Exotic Zoology - Vol 6 No 4 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol.6, #4
Date: October-December 1999
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue marks the final publication of Exotic Zoology, a quarterly magazine dedicated to cryptozoology. The editor expresses his thrill in announcing a significant discovery to begin the magazine's last run.

DISCOVERY: A NEW COATI

The lead story announces the discovery of a new species of coati in the genus *Nasuella*. This scoop comes from missionary and cryptozoologist Peter Hocking, who obtained the first dead specimen from a farmer in 1998. The animal was found in the cloud forests of the Peruvian state of Apurimac. This year, Hocking located two more specimens at a local zoo. He is collaborating with Victor Pacheco, a mammologist at the University of San Marcos in Lima, who is confirming the discovery and preparing the formal description. The only previously known species in the genus *Nasuella* is found only in Colombia and differs in color. Common coatis of the genus *Nasua* are described as more gracile, longer-legged, with longer, thinner tails. Hocking continues his search for other mystery animals in Peru, viewing the coati discovery as validation of his work.

WHAT IS CRYPTOZOOLOGY?

This essay by the editor, Matthew A. Bille, explores the roots and definition of cryptozoology. He states that cryptozoology was established as a discipline by Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans, focusing on new or supposedly extinct animals with "unexpected" traits. Heuvelmans suggested that only animals over a certain size were considered "cryptids," as smaller creatures are easily overlooked. Bille politely disagrees, arguing that finding small creatures also contributes to the legitimacy of searching for new animals. He notes that skeptics often lump cryptozoology with "pseudoscience" categories like clairvoyance and UFOs. However, Bille asserts that cryptozoologists have solid arguments, such as the "Vu Quang" discoveries of large land mammals in Southeast Asia, which prove that not all large animals are known.

Bille addresses the requirement for proof, stating it's the same as for mainstream zoology: a type specimen (a body or a significant part of one). He acknowledges that cryptozoologists are sometimes criticized for relying on eyewitness accounts, but points out that mainstream zoology also uses such information, often from indigenous peoples and hunters. He stresses that following "native" accounts is a key and legitimate technique.

He cautions against proposing highly implausible scenarios, such as alligator-sized animals in Irish ponds or birds the size of small aircraft in the Ohio Valley, as these lack credibility.

Bille argues that the Vu Quang discoveries vindicated the premise that large, spectacular animals can remain hidden, citing the example of the Javan rhinoceros being overlooked for 30 years. He notes that funding for cryptozoological expeditions can be difficult to obtain, unlike expeditions financed by media companies for popular subjects like Loch Ness or the Himalayas. He suggests that downplaying the term "cryptozoology" and organizing parties with respected organizations to survey fauna might be a more effective approach.

Regarding the title "cryptozoologist," Bille agrees that anyone can claim it, similar to zoologists. He emphasizes that cryptozoology is a legitimate branch of zoology, using the same methods as other zoological disciplines and focusing on collecting and studying physical evidence, which distinguishes it from pseudoscience. He urges cryptozoologists to stop complaining about unfair treatment and focus on the search, as science is enriched by all quests, even those that don't find the intended cryptid.

DISCOVERIES: HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE

This section highlights various recent discoveries of new species from around the world:

• Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl: *Glaucidium nubicola* was described in 1999 by Mark Robbins and Gary Stiles from specimens collected in the Andes of Ecuador and Colombia. It inhabits forests above 1,500 meters on the Pacific slopes.
• Anomalous Marmoset: A baby marmoset born in captivity in Brazil may be a new species or an anomalous dwarf marmoset, distinguished by its hands with claws similar to the dwarf marmoset.
• Dwarf Pipehorse: Akos Lumnitzer, an underwater photographer, spotted a new species of dwarf pipehorse in the genus *Acentronura* off Sydney, Australia.
• New Fish Species from Cuba: A December 1997 expedition off Cuba discovered several new fish species, including the "orangeblotch gulper" (*Chaunux suttkusi*), the philomenus goby, and a spiny ray fish.
• New Fish Species from the Antarctic: The August 1999 issue of *Popular Science* reported four new fish species discovered in the Antarctic.
• New Sea Squirt: Colonies of a new species of sea squirt were found on a rope in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, described as "orange-tinted clusters of cauliflower heads."
• New Shark Species: Scientists surveying Philippine waters collected 25 different shark specimens, some of which are likely new species.
• Mimicking Octopod: An octopod from the Indo-Pacific region can imitate the shape and movement of a jellyfish, sea snake, flounder, or other species.
• Pink Cirrate Octopus: Mobil Oil company workers off the Shetland Islands caught an unknown type of pink cirrate octopus on an underwater camera.
• Loch Ness Sighting: Two enthusiasts in Texas believe they spotted the "monster" of Loch Ness on June 5, 1999, via a Webcam.
• Mammalian Species Discoveries: A 1997 article in *The London Observer* reported that the rate of mammalian species discoveries is at its highest, with over 450 described in the last decade.
• Unknown Cat in India: M. K. Ranjitsinh reported seeing an unknown cat twice in India's Mishmi hills, slightly larger than a domestic cat with a long tail and "darkish rusty brown" fur with chocolate brown spots and tail rings.
• Rediscovered Giant Tortoises: Two species of giant tortoise, *Dipsochelys hololissa* and *Dipsochelys arnoldi*, presumed extinct, have been rediscovered in the Seychelles.
• Alien Big Cats in Britain: A surveillance camera in Telford, Shropshire, captured photographic evidence of a puma prowling outside a factory at night.
• Annamite Rabbit: A new rabbit species with striking appearance, the longitudinally striped Annamite rabbit, has been described from Laos.

RESOURCES

This section lists recommended reading and periodicals:

• BOOKS:
• *Cryptozoology A to Z* by Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark is recommended as a first-rate introduction for newcomers and a handy sourcebook for experienced researchers, covering major animals, publications, and personalities.
• PERIODICALS:
• Volume 13 of the journal *Cryptozoology* is out, featuring articles on new reptiles, amphibians, big cats, and unknown primates. It includes an article by J. Richard Greenwell on a field investigation of a black felid in Mexico.
• "Beasts in the Mist" by Marguerite Holloway in *Discover* (September 1999) discusses David Oren's search for the Amazonian mapinguari.
• "Amazon Primatologist Shakes Family Tree for New Monkeys" by Laurie Goering in the *Chicago Tribune* (July 11, 1999) covers Marc van Roosmalen's discoveries of new primates in the Amazon.

EDITOR'S PAGE

The editor, Matthew A. Bille, reiterates the purpose of Exotic Zoology: to promote cryptozoology as a hard science focused on evidence. He reminds readers to inquire about joining the International Society of Cryptozoology and notes that back issues of Exotic Zoology are still available. Bille expresses that publishing the magazine has been a wonderful experience, but he is closing it to focus on books. He encourages readers to never give up the search and signs off with "May God bless you all."

Still Available: RUMORS OF EXISTENCE

The editor's book, *Rumors of Existence*, is still available. It covers important discoveries in recent zoology, including new, rediscovered, and unconfirmed animals. It is available through bookstores, the publisher, or directly from the author for an autographed copy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Exotic Zoology are the ongoing discoveries of new species across diverse taxa and geographical locations, and the exploration of the scientific legitimacy and methodology of cryptozoology. The editorial stance, as articulated by Matthew A. Bille, is that cryptozoology is a valid scientific pursuit that relies on physical evidence, distinct from pseudoscience. The magazine champions the idea that the natural world still holds many undiscovered creatures and encourages continued research and investigation, even in the face of skepticism. The final issue emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research and the enrichment of science through all discovery quests, regardless of their outcome.