Cryptozoology
Cryptozoology is the study of cryptids. A cryptid, defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is "an animal whose existence or survival to the present day is disputed or unsubstantiated; any animal of interest to a cryptozoologist."
A more in depth definition would also include reports of animals that are too large or small for their generally accepted size limits. Cryptids can also include known species with minor differences, like a different coloured coat.
The term cryptid is from the word "cryptozoology" which comes from Kryptos, meaning "hide" and zoology, meaning the study of animals. The term "cryptozoology" was first used in 1955, although the word "cryptid" wasn't widely used until the 1980s.
My Cryptozoological Authenticity Index
1: Are there more then 10 reliable sightings?
2: Does it have enough space to hide?
3: Does it have any studied or accessible physical evidence? (prints, tracks, specimen, nests DNA etc.)
4: Does it have any video or photographic evidence?
5: Is there indigenous or ancient folklore of the cryptid?
6: Is there any currently living animal or animal resembling it in the recent fossil record in the area?
7: Is there more then one major social, occupational or cultural group reporting it?
8: Is there more then a small handful of sources with no circular reporting?
A personal note: The content presented here has been a personal research project that has taken many forms over many years. I am working hard to ensure that I am giving credit wherever it is due. If you find something that I can more effectively credit, please let me know!
Cryptids from Around the World
This work is part of my ongoing research exploring animal species still undescribed by science. I first become interested in cryptozoology when I was about nine years old, and it has been a significant special interest for me ever since. I have even been lucky enough to speak at the 2017 International Cryptozoology Conference in Portland, Maine, hosted by one of my favorite cryptozoologists, Loren Coleman.
I hope you enjoy exploring the world of cryptids. This is an ongoing project, so if you know of any cryptids that I should include here, please let me know by clicking on the button below.
Central Africa (COMING SOON)
The Four Corners
(Region of the USA) (COMING SOON)
A Field Guide to Cryptids from Around the World
Below is my ongoing research project exploring animal species still undescribed by science. I first become interested in cryptozoology when I was about nine years old, and it has been a significant special interest for me ever since. I have even been lucky enough to speak at the 2017 International Cryptozoology Conference in Portland, Maine, hosted by one of my favorite cryptozoologists, Loren Coleman.
I hope you enjoy exploring the world of cryptids. This is an ongoing project, so if you know of any cryptids that I should include here, please let me know by clicking on the button below.
NOTE: This is a large file! It may take a few moments to load.
You can jump to sections featuring cryptids from different parts of the world
by clicking on the hyperlinks on the title slide.
Names for Bigfoot from Around the World
I created this map to show all of the different names that Indigenous groups have for bigfoot. I have always been fascinated by how similar the folklore is in describing some kind of ape-like creature.
If you know of any other names I haven't captured here, send me a message using the button below!