The search for lost species, not as quixotic as it seems, absorbs Scott Weidensaul (Living on the Wind) in this unexpected series of encounters on the trail of beasts as varied as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, coelacanth, Cone-billed Tanager and the Loch Ness monster. Weidensaul presents his triumphs and diappointments with wit and considerable insight into evolution and ecology.  (CON24, $16.00)