ISC Newsletter - Vol 11 No 3 - 1992

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 3, published for 1992, is an official publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC). It features a significant panel discussion titled "The Future of Cryptozoology" held on May 16, 1992, at Brown University, to commemorate the Society's 10th anniversary. The discussion was hosted by Christine Janis and chaired by ISC Secretary J. Richard Greenwell. The panelists included Skip Lazell, Aaron M. Bauer, Roy P. Mackal, and Charles W. Wyckoff.

The Future of Cryptozoology: A Panel Discussion

The panel discussion addressed several critical aspects of cryptozoology's future. A primary concern raised was the impact of rainforest destruction and habitat loss on undiscovered species. Skip Lazell expressed concern that many cryptozoological animals, particularly those with restricted habitats like the Eastern cougar and the thylacine, are highly vulnerable to extinction before they can be identified.

Aaron Bauer highlighted the importance of islands as refugia for cryptozoological organisms, noting their susceptibility to ecological problems. Malcolm Bowman, an oceanographer, suggested that the vast, unexplored oceans represent a significant, albeit challenging, future habitat for cryptozoological exploration, citing advances in technology like sonar and acoustic techniques.

Christine Janis pointed out that the public's attention is often focused on well-known cryptids like Nessie and Bigfoot, and suggested a need to educate the public about the broader scope of cryptozoology. Charles Wyckoff emphasized the importance of using scientific tools like sonar for underwater investigations and the need to recruit more young people into field biology.

Richard Greenwell discussed the potential impact of a major cryptozoological discovery, such as Sasquatch, on funding and interest in the field, noting the psychological and social resistance often encountered. He also touched upon the Society's history and its approach to appointing consultants.

Conservation and Collaboration

The panelists strongly advocated for collaboration with established conservation agencies. They suggested that cryptozoological efforts could be "piggy-backed" onto existing conservation programs, leveraging the shared interest in preserving habitats for both known and unknown species. This approach, they argued, would help legitimize cryptozoology and attract broader support.

Rediscoveries and New Evidence

The issue highlights several significant findings and ongoing investigations:

• Nigerian Gorillas: The newsletter revisits the 1988 rediscovery of Nigerian gorillas, previously thought extinct, serving as an example of how large animals can remain unknown to zoology.
• Western Lowland Gorilla: The article details the subspecies' range and the confirmation of its presence in the westernmost part of its distribution.
• "Lost" Gorilla Subspecies: The discussion touches upon the historical evidence for a "lost" gorilla subspecies, G. g. uellensis, near Bondo, Zaire, and the ongoing questions surrounding its existence.
• Vietnamese Wildmen: Dào Van Tiên, a Vietnamese zoologist, is presented as supporting the existence of unknown bipedal primates, or "wildmen," in Vietnam, citing various accounts and research.
• Marine Cryptozoology: The potential for discovering marine cryptids is discussed, with the example of the "sea serpent" possibly utilizing rectal gills for oxygen extraction, a trait also found in dragonfly nymphs.
• Coelacanth Discovery: The successful discovery of the coelacanth is cited as an example of how a significant find can galvanize interest in a particular area of research.

New Editorial Board Members

Three new members have joined the Editorial Board of the Society's journal, Cryptozoology:

• John Colarusso: A linguist with expertise in Caucasian languages, interested in analyzing native languages to shed light on possible biological realities of mythical animals.
• Leigh M. Van Valen: An evolutionist with extensive research interests in paleontology, paleoecology, and mammalogy.
• Michael P. Walters: An ornithologist with a particular interest in rare, extinct, and cryptozoological birds.
• Walter H. Birkby: A physical anthropologist who has conducted microscopic analyses of purported Sasquatch hair samples.

Editorial and Letters

The editorial, "Gorillas Lost and Found," reflects on the rediscovery of Nigerian gorillas and the broader implications for undiscovered species in remote regions. The "Cryptoletters" section includes a letter from John M. Green hypothesizing about the possible existence of rectal gills in marine cryptids, and another from a reader interested in black-phase mountain lions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the scientific basis of cryptozoology, advocating for rigorous investigation, collaboration with mainstream science, and the importance of conservation. The editorial stance is one of promoting a rational, evidence-based approach to the study of unknown animals, while acknowledging the challenges posed by public perception, funding, and the inherent difficulties of fieldwork. The Society aims to legitimize its field by demonstrating its connection to established scientific disciplines and conservation efforts, thereby increasing its credibility and potential for future discoveries.

The ISC Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 3, published in 1992, is the quarterly publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. It focuses on reports and discussions related to cryptozoology, including sightings of unknown animals and related phenomena.

Letters to the Editor

Black Puma Sightings in Kansas

Keith Foster, from Holcolm, Kansas, U.S.A., contributes an account of his experiences and observations regarding black pumas in Finney County. He describes finding unusual tracks imprinted over his own, suggesting an animal had followed him. He also recounts a story from a rancher friend who had calves killed and practically eaten, and had seen a black mountain lion. Foster notes that seventeen deer were killed and partially eaten along the creek bottom in the winter of 1992-93, all within a half-mile radius. He also mentions a report from the mid- to late-1970s about a large cat entering a shed through a 10-foot opening, killing and maiming pigs, some of which had ears chewed off and bodies clawed. The ranchers tracked the cat but could not catch up to it. Foster concludes by stating that no black puma specimen has ever been obtained and the form is unrecognized by zoology, despite hundreds of such reports being made east of the Rocky Mountains.

'Killer Lizard' in Panama

Richard Freeman, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, U.K., queries the editor about a story from Overseas Jobs Express concerning a huge 50-year-old lizard, approximately 4.5 meters long and weighing 594 kilograms, captured and shot in Panama after it killed a lizard hunter. Freeman, having experience with reptiles at a zoo, doubts that any New World lizards reach such a size and asks for clarification, suggesting possibilities like a new species, exaggeration, or misidentification of a caiman or crocodile.

The editor responds by explaining that the largest lizards are the varanids (monitor lizards), such as the Komodo dragon, which can reach lengths over 10 feet (3m). The Salvadori monitor from Papua New Guinea also reaches similar lengths. The editor states that no varanids are found in the New World; the largest New World lizards are iguanas, with the green iguana reaching a maximum reported length of 6 feet, 7 inches (2m). The editor suggests the Panamanian report could be a misidentification of a crocodilian or, more likely, a hoax, questioning how the age of the reptile was determined.

Loch Ness Monster Sightings

Helen B. Houston Bock, from Long Beach, California, U.S.A., shares her observations from August 1933, when she noticed Loch Ness appeared empty of boats, unlike comparable mountain lakes in the U.S. She notes that now, motorized vessels are continually plying the surface of Loch Ness. Her question is whether this increase in boat traffic might be a reason for the apparent decrease in 'monster' sightings in recent years. Bock posits that given the numerous sighting reports from reliable witnesses over a long period and in diverse locations, 'monsters' likely do exist, despite the skepticism of the scientific community.

Society Information and Policies

Purpose and Policy

The International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC), founded in 1982 and incorporated in Washington, D.C., operates as a tax-exempt, non-profit scientific organization. Its purpose is to serve as a focal point for the investigation, analysis, publication, and discussion of animals of unexpected form or size, or unexpected occurrence. The Society also acts as a forum for public discussion and education, and provides reliable information to appropriate authorities. The ISC takes no position on the actual existence of supposed animals and opinions expressed by members are personal and do not reflect official Society policy. The Society also remains neutral on the authenticity of cryptozoological evidence or events.

Memberships and Subscriptions

Membership and subscription inquiries should be directed to the ISC Secretariat at P.O. Box 43070, Tucson, Arizona 85733, U.S.A. Annual membership is US$32 or £22, which includes the ISC Newsletter quarterly and the journal Cryptozoology annually. Couples can obtain a joint membership for US$37 or £25. Institutional subscriptions for corporations, zoological parks, aquariums, and libraries are US$45 per year. There are no additional fees for memberships or institutional subscriptions outside the U.S.A. Payments are preferred in U.S. dollars via bank draft against a U.S. bank or international postal money order. Individuals in certain countries can also pay by personal check in their local currency equivalent to US$32. All payments should be sent to the ISC Secretariat.

Back Issues

Back issues of The ISC Newsletter and the journal Cryptozoology are available for US$3.50 or £2.50 and US$18 or £12, respectively. Prices include postage. Discounts are offered for bulk orders: 10% for orders between $33-$100, 20% for $101-$200, and 30% for orders over $201. Free order forms listing all back publications can be requested from the ISC Secretariat. All orders must be prepaid.

Field Medical Advisor

Dr. Michael J. Manyak, Department of Urology at George Washington University Medical Center, serves as the Field Medical Advisor. Members planning fieldwork, especially in tropical areas, are encouraged to contact him for free medical/health care advice.

Honorary Members and Benefactors

The newsletter lists several Honorary Members, including Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer (South Africa), Athol M. Douglas (Australia), and Robert L. Downing (U.S.A.), among others. It also lists Benefactors, such as Rolf Auster (U.S.A.), Elizabeth G. Bosworth (U.S.A.), and Loren Coleman (U.S.A.).

Corporate Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors include the Academy of Applied Science (U.S.A.), The Conservation Agency (U.S.A.), and Tracto-Technik Group of Companies (Germany/U.K./France/U.S.A.).

Archival Material

Members are encouraged to submit copies of cryptozoology-related newspaper reports, popular magazine articles, and scientific papers to the ISC Secretariat for potential inclusion in the Newsletter and preservation in the Society's archives. Submissions should include a full reference (publication name, date, volume, and page numbers). Acknowledgments of receipt are not typically sent due to mail volume, but all items are carefully read and considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of unknown or cryptid animals, specifically black pumas and a large lizard, and the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial stance, as indicated by the Society's policy, is one of neutrality regarding the existence of these phenomena, focusing instead on the collection, analysis, and discussion of evidence and reports. The editor's responses to the letters suggest a critical approach, favoring rational explanations like misidentification or hoaxes when evidence is lacking or questionable, while acknowledging the volume of anecdotal reports.