The study of hidden or unknown animals is cryptozoology. Because cryptozoology relies primarily on stories and alleged sightings, it is generally only considered a pseudoscience among the scientific community.
Bernard Heuvelmans is often considered the individual responsible for coining the word cryptozoology. However, he gives credit to Ivan T. Sanderson, a Scottish explorer, for coining the term. He argued that folk tales should be given great attention in the study of cryptozoology. It was his belief that although folktales may be over exaggerated, there could also be pieces of truth in the stories that would be of interest to those studying cryptozoology.
There is a lot of criticism of cryptozoology because of its study of more elusive animals, which are often considered to be no more than myth and legend, and because of its reliance on anecdotal evidence. Many scientists believe that it is unlikely many animals studied in cryptozoology exist, because of the inability to maintain large enough populations for breeding while remaining undetected. Others argue that these species are not undetected, as shown by numerous eyewitness reports. Many in the field also use examples of animals that were once shunned by modern science as legend, such as pandas and Komodo dragons, as further support for cryptozoology.
Cryptids
Cryptid is the name given to animals studied in cryptozoology that are currently unrecognized by the general scientific community and are usually considered unlikely to actually exist. Some of the most well-known Cryptids include Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the chupacabra.
Many animals that are now catalogued were once cryptids. The Komodo dragon, the okapi, and the coelacanth are all animals that were once studied as cryptids and have now entered the mainstream with sufficient proof of their existence to satisfy the scientific community. Often these animals continue to be considered cryptids because of their interest to cryptozoology.
Cryptid was coined by John E. Wall in a letter to the International Society of Cryptozoology in 1983. It is also important to note that the term cryptid was used to describe some genus of Hymenoptera insects during the 1800s and 1900s.
How to Become a Cryptozoologist
Because cryptozoology is not a something that anyone can obtain a degree in and is considered only a pseudoscience, many people believe that it is impossible for someone to be a cryptozoologist. However, there are ways to get involved in the study of cryptids and do what a cryptozoologist would do in order to advance the field. Cryptozoology is not a profitable “career” and most people who consider themselves cryptozoologists pursue it part-time while working regular jobs.
Studying scientific fields such as biology, zoology, anthropology, and psychology can aid in the study of currently uncatalogued animal species. Following established scientific methods as closely as possible is important. Collecting as much physical evidence as is possible and recording sightings of cryptids are key.
There are no established cryptozoologist requirements, making it easy for anyone to call themselves a cryptozoologist. This can be both good and bad. It allows everyone to offer their knowledge and time freely to the study of cryptids. However, this becomes problematic when people who are only participating for entertainment become involved and further hurt the already controversial image of cryptozoology as a serious science.
If cryptozoology ever becomes accepted among the scientific community, cryptozoologists may be given the chance to study their science at a more official level to justify their title. In the mean time, considering someone a cryptozoologist is very much a personal opinion, as is whether or not cryptozoology is in fact a legitimate science.
Sources and Further Reading:
Legend of the Chupacabra: The Goatsucker Myth - One of the Most Popular Cryptids by Tiffany Krey at Suite101
Cryptozoology from Wikipedia
Cryptid from Wikipedia
So You Want To Be A Cryptozoologist? by Loren Coleman at Cryptomundo
Tiffany Krey - I've worked in the credit industry, in customer service, at a call center, in retail, have done modeling, started my own retail business, ...
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