Exotic Zoology - Vol 4 No 1 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 4, #1 Jan/Feb 1997
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of Exotic Zoology, a bimonthly magazine of cryptozoology, is primarily focused on the revival of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) and reports on recent discoveries in the field.

NEWS FLASH: THE ISC IS BACK!

The lead story announces the return of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) after a three-year hiatus. Founded in 1982, the ISC had previously provided scientific legitimacy to cryptozoology through its refereed journal, Cryptozoology, and the ISC Newsletter. The ISC has now resumed publication with a delayed Vol. 11, #2, recovering financially and planning to fulfill owed publications to members. The initial issue features a detailed article on the pygmy elephant controversy, including color photographs from the Congo in 1982 that show adult and juvenile specimens, reigniting questions about a species first described in 1906. The article highlights the pygmy elephant's small size, with one picture showing it no taller than 1.5m (5 feet), and suggests this publication helps reestablish the ISC's importance.

NEWS AND COMMENT

Administrative Note: Exotic Zoology plans to publish its Subscriber Directory in the August/September issue and will include survey forms in the March-April issue.

New Bird Discovery in Brazil: A unique new bird, *Acrobatornis fonsecai*, a diminutive black-and-gray oven bird, has been discovered in Brazil's Bahia state. Its nests are visible from the main highway, and its habit of running along the undersides of branches led to its genus name, meaning 'acrobat.' The discovery was brought to science by amateur birder Paulo Fonseca.

Northern Hemisphere's Smallest Frog: From Cuba comes the discovery of the 'eleuth frog' (genus *Eleutherodactylus*), the smallest terrestrial vertebrate in the hemisphere, measuring ten millimeters. It is only slightly larger than the world's smallest terrestrial frog, found in Brazil.

• News Clips:
• A Wildlife Conservation Society survey in Laos identified 55 bat species, including five new to science, and netted the first specimen of *Rhinolophus paradoxolophus* since 1972.
• A blue example of a North American downy woodpecker was photographed in Wisconsin, puzzling ornithologists.
• A new songbird, the cryptic warbler (*Cryptosylvicola*), has been described from Madagascar.

Historical Footnote: A Scientific American reprint from March 1846 reported on a 'wild man' discovered near the Arkansas-Missouri border with 22-inch footprints.

NEWS (Continued)

Tasmanian Tiger: Reports continue to interest researchers in the possible survival of the Tasmanian tiger (*Thylacinus cynocephalus*). Despite eyewitness accounts, including those from park rangers, there is a lack of hard evidence. The situation has led to comparisons with the Loch Ness monster, and the search is draining resources that could protect known endangered species.

Mammal Discoveries: A recent article in *Science* highlights ongoing discoveries in mammals, suggesting over 3000 species may still be unclassified. Examples include six new species found by James Patton in Colombia, seven new species found by Patton in Brazil in 1991, and two new genera of rodents discovered by Steven Goodman in Madagascar. Brazil has also yielded six new primate species. The period 1980-1990 saw more new mammal descriptions than any decade since the 1920s. This challenges claims by cryptozoological skeptics that no major discoveries are left.

Photographs: The issue includes two views of Rajah, an Asian elephant (*Elephas maximas*) from Nepal's Bardia National Park, provided by subscriber Marc Miller.

RESOURCES

This section reviews several books and periodicals relevant to cryptozoology:

• BOOKS:
• *Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: The Visual Guide to all the World's Cetaceans* by Mark Cardawine (1995): Includes information on two cryptic cetacean species, *Mesoplodon indopacetus* and 'Species A'.
• *Chasing Legends: An Adventurer's Diary* by Marc E. W. Miller (1990): Recounts travels in search of the yeti, mokele-mbembe, and an African ape-man, detailing the difficulties of such expeditions.
• *Dragons: A Natural History* by Karl P.N. Shuker (1995): Explores dragon lore and legend, suggesting some tales may originate from sightings of sea serpents or giant snakes.
• *The New York Times Book of Science Literacy, Volume II: The Environment from your Backyard to the Ocean Floor* (1994): Includes articles on seafloor diversity, the aye-aye primate, and conservation decisions for rare species.
• *Rare Animals of the World* by Francesco Salvadori (1990): Features animals declared extinct but rediscovered, such as the Seychelles owl and the Persian fallow deer.
• *Birds at Risk* by Ralph Whitlock (1981): A compilation of data on the world's rarest birds, including many species whose status was unknown.

• PERIODICALS:
• Loch Ness Newsclipping Service by Andreas Trottman: Collects published accounts of the Loch Ness monster.

READER RESPONSE

Researcher Angel Morant-Fores provides additional data regarding the Yeti, including a report by Russian zoologist Satunin on a 'wild man' sighting and a 1940 examination of a dead creature by Chinese biologist Wan Zeling. Morant-Fores also supports the acceptance of the Minnesota Iceman as a potential specimen for *Homo pongoides*, arguing its features are consistent with descriptions of the 'almas' or wild man of the Caucasus.

The editor, while acknowledging Morant-Fores' points, maintains that the criteria for accepting unknown animals as genuine are necessarily strict, relying on physical evidence or qualified expert sightings. The editor notes that while some criteria may have been met for cases like the Yeti, the evidence might be in obscure publications. The editor thanks Morant-Fores for the detailed response and supporting articles.

The Minnesota Iceman: An illustration of the Minnesota Iceman is presented, with the editor discussing the debate surrounding its classification and its resemblance to Neanderthals, a comparison the editor disputes.

EDITORIAL: INTERNATIONAL PARKS

The editorial argues that cryptozoologists must be concerned with the preservation of wilderness areas. Conservationist Richard Ives suggests creating internationally funded and administered parks to preserve critical habitats, especially in areas that developing nations cannot protect alone. Potential pilot areas include the Vu Quang region of Vietnam and Laos, and Central Africa. The editorial discusses the challenges of such a concept, including financing and the need for local community involvement to avoid 'conservation imperialism.' It concludes that the international parks concept is vital for both discovery and preservation of rare species and encourages reader feedback.

EDITOR'S PAGE

Purpose: The editor clarifies that Exotic Zoology's purpose is to promote cryptozoology as a science focused on finding and studying new or extinct species, distinguishing it from sensationalized 'monster' accounts.

In Closing: Researchers are encouraged to join the revived International Society of Cryptozoology. Information is provided on subscribing to Exotic Zoology, with rates for U.S. and international addresses, as well as discounts for students and educators. Back issues are available, and text duplication for educational use is permitted with permission for illustrations.

Business Manager's Niche: The business manager thanks subscribers, welcomes new ones, and introduces 'staff member' Lauryn Michelle Bille. Contact information for delivery or payment issues is provided. A referral discount is still in effect.

Now in Print: The section features a review of *Rumors of Existence* by Matthew A. Bille, a book covering new, rediscovered, and unconfirmed animals. Ordering information is provided, including options for autographed copies.

Logo Illustration: The issue's logo illustration is *Delphinus rhinoceros*, described by naturalists Quoy and Gaimard in 1819, drawn by Craig Gosling.