ISC Newsletter - Vol 04 No 1 - 1985

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1985, Vol. 4, No. 1, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, focuses on a significant expedition that identified a mysterious marine creature as a dugong, alongside other cryptozoological news and society updates.

New Expedition Identifies Ri as Dugong

This lead article details an expedition to New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, in February 1985, to investigate the marine mammal known locally as the Ri or Ilkai. This creature was attributed with semi-human qualities, similar to Western mermaid folklore. The expedition, sponsored by the Ecosophical Research Association (ERA) and comprising 13 persons and a four-person crew on the vessel TSVM Reef Explorer, aimed to clarify previous inconclusive findings from a 1983 expedition led by anthropologist Roy Wagner. Wagner's team had observed an animal exhibiting pronounced vertical flexure, which led them to reject the dugong hypothesis due to the perceived limitations of dugong behavior.

The new expedition, which included a two-man video crew, Scott Munro and Keith Wood, divemaster Rich Bergero, and paramedic Diane Darling, arrived in Nokon Bay on February 11. They observed the animal's flukes and rolling back, noting it surfaced every eight to 11 minutes. The observed rolls were fast, and no dorsal fin was visible. A smaller individual was also sighted. The display of the flukes was described as spectacular, with a graceful, sweeping motion.

Nokon villagers identified the animal as 'Ilkai' and described a family unit. Captain Kerry Piesch of the Reef Explorer, using fins, snorkel, and an underwater camera, photographed the animal below the surface. His description noted a length of approximately 5-5.5ft, greenish-gray color, a distinct head with no discernible neck, and short, paddle-shaped forelimbs. The tail was similar to that seen at the surface, and the animal resembled a dugong. Capt. Piesch was able to take three photographs before the animal moved away without seeming alarmed.

Further surface observations and an attempt to film the animal underwater with video were unsuccessful due to equipment and weather conditions. The following days were spent diving around Lipek Island. On February 14, divers surveyed the bottom of Nokon Bay and found furrowed markings, photographed with a small plant, which were collected for identification. This was consistent with the feeding behavior of dugongs.

On February 15, villagers were observed pulling a large animal onto the beach, which expedition members identified as a dead female dugong. Dissection revealed a single wound in the right dorsal part of her body, indicating she had been killed by a high-powered rifle. The bullet was not recovered, but the chest cavity showed massive damage. Villagers suggested she was killed by someone from a neighboring village, and a commercial fishing boat was observed in the bay the previous evening. The exact circumstances of the killing could not be determined. The Nokon villagers had not harmed the animals previously and did not eat their meat.

Tom Williams, who submitted the report, stated that since the Ilkai is a dugong, hunting or dealing with its meat should be prevented, as dugongs are an endangered species protected by Papua New Guinea law. He concluded that myths of 'merefolk' arise from belief systems that transcend zoology and enter the realms of anthropology and psychology.

Roy Wagner expressed surprise at the identification but was pleased the case was closed. He is now interested in how such animals become mythicized.

Richard Greenwell noted that while the dugong hypothesis made sense, the actual observations had indicated a more cetacean nature. He corrected his earlier assumption about dugong behavior, stating they are different behaviorally and morphologically from manatees. He also confirmed that Wagner team's diving times of about 10 minutes were accurate, contradicting scientific literature that cited only one-minute diving times. This new data on dugong behavior in deeper water will be provided to Paul Anderson.

Mr. Williams is preparing a Field Report for the Society's journal. The article concludes that the mystery of the Ri was solved by cryptozoologists themselves, emphasizing the importance of objective investigation.

New Nepal Bear Now in Doubt

This article revisits the potential discovery of a new bear species in Nepal, Ursus nepalensis, reported in the Spring 1984 issue. A subsequent expedition in October/November 1984 to the Barun Valley near Mount Everest, led by Daniel Taylor-Ide, has cast doubt on the earlier hypothesis. The expedition, which included zoologist John Craighead, botanist Tirtha Shrestha, and ornithologists Robert Fleming and Hari Sharan Nepali, obtained eleven bear skulls. Analysis showed a progression from juvenile to adult, suggesting that the 'Nepali tree bear' (rukh bhalu) is likely a juvenile form of the Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus), rather than a distinct species. However, native assertions of behavioral and size differences persist, leading to an 'ecotype' hypothesis where juveniles might live primarily in trees due to dense jungle conditions and historical bear populations.

The expedition also documented new bird species and rare plants in Nepal. The report highlights the extensive use of native knowledge in their fieldwork, which was found to be largely accurate but required reinterpretation in scientific terms.

Dr. Taylor-Ide stated that as more skulls became available, the transition from smaller to larger forms became apparent, with three skulls considered 'transitional.' While not completely ruling out a separate species due to native insistence, he is taking a conservative approach. The article notes that the Woodlands Institute team is to be complimented for their difficult fieldwork, even when it did not support their initial hypothesis.

Second Megamouth Shark Found

This piece reports on the discovery of a second megamouth shark specimen in November 1984, eight years after the first was found off Hawaii. This second specimen was accidentally netted by the commercial fishing vessel Helga in a gill net off Santa Catalina Island, California, at a depth of 125 feet. A California Department of Fish and Game observer recognized the 15-foot fish as a rarity. Dennis Bedford, a Department biologist, oversaw its transfer to the Department's vessel, the Westwind, and contacted ichthyologists at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. The fish was transported to the museum, where tissue samples were collected and stomach contents removed. Its weight was estimated at nearly a ton. It was preserved in a specially constructed fiberglass display case with 500 gallons of 70 percent ethanol.

The megamouth shark's range is now extended from Hawaii to the California coast. Both specimens found so far are male. A New York ichthyologist, John G. Maisey of the American Museum of Natural History, has proposed that megamouths do not represent a new taxonomic family, as their teeth closely resemble those of some lamnids. He suggests that both Megachasma and Cetorhinus should be included in the existing family Cetorhinidae, forming a specialized filter-feeding group. The reaction of the original describers to this re-classification is not yet known.

Prank of Mammoth Proportions

This article debunks a story published in the April 1984 issue of Technology Review, which claimed Soviet scientists had produced woolly mammoth-elephant hybrids. The story, attributed to Diana ben-Aaron, described how scientists supposedly extracted DNA from a frozen mammoth, combined it with elephant sperm, and implanted it into female Asian elephants, resulting in two hybrid calves. The article highlights several clues that should have indicated the story was false, including the suspicious name 'James Creak' (a combination of Watson and Crick) and the publication date of April 1, 1984 (April Fool's Day).

It is revealed that the entire scenario was a clever prank, not a hoax intended for permanent deception. The article notes that the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers carried the story, and it even aroused interest in Europe. The fictitious Dr. Creak's quotes about science as a high adventure with enormous risks are also presented. The article concludes that while retrobreeding woolly mammoths from frozen DNA might be possible in the future, this specific instance was a fabricated story.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell apologizes for the tardiness of the current issue, attributing the delay to arrangements for Board and Membership Meetings in San Diego and a cryptozoology symposium in Brighton, as well as the implementation of a new computerized system for the newsletter. He thanks Kurt Von Nieda for his help with the system.

The editor notes the quiet demise of the 'Cryptoquote' feature due to space constraints, with the 'Wood's Animal Facts' column being expanded. Shorter quotations will be used as 'space fillers' and will not necessarily be related to cryptozoology or zoology, but will address the world of science and humanity. Members are encouraged to submit such quotations.

The Society is struggling financially in 1985, with 1984 publishing expenses still outstanding. Membership stands at about 800, short of the 1,000 needed for financial self-support. The editor appeals for extra contributions above the $25 membership fee to help liquidate expenses. The article also reminds U.S. members about tax-deductible donations and the IRS's acceptance of bequests and gifts.

North Idaho Cryptozoology Club

A new cryptozoology club has been formed at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. The club investigates local sightings of various phenomena, including Sasquatch and lake monsters, and publishes its findings in a quarterly newsletter called CryptoNews. Duke Snyder and Jim McLeod are advisors. The club emphasizes careful data examination before drawing conclusions and aims to have fun exploring cryptozoology. Many club members are also ISC members. The club has documented 14 sightings of the Lake Pend Oreille Paddler, a local 'lake monster,' and is investigating its possible nature, suggesting it might be an unusually large species of sturgeon.

Brighton Symposium Program

Details are provided for a cryptozoology symposium to be held in Brighton, England, on July 7, 1985, as part of the III International Congress of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology (ICSEB III). The symposium, titled "Cryptozoology: The Search for Unknown or Supposedly Extinct Animals," will feature presentations on topics such as 'Splitting versus Lumping in Systematic Zoology and Cryptozoology,' 'A Classificatory System for Cryptozoology,' and 'Linguistics as a Tool in Cryptozoological Research.' An afternoon program includes analyses of Octopus Giganteus tissue, fossil ungulates, the 'Onza' as a possible Pleistocene cheetah, and a species named from footprints. A panel debate is also scheduled.

Cryptoletters

Two letters to the editor are included. The first, from Quent in Keynes, expresses sadness at the passing of Professor Simpson and notes his critical stance on cryptozoology, describing him as a "scientific Missourian" who demanded facts and specimens. The second letter, from J. Richard Greenwell, also mourns George Gaylord Simpson, recalling his intellectual rigor and his careful consideration of cryptozoological topics, including his review of Bernard Heuvelmans' book and his admission of unexplored areas in the Congo's Likouala swamps.

1984 Journal Published

The 1984 (Vol. 3) issue of Cryptozoology, the Society's annual journal, has been published. It contains an article by Bernard Heuvelmans on the history of cryptozoology, a piece by Robert Downing on the supposed eastern U.S. cougar, and an analysis by Zhou Guoxing of supposed Wildman hands and feet from China, determined to be from a large macaque monkey. The journal also includes five Field Reports, eight Book Reviews, and 27 Comments and Responses. New members can purchase this volume and earlier issues for $15 postpaid.

New Appointments to Editorial Board

Christine Janis, Frank Poirier, and Justin Wilkinson have joined the Editorial Board of the Society's journal, Cryptozoology. John T. Robinson has stepped down due to ill health. Brief biographies of the new board members are provided, highlighting their expertise in paleontology, anthropology, geomorphology, and ecology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes rigorous scientific inquiry, the importance of verifiable evidence, and the debunking of hoaxes or unsubstantiated claims, while still maintaining an open mind to genuine cryptozoological possibilities. The society faces financial challenges, relying on member contributions. There is a strong focus on documenting and analyzing reports of unknown animals, with an emphasis on distinguishing between folklore, misidentification, and potential new species. The society also engages in academic discourse through its journal and symposia, fostering a community of researchers interested in the fringes of zoology and anthropology.

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1985, Vol. 4, No. 1, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. The issue features articles on paleontology and animal facts, alongside a letter to the editor.

The Okapi: A Primitive Giraffe Offshoot

The lead article, likely based on research by Hamilton (1978), discusses the evolutionary position of the okapi. Hamilton's analysis suggests that the okapi is a primitive offshoot of the giraffe family, possessing a long and independent evolutionary history separate from the main giraffe lineage. This separation is estimated to have occurred by at least the middle Miocene, approximately 18 million years ago. The article outlines primitive characters of the okapi, such as the anterior position of the orbit, a long back of the head with a flat facial angle, and limb proportions indicating shorter cannon bones. The lack of a substantial fossil record for such an ancient lineage is noted as a question, though the okapi's presumed forest-dwelling, browsing lifestyle might explain its limited preservation potential in the fossil record. Fragmentary remains of an unknown okapi species have been reported from the late Pliocene of Uganda (Cooke and Coryndon, 1970), and the genus *Okapia stillei* is known from the early Pleistocene of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania (Dietrich, 1941), though Harris (1976) considers this animal a small species of giraffe, *Giraffa pygmea*.

References cited for this section include works by Bohlin (1926), Colbert (1938), Cooke & Coryndon (1970), Dietrich (1941), Hamilton (1978), and Harris (1976).

Christine Janais from Brown University is noted as an active researcher in the field of ruminant artiodactyl phylogeny.

Wood's Animal Facts: The Komodo Monitor

This section presents facts about the largest living lizard, the Komodo monitor (*Varanus komodo*), found on Indonesian islands like Komodo, Rintja, Padar, and Flores. Adult males typically average 8ft 6in (2.59m) in length and weigh 175-200lb (79-81kg). The article debunks exaggerated size claims, citing historical accounts and scientific measurements. Major P.A. Ouwens, who first described the animal in 1912, was informed of specimens measuring between 19ft 8in and 23ft (6m and 7m). However, more reliable measurements include a Swedish zoologist's estimate of seven meters, an American journalist's report of 14ft 6in (4.42m), and specimens collected by the Duke of Mecklenburg in 1923 measuring just under 9ft 10in (3m). The Douglas Burden Expedition in 1926 recorded the largest specimen at 9ft 1/2in (2.76m). The largest accurately measured Komodo monitor on record was likely a male exhibited in the St. Louis Zoological Park around 1937, measuring 10ft 2in (3.10m) and weighing 365lb (165kg). This information is abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood.

Letter to the Editor: Loch Ness Filming

Jon-Erik Beckjord addresses statements made in a previous article about filming at Loch Ness. He clarifies that a video firm's filming was not "predictable" and that they were not even aware of what was being recorded, which proved the concept. Beckjord also discusses a problem with a London film/video lab regarding an unacceptable video-to-film copy, which they refused to pay for. The police intervened, and the videotape was returned. He counters the criticism that "brash Americans" could obtain results quickly where others had not, stating that a British team with the same equipment could have achieved equal success.

Notable Quote

The issue includes a quote attributed to Albert Camus from "Sartor Resartus III": "It is a mathematical fact that the casting of this pebble from my hand alters the centre of gravity of the universe."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are paleontology, focusing on evolutionary biology and fossil records of animals like the okapi and giraffes, and cryptozoology, with the inclusion of animal facts and a reference to Loch Ness investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting scientific findings, debunking myths or exaggerations (as seen with the Komodo monitor), and addressing public interest in unexplained phenomena (Loch Ness) with a balanced perspective, as indicated by the letter to the editor.