I was somewhat surprised to find a number of cryptozoology sites announcing the discovery of the Olinguito or "kitty bear" (Bassaricyon neblina) which was mentioned in numerous news reports in 2013 -the same year that it was announced that a new tapir had been discovered -the Little black tapir or Kabomani tapir (Tapirus kabomani) -the discovery of which the same sites refer to.
If there is one thing cryptozoology does it is shooting itself in the foot. That four years later they announce all of this is strange. Had it been looking at recent discoveries then no problem but there have been more recent discoveries. As a rule, unless they read it on another online site or cryptozoology blog then these people tend to pick up on things a little late.
"Cryptozoology" really ought to be dumped as a term. Of those involved in the subject around 95% have no knowledge of zoology or animals and are not trained zoologists let alone field naturalists. Some of the TV shows they appear on (I have now given up watching any of them) are embarrassing and the things they impart as "knowledge" are made up or a hodge-podge of half facts. Getting the "look" and the right hat seems to be more important.
Cryptozoology is not a "scientific discipline" and even its "founding father", Bernard Heuvelman, showed less than credible behaviour at times (his actions regarding the "Minnesota Ice-man" were deplorable and helped to kill his own credibility). Cryptozoology is a hobby or pass-time. Either become a qualified zoologist or rack up time as a field naturalist and call yourself such or stop the pretence.
From Some Things Strange and Sinister to Some More Things strange and Sinister and Pursuing The Strange & Weird to Strange & Mysterious Beasts I have shown again and again (and it was not my intention) how cryptozoologists have fallen flat on their faces; they have either been unable to identify an "unknown animal" by its diagnostic features or have twisted the truth or downright lied about facts -the same things true of Ufology.
I do not want to live in a fantasy world where cryptozoologists and their Fortean chums perpetuate lies about werewolves and vampires. I want to look and find the genuinely mysterious or strange that push the boundaries of knowledge of our world further.
Cryptozoology, like Ufology and even the paranormal today, is nothing more than a money-making entertainment industry. At times I do wonder where all of the serious people studying and investigating these subjects are -I cannot be alone!
Science will never accept Ufology and it certainly will never accept cryptozoology unless both fields are drastically over-hauled and that will never happen. Too much effort has been put into building up false facts, establishing reputations and above all else making money -these people are not going to give that up. I also doubt that they are going to stop "cribbing" from my personal research and books!
Read their books but if you then want the truth do the most simple thing possible: check the real facts and case sources.
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