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.

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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. 

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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?