ISC Newsletter - Vol 10 No 2 - 1991

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Summer 1991, Vol. 10, No. 2, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, features a cover story on the capture and study of 'Megamouth VI'. The issue also includes reports from the Society's 10th Annual Membership Meeting, an obituary for Ingo Krumbiegel, and a message from the editor regarding the Society's financial situation and fundraising efforts.

Megamouth VI Caught Alive and Studied

The lead article details the remarkable event of catching a megamouth shark alive for the first time in October 1990. The specimen, the sixth known, was caught off California by fisherman Otto Elliot aboard his boat Moonshiner. After being carefully brought to Dana Point, the shark was examined by experts, including Dr. Robert J. Lavenberg from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Due to the lack of facilities to keep it alive, the shark was released unharmed. Underwater photographer Mark Dell'Aquila documented the event with dramatic photos, and shark experts James McKibben and Donald Nelson assisted with attaching sonic transmitters to track the shark. The tracking, conducted from Dr. Nelson's research boat, the Discovery, lasted for two days and nights, confirming that megamouths are vertical migrators, ascending from depths of 500-1,000 feet to near the surface at night and diving deep during the day. This behavior is proposed as a reason for their late discovery in 1976.

The article recounts the history of megamouth discoveries, starting with the first specimen found in 1976 off Hawaii. Subsequent specimens include one found dead in Japan in 1989, another caught and released in Japan in 1989, and a preserved specimen from Western Australia in 1988. Dr. Lavenberg expresses astonishment at the recent increase in captures and suggests that driftnets, which came into use in the early 1970s, might explain why they were not recognized earlier.

Highlights of Galveston Meeting

The ISC held its 10th Annual Membership Meeting on April 20, 1991, at Texas A. & M. University in Galveston. The meeting included several presentations:

• Bernd Wursig discussed 'Cryptozoology: A Scientific Paradigm of an Age-Old Problem,' reviewing how cryptozoological categories are internally consistent and valid.
• Roy P. Mackal presented 'Flying Reptiles in Namibia? Report of an Expedition,' detailing a 1988 trip to Southwest Africa investigating reports of 'flying snakes.' The expedition explored kopjes and found what appeared to be pterosaur skulls, later identified as broken ostrich pelvises. The group could not determine how these remains reached the kopjes.
• J. Richard Greenwell spoke on 'Investigating the Wildman in China,' discussing fieldwork in late 1989 with Ohio State University anthropologist Frank Poirier to investigate evidence for the Chinese Yeren. While no proof was found, hair analysis suggested the possibility of an unknown primate. Greenwell outlined four possibilities for the Yeren reports: myth, survival of Gigantopithecus, survival of a Pleistocene orang-utan, or survival of both.

Presentations on Nessie, Ogopogo, and Giant Salamanders

Other presentations at the meeting included:

• John S. Buckley, a vertebrate paleontologist, discussed 'Nessie: An Endothermic Plesiosaur?' He reviewed the plesiosaur hypothesis for the Loch Ness Monster, noting that the constant 42°F temperature would require large inhabitants to be endothermic. He concluded that large animals in Loch Ness would not be plesiosaurs, though he considered the archaeocete (primitive whale) hypothesis.
• Paul LeBlond presented on Ogopogo, the monster of Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, showing video footage that he concluded represented waves, not a lake monster.
• William E. Evans discussed 'The Giant Oriental Salamander Andreas: Did a Miocene Form Persist into Historical Times?' He reviewed the history of giant salamanders, noting their fossil record and historical accounts, and suggested that the Miocene form may have survived to the present.

Special Film Showing and Future Meetings

Forrest Wood presented an old black-and-white film titled 'The Return of the Creature,' a parody of 'The Creature from the Black Lagoon.'

The Society announced its 11th Annual Membership Meeting to be held on May 16, 1992, at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, celebrating the Society's 10th anniversary. The meeting will feature talks on various cryptozoological topics, including the Marsupial Lion, Eastern Panther, Thylacine, Giant Gecko, Loch Ness, Lake Champlain Monster, and Przewalski's Horse. A panel discussion on 'The Future of Cryptozoology' will conclude the event.

Ingo Krumbiegel 1903-1990

This section is an obituary for Ingo Krumbiegel, described as Germany's most renowned mammalogist and an ISC Honorary Member. Krumbiegel was a doctor of zoology and medicine, a zoo director, legal advisor, artist, and a prolific writer on cryptozoology. He was the first to publish a book dedicated to cryptozoology, 'Von Neuen und Unentdeckten Tierarten.' He was ousted from the Dresden Zoological Park in 1936 due to his political conduct. During the war, his epidemiological research on mice made him 'indispensable.' Post-war, he became a lecturer and curator of mammalogy. He undertook seven expeditions to South America and studied deforestation and mammal extinctions. He is credited with discovering numerous new mammal subspecies and two new species, the Andean wolf and the white-handed colobus monkey. The obituary notes his active involvement in conservation and animal welfare, including fighting against vivisection and rescuing animals from poor conditions.

A list of taxa discovered or described by Ingo Krumbiegel is provided, including various mammals and protozoa.

Cryptoletters

This section contains letters to the editor:

• Philip A. Cochran shares an anecdote about a couple misidentifying a roadkill as a cougar, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of witness testimony.
• Charles Monson alerts readers to two fictional cryptozoological stories by Amy Bechtel in Analog: Science Fiction/Fantasy Magazine.
• Sheila O. Barrera requests names and addresses of eyewitnesses for her art series on 'lake monsters.'

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell addresses the perennial question of why corporations have not financially supported the Society. He explains the history of the 'Corporate Sponsor' category, established with a minimum annual payment of US$1,000. Despite efforts, including a persuasive letter campaign by European Secretary Ned Winn, no corporation contributed. Reasons cited included 'budgetary limitations,' 'limited funds,' and the subject of cryptozoology not falling within their support areas. Greenwell concludes that the Society has survived solely through the generosity of its individual members and emphasizes the critical need for continued support.

10th Anniversary Fundraising Drive

The Society is undertaking a new fundraising initiative as it approaches its 10th anniversary, with membership hovering around 800, significantly below the 1,000 needed to cover operating expenses. Vice President Roy P. Mackal has directed efforts to increase membership and re-enroll former members. Specific actions include cost-cutting measures, a plan to acquire a fax machine, and encouraging members to recruit new members. Libraries are urged to subscribe to ISC publications, and members are encouraged to acquire back issues. The drive also includes a mass mailing to former members and a call for donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes cryptozoology as a valid area of scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research and evidence evaluation, as seen in the discussions on megamouth sharks, Yeren, and Nessie. The Society's financial struggles and reliance on individual member support are recurring themes, highlighting the dedication of its members. The editorial stance is one of promoting the study of unknown animals and phenomena while maintaining a scientific approach, even when facing skepticism or financial challenges. The upcoming 10th anniversary meeting signifies the Society's longevity and commitment to its field.

The ISC Newsletter, Summer 1991, Vol. 10, No. 2, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue primarily consists of letters to the editor, addressing various topics within the field of cryptozoology.

Letters to the Editor

Mermaid and Mermen Specimens David Heppell, from the Department of Natural History at the National Museums of Scotland, writes to request information from ISC members regarding mermaid and mermen specimens. He notes that the museum has acquired a 'mermaid' for its collections and is extending his curatorial responsibility to include cryptozoology and fake animal specimens. He is working with Geoff Swinney, Curator of Fish, on the anatomy and evolution of the mermaid and is attempting a survey of such specimens in museums and private collections. He welcomes any information on extant or destroyed specimens, references to illustrations in local publications, ephemera, manuscript notes, correspondence, or even records of recent sightings. Communications should be addressed to David Heppell at the Department of Natural History, National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1JF, U.K.

The Panamanian Pendant and the Glyptodont David H. Hinson of Chandler, North Carolina, U.S.A., draws attention to a small gold and jade pendant recovered from an archaeological site in Panama before World War II, now in the University of Pennsylvania Museum. While conventionally thought to represent a jaguar or crocodilian, Hinson notes that the late naturalist Ivan T. Sanderson interpreted it as construction equipment in his 1972 book "Investigating the Unexplained." Hinson himself is struck by its resemblance to a glyptodont, citing the shell, head, claws, and tail. He poses the question of whether this Pleistocene animal, extinct for over 1,000 years at the time the pendant was made, could have survived long enough to be remembered in myth, and asks if others have noted this similarity.

Cryptomicromammalogists Group Patrick Brunet-Lecomte from Dijon, France, identifies himself as a mammalogist interested in the discovery of small mammal species or the study of little-known or isolated populations. He expresses a desire to hear from others interested in forming a group of "cryptomicromammalogists" and provides his contact information: 3 Bd. Sevigne, 21000 Dijon, France.

The Hodag and Roman Folklore Hugh H. Trotti of Decatur, Georgia, U.S.A., references a book by science writer Daniel Cohen, "The Encyclopedia of Monsters," which describes the rare Wisconsin swamp hodag. According to folklore, the hodag has no leg joints and cannot lie down, dozing by leaning against a tree. It can only be caught when the tree it leans on is cut, causing both to fall, and the hodag cannot rise. Trotti points out that this description mirrors one from Roman Europe found in Julius Caesar's "The Gallic War and Other Writings of Julius Caesar." He finds it amazing to consider the geographical range of some species.

Sasquatch Evidence and Hopes Francis F. Williams of Lebanon, Oregon, U.S.A., expresses particular interest in the search for Sasquatch. At 72 years old, he and his son have found significant Bigfoot evidence, such as torn logs. He hopes that a Sasquatch will be killed or captured alive within his lifetime, believing it possible to take one alive but lacking the funds to do so. Williams is a retired government hunter with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, having served for 30 years until 1973, and notes that several sighting reports have occurred in his county over the years.

Society Information

The second page provides details about the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC). It outlines the Society's purpose and policy, stating it serves as a focal point for investigating and discussing animals of unexpected form, size, or occurrence, and acts as a forum for public discussion and education. The Society takes no position on the existence of supposed animals or the authenticity of evidence, with opinions expressed by members being personal.

Information on memberships and subscriptions is provided, with annual fees set at US$30 or £18 for individuals, and US$35 or £21 for couples. Sustaining Members can donate additional amounts. Membership includes The ISC Newsletter quarterly and the journal Cryptozoology annually. Institutional subscriptions are US$45 a year. Payment is preferred in U.S. dollars or Sterling via personal check (drawn on a U.S. or U.K. bank), bank draft, or international postal money order. Alternative payment methods in local currencies are available for members in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland. Eurocheques are accepted in Sterling for members in other European countries.

Details on ordering back issues of The ISC Newsletter and the journal Cryptozoology are also given, with prices of US$3 or £1.75 for single issues and US$18 or £11 for annual subscriptions. Discounts are offered for larger orders. Back publications can be ordered from the ISC Secretariat in Tucson, Arizona, or from Sally Parsons in Eastbourne, U.K., for European members.

The Field Medical Advisor is listed as Michael J. Manyak, M.D., of George Washington University Medical Center, who can be contacted for medical/health care advice, especially for fieldwork in tropical areas.

A list of Honorary Members includes Andre Capart, Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, John Green, The Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine, Marie-Jeanne Koffmann, Ingo Krumbiegel, Theodore Monod, and Robert Titmus. Benefactors include Rolf Auster, G. A. Buder, III, Robert C. Dorion, Michael T. Martin, Gale J. Raymond, Hugh H. Trotti, Jr., Kurt Von Nieda, Edward B. Winn, Bette Wolfskill, and Count F. C. Zedlitz.

The ISC Newsletter's address is P. O. Box 43070, Tucson, Arizona 85733, U.S.A. The publication is noted as a non-profit organization with U.S. postage paid in Tucson, Arizona.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of anomalous zoological phenomena, including mermaids, cryptids like the glyptodont and hodag, and the Sasquatch. The ISC Newsletter serves as a platform for members to share research, seek information, and propose collaborative efforts. The editorial stance, as stated in the Society's policy, is neutral, focusing on facilitating investigation and discussion without taking positions on the existence or authenticity of the subjects studied. The publication aims to provide reliable information and foster public understanding of cryptozoology.