Folklore and Zoology

A scientific excursion into folklore, zoology, and cryptozoology; the field, often called a pseudoscience, which seriously considers the possible existence of hidden or unknown animals not recognised in conventional zoology. Folklore & Zoology accessibly reviews the science of DNA samples; film and photograph analysis; hair and footprint examination; and the statistics behind such alleged animals as Sasquatch and the Yeti, Nessie and Champ, the Griffin and the Thunderbirds, and the possible survival of the thylacine, ivory-billed woodpecker, eastern cougar, and others. With over 400 references, Folklore & Zoology is among the most complete scientific reviews of cryptozoology to date, with discussion of the history and future, and successes and failures of this controversial and fascinating field, offering a fresh synthesis of a highly interdisciplinary literature. This book is ideal reading for students and academics interested in and studying zoology, palaeontology, and folklore courses.