From Steve Wilson
In his round-up of lost scientific treasures, Michael Marshall states that the possible existence of long-necked seals “is now relegated to cryptozoology, the search for semi-mythical species” (4 February, p 40).
We are in danger of starving promising avenues of research of attention and funding because cryptozoology is not considered “real” science. This is a worry, because, by definition, the animals sought must be, if they exist, few in number and therefore endangered. This is particularly so for the orang pendek, a bipedal ape that might exist in Sumatra. A full expedition would surely have been mounted by now if cryptozoologists had not reported their possible existence first.
It is time to recognise cryptozoology as a study in need of scientific attention, even if it becomes only a minor player in the world of zoology. Surely zoologists can accept that folklore might have a little to teach us. It’s how we found the okapi, a relative of the giraffe, after all.
The editor writes:
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• Australian Laureate William Laurance examined this issue in an article in New Scientist last year (18 June 2011, p 30)
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