It is interesting that I first started investigating "big cat" reports in 1976 before forming the Exotic Animals Register in 1977. I have worked with UK police forces and other organisations. I do not collect reports I study them and map them and that includes looking at the local environment, prey sources, water and much more.
I also recorded and studied other exotic species. That is 50 years worth of work. Are any of the current "big cat" groups interested in the results of that work? Are they interested in the published data?
No.
Many still use books published by cryptozoologists that were inaccurate 40 years ago when published. Some read about leopards in India and Africa and have some very strange theories but have not grasped that the UK is NOT India or Africa or, when it comes to puma, not North or South America. You have to look at the animals in the UK and how they have adapted.
It was proven decades ago that various cat species were in the UK (leading to a good few misidentifications). We had DNA by 2000.
So what reaction do I get from the UK groups "it's possible you might fit in with our team of researchers" -WHERE is the published research? WHERE are the published investigation reports?
I do not dress up in urban cammo gear and I do not -for animal welfare/safety reasons- put online maps of sighting locations. 50 years has shown me what you can and cannot make public and that hunting groups do go out looking for animals once they are reported.
There are plenty of other hobbies for bored people.
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