds and by air mail). Roesch invites reader feedback on these changes. He also mentions that back issues are available and thanks readers for their continued support.

The editorial staff is listed: Ben S. Roesch (Editor/Publisher), John L. Moore (Associate Editor), Contributing Editors (Bufo Calvin, Loren Coleman, Darren Naish, Gordon Rutter), Correspondents (Dr Peter Darben, Paul Cropper), Artists (Darren Naish, Russ Fletcher), and Editorial Consultants (Richard Martin, Robert Tuck Jr.). The cover illustration is by Richard Ellis and depicts a sperm whale attacking a giant squid.

Letters

Primate Colour Change

Nancy Priston from Twickenham, England, writes to correct a statement in a previous issue regarding non-human primates and hair color differences between adults and young. She provides examples of three species of colobus monkeys (Abyssinian or Guereza, ebony langur, silvered langur, and François's langur) where juveniles exhibit different coloration from adults, with the young being white or orange before developing adult coloring.

The Con Rit

Thomas Kovacs from Zürich, Switzerland, inquires about the "con rit," a creature mentioned in a previous article about sea serpent carcasses. His wife, who is from Vietnam, explained that the words translate to "something with many legs, like a centipede." Kovacs expresses interest in the case and wonders if it will be solved.

Errata

Corrections are noted for the previous issue: on page 18, Darren Naish's article on moa incorrectly stated "thickly-feathered legs" when it should have been "thinly-feathered legs." Additionally, on page 22, the plural "moas" was used incorrectly.

A Compendium of Cryptids

Stirrings at Loch Ness

This section, authored by Ben S. Roesch, discusses recent activity related to the Loch Ness monster. Dr. Robert Rines's 1972 expedition and his controversial "flipper photos" are mentioned. Rines was featured in a Channel Four documentary and is developing a new infrared camera for underwater use. Richard White, a Scottish salesman, reported a 1997 sighting and took photographs analyzed by experts who were unable to definitively identify the subject. The bookmaking firm William and Hill awarded White a prize for his photo. A 1998 sighting by a 22-year-old woman is also reported, described as a large, black object. The article notes that atmospheric refraction and other natural phenomena can create illusions on the lake. Catherine Handley, owner of the Clansman Hotel, reported a "very strange wake" on May 1, 1998, and recounted previous experiences of splashing noises in the marina in 1996 and 1997. The author concludes that these encounters, while intriguing, do not constitute definitive proof of the Loch Ness monster without association with a strange animal.

The "Tufi Mariner"

This article discusses a potential new species of shark, the "Tufi mariner," reported by Kevin Kearney of Millersville University. A classmate of Kearney's from Papua New Guinea described an animal similar to a tiger shark but with a distinctive triangle-shaped black area on the anterior region of the pectoral fins. These "Tufi mariners" were reportedly caught in sizes ranging from 6 to 7 ft up to 12 to 14 ft. No one on the Shark-L mailing list had heard of this shark, and the author remains unconvinced, suggesting possibilities like a color morph, subspecies, or misinterpretation of markings.

Notes on Various New and Rediscovered Species

This section highlights several recent discoveries and rediscoveries:

• Vertebrate Species Estimates: Hans-Reiner Simon estimates that approximately 30,000 vertebrate species remain to be discovered, with predictions for increases in bony fishes, reptiles, and mammals.
• Sumatran Tigers: Studies suggest that the Sumatran tiger may be a separate species rather than a subspecies, though it is endangered with a small population in the wild and in captivity.
• Lowland Tapaculo: A tiny, gray-black bird discovered in Brazil in 1997 was identified as a new species in April 1998 and provisionally named the "lowland tapaculo."
• New Antpitta Species: In Ecuador, a new bird species, a type of antpitta, was discovered with a unique bird call.
• Vietnam Biodiversity: Expeditions in Vietnam have discovered numerous new species of reptiles and amphibians, highlighting the region's biodiversity.
• New Ray Species: A new species of ray from Brazil, with a "bluish-gold" body and black spots, was classified in 1997.
• Extinct Orchid Rediscovered: Over 100 specimens of an orchid believed extinct for 50 years have been found on Alexander Selkirk Island.

Other Cryptozoology News

Rex Gilroy's Claims

Australian naturalist Rex Gilroy claims to possess a fossilized humanoid skull unearthed near Mudgee, which he believes belongs to a "yowie" of the Homo erectus lineage. He suggests that yowies may still inhabit eastern Australia and is planning a book on Australia's lost civilizations.

Thylacine Search in Australia

A primary school in Loch Sport, Victoria, Australia, has initiated a search for the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), distributing cameras to students in case of sightings. The school has established a "Thylacine Resource Room."

Pink-headed Duck Search in Tibet

Peter Gladstone, a Scottish explorer, began a search in southeast Tibet for the pink-headed duck, a species considered extinct since 1935. He is accompanied by Charles Martell and is also planning to hunt for yeti.

"Onza" Identification

Studies of a puma-like big cat shot in Mexico in 1986, reputed to be the legendary "onza," have confirmed it to be a puma (Felis concolor), indistinguishable from North American pumas.

Coelacanth Decline

The coelacanth population off the Comoros Islands is declining due to unintentional hookings by local fishermen, impacting the only known population of this ancient fish.

Giant Squid Washed Ashore

A 15-foot, 100-pound female giant squid washed ashore in Newburgh, Scotland, in January 1998, the first found in Scotland in 13 years.

Melanistic Golden Cat in Sumatra

A strange black cat photographed in Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, was identified as a melanistic form of the golden cat (Felis temminckii).

Megamouth Shark Specimen

A new specimen of megamouth shark was caught off Tablon municipality, Philippines, in February 1998. This was the eleventh known specimen of the species recorded since its discovery in 1976.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Cryptozoology Review include ongoing investigations into famous cryptids like the Loch Ness Monster, the discovery and classification of new species across various animal groups, and the reporting of unusual animal sightings and claims from around the world. The magazine maintains a stance of presenting information and evidence, encouraging further research, and inviting reader contributions, while also exercising a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the discussion of the Loch Ness encounters and the "Tufi mariner."

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 1
Date: Summer 1998
Publisher: The Cryptozoology Review
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review features a lead article by Richard Ellis titled "How Big Does the Giant Squid Get?" It also includes an article by John L. Moore on "The 'Piasa' as a Representation of the 'Underwater Panther'."

How Big Does the Giant Squid Get?

Richard Ellis explores the persistent mystery surrounding the true size of the giant squid (Architeuthis spp.). Despite their status as one of the world's largest animals, much about their natural history, including their maximum size, remains unknown. The article contrasts documented specimens with numerous anecdotal accounts and expert speculations.

Documented Specimens and Early Accounts

The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats cites the "Thimble Tickle" specimen from 1879, measuring 55 feet (17 m) from tail tip to tentacle tip, as the largest recorded. However, Arthur C. Clarke suggests that the largest specimens may not be those that wash ashore, proposing lengths of over a hundred feet (30 m). Frederick Aldrich, a teuthologist, believes the maximum size could reach approximately 150 feet (45 m).

Exaggerated Claims and Scientific Scrutiny

The article critiques sensationalized accounts, such as those in a Time-Life book, which suggest gargantuan sizes based on questionable evidence like tentacle marks on whales. It also examines Bernard Heuvelmans's theories, which propose weights of up to 27 tons and lengths potentially twice that of the Thimble Tickle specimen. Ellis points out a fundamental error in Heuvelmans's weight calculations, noting that the giant squid's flesh, saturated with ammonium chloride, is lighter than water, making it neutrally buoyant.

Notable Sightings and Testimonies

Despite the skepticism, some accounts are presented as more credible:

• Arne Grønningsæter's Account (circa 1930-1933): His freighter, the Brunswick, was reportedly attacked by a giant squid in the Pacific, which swam alongside at 20-25 knots and hit the hull.
• Charles Dudoward's Report (1922): A giant squid washed ashore in Port Simpson, British Columbia, described as having arms up to 100 feet (30 m) long.
• Michael Bright's Recounting (1892): Another story from Port Simpson describes an enormous squid, larger than a log boom, with an arm over 30 m (100 ft) long.
• J.D. Starkey's Experience (circa 1963): Starkey witnessed a colossal squid alongside an Admiralty trawler in the Indian Ocean, estimating its body length at over 175 feet (53 m).
• Dennis Braun's Observation (circa 1969): Braun, a Marine Corporal, observed a huge squid resting on the sandy bottom near Vieques Island, estimating its length at least 100 ft (30 m).
• C.A. McDowall's Report (circa 1998): A ship's officer reported seeing a school of about 200 giant squid in the Arabian Sea, with adults measuring 3-4 m (10-13 ft) in body length and tentacles about 6 m (20 ft) long.

Physical Evidence and Interpretations

The article discusses the interpretation of scars on sperm whales as evidence of giant squid encounters. While some researchers believe these scars indicate large squids, Malcolm Clarke suggests that conclusive evidence for sucker scars larger than 3.7 cm (1.5 inches) is lacking, though L. Harrison Matthews reported common scars up to 10 cm (4 inches).

The "Piasa" as a Representation of the "Underwater Panther"

John L. Moore examines the story of the "piasa" pictographs located on the Mississippi River bluff near Alton, Illinois. These pictographs, first seen in 1673, have often been interpreted by cryptozoologists as depicting an unknown flying animal, possibly a pterodactyl. Moore argues that these assumptions are groundless. He analyzes the description from the Marquette "Récit," which details monsters with horns, red eyes, a beard like a tiger's, a man-like face, a body covered with scales, and a long tail ending in a fish's tail, painted in green, red, and black. A map from 1678 by Jean-Baptiste Louis Franquelin includes a drawing that matches this description. Moore suggests that the "piasa" might represent an "Underwater Panther" rather than a flying creature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue grapples with the nature of evidence in cryptozoology, distinguishing between verifiable specimens and anecdotal accounts. It highlights the tendency for claims of large creatures to be exaggerated but also acknowledges the possibility of undiscovered or poorly documented species. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to separate fact from speculation while remaining open to the potential for extraordinary discoveries in the natural world. The magazine encourages readers to consider all accounts, even those that challenge established norms, while emphasizing the need for corroborating evidence. The discussion on giant squid size and the Piasa pictographs reflects a broader interest in mysterious animals and their interpretations within cryptozoological literature.

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol 3 No. 1
Date: Summer 1998

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review features a continuation of a series on alleged sea serpent carcasses and an in-depth examination of the Piasa pictographs and their associated legends.

The Piasa: Pictographs and Legends

The article begins by tracing the historical records of the "piasa" pictographs, starting with early explorers. Henri Joutel, in 1687, recorded pictographs on a rock described as a "pretended Monster" drawn in red, which local Indians venerated and offered sacrifices to. Jean François Buisson de St. Cosme, in 1698, noted similar figures on a rock along the Mississippi River, but stated they were nearly effaced. Amos Stoddard, in 1812, was the first to associate the name "Piasa" with these pictographs, describing them on a high perpendicular rock.

The most influential account comes from John Russell's 1836 article in The Family Magazine. Russell described the Piasa as a large bird that devoured men, giving it wings and a dramatic legend involving a chief named Ouatogá. The article critically examines Russell's account, noting its dramatic style and lack of corroboration from legitimate sources regarding Ouatogá and the described cave. It is suggested that Russell's story may have been embellished or even fictional, possibly influenced by Marquette's account and a similar tradition. The article also questions the etymology of "Piasa," suggesting it might originate from the French word "Paillissa" meaning "palisade," referring to rock formations.

Furthermore, the issue questions the existence of wings on the Piasa pictographs, noting that early descriptions do not mention them, and it seems unlikely that Marquette and Jolliet would have omitted such a feature. The article presents drawings of "underwater panthers" which bear a resemblance to descriptions of the Piasa, suggesting a possible connection to water monsters rather than flying creatures. The conclusion is drawn that claims linking the Piasa to unknown flying animals are groundless.

A Review of Alleged Sea Serpent Carcasses Worldwide (Part Three -- 1897-1906)

This section, authored by Ben S. Roesch, continues a series examining reported sea serpent carcasses. It covers incidents from 1897 to 1906.

The Suwarrow Island Carcass (February, 1899)

The crew of the English trading steamer Emu reported a "devil-fish" carcass on Suwarrow Island. Estimated at 60 tons and 60 ft long, it was described as having hair, a brownish color, a horse-like head, and "tusks" at the end of the lower jaw. The article identifies this as likely a decomposed beaked whale (family Ziphiidae). The "tusks" are identified as enlarged teeth characteristic of some beaked whales, and the "hairy skin" is attributed to decomposing blubber. While the reported length of 60 ft is considered greatly exaggerated, the morphometric details (skull length, rib length, spine diameter) are deemed more reliable and consistent with beaked whale species like Mesoplodon.

Two More Oarfish (February 22, 1901 and 1903)

Two instances of oarfish (Regalecus glesne) washing ashore are reported. The first occurred at Newport Beach, California, on February 22, 1901, where an oarfish weighing approximately 500-600 pounds and measuring over 21 ft long was examined. A second oarfish was reported in August 1903 off Iceland. The article notes that oarfish are not typically considered sea serpents, but their elongated appearance can lead to such misidentification.

The Tropper's Sea Serpent (March 20, 1906)

A single source describes a carcass seen near Dungeness, England, by Captain Rathbone of the Tropper. The carcass was reported as 50 feet long with "small ears" and "white stripes." The article suggests this could be another rotted whale, with the "white stripes" possibly being ventral grooves found on rorqual whales. The length is again considered potentially exaggerated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of historical accounts of mysterious creatures and phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized or poorly documented claims, favoring scientific explanations and rigorous analysis of evidence. The Piasa section debunks the popular "winged monster" interpretation, linking it more plausibly to water spirits or misinterpretations of existing art. The sea serpent section systematically identifies alleged carcasses as known marine animals, primarily whales, highlighting exaggeration and misidentification as common factors in such reports. The magazine aims to provide a rational perspective on cryptozoological claims.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 3 No. 1, Summer 1998, is an issue dedicated to exploring potential misidentifications of marine animals as sea serpents, with a particular focus on whale carcasses and oarfish.

Articles and Content

Whale Carcasses and Sea Serpent Misidentifications

The issue begins by discussing how the appearance of whale carcasses, particularly balaenopterids, could lead to mistaken sightings of sea serpents. The text explains that dark ventral grooves on a whale could appear as white stripes on its underside, and a rotting carcass floating upside down might present a description consistent with a sea serpent. It references historical accounts from Captain Slocum in 1870 and Captain Ingalls in 1880 who were apparently tricked by such occurrences. The article notes that the "ears" of a carcass, as described in the 'Tropper' case, might be explained by the rotting away and scavenging of pectoral fins, leaving small stumps, or by the sloughing off of blubber and skin during decomposition.

The 'Tropper' Case (1906)

A specific case, dated March 20, 1906, from Dungeness, Kent, England, involves a find referred to as 'Tropper'. The details provided are scarce, but it is tentatively identified as a 15-meter Balaenopterid whale. The article cites Richard Ellis's "The Book of Whales" (1980) and Bernard Heuvelmans's "In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents" (1968) as sources for this case.

An Oarfish off Sumbawa, Indonesia (1906)

Another case discussed is an oarfish sighting off Sumbawa, Indonesia, in 1906. While Bernard Heuvelmans's "In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents" does not detail this case in its text, the article states there is no reason to doubt its identification as an oarfish. The entry notes the location and the probable identity as an oarfish.

Summary Listing of Cases

The issue provides a "Summary Listing" of various reported incidents, with a legend explaining the format: Date - Location - Witness(es) - Length (meters, rounded off) = Probable Identity.

• 1899 (February): Suwarrow Island, Polynesia. Witness: Emu. Length: approx. 18 meters. Probable Identity: Beaked whale (Ziphiidae).
• 1901 (February 22): Newport Beach, California, USA. Witness: Horatio Forgy. Length: 6 meters. Probable Identity: Oarfish (Regalecus glesne).
• 1903 (?August): Iceland. Witness: Indian. Probable Identity: Oarfish.
• 1906 (March 20): Dungeness, Kent, England. Witness: Tropper. Length: 15 meters. Probable Identity: ?Balaenopterid whale.
• 1906: Sumbawa, Indonesia. Witness: ?. Probable Identity: Oarfish.

Acknowledgements

The editors express thanks to John Moore for his comments, research material, and encouragement.

Contributors for this Issue

• Richard Ellis: Described as one of America's foremost authorities on marine life, he is the author of numerous books including "The Book of Sharks," "The Book of Whales," and "Monsters of the Sea." He can be reached via email at [email protected].
• John L. Moore: A grade 10 student from Park City, Utah, USA, with a strong interest in cryptozoology and invertebrate paleontology. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
• Ben S. Roesch: A grade 13 student from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose interests include cryptozoology, marine biology, animal predatory behavior, and general zoology.

How to Contact Us

Correspondence, manuscripts, and other submissions should be directed to the editor, Ben S. Roesch, at The Cryptozoology Review, 166 Pinewood Ave., Toronto ON, Canada M6C 2V5. His phone number is (416) 653-4955, and his email is [email protected].

Coming Soon

The next issue of TCR, due out in October, will feature further installments on alleged sea serpent carcasses (by Ben S. Roesch), a review of the case against the survival of Carcharodon megalodon (by Ben S. Roesch), and continuing series on the cryptozoology of the moa (by Darren Naish), along with other news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of purported sea serpent sightings, suggesting that many could be explained by natural phenomena such as the decomposition of whale carcasses or the identification of unusual marine life like oarfish. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific skepticism combined with an open-minded exploration of cryptozoological phenomena, encouraging detailed research and the presentation of evidence. The magazine actively seeks contributions and engages with its readership through contact information and previews of upcoming content.