ISC Newsletter - Vol 07 No 1 - 1988

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1988, Vol. 7, No. 1, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, features several key articles. The main cover story details the discovery of the world's largest gecko, while other articles cover the Operation Deepscan search for the Loch Ness Monster, an obituary for Tim Dinsdale, and news on cryptozoology book publishing.

World's Largest Gecko Discovered

This article details the discovery and scientific description of *Hoplodactylus delcourti*, a new species of gecko that is believed to be the largest in the world. The only known specimen, measuring 370 mm in snout-vent length (SVL) and 622 mm in total length, was found in the collections of the Marseilles Natural History Museum. This represents a 54 percent increase in the known size for the family Gekkonidae. The specimen is thought to have been collected in New Zealand in the 19th century and is potentially linked to the mythical Maori reptile known as the kawekaweau. Authors Aaron M. Bauer and Anthony P. Russell, who formally described the species, acknowledge that while it would normally be preferable to delay description until more material is available, the likely extinction of the species makes raising awareness crucial. They note that the genus *Hoplodactylus* is primarily found in South Pacific islands, and while New Caledonia is a possibility for the specimen's origin, they favor a North Island, New Zealand, origin due to the Maori folklore connection. Major W.G. Mair's 1873 account of a large forest lizard called 'kaweau' by the Maoris is cited as a potential match. Bauer and Russell also published a paper linking the gecko to Maori heritage and discuss the potential usefulness of folk taxonomy in zoological systematics. They suggest that populations of this species might still exist in remote parts of New Zealand. The article also briefly mentions the discovery of another large gecko, *Eublepharis ensafi*, from Iran, though it is half the size of the New Zealand specimen.

Nessie Survives Deepscan Sonar Probe

This article reports on Operation Deepscan, an intensive search for the Loch Ness Monster conducted in October 1987. A fleet of 20 boats, equipped with Lowrance sonar units, created a 'moving curtain' across the loch. While some interesting sonar targets were detected, including one off Urquhart Castle at a depth of 600 feet, no definitive proof of the monster was found. Adrian Shine, leader of the Loch Ness and Morar Project, suggested that any unknown animal is likely a large fish. The operation faced criticism regarding its public relations approach, with some feeling the media was being blamed for creating the 'media monster.' Robert Rines of the Academy of Applied Science doubted the explanation of a tree stump for the 'gargoyle head' photo. Henry Bauer, a chemistry professor and author, criticized the interpretation and the lack of scientific context provided to the press. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the image of the Loch Ness Monster remains deeply embedded in public consciousness.

Tim Dinsdale, 1924-1987

This section is an obituary for Tim Dinsdale, a key figure in Loch Ness Monster research. Dinsdale spent over 30 years and conducted more than 50 field expeditions at Loch Ness. His death was unexpected, occurring months after his election as an Honorary Member of the International Society of Cryptozoology. The obituary, written by Robert Rines and Ivor Newby, highlights Dinsdale's exemplary human characteristics, including integrity, open-mindedness, friendliness, and a sense of humor. It mentions his background in aeronautical engineering and his fascination with the Loch Ness mystery. Dinsdale authored several books on the subject, including 'Loch Ness Monster' and 'The Leviathans.' The article notes that his legacy transcends his reporting and lies in his demonstration of life's finest qualities. It also touches on his mechanical awkwardness and his fear that debunkers might try to rewrite history.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell, the editor, expresses his personal thoughts on the passing of Tim Dinsdale, emphasizing his gentlemanly nature, honesty, humility, and humor. He recounts his correspondence and meetings with Dinsdale, including his election as an Honorary Member of the Society. Greenwell regrets not conducting a planned newsletter interview with Dinsdale. He also mentions the deaths of other Honorary Members, John Napier and David James, and reflects on the interconnectedness of those involved in cryptozoology.

Publications

E. J. Brill, a Dutch scientific publisher, has expressed interest in publishing scholarly works in cryptozoology. Peter Dance, Acquisitions Editor for Brill, has met with Society Board members to discuss potential manuscripts. Brill aims to publish well-researched, comprehensive works with both public and scientific appeal. Roy Mackal's 'Living Dinosaur?: In Search of Mokele-Mbembe' and Lena Bottriell's 'King Cheetah: The Story of the Quest' were among the first accepted manuscripts. Brill is also considering republishing Bernard Heuvelmans' previous works.

European Secretariat

Members in Europe are reminded of the existence of the Society's European Secretariat, located near Geneva, Switzerland. This secretariat handles inquiries from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and offers faster delivery of publications and journals than the Arizona Secretariat. British members can pay in pounds sterling, saving on currency conversion costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the scientific investigation of unknown animals, even when specimens are found in museum collections or linked to folklore. It emphasizes rigorous research, documentation, and the importance of both scientific and folk taxonomy. The editorial stance supports the concept of cryptozoology as a valid scientific endeavor, encouraging thorough research and publication in academic journals. There is a clear dedication to honoring the work of researchers like Tim Dinsdale and to advancing the field through publications and member services. The publication also acknowledges the public fascination with creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, even while advocating for scientific rigor.

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1988, Vol. 7, No. 1, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, features a section titled 'CRYPTOLETTERS' which includes correspondence from readers on various topics of interest.

Letters to the Editor

Giant Fish in China

Eugene K. Balon, Editor in Chief of the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes, responds to an earlier article about a "Giant Fish Reported in China." He confirms that the species Hucho taimen is known from the region and is considered conspecific with the European Hucho hucho, the largest known salmon. Balon states that specimens of Hucho can reach 2 meters long in heavily fished areas of the Danube, and that 4-meter-long individuals are possible in unexploited places. He describes the fish as reddish-rusty with fine place dots. Balon suggests that human imagination can easily exaggerate the size to 10 meters.

The Search for the Lost Nessie Film

Michael Playfair details his extensive efforts to locate the Malcolm Irvine film of the Loch Ness Monster, taken on December 12 (or 22), 1933, and shown on newsreels the following year. This film is regarded as positive evidence by Roy P. Mackal. Playfair contacted the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, and was informed that major British newsreels from that era were held by Visnews Film Library, Pathe Library, and British Movietone. Despite writing to all of these institutions, including Visnews and Pathe, the film could not be traced. He also attempted to locate the movie "The Secret of the Loch" (1934), which used some of the Irvine footage, but the British Film Institute did not have a copy and was unsure if it still existed. The Institute advised writing to Weintraub Enterprises, the original distributor, but no reply was received. Playfair concludes that the trail has ended, a common experience in cryptozoology.

The 'Coleman Frog' Hoax

Michael J. Shields reports on the 'Coleman frog' (also referred to as 'Froggie'), previously mentioned in 'Wood's Animal Facts, Newsletter, Spring, 1987.' Shields contacted the York-Sudbury Historical Museum in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and received information from curator Lori Pauli. According to Shields, "Froggie" never lived, as it "never felt the warmth of the sun, nor the surge of blood through its limbs." Shields expresses disappointment in delivering this news.

Bullfrog Records and Giant Frogs in Bolivia

Stanley Samuelson questions the reported record weight of 1 lb 4 oz for an American bullfrog. He recounts a personal experience of frog gigging near Sebastopol, California, where he and others caught numerous frogs, all weighing over 1 lb. Samuelson believes this is not a record. He then shares a story from his wife, who is from Bolivia. During Bolivia's war with Paraguay around 1930, Bolivian soldiers reportedly encountered giant frogs or toads in the Chaco region, weighing 20 lb or more. Samuelson asks if there are other reports from that area and notes that Bolivia lost the war.

WOOD'S ANIMAL FACTS

This section, abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood, discusses the Manchurian or Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).

Size and Weight of Manchurian Tigers

The article states that the largest member of the cat family is the Manchurian tiger. Adult males average 10 ft 2in in length (nose to tip of extended tail), stand 41-43 inches at the shoulder, and weigh 551-573 lb (250-260 kg).

Historical Accounts of Larger Tigers

Claims from old Russian hunters suggest that tigers killed before the era of "over-shooting" were much larger. Yankovsky reportedly killed a tiger in the T'umen-Tzu region between NE Korea and SE Manchuria that measured 13 ft (4 m) over the curves of its body when frozen. Barclay (1915) mentions another enormous tiger killed near Vladivostock, judged to be 13 ft 5 in (4.09 m) long. Cavendish (1894) speaks of a 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) skin from Korea, and Burton (1928) noted skins of immense size in Nijni Novgorod.

Skepticism Regarding Skin Measurements

The article expresses skepticism about these measurements, deeming them "impossibly long for an animal of very symmetrical build." It is suggested that these figures were likely taken from dressed skins, which can be stretched. For instance, the skin of a 10 ft (3 m) tiger can be stretched to 13-14 ft (4-4.3 m).

Recorded Weights of Large Tigers

Information on the weights of large Manchurian tigers is scarce. Filipek (1934) quotes a weight of 350 kg (772 lb) for a tiger killed near the Amur River. Baikov shot a tiger in Manchuria weighing 325 kg (717 lb). These weights were surpassed by a male shot in the Sikhote Alin Mountains, Maritime Territory, in 1950, which scaled 384 kg (846 lb) (Sysoev 1960).

Honorary Members and Benefactors

The ISC Newsletter lists its Honorary Members, including Andre Capart (Belgium), Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer (South Africa), John Green (Canada), and Sir Peter Scott (U.K.), among others. It also lists Benefactors, such as G. A. Buder, III (U.S.A.) and Gale J. Raymond (U.S.A.).

Corporate Sponsors

No corporate sponsors are listed.

The ISC Newsletter Contact Information

The International Society of Cryptozoology is located at P.O. Box 43070, Tucson, Arizona 85733, U.S.A. The publication is noted as a non-profit organization with U.S. postage paid.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, specifically the investigation of unknown animals and the challenges faced by researchers in verifying evidence and locating historical records. The editorial stance, as reflected in the 'Letters to the Editor' section, is one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the difficulties and occasional disappointments inherent in the field, while also presenting new information and historical accounts. The 'Wood's Animal Facts' section provides a factual, albeit critical, look at animal records, emphasizing scientific measurement and skepticism towards exaggerated claims.