Exotic Zoology - Vol 4 No 5 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 4, #2/35
Date: September/October 1997
Publisher: The Bimonthly Magazine of Cryptozoology
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of Exotic Zoology, subtitled 'The Bimonthly Magazine of Cryptozoology,' focuses on the theme 'MYSTERY ANIMALS: CRYPTIDS THAT NEVER WERE.' The magazine emphasizes the importance of reporting negative outcomes of cryptozoological investigations, such as hoaxes and misidentifications, to provide cautions and illustrate proper research methods.

Disproven Cryptids: Hoaxes and Misidentifications

The lead article, "MYSTERY ANIMALS: CRYPTIDS THAT NEVER WERE," by Matthew A. Bille, delves into several cases where alleged cryptids were later debunked.

"Old Three-toes"

One prominent example is the case of "Old Three-toes" from 1948. A jokester named Tony Signorini created fake tracks on Florida beaches using three-clawed iron feet. These tracks were mistaken for those of a large seabird, possibly a penguin, by zoologist Ivan Sanderson. Signorini's friends furthered the hoax with fake sighting reports. The mystery was only cleared up when Signorini confessed in 1988.

Francois de Loys' South American Ape

Another famous hoax discussed is Francois de Loys' South American ape, supported by a 1917 photograph. The animal in the photo is described as resembling a spider monkey, with characteristics like widely separated nostrils, a tiny curved thumb, and a triangular white patch on the forehead. Cryptozoologist Loren Coleman suggests that anthropologist George Montandon publicized the find to support his own racist theories about ape evolution leading to Native Americans. The article notes that while the primate might have been a large, robust spider monkey, the photo itself is considered a hoax.

Loch Ness Monster

The article also touches upon the Loch Ness Monster, mentioning that many photographs and tracks associated with it have been fakes, including the infamous 1934 Surgeon's Photograph, although its hoax status is disputed. These hoaxes make proper investigation difficult.

The "Ri" Case

The "ri" from Papua New Guinea is presented as a case where a reported unknown animal was eventually identified as a known species, the Indopacific dugong (*Dugong dugon*), exhibiting unusual behavior like pronounced vertical flexture and long submergence. While some skeptics viewed this as a failure of cryptozoology, the investigation, led by Roy Wagner and Thomas Williams, involved local reports, expeditions, and study of local folklore. Although the knowledge of the native Barok and Susurunga tribes was incorrect in distinguishing the 'ri' from the dugong, the investigation did add to scientific knowledge about the dugong.

The "Migo" of New Guinea

Similarly, reports of a lake monster called the "migo" from New Guinea's Lake Dakataua were found to be in error. However, this investigation yielded new knowledge about the mating behavior of the saltwater crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*).

The Importance of Scientific Investigation

The issue stresses that proper scientific investigation is never a waste of time, regardless of the outcome. It advocates for a balance between open-mindedness and skepticism, with promising cases subjected to careful examination. Speculation based on insufficient evidence is deemed fruitless.

Mystery Animals: The Southern White Whale

Darren Naish contributes an article on the "SOUTHERN WHITE WHALE," discussing a report of a monodont, similar to a beluga, in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Case of *Delphinapterus kingii*

In 1822, Captain P. P. King collected a skull of a young beluga whale off the coast of Australia. John Edward Gray, a prominent cetologist, initially classified it as a new species, *Delphinus kingii*, in 1827. By 1846, he recognized it as a white whale and renamed it *Delphinapterus kingii*. However, the article argues that Gray was a "splitter" and that the skull likely falls within the normal variation of *Delphinapterus leucas*. The most plausible explanation for a beluga skull being found in Australia is that it was mislabeled, as there is no mention of such a specimen in King's 1826 voyage narrative. The blame for the misidentification is placed on the staff at the British Museum. The article concludes that this is a cautionary tale for cryptozoologists, advising them to consider the most likely explanation before postulating the ridiculous.

A Southern Hemisphere Monodont?

Interestingly, the article hints that there might indeed be a Southern Hemisphere monodont, promising details in a future installment.

News and Comment

This section covers several recent discoveries and ongoing investigations:

New Mammal Discoveries

• New Monkey Species: A Dutch scientist, Marc Van Roosmalen, is preparing to describe a new species of black-headed sagui dwarf monkey from Brazil. This primate is the second-smallest known, measuring only four inches (10cm) long. Van Roosmalen anticipates describing 10 to 13 new monkey species in the coming years.
• New Muntjac Deer: In Vietnam, a new muntjac deer species, the Truong Son muntjac, weighing about 30 pounds, has been identified. It has tiny antlers and a black coat. Dr. Eric Wikramanayake expects more new species discoveries in the region.
• Mystery Cats of Peru: Investigations continue into reports of mystery cats in Peru. Photographs of two skulls collected by naturalist Peter Hocking were shown to Dr. Cheri Jones at the Denver Museum of Natural History. Hocking refers to these possible felids as the "speckled tiger" (a potential color morph of the jaguar) and the "striped tiger" (a rufous cat with white vertical stripes), which could be the first new big cat species described since 1858.

New Species Discoveries (Other)

• New Gecko Species: *Phyllodactylus gemmulus*, a South African lizard measuring 1.5 inches long, was discovered living in rock crevices, representing a new habitat for geckos.
• New Frog Species: British naturalist Martin Pickersgill has identified four new frog species during a ten-month expedition in Africa, following his discovery of a new frog species in 1983.
• New Woodland Beetle: A new woodland beetle from the northeastern United States was named *Platynus indecentis* due to its ability to remain unnoticed for so long.
• Madagascar Discoveries: Herpetologist Chris Raxworthy and his colleague Ronald Nussbaum have catalogued dozens of new herpetological species in Madagascar, including numerous lizards and about a hundred frogs.

Solved Mysteries

• The Beast of Gevaudan: An old puzzle involving a creature that terrorized a French village in the 1760s has been solved. French cryptozoologist Michael Raynal reports that preserved fur samples identified the beast as a hyena. The question of how it got loose and why it preyed on humans remains unanswered.

New Panda Population

A new population of about 30 pandas has been discovered in northwestern Gansu province, China, reminding readers that large animal populations of known species can still be found, suggesting the same is possible for unknown species.

Resources

This section lists recommended books and periodicals related to cryptozoology and zoology:

Books

• The Sourcebook Project: William R. Corliss publishes collections of cryptozoological material, including *Biological Anomalies: Mammals I* (1995) and *Mammals II* (1996), which are well-referenced resources.
• Monster Mysteries by John Grant (1992): A large-format book covering various monsters, including cryptozoological mysteries, aliens, and fictitious entities. The tone is inconsistent, accepting some hoaxes while questioning others.

Periodicals

• Fauna (June/July 1997): The premiere issue of this wildlife magazine features scholarly articles and illustrations, including a profile of herpetologist Jonathan Campbell and a discussion of new frog species.
• Wildlife Conservation (August 1997): Features "Phantom of the Plains" on the black-footed ferret and "Saola Stamp" on the saola.

Organizations

• Primarily Primates: A refuge for unwanted chimps, now home to Oliver, a cryptozoological curiosity. Inquiries can be made to P.O. Box 207, San Antonio, TX, 78291-0207, U.S.A.

Editor's Page

Purpose of Exotic Zoology

Matthew A. Bille states the purpose of Exotic Zoology is to promote cryptozoology as a scientific discipline, focusing on evidence and study rather than sensationalism. The magazine aims to correct the public perception of cryptozoology as solely concerning "monsters."

International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC)

Researchers are encouraged to join the revived ISC, which has resumed publication of its Newsletter.

Subscription Information

Exotic Zoology is published 6 times a year. Subscriptions are $18 for U.S. addresses and $20 for international addresses. Discount rates are available for students and educators.

Business Manager's Niche

Deborah A. Bille thanks subscribers and welcomes new ones from the Netherlands and Peru. Subscribers with concerns about delivery or payment are directed to email [email protected].

Now in Print: Rumors of Existence

A book titled "Rumors of Existence" by Matthew A. Bille is announced. It covers recent zoological discoveries, including new, rediscovered, and unconfirmed animals. The book is published by Hancock House and costs $12.95. Autographed copies can be ordered directly from the author for $15 (U.S.) or $17 (international).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific methodology in cryptozoology. The editorial stance is one of promoting a balanced approach, encouraging open-mindedness towards potential discoveries while maintaining a healthy skepticism and demanding thorough investigation. The magazine actively debunks hoaxes and misidentifications, using these cases as educational examples of what not to do in the field. There is also a clear interest in documenting new species discoveries across various animal groups, highlighting the ongoing potential for finding new life forms. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting scientific societies like the ISC and sharing resources such as books and periodicals relevant to the field.