Exotic Zoology - Vol 4 No 6 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 4, #23236
Date: November/December 1997
Editor: Matthew A. Bille
Publisher: Exotic Zoology (The Bimonthly Magazine of Cryptozoology)

This issue of Exotic Zoology delves into the fascinating realm of cryptozoology, with a primary focus on the ambitious goal of 'bringing back the dead'—recreating extinct or near-extinct species. The magazine also features a collection of recent news and commentary on various cryptozoological phenomena and provides a comprehensive list of recommended reading for enthusiasts.

Mystery Animals: Bringing Back the Dead

The lead article explores the possibility of resurrecting extinct animals. It begins by posing the question of whether species truly lost are gone forever, suggesting the answer is not a simple yes or no. The quagga, a relative of the zebra that became extinct in 1883, is presented as a prime example. Efforts are underway, led by South African Museum taxidermist Reinhold Rau, to create a facsimile of the quagga through selective breeding of zebras that exhibit quagga-like characteristics. Genetic analysis by Russell Higuchi revealed that the quagga and Burchell's zebra are cospecific, with their differences being subspecific or varietal. This discovery inspired Rau's approach.

The article then questions whether a recreated animal would truly be the original species. It draws parallels to the definition of species, using the example of a Siamese cat with tabby ancestry. Similar back-breeding experiments by the German zookeepers Lutz and Heinz Heck, aimed at recreating the aurochs and the tarpan, are discussed. While these recreated animals breed true to type, the question of their authenticity remains a subject of dispute.

A more spectacular, but currently unsuccessful, effort is the Japanese-led attempt to recreate a mammoth. Geneticist Kazufumi Goto's expedition to Siberia for frozen mammoth sperm has so far yielded no results. The proposed method involves using a surrogate elephant mother to produce a hybrid, with the ultimate goal of a nearly pure mammoth through further breeding. The article notes that such an endeavor would require significant advances in genetic technology and faces considerable scientific skepticism.

News and Comment

This section provides updates on various cryptozoological findings and events:

• Lake Monster in Japan: A case from Lake Kussharo, Japan, involving an elongated, dark, 'eel-like' creature reported since 1973. Interestingly, the local town of Teshikaga is not eager for scientific investigation, as the mystery enhances the lake's allure and boosts tourism.
• Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) Hunt: Peter Chapple's organization, the Australian Rare Fauna Research Association, has launched 'Tiger 2000' to document the continued existence of the thylacine on mainland Australia. Despite over a thousand sightings, supporting evidence remains scarce, consisting of a single pawprint cast and a blurry photograph.
• Mysterious Ocean Mass in New Zealand: A huge, irregularly shaped mass with 'paddle-like tentacles' washed ashore in New Zealand. Unlike previous incidents, samples are reportedly being saved for proper testing.
• New Ray Species in Brazil: A new species of ray, described as 'bluish-gold' with black spots, a narrow body, and large eyes, has been identified after two years of study. A misidentified specimen was already present in the Museum of Natural History in New York.
• Orang-Pendek in Sumatra: A British expedition claims to have found evidence of the orang-pendek, a possible new ape species. While one photograph is blurred, another clearer image is subject to interpretation, with some experts believing it to be a gibbon, while others suggest it's a new species related to gibbons or orangutans. Additional evidence includes footprint casts, hair samples, and sighting reports.
• Commentary on Cryptozoology on Television: The author notes that while it's good to see cryptozoology featured on television, the quality varies. Programs on The Discovery Channel, such as 'The Lost Mammoths,' are praised, while others, like A&E's 'abominable snowman' documentary, are criticized for minor errors and the inclusion of a controversial 'snow-walker film,' which the author believes to be a hoax.

Resources: A Basic Library of Cryptozoology

This extensive section offers a curated list of recommended books and periodicals for those interested in cryptozoology:

Key Books Recommended:

• On the Track of Unknown Animals by Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans: Considered essential, this book compiles cryptozoological reports from around the world.
• Exotic Zoology by Willy Ley: A collection of zoological discoveries and mysteries that lent its title to the magazine.
• The Lost Ark: New and Rediscovered Animals of the Twentieth Century by Dr. Karl Shuker: Covers animal finds from the last 90 years.
• Searching for Hidden Animals by Dr. Roy Mackal: Details major mystery-animal cases up to its publication date.
• Rumors of Existence by Matthew A. Bille: Surveys recent discoveries, possible extinction cases, and well-documented mystery animals.
• The Case for the Sea Serpent by Rupert T. Gould: A historical compilation of sea serpent accounts.
• In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents by Bernard Heuvelmans: A massive compilation of sea serpent cases.
• Monsters of the Sea by Richard Ellis: A skeptical yet open-minded treatment of sea monsters.
• Bigfoot (two volumes): John Napier's work is considered the best single volume on the subject, while Kenneth Wylie offers a skeptical counterpoint, and Robert Pyle provides cultural and geographical context.
• The Enigma of Loch Ness by Henry Bauer: A balanced and readable book on the Loch Ness Monster.
• Mystery Cats of the World by Dr. Karl P. N. Shuker: A reference for felid and felid-like animals.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Out of the Shadows by Tony Healy and Paul Cropper
• In Search of Prehistoric Survivors by Karl Shuker

Books on Specific Topics:

• Water Dragons: A Guide to Lake Serpent Legends Around the World by Mark Sunlin: Summarizes lake monster claims, focusing on folklore and psychology rather than literal belief.

Periodicals:

• Fortean Times: Features articles by Dr. Karl Shuker on potential new species, and Mike Dash on lake monsters.
• Newsweek: An opinion piece by Russell Mittermeir highlights the need to catalogue Earth's species.
• Denver Post / New York Times: An update on the coelacanth's precarious status.

Internet Resources:

• A new homepage by Michel Raynal (http://perso.ranadoo.fr/cryptozoo) covers various cryptozoological subjects in French.
• An expedition chronicle for the giant salamander of California's Trinity Alps is available at http:www.hooked.net/~kylemi/tagse/97expedition.html.

Editor's Page

The editor, Matthew A. Bille, reiterates the purpose of Exotic Zoology: to establish cryptozoology as a serious scientific discipline focused on evidence. He encourages serious researchers to join the revived International Society of Cryptozoology. The magazine is published six times a year, and subscription details are provided. The Business Manager's Niche thanks subscribers and provides contact information for concerns.

Now in Print: The editor also promotes his own book, "Rumors of Existence," published by Hancock House, describing it as a collection of important discoveries in recent zoology, including new, rediscovered, and unconfirmed animals. It is available for order through bookstores or directly from the publisher and author.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific pursuit of cryptozoology, the possibility of de-extinction, and the documentation of mystery animals. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of treating cryptozoology as a legitimate scientific field, distinct from sensationalism. The magazine aims to provide well-researched information and recommendations for further study, emphasizing evidence-based approaches while acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics. The editor encourages reader participation and feedback.