Cryptozoology is the study of animals that people think might exist, but can't be proved to exist. It also is the study of animals many scientists think are extinct, but which people sometimes report. Those who study or look for such animals are called cryptozoologists. Some people call the unproven creatures cryptids. John Wall was the first person to use this word in 1983.
Cryptozoology
Cryptides
Cryptozoologists are known to search for large animals that, like mothman, chupacabras or werewolves, do not seem to fit into existing classification schemes. In addition, however, there are many cryptids that are supposed to be relatives of known species, such as Marozi and African pygmy elephant.
Cryptozoologists also follow up on traces that could indicate the survival of species considered extinct. So one hopes for the so-called Lazarus effect. In addition to dinosaurs such as Mokele-Mbembe, these include the pouched wolf and the moa. According to the prehistoric-survivor paradigm, which is widespread in cryptozoology, the Loch Ness monster, for example, is explained as a plesiosaur or basilosaurus.
Cryptids are also "normal" species when they are sighted in areas where they are not usually found. These so-called out-of-place sightings include alien big cats.
The Beast of the Gévaudan - a historical incident in southern France - can also be considered a subject of cryptozoology.
