North American BioFortean Review - Issue 12

Magazine Overview

The North American BioFortean Review, Volume 5, No. 3, Issue #12, published in August 2003, is edited by Chad Arment and available at Strangeark.com. The issue features a collection of articles and notes on various cryptozoological and bio-forteana topics, drawing from historical accounts and recent research.

BioFortean Notes: Science News Letter, 1932-1933

This section delves into historical science news from 1932-1933. One article, "Stars in American Flag Came from Bottom of Sea," explains that the five-pointed stars in the American flag and coat of arms originated not from astronomy but from fossilized stems of crinoids, or sea-lilies, found in England. Austin H. Clark of the U.S. National Museum is credited with exhibiting these "star-stones," which were ancient marine animals whose fossilized stem fragments, with their five-pointed design, were incorporated into heraldry and later into the flag.

Another note, "Smithsonian Institution Gets Siamese 'Dinosaur'," reports on a lizard resembling a dinosaur, called 'hia' in Siamese, received by the Smithsonian Institution from Dr. Hugh M. Smith. This creature, though not a dinosaur, has a dinosaur-like appearance and is destructive to poultry. The collection also included several unique snakes, such as the mythical 'ngu kon kob' (tail biting snake) and the 'ngu seng atit' (sun-ray snake).

"Animal Thought Extinct Has Been Rediscovered" details the rediscovery of the Australian rat-kangaroo, a marsupial thought to be extinct since 1843. It was found in the sandhill country of South Australia and Queensland, with its numbers likely increased due to favorable drought conditions.

The article "Indian Banshees Were Ikxareyavs and Kitaxrihars" explores the mythology of the Karuk Indian tribe of California, as documented by John P. Harrington. The 'ikxareyavs' are described as ancient people who transformed into natural elements, while 'kitaxrihars' are malevolent entities associated with specific rocks. These beliefs are significant during the Karuk New Year.

"Field Museum Gets Horned Gopher Skull" reports on the acquisition of a rare fossil skull of a horned gopher, an animal from the late Miocene age, by the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. The skull, only a few inches long, is one of only four or five known specimens.

"Rare Butterfly Specimen is Half Male, Half Female" discusses the unusual occurrence of gynandromorphism in butterflies, where an individual exhibits both male and female characteristics. An example is provided of a skipper butterfly with a male right side and a female left side, captured in Maryland.

"'Demon Frog' Brought To National Museum" describes the 'guajone', a rock-dwelling frog from Puerto Rico known for its loud voice. Despite native legends of it being a fearsome creature, specimens collected by Gerritt S. Miller, Jr. for the U.S. National Museum were found to be ordinary frogs, though with distinctive 'mouse-ear' eyes, and they dislike water.

"Fish That Can't Float Found in Virginia Stream" highlights a unique sucker fish discovered in the headwaters of the James River, Virginia. This fish lacks an air bladder, enabling it to sink or swim in swift currents, an adaptation crucial for survival in its environment.

"From the Past: A 'Wild Cat' in Allentown" recounts an incident from the Lehigh, PA, Register (September 27, 1871) where a group of boys, armed with guns, pursued a supposed 'wild cat' in a stable, only to discover it was a neighbor's escaped raccoon. The incident resulted in the raccoon's demise and the owner's displeasure.

Book Review: The Field Guide to Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep

This section features a review by Chad Arment of the book "The Field Guide to Lake Monsters, Sea Serpents, and Other Mystery Denizens of the Deep" by Loren Coleman and Patrick Huyghe. The review praises the book's introduction to aquatic cryptozoology and its classification system for various aquatic unknowns, including categories like Classic Sea Serpent, Waterhorse, and Mystery Cetacean. It notes the book's discussion of biogeography, potential monster-watching locations, and includes a geographic list and bibliography. The reviewer suggests that while the classification system is a useful tool, cryptozoology enthusiasts should maintain flexibility and avoid dismissing reports that don't fit neatly into established categories. The book is recommended as a primer for beginners and a source of new reports for experienced researchers.

CZ Conversations: Darren Naish on Plesiosaurs, Basilosaurs, and Problems with Reconstructions

This segment presents an edited exchange from a cryptozoology email list, focusing on Darren Naish's critique of a BBC documentary about Loch Ness. Naish criticizes the documentary's formulaic approach, its assumption that the Loch Ness monster must be a plesiosaur, and its inaccurate CG depiction of a plesiosaur. He argues that the documentary misrepresented the diversity of theories about the Loch Ness monster and inappropriately focused on crocodiles as a modern analogue for plesiosaurs, rather than marine mammals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of folklore, historical accounts, and scientific inquiry within the field of cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a critical examination of evidence, encouraging a move towards modern scientific approaches in cryptozoological research, as highlighted in the discussion of Darren Naish's commentary. There is an emphasis on understanding the historical context of discoveries and myths, while also promoting critical thinking about classification systems and the interpretation of evidence.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, dated Winter 1974 (though the content appears to be from later, with references up to 2001), delves into various cryptozoological and paleontological topics, primarily focusing on plesiosaurs, the Loch Ness Monster, and Bigfoot encounters.

Plesiosaurs: Morphology, Physiology, and Survival

The issue features a detailed discussion on plesiosaurs, addressing their potential survival beyond the Cretaceous-Perioic extinction event. It debunks the idea of extant plesiosaurs resembling their fossil ancestors, arguing that 65 million years would likely lead to significant evolutionary changes, if they had survived. The article critically examines the theory of gigantothermy as a means for plesiosaurs to survive in cold waters, pointing out that the supporting data from leatherback turtles has been retracted. It also questions the evidence for plesiosaurs inhabiting cold, iceberg-prone waters, suggesting alternative explanations for 'drop stones.'

Plesiosaur Predation and Anatomy

Evidence from plesiosaur fossils suggests they were sub-aqueous ambush predators, adapted for hunting beneath the water surface. Their anatomy, including specialized eyes and olfaction systems, indicates a life spent underwater, rather than the popular depiction of them waving their necks above the surface. The flexibility of their necks is also questioned, with evidence suggesting limited dorsal bending.

Plesiosaur Classification and Evolution

The classification of plesiosaurs is explored, with discussions on whether elasmosaurids were part of the Pliosauria. Recent research suggests a more complex evolutionary tree, with short-necked polycotylids potentially evolving multiple times and not necessarily being direct descendants of pliosaurids. The article emphasizes that evolution is not always progressive and that reversals are common.

Hypothetical Modern Plesiosaurs

Speculation on what modern plesiosaurs might look like is addressed, with the conclusion that they would likely retain many features of their Mesozoic ancestors due to their conservative evolutionary history. The idea of them evolving drastically different forms is considered unlikely.

The Loch Ness Monster and Human Perception

The issue touches upon the Loch Ness Monster, with a segment discussing a BBC documentary that presented a theatrical approach to the subject. The author criticizes the documentary's conclusion that people imagine the monster, arguing that people do see 'Loch Ness monsters' but are misinterpreting various phenomena like water birds, swimming deer, seals, waves, and wake effects due to their preconceptions.

The Mansi Photograph ('Champ') Analysis

A significant portion of the review is dedicated to the analysis of the Mansi photograph of the 'Champ' creature from Lake Champlain. Through image enhancement, previously unseen features, described as 'lumps,' are revealed. These lumps are interpreted as evidence that the object is not a plesiosaur or sauropod-like animal, but rather a more irregularly shaped object, possibly a tree stump with branches and roots. The article dismisses the idea that it could be a basilosaurid whale's tail, as suggested by some.

Bigfoot Encounters by Treasure Seekers

The issue includes a section on Bigfoot, specifically focusing on historical accounts of encounters by gold seekers and treasure hunters in North America. These early accounts, culled from nearly 1,300 treasure magazines, are presented as having historical significance for contemporary Bigfoot researchers. The article notes that these treasure seekers often encountered 'hairy wild men' in remote areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of evidence in cryptozoology and paleontology. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized claims and a preference for rigorous scientific analysis of available data. The authors emphasize the importance of objective interpretation and caution against projecting preconceptions onto observations. There is a clear emphasis on the limitations of the fossil record and the challenges of interpreting eyewitness accounts. The issue advocates for a scientific approach to understanding unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the existence of unidentified large animals in some reports.

This collection of articles from the North American BioFortean Review, spanning issues 21 through 29, focuses on the intriguing overlap between the pursuit of lost treasures and encounters with Bigfoot and other cryptid phenomena across North America. The publication explores numerous legends of hidden riches, from gold mines to pirate caches, often situated in remote and wild regions where mysterious creatures are also said to reside.

California Gold Rush - And Bigfoot Too!

The issue begins by linking the California Gold Rush to Bigfoot legends. In the early 1840s, prospectors were drawn to a mysterious 'yellow' lake in the High Sierra, rumored to hold gold and be inhabited by a monster so fearsome that even local Indians avoided the area. The legend was further embellished by writer E. C. Kemble in 1890, who recounted an old Indian Chief's warning about a demon guarding a gold-filled mountain lake. Another lost treasure, a gold mine in the Devil's Backbone wilderness region of Trinity and Humboldt counties, is also noted as a reputed haunt of Bigfoot. The rugged terrain of Devil's Backbone is described, with its steep canyons and sparse vegetation. Historical accounts mention prospectors disappearing in the region, and a suspicious Indian who became wealthy from gold nuggets, only to die in a freak accident. In 1914, Mack Jones reportedly found the lost mine but died before revealing its location. Author Wayne Moss describes the Devil's Backbone as a place of profound silence where shadows might be Bigfoot, emphasizing its wilderness status and the inherent hazards, including the possibility of Bigfoot encounters.

An Arizona Gold Mountain with a Questionable Wasteland Bigfoot?

Arizona is presented as another locale with tales of lost gold and potential Bigfoot encounters. A post-Civil War story describes a gold seeker, John Hix, and his partner, 'Jackass' Dobson, traveling in the Arizona desert. They were guided by an Indian maiden named Shining Flow to a potential gold location. During their journey, Shining Flow reported hearing sounds and seeing a 'manlike creature' that was hairy and moved on two legs. The account diverges, with one version suggesting a bushwacker sabotaged their water bags, leading to the death of Shining Flow and Dobson, while another suggests the creature was a 'wild man' or possibly Bigfoot. Hix managed to retrieve some gold but never found the source again.

The Dean of America's Treasure Hunters — And a Supporter of Bigfoot.

This section introduces Michael Paul Henson, a prolific writer and researcher of lost treasures who also explored 'offbeat' discoveries, including archaeological anomalies and Bigfoot. Henson wrote extensively on lost treasures, often incorporating tales of encounters with Bigfoot or 'wildmen' in his articles. His research spanned various states, including Wisconsin, where he reported an odd tale of 'Wildmen/Bigfoot' inhabiting the Apostle Islands in the 1880s. He also cited a story from 'Prospectors Guide' about a gold ledge on Star Mountain in Curry County, Oregon, where a prospector named 'Nugget Tom' found gold but suffered a fall and lost his memory of the location. Later, prospectors Benson and Robbins encountered a large, hairy creature that attacked their gear, leading them to sell their mine. The area was rumored to be inhabited by 'wild men' or 'Swalahists,' and several prospectors had mysteriously died there.

Alaska's 'Kooshdakas'

Henson also recounted a legend from Alaska concerning 'Kooshdakas,' hairy creatures that scared off gold prospectors in 1898 near Crescent Lake on Thomas Bay. An Indian showed Charlie Stone a gold quartz chunk, and attempts to find the deposit were met with encounters with these creatures. Stone himself claimed to have found the spot but was later chased away. The directions to the gold led through areas like 'Bay of Death' and Halfmoon Lake. Stone returned to Wrangell with samples but left for the United States and never returned, while other hunters reportedly went mad from encounters with the Kooshdakas.

Southern Pirate's Treasures of the Gulf Of Mexico

The review shifts to the Gulf Coast, discussing pirate treasures and associated creatures. Honey Island Swamp in Louisiana is described as a primitive area inhabited by various animals, and also home to 'The Honey Island Monster.' A swamp guide reported his boat striking a creature in the water, which then emerged, described as about five feet tall, black, and running on two legs. Tracks were noted as large with five webbed toes. Similar creatures have been reported in Louisiana and Mississippi. The island was historically used by pirates like Pierre Rameau and John Murrell for hiding stolen treasures. In Florida, treasure hunter Herb Goldberger investigated tales of pirate Jose Gaspar (Gasparilla), who operated in the Gulf of Mexico. Gasparilla's base was on Cayo Pelau, where pirate loot was rumored to be buried. The area is also associated with the Florida Yeti, or 'skunk-ape,' described as ranging from brown to black and capable of moving through shallow water.

Back to the Northeast — A Treasure Dowser vs. a Maine Bigfoot

Bob Ater, a treasure hunter and author, wrote about using 'Dowsing' to find lost treasures. He recounted an experience in Maine around 1985 where he tracked a 'gorilla' or Bigfoot. Using an 'L' type dowsing rod, he followed a trail that led him to large footprints and signs of unusual movement, including the use of a sapling to pull himself up an incline. The creature was reportedly seen near his town and disappeared into the woods. While this incident was later cited as a hoax involving a rented gorilla suit, Ater concluded that the inconsistencies in the account, such as the deep footprints and the creature's interaction with the environment, suggested something more than a simple hoax. The article posits that a series of Bigfoot sightings might have been occurring in Maine.

To Those Seeking Lost Treasure — But Finding the Hazard of Bigfoot Instead

The concluding section highlights the overlap between treasure seekers and Bigfoot investigators, noting that both groups utilize the same wilderness areas. It suggests that due to the higher number of treasure hunters, there is a greater chance of encounters with Bigfoot, which are often kept secret by the hunters to protect their claims. The article proposes that an alliance between these two groups could benefit Bigfoot research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these articles are the allure of lost treasures, the mystery of Bigfoot and other cryptids, and the often-dangerous wilderness environments where both are found. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts as credible, albeit often anecdotal, evidence of phenomena that warrant further investigation, rather than dismissing them outright as mere folklore or hoaxes. The publication seems to lean towards a bio-fortean perspective, suggesting that these unexplained occurrences are part of the natural world, even if not yet fully understood by science. The articles consistently blend historical accounts, personal testimonies, and folkloric elements to build a narrative around the persistent presence of both hidden riches and elusive creatures in the North American landscape.

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue: Pages 31-40, covering multiple articles.
Date: Primarily focuses on historical accounts from 1814, with references to 1782, 1929, and 2002/2003.
Character: This issue delves into historical reports of cryptids, specifically focusing on mermaid sightings and Australian aboriginal legends.

Mer-Folk in 1814

The section "Mer-Folk in 1814" presents three accounts copied from old newspaper cuttings. The first account, dated December 1782, is from an eyewitness named Reynolds who described a creature with a white head and body, no hair, and a ribbon-like substance on its head. The creature's lower body seemed to reach into the water, and it swam with rapid motion. The account was taken down by Doctor George P— of Prickerston and verified by George Phillips, M.D., of Haverfordwest.

The second account is an extract of a letter dated Ardsheal, Argyllshire, August 2nd, 1775-1814, detailing a mermaid sighting. A lad first saw the creature, mistaking it for a person hiding in seaweed, but then realized it had a human-like upper body and an immense fish-like lower body. Later, children gathering blackberries also saw what they thought was a drowning woman, but upon closer inspection, identified it as a creature with a white upper body, darkish hair, well-proportioned arms tapering to small hands, and a tail like an immense large cuddy fish. The creature was seen sitting upright on the water and swam away.

The third account, from the York Chronicle, September 1st, 1814, is a letter to the editor of the Caledonian Mercury from Geo. McKenzie, Schoolmaster at Raffan, dated August 16, 1814. He relays an account from two fishermen, Thomas Johnstone and William Gordon, who encountered a creature about a quarter of a mile from shore. It was tawny-colored, with its back towards them, and half its body above water, appearing like a man sitting with his body bent. Upon turning, its countenance was swarthy, with short, curled hair of a green/grey color, small eyes, a flat nose, a large mouth, and long arms. From the waist down, its body tapered like a large fish without scales. They later saw it accompanied by another creature, presumed to be female, with fairer skin and longer, uncurled hair. The fishermen fled, and the mermaids were seen looking after them.

A fourth item, also from the York Chronicle, September 1st, 1814, is titled "A Mermaid Hoax." It describes a prank in Belfast where a man named Wm. McClelland dressed up a story about a mermaid being captured and kept in a boat filled with salt water for inspection. This deception, detailed with minute particulars and false names, was intended to fool the public and was published in the Belfast Chronicle.

The Legend of the l'iga Yaaga

Debbie Hynes contributes an article titled "The Legend of the l'iga Yaaga," exploring Australian aboriginal legends and their potential connection to cryptids and ancient history. She introduces the Yowie, described as a large, approximately 2-meter-tall "hairy hominid" similar to Sasquatch, and a smaller, 1 to 1.5-meter-tall creature known as a Brown Jack. These legends originate from the Koories, the Australian aboriginal people.

The article posits that the Yowie and Brown Jack legends are not European inventions but stem from aboriginal mythology, which speaks of two "nations": the aboriginal people and the "others," the Doolargarl. A creation myth describes a cataclysm that dried up the waters, leading to a war between the Doolargarl and the People, with the latter eventually winning.

Hynes then discusses her interest in "out of place" animals in Australia, including the Thylacine and foreign big cats, through her website "The Quest for Thylacoleo." She recounts an extraordinary tale about the origin of these creatures, told by a man who lived in the Australian Outback since the 1950s. This man's cousin married an Adnyamathanha woman, and they later bought a cattle farm in South Australia. One day, a "Brown Jack" or "Little Grey People" walked into their cattle yard, causing the wife to collapse. The creature escaped when chased.

The woman, after recovering, explained that she recognized the creature as her son. She had a forbidden relationship in the 1940s with a young man, and tribal aboriginal marriage laws were strict to prevent such unions. The legend suggests that genes producing these creatures are embedded in the human genome, and certain marriages can cause an "atavistic birth." These "Grey Creature" beings are called "Hill People" or "l'iga Yaaga" in local Koorie tongue. The mother was expelled from her tribe for this transgression.

The article further describes the "Grey People" as about 1 meter tall, bipedal, covered in hair except for their face, hands, and feet. They have ebony black skin, anthropoid faces with prominent brow ridges, low foreheads, and prognathic jaws. They are said to be unable to make fire but can create simple tools. The article speculates on their sterility and their significantly longer lifespan compared to humans.

The Quest

Hynes explains her ongoing interest in relict Pleistocene fauna and "out of place" animals in Australia. She mentions her website, "The Quest for Thylacoleo," which documents her travels and research. She notes that while she initially dismissed Yowie and Brown Jack legends as "bush folklore," an extraordinary tale she heard asserted their existence and origin.

She recounts a story from a man who lived in the Australian Outback since the 1950s. His cousin married an aboriginal woman, and they later bought a farm in South Australia. One day, a "Brown Jack" or "Little Grey People" appeared in their cattle yard, causing the wife to collapse. The creature escaped. The wife later revealed that she recognized the creature as her son, explaining a forbidden relationship from her youth that resulted in an "atavistic birth" due to strict tribal marriage laws.

The Journey

In late 2002, Hynes embarked on a journey to the Flinders Ranges to investigate the "l'iga Yaaga" legend. The objective was to reach a remote valley where a colony of "l'iga Yaaga" was rumored to live. The journey involved leaving their vehicle and walking for two days into the territory. However, their expedition was cut short when their vehicle's tires were damaged by sharp stones, forcing them to turn back.

Before retreating, they visited Red Gorge and discovered large panels of rock art. These engravings, dated between 30,000 and 40,000 years before present, depicted wildlife, people, and possibly extinct megafauna. Hynes questions if some of these images, particularly those of "big-eyed" humanoid figures with enlarged tori around the eyes and diminutive bodies, could represent the "l'iga Yaaga" or "others" from ancient times.

She notes that these images are unlike traditional aboriginal artistic themes. She speculates that these gorges might have been refugia during the "great dying" at the close of the Pleistocene. The rock art also includes engravings of giant human-like tracks.

Where might the l'iga Yaaga come from?

Hynes discusses the extinction of megafauna at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, attributing it to either human hunting or climate change. She favors climate change as the primary cause, noting that many species unlikely to be hunted also went extinct. She also points to the coexistence and subsequent extinction of various Homo species (H. neandertalensis, H. erectus, H. sapiens) during this period, suggesting a widespread disaster rather than just over-hunting.

She revisits the "Grey People" legend, describing their physical characteristics and longevity. She questions whether these creatures could arise from human stock and live twice as long as humans. She also considers the possibility that the legend is a sociological explanation for "abnormal" births, where birth defects were attributed to the "l'iga Yaaga." However, she notes the consistent morphological features described in the legend, suggesting a stable genetic basis rather than random genetic defects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical accounts of unexplained phenomena, particularly sea creatures (mermaids) and terrestrial cryptids (Yowies, Grey People). There is a strong emphasis on folklore, aboriginal mythology, and the potential for these legends to hold kernels of truth about unknown species or ancient human history. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting historical evidence and speculative theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding. The issue also touches upon the challenges of historical interpretation and the tendency to dismiss unusual accounts as mere fantasy or hoaxes.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, dated May 10, 1912, features articles on human origins, animal communication, and longevity. The cover story, "The Talking Dog," by Harry Miles Johnson of The Johns Hopkins University, examines the case of a German setter named Don who reportedly possessed a vocabulary of eight words. The issue also includes a speculative piece on the potential interbreeding of *Homo erectus* and *Homo sapiens* in ancient Sahul (Australia) and discusses the evolutionary reasons for human longevity.

The Talking Dog

The article "The Talking Dog" by Harry Miles Johnson, drawing from a report in *Science* (May 10, 1912), details the case of "Don," a seven-year-old German setter belonging to royal gamewarden Ebers. Don was reported to have a vocabulary of eight words, which he could utter when food was presented and specific questions were posed. These included responses to "Was heisst du?" (Don), "Was hast du?" (Hunger), "Was willst du?" (Haben haben), "Was ist das?" (Kuchen), and "Was bittest du dir aus?" (Ruhe). He was also said to answer "Ja" or "Nein" and to speak the name "Haberland."

Mr. Oskar Pfungst, known for his work with "Der Kluge Hans" (the calculating horse), investigated Don's abilities in collaboration with Professor Vosseler and Dr. Erich Fischer. Pfungst proposed three definitions of speech: 1) using vocal sounds to convey an idea the speaker experiences, 2) producing vocal sounds learned by imitation without understanding their meaning, and 3) producing vocal sounds that create illusions of meaning in the hearer. Pfungst concluded that Don's utterances fell into the third category.

Key to Pfungst's disproof of imitation was Don's consistent word order and his inability to vary pitch, intensity, or accent in response to the questioner. Furthermore, Don's learning process, such as uttering "Haben haben haben" ten times for the word "Haben," and his response to questions like "Wer hat den ersten Artikel über dich in die Zeitung gebracht?" with "Haberland" (a name not previously associated with him), were inconsistent with imitation.

Pfungst analyzed Don's vocalizations, noting a single guttural-aspirant sound akin to German 'ch' and a nasal sound, which could be perceived as 'b', 'd', 'k', or 'h'. He found that the sounds were often indistinct, and listeners could perceive them as different words or even non-dog sounds like "Engelhopf" or "Hallelujah." Pfungst argued that the perception of meaning was largely due to the listener's suggestion and their tendency to "apperceive" meaning into otherwise meaningless noises, similar to how the common night-swallow's call is interpreted as "Whip-poor-Will."

Pfungst's explanation suggests that animal lovers often project their own mental processes onto their pets, and even scientists may misinterpret animal behavior based on limited tests and superficial observations.

Human Origins and Longevity in Sahul

The issue also features a speculative discussion on human origins in Australia/Sahul. It posits that *Homo erectus* and *Homo sapiens* may have arrived in Sahul around the same time during the terminal Pleistocene, a period characterized by extreme aridification and low temperatures. The article suggests that limited water sources might have forced these species to inhabit the same restricted areas, raising the possibility of interbreeding. This could potentially explain phenomena like the "l'iga Yaaga" and remains such as those from Kow Swamp. The author questions whether such a phenomenon could lead to atavism and if it might manifest elsewhere globally, suggesting that the smaller "l'iga Yaaga" could be an immature form of larger hominid figures.

Another section explores human longevity, noting that humans live much longer than other creatures of comparable size. This is attributed to evolutionary factors, including an extended childhood and adolescence, and the reliance on accumulated knowledge from older generations. The article raises the question of whether this potential for longevity was present in our ancestors and cousin species, and if it could be a product of hybridisation between species.

Additional Content

The issue includes a section titled "Additional Rock Art Images," featuring several photographs of rock art, credited to Debbie Hynes, with a copyright notice from 2003. The images are accompanied by the website address "thylacoleo.com."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around challenging conventional understandings of human history and evolution, exploring the potential for anomalous phenomena in both human origins and animal behavior. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial or speculative topics within bioforteana, encouraging critical examination of evidence and scientific investigation, even when dealing with seemingly improbable claims. The articles encourage readers to question established narratives and consider alternative explanations for observed phenomena, particularly in the fields of anthropology, paleontology, and animal cognition.