ISC Newsletter - Vol 07 No 2 - 1988

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Summer 1988, Vol. 7, No. 2, is an official publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology, edited by J. Richard Greenwell. It covers a range of topics within cryptozoology, including hominoid research, marine cryptids, and reports on animal discoveries.

Interview: Does a Wildman Exist in the Caucasus?

The lead article features an interview with Marie-Jeanne Koffmann, a leading field investigator of 'almas' (wildman) reports in the Soviet Union. Koffmann, who holds an M.D. and has a background in surgery and mountaineering, has spent 30 years researching the supposed Soviet wildman, primarily in the Caucasus and Pamirs. She states that since the death of Boris Porshnev, no significant progress has been made, but more investigators are in the field, and casts and photographs of footprints have been obtained. Koffmann asserts that these footprints cannot be hoaxed, citing their discovery in remote winter conditions and their anatomical similarity to human footprints. She notes a Neanderthal skeleton found in the Crimea with intact foot bones that are also human-looking. While acknowledging that Neanderthal Man is considered Homo sapiens neanderthalensis by some, she notes that not all agree, and some do not include Neanderthal in the genus Homo at all. Koffmann does not necessarily consider Neanderthal Man the candidate for the wildman, stating there is no material proof of equivalence, but she uses the similarity of fossil foot bones as an example of similar evolution in primate bipeds. She mentions that the USSR was the only country to form an official commission to study this problem, but it became defunct due to a lack of material proof in its early years. Currently, research is carried out by interested individuals without institutional support. Koffmann believes it takes a generation for new ideas to be accepted and notes that while many academicians initially rejected these ideas, they are becoming more sympathetic. She also discusses the philosophical and moral implications of discovering a subhuman or semihuman hominoid, suggesting they should be treated as humans due to their close evolutionary relationship, but acknowledges the problematic nature of human treatment of fellow humans. She expresses hope that discovered wildmen would not be treated as laboratory animals.

Report: Maryland Meeting

The Society's 7th Annual Membership Meeting was held on May 14, 1988, at the University of Maryland, hosted by ISC Board member Eugenie Clark. The meeting featured several speakers:

• Dr. Eugenie Clark presented on "Searching for Cryptic Deep Sea Sharks," discussing her dives in the Atlantic Ocean and her discovery of the 'cookie cutter' shark, Dalatias licha, including the first film footage of the species. She also mentioned goblin sharks.
• Robert L. Downing, a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, discussed his efforts to find evidence of cougars (Felis concolor) in the Eastern United States, proposing a nationwide study of traffic patterns and road kills to predict cougar presence.
• Daniel Taylor-Ide, director of the Woodlands Mountain Institute, spoke on "Do Ursid Characteristics Bear on the Yeti Question?" He reviewed field findings related to the Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus), suggesting that sightings and footprint finds of this ursid may have propagated the Yeti myth. He noted reports of two distinct types of bears, 'ground bears' and 'tree bears,' but now suspects they are both the known Asiatic black bear, with 'tree bears' being the juvenile form.
• Joseph W. Zarzynski, director of the Lake Champlain Phenomena Investigation (LCPI), presented "Applying Modern Technology to Monster Hunting at Lake Champlain." He detailed LCPI's use of sonar surveying and underwater robots (ROVs) in their search for 'Champ,' the lake's supposed monster.
• Malcolm J. Bowman (oceanographer) and Gary S. Mangiacopra (biology student) discussed "Sea Serpent Sightings off the Eastern Seaboard Since the U.S. Civil War," reviewing historical reports and their methods for documentation.
• Michael A. Frizzell presented "A Chronology of Significant Chessie Events in Chesapeake Bay," discussing the reported 'sea serpents' of the estuary and presenting a composite description based on eyewitness reports, noting the unlikelihood of anacondas being responsible.

Questions from the floor followed each talk, covering various cryptozoological issues.

Sasquatch Symposium Planned

Initial plans are underway for the 1989 Membership Meeting, which will be a symposium dedicated to the Sasquatch (Bigfoot) problem. It is envisioned to be held at either the University of Calgary or Washington State University, and may also address similar hominoids worldwide. The goal is to attract principal investigators and scholars for an exchange of information and ideas.

Wood, Groves Join Board of Directors

Forrest Glenn Wood (F. G. Wood) has been re-elected to the Board of Directors, replacing Joseph Gennaro. Colin P. Groves has also been elected to the Board, replacing Philippe Janvier. Brief biographies of both Wood and Groves are provided, highlighting their extensive research in ichthyology, marine mammals, and mammalogy, respectively.

Gorillas Rediscovered in Nigeria

This article reports on the rediscovery of lowland gorillas in Nigeria, a subspecies believed to be extinct since the 1950s. Hundreds of gorillas have been found, and local villagers are now protecting them rather than hunting them, influenced by conservation proposals that highlight the economic benefits of 'gorilla tourism.' Two villagers have been hired as wardens to enforce the hunting ban. The article suggests that if gorillas could survive undetected for decades in Nigeria, other wonders may exist in unexplored regions of Africa. It includes a quote from Sir Karl Popper on the dangers facing science.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell reports on the Society's move to new, larger quarters for its Secretariat, which will improve efficiency. He also discusses the new Swan computer, partially funded by donations. The editor notes that membership dues will increase in 1989 from $25 to $30 for individuals and from $30 to $35 for joint members, due to increased operating costs, particularly postal rates. The cost of back issues will also increase. Members are encouraged to purchase back issues before the March 1 rate increase. The editor apologizes for delays in publication and surface mailing to non-U.S. members due to relocation and computer issues, and promises efforts to improve the schedule.

ISC Donors Receive Gift Calendar

Sustaining Members who donate a minimum of double the $25 membership fee in 1988 will receive a 1989 pocket calendar. Members can still qualify for this gift by donating by February 28, 1989. Donations to the Society are tax-deductible.

Cryptoletters

One letter from a member proposes a project to preserve significant cryptozoological history, specifically focusing on the 1956-1962 expeditions sponsored by Thomas Baker Slick, Jr., and F. Kirk Johnson, Sr., to the Himalayas and Pacific Northwest in pursuit of the Yeti.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes scientific investigation into unexplained phenomena within the field of cryptozoology. It provides a platform for researchers to share their findings, discusses ongoing projects, and announces upcoming events and society news. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, the exchange of information, and the Society's role as a forum for discussion, while maintaining neutrality on the authenticity of specific claims. The issue highlights the challenges of research in the field, including funding, institutional support, and public acceptance of new ideas. There is a clear focus on documenting and analyzing evidence, such as footprints and eyewitness accounts, and exploring the evolutionary and philosophical implications of potential discoveries.

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue Date: Summer 1988
Volume: 7, No. 2
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Country of Publication: U.S.A.

This issue of The ISC Newsletter delves into several key areas of cryptozoological interest, featuring reader correspondence, factual animal information, and discussions on the scientific integrity of paranormal research. The publication serves as a platform for debate and information sharing within the cryptozoology community.

Reader Correspondence and Debates

The "Letters to the Editor" section is particularly robust, highlighting significant discussions and differing viewpoints.

Loren Coleman solicits information regarding expeditions concerning cryptids, particularly those conducted by "Slick," for inclusion in an upcoming book and future articles. He emphasizes the need for details on expeditions conducted elsewhere and assures confidentiality if requested.

Alastair Boyd expresses concern over Dr. Grover Krantz's reported method of attempting to shoot a Sasquatch specimen while driving at night. Boyd fears this approach could lead to the accidental death of a hoaxer in a costume or a misidentification of a genuine cryptid. He suggests that a camera would be a safer "cryptozoological tool" than a rifle.

Jeffrey Fisher shares his admiration for Grover Krantz's research and his persistence in the face of establishment skepticism. Fisher agrees with Krantz that shooting a specimen might be necessary to prove its existence, arguing it's better to kill one individual to prove the species than to let the species go extinct while debates continue. He also commends an article titled "The Tabloids That Time Forgot" for exposing the damage tabloid publications inflict on fields bordering accepted science.

Dmitri Bayanov raises a critical question about a perceived "double standard" in cryptozoology, noting that while Sasquatch is often discussed in terms of hunting and killing, other cryptids like Nessie, Champ, or Mokele-Mbembe are not. He questions why Sasquatch is uniquely targeted for lethal encounters and probes the logic behind the "end justifies the means" argument when applied to bipedal, human-like cryptids. Bayanov invites reader responses to explore this phenomenon.

John Richard Schrock, Director of Biology Education at Emporia State University, writes from the perspective of a science educator concerned with teaching students to distinguish pseudoscience. He notes that publications like The ISC Newsletter, alongside "The Skeptical Inquirer," can provide valuable case studies for illustrating the transition from unaccepted scientific status to full scientific recognition, thus aiding in the preparation of science teachers.

Wood's Animal Facts

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to "Wood's Animal Facts," abstracted from Gerald L. Wood's "The Guiness Book of Animal Facts and Feats." This section provides detailed information on several large birds of prey:

• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus): This is identified as the world's heaviest raptor, ranging from western Venezuela to Patagonia. Adult males weigh 23-24 lb (10.4-10.9 kg), and females 17-22 lb (7.7-10 kg). Historical records of particularly heavy specimens are cited, including one from San Gallen Island weighing 26 lb 8 oz (12 kg) and a captive bird in Frankfurt weighing 11 kg (24 lb 4 oz) at its death.
• California Condor (Vultur californianus): This species is noted as being not quite as large as its South American cousin, rarely exceeding 20 lb (9.1 kg). The heaviest collected specimen by Stephens in 1895 weighed 21 lb 8 oz (9.8 kg), with another reported at 23 lb (10.4 kg). Older figures from a private collection are viewed with skepticism by authority Carl B. Koford.
• Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja): Described as the heaviest and most formidable eagle, it ranges from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Weight data is scarce, but adult females average 16-17 lb (7.3-7.7 kg). A notable example, "Jezebel," owned by Stanley Brock in Guyana, weighed 27 lb (12.3 kg), potentially representing the upper limit for this species.
• Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi): This species is only fractionally smaller than the harpy eagle, with no weights available for adult females. Adult males of both the harpy and Philippine eagles average 10-11 lb (4.5-5 kg).
• Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus): Found in northeast Siberia, adult females of this eagle weigh 6.8-9 kg (15-19 lb).

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ethical considerations in cryptozoological research, the challenge of distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes and pseudoscience, and the dissemination of factual information about the natural world. The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking and open debate, as evidenced by the publication of diverse reader opinions and the inclusion of factual, scientific data alongside speculative topics. The newsletter positions itself as a resource for both enthusiasts and educators interested in the fringes of science and the study of unexplained phenomena.