ISC Newsletter - Vol 07 No 4 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 4
Date: Winter 1988
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Editor: J. Richard Greenwell

This issue of The ISC Newsletter focuses on debunking a famous cryptozoological case, reporting on new discoveries, and providing updates on ongoing investigations, alongside administrative and membership information.

Florida "Giant Penguin" Hoax Revealed

The lead article details the resolution of the 1948 "giant penguin" footprints found on Clearwater Beach, Florida. Naturalist Ivan T. Sanderson, after a two-week investigation, concluded in his 1969 book "More Things" that the tracks were authentic and belonged to a giant penguin. He dismissed machine-made prints and found it difficult to explain how a man-made hoax could have produced such tracks, especially considering the weight required to make impressions in soft ground. Sanderson's conclusion was that a "giant penguin," a wanderer from its natural element, must be the explanation.

However, 40 years later, writer Jan Kirby of the St. Petersburg Times revealed the truth: the incident was a hoax. Tony Signorini, now running his family's business, Auto Electric, with his son and daughter, confessed that he and the late Al Williams, a notorious prankster, created the tracks. Williams conceived the idea, inspired by the Loch Ness Monster and recent dinosaur discoveries. They designed and had cast iron feet made, fitted with high-top black sneakers, weighing 30 pounds each. Signorini described how they would go out at night, sometimes using a rowboat, to stamp the tracks into the sand, carefully avoiding obstacles and making strides of 4 to 6 feet. They even used palm fronds to brush away any stray footprints. The hoax was kept secret for 40 years until Signorini decided to reveal it.

The article commends Signorini for coming forward, finally closing a "problematic cryptozoological case" and providing new material for folklorists and sociologists. It highlights the lesson that even detailed analyses supporting a real animal's existence can be fooled by amateur, albeit clever, pranksters. Despite Sanderson's extensive knowledge and fieldwork, he was misled in this instance.

Third Megamouth Found

This section reports on the discovery of the third known specimen of the Megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios). In August 1988, Tim Berra, an ichthyologist and ISC member on sabbatical in Western Australia, witnessed a 16-foot megamouth shark beach itself near Mandurah. Local residents initially mistook it for a cetacean and pushed it back into the sea, but it later died and washed ashore again. The specimen was identified by Barry Hutchins, the Museum's curator of fishes, and quickly frozen for public display. The temporary display attracted 3,600 people, with residents lining up for hours.

The Megamouth shark was first discovered only 12 years prior, in November 1976, off Hawaii. A second specimen was found off California in November 1985. The genus and species were formally described in 1983. The first specimen is at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, and the second is at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. The Museum is planning to preserve the third specimen for permanent display.

Like whale sharks and basking sharks, megamouth sharks are filter-feeders and harmless to humans, despite their large size. Dr. Berra described the specimen as an "incredible beast" and noted the need for preservation methods, including the use of formalin. The article concludes by emphasizing that such discoveries highlight the existence of "distinctive animals of enormous size which are still being discovered" and wonders what other wonders might be found in the oceans.

Onza Identity Still Unresolved

This article provides an update on the investigation into the Onza, a legendary long-legged, puma-like cat from Mexico's western Sierra Madre. A specimen was obtained and dissected in February 1986, with tissues and osteological material brought to the U.S. for study. However, the project has been temporarily set aside due to the investigators' other work, leading to speculation that the Onza might just be an ordinary puma.

Dr. Troy Best, a mammalogist involved in the investigation, assures that this is not the case and that the delay is purely due to lack of time. Progress has been made on the biochemical front, with Onza tissues analyzed by electrophoresis alongside Big Bend puma tissues at Texas Tech University. The results were disappointing but not conclusive, showing no significant differences, though electrophoresis cannot always distinguish between very closely related species. This suggests the Onza and puma are genetically close, a supposition already held by the investigators.

Future research plans include other biochemical techniques like radioimmunoassay and mitochondrial DNA analysis. Osteological studies are also needed, particularly comparative measurements of female puma limb bones to support the hypothesis that female Onza limb bones are longer. The investigators' opinion about the Onza has not changed; it may be a new species or a regional genetic peculiarity.

Word has emerged of another Onza being shot in the San Ignacio district of Sinaloa in early 1987 by a hunter. Unfortunately, the bones were discarded. However, locals assure Ricardo Urquijo, Jr., who is assisting the American investigators, that this individual was a male and looked exactly like the previously dissected cat. This is significant because most previously reported Onzas were females, raising concerns about sexual dimorphism. The loss of this skeleton is unfortunate, but the confirmation of another male specimen provides more confidence.

Investigators Robert Marshall and Troy Best are also seeking photos and possibly bones of a supposed Onza captured alive in Sonora about two years prior. The animal was reportedly kept for several days before being shot when authorities showed no interest. If photos confirm it is an Onza, they would be the only existing images of a live specimen. Onza stories in Sonora date back to the 1950s, and local ranchers in the area where the Sonora Onza was captured claim that puma-like animals are still found in nearby mountains, suggesting the Onza may have returned to Sonora or never left, existing in isolated pockets.

The article also notes the passing of Dale Lee, who was the first American to go public with shooting an Onza in 1938. He died in June 1988, maintaining until his death that the cat he shot was not a puma.

Message From the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell addresses questions about why the journal "Cryptozoology" is not found in university libraries and why the Society does not promote more library sales. He explains that while other scientific societies have large library incomes, the ISC relies primarily on membership dues and donations. This is attributed to several factors: cutbacks in library acquisition budgets in the 1970s and 1980s, and the proliferation of scientific journals, making competition fierce. Cryptozoology, being a niche subject, is rarely recommended by average faculty members.

Greenwell states that promotional mailings to libraries are largely ineffective. Therefore, the only way to increase library sales is for ISC members at universities to specifically request their libraries to subscribe. The Secretariat has already contacted known academic members, and some results are apparent. The call is extended to all members affiliated with universities to request subscriptions and back issues. A special descriptive sheet on Cryptozoology is available for libraries, and library subscriptions will increase to $45 in 1989.

Sustaining Members Continue to Increase

This section reports on the growth of the Society's membership and financial support. For 1988, 156 members contributed above the normal $25 membership fee, becoming Sustaining Members. Those who contributed at least double the fee ($50) received a gift ISC pocket calendar. This voluntary support is crucial for bridging the gap between income and expenditures. The number of Sustaining Members has grown from 71 in 1984 to 156 in 1988. The Society had approximately 860 paying members by the end of its 1988 fiscal year, an increase from 770 in 1987. Sustaining Members represented over 18 percent of the total membership.

Donations are broken down into three categories: Category 1 (up to $24 above membership fee), Category 2 ($25-$99), and Category 3 ($100 or more). The article lists the names of members in each category for 1988. The Society is also indebted to Benefactors Robert Dorion and Ned Winn. The combination of increased membership, higher dues, and voluntary contributions has improved the Society's financial footing, making its membership increasingly dedicated.

The goal is to reach 1,000 members and increase Sustaining Members to 200 (20 percent). Members are urged to add extra donations when paying dues, with an extended deadline of February 28, 1990, for 1989 donations. American members are reminded that donations are tax-deductible.

An anonymous Benefactor is offering to double any amount donated to the Society for 1989, up to a total of $5,000. This "matching funds" concept aims to encourage more members to donate larger amounts and participate in the Society's success. The article also mentions the option to become a Benefactor with a minimum one-time payment of $1,000.

Cryptoletters

This section features letters from readers. Karl Shuker writes about reported giant frogs or toads in the Paraguayan Chaco, noting that unknown species of large batrachians continue to elude detection, citing examples of newly discovered species. He asks for further details from other members.

Arthur C. Clarke responds to an invitation to join the Society, explaining that due to an accident and ongoing writing projects, he must curtail his current activities and cancel existing subscriptions. He expresses well wishes for the Society's success.

George W. Earley comments on Dr. Bauer's "sublimated snow hypothesis" for Yeti tracks. Earley argues that the hypothesis should be restricted to Yeti tracks, as Bigfoot tracks are found in various substrates not conducive to sublimation. He also questions how sublimation could significantly alter stride length and track appearance. Earley suggests that Dr. Bauer should conduct his own experiments, walking barefoot in snow and documenting the results, to support his hypothesis.

Editorial Board Additions and Transitions

Troy Best and Angelo Capparella have joined the Editorial Board of "Cryptozoology." Troy Best, an authority on kangaroo rats and puma, focuses on undocumented felid species and the Mexican Onza. Angelo Capparella, a charter member, specializes in genetic population structure, speciation, and the zoogeography of Neotropical birds.

The section also notes transitions for two other Editorial Board members: Bernd Wursig has become Director of Texas A. & M.'s Marine Mammal Research Program, and Justin Wilkinson has joined NASA's Solar System Exploration Division to work on Earth imagery analysis and astronaut training.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of cryptozoological claims, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and hoaxes. The "Florida Giant Penguin" case serves as a prime example of how a well-documented phenomenon can be revealed as a deliberate deception, underscoring the importance of rigorous investigation and skepticism. The ongoing Onza investigation highlights the challenges of identifying and classifying potentially new species, balancing scientific analysis with anecdotal evidence and the possibility of regional variations within known species.

The discovery of the Megamouth shark reinforces the idea that the natural world still holds many undiscovered wonders, even among large marine animals. The editorial stance, as reflected in the "Message From the Editor" and the "Cryptoletters," and the discussion of the Onza and the "Giant Penguin" hoax, emphasizes a commitment to scientific inquiry, transparency, and the pursuit of knowledge, while acknowledging the complexities and occasional deceptions within the field of cryptozoology. The publication also actively seeks to engage its membership and secure financial stability through subscriptions and donations.

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue Date: Winter 1988, Vol. 7, No. 4
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology

This issue of The ISC Newsletter delves into various intriguing accounts and facts related to cryptozoology, folklore, and zoology. It features letters from contributors, a dedicated section on animal facts, and discussions on unusual creatures and phenomena.

Letters to the Editor

Renwick Bats Legend

Lorna Lloyd from Martley, England, shares a 1733 account from Renwick, a village near Carlisle, England, as quoted from Marc Alexander's "Enchanted Britain." The story recounts an encounter with a 'cockatrice' during church demolition. A large, winged creature, described as having bat-like wings, emerged from a hole and attacked the workmen. John Tallantire, one of the workmen, is credited with slaying the creature after a fierce fight, using a rowan tree branch. As a result of this event, the inhabitants of Renwick became known as 'Renwick Bats.' Gerald Findler's "Ghosts of the Lake Countries" (1972) is cited, mentioning sightings of a large, black, bird-like figure flying around Renwick even in recent times. Lloyd notes the story's similarity to the kongamato described by Bernard Heuvelmans and Ivan Sanderson's 'giant bat' encounter in the Cameroons.

'Lost' Animals in Museums

Lorna Lloyd also comments on a previous newsletter item about 'lost' animals found in museums. She confirms the truth of this and provides examples. James Chapin's search for the Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis) began with his 1936 discovery of mysterious mounted specimens in a Brussels museum. Ivan T. Sanderson is mentioned again for noting that German zoologists, while examining European dormouse specimens at the British Museum, discovered six other species within the collection that had not been previously described.

Algonquin Legends and Sharks

Sterling Lanier from Sarasota, Florida, suggests further investigation into Algonquin Amerindian legends, specifically those concerning 'wapsi mooswa,' described as a 'great moose snake' with antler-like projections. He also clarifies the distinction between the North American moose and elk, noting that the North American elk is a subspecies of the European red deer.

Lanier also references a report by Eugenie Clark on the 'cookie cutter' shark, which rotates its body to tear chunks of flesh. He posits that this behavior might be the origin of an old superstition that sharks had to roll on their backs to bite their prey.

Gregory W. Detwiler from Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, also comments on the 'cookie cutter' shark, agreeing with Eugenie Clark's report and suggesting that the superstition about sharks rolling to bite might stem from observations of this particular shark's feeding behavior.

WOOD'S ANIMAL FACTS

This section, abstracted from Gerald L. Wood's "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" (1982), focuses on the Salvadori monitor (Varanus salvadorii).

The Salvadori Monitor

The Salvadori monitor, found in the eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, is identified as the world's longest lizard. It was first described in 1878. Adult males regularly exceed 10 feet (3.1m) in length, with the tail accounting for nearly 70 percent of this measurement. Dr. F. Baker of the Department of Natural Resources in Papua New Guinea reported a specimen measuring 10ft 7in (3.23m). However, village collectors provided a rope measuring 15ft 1in (4.6m), claimed to be from a newly killed individual, which Baker found credible. Michael Pope examined a male monitor that was 14ft 7in (4.75m) long and was told that these lizards can reach over 20 feet (6.1m). An international team from Operation Drake reportedly caught an 18ft (5.5m) monitor in 1980, though this measurement was later deemed an error. A native hunter brought a specimen into Masingra that was an immature male measuring 2m (almost 6ft 7in). Zoologist Ian Redmond later sighted another, estimated at 12ft (3.7m).

The Salvadori monitor is often confused with the similar-sounding Salvator monitor (Varanus salvator) from Malaysia, which has been measured up to 9ft 2in (2.7m). The article clarifies that while the Salvadori monitor is the longest, the Komodo dragon monitor is the largest (bulkiest and heaviest) known lizard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The ISC Newsletter consistently explores the fringes of zoology and folklore, presenting accounts of unusual creatures and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of anecdotal evidence and historical accounts, while also providing factual zoological information. The inclusion of letters from readers and detailed fact sections suggests a commitment to engaging with a community interested in the unexplained and the extraordinary. Themes of cryptids, unexplained sightings, and the discovery of new or poorly understood species are recurrent throughout the publication.