Cryptid
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In the study of cryptozoology, a cryptid (also known as a UMA or unidentified mysterious animal) is any animal or creature whose existence has been reported but not proven. Their presumed existence is often derived from anecdotal evidence and/or other evidence insufficient to prove their existence according to normal scientific standards. The term was coined by John E. Wall in 1983.[1] Cryptids are also known by the term Unidentified Mysterious Animals or UMA, an intended variation on the popular term UFO.
The term cryptid applies to creatures such as the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Mokele-mbembe. It is also applied by cryptozoologists to animals whose existence is accepted by the scientific community, but which are considered of interest to cryptozoology, such as the coelacanth, which was once presumed extinct, and the okapi, once thought to be a fictional animal. Additionally, mythical creatures such as the griffin, the unicorn, the dragon, and the Kraken, which are now regarded as entirely fictious entities and/or exaggerated sightings of creatures unknown in earlier times, may be described as cryptids. Other cryptids include animals which were known to man but have since become extinct, and which are claimed to be living today, such as the moa and thylacine.
Despite the large number of reported cryptids, most have not been proven, and many have been debunked through thorough scientific investigation.
[edit] See also
- Cryptozoology
- List of cryptids
- List of legendary creatures
- List of U.S. paranormal guides
- Living dinosaurs
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ "John E. Wall of Manitoba coined it [the word "cryptid"] in a letter published in the summer 1983 issue of the ISC Newsletter (vol. 2, no. 2, p. 10), published by the International Society of Cryptozoology." Coleman, L. in Cryptomundo.com
[edit] References
- Cohen, Daniel (1970). A Modern Look At Monsters. Cornwall, New York: The Cornwall Press, Inc. ISBN 0-396-06200-8.
- Cohen, Daniel (1989). Encylopedia of Monsters: Bigfoot, Chinese Wildman, Nessie, Sea Ape, Werewolf and many more.... London: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd. ISBN 0-948397-94-2.
- Mackal, Roy P. (1980). Searching For Hidden Animals: An Inquiry into Zoological Mysteries. USA: Self published. ISBN 0-385-14897-6.
