The Lost Ark: New and Rediscovered Animals of the Twentieth Century

The Lost Ark surveys animals discovered or rediscovered by zoologists during the 20th century, bringing together species from mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and invertebrates. Karl P. N. Shuker considers how creatures once unknown to modern science, or believed extinct, entered zoological knowledge through expeditions, specimens and reported sightings.

Among the examples are the coelacanth, okapi, giant panda, Komodo dragon and megamouth shark, alongside less familiar species such as the vampire squid and pygmy hog. The book places these cases within the history of scientific description, combining concise accounts with photographs and illustrations. Its subject sits between established zoology and cryptozoological interest, while keeping the focus on documented discoveries and rediscoveries.