ISC Newsletter - Vol 09 No 4 - 1990

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, dated Winter 1990, Volume 9, Number 4, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. It features a prominent cover story titled "SEARCH FOR GIANT GECKO INTENSIFIES," detailing the ongoing efforts to find evidence of a large, possibly extinct gecko species in New Zealand.

The Giant Gecko of New Zealand

The lead article details the discovery and description of *Hoplodactylus delcourti*, the giant gecko, by herpetologists Aaron M. Bauer and Anthony P. Russell in 1986. The single known specimen, measuring over two feet, is housed in the Marseille Natural History Museum in France, and its origins were initially unknown. Researchers were able to establish that the gecko likely originated from New Zealand, where 19th-century naturalists were active.

Further adding to the mystery, the gecko's description aligns with the mythical *kawekaweau* from New Zealand Maori folklore, described as a semi-arboreal, reptile-like animal about the size of a man's thigh. Bauer and Russell proposed that the two are the same and that the animal might still survive in the pristine forests of North Island, New Zealand. The discovery of a living giant gecko would be a significant cryptozoological event, marking the first time a species described from a single, incomplete specimen with an uncertain origin, linked to a myth, is found alive.

The Exhibition and Eyewitness Reports

The saga took a new turn in early 1990 when the National Museum of New Zealand planned a special exhibition, "Forgotten Fauna--New Zealand's Amphibians and Reptiles." The giant gecko specimen was loaned for the exhibition, which ran from February 24 to May 27 in Wellington. The specimen's arrival in New Zealand generated considerable media attention, leading to the first modern eyewitness reports from New Zealanders.

These reports primarily emanated from the Gisborne region on the central east coast of North Island. The press began reporting sightings in late March, with The Gisborne Herald noting the possibility that the Maori legend of the kawekaweau might be a living legend. Museum assistant director James Mack described the potential survival as "mind-boggling."

Investigations and Skepticism

Following the initial reports, other witnesses came forward. Significantly, most reports originated from the Gisborne area, and many witnesses were unknown to each other. The lack of similar native terrestrial vertebrates in the region made misidentification less likely. Some sightings dated back many years.

Joe McClutchie reported two sightings, one in the late 1960s and another in the early 1980s, describing a reptile seen in headlights. Gordon Lockwood reported an incident in the mid-1960s where his car went over a reptile. Neil Farndale described hitting a reptile with a car in the late 1970s. Haki Raroa saw a large lizard in the Waipare Highlands in the early 1980s. Ann Waitai reported seeing a large, gecko-like reptile crossing the road in January 1990. Brian Griffiths observed an animal crossing the road in October 1988, describing it as having large eyes and a short head.

In response to the growing number of reports, two staff herpetologists from the National Museum, Tony Whitaker and Bruce Thomas, investigated the Gisborne area in April 1990. They interviewed witnesses and examined potential habitats. However, they returned to Wellington skeptical, stating they were "prepared to reconsider if something worthwhile comes up." Whitaker noted that the animal's discovery would be a "major find, a major discovery for the world."

Whitaker and Thomas's Conclusions

Whitaker and Thomas prepared a 23-page report titled "Large Lizard Sightings in the Gisborne Region: Report on a National Museum Investigation, 7-11 April 1990." They reviewed the mythology of the kawekaweau, the discovery of the Marseille specimen, and the sighting reports. They proposed three possible explanations for the sightings: exaggeration of size, misidentification of ordinary animals, or spiritual beliefs among the Maori people.

Regarding the possibility of a surviving giant gecko, they considered the persistence of the tuatara (deemed negligible), the introduction of other exotic reptiles (deemed unrealistic), or the presence of an unrecognized indigenous lizard. They concluded that the survival of the kawekaweau or a similar-sized lizard in the Gisborne area, given human settlement and land use, was "extremely unlikely." They noted that suitable habitats like boulder banks or large creviced trees were uncommon in the area, and while original forest exists, the likelihood of a large lizard escaping detection in the canopy over 150 years of forest clearance was "virtually impossible."

Despite painting a pessimistic picture, Whitaker and Thomas concluded that "unless new information comes to light which would provide further support for the past or continued presence of large lizards on the East Coast, further field work is not justified." This conclusion was seen as disappointing, especially after they admitted that some reports were "difficult to explain by anything other than the acceptance of large lizards."

Bauer and Russell's Ongoing Research

While the National Museum withdrew from active investigation, Bauer and Russell continued their work. They have their own plans in a completely different part of New Zealand. As specialists in Pacific herpetofauna, they had visited New Zealand previously and, as early as 1988, began surveying North Island for likely areas to search for the kawekaweau.

Their 1988 field-work, which included a visit to the Waipoua Forest Sanctuary, focused on the premise that the kawekaweau inhabits large forest trees, such as rata, and that their association with the canopy of virgin forests could explain their undetected survival. They described the kauri forest canopy as an "immense, three dimensionally complex and almost completely inaccessible habitat" suitable for a large gecko species. They noted that the canopy might offer sanctuary from introduced mammalian predators.

Bauer and Russell plan to return to New Zealand for further research, including a thorough survey of sighting reports and potential searches, possibly using spotlighting teams in the canopy at night. They believe that the giant gecko's survival is plausible, given that some species are hardy and resilient despite ecological changes and human impact.

News & Notes

This section provides brief cryptozoological news capsules:

New Turtle Record

A new record for the largest leatherback turtle (*Dermochelys coriacea*) has been established. A specimen weighing 2,016 lb (916 kg) and measuring 9 feet, 5.5 inches (2.87 m) was found dead on a beach in Wales in September 1988. This surpasses the previous record held by a specimen of the Indo-Pacific subspecies.

Prairie Rary

Paul Hammond, an entomologist, has rediscovered Fender's blue butterfly (*Icaricia icarioides fenderi*) in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. This subspecies was thought to be extinct since the 1930s. Its survival is linked to the decline of Kincaid's lupine, a wildflower found only in the Valley. Plans are underway to petition for its listing as threatened.

Nebulous Nepalese Felid

Recent fieldwork in Nepal (1987-1988) has established the presence of at least four clouded leopards (*Neofelis nebulosa*), a species previously thought extinct in the Kingdom of Nepal since 1863. One individual was successfully radio-collared, providing valuable behavioral data before monitoring was interrupted by official restrictions.

Giant Octopus Strikes Again

A motorized craft in Iligan Bay, Philippines, was reportedly attacked and overturned by a giant octopus in December 1989. Witnesses described the cephalopod as being as large as an "imported cow." The incident raised questions about whether the octopus was a known species of unusual size or an unknown giant species.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell, the editor, announces the end of the "Wood's Animal Facts" column, which has appeared since Autumn 1983. The column, abstracted from Gerald L. Wood's book *The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats*, provided data on animal superlatives relevant to cryptozoology. Greenwell thanks Mr. Wood for his permission and notes that the column served its purpose by providing benchmark parameters for cryptozoological research.

The editor also mentions a slight revamping of the newsletter, including improved visual appearance due to a laser printer and increased print space. He addresses the use of small quote boxes, explaining they serve as "fillers" to manage article length and that new quotes are always welcome.

Membership Survey

A proposal approved by the Board of Directors involves surveying ISC members to gather feedback on their likes and dislikes regarding the Society and its publications. A questionnaire is inserted in the newsletter, and members are urged to complete and return it with their renewal payment to minimize costs.

Renewal Information

This is the last newsletter for 1990, and members are reminded that 1991 membership renewals are due. Prompt renewals are encouraged to reduce administrative costs. Instructions are provided for both U.S. and non-U.S. members regarding payment methods, including new, more flexible banking rules for international members. The 1991 membership fee remains US$30 (or £18 Sterling), which includes four newsletters and one annual journal. Donations are crucial for covering Society expenses, and any donation makes a member a Sustaining Member.

Sustaining Members, 1990

The issue lists the 186 members who made donations in 1990, setting a new record. These donations are vital for covering publishing and operational costs. The members are categorized into three groups based on donation amounts.

Nessie Bibliography Available

A comprehensive bibliography of over 4,700 entries on the Loch Ness Monster and related controversies has been compiled by ISC member Henry H. Bauer. The bibliography is maintained on computer diskettes and is available to interested researchers.

European Secretariat Closed

The Society's European Secretariat, operated from Prangins, Switzerland, by Ned Winn, has closed as Winn retires. European members can now pay dues directly to the main Secretariat in Arizona. Back publications will be maintained in the United Kingdom.

Forthcoming in 1991

Articles planned for 1991 newsletters include reviews of discoveries, annotated bibliographies, examinations of evidence for thylacines, proceedings from the Sasquatch Symposium, and updates on the Bermuda Blob and pygmy elephant.

Cryptids on Canadian Stamps

Canada Post released a set of four stamps on October 1, 1990, featuring cryptozoological animals: Sasquatch (Bigfoot), Ogopogo (Lake Okanagan monster), Kraken (giant squid), and the loup-garou (werewolf). These "Legendary Creatures" stamps are sponsored by McDonald's.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pursuit of elusive and potentially undiscovered species, particularly the giant gecko of New Zealand. The newsletter highlights the intersection of scientific investigation, folklore, and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the editor's message and the selection of articles, emphasizes the importance of cryptozoology as a field that expands our understanding of the natural world and the limits of our knowledge. There is a clear encouragement for member participation through surveys and feedback, indicating a commitment to engaging the membership in the Society's direction. The inclusion of diverse news items, from new species records to cryptozoological stamps, reflects a broad interest in the field. The emphasis on rigorous research, while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism often encountered, underscores the Society's dedication to the scientific exploration of unexplained phenomena.

The ISC Newsletter, Winter 1990, Vol. 9, No. 4, is a publication from the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue features a mix of cryptozoological reports, zoological facts, and society news.

Cryptoletters ### New Ant Species Discovery The "Cryptoletters" section begins with a letter from L.G. Faircloth of Huger, South Carolina, detailing the discovery of a new ant species. The story started in 1989 when the author noticed ants on her desk. She consulted with Edward O. Wilson, a renowned ant expert and proponent of sociobiological theory. Wilson identified the ants as belonging to the South American genus Pheidole but was unable to identify the species. The ants were found in a potted palm behind the desk of "President Fuller" of WWF/USA. Wilson collected worker ants and later requested soldier ants. His conclusion was that these ants represented a completely new species for zoology, which he intended to describe and name after Fuller. In a WWF news release, this discovery was called "a very surprising find and certainly distinctive." President Fuller expressed a personal sense of responsibility for these ants. The origin of the ants remains a mystery, with possibilities including arrival with the palm from Florida or another plant. President Fuller is reportedly keeping the ants with sugar water, apple cores, and cheese.

Eastern Puma Sighting Faircloth also reports on a sighting of what appeared to be an Eastern puma in the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina during the summer of 1989. This forest covers approximately 250,000 acres and is located north of Charleston. Faircloth, a criminal investigator with the South Carolina State Police, has since located another witness, Roy Belcher, who saw a female puma with two cubs in the same area. Belcher is described as a well-educated member of a local forestry consulting firm. Both Faircloth and Belcher are certain of their sighting.

Sasquatch Encounter in Iliamna Ken Clark of Richardson, Texas, contributes a report about Sasquatch sightings near Iliamna, Alaska. Clark recounts a story from an Aleut woman who grew up in Iliamna, a village on the north shore of Lake Iliamna. The woman, as a child in the summer of 1936 or 1937, encountered a huge human-like creature at the doorway of her family's cabin. The creature was so large it had to bend down significantly to peer inside. Its face was not seen clearly due to the sunlight being blocked. The creature reportedly smelled like "wolverine musk," described as highly unpleasant, and was covered in long, brownish-red hair. It stayed at the doorway briefly before responding to a whistle from other similar creatures nearby. These creatures were said to have come down from the mountains and communicated by whistling. The woman's parents explained that these creatures lived in the mountains and would descend to look for food, but not regularly.

Clark notes that while these sightings have occurred, there have been no reports of these animals killing or injuring humans. He expresses disappointment with the National Geographic Society for not sending a group to investigate the area. In July 1990, Clark visited Iliamna and trekked onto the tundra north of the lake, hoping to observe bears, but encountered nothing significant except old Russian cemeteries and salmon in the lake. He suggests that finding evidence of these Sasquatch would require a well-financed expedition of at least four people to explore the mountains north of Iliamna. He mentions knowing a man in the area who might serve as a guide and provides contact information for anyone interested in financing such an expedition.

Wood's Animal Facts This section, abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood, presents interesting facts about animals.

Capybara Facts The largest rodent in the world is the capybara or water cavy (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris), found in the tropical rain forests of South America. Mature specimens, with females being larger, typically have a head and body length of 1.02-1.37 meters (3 feet, 4 inches-4 feet, 6 inches) and weigh 50-55 kg (110-121 lb), though heavier weights have been recorded for captive animals. A small breeding group at Evansville Zoo in Indiana, U.S.A., had a male weighing 53 kg (117 lb) and a female weighing 79 kg (174 lb). The smaller subspecies, Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris isthmius, found in Panama, Central America, is about half this size.

Bat Facts The only mammals capable of sustained flight are bats (Chiroptera), with approximately 950 living species found worldwide, excluding remote oceanic islands and polar regions. The largest bat by wingspan is likely the Bismarck flying fox (Pteropus neohibemicus) from the Bismarck Archipelago and New Guinea. A specimen collected in New Guinea in July 1959, now at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, measured 455 mm (17.9 inches) in head and body length and had a wingspan of 1,650 mm (5 feet, 5 inches). Peterson (1964) reported collecting specimens with wingspans exceeding five feet six inches and believed a 6-foot (1,830 mm) specimen would eventually be found. Other large flying foxes mentioned include P. vampyrus from southern Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia, and P. giganteus from the Philippines, with wingspans over 5 feet (1,520 mm) and weights up to 3 lb, 1 oz (1.38 kg) and 3 lb, 7 oz (1.54 kg) respectively. The wingspread of Acerodon jubatus of the Philippines is also noted as being between 4 feet, 11.5 inches and 5 feet, 3 inches (1,510-1,600 mm).

Society Information ### Field Medical Advisor and Honorary Members Dr. Michael J. Manyak, M.D., from George Washington University Medical Center, serves as the Field Medical Advisor. The newsletter also lists its Honorary Members, including individuals from Belgium, South Africa, Canada, the U.K., the U.S.S.R., Germany, France, and Argentina. Benefactors and Corporate Sponsors are also acknowledged.

ISC Newsletter Address and Policies The International Society of Cryptozoology's address is P.O. Box 43070, Tucson, Arizona 85733, U.S.A. The newsletter is marked as "Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Tucson, Arizona Permit No. 1786." It also includes a request for address correction and a guarantee for forwarding and return postage.

Archival Material Submission Members are encouraged to submit copies of cryptozoology-related newspaper reports, popular magazine articles, and scientific papers to the ISC Secretariat. This material is considered archival and is used for the Newsletter and preserved for posterity. Clear references, including publication name, date, and volume/page numbers for scientific papers, are requested. Due to the volume of mail, acknowledgments of receipt are not typically sent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The newsletter consistently focuses on cryptozoology, presenting anecdotal evidence and scientific observations related to unknown or unusual creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to submit findings and supporting the investigation of unexplained phenomena, while also maintaining a degree of scientific rigor by noting the limitations of the publication for formal zoological nomenclature. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings and discoveries that fall outside conventional zoological understanding, as evidenced by the reports on new ant species and Sasquatch encounters, alongside factual animal information.