The word Cryptozoology means the study of hidden animals.
It is researching evidence that is thought to substantiate the existence of animals that are thought to be extinct, to only appear hypothetically in myths and legends, or are geographically out of place.
It is researching evidence that is thought to substantiate the existence of animals that are thought to be extinct, to only appear hypothetically in myths and legends, or are geographically out of place.
Hidden Animal Knowledge
The dubious 'Fee Gee Mermaid' Cryptozoology is the study of hidden animals. The word itself is made up of two parts – the Greek 'Kryptos', meaning hidden, secret, concealed, and 'Zoology' which is 'Zoon' animal and 'logos' knowledge. So the word has quite a literal meaning.
This branch, of what many consider 'pseudoscience', involves the search for and study of evidence relating to animals that are generally considered nonexistent.
They can be classified as nonexistent, as they are either extinct (no longer exists), thought to be the stuff of myths and legends, or are not thought to exist in the locations where they, or evidence of them, is found.
A 'cryptid' is the term given to these animals.
This branch, of what many consider 'pseudoscience', involves the search for and study of evidence relating to animals that are generally considered nonexistent.
They can be classified as nonexistent, as they are either extinct (no longer exists), thought to be the stuff of myths and legends, or are not thought to exist in the locations where they, or evidence of them, is found.
A 'cryptid' is the term given to these animals.
Cryptids of Folklore
Surgeons Photo of 'Nessie'... a fake. There are many cryptids that are said to be more than just folklore, with a large number of people out there in the search for definitive proof of their existence. Some of the more well known are:
Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is believed to be an ape-like creature inhabiting the forests of North America. The wider scientific community put sightings down to frauds or a misidentification of common animals.
Loch Ness Monster, a large lake monster said to inhabit Loch Ness, Scotland. Many believe 'Nessie' to be a representative of a long lasting line of plesiosaurs, thought to have gone extinct some 60 million years ago.
Chupacabra, the goat sucker. This creature mainly reported in the Americas (but not exclusively) feeds off the blood of livestock. It is described commonly as a large creature with a row of spines running along is back and down to its tail. However, some descriptions wildly vary. Considered to be folklore.
Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is believed to be an ape-like creature inhabiting the forests of North America. The wider scientific community put sightings down to frauds or a misidentification of common animals.
Loch Ness Monster, a large lake monster said to inhabit Loch Ness, Scotland. Many believe 'Nessie' to be a representative of a long lasting line of plesiosaurs, thought to have gone extinct some 60 million years ago.
Chupacabra, the goat sucker. This creature mainly reported in the Americas (but not exclusively) feeds off the blood of livestock. It is described commonly as a large creature with a row of spines running along is back and down to its tail. However, some descriptions wildly vary. Considered to be folklore.
A British big cat sighting. British Big Cats is the classification of large cats said to have been witnessed in Britain, but are not native or thought to exist there. Panthers, Pumas and Leopards, among others, have been reported since the mid 1700's. Many believe the animals to be solitary, not breeding populations, the result of escapes or illegal pets being set loose. This is an example of a geographically displaced cryptid.
There are many, many more cryptids out there, from all parts of the world. Some of them quite incredible sounding.
There are many, many more cryptids out there, from all parts of the world. Some of them quite incredible sounding.
Cryptids that are Real
Komodo Dragon. Just because an animal is not accepted by the majority to exist does not mean that will always be the way it stays. There have been many cases of mysterious animals, said to be folklore and legend, that have turned out to be anything but:
The Komodo Dragon was thought to be a mythological creature, known as the giant monitor. A giant land lizard with a 'poisonous' bite sounded crazy, but in 1912 proof was provided of their existence and the new species was documented.
The Komodo Dragon was thought to be a mythological creature, known as the giant monitor. A giant land lizard with a 'poisonous' bite sounded crazy, but in 1912 proof was provided of their existence and the new species was documented.
Colossal Squid ie the kraken. The Kraken. This sea monster, described as a squid of massively huge proportions, was said to be able to bring down ships with its tentacle clubs and crush men in half with its beak. Thought to be legends of the sea for centuries, it was not until quite recently that photos and specimens emerged of the giant and colossal squid. These massive squids may not be able to pull down a sailing ship, but no doubt seeing one on a misty night would put the fear into any sailor – especially if they have had a few drinks.
Cryptid Conspiracy
Thylacine - Tasmanian Tiger. There are also, at times, conspiracies as to why an animal may retain a hidden/mystery/extinct status. The Thylacine aka Tasmanian Tiger was thought to have been extinct from mainland Australia for the last 2000 years, but lived on in Tasmania until 1930, when Wilf Batty shot and killed the last one in the wild. The Thylacine lived on in captivity until 1936 when the last one died, just two months after it was finally declared a protected species.
It was essentially hunted out of existence in order to collect a bounty, as they were thought to be responsible for the killing of livestock. The government would pay a certain price per head in order to control the numbers. Numbers were ‘controlled' until there were no numbers left.
However, there have been many, many reports of Thylacines in the Tasmanian Wild, but no actual, tangible, accepted proof. There are those who believe that certain businesses are baiting and secretly killing Thylacine, in order to prevent certain tracts of landscape from being classified as sanctuaries, and thus freezing certain business in those areas (clearing, felling and logging, exploratory drilling etc etc).
There is always room for the new discovery of animals and other creatures, as there are many new additions to the books every year. It is quite rare for larger animals to be discovered, but it still happens.
Do you have a cryptid reported in your local area?
It was essentially hunted out of existence in order to collect a bounty, as they were thought to be responsible for the killing of livestock. The government would pay a certain price per head in order to control the numbers. Numbers were ‘controlled' until there were no numbers left.
However, there have been many, many reports of Thylacines in the Tasmanian Wild, but no actual, tangible, accepted proof. There are those who believe that certain businesses are baiting and secretly killing Thylacine, in order to prevent certain tracts of landscape from being classified as sanctuaries, and thus freezing certain business in those areas (clearing, felling and logging, exploratory drilling etc etc).
There is always room for the new discovery of animals and other creatures, as there are many new additions to the books every year. It is quite rare for larger animals to be discovered, but it still happens.
Do you have a cryptid reported in your local area?
Ashley Hall 2013
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