Exotic Zoology - Vol 2 No 6 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 2., #6
Date: November/December 1995
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of Exotic Zoology, a bimonthly magazine of cryptozoology, focuses on "RECENT DISCOVERIES: 1995 ROUND-UP" and other intriguing animal mysteries.

Recent Discoveries: 1995 Round-Up

The year 1995 is highlighted as a good year for cryptozoology, disproving the notion that all important animals are known. Several significant discoveries and rediscoveries are detailed:

New Nightjar from Ethiopia A new nightjar, *Caprimulgus solala*, was described based on a single specimen found in Nechisar National Park. The specimen was damaged, with only a wing remaining, showing markings unlike any known species. The species name 'solala' means "only a wing." The living bird has not yet been observed.

Prehistoric Wasp from California A primitive wasp, supposedly extinct for millions of years, was found by Russian entomologist Alexander Rasnitsyn while browsing the collection at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The wasp specimens, dating from 1937 and 1966, exhibited unusual features, including serrated teeth on the ovipositor, linking them to a 20-million-year-old fossil specimen.

New Tortoise from Australia In 1963, Australian scientist John Cann spotted hatchlings of an unknown tortoise species in Sydney pet stores. It took until 1990 to locate an adult specimen of what became known as the Mary River tortoise. This tortoise, characterized by its 38cm-long shell and long tail, was placed in a new genus, *Elusor*, by Cann and American colleague John Legler.

Rediscovery of the Pygmy Mouse Lemur The pygmy mouse lemur, *Microcebus myoxinus*, first described in 1852, was thought to be an error. However, a lemur captured in western Madagascar in 1992 led researchers Jutta Schmid and Peter Kappeler to confirm it as a distinct adult species, weighing only 30 grams, thus restoring the 1852 description.

Apparent Rediscovery of Schomburgk's Deer Schomburgk's deer (*Cervus schomburgki*), last seen in Thailand in 1932 and presumed extinct, may have been rediscovered. A United Nations agronomist found a set of its antlers for sale in Laos, with the owner claiming they came from a remote region of that country.

Whatever Happened To... The Ferret and the Grizzly

This section explores potential zoological resurrections in Colorado, USA:

The Black-Footed Ferret Efforts are underway to resurrect the black-footed ferret (*Mustela nigripes*), which was rediscovered in Wyoming in 1981. The federal government has invested $10 million in captive breeding programs, with colonies at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and a former Army depot near Pueblo. Reintroduction has been challenging, with the first 300 released animals decimated by predators and winter conditions, but efforts continue.

The Colorado Grizzly Bear The prospect of surviving grizzly bears in Colorado is discussed, though any surviving population would likely not be a distinct species or subspecies. Reports of grizzlies persist, including a dead female killed in 1979 after attacking a man in the San Juan Mountains. David Peterson, author of "Ghost Grizzlies," describes the evidence as "ghostly hints" that fall short of 100 percent proof. A 1990 sighting by a ranch foreman described a large bear family, and a 1995 wildlife photographer had a close encounter with what he identified as a grizzly.

Mystery Animals: A Sea Serpent Explained?

This section revisits the famous H.M.S. Daedalus sea serpent sighting of 1848. While Richard Ellis suggested it was a giant squid, Captain Peter McQuahe's description, including a mouth and eye, seemed to contradict this. New evidence, including a drawing from Lt. Edgar Drummond (grandson of the watch officer), is presented. Drummond's drawing shows fins and a small eye, and he estimates the creature's length at around 60 feet, potentially making it one of the largest squids ever seen. The article concludes that the mystery may persist.

News and Comment

Mapinguari Expedition Zoologist David Oren has launched an expedition into the Brazilian rainforest in search of the mapinguari, described by locals as a shaggy, reddish animal weighing about 270kg, possibly a survivor of an ancient ground sloth lineage. Oren believes it is nocturnal, vegetarian, and can rear up to 2 meters tall, accompanied by a strong stench.

International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) Concerns about the ISC becoming extinct are addressed. Secretary J. Richard Greenwell assures that the Society is alive and healthy, with a newsletter and the journal "Cryptozoology" expected to be published soon, despite financial difficulties.

Correction A previous issue's reference to "The Book of Whales and Dolphins" by Richard Ellis is corrected; it is actually two books: "The Book of Whales and Dolphins" and "Porpoises."

Resources

Books

• Ghost Grizzlies by David Peterson (1995): A zoological detective story about potential grizzly bear populations in Colorado.
• The Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner (1994): An award-winning story of evolutionary studies on Galapagos finches, with explanations of DNA, hybrids, and natural selection.

Periodicals

• "Lost World of New Creatures Found in a Romanian Cave" in *National Geographic* (October 1995) details unique ecosystems and new species found in Movile Cave.
• "Tear-drinking Moth: Nothing to Cry About" in *National Geographic* (November 1995) discusses the insect *Hypochrosis baenzigeri*. The same issue includes "The Realm of the Elusive Sperm Whale" with a photo of a white sperm whale calf and a whale's tail that resembles a large unknown animal.
• "Are There White Elephants?" in *Elephant Managers Association* (October 1995) discusses white elephants in myth and reality.

On-Line

• A new Cryptozoology Web site is available via Lycos search engine (http://www.lycos.com).
• Information on dolphins can be found at http://www.awinc.com/users/mbrent/dolphins.html.
• Web sites on reptiles and amphibians are accessible from the Herpmed site at http://www.xmission.com-gastown/herpmed/.
• Primate data is available at http://uakari.primate.wisc.edu/pin/pic/.
• "Wild About Cats," a donation-funded organization for rescuing big cats, is mentioned.

Editor's Page

Purpose The editor states that cryptozoology is the scientific subspecialty of finding new or extinct species, aiming to restore its proper usage as a science devoted to collecting evidence, distinct from sensationalized "monsters."

In Closing Readers are encouraged to join the International Society of Cryptozoology. Contact information for Richard Greenwell, Secretary, is provided. The magazine's address, email, and subscription rates ($18/year for U.S., $20 for other countries) are listed. Back issues are available. Guest articles are welcome.

Business Manager's Niche The business manager welcomes new subscribers and thanks renewals. An educational discount rate is offered. Contact information for delivery and payment issues is provided. Checks can be made out to Matthew A. Bille or EXOTIC ZOOLOGY. A holiday greeting is extended.

New Book Matthew A. Bille's book, "Rumors of Existence," on new, rediscovered, and unconfirmed animals, is available for $12.95. The ISBN is 0-88839-335-0. Autographed copies can be obtained by contacting the author.

Logo Illustration The logo features the "mysterious cetacean Delphinus rhinoceros," described in 1819 and not reported since.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes cryptozoology as a legitimate scientific pursuit focused on evidence. It highlights new discoveries, potential rediscoveries of supposedly extinct animals, and enduring mysteries. The editorial stance is to present factual accounts and encourage scientific investigation, while also providing resources for further research through books, periodicals, and online platforms. The issue emphasizes the ongoing nature of discovery and the vastness of the unknown in the animal kingdom.