Idaho State University Professor Meldrum launches online scholarly journal ‘The Relict Hominoid Inquiry’

Jeff Meldrum, associate professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University, recently launched an online journal entitled The Relict Hominoid Inquiry.

The journal features refereed articles and discussions on the topic of human evolution, focusing on the "possible existence and nature of relict hominoid species," or unrecognized apes and human ancestors that may still be extant.

An editorial board of currently 11 members assists Meldrum, as editor-in-chief, in coordinating external peer-review and discussion of papers to be featured in the journal. This board also includes George Schaller, a preeminent field biologist, well-known for his early research on mountain gorillas.

"Having someone of Schaller's stature in natural history and conservation lend his endorsement to the goals of this journal is a very positive and notable development," said Meldrum.

According to Meldrum, the idea for the journal had been in the works for "quite a period of time" before making its recent debut.

"As it happens, 2012 also marks the 30th anniversary of the organization of the journal Cryptozoology (now defunct), which was the only other scholarly journal in this area of scientific investigation," Meldrum said.

"There's a need for a scholarly venue that will promote the publication and discussion of research and exploration into the question of relict hominoids, a subject often rejected out of hand by mainstream science journals," he added.

The inaugural editorial, written by Meldrum, discusses the hominoid family tree.

"One of the themes of the journal emphasizes that there is a growing recognition of the ever-increasing bushiness of the hominoid family tree," he said. "The human species has not been solitary in the past; why would the present be an exception? Why would we be the last hominid standing?"

Well-known for his interest and research on the topic of the sasquatch, Meldrum said that the journal will be dedicated to articles regarding the existence of such creatures worldwide.

"As the journal's logo suggests, this is a global phenomenon," he said, mentioning the Himalayan yeti, the Chinese yeren, and the Russian almasty, and explaining that these creatures are each different potential relict species.

A study by Melba Ketchum, of DNA Diagnostics, establishing the DNA sequence of the sasquatch is currently in review. Depending on the outcome of the study, “The Relict Hominoid Inquiry” could see vastly increased popularity and mainstream exposure, according to Meldrum.

Meldrum was recently interviewed by a reporter for the British publication “New Scientist Magazine” for an issue regarding human evolution. He said the interview focused on the growing scientific interest in the possibility of relict hominoids and was an opportunity to showcase the launch of the journal.

The journal is all-online and free to access. It can be found at www.isu.edu/rhi.

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