Exotic Zoology - Vol 4 No 4 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 4, #4
Date: July/August 1997
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of Exotic Zoology, subtitled "The Bimonthly Magazine of Cryptozoology," focuses on "MYSTERY ANIMALS: PRIMATES IN THE SHADOWS" and "RECENT DISCOVERIES: NEWS FROM PALEONTOLOGY."

Primates in the Shadows

The lead article explores the ongoing discovery of new primate species and the lingering mysteries surrounding others. It begins by noting the natural human fascination with primates and highlights that at least ten species of monkeys and small primates have been discovered in the last decade. The article poses the question of what other species might exist, distinguishing this inquiry from the more controversial subjects of Bigfoot and the Yeti, and instead focusing on "normal" primates.

South America is presented as a region where new marmosets and small primates are frequently found, with seven species discovered in Brazil alone in recent years. Dr. Russell Mittermeier, President of Conservation International, predicts the discovery of 20 more primate species globally within his lifetime.

The article then addresses reports of larger primates in South America, including the famous but likely hoaxed 1920 photograph by Swiss geologist Francois de Loys of an alleged Venezuelan ape, named *Ameranthropoides loysi*. Despite this, reports of large, tailless, or monkey-like primates persist in Central and South America, such as a five-foot ape reported from Guyana in 1987 by Gary Samuels.

In Africa, the bonobo, or pygmy chimpanzee, is discussed as a recently recognized distinct species, with ongoing mysteries about chimpanzee diversity.

The celebrated chimpanzee "Oliver," known for claims of having extra chromosomes, is mentioned, though these claims have been disproved. The article suggests Oliver might be a chimpanzee/bonobo cross or simply an unusual chimpanzee.

The mysterious "koolookamba" ape from Gabon, named for its call, is also examined. First collected by Paul du Chaillu in 1858, koolookambas are described as large chimps with distinct facial features. While initially considered a separate species, this theory is now largely abandoned. Some zoologists suggest they might be chimp-gorilla hybrids, though no mating attempts have been made. Some specimens identified as koolookambas have turned out to be small gorillas, potentially belonging to the disputed "pygmy" species *Gorilla mayema*. Professor W. C. Osman-Hill classified the koolookamba as a subspecies of *Pan troglodytes* in 1964, a classification that remains controversial.

Anthropologist Brian Shea suggested in 1984 that koolookamba specimens might be misidentifications of large male chimps or small female gorillas. However, Dr. Karl Shuker noted in 1996 that the kooloo's resemblance to mountain gorillas and preference for high altitudes might warrant further study as a distinct race.

The article cites several sources for its information on primates, including works by Don Cousins, Brian T. Shea, Karl P.N. Shuker, Laura Tangley, and Russell H. Tuttle.

Recent Discoveries: News from Paleontology

This section emphasizes that cryptozoology is informed by other sciences, including paleontology. The presence of fossil evidence for similar creatures can strengthen the plausibility of cryptozoological claims.

Several significant paleontological finds are highlighted:

• Gigantosaurus caroliini: Potentially the largest carnivorous dinosaur.
• Coelurosaurus jaekeli: A small reptile from 250 million years ago that used a unique wing structure formed directly in the skin for gliding.
• Fetal Dinosaur: The world's oldest known fetal dinosaur, a theropod from Portugal, dated to about 140 million years ago.

Protopithecus brasilensis: A fossil monkey found in Brazil, estimated to have lived 10,000 years ago. With a weight of 25kg, it is the largest known South American primate, living or extinct. The article suggests its extinction might be premature given ongoing reports of unknown primates from the continent.

• Clues to early birds:
• Unenlagia comahuensis: A 90-million-year-old bird-dinosaur link from Patagonia, showing similarities to *Archaeopteryx* but being a larger, ground-living creature.
• Sinosauropteryx: A dinosaur fossil from China (121 million years old) with feather-like structures down its back.
• Nestling Bird Fossil: Found in Spain (135 million years B.P.), this fossil exhibits modern wings but a primitive, dinosaur-like skull, sparking debate about the origin of birds from dinosaurs.

• Ancient Humanity:
• Homo antecessor: Earliest hominid fossils found in Europe (780,000 years old), suggesting an ancestor that gave rise to Neanderthals and *Homo sapiens*.
• Homo erectus: New fossils found on Java, dated to a surprisingly recent 27,000 years B.P., challenging previous timelines and leading some cryptozoologists to theorize that this species might still exist, potentially explaining reports of primitive manlike creatures in Southeast Asia.

The section lists numerous sources for these paleontological updates.

News and Comment

This section provides updates and clarifications on various topics:

• Borneo River Shark: A clarification regarding the rediscovery of the Borneo River Shark (*Carcharhinus borneensis*), which was known from a single specimen from a century ago and had an incomplete scientific name (*Glyphis species B*). The IUCN's Shark Specialist Group found new specimens, including some completely new to science, despite local skepticism.

• Mammal Discoveries: Biologist Lawrence Heaney and other experts suggest that thousands of mammal species may remain undiscovered. Heaney has described 15 new species since 1991, and the current catalogue of 4,600 species could potentially expand to 8,000. This includes rodents, insectivores, beaked whales, muntjac deer, the Vu Quang ox (sao la), and a "flying fox" bat with a 1-meter wingspan from the Philippines.

• African Forest Elephant: Scientists are investigating whether the forest elephant of central Africa is a separate species from the savanna elephant, with mitochondrial DNA tests suggesting it might be. Kenyan specialist Nicholas Georgiadis believes the desert elephants of Namibia might also constitute a distinct species. The article notes a lack of interest in examining evidence for the "pygmy elephant."

Resources

This section reviews books and periodicals relevant to cryptozoology:

• Books:
• *Esau* by Philip Kerr (1997): A novel combining a yeti discovery with a spy story, noted for its yeti research but criticized for its absurd plot developments.
• *The Unexplained* by Karl P.N. Shuker (1996): An interesting book that covers cryptozoology alongside other alleged phenomena. While the cryptozoology sections are strong, the author's inclusion of weaker topics might encourage skeptics to dismiss cryptozoology as "paranormal nonsense." The book discusses the case of "Trunko," a marine animal, with some skepticism.

• Periodicals:
• *Fortean Times* (July 1997 issue): Praised for containing four scientific and well-written articles on cryptozoology, including "Hell's Teeth" about a bizarre Amazonian river dolphin, Dr. Karl Shuker's column "Lost Ark" on the Borneo bay cat, an article on giant anacondas, and an update on "Oliver" the chimp.
• *Rumors of Existence* by Matthew A. Bille: A book published by Hancock House, listed at $12.95, covering recent zoological discoveries.
• *National Geographic* (July 1997): Features an article on new species in the Philippines, including the Panay cloudrunner and Lina's sunbird.
• *National Geographic* (June 1997): Includes a graphic on "Cats of the World" and discusses taxonomic disputes regarding the puma and the Iriomote cat.
• *Journal of Mammology* (1996): Describes the Giant Muntjac (*Megamuntiacus vuquangensis*) from Laos.
• *Skeptical Inquirer* (March/April 1997): Contains a review of Daniel Taylor-Ide's book *Something Hidden Behind the Ranges*.

Internet Resources

• CNN Website: Features a story and video of the "monster" of Lake Van, Turkey, described as a living animal but difficult to identify.
• British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club (BCSCC) Website: Provides information on cryptids, links to other sites, and their newsletter, *Cryptonews*.
• World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) Website: Offers a prototype CITES information service with a database of CITES-listed species.

Editor's Page

The "Editor's Page" defines cryptozoology as a scientific subspecialty focused on finding new or extinct species, aiming to restore its reputation beyond sensationalized "monsters." It announces the revival of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) and its newsletter. The magazine *Exotic Zoology* is published six times a year by Matthew A. Bille and Deborah A. Bille, with subscription details provided. The "Business Manager's Niche" thanks subscribers and welcomes new ones. The page also promotes Matthew A. Bille's book, *Rumors of Existence*.

Exotic Zoology Subscriber Directory

The issue includes the second annual subscriber directory, listing readers who have expressed interest in being included for research or information exchange. It provides names, addresses, emails, and stated interests of various individuals involved in zoology and cryptozoology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes cryptozoology as a legitimate scientific pursuit, distinct from sensationalism or paranormal claims. It emphasizes the importance of evidence and interdisciplinary research, drawing connections between cryptozoology, zoology, paleontology, and other sciences. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained animal phenomena, while maintaining a critical approach to evidence, as seen in the discussion of the De Loys' ape and "Trunko." The magazine actively seeks to inform its readers about new discoveries, ongoing research, and relevant publications in the field.