Exotic Zoology - Vol 3 No 2 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 3, #2
Date: March/April 1996
Editor: Matthew A. Bille
Publisher: Matthew A. Bille
Type: The Bimonthly Magazine of Cryptozoology

Australia's Shadow Predators

The lead article, "Australia's Shadow Predators," explores intriguing questions about the continent's unique fauna. It delves into reports of a "cougar" in Australia, questioning whether these are mistakes, hoaxes, or evidence of introduced American felines. The article also examines the debate surrounding the extinction of the marsupial thylacine, asking if the introduced dingo was responsible. A central focus is the possibility of a cat-like predator in Australia's forests.

In 1994, a report from St. Arnaud, Victoria, detailed an eviscerated sheep killed by a "puma," with evidence including missing bones, sightings, and footprint casts. In the same region in 1985, a Forest Commission officer documented tracks of a cat capable of leaping over a five-meter creek, a feat beyond the capabilities of known Australian predators. The book "Out of the Shadows: Mystery Animals of Australia" by Tony Healy and Paul Cropper is cited, presenting a story of a female puma with four cubs allegedly released into the wilderness in 1943 by an American fighter unit. Similar to the Eastern puma of the United States, definitive proof remains elusive despite numerous believers and evidence. Sightings of a controversial "black puma" are also mentioned.

In Queensland, a discussion revolves around the marsupial "tiger," known to Aborigines as the "yarri." Some identify it with the extinct marsupial predator *Thylacoleo carnifex*, known from fossils dating back about 10,000 years. Since the 1860s, white settlers and explorers have also reported sightings. Naturalist George Sharp examined a 1.5-meter skin of a cat killed near Atherton, and a 1926 book, "Wild Animals of Australasia," described a "North Queensland striped marsupial cat." While reports have declined in recent decades, they have not ceased.

The article further discusses the thylacine, presumed extinct for possibly 3,000 years, with some evidence suggesting its survival. A thylacine humerus bone found east of Derby, Western Australia, in 1970 was dated by a zoologist to be less than 80 years old. A carcass found in a cave in 1966 was dated at 4,600 years, though naturalist Athol Douglas disputes this, citing the decay of a nearby dingo carcass as evidence of a much younger age for the thylacine. Recent sightings are reported from Queensland, where the animal is called "The Beast of Buderim" or "The Tassie Tiger." The article concludes that despite discrepancies in witness descriptions and footprints, enough evidence exists to warrant continued investigation.

Recent Discoveries: More on Symbion Pandora

This section reports on *Symbion pandora*, a bizarre animal found on the mouthparts of lobsters. Two zoologists from the University of Copenhagen proposed a new phylum, Cycliophora, to house this creature, named for its round, cilia-fringed mouth. The animal's unusual reproductive habits, including sexual budding and asexual metamorphosis of its digestive tract into a larva, have attracted significant attention, even humorously noted by Dave Barry.

The creation of Cycliophora marks the first new phylum established since Vestimentifera was created in 1985. The article suggests that the naming of a new phylum highlights how much remains to be discovered about the animal kingdom.

News and Comment

New Species in Vietnam: The Vu Quang region of Vietnam has yielded new species, including large mammals. A team from the Royal Ontario Museum discovered a variety of reptiles, insects, and arachnids. Scientists note that known species are exhibiting unexpected behaviors and habitats.

Giant Squid: There is renewed interest in the giant squid, *Architeuthis dux*. Scientists led by Dr. Clyde Roper are attempting to observe the mollusk in its natural habitat, motivated by recent discoveries of specimens in New Zealand, including one measuring over 8 meters. A historical account mentions a squid from 1857 that was approximately 18 meters long. The giant squid is a creature of interest to cryptozoologists, having been dismissed as myth by science until the mid-19th century. The Smithsonian and National Geographic Society are funding efforts to observe the squid using the Johnson Sea-Link submersible.

Eastern Puma Sightings: The Eastern Puma Research Network published data on 1995 sightings of *Felis concolor cougar*, reporting 510 sightings across 26 states. Problematic reports of black pumas, possibly an unidentified subspecies, continued, with 94 such sightings, though none have been confirmed by carcass or photograph.

Rediscovered Birds in Indonesia: Three bird species feared extinct were rediscovered in Indonesia in 1995: the Invisible Rail (*Habroptila wallacii*), the Caerulean Paradise Flycatcher (*Eutrichomiyas rowleyi*), and the Lompobattang Flycatcher (*Ficedula bonthania*). BirdLife International warned that these sightings do not guarantee the species' survival.

Dr. James Halfpenny: The issue introduces Dr. James Halfpenny, owner of A Naturalist's World, a mammologist specializing in animal tracking and bears. He is noted as a helpful expert for cryptozoologists and will be publishing a column on mystery species in "Bears" magazine.

Guest Book Review: Rumors of Existence

Richard Ellis reviews Matthew A. Bille's book, "Rumors of Existence." Ellis praises the book as a "lovely little book, jam-packed with fascinating material" that will keep cryptozoologists engaged. The book focuses on "Recent Discoveries" and variations on known cryptozoological themes, rather than solely on creatures like sasquatch or snowmen. Examples of "recent discoveries" include the megamouth shark and the coelacanth. The review also mentions other topics covered, such as Fraser's dolphin, Steller's sea monkey, and the "Panay cloudrunner," a new squirrel-like mammal discovered in the Philippines and exhibited at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Ellis commends Bille's balanced approach, being open-minded about new discoveries without being dogmatic. The review highlights the dynamic nature of cryptozoology, noting the recent announcement of the "Panay cloudrunner" discovery.

Resources

The "Resources" section provides a list of books and periodicals relevant to cryptozoology.

• Books:
• "The Octopus's Garden: Hydrothermal Vents and Other Mysteries of the Deep Sea" by Cindy Lee Van Dover.
• "The Empty Ark" by Philip Kingsland Crowe, which covers various cryptozoological subjects like giant anacondas, the yeti, and the thylacine.

• Periodicals:
• "Beyond Bigfoot" in the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph.
• "Concepts of cougar" in Wilderness magazine.
• "Animals & Men," a quarterly journal from the Centre for Fortean Zoology, covering zoological and cryptozoological news, including articles on British "cougar" reports and mystery whales.
• "Ghost Grizzlies" in Wilderness magazine, discussing possible survival of grizzly bears in Colorado.

Editor's Page

The editor, Matthew A. Bille, reiterates the purpose of "Exotic Zoology" as promoting cryptozoology as a scientific subspecialty focused on finding new or supposedly extinct species, distinguishing it from sensationalized "monsters."

He encourages readers to join the International Society of Cryptozoology. Subscription information for "Exotic Zoology" is provided ($18/year for U.S., $20/year for other countries; discounted rates for students and educators). The magazine is published six times a year by Matthew A. Bille and Deborah A. Bille. Permission is granted to duplicate articles for educational use, but illustration reuse is prohibited.

A "Business Manager's Niche" thanks new subscribers and offers a discount for referrals. The editor also announces the publication of his book, "Rumors of Existence," available for $12.95.

The issue concludes with a note about the logo illustration: the "mysterious cetacean Delphinus rhinoceros.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Exotic Zoology" revolve around the exploration of unknown, undiscovered, and potentially extinct animal species. The magazine champions cryptozoology as a legitimate scientific pursuit, distinct from sensationalism. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and ongoing debates without dogmatic conclusions. There is a clear emphasis on the unique biodiversity of Australia and the ongoing mysteries within the animal kingdom globally. The publication also serves as a resource hub, listing relevant books and periodicals for enthusiasts.