On the Track of Unknown Animals is a cryptozoological book by French author Bernard Heuvelmans that was first published in 1958. Pen and wash drawing by malacologist Pierre Denys de Montfort, 1801, from the descriptions of French sailors reportedly attacked by a Kraken off the coast of Angola. ... Bernard Heuvelmans (October 10, 1916 – August 22, 2001) was a scientist, explorer, researcher, and a writer probably best known as a founder of cryptozoology. ... 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
Cryptozoology is the study of rumored or mythological animals that are presumed (at least by the researcher) to exist, but for which conclusive proof does not yet exist, or are generally considered extinct, but occasionally reported.
Unlike mainstream animal experts (who typically focus vary narrowly on a specific species for their study), many cryptozoologists study or research a broad range of alleged creatures from many different families.
In the early days of western exploration of the world, many native tales of unknownanimals were initially dismissed as mythology or superstition by western scientists, but consequently proven to have a real basis in biological fact.
Many animals have gone extinct over the last few hundred years as a result of ecological disruption caused by humans migrating to new environments or direct attempts to exterminate "problem" species.
Most mystery animals dealing relevant to cryptozoology are known by tradition and collective memory, and therefore possess a vernacular name (or several ones) among the natives.
Tracks and trails, photographies and movies, sonar echoes, injury marks, hybridization marks, evidence of symbiosis with another species or modification of the environment can be considered as potential associated “proofs”.
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