Cryptozoology
Legacy Name: Cryptozoology

A

Adjule

Other Names: Kelb-el-khela
Existence: Debunked.
Description: The adjule is a canid that roams North Africa and has been noted to travel in packs.Resembling a dog or wolf, it was often regarded as a rare and unique species of canine in the past.However, since the 1920's, it's existence has been attributed to mistaken identity; the adjule is acceptedtoday as an isolated population of African wild dog, or a group of feral dogs.
Location: North Africa.
Possible Identity: Isolated species of African wild dog.

Ahool

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The ahool has been described as a massive flying cryptid residing in the rain forests ofIndonesia. It's face resembles that of a primate and it has grey fur, large dark eyes, threatening claws,and an astounding wingspan of ten feet. It supposedly has a very distinctive cry which has attributed toits namesake: "AhoOOoool."
Location: Indonesia.
Possible Identity: Wood owl or large species of bat.

Andean Wolf

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Andean wolf is an unrecognizable canine species with wolf-like attributes dwellingin the high Andes. In the 1920's, a pelt purchased from a dealer in Buenos Aires was deemed acompletely new sample in the realm of known species. Later studies have been inconclusive inclassifying the fur due to contamination throughout the years.
Location: South America.
Possible Identity: Surviving group of prehistoric canine.

Arabhar

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The arabhar is a species of snake which is endowed with a pair of wings. Not much isknown about this airborne reptile and its existence is backed up with very, very little evidence.
Location: Arabian Sea.
Possible Identity: None.

B

Bigfoot

Other Names: Sasquatch, Skookum, Yeren, Yeti, Mapinguari, Urayuli, Almas, Batutut, Hibagon,Ucumar, Mulen, Xing-Xing.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: One of the most celebrated cryptids of our time could easily be Bigfoot. Also known asthe Sasquatch and Yeti, this bipedal entity has stumped believers and skeptics alike. Bigfoot is a ratherlarge bipedal creature covered in course, dark or reddish hair. It is believed to be omnivorous andnocturnal, yielding hundreds of apparent encounters and sightings. Several footprint casts have beenretrieved from this beast, as well as vocal recordings that tear through the night. Despite the massivecollection of footprint casts, photographs, video evidence, and the like, this cryptid is still considered anunconfirmed case and has yet to be proven an authentic species in our world.
Location: Worldwide.
Possible Identity: Unknown or formerly extinct species of ape.

Bondegezou

Other Names: Dingiso, tree kangaroo.
Existence: Confirmed.
Description: The Bondegezou is a dark-haired quadruped with distinctive white markings on its faceand belly. It is no bigger than a household cat and, unlike other tree kangaroos, spends little time off theground. A tribe of Indonesian people, known as the "Moni", consider it a ancestral creature that mustnever be harmed. This unique creature's existence was finally confirmed in 2009.
Location: New Guinea, Indonesia.

Bunyip

Other Names: Kianpraty.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The bunyip is a creature preserved in Aboriginal mythology and folklore. It'sappearance varies greatly among tribes and tales, but it is clearly a large water-dwelling creature withquadruped characteristics. It's physical traits apparently include a dog's face, flippers, gnarly teeth, and abad attitude. Despite how unusual or unlikely the existence of a bunyip is, fossils have been acquired inAustralia that are believed to belong to the beast.
Location: Australia.
Possible Identity: Misidentification of other aggressive and mysterious aquatic inhabitants such asthe hippopotamus.

C

Canvey Island Monster

Other Names: None.
Existence: Debunked.
Description: The Canvey Island Monster is a creature that appeared in 1953 in the form of anunusual carcass that washed up ashore. Barely three feet long, with reddish skin, bulging eyes, andstrange five-toed feet - and no forelimbs. A larger specimen washed ashore years later, and was studiedmore extensively. It has since been decided that the creature is either a species of angler fish or a frogfish.
Location: England.
Possible Identity: A species of angler fish or frogfish.

Cardiff Giant

Other Names: None.
Existence: Hoax.
Description: The Cardiff Giant was the product of George Hull in 1858. Ten feet tall and carved fromgypsum, he was planted underground for a year before he was uncovered by individuals hired to dig afaux well. He was displayed and viewed by visitors at fifty cents a peep, P.T Barnum would later attempta purchase the behemoth for $50,000, but was turned down. He would eventually create his own giant,cover it in wax, and claim to have the "real" specimen. It wasn't until February 2, 1870 when both giantswere deemed fakes by their creators.
Location: Cardiff, New York.

Chupacabra

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The chupacabra is a creature divided into two different species. The sightings of thiscreature began in Mexico, where the chupacabra takes on a more reptile-like appearance. It apparently hasgreenish-gray scales, spines which run down its back, a height of three of four feet tall, and a dog-likeface. It has been reported to hop very similarly to a kangaroo, and screeches when alarmed. Thesecondary description of the chupacabra bloomed in the United States and depicts the creature as beingsimilar to a hairless canine with reptilian features. Despite such diverse descriptions, both versions supposedly suckthe blood of its victims, costing many farmers their livestock.
Location: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, United States, Kerala, India.
Possible Identity: Coyote inflicted with mange.

D

Dingonek

Other Names: Jungle walrus.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: At the Brackfontein Ridge in South Africa is a cave painting of an unknown creaturethat fits the description of the dingonek. Residing in the rivers and lakes of Africa, it is said to be up totwelve feet long, with a long horn, saber-like canines, and a tail possessing a scorpion-like appendage,equipped with venom. It's exterior is a clash of a scaly, mottled epidermis. The first recorded sightingdates back to 1907.
Location: Western Africa.
Possible Identity: None.

Dobhar-chu

Other Names: Irish crocodile.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Dobhar-chu is a creature kept alive in Irish folklore. It is described as a dog-likeotter with orange flipper-like feet. It swims about in the water with adept speed and has been deemedhalf dog and half fish due to its appearance and aquatic qualities. The most recent sighting occurred in2003; a couple claims to have witnessed such a creature swimming about in the water on Omey Island.
Location: Ireland.
Possible Identity: None.

Dover Demon

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Dover Demon has been spotted a total of three times in the same twenty-fourhour period. It was described as a bipedal creature with an oddly, disproportionate head similar to thatof a watermelon. It had long, slender arms with small fingers, a complete lack of hair, and flesh-tonedskin. All witnesses claim it had no mouth, ears, nose, or apparent sex. The Dover Demon was neverlocated; it simply appeared to pop into reality and slip right back out.
Location: Dover, Massachusetts, United States.
Possible Identity: Extraterrestrial.

E

Emela-ntouka

Other Names: Chipekwe, Irizima, Aseka-moke.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Emela-ntouka is the creature of Pygmy tribes in Central Africa. This "killer of theelephants" is supposedly the size of an African bush elephant, with dull skin, a heavy tail, and a figuresimilar to that of a rhinoceros - including a long horn on its snout. Its habitat tends to deem the creaturesemi-aquatic and theories regarding its true species have pointed to the Republic of the Congo'stendency to harbor living dinosaurs.
Location: Republic of the Congo.
Possible Identity: A relict ceratopsian.

F

Fur-Bearing Trout

Other Names: Furry trout.
Existence: Hoax.
Description: The fur-bearing trout is a tall tale claiming the existence of trouts growing fur tocombat the cold weather in their environment. Another variation of the tale attributes the fish fur tofour jugs of hair tonic having been spilled into the Arkansas River. Despite how outrageous this storymay seem, the origins of the furry trout may likely reside in the unfortunate disease, "cotton mold",which occasionally infects fish and sprouts from their scales a white fur-like substance.
Location: North America.

G

Gambo

Other Names: Kelb-el-khela
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: "Gambo" is the name given to a carcass of an unidentified large marine animal thatwas reportedly washed up on Bungalow Beach in The Gambia. The carcass was fifteen feet long, withsmooth brown skin, with a white underbelly. It possessed four flippers, no fin on its back, and a long,tapered tail.
Location: Africa.
Possible Identity: Dolphin carcass or severely mangled shepherd's beaked whale carcass.

Gean

Other Names: Legaut's Mystery Bird.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Francois Legaut was an explorer in the 1600's who faithfully recorded his findings inthe Mascarene Islands, providing illustrations of the plants and animals found in the new area. Suchcreatures were verified throughout the years by explorers that succeeded Francois, but one entry in hiscollaboration of findings is questioned to this day: the Gean. Standing six feet tall, with spindly legs like acrane, the Gean resembled an over-sized crane. The bird was covered completely in white feathers, savefor random patches of red feathers under its wings. Legaut was a highly credible settler, with recordingsthat held verification. Was the Gean a hoax or a bird we have yet to encounter as he did?
Location: Mascarene Islands.
Possible Identity: Lost flamingo.

Giant Anaconda

Other Names: Megaconda.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Reports of giant anacondas have been recorded since South America's discovery. Thesebehemoth serpents exceed lengths of 150 ft., but such a massive specimen has yet to be found andofficially documented. Even anacondas exceeding fifty feet are considered unlikely, rendering snakesdoubling that length considered outrageous by the scientific realm.
Location: South America.
Possible Identity: Anaconda specimens lacking proper measurement.

Giant Ground Sloth

Other Names: Megatherium, Mapinguari.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The giant ground sloth is a prehistoric species of sloth which has been consideredextinct for ages. Despite this, sightings still arise. This creature was one of the largest land mammals theEarth has seen, weighing in at eight tons. Although it is primarily a quadruped, it is biologically built torest at a bipedal stance. The giant ground sloth was a creature that greatly resembled an over-sizedanteater in several aspects, including the way to walked.
Location: Amazon Rainforest.
Possible Identity: Living relics of the ancient ground sloth.

Giant Squid

Other Names: Kraken.
Existence: Confirmed.
Description: Colossal squids have found themselves on the maps and illustrations of seafaringventure for hundreds of years. Considered a creature of legend, not much stock was put into thepossibility of a cephalopod capable of threatening ships. It wasn't until February 22, 2007 when suchancient claims were considered plausible, when the largest squid on record was captured in NewZealand. It weighed in at over one ton with a length of over thirty feet, but possessed a beak muchsmaller than those found in the bellies of sperm whale. It now seems completely plausible that the giantsquid is a genuine resident of our seas.
Location: World's oceans.
Possible Identity: Massive species of squid.

Globster

Other Names: Blob.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: A globster is any unidentifiable, decaying mass of rotting flesh which washes ashorefrom the depths of the ocean. Such blobs of incohesive matter lack bones and any defining featurewhich may lead to conclusions of its origins. Although many globsters can be explained away as decayingsharks or whales, some samples allude to belonging to species we have yet to discover. This wouldappear obvious with the "Cadborosaurus willsi" case involving the skeletal remains of a creature thatresembled a prehistoric sea serpent.
Location: Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean.
Possible Identity: Decaying sea animals.

Gnome of Gerona

Other Names: Goblin.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The gnome of Gerona is the remains or fetus of an animal found in Spain. The bodywas bluish, devoid of hair, with some little spots mainly on the neck and face. Its total length wasapproximately twelve centimeters. It showed a protuberance in the forehead area, elongated ears,reddish eyes and a snout similar to that of rodents. Its fingers showed interdigital membranes.
Location: Girona, Spain.
Possible Identity: Deformed animal fetus.

H

Hoan Kiem turtle

Other Names: Rafetus leloii.
Existence: Confirmed.
Description: The Hoan Kiem turtle is a creature birthed in a legend of the 1500's. Tucked away inmyth, this giant turtle was a rare species in the Hoan Kiem lake, believed to be more legend than acreature of reality. In fact they fell into the classification of "cryptid", until a cameraman captured aliving specimen on film in 1998. This 6 ft. long reptile is one of only five left in the world andconservation efforts are being made to preserve this legendary creature.
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam.

Hodag

Other Names: The Dag, Nasobatilus.
Existence: Hoax.
Description: The Hodag had "the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick shortlegs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end". It was createdby the infamous prankster, Eugene Shepard. Rounding up a group of individuals to "find" and "kill" thecreature, they claimed to have used dynamite to destroy it. A photograph of the remains of the charredbeast was released to the media. It was "the fiercest, strangest, most frightening monster ever to setrazor sharp claws on the earth. It became extinct after its main food source, all white bulldogs, becamescarce in the area." A second faux creature was fashioned and set on display for the public, with wiresplaced in its limbs to spook visitors. It wasn't until the Smithsonian Institution made arrangements toanalyze the twitching tourist attraction when Shepard was forced to admit it was a hoax.
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin, United States.

Hokkaido Wolf

Other Names: Ezo wolf.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Hokkaido wolf was deemed extinct in the mid 1800's after it was hunted down forits threat to local livestock. The government went so far as to utilize direct chemical extermination.Despite this, sightings of the canine have been reported since, suggesting there may have been breedingsurvivors.
Location: Hokkaido, Japan.
Possible Identity: A surviving group of Hokkaido wolf.

I

None.

J

Jba Fofi

Other Names: Great spider, Congolese Giant Spider.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Jba Fofi is a large spider with legs four to six feet long. Older specimen tend to bebrown, while juveniles have been noted to contain yellow coloring. Baka natives claim it spins its webbetween two trees and preys on birds and small game.
Location: Central Africa.
Possible Identity: New species of arachnid.

Jackalope

Other Names: Antelabbit, aunt benny, Wyoming thistled hare, stagbunny.
Existence: Hoax.
Description: This creature is a rabbit endowed with a pair of small antlers. The jackalope is a hoaxlikely instigated by the sighting of rabbits infected with the Shope papilloma virus, which spawn strangegrowths around the victim's head.
Location: North America.

Jersey Devil

Other Names: Leeds Devil.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Jersey Devil is a creature described as a bipedal flying horse. With spindly legs, aset of hooves, bat's wings, and a horse's face, the Jersey Devil is easily one of the most strange cryptids.Although it lives in legend as a creature birthed from a woman who invoked the devil upon it, it hasacquired a staggering number of sightings: over 1,000 in 1909 alone. This spree of sightings causedwide-spread panic, leaving schools closed and many individuals refusing to show up for work.
Location: United States, specifically New Jersey.
Possible Identity: Exotic, foreign bat.

K

Kasai Rex

Other Names: None.
Existence: Hoax.
Description: Two reports, both from the 1930's, were made regarding the sighting of a large, fiercecreature. Both reports were made by two different individuals, but remained very similar in structure: alarge creature suddenly appears and consume a rhinoceros, the servant with the witness flees, and the witnesshimself faints. While the witnesses both describe the beast as a tyrannosaurus rex, two photos surfaceddepicting two different creatures. The first shows a tyrannosaurus rex attacking a rhinoceros while thesecond displays a reptile similar to a monitor lizard resting on a rock. The latter appears extraordinarilydubious; a white border around the creature alludes to it being a cut-out from a nature magazine. Thelack of a name for this creature in the language of the natives also makes both claims appear false andboth have been deemed hoaxes.
Location: Africa.
Possible Identity: Surviving Carcharodontosaurus.

King Cheetah

Other Names: None.
Existence: Confirmed.
Description: The king cheetah is a cheetah with a very rare mutation which affects its coat; insteadof the traditional spots common cheetahs exhibit, a king cheetah possesses spots which are moreoblong in appearance. Evidence of the king cheetah arose in pelts and spotted specimens throughoutthe years, starting in the 1920's. In 1982, their existence was resolved when a pair of cheetahscontaining the rare gene were born in the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre in South Africa.
Location: Africa.

Kongamato

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: This large, flighted animal possesses a wingspan between four and seven feet, and redor black in color. It's snout has been likened to a dog by those who have seen it and it apparently has along, thin tail. With teeth, claws, and leathery wings, it has been labeled by eyewitnesses as appearing"ancient". Natives have pointed out that it looks similar to a pterosaur when presented with a specificbook used to identify creatures when faced with language barriers. A handful of locals have claimed to beattacked by such a creature, attributing their wounds to an aggressive creature much like a pterosaur.
Location: Kenya, Africa.
Possible Identity: Surviving pterosaur, unknown bird, large bat.

Kting Voar

Other Names: Holy Goat, Snake-eating Cow, Khting Vor, Linh Duong, Pseudonovibos spiralis.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Kting Voar is described as a cow-like herbivore with large, twisted horns andshaggy, spotted fur. It is likely this new hooved beast is an endangered species of wild cow, but itsexistence has not been verified beyond eyewitness accounts just yet.
Location: Vietnam and Cambodia.
Possible Identity: New species of bovid.

L

Lagarfljot Worm

Other Names: Iceland Worm Monster.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Lagarfljot Lake is said to hold a worm 300 ft. long with sightings dating back as faras the 1300's. Countless individuals have claimed to see the massive worm coiled on the shore. Due tothe silty and difficult conditions in the lake, it has not been studied often - including other creatures that may call the lake home.
Location: Iceland.
Possible Identity: New species of aquatic worm.

Loch Ness Monster

Other Names: Nessie, Nessiteras rhombopteryx.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Loch Ness Monster has been sighted in Loch Ness, Scotland since 1933 and isarguably the most well-known lake monster cryptid. It has been described as an aquatic creature similarto a plesiosaur, with a broad body, flippers, and a long neck. The one and only photograph of the beastpresenting a neck and head is known as "Surgeon's photograph". Although the photograph was revealedas a hoax in 1994, dozens of eyewitness accounts, photos, and videos still stand for its existence, themost recent occurring in 2007.
Location: Loch Ness, Scotland.
Possible Identity: Surviving plesiosaur.

M

Mahamba

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Bobangi aboriginals describe a 50 ft. creature lurking in their swamps, resembling acrocodile above all other things. It is an unconfirmed creature, but the natives of the area claim it hasbeen known to thrash rafts and canoes.
Location: Lake Likouala swamp region, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Possible Identity: A freshwater relic of the mosasaurs.

Maltese Tiger

Other Names: Blue Tiger.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Blue tigers has been spotted since the early 1900's, raising suspicions that a pigmentmutation apart from the recorded pseudo-melanistic or hypermelanic tigers, producing a moreblue-grey pelt. A blue tiger is certainly possible, considering their smaller cousins, domesticated cats,retain such blue coats.
Location: China.
Possible Identity: Possible tiger with pigment mutation.

Mapinguari

Other Names: Isnashi.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Mapinguari is described as a creature with reddish fur, a very thick hide which apparentlydeflects arrows and gunshot well, and physical similarities to a ground sloth. It apparently has a fierceattitude when disturbed and slips among vegetation stealthily. The stench of this beast is supposedlyrather putrid, while it stands at seven feet tall with long arms. Behaviorally, it resembles a grizzly bear.1937 recordings of the beast's activity include a rampage in which 100 heads of cattle perished, leavingpeople to assume it is carnivorous.
Location: Amazon Rainforest.
Possible Identity: Unknown ground sloth.

Marozi

Other Names: Spotted lion, panthera leo maculatus.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Since 1904, sightings of lions with strange spots have been recorded. In 1931, a farmershot two of the unusual felines; examination of the lions revealed they were pubescent lions retainingtheir infant spots, which typically fade away with age. Sightings of this unusual pelt were the mostprominent in the 1930's, but ceased there. The lions have since been considered an extinct variety ofthe popular big cat, although sightings are still recorded occasionally.
Location: Africa.
Possible Identity: Surviving panthera leo maculatus, a gene mutation in lions.

Mbielu-Mbielu-Mbielu

Other Names: Gataro, Kawako.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: There have only been a handful of recorded sightings of this strange beast, but thosewho have seen it describe a herbivorous creature with "planks" growing out of its back.
Location: Republic of Congo.
Possible Identity: Surviving Stegosauridae.

Minhocão

Other Names: Big earthworm.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Minhocão is described as a massive earthworm with strange tentacle appendagesprotruding from its nose.
Location: South America.
Possible Identity: Behemoth caecilian, surviving glyptodont.

Mokele-mbembe

Other Names: "One who stops the flow of rivers".
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Mokele-mbembe is described by natives as a creature very similar to a smallsauropod, at fifteen to thirty feet long. It thrives in the rivers in the jungles of the Congo, frighteninglocals who have the "misfortune" of seeing it.
Location: Republic of the Congo.
Possible Identity: A small sauropod dinosaur.

Mongolian Death Worm

Other Names: Allghoi (or orghoi) khorkhoi.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Mongolian death worm is described as a bright red worm with a length betweentwo and five feet. Mongolian locals claim this strange worm spews acid, can attack individuals from adistance via electrical discharge, and that touching any part of it causes instant death due to its venom.
Location: Gobi Desert.
Possible Identity: Mere myth.

Montauk Monster

Other Names: Monty.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Montauk Monster was a creature that washed ashore in Montauk, New York in2008. The identity of the strange creature is still speculated today, but remains uncertain. The locationof the carcass in also unknown, but theories of its identities have ranged from raccoon, to boxer dog, toturtle.
Location: Montauk, Long Island (United States).
Possible Identity: Probable partly decomposed and mutilated raccoon carcass.

Mothman

Other Names: Often associated with Indrid Cold, "The Grinning Man" from John A. Keels book "TheMothman Prophecies".
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: In Point Place, Virginia, a winged bipedal creature was reported between 1966 and1977. The Mothman stands at seven feet tall with glowing red eyes and a pair of massive wings, with abody shaped much like a man. Theories of what the creature was have ranged from paranormal activity,to conspiracy theories, to the misidentification of birds. The slew of eyewitnesses have been deemedreliable, but no signs of the Mothman have been found since the array of sightings in the 1960's.
Location: West Virginia, United States.
Possible Identity: Misidentified bird.

N

Nandi Bear

Other Names: Chemosit, Chimiset, Chimisit, Duba, Engargiya, Gadett, Ikimizi, Kerit, Kikambangwe,Kikomba, Koddoelo, Ngoloko, Sabrookoo, Shivuverre.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Nandi bear, named after the local tribes in the area, is described as a powerfulcarnivore with high shoulders and a sloping back. Some speculate this creature is a misidentified hyena,or subspecies of hyena.
Location: Africa.
Possible Identity: Proposed hyena.

Ngoubou

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Ngoubou is a creature described by natives as having a nasty attitude, fightingelephants for territory. It apparently stands in relative size to an ox, with a frill behind its neck adornedwith six spikes - much like a triceratops. Although fossils of this dinosaur have not been discovered in Africa, a handful ofeyewitness accounts of living relicts claim otherwise.
Location: Cameroon.
Possible Identity: Surviving Styracosaurus.

O

Olitiau

Other Names: Death Bat or Night Flyer.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Olitiau is described as a black-bodied bat-like creatures with dark wings. Itapparently has two-inch serrated teeth and a wingspan between six and twelve feet.
Location: Cameroon.
Possible Identity: Winged animal; bat or flying reptile.

Owlman

Other Names: Cornish Owlman, or The Owlman of Mawnan.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Sightings of this creature began in the 1970's and describes a large creature whichlooms about church towers. The Owlman appears to be a massive bird, which leaves people to speculatethat it is an escaped aviary bird, or an eagle owl.
Location: England.
Possible Identity: Eagle owl.

P

Phantom Cat

Other Names: Alien Big Cats (ABC's).
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: "Phantom cats" encompass the various sightings of large and foreign species oflarge cats that have apparently taken up residence in areas devoid of its species. There have beenmultiple sightings of these alien species, despite the scientific community's rejection of the theory thatlarge cats can survive and thrive in such foreign areas. These exotic species include lions, jaguars, lynxes,tigers, and others.
Location: Britain, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Hawaii, Luxembourg, andareas in the United States.
Possible Identity: Illegally owned big cats unlawfully released into the wild.

Q

Qilin

Other Names: Kirin (from Japanese) or sometimes kyrin and ki-lin, Chinese unicorn.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Qilin is a hooved creature which lives on in Chinese mythology. The earliestsightings of this creature rest in the 1500's and descriptions of its appearance have changed throughoutthe years, ranging from something similar to a giraffe, to a creature similar to a goat.
Location: China.
Possible Identity: Giraffes.

R

Rhinoceros Dolphin

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The rhinoceros dolphin is described as a dolphin with two dorsal fins as opposed toone.
Location: Mediterranean Sea, New South Wales, Sandwich Islands.
Possible Identity: Unknown species of dolphin.

Ropen

Other Names: Indava, duwas, seklo-bali, kundua, wawanar.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: This creature is described as a large, flying creature which is nocturnal andexhibits bioluminescence. It apparently lives on a diet of fish and shares similar features of a pterosaur.
Location: Papua New Guinea.
Possible Identity: Misidentified bat.

S

Sea Monsters

Other Names: Sea Serpent.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Sea monsters are creatures living in our oceans that have not been identified. Seacreatures have been a part of most cultures for centuries, but many of them share similar qualities suchas snake-like appearances. They tend to strike fear in those who have claimed to see them and havebeen known to appear on the earliest maps of our oceans for centuries.
Location: World's oceans.
Possible Identity: Misidentification of known sea creatures.

Shunka Warakin

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The shunka warakin has been described in American folklore as a wolf-like creaturevery similar to a hyena. Such a specimen was shot in the 1800's and was treated by a taxidermist. Thisone and only sample of the strange species has failed to have been identified as a known species of wolfor dog.
Location: Western United States.
Possible Identity: Unknown or extinct species of wolf.

Sirrush

Other Names: Mushussu
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The sirrush is a creature described in Babylon mythology as a creature withfeatures similar to a dragon, with eagle's talons, and the forelimbs of a feline. What makes the sirrush sounique is the way it hasn't changed appearance since 6th century BC. It is believed that this creatureonce existed.
Location: Africa, Ancient Babylon.
Possible Identity: Iguanodon.

Skvader

Other Names: "Tetrao lepus pseudo-hybridus rarissimus L".
Existence: Hoax.
Description: In 1918, the taxidermist Rudolf Granberg constructed a rabbit with the wings andtail of a female wood grouse. This creation sprouted from a tall tale told by Hakan Dahlmark, who hadclaimed he had shot such a creature. He was presented with a painting of this creature as a humorousgift and the stuffed version was composed years later to match.
Location: Sundsvall, Sweden.

T

Tapire-lauara

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The tapire-lauara is supposedly a creature sharing features of both a pig and cat.They are said to be nine feet long and hunt prey with its teeth and claws while being very territorial.
Location: Amazon Rainforest.
Possible Identity: None.

Thunderbird

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: Thunder birds are birds unknown to science that are described as possessingmassive wingspans. They live on in Native American folklore, but sightings of such creatures have beenrecorded since the 1800's by settlers. Sightings have continued to this day of such massive birds.
Location: North America.
Possible Identity: Misidentification of known birds.

Thylacine

Other Names: Tasmanian Tiger, Tasmanian Wolf.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The thylacine is a carnivorous marsupial that was hunted into extinction due to itsaffliction on livestock. Despite the last known specimen being hunted down in the 1930's, sightings ofthis creature still continue to be recorded.
Location: Tasmania, Australia.
Possible Identity: A surviving group of Thylacine.

Trinity Alps Giant Salamander

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Trinity Alps giant salamander is supposedly an alligator-sized salamander whichresides in California.
Location: California, United States.
Possible Identity: Unknown species of salamander.

Tsuchinoko

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Tsuchinoko is a creature in Japan which is supposedly 30 to 80 centimeters inlength. It apparently has a girth with makes the creature appear sluggishly built. It is also said that it is venomous and can capable of jumping a meter.
Location: Japan.
Possible Identity: Unknown snake.

U

None.

V

Vadakilla monster

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Vadakilla monster is a strange, green creature which is spotted in India on rareoccasion. Very, very little in known about it.
Location: India.
Possible Identity: None.

Veo

Other Names: Manis cryptus.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Veo is a scaly anteater which stands at eight feet tall and supposedly dwells inIndonesia. They are apparently nocturnal and thrive on ants and termites.
Location: Indonesia.
Possible Identity: Surviving Manis paleojavanicus.

W

Waheela

Other Names: None.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Waheela is supposedly a strange bear-dog that thrives in the northwest areas ofCanada. It supposedly travels in groups of two or three.
Location: Canada.
Possible Identity: Unknown species of wolf.

Waitoreke

Other Names: Maori Otter, New Zealand Otter; Waitoreki, Waitorete.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Waitoreke is a creature which resembles an otter and a beaver. There are manytheories as to what its true identity is, but it still remains a mystery. It is no bigger than a cat and hasbrown fur with spots.
Location: Ireland.
Possible Identity: Otter or beaver.

X

None.

Y

None.

Z

Zanzibar Leopard

Other Names: Panthera pardus adersi.
Existence: Unconfirmed.
Description: The Zanzibar Leopard is a subspecies of big cat which was hunted down in earlier timesfor its conflict with human inhabitants in Zanzibar many years ago. It is believed this feline fell intoextinction, but sightings continue, suggesting that the leopard lives on as a highly elusive species.
Location: Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Possible Identity: Surviving group of Zanzibar Leopard, remaining highly endangered.

Much of this information is a compilation of personal research conducted over a number of texts,websites, and the viewing of various documentaries on cryptids. Such sources include Wikipedia, HistoryChannel's "Monster Quest" and National Geographic's "Is It Real?", as well as "Rumors of Existence" byMatthew A. Bille.

If you have a suggestion regarding a species that should be added to this collection, donot hesitate to contact me!

Special Thanks:

In 2011, Ringo created the first profile for Cryptozoology, as well as the photographs, and it has since been revamped by sonata as of 2014.

Last Content Update:

August 23, 2011