Cryptozoology Review - Vol 4 No 1 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 4, No. 1
Date: Summer 2000
Publisher: Ben S. Roesch

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review, published in Summer 2000, addresses a variety of topics within the field of cryptozoology. The editorial apologizes for the delay in publication, attributing it to the editor's university commitments in marine biology. Despite the irregular schedule, the editor assures readers that they will receive all issues paid for and emphasizes the magazine's commitment to high-quality scholarship.

Contents

The issue features an editorial, letters, and several articles:

• Editorial (Page 2)
• Letters (Page 3)
• A Compendium of Cryptids by Ben S. Roesch with John L. Moore (Page 4)
• Native and Western Eyewitness Testimony in Cryptozoology by Jack Rabbit (Page 11)
• Some Chinese Cryptids (Part 2) by Richard Muirhead (Page 19)
• The Basilisk or Cockatrice by Richard Muirhead (Page 21)
• Reviews (Page 23)
• End Page (Page 32)

Editorial

Ben S. Roesch, the editor and publisher, acknowledges the significant delay in releasing this issue, citing his demanding university schedule as a Bachelor of Science student in marine biology at the University of Guelph. He expresses uncertainty about the future publication schedule but promises to try to release another issue soon. Roesch emphasizes the effort put into each issue to ensure high quality and welcomes manuscripts, articles, and book reviews. He also reiterates that subscribers will receive all issues they have paid for, regardless of the publication schedule.

Letters

Solving a Lake Monster Myth

Nick Sucik shares his investigation into the origin of the name 'Serpent Lake' in Minnesota. He discovered that a 30 ft serpent statue in Crosby, Minnesota, inspired by a local legend, was named after a man who claimed to have seen a serpent in the lake. However, the lake's original Ojibwa name simply meant 'snake' and referred to a place of exile for a man deemed a 'snake' for his behavior, not a cryptid. This debunks the idea of a lake monster legend being the origin of the name.

Erratum

An erratum corrects a previous error on page 13 of the last issue, where rat-fishes (chimaeras) were mistakenly referred to as elasmobranchs. The correction clarifies that elasmobranchs include sharks, skates, and rays, while chimaeras belong to the subclass Holocephali.

Articles

A Compendium of Cryptids

South African "Horse-Headed Snake"

This section reports on sightings of a large "yellow snake" in the Maluti area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in April 2000. Eyewitnesses described the creature as having a body like a 20-litre drum and a head similar to a horse, with a mane and a long tail. Local villagers were fearful, and the police captain investigated. Despite the fear, no attacks were reported. The article discusses possible explanations, including misidentification of a molting python or superstition, while acknowledging the possibility of a genuine unknown creature. The report cites the Daily Dispatch and contributions from Jack Rabbit and Gavin Joth.

Sea-Serpent Appears off Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland

Bob Crewe reported seeing a sea-serpent-like creature off Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland, in early April 2000. He described it as measuring about 30 feet across, with a long neck, and moving rapidly. The article compares this sighting to a 1997 report by Charles Bungay and discusses the possibility of misidentification as a giant squid, though the author finds the latter explanation less likely for Bungay's sighting. Crewe, however, is adamant it was not a giant squid.

A Monster in Lake Burley Griffin, Australia

Tim the Yowie Man reports on a sighting by Nigel Lambert and Mark Dalton in Lake Burley Griffin, Australia, in April 2000. They heard a 'phew' noise and saw a large wake on the lake, which they believe could indicate a large monster. The article notes the lake is known for large carp, but the observed wake was too significant for a carp.

A Predicted Rodent from Fernando de Noronha

This article discusses the discovery of a new rodent species, *Noronhomys vespuccii*, from Fernando de Noronha, an island off the coast of Brazil. The discovery is linked to an early description by Amerigo Vespucci of "very big rats" on the island. Ornithologist Storrs L. Olson found fossil remains, leading to the identification of this new genus and species by Michael D. Carleton and Olson. The rodent is believed to have become extinct due to predation, competition, and diseases from introduced animals.

Rediscovery of Roosevelt's Muntjac

Since 1994, there have been rumors of a third species of muntjac in Laos. In January 1995, a specimen was found in a private menagerie. Genetic analysis by George Amato has confirmed this as *Muntiacus rooseveltorum* (Roosevelt's muntjac), a species previously known from only one specimen collected in 1929. It is described as smaller than other muntjac species, dark in color, and with short antlers.

A New Rabbit from the Annamites

Alison K. Surridge and colleagues announced the discovery of a new rabbit species in the Annamite mountains bordering Vietnam and Laos. Discovered in 1995, the rabbit has black or brown dorsal stripes, ferruginous rumps, and short tails and ears. It has been assigned to the genus *Nesolagus* and is closely related to *Nesolagus netscheri* from Sumatra.

A New Muntjac from Myanmar

George Amato, Mary G. Egan, and Alan Rabinowitz have named a new species of muntjac from Myanmar, *Muntiacus putaoensis*. This species, referred to as the "leaf deer," is the smallest known muntjac, weighing 11.9 kg and having a shoulder height of 45.5 cm. It shares characteristics with other muntjac species, including long canine teeth in both sexes.

Other Cryptozoology News

• Russian 'Yeti' Sightings: Two groups of hunters in the Kirov Region of Russia reported sightings of 'yetis' in August 1999. Descriptions included a hairy, man-like animal with narrow shoulders and long arms, and another that stood upright with arms hanging below its knees. Footprints were noted as different from a bear's.
• Australian Sea-Serpent 'Ossie': Tim the Yowie Man reported seven sightings of a 50 ft (15 m) sea-serpent off Western Australia between May and July 1999. One encounter brought the creature within 6 ft of a fishing vessel. It is described as longer and skinnier than Nessie, with square dorsal fins.
• Coelacanth Protection: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) accorded protection to the coelacanth, placing it in Appendix I, which bans trade.
• Indonesian Coelacanths: A team led by Hans Fricke found two coelacanths attributed to a new species, *Latimeria menadoensis*, in an area southwest of Sulawesi, Indonesia, at a depth of 155 m.
• Ogopogo Reward: A $2 million (Canadian) reward is offered for conclusive scientific proof of the existence of the lake monster Ogopogo in Lake Okanagan, British Columbia.
• Giant Squid Expedition: Jean-Michel Cousteau planned an expedition to New Zealand in October 2000 to search for the giant squid (*Architeuthis spp.*) using new submersibles. The expedition also planned to search for *Carcharocles megalodon*.
• Malaysian 'Mawas' Sighting: Villagers in Kampung Chennah, Malaysia, reported sightings of 'mawas', described as local bigfoot-like creatures. One was reported as 1.8 m tall with black hair, and another as 1.5 m tall with brownish hair.
• New Guinea 'Dinosaur-like Reptile': Villagers in the Lake Murray area of New Guinea reported sightings of a dinosaur-like reptile with a cow-like head, large eyes, sharp teeth, and a body as long as a dump truck. It walked on two hind legs and had a long neck and tail.
• UK Big Cat Sightings: Sightings of big cats, primarily escaped pumas and leopards, are becoming common in the United Kingdom. A conference discussed the issue, with some experts expressing belief in their existence despite challenges in verifying photographic evidence.
• Patagonian Toothfish Identification: A fish trawled off Chile in 1888, previously identified as an unknown species, has been identified by Richard Ellis as the Patagonian tooth fish (*Dissostichus eleginoides*).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores reports of unknown animals and creatures, ranging from lake monsters and sea serpents to purported land cryptids like yetis and mawas. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony, scientific investigation, and the classification of new species. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging submissions and discussing findings with a degree of scientific skepticism while remaining receptive to the possibility of undiscovered creatures. The magazine also highlights conservation efforts for species like the coelacanth and discusses the challenges of documenting and verifying cryptozoological phenomena.

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 4 No. 1
Date: Summer 2000
Publisher: The Cryptozoology Review
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review features a prominent article by Jack Rabbit titled "Native and Western Eyewitness Testimony in Cryptozoology." The magazine also includes an article on "Some Chinese Cryptids (Part Two)" by Richard Muirhead.

Native and Western Eyewitness Testimony in Cryptozoology by Jack Rabbit

This article addresses the question of how to evaluate the validity of eyewitness accounts from native peoples in the field of cryptozoology. The author posits that such accounts are crucial for evidence of undiscovered species but are often treated inappropriately in literature, either dismissed wholesale or accepted without question.

The Invalidity of Wholesale Dismissal of Native Testimony

Historically, Westerners have often viewed native peoples as inferior, leading to the dismissal of their "folk tales" as products of "overheated imagination" or "alcohol." This perspective ignored the considerable wisdom, including knowledge of local flora and fauna, accumulated by non-Western societies. However, recent years have seen a realization of this error, with scientific studies confirming some seemingly outlandish claims. Examples include the Matses Indians' tales of a frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) whose skin secretions (sapo) can suppress pain, thirst, and hunger, potentially rendering hunters invisible to game by masking odors. Another example is the New Guinean tribesmen's claim that the "rubbish bird" (Pitohui dichrous) is poisonous, a claim later substantiated by the discovery of homobatrachotoxin in its skin, a compound also found in poison-dart frogs.

The Invalidity of Wholesale Acceptance of Native Testimony

While the dismissal of native testimony is unwarranted, the author cautions against the opposite extreme of wholesale acceptance, which is equally absurd. The article cites examples like the Somali "apris" snake, which was identified by Spawls as the harmless sand boa Eryx colubrinus, and the Indian "bis-cobra," identified as the harmless gecko Eublepharis hardwickii. These instances show that while natives possess significant knowledge, it can sometimes be faulty. The author argues that the flaw in both dismissal and acceptance stems from the belief that native peoples are fundamentally different from Westerners. Both groups share the same perceptual and cognitive capacities, and thus the same limitations. Therefore, evaluating native testimony should follow the same principles as evaluating Western eyewitness testimony, with attention to how cultural background might play a role.

Factors Affecting Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony

The article details numerous factors that influence the reliability of eyewitness testimony:

• Slippage of memory: Memory accuracy decreases over time.
• Period of observation: Longer observation leads to more accurate recall, though witnesses often overestimate duration.
• Observation conditions: Close range and bright light improve accuracy; obstructions and poor weather impede it.
• Fear and stress: High stress reduces accuracy, as witnesses prioritize escape over observation.
• Expectancy: Witnesses tend to see what they expect, influenced by prior beliefs or stories (e.g., Loch Ness Monster sightings).
• Want or need: Witnesses may see what they want to see, particularly relevant for enthusiasts.
• Fabrication of memories (confabulation): Witnesses can recall events that never happened without lying, often filling in gaps from folk stories or dreams.
• Completion of fragmentary pictures: Memories can be filled in over time, adding details not originally observed.
• Conformity: Witnesses may alter their accounts to align with others, undermining the credibility of multiple-witness events.
• Avoidance of saying "I don't know": Witnesses may invent details to avoid admitting ignorance.
• Significance of the detail or event: Witnesses remember "important" things and forget "trivial" ones.
• Age: Elderly individuals and children are generally less reliable due to sensory impairments, memory loss, or vulnerability to suggestion.
• Sex: Older studies suggested men were more reliable, but recent studies indicate women are more reliable except under stress.
• Physical condition: Ailments like near-sightedness or colorblindness can affect accuracy, potentially more so in native populations with limited access to corrective treatment.
• Training: Trained observers (e.g., police, zoologists, hunters) tend to recall details better and are less prone to suggestion. However, natives often have relevant training from their reliance on local environments for sustenance.
• Biased interviewing: Leading questions and non-verbal cues from interviewers can warp recollections.

Factors Affecting Reliability of Native Eyewitness Testimony

In addition to the general factors, the article proposes specific considerations for native testimony:

• Language barrier: Translation errors can occur, affecting the accuracy of descriptions.
• Alternative taxonomies: Native classification systems may differ from Western ones, based on factors like animal use or habitat rather than descent or physical similarity, leading to misunderstandings.
• Overconfidence in expertise: Experienced hunters may assume any unfamiliar animal must be extraordinary, leading to misidentification.
• Incomplete separation of science, history, and myth: In some native cultures, these distinctions are blurred, which can affect how information is passed down and interpreted.
• Skepticism: Western tradition encourages skepticism, while native societies often value unquestioning acceptance of tradition, potentially making belief in "monsters" more likely.
• Different attitudes toward sense data: In Western society, observation is a step toward proof; in many native cultures, "seeing is believing" and observation is proof.

The Bottom Line

The author concludes by urging consideration of human perception and memory limitations for all witnesses, regardless of culture. The article uses an anecdote about a "furry lobster" sighting in Miami, which turned out to be a common spiny-tailed iguana, to illustrate how inaccurate descriptions can be, especially when influenced by factors like language barriers, cultural context, and potential interviewer bias. The author advises asking whether the incident occurred exactly as described or if the witness misinterpreted or misrepresented the data.

Some Chinese Cryptids (Part Two) by Richard Muirhead

This article, based on the work of Bernard Read, discusses various cryptids mentioned in Chinese materia medica and other compilations. It details creatures such as:

• Felids: White tigers (Han), black tigers (Yu), the five-toed tiger (Piao), and the Ssu (a cat-sized creature with a yellow coat, black spots, saw-like teeth, hooked claws, and a roar that causes wind).
• Other Felines: The Shih Ching (a red leopard with a black tail) and the Po (a piebald horse-like tiger with a single horn and serrated teeth).
• Huang Yao: A weasel-like animal with a cat's head, yellow back, and black belly.
• Chiao Tu: A rabbit-like animal that eats iron, with males being yellow and females white.
• Chinese Rhinoceros: Described as a triple-horned species.
• Foxes: Mentioned as white, black, or yellow, with one type capable of generating fire by striking its tail.
• Viper: A short viper from eastern provinces, similar to the ordinary viper but with four feet, capable of springing and delivering a fatal bite. This is compared to the Japanese tzuchinoko.
• Huan She (Coiled Snake): A snake that coils in a large circle and moves like a cart wheel. Eating its fat is said to make one immune to swords.
• Tuan Ts'ao Wu: A small water snake (Natrix genus) with a dragon-like head, whose cooked form is said to be good for leprosy.
• Pearl Turtle: A turtle found near Canton with lungs, eyes, and six feet, possibly an arthropod.
• Vermilion Turtle: Found in the South Seas, as large as a coin, with a blood-red underside.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to cryptozoology, focusing on the evidence, interpretation, and cultural context of purported discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging rigorous evaluation of evidence while acknowledging the potential validity of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The articles emphasize the importance of understanding cultural perspectives and the limitations of human perception and memory in interpreting anomalous events.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 4 No. 1, Summer 2000, is a quarterly publication focusing on the study of unknown animals and related phenomena. This issue features an in-depth article on the mythical Basilisk or Cockatrice.

The Basilisk or Cockatrice This article, written by Richard Muirhead, delves into the historical and mythological aspects of the Basilisk or Cockatrice, a creature prominent in animal mythology from classical times to the 17th century. The name 'basilisk' originates from the Greek word 'basileus' (king), with some accounts describing it as having a cockscomb-like marking on its head. Pliny's 'Historia Naturalis' is cited, detailing the basilisk's deadly powers: it could kill with its gaze, its hiss could rout snakes, and its touch or breath could destroy vegetation and even rocks. The text recounts a story of a basilisk killed by a spear, with the venom transferring to the rider and horse. John Eusebius, a 17th-century surgeon, described the basilisk as a small, yellow serpent with a pointed head, also known as the cockatrice. The word 'cockatrice' historically referred to a crocodile before being transferred to the basilisk in Bible translations, such as Isaiah 11:8.

Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline' is quoted, referencing the basilisk's deadly gaze. A peculiar belief is mentioned: if the basilisk saw its own reflection, it would die. The creature's origin was mythologized as an egg laid by a seven-year-old cock during the dog days of Sirius, hatched by a toad, resulting in a creature with toad-like habits and cock-like physical characteristics. Descriptions of the basilisk varied, with some depicting it as a snake with a crown and others as a cock with a snake's tail. Aldrovandus portrayed it with eight legs, and Pliny noted its upright movement. M. Wren suggested a possible link to the lizard-like appearance of a chick embryo. Fantastic stories included its vulnerability to weasels and its ability to cause other serpents to flee. A specific sighting in Warsaw in 1587 described it as fowl-sized with a bluish crest and toad-like eyes. The basilisk is compared to other cryptids like the tatzelwurm and the crowing crested cobra, suggesting a possible fusion of folklore.

Reviews This issue features several book reviews by Ben S. Roesch:

Cryptozoology A to Z by Loren Coleman & Jerome Clark Reviewed by Ben S. Roesch, this book is described as an excellent introduction and reference to cryptozoology, covering a wide range of cryptids, general topics, and biographical entries on cryptozoologists. While comprehensive, it is noted that some entries are too concise and the coverage could be more in-depth. The authors generally avoid drawing conclusions, leaving judgment to the reader, though they express skepticism towards living dinosaurs and pterosaurs, and the idea that *Carcharocles megalodon* is not extinct. Roesch points out minor errors in the book, including misattributions and inaccuracies in dates. He also expresses disappointment with the entry on chupacabras, feeling it downplays the evidence for it being a Hispanic phenomenon fueled by media hysteria and folklore.

The Field Guide to Bigfoot, Yeti, and Other Mystery Primates Worldwide by Loren Coleman & Patrick Huyghe Roesch reviews this book, which proposes a theory of nine distinct 'classes' of mystery primates. He finds the classification system questionable, resembling Bernard Heuvelmans' scheme and relying heavily on anecdotal evidence. Roesch critiques the vagueness of the descriptions and the difficulty in scientifically validating such classifications. He expresses particular skepticism towards 'merbeings' (including chupacabras) and 'true giants', finding their morphology and existence improbable. Despite his criticisms, Roesch acknowledges the book's merits, including its good references, bibliography, and readable prose, and finds it an interesting survey of mystery primate sightings and legends.

Fortean Studies vol. 5 edited by Steve Moore This volume is praised for its high standards of research. It contains ten papers, five on cryptozoology and five on other fortean topics. Roesch highlights papers on the 'Big Grey Man of Ben Macdhui', suggesting it's a 'mountain panic' mixed with folklore rather than a cryptid, and 'The Smoking Apeman', which critiques traditional cryptozoological methods by emphasizing cultural context. The review also mentions an index for 'Fortean Times' magazine, which is described as a valuable resource.

The Great New England Sea Serpent by J. P. O'Neill Roesch describes this book as a readable and informative account of sea-serpent sightings in the Gulf of Maine. The book is structured chronologically and includes numerous reports, some previously unpublished. O'Neill presents sightings without judgment, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. The book speculates on the possible extinction of the New England sea-serpent and examines various identities, including plesiosaurs and zeuglodons. Roesch praises O'Neill's research quality and the book's accuracy, noting that it was reviewed by palaeontologists. The lack of a traditional index is noted, but compensated by appendices and a bibliography.

Tower of Babel: The Evidence Against the New Creationism by Robert T. Pennock This book is presented as a timely and important work for cryptozoologists, as it systematically analyzes and refutes creationist claims. Pennock defends the naturalistic approach to science and discusses the relationship between science, religion, and morality. The review highlights the book's discussion of linguistic evolution as a parallel to biological evolution and its argument against teaching creationism in schools. The reviewer emphasizes that cryptozoology should not be associated with creationism, which is described as a pseudoscience.

Birds of Africa: From Seabirds to Seed-Eaters by Chris Stuart & Tilde Stuart This book is a beautifully illustrated and affordable introduction to Africa's diverse bird population. It is neither a field guide nor an academic tome but offers a general overview of bird groups with entertaining anecdotes. The review notes the lack of references but praises the spectacular color photographs.

Biology of Marine Mammals edited by John E. Reynolds and Sentiel A. Rommel This comprehensive volume provides up-to-date information on marine mammal biology, with an emphasis on pinnipeds and cetaceans. Each chapter is written by specialists and covers various aspects of marine mammal biology. The reviewer notes the absence of chapters on evolutionary biology or palaeontology but finds the book excellent and a valuable reference for students and professionals.

Wildlife of Gondwana: Dinosaurs and other Vertebrates from the Ancient Supercontinent by Patricia Vickers-Rich and Tom Hewitt Rich This revised edition is described as a comprehensive reference to the fossil vertebrates of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The book is divided into four parts, covering geological history, the science of paleontology, a chronological tour of vertebrate history, and comparisons of fossil records. The reviewer praises the book's extensive text, numerous illustrations, glossary, bibliography, and index, finding it an exhilarating and belittling virtual tour of life on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The Cryptozoology Review consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach to cryptozoology. The reviews often critique books that rely heavily on anecdotal evidence or promote unsubstantiated theories. There is a clear stance against the conflation of cryptozoology with creationism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a scientific methodology to gain respect from the broader scientific community. The publication appears to value thorough research, clear presentation, and a critical examination of claims, while acknowledging the interest and potential value of exploring unexplained phenomena.

The Cryptozoology Review, Volume 4, Number 1, Summer 2000, is a publication focused on topics related to cryptozoology. The issue features reviews of books and discussions of extinct and potentially extant megafauna.

Book Reviews and Discussions

The issue highlights several books with cryptozoological relevance. One significant review is of 'Wildlife of Gondwana,' described as a beautiful and informative survey of the fossil record, evolutionary, and geological history of Gondwana and its spawned continents. It is recommended as an essential purchase for those interested in paleontology and cryptozoology.

The review also delves into the cryptozoological relevance of certain extinct animals. It mentions the impressive jaws of Thylacoleo, a large extinct predatory marsupial, which has been implicated in modern-day sightings of the "Queensland tiger." Data on Thylacoleo is included.

The Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), receives similar coverage, with a full-page photo of an adult and a smaller one of an immature pup featured. The discussion of other Pleistocene megafauna includes the wallaby-like Diprotodon and the giant monitor Megalania. The possibility that these animals might still exist is raised, with Vickers-Rich and Rich cited as mentioning "tantalizing evidence that some of the megafaunal elements such as Diprotodon survived until as recently as 6000 years ago," though no specific details are provided.

Contributors and Contact Information

The "End Page" section introduces the contributors for this issue. John L. Moore, a high school student from Park City, Utah, researches cryptozoology and is interested in obscure cryptids, paleontology, and systematics. Richard Muirhead, an M.A. student from Oxford Brookes University in the UK, has interests in folklore, natural history, and writing children's stories, with a plan to search for the rumored sabre-toothed tiger in Chad. Jack Rabbit, a recent high school graduate from Miami, Florida, plans to study zoology in Australia and has interests in wildlife painting, writing, and playing the dulcimer. Ben S. Roesch, a B.Sc. (Hons.) student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, is studying marine biology and lives in Toronto. His interests include marine biology, animal predatory behavior, and general zoology, as well as punk rock, diving, mountain biking, and surfing.

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

Upcoming Content

Future articles announced for The Cryptozoology Review include "Australia's Kow Swamp and its possible relevance to yowie sightings" by Peter Hynes, a review of New Zealand's giant gecko by Darren Naish, and further installments of a review on alleged sea serpent carcasses by Ben S. Roesch. The announcement also promises great news coverage, numerous book reviews, and more.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the study of extinct and potentially extant megafauna, the exploration of fossil records, and the intersection of paleontology with cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of academic curiosity and thorough investigation, encouraging contributions and providing resources for readers interested in these subjects. The inclusion of detailed contributor profiles and contact information suggests an effort to foster a community around the publication.