ISC Newsletter - Vol 09 No 1 - 1990

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1990, Vol. 9, No. 1, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, features a cover story presenting new evidence that supports the existence of the pygmy elephant as a distinct species. The issue also includes obituaries, letters to the editor, and articles on various cryptozoological topics.

New Evidence Supports Existence of Pygmy Elephant

The lead article, "NEW EVIDENCE SUPPORTS EXISTENCE OF PYGMY ELEPHANT," details the findings of German zoologists Martin Eisentraut and Wolfgang Bohme. They analyzed anatomical, behavioral, and eyewitness evidence to conclude that the pygmy elephant is a real animal and a second species of African elephant, distinct from the larger bush elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) and the forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis).

Historically, the pygmy elephant has been dismissed by many zoologists, often considered to be merely stunted juveniles of the forest elephant. However, Eisentraut and Bohme's research challenges this view. They cite the work of Theodore Noack, who in 1906 described the pygmy elephant as Loxodonta pumilio based on a living specimen, noting its smaller size (5-6.5 feet tall) and tusks.

The article reviews various reports and observations over the years:

• Captain Chicharro's 1957 specimen: A 6.5-foot tall adult pygmy elephant shot in Equatorial Guinea with 28-29 inch tusks, described as an adult.
• Lieutenant Franssen's 1911 discovery: A 5-foot, 5-inch tall specimen from the Belgian Congo with tusks over 2 feet long.
• Major P. Offerman's 1932 report: Two specimens between 4 and 5 feet tall with long, stout tusks.
• French mammalogists Bourdelle and Petter's 1948 study: A specimen that was 6 feet, 5 inches tall but quite old.
• Lucien Blancou's observations: Convinced of the pygmy elephant's reality.

Despite these accounts, many zoologists, including Bernhard Grzimek and authors of field guides, have maintained that pygmy elephants are simply unusually small individuals or ecological subspecies. The article notes that the Mammalian Species series and Walker's Mammals of the World consider 'pumilio' a synonym of 'cyclotis' or state that distinct pygmy elephants are unproven.

Eisentraut and Bohme's investigation focused on anatomical differences. They found that the pygmy elephant's mandible is notably lower and more gracile than the forest elephant's. Skull comparisons revealed a less pronounced frontal bone and different parietal and orbit structures. Crucially, the foramen magnum is larger in pygmy elephant skulls, both relatively and absolutely.

Field observations by H.J. Steinfurth in the Central African Republic provided significant evidence. He filmed pygmy elephants that appeared alongside forest elephants and their juveniles. Three pygmy elephants observed had long tusks characteristic of adults. Steinfurth also noted that pygmy elephants are shy and alert, and that native Pygmy people have distinct names for pygmy elephants ('ndimbila') versus young forest elephants ('misimbi'), suggesting they are recognized as separate.

Further refuting the juvenile hypothesis, Eisentraut and Bohme cite an observation by L.-P. Knoepfler of two pygmy elephants killed in Gabon. One was a female carrying a full-term fetus, which they state is impossible for a juvenile forest elephant.

Based on their findings, Eisentraut and Bohme conclude that the pygmy elephant is not a subspecies because it lives sympatrically with the forest elephant, nor an ecotype due to unfavorable conditions, as the forest habitat is optimal. They assert it is not a juvenile because of the adult-like tusks, puberty of young females, and herd behavior. Therefore, they propose it is a separate species, Loxodonta pumilio, with a range encompassing Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, southern Cameroon, C.A.R., northern Congo, and western Zaire.

The authors express concern that deforestation and hunting threaten this nearly unknown species, urging recognition to facilitate conservation efforts.

Harold E. "Doc" Edgerton, 1903-1990

This section is an obituary for Harold "Doc" Edgerton, a renowned inventor of the strobe flash and a participant in Loch Ness research, who died at age 86. Prepared by his friend Robert H. Rines, it highlights Edgerton's contributions to photography, including his famous "frozen" images of bullets and milk drops. His technology enabled aerial night flash photography during WWII and aided in underwater exploration, including sonar inventions used in the search for the Loch Ness Monster. Edgerton was a co-founder of E.G.&G. and a professor emeritus at MIT. Rines reflects on Edgerton's unique talents, his courage, and his enduring spirit, noting Edgerton's persistent curiosity about the large, unknown animals of Loch Ness.

Capt. Goosen Dies

This is a brief announcement of the death of Captain Hendrik Goosen, a retired fishing trawler skipper from South Africa, at age 85. Goosen is credited with bringing up the coelacanth, thought extinct for 80 million years, in his nets on December 22, 1938. The fish was later described as Latimeria chalumnae by J.L.B. Smith. The article notes that the Spring 1989 issue of the Newsletter was dedicated to the coelacanth and Captain Goosen.

Cryptoletters

This section contains letters from readers:

• Gerald L. Wood writes about a large, scaly-footed creature with protruding eyes that washed ashore at Machrihanish, Mull of Kintyre, Scotland, in 1944, describing it as resembling the New Zealand Globster.
• Martien't Mannetje points out that a photo of the Tasmanian Globster appears in the book "Living Wonders: Mysteries and Curiosities of the Animal World" by John Michell and Robert J.M. Rickard.
• Malcolm Smith questions the year of the New Zealand Globster stranding, noting a discrepancy between 1965 and 1968, and asks the editor to verify the correct year.
• J. Richard Greenwell responds to Malcolm Smith, confirming that 1965 is the correct year for the New Zealand Globster stranding.
• J. Richard Greenwell also addresses the Bermuda Blob and southern Pacific Globsters, noting that opinions are withheld pending biochemical analysis and that Eugenie Clark obtained some tissue samples.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell discusses the phenomenon of conformity in human social systems and its potential to stifle scientific progress and innovation. He argues that "curious, the restless, the nonconformists" are often the ones who make scientific breakthroughs, even if they are derided. Greenwell shares a personal experience at an international conference where his presentation on gigantism in animals was met with laughter and skepticism by local experts, highlighting the resistance to ideas that don't fit established theoretical frameworks. He emphasizes that scientific understanding evolves and that one should remain curious and open-minded, rather than rigidly adhering to existing paradigms. He concludes that while skepticism is understandable, especially when evidence is lacking, it should not prevent the pursuit of knowledge.

Joe Wolfskill

A brief notice announces the death of Joe Wolfskill, a Benefactor of the ISC and a collaborator of ISC President Bernard Heuvelmans, who had a long-time interest in cryptozoology.

Notice

An announcement offers damaged or water-stained issues of the journal Cryptozoology for sale at half-price ($9 each).

New Field Medical Advisor

The ISC Board of Directors has appointed Michael J. Manyak, M.D., as the Society's Field Medical Advisor. Dr. Manyak, affiliated with George Washington University Medical Center and the National Cancer Institute, will provide advice on medical/health care matters for members planning fieldwork, including inoculations and emergency medical evacuation.

Discussion on Scientific Skepticism and Research

One letter to the editor, from a zoologist, discusses the nature of scientific skepticism. The author explains that zoologists operate within a framework that requires strong empirical theory and probability of significant results to secure research funding. "Fringe" projects are difficult to fund. While zoologists are not necessarily disbelievers, they require incontrovertible evidence before accepting new species or phenomena. The author notes that while conservatism is inherent in scientific practice, it is driven by realism regarding funding and research logistics. The letter also touches on the difficulty of generating interest in cryptozoological pursuits, citing an example of trying to get New Zealand zoologists interested in searching for a possible giant gecko.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific validation of cryptozoological subjects, particularly the pygmy elephant. The newsletter champions the pursuit of evidence-based research, challenging established zoological dogma, and advocating for the recognition of potentially undiscovered or under-recognized species. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, critical analysis of evidence, and a belief in the evolving nature of scientific understanding. There is also a strong emphasis on the importance of nonconformity and curiosity in driving scientific breakthroughs. The issue also highlights the threats to biodiversity and the need for conservation, even for species whose existence is still debated.

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1990, Vol. 9, No. 1, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. It serves as a platform for discussion and information sharing related to cryptozoology, though it explicitly states it does not meet the criteria for permanent scientific record.

Letters to the Editor

Sasquatch Conservation Ethics

Anthony P. Russell from the University of Calgary expresses concern over the suggestion of surreptitiously acquiring a Sasquatch specimen, deeming it "deplorable." He questions whether the scientific community would disregard conservation efforts for such a prize and asks if the protection of native flora and fauna should be instantly disregarded.

Christopher J. Peers from Birmingham, U.K., addresses the debate on killing undescribed species, specifically referencing an interview with John Green. Peers finds Green's advocacy for hunters to kill Sasquatch on sight "unfortunate," arguing that it could lead to the death of hundreds of specimens before protection is implemented. He challenges the justifications that the animal is not endangered and not a member of the genus Homo. Peers suggests that the Sasquatch's elusiveness indicates a potentially small population, possibly under pressure, similar to the Soviet "wildman." He posits that logging could disturb their habitat and reduce breeding success, and if closely related to humans, they might be susceptible to human diseases, accounting for their rarity. He warns that killing individuals without considering their reproductive status could jeopardize their future.

The 'African Bear' Mystery

Richard Weil from Bloomington, Minnesota, U.S.A., inquires about a mention by Daniel P. Mannix in his book "Those About to Die" regarding Romans obtaining a bear-like animal from East Africa, and whether this has been investigated.

The Editor confirms that the animal referred to is likely the "chemosit" or "Nandi Bear." The Editor notes Mannix's statement that Romans obtained a "bear" from East Africa and Nubia, and that the site of a Roman "trapping station" has been found in the locality. However, ISC President Bernard Heuvelmans refutes the claim of Roman presence as far south as Kenya, calling the report "sheer nonsense." Heuvelmans states that even Egyptians rarely reached the Great Lakes region and that tales of a lost Roman legion in Kenya are likely explanations for certain Kenyan people wearing sandals. He also notes that Mannix does not provide a source for this statement in his bibliography.

Quotes

The issue includes quotes from Disderius Erasmus ("When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.") and Robert A. Heinlein ("Learning isn't a means to an end; it is an end in itself.").

Archival Material

Members are encouraged to submit cryptozoology-related newspaper reports, popular magazine articles, and scientific papers to the ISC Secretariat for preservation and potential use in the Newsletter. Clear references are required, and acknowledgments of receipt are generally not provided due to the volume of mail.

WOOD'S ANIMAL FACTS

This section, abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood, provides detailed information on the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina).

• Classification: The largest member of the order Pinnipedia, which includes sea lions, fur seals, and walruses.
• Habitat: Inhabits circumpolar sub-antarctic islands and the coast of Patagonia.
• Size: Adult bulls typically measure 14-16 feet (4.3-4.9 m) in length and weigh 4,000-5,000 lbs (1,814-2,268 kgs). Adult cows are smaller, averaging 10 feet (3.1 m) and weighing about 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
• Record Measurements:
• The largest accurately measured southern elephant seal was a beachmaster killed on South Georgia in 1913, measuring 21 feet, 4 inches (6.5 m) after flensing (original length c 22 feet, 6 inches [6.9 m]), and estimated to weigh 4-5 tonnes. Such an animal could tower up to 10 feet (3.1 m) in height.
• Another large bull shot near the Falkland Islands in 1879 measured just over 21 feet (6.4 m) and "must have weighed several tons."
• A 1953 study at South Georgia recorded the largest bull at 18 feet, 1 inch (5.5 m) over the curve of the back (c 17 feet, 2 inches [5.23 m] straight line measurement).
• A bull measured at Signy Island was 20 feet (6.1 m).
• Historical Size: Old records mention beachmasters measuring 25 feet (7.6 m) and even 27 feet (8.2 m). While acknowledging the tendency to overestimate, the source suggests that bull elephant seals may have formerly reached greater sizes than at present, with modern bulls rarely exceeding 18 feet (5.5 m).

Staff and Members

• Field Medical Advisor: Michael J. Manyak, M.D.
• Honorary Members: Andre Capart (Belgium), Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer (South Africa), John Green (Canada), The Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine (U.K.), Marie-Jeanne Koffmann (U.S.S.R.), Ingo Krumbiegel (Germany), Theodore Monod (France), Robert Titmus (Canada).
• Benefactors: G.A. Buder, III (U.S.A.), Robert C. Dorion (Guatemala), Michael T. Martin (U.S.A.), Gale J. Raymond (U.S.A.), Hugh H. Trotti, Jr. (U.S.A.), Kurt Von Nieda (U.S.A.), Edward B. Winn (Switzerland), Bette Wolfskill (U.S.A.), Count F.C. Zedlitz (Argentina).

Publication Information

• Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
• Address: P.O. Box 43070, Tucson, Arizona 85733, U.S.A.
• Mailing: Non-profit organization, U.S. Postage Paid, Tucson, Arizona, Permit No. 1786.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter exhibits a strong focus on cryptozoological subjects, particularly the Sasquatch phenomenon, and engages with ethical considerations surrounding the study and potential capture of unknown species. There is an emphasis on scientific rigor, as evidenced by the debunking of unsubstantiated historical claims regarding the "Nandi Bear" and the clarification of the publication standards for scientific record. The inclusion of "Animal Facts" suggests an interest in zoology and the natural world beyond strictly cryptozoological cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, promoting discussion while upholding standards of evidence and conservation.