"What is cryptozoology? In short, it is a targeted-search methodology for zoological discovery. Specifically, it is just one path by which the status of purported new or lost species may be resolved. Practically, it is a lengthy process of collecting and analyzing data to determine which mystery animals may be unknown biological species, and then searching for conclusive physical evidence.
"These mystery animals are cryptids, or hidden animals. We will look at cryptid classification, but a cryptid is an ethnoknown animal which may represent a new species or a species previously considered extinct. The crucial element in that definition is ethnoknown. We know that there are millions of species that are not yet scientifically described. Most collected species will be discovered and described without any prior knowledge of those species' existence. Ethnoknown species are those for which some prior contact with man has been communicated to others. They may have solid standing within a people's belief system, or may have been a casual sighting scribbled into an explorer's journal."
