Exotic Zoology - Vol 2 No 3 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 2., #3
Date: May/June 1995
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of Exotic Zoology, formerly titled Cryptozoology Newsletter, is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to the study of unknown or presumed-extinct animals. The publication aims to present cryptozoological findings in a scientific manner, broadening its appeal beyond "monster stories" and "psychic animals."

Recent Discoveries: The Coelacanth: Still a Puzzle

The lead article focuses on the coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), a fish famously discovered in 1938 in South Africa, proving that a Mesozoic species could survive long after the known fossil record ended. Marjorie Courtney-Latimer of the East London Museum is credited with recognizing its uniqueness, and Professor James L. B. Smith famously described his reaction to the find. The coelacanth is the sole survivor of the order Coelacanthini, possessing peculiar features like an extra joint in its skull and a hollow notochord. Its pectoral fins resemble stumpy legs, and it is a member of the lobe-finned fishes, crucial to the evolution of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. While not a direct ancestor, it provides significant information about vertebrate evolution. Over a hundred specimens have since been found. The Society for Protection of Old Fishes (SPOOF), founded by George and Susan Brown, aims to promote the sharing of specimens and tissue to reduce the demand for new catches.

The article explores the coelacanth's habitat, generally believed to be around the Comoro Islands, though the first specimen was found 1,800 miles away off South Africa. A 1991 catch off Mozambique raises questions about stray individuals or a second population, though the latter is unconfirmed. Intriguingly, 19th-century Spanish votive figures resembling coelacanths have surfaced, suggesting specimens might have been traded to Spain from the Comoros. In 1949, a Tampa, Florida, souvenir shop acquired peculiar fish scales that resembled a coelacanth's, but the owner and the scales' whereabouts are now unknown. Similar scales were reported in the Gulf of Mexico in 1973 and 1992. More recently, reports of a coelacanth caught off Jamaica were circulated but could not be confirmed and are suspected to be a hoax or mistaken identity by Dr. Karl Shuker. The 1947 scale remains the only potential evidence for an American population, though it is considered intriguing but unproven.

Mystery Animals: Bears of the North

This section investigates reports of unusual bears. Two known species of "giant" bears are identified: the brown bear (Ursus arctos), with varieties like the grizzly and Kodiak, and the polar bear (U. maritimus). An outsized grizzly weighed 1,510 pounds, and a polar bear measured over 11 feet tall and weighed 2,200lbs.

The article then explores the possibility of other species still existing. In 1864, Inuit hunters in Canada's Northwest Territories found an "enormous" yellow-furred bear. Naturalist Robert MacFarlane sent its skin and skull to the Smithsonian Institution. Decades later, Dr. C. Hart Merriam identified it as a new species, Ursus inopinatus, due to skull and teeth differences. He later placed it in the genus Vetularctos. Inuit stories mention such bears, but no other specimens have been collected. Theories include a freak grizzly, a grizzly-polar cross, or a surviving relic from the Ice Age.

Dr. James Halfpenny, a polar bear specialist, doubts the "throwback" grizzly theory but acknowledges documented grizzly-polar crosses. However, no proper comparison has been made for the MacFarlane specimen. Crossing the Bering Strait, Dr. Sten Bergman documented a giant, black-furred bear from Kamchatka in 1920, noting its pelt far surpassed any bearskin he had seen. Bergman's 1936 paper described a short-haired pelt, a huge pawprint, and an outsized skull. David Day lists this animal as Ursus arctos piscator, possibly extinct around 1920. No specimens have been collected since, but in 1960, survey workers in Alberta, Canada, discovered a new race of grizzly bears in an isolated valley, averaging 1000lbs compared to the usual 600lbs.

Terry Domico's book "Bears of the World" notes that much of the Kamchatka Peninsula is off-limits for military reasons, yet a former Soviet official reported sightings of these black giants. Domico suggests they might be a variant of the brown bear. The question remains whether these animals still survive or if Bergman's specimen was the last of its kind.

News and Comment

Eastern Puma Sightings: The Eastern Puma Research Network (EPRN) compiled 245 reports of Eastern puma sightings in 1994 across 20 states. Pennsylvania led with 70 sightings, followed by New York with 34. Vermont reported 5 sightings. Notably, 39 reports involved black animals. EPRN directors John and Linda Lutz believe that Felis concolor cougar has survived its presumed extinction and possesses an undocumented black color phase.

Ancient Trees Discovered: A recent event from Australia has implications for cryptozoologists. A stand of 39 pine trees discovered in Wollemi National Park, thought to be extinct for 50 million years, stunned botanists. These trees have dense, waxy foliage and knobby bark. Similarly, a tree from northeastern Queensland was identified as the only known survivor of the Proteaceae family of flowering trees, also presumed extinct for tens of millions of years. The article suggests that the central role of trees in ecosystems makes it likely that new insects living on or around them will also be found.

News Just In:

1. New Mammal from Vietnam: A new ungulate species, Pseudonovibos sprialis, has been described from Vietnam's Vu Quang region, meaning "holy goat." This discovery challenges critics who doubted cryptozoologists' efforts in finding new species.
2. Florida Giant Octopus Reclassified: An article in Science reclassified the 1896 "Florida giant octopus" as a whale based on biochemical analysis. However, no identifiable DNA is present after 100 years in formaldehyde, preventing definitive confirmation.
3. Thylacine Sighting: A live thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) was reportedly spotted by park rangers in northeastern Tasmania, according to the Access Excellence Biotech Database.

Resources

This section provides a list of books and periodicals relevant to cryptozoology:

• Out of the Shadows: Mystery Animals of Australia by Tony Healy and Paul Cropper (1994): Covers six regional cryptozoological puzzles, including the thylacine, alien big cats, the Yowie, and the bunyip. The authors assign credibility in that order, but lose credibility when discussing "psychic animals."
• The Lizard Man Speaks by Eric R. Pianka (1994): Details the adventures of a herpetologist in Australia, including discoveries and classification of new lizard species.
• Dolphins and Porpoises: A Worldwide Guide by Jean-Pierre Sylvestre (1993): A comprehensive guide that includes cryptozoological tidbits like a possible dwarf spinner dolphin and anomalous killer whales.
• Quest for the African Dinosaurs by Lewis Jacobs (1993): Recounts fieldwork on African dinosaur fossils and includes a chapter on alleged living dinosaurs in the Congo, which the author dismisses due to lack of evidence.
• Seals and Sea Lions of the World by Nigel Bonner (1994): A guide to known pinnipeds, mentioning the rediscovery of the Juan Fernandez and Guadeloupe fur seals and species possibly extinct like the Japanese sea lion and Caribbean monk seal.

Periodicals Reviewed:

• "The Inner Life of Lake Monsters" by Patrick Huyghe in OMNI (Jan. 1995).
• "Bigfoot Evidence: Are These Tracks Real?" by Michael R. Dennett in Skeptical Inquirer (Fall 1994), exposing Indiana footprint casts as a hoax.
• "Is Bigfoot an Endangered Species?" by Robert Boston in Skeptical Inquirer (Fall 1994), a review of Dr. Grover Krantz's book.
• "The Camera at Work" by Tala Skari in LIFE (April 1995), featuring photographs of albino or white-mutant animals.

Review

Loren Coleman reviews Matthew A. Bille's work in Strange magazine, praising his updates on new animal discoveries and overviews of creatures like the giant octopus and the Vu Quang ox. The reviewer notes the challenge of maintaining a scientific approach while covering topics often found in "fringe" magazines like Strange, FATE, and Fortean Times, acknowledging that respected zoologists sometimes publish in them.

Reader Response

Richard Ellis responds to a critique of his book "Monsters of the Sea." He agrees Steller's "sea monkey" remains a mystery and maintains his squid theory for the Daedalus sea serpent, explaining how a squid's internal structure could allow it to poke out of the water. Ellis argues that giant squid misidentifications contribute to the sea serpent myth, though he admits doubts about some cases, like the Santa Clara and Valhalla incidents. The discussion concludes with an agreement to disagree. Ellis also expresses doubts about the logo creature, *Delphinus rhinoceros*, suggesting it might be a known species with a remora on its back, but the editor keeps the file open due to reports of seeing a herd.

Editor's Page

What's New: The title change to "Exotic Zoology" is explained as a tribute to Willy Ley and an effort to move away from the "monster stories" and "psychic animals" stigma associated with cryptozoology, aiming for a wider audience.

In Closing: The editor encourages readers to join the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) for research on unknown or presumed-extinct animals. The ISC publishes a newsletter and the journal "Cryptozoology." Subscription rates for Exotic Zoology are $18/year in the U.S. and $20/year internationally. Guest articles are welcome, with payment in copies. Copyright 1995 by Matthew A. Bille.

Book Announcement: The editor's book, "Rumors of Existence," on new, rediscovered, and unconfirmed animals, is scheduled for September publication by Hancock House, priced at $24.95.

Logo Illustration: The mysterious cetacean *Delphinus rhinoceros*, described by French naturalists in 1819 and not reported since, is illustrated by Craig Gosling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries of known zoology, focusing on animals that are rare, potentially extinct, or whose existence is debated. The editorial stance emphasizes a scientific approach, aiming to legitimize cryptozoology by distinguishing it from sensationalism. There is a clear interest in evolutionary links, historical accounts of mysterious creatures, and the ongoing process of discovery and classification of new species. The publication also serves as a platform for book reviews, reader feedback, and news updates from related organizations and research networks.