Species New to Science

Begonia wuzhishanensis

C.-I Peng, X.H. Jin & S.M. Ku

Abstract

Background

Hainan is the largest island of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and has the best preserved and most extensive tropical forests in China. A recent study on distribution of endangered species in China identifies southern Hainan as one of eight hotspots for plant conservation in the country. In continuation of our studies of Asian Begonia, we report the discovery of an attractive undescribed species, B. wuzhishanensisC.-I Peng, X.H. Jin & S.M. Ku, from Hainan Island.

Results

Living plant of the new species, Begonia wuzhishanensis, was collected in 2009 and cultivated in the experimental greenhouse for morphological and cytological studies. It flowered consecutively in 2012 and 2013 in the experimental greenhouse, Academia Sinica. It was assigned to the large, heterogeneous sect. Diploclinium. The chromosome number of this new species was determined to be 2n = 26.

Conclusions

A careful study of literature, herbarium specimens and living plants, both in the wild and in cultivation, support the recognition of the new species Begonia wuzhishanensis, which is described in this paper. Begonia wuzhishanensis is currently known only from Fanyang, Wuzhishan Mountain in the center of the island. A line drawing, color plate, and a distribution map are provided to aid in identification.

Keywords: Begonia wuzhishanensis, Begoniaceae, Chromosome number, Flora of China, Hainan, New species, Sect. Diploclinium, Septal placentation

Ching-I Peng, Xiao-Hua Jin, Shin-Ming Ku, Yoshiko Kono, Han-Yau Huang, Hsun-An Yang. 2014. Begonia wuzhishanensis (sect. Diploclinium, Begoniaceae), a new species from Hainan Island, China. Botanical Studies. February 2014, 55:24, DOI dx.doi.org/10.1186/1999-3110-55-24

Begonia intermedia D.K. Tian & Y.H. Yan

Abstract

Begonia intermediaD.K. Tian & Y.H. Yan, a new species in Begonia sect. Diploclinium (Wright) A. DC (Begoniaceae) from Hainan, China, is described and illustrated. It differs from the morphologically similar B. fimbristipula Hance by its orchid-root-like rhizomes, later flowering and distinctive hairy bracts. Also, based on a molecular phylogenetic analysis, B. intermedia is distinct from B. fimbristipula.

Key words: China, Hainan, Begonia, new species

DAI-KE TIAN, CHUN LI, YUE-HONG YAN, XIANG-PENG LI & JING MENG. 2014. Begonia intermedia, a new species of Begoniaceae from Hainan, China. Phytotaxa. 166 (2): 114–122

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.166.2.2

http://www.mapress.com/phytotaxa/content/2014/f/pt00166p122.pdf

FIGURE 7. Variation of carapace morphology in western (A; UF 21746), central (B; UF 52676), and Suwannee (C; UF 57967) lineages of Macrochelys. Most of the gross variation in post-cranial morphology is present within the caudal region of the carapace.
Macrochelys temminckii | M. apalachicolae | M. suwanniensis

Abstract

The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys temminckii, is a large, aquatic turtle limited to river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. Previous molecular analyses using both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA suggested that Macrochelys exhibits significant genetic variation across its range that includes three distinct genetic assemblages (western, central, and eastern = Suwannee). However, no taxonomic revision or morphological analyses have been conducted previously. In this study, we test previous hypotheses of distinct geographic assemblages by examining morphology, reanalyzing phylogeographic genetic structure, and estimating divergence dating among lineages in a coalescent framework using Bayesian inference. We reviewed the fossil record and discuss phylogeographic and taxonomic implications of the existence of three distinct evolutionary lineages. We measured cranial (n=145) and post-cranial (n=104) material on field-captured individuals and museum specimens. We analyzed 420 base pairs (bp) of mitochondrial DNA sequence data for 158 Macrochelys. We examined fossil Macrochelys from ca. 15–16 million years ago (Ma) to the present to better assess historical distributions and evaluate named fossil taxa. The morphological and molecular data both indicate significant geographical variation and suggest three species-level breaks among genetic lineages that correspond to previously hypothesized genetic assemblages. The holotype of Macrochelys temminckii is from the western lineage. Therefore, we describe two new species as Macrochelys apalachicolae sp. nov. from the central lineage and Macrochelys suwanniensis sp. nov. from the eastern lineage (Suwannee River drainage).

Our estimates of divergence times suggest that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of M. temminckii (western) and M.apalachicolae (central) existed 3.2–8.9 Ma during the late Miocene to late Pliocene, whereas M. temminckii-M. apalachicolae and M.suwanniensis last shared a MRCA 5.5–13.4 Ma during the mid-Miocene to early Pliocene. Examination of fossil material revealed that the fossil taxon M. floridana is actually a large Chelydra. Our taxonomic revision of Macrochelys has conservation and management implications in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Keywords: Macrochelys, Chelydridae, Morphology, Conservation, Fossil, Genetics, Phylogeography, Suwannee River, Apalachicola River

FIGURE 1. Map of sampling localities of Macrochelys used for morphological analyses. Multiple specimens were often collected from the same localities.

Macrochelys apalachicolae sp. nov.

Apalachicola Alligator Snapping Turtle

Distribution. Restricted to river drainages bounded by the Choctawhatchee and Ochlockonee rivers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Etymology. Specific epithet refers to the new Latin apalachicol– (referring to the Apalachicola River) and the Latin –ae (treating the name of the river as a Latin cognate in the First Declension, genitive case), combined to form the composite noun apalachicolae.

Macrochelys suwanniensis sp. nov.

Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle

Distribution. Restricted to the Suwannee River drainage in Florida and Georgia.

Etymology. Specific epithet refers to combination of the new Latin suwanni– (referring to the Suwannee River) and the Latin –ensis (belongs to the) to form the composite noun suwanniensis.

Thomas, Travis M., Michael C. Granatosky, Jason R. Bourque, Kenneth L. Krysko, Paul E. Moler, Tony Gamble, Eric Suarez, Erin Leone, Kevin M. Enge & Joe Roman. 2014. Taxonomic Assessment of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae: Macrochelys), with the description of two new species from the southeastern United States. Zootaxa. 3786(2): 141–165.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3786.2.4

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~gambl007/publications/Thomas_etal_2014_Macrochelys.pdf

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152351120979672
http://biologicalmarginalia.tumblr.com/post/82235375995/as-mentioned-in-this-post-two-new-species-of
http://biologicalmarginalia.tumblr.com/post/82237022360/as-discussed-on-this-post-there-are-some

Extremely rare Texas dino turtle even more endangered than first thought

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/Extremely-rare-Texas-dino-turtle-even-more-5396033.php

Figure 1. Sexual behavior in Crotalus atrox.
(a) Pair of C. atrox in coitus. Unknown male (left) with female CA-3, September 13, 2001.

Photo: Roger Repp. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090616.g001

Abstract

Long-term studies of individual animals in nature contribute disproportionately to our understanding of the principles of ecology and evolution. Such field studies can benefit greatly from integrating the methods of molecular genetics with traditional approaches. Even though molecular genetic tools are particularly valuable for species that are difficult to observe directly, they have not been widely adopted. Here, we used molecular genetic techniques in a 10-year radio-telemetric investigation of the western diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) for an analysis of its mating system and to measure sexual selection. Specifically, we used microsatellite markers to genotype 299 individuals, including neonates from litters of focal females to ascertain parentage using full-pedigree likelihood methods. We detected high levels of multiple paternity within litters, yet found little concordance between paternity and observations of courtship and mating behavior. Larger males did not father significantly more offspring, but we found evidence for size-specific male-mating strategies, with larger males guarding females for longer periods in the mating seasons. Moreover, the spatial proximity of males to mothers was significantly associated with reproductive success. Overall, our field observations alone would have been insufficient to quantitatively measure the mating system of this population of C. atrox, and we thus urge more widespread adoption of molecular tools by field researchers studying the mating systems and sexual selection of snakes and other secretive taxa.

Figure 1. Sexual behavior in Crotalus atrox.
(a) Pair of C. atrox in coitus. Unknown male (left) with female CA-3, September 13, 2001.
(b) Pair of C. atrox in courtship below a den site. The lower body and tail of unknown male is wrapped over and around tail of female CA-44 (painted rattles), March 2012.

Photo: Roger Repp. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090616.g001

Rulon W. Clark, Gordon W. Schuett, Roger A. Repp, Melissa Amarello, Charles F. Smith and Hans-Werner Herrmann. 2014. Mating Systems, Reproductive Success, and Sexual Selection in Secretive Species: A Case Study of the Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox. PLoS ONE. 9(3): e90616. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090616

FIG 1: Ampulex dementorn. sp.,
female, holotype, in oblique lateral view. Pin digitally removed from image.
Photo: B. Schurian, MfN.

Abstract

Taxonomy, the science of describing and naming of the living world, is recognized as an important and relevant field in modern biological science. While there is wide agreement on the importance of a complete inventory of all organisms on Earth, the public is partly unaware of the amount of known and unknown biodiversity. Out of the enormous number of undescribed (but already recognized) species in natural history museum collections, we selected an attractive example of a wasp, which was presented to museum visitors at a special museum event. We asked 300 visitors to vote on a name for the new species and out of four preselected options, Ampulex dementor Ohl n. sp. was selected. The name, derived from the ‘soul sucking’ dementors from the popular Harry Potter books is an allusion to the wasps' behavior to selectively paralyze its cockroach prey. In this example, public voting on a scientific name has been shown to be an appropriate way to link museum visitors emotionally to biodiversity and its discovery.

Michael Ohl, Volker Lohrmann, Laura Breitkreuz, Lukas Kirschey and Stefanie Krause. 2014. The Soul-Sucking Wasp by Popular Acclaim – Museum Visitor Participation in Biodiversity Discovery and Taxonomy. PLoS ONE. 9(4): e95068.

DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0095068

http://news.sciencemag.org/signal-noise/2014/04/wasp-given-harry-potter-name

Kryptodrakon progenitor
Andres, Clark & Xu, 2014

Illustration: Emily M. Eng

Highlights

• We report the earliest and basalmost pterodactyloid pterosaur

• The Pterodactyloidea originated in terrestrial environments

• Pterosaur evolution is highly correlated with paleoenvironment

• Pterosaurs were adapted to the environments in which they were preserved

Summary

The pterosaurs were a diverse group of Mesozoic flying reptiles that underwent a body plan reorganization, adaptive radiation, and replacement of earlier forms midway through their long history, resulting in the origin of the Pterodactyloidea, a highly specialized clade containing the largest flying organisms. The sudden appearance and large suite of morphological features of this group were suggested to be the result of it originating in terrestrial environments, where the pterosaur fossil record has traditionally been poor, and its many features suggested to be adaptations to those environments. However, little evidence has been available to test this hypothesis, and it has not been supported by previous phylogenies or early pterodactyloid discoveries. We report here the earliest pterosaur with the diagnostic elongate metacarpus of the Pterodactyloidea, Kryptodrakon progenitor, gen. et sp. nov., from the terrestrial Middle-Upper Jurassic boundary of Northwest China. Phylogenetic analysis confirms this species as the basalmost pterodactyloid and reconstructs a terrestrial origin and a predominantly terrestrial history for the Pterodactyloidea. Phylogenetic comparative methods support this reconstruction by means of a significant correlation between wing shape and environment also found in modern flying vertebrates, indicating that pterosaurs lived in or were at least adapted to the environments in which they were preserved.

A diagram shows the fragmentary remains of Kryptodrakon progenitor.
The skeletal outline is Pterodactylus antiques

Illustration | Brian Andres news.usf.edu

Andres, B.; Clark, J.; Xu, X. 2014. The Earliest Pterodactyloid and the Origin of the Group. Current Biology. Forthcoming. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2014.03.030

International Scientific Team Discovers, Names Oldest Pterodactyloid Species

http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=6251&z=123

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/04/140424-pterodactyl-pterosaur-china-oldest-science-animals/

Solomons Frogmouth Rigidipenna inexpectata

photo: Markus Lagerqvist
pbase.com/lagerqvist

The frogmouth taxon occurring on the Solomon Islands has been known as Podargus ocellatus inexpectatus, a subspecies endemic to four islands in the Solomon Islands of a species that also inhabits New Guinea and Australia. Our morphological, osteological and molecular studies support recognition of inexpectatus at the species level, and further reveal that it merits placement in its own genus, which we describe here. Compared with the two other extant podargid genera, inexpectatus does not seem to be more closely related either to Batrachostomus (confined to the Indo-Malayan faunal region) or to Podargus of the Papuan–Australian faunal region. We also review the specimen history of the Solomon Islands Frogmouth, and discuss what little is known about its ecology, natural history and distribution.

A new genus of frogmouth bird Rigidipenna (top) found in the Solomon Islands by Florida Museum of Natural History ornithologists Andrew Kratter and David Steadman may be closely related to another genus found in the Philippines (bottom).

Solomons Frogmouth Rigidipenna inexpectata

photo: Markus Lagerqvist
pbase.com/lagerqvist cloudbirders.com

Cleere, Kratter, Steadman, Braun, Huddleston, Filardi and Dutson. 2007. A new genus of frogmouth (Podargidae) from the Solomon Islands – results from a taxonomic review of Podargus ocellatus inexpectatus Hartert 1901. Ibis. 149:271-286.

DOI: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00626.x

University of Florida News - UF scientists discover new genus of frogmouth bird in Solomon Islands

http://www.research.ufl.edu/publications/explore/v12n2/extract3.html

http://worldbir.startlogic.com/documents/IOCPNGTaxonomyReview.pdf

http://www.cepf.net/SiteCollectionDocuments/east_melanesian_islands/EastMelanesianIslands_EP_Summary.pdf

Banguela oberlii

New edentulous dsungaripterid pterosaur from the Cretaceous of Brazil.

Reconstruction by Sergey Krasovskiy

Abstract

Numerous taxa make up the Early Cretaceous fauna of Brazil, including Ornithocheiroidea, Tapejaridae, Thalassodromidae, Chaoyangopteridae and a purported member of Azhdarchidae. Dsungaripteridae has only been tentatively assumed to be present in the form of ‘Santanadactylus’ spixi. New study of NMSG SAO 251093 (a specimen referred to Thalassodromeus sethi) suggests it is a previously unknown species of dsungaripterid, Banguela oberlii, tax. nov., differing from Thalassodromeus and other pterosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of Brazil by a unique combination of characters, including an upturned jaw tip, a short dorsal mandibular symphyseal shelf (dmss), and an autapomorphic thin crest placed halfway along the fused mandibular symphysis without a keel along the ventral margin of the jaw. B. oberlii, tax. nov., is referred to Dsungaripteridae based on a dmss no longer than the ventral shelf, U-shaped caudal margin of the ventral shelf and lateral margins of the mandibular symphysis concave in dorsal view. B. oberlii, tax. nov., is the youngest known dsungaripterid, and expands known morphological diversity in the clade as well as the Early Cretaceous pterosaur fauna of South America.

Keywords: pterosaur, Banguela oberlii, Pterodactyloidea, Dsungaripteridae, Thalassodromeus

Jaime A. Headden and Hebert B.N. Campos. 2014. An unusual edentulous pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation of Brazil. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. in press. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2014.904302

http://qilong.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/meet-banguela/

ปลาเลียหินแม่น้ำว้า Garra waensis

Lothongkham, Arbsuwan & Musikasinthorn 2014

Abstract

A new cyprinid fish, Garra waensis, is described from the Wa River, a tributary of the Nan River of the Chao Phraya River system in northern Thailand. The species is distinguishable from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: the absence of barbels; 7 branched dorsal fin rays; 31–37 lateral-line scales; 10–12 circumpeduncular scales; a small and broad head (head length [HL] 22.7–26.1% in standard length, head depth 56.1–64.9% HL, head width 74.0–85.0 % HL); a weakly developed proboscis in front of nostrils; the presence of reddish-orange spots (white or dull yellowish white in preserved specimens) on the side of the body; and a dark mid-lateral stripe running from the upper edge of the gill opening to the caudal peduncle and expanding into a large anteriorly-pointed triangular blotch at the end of the body (in preserved condition). A vomero-palatine organ of the species is also described in detail for the first time for Asian species of Garra. The genus Placocheilus is treated as a junior synonym of Garra.

Keywords: Chao Phraya River, Cyprinidae, Garra, Labeonini, Nan River, Nan Province, new species; Placocheilus, Thailand, vomero-palatine organ, Wa River

Lothongkham, Amornchai, Sakda Arbsuwan & Prachya Musikasinthorn. 2014. Garra waensis, a new cyprinid fish (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes) from the Nan River basin of the Chao Phraya River system, northern Thailand. Zootaxa. 3790 (4): 543–554.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3790.4.3

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03790p554f.pdf facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152397413964672

การสำรวจความหลากชนิดของปลาในลุ่มแม่น้ำว้า (แม่น้ำสาขาของลุ่มแม่น้ำน่านตอนบน) ในเขตอำเภอบ่อเกลือ จังหวัดน่าน ซึ่งเป็นการสำรวจปลาตั้งแต่ต้นน้ำจนถึงปลายน้ำ ตั้งแต่เดือนกรกฎาคม 2551 ถึง เดือนกุมภาพันธุ์ 2552 จากสถานีที่ใช้สำรวจทั้งสิ้น 19 สถานี พบการแพร่กระจายพันธุ์ปลาทั้งสิ้น 7 อันดับ 13 วงศ์ 32 สกุล และ 43 ชนิดโดยอันดับ Cypriniformes มีจำนวนชนิดมากที่สุด คือ 30 ชนิด รองลงมาคือ Siluriformes จำนวน 5 ชนิด และ Perciformes 3 ชนิด คิดเป็น 69, 12 และ 7 เปอร์เซ็นต์ ตามลำดับ สำหรับวงศ์ที่มีจำนวนชนิดมากที่สุด คือ วงศ์ Cyprinidae มี 22 ชนิด รองลงมาคือ วงศ์ Balitoridae จำนวน 7 ชนิด และวงศ์ Sisoridae จำนวน 3 ชนิด คิดเป็น 51, 16 และ 7 เปอร์เซ็นต์ ตามลำดับ พบปลาที่ยังไม่มีชื่อวิทยาศาสตร์ 2 ชนิดในสกุล Garraจำนวน 1 ชนิด และปลาในสกุล Schistura อีก 1 ชนิด พบปลาที่ไม่เคยมีรายงานการแพร่กระจายในระบบแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา 3 ชนิด คือ ปลาเลียหินน้ำเทิน (Garra theunensis) ปลาค้อ (Schistura latidens) และปลาแค้ติดหิน (Glyptothorax macromaculatus) พบปลาต่างถิ่น จำนวน 3 ชนิด ได้แก่ ปลาไน (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) ปลาดุกรัสเซีย (Clarias gariepinus) และปลาหางนกยูง (Poecilia reticulata)

อมรชัย ล้อทองคำ และ เอกชัย ดวงใจ. 2553. ความหลากชนิดของปลาในลุ่มแม่น้ำว้า (แม่น้ำสาขาของลุ่มแม่น้ำน่านตอนบน) ในเขตอำเภอบ่อเกลือ จังหวัดน่าน [Diversity of fish species in Wa river basin (a tributary of upper Nan river basin) in Bo Kleua district, Nan province, northern Thailand].

http://kucon.lib.ku.ac.th/cgi-bin/KUCON.exe?rec_id=012157&database=KUCON&search_type=link&table=mona&back_path=/KUCON/mona&lang=thai&format_name=TFMON

http://kucon.lib.ku.ac.th/Fulltext/KC4804050.pdf

http://siamensis.org/exsiam/12605.html

http://siamensis.org/species_index#35380--Species : Garra theunensis

Maghrebian Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus maghrebensis Puechmaille, Allegrini, Benda, Bilgin, Ibañez & Juste 2014

Abstract

We used an integrative approach combining cranio-dental characters, mitochondrial and nuclear data and acoustic data to show the presence in the genus Miniopterus of a cryptic species from the Maghreb region. This species was previously recognised as Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817). Miniopterus maghrebensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from M. schreibersii sensu stricto on the basis of cranial characters and from mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite evidence. Although slight external morphological and acoustic differences were noted between the two species, these criteria alone did not allow reliable species identification from live animals. Based on the specimens identified morphologically and/or genetically, the distribution range of M. maghrebensis sp. nov. extends from northern Morocco to south of the High Atlas Mountains and northern Tunisia. The new cryptic species is found in sympatry with M. schreibersii s.str. near coastal regions of North Africa.

Keywords: Bats, cryptic species, echolocation, Mammalia, Morocco

FIGURE 2. Photographs of Miniopterus maghrebensis sp. nov. individuals from the type locality Kef Azigza Cave, showing the typical appearance of the species. Note that a) was photographed with day light and a flash while b) was photographed during night time with a flash, hence the apparent pelage colour differences (photographs by Jaroslav Červený & Antonín Reiter respectively).
FIGURE 10. Hypothetical distribution maps of Miniopterus maghrebensis sp. nov. and M. schreibersii s.str. (Kuhl, 1817). Sites with confirmed species identifications are: 1: Kef Azigza Cave (or Tazzouguert Cave); 2: Oued El Ammar, Sebt-es-Âït-Serhrouchèn; 3: Oued Tessaoud, Talknout; 4: Talmat; 5: Win-Timdouine & Oued Emi Oggoug; 6: Zaghouan mine; 7: Ichkeul National Park; 8: Iberia.

Etymology. The name maghrebensis refers to the region (the Maghreb; the region of northern Africa located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sahara) where the new species was discovered. The proposed vernacular names are Maghrebian Bent-wing Bat (English), Minioptère du Maghreb (French)

Puechmaille, Sebastien J., Benjamin Allegrini, Petr Benda, Kanat Gürün, Jan Šrámek, Carlos Ibañez, Javier Juste & Rasit Bilgin. 2014. A new species of the Miniopterus schreibersii species complex (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from the Maghreb Region, North Africa. Zootaxa. 3794(1): 108–124.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3794.1.4

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/zt03794p124.pdf

Figure 1. Astraeus sirindhorniaefrom the field.
(A) immature basidiomes with basal rhizomorphs (arrowhead), bar = 17 mm.
(B) mature basidiome split to form a series of rays revealing an endoperidium with an apical opening (arrowhead), bar = 24 mm.
(C) basidiospores shooting from an opening apical (in blue circle), bar = 25 mm.

doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071160.g001

Abstract

Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (PKWS) is a major hotspot of biological diversity in Thailand but its fungal diversity has not been thouroughly explored. A two-year macrofungal study of this remote locality has resulted in the recognition of a new species of a star-shaped gasteroid fungus in the genus Astraeus. This fungus has been identified based on a morphological approach and the molecular study of five loci (LSU nrDNA, 5.8S nrDNA, RPB1, RPB2 and EF1-a). Multigene phylogenetic analysis of this new species places it basal relative to other Astraeus, providing additional evidence for the SE Asian orgin of the genus. The fungus is named in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn on the occasion the 84th birthday of her father, who have both been supportive of natural heritage studies in Thailand.

Taxonomy

Astraeus sirindhorniae sp. nov.

Watling, Phosri, Sihanonth, A.W.Wilson & M.P. Martín

Etymology.

The species is named after Princess Sirindhorn on the occasion the 84th birthday of her father, who have both been supportive of natural heritage studies in Thailand and as a token of respect and recognition of the great interest shown by Her Majesty in the natural history and conservation of natural resources of Thailand. Now her name will be known in association with the Greek Titan of Astrology (Astraeus).

Holotype.

Thailand, Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Chaiyaphum, coll. C.Phosri, 9 September 2010, (BBH34830)

Habitat.

In rainy season, gregarious, partially buried in ultisols in dry deciduous forests associated with Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb., Shorea obtusa Wall. and Shorea siamensis Miq.

Distribution.

North and Northeastern areas of Thailand.

Conclusions

In summary A. sirindhorniae is morphologically distinguished from A. odoratus, A. asiaticus and A. hygrometricus s.l. by basidiome and basidiospore size, spore ornamentation and peridium structure. Phylogenetic analysis clearly resolves Astraeus sirindhorniae as a basal lineage of Astraeus, within the Diplocystidiaceae and Sclerodermatineae. This systematic relationship, in combination with its associations with dipterocarp forests, it is probable that this species is ectomycorrhizal with members of the Dipterocarpaceae. Astraeus sirindhorniae represents a new gasteroid, star-shaped fungus from Thailand. This discovery reinforces the belief that fungi represent a group of organisms with many undescribed taxa; some of which exist within the dry evergreen dipterocarp forests of SE Asia.

Cherdchai Phosri, Roy Watling, Nuttika Suwannasai, Andrew Wilson and María P. Martín. 2014. A New Representative of Star-Shaped Fungi: Astraeus sirindhorniae sp. nov. from Thailand. PLoS ONE. 9(5): e71160. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071160

http://science.psru.ac.th/paper/new56/27.pdf

. Plain-pouched Hornbills Aceros subruficolli

Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros corrugatus

Belum Temengor, peninsular Malaysia

The Belum-Temengor Forest Complex (BTFC), situated in Perak state, north peninsular Malaysia, consists of the Royal Belum State Park and the Belum and Temengor Forest Reserves. On its northern boundary, BTFC is contiguous with both the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bang Lang National Park in southern Thailand. This vast transboundary wilderness area, with elevations ranging from 130–1,500 m, consists of mainly Sundaic lowland and hill dipterocarp forest.

..........

LIM KIM CHYE. 2010. Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, north peninsular Malaysia. BirdingASIA. 14: 15–22.

http://orientalbirdclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/LimKimChye-Belum.pdf

.Plain-pouched Horbills Aceros subruﬁcollis in a ‘V’ shape formation.

ABSTRACT

Annually, hundreds of Plain-pouched Hornbills, Aceros subruﬁcollis, are seen in the Temengor Forest Reserve between the months of August and September. The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), an environmental non-government organization (NGO), conducted a 64-day survey with assistance from volunteers to count the daily numbers of A. subruﬁ collis present at dawn and dusk during their mass movements over Pos Chiong. The Plain-pouched Hornbill ﬂ ocks were observed heading north-east during the dawn surveys and south-west during the dusk surveys. The highest number of A. subruﬁ collis counted during the survey was 3,261 individuals whilst the lowest number was 595 individuals in a single count. This paper was presented at the 5th International Hornbill Conference jointly organised by the National Parks Board (Singapore) and the Hornbill Research Foundation (Thailand), in Singapore on 22nd–25th March

2009.

KEY WORDS. Plain-pouched Hornbill, Aceros subruﬁcollis, Malaysia, conservation

Ravinder Kaur, Teresa Ong, Kim Chye Lim & Chin Aik Yeap. 2011. A Survey on Mass Movements of the Vulnerable Plain-pouched Hornbill in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, Peninsular Malaysia. Raffles. Bull. Zool.

http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/s24/s24rbz171-176.pdf

Ho Hua Chew, S. Supari. 2000. Observations of Plain-pouched Hornbills Aceros subruficollis in Tasek Temengor, Peninsular Malaysia., Forktail, 16: 65 - 67

http://www.coraciiformestag.com/Research/Hornbill/Chew-Hornbill.pdf

PLAIN-POUCHED HORNBILL Aceros subruficollis

http://birdbase.ies.hro.or.jp/rdb/rdb_en/acersubr.pdf

Zby atlanticus Mateus, Mannion & Upchurch, 2014

PaleoArt by EloyManzanero.deviantart.com

ABSTRACT

Here we describe a new partial sauropod skeleton from the late Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic) of the Lourinhã Formation, central west Portugal. The closely associated specimen comprises a complete tooth (with root), a fragment of cervical neural arch, an anterior chevron, and an almost complete right pectoral girdle and forelimb. The new sauropod,Zby atlanticus, n. gen. et sp., can be diagnosed on the basis of four autapomorphies, including a prominent posteriorly projecting ridge on the humerus at the level of the deltopectoral crest. Nearly all anatomical features indicate that Zby is a non-neosauropod eusauropod. On the basis of several characters, including tooth morphology, extreme anteroposterior compression of the proximal end of the radius, and strong beveling of the lateral half of the distal end of the radius, Zby appears to be closely related to Turiasaurus riodevensis from approximately contemporaneous deposits in eastern Spain. However, these two genera can be distinguished from each other by a number of features pertaining to the forelimb. Whereas previously described Late Jurassic Portuguese sauropods show close relationships with taxa from the contemporaneous Morrison Formation of North America, it appears that turiasaurians were restricted to Europe. All adult sauropods recovered in the Late Jurassic of Portugal thus far are very large individuals: it is possible that the apparent absence of small- or medium-sized adult sauropods might be related to the occupation of lower-browsing niches by non-sauropods such as the long-necked stegosaur Miragaia longicollum.

Zby atlanticus skeleton

lusodinos.blogspot.com

Mateus, O. V.; Mannion, P. D.; Upchurch, P. 2014. Zby atlanticus, a new turiasaurian sauropod (Dinosauria, Eusauropoda) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.34 (3): 618. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2013.822875

http://www.hablandodeciencia.com/articulos/2012/08/31/dinosaurios-ibericos

Abstract

In this study, we investigate species level diversity in the monotypic frog family Micrixalidae, which is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. Attempting the first nearcomplete taxon sampling of Indian dancing frogs from the entire Western Ghats, we use 138 tissue samples collected from 70 localities over the last 12 years for DNA barcoding. Our results of multiple mitochondrial gene (16S and COI) barcoding reveal unexpectedly high species level diversity in the genus Micrixalus. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we herein describe 14 new species, leading to a more than two-fold increase in the number of known species in this ancient lineage. Additionally, certain taxonomic uncertainties about the status of previously known taxa in this genus are resolved. Micrixalus narainensis and M. swamianus are considered as junior subjective synonyms of M. kottigeharensis, whereas M. herrei is resurrected from synonymy of M. fuscus and confirmed as a valid species. Taxonomic accounts of three species—M. elegans, M. silvaticus and M. thampi—are provided for the first time after their original descriptions. For nomenclatural stability, M. fuscus, M. saxicola and M. silvaticus are lectotypified, and M. elegans and M. kottigeharensis are neotypified. Detailed descriptions, morphological and genetic comparisons, illustrations, data on distribution, and natural history are provided for all species. We also provide the first osteological description of M. fuscus, the type species of the genus Micrixalus, and we report foot-flagging behavior in a total eight species, including two for which it has been studied previously. Overall, our results highlight the underestimation of true diversity in several amphibian groups of the Western Ghats, suggesting that spatial patterns of amphibian richness and endemism in this region need to be further re-examined.

Keywords: Micrixalus; Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot; endemic family; foot-flagging; osteology; ancient lineage

Figure 5. Schematic illustration of breeding behaviour in Micrixalus:
A. male calling and foot tapping, B. male foot flagging with simultaneous calling, C. male kicking another intruding male, D. female approaching a calling male, E. male and female in amplexus, moving inside the water, F. amplected pair with their heads emerging out of water, and female digging a cavity on the stream bed with the help of hindlimbs, G. female releasing eggs inside the cavity, H. male detaching from the female, I. female covering the eggs with sand and gravel using hindlimbs.

In the illustration, male is shown in light grey, and female in dark grey.

SD Biju, Sonali Garg, KV Gururaja, Yogesh Shouche, Sandeep A Walujkar. 2014. DNA Barcoding reveals Unprecedented Diversity in Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Micrixalus): A Taxonomic Revision with Description of 14 New Species. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.). 43(1);

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v43i1.6850

facebook.com/BijuSDas

14 NEW SPECIES of Dancing Frogs: Today our article ‘DNA barcoding reveals unprecedented diversity in Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Micrixalus): a taxonomic revision with description of 14 new species’ got published. This extensive work was done over the period of last 12 years and by the year 2013 we had some exciting results. Finally today our work is published. Authors: SD Biju, Sonali Garg, KV Gururaja, Yogesh Shouche, Sandeep Walujkar.

For original publication visit http://www.sljol.info/index.php/CJSBS/article/view/6850

Digging for dancing FROGS: Researchers uncover 14 new species
http://dailym.ai/1mGEkad via @MailOnline

Calotes pethiyagodai Amarasinghe, Karunarathna & Hallermann 2014

photo: V. Weeratunga | window2nature.wordpress.com

Calotes pethiyagodai

Amarasinghe, Karunarathna & Hallermann
in Amarasinghe, Karunarathna, Hallermann, Fujinuma, Grillitsch & Campbell, 2014

Suggested English name: Pethiyagoda’s Crestless Lizard;
Sinhala (local) name: Pethiyagodagë Nosilu Katussa; Tamil (local) name: Pethiyagodavin Oonan.

Abstract

A new species of agamid lizard, of the genus Calotes, is described based on morphological evidence. This species is restricted to the Knuckles massif (>900 m elevation) of Sri Lanka. The genus Calotes consists of seven species in Sri Lanka, five of which appear to form an endemic radiation. The new species most closely resembles C. liocephalus Günther, 1872 which has an isolated population in the central highlands and is only known from Pundaluoya (~1000m), Dickoya (~1200m), Upcot (~1400m), Agrapatanas (1665m) and Peak Wilderness (Sri Pada) (>1400m). The populations from Pundaluoya and Dickoya appear to be locally extinct from the wild and are known only from museum specimens collected over 120 years ago. Males of the new species are different from males of C. liocephalus because of the absence of a gular pouch; by having mid gular scales smaller in size than those of its counterpart; scales on the snout which are larger in size than those on the occipital and forehead; pectoral scales which are not enlarged; elongated subcaudal scales; slightly carinate and acuminate abdominal scales; and scales on venter which are somewhat larger in size than those on dorsum at the same level. Finally, we also redescribe Calotes liocephalus, and provide a key to the Sri Lankan species of genus Calotes.

Keywords: biogeography, Calotes liocephalus, conservation, Reptilia, systematics, taxonomy

Amarasinghe, A. A. T., D. M. S. S. Karunarathna, Jakob Hallermann, Junichi Fujinuma, Heinz Grillitsch & Patrick D. Campbell. 2014. A New Species of the Genus Calotes (Squamata: Agamidae) from High Elevations of the Knuckles Massif of Sri Lanka. Zootaxa. 3785 (1); 59–78. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3785.1.5

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03785p078f.pdf facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201755427716458

Polychrus jaqcuelinae sp. n. from La Libertad, Peru: male holotype CORBIDI 7725 with normal colouration A photograph by M. León, in stress colouration B photograph by M. León, subadult male C ZFMK 91763, female D CORBIDI 5742, photograph by M. León, close-up of the head of one female E, ZFMK 91764.

Polychrus jacquelinaeKoch, Venegas, Garcia-Bravo & Böhme, 2011

Abstract

We herein describe a new colorful species of Polychrus with a conspicuous sexual dimorphism from the dry forest of the northern portion of Región de La Libertad, Peru. The new species differs from all other Polychrus species, in that this species has very small dorsal scales and thus a higher number of scales around midbody and in the middorsal line from behind the occipital scales to the level of the posterior edge of the thigh. Furthermore, we redescribe Polychrus peruvianus whose original description is short and lacks information on intraspecific variation and sexual dimorphism. Also, we add some information on intraspecific variation and ecology of Polychrusgutturosus. Finally, we synonymize Polychrus spurrelli Boulenger with Polychrus gutturosus.

Keywords: Andes, dryforest, new species, lizard, bush anoles, reptiles, Polychrus jacquelinae sp. n., Polychrus peruvianus, Polychrus gutturosus, Polychrus spurrelli

Claudia Koch, Pablo J. Venegas, Antonio Garcia-Bravo, and Wolfgang Böhme. 2011. A New Bush Anole (Iguanidae, Polychrotinae, Polychrus) from the upper Marañon basin, Peru, with a redescription of Polychrus peruvianus (Noble, 1924) and additional information on Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845. Zookeys. 2011; (141): 79–107. doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.141.1678

Polychrus marmoratus https://flic.kr/p/gvBMCz

photo: Ryan Lynch

Hyloscirtus condor

zoologia.puce.edu.ec | FaunaWebEcuador

Abstract

Ecuadorian frogs of genus Hyloscirtus comprises 16 described species, of which eleven belong to the H. larinopygion group. They are restricted to the flanks of the Andes, both east and west. An assessment of the herpetofauna in the southern part of Cordillera del Condor (montane forests on sandstone plateaus) province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, led to the discovery of a new species for the group, which we describe herein as Hyloscirtus condor sp. nov. We herein analyze the tadpoles and advertisement calls, as well as estimate the phylogenetic relationships of the new and related species, based on new sequences of mitochondrial genes 12S, tRNAValy 16S, until a total of 2508 bp. The results show that the group H. larinopygion comprises two clades: one occurring in the northern and central Andes, and the second in the south. The new species belongs to the southern clade, is sister to H. tapichalaca, and a seemingly undescribed species from Provincia Morona Santiago. The new species differs from all its congeners in color pattern, which consists of dark yellow dots on a tan background. It is the largest species of the H. larinopygion group and shares with H. tapichalaca the presence of a large prepollical curved spine and hypertrophied forearms. The new species inhabits a remote and well-preserved area of Cordillera del Condor. The discovery of new species and others at the site denotes the biological importance of this area and encourages the development of conservation plans.

Keywords: New species; Hylidae; Hyloscirtus condor; Ecuador; Phylogenia; Ecological information.

ALMENDARIZ, Ana; BRITO, Jorge; BATALLAS, Diego and RON, Santiago. 2014. Una especie nueva de rana arbórea del género Hyloscirtus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) de la Cordillera del Cóndor [A New Species of Tree Frog of the Genus Hyloscirtus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from the Cordillera del Condor]. Pap. Avulsos Zool. (São Paulo). 54(4); 33-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.04.

academia.edu/6705955/Una_especie_nueva_de_rana_arborea_del_genero_Hyloscirtus_Amphibia_Anura_Hylidae_de_la_Cordillera_del_Condor

Orcaella heinsohni Beasley, Robertson & Arnold, 2005
Australian Snubfin Dolphin

Abstract

Comparisons of the Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaellabrevirostris, between Australian and Asian sites documented geographic differences in height of dorsal fin, presence or absence of a median dorsal groove in front of the dorsal fin, and coloration (presence or absence of a dorsal cape). Analysis of genetic data provided support for two clades within the Asian samples, the Mekong River samples from Cambodia and southern Laos, and all other marine and freshwater sites from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The major separation, however, was between sites in Asia and those from Australia (5.9% of base pair differences, compared with 1.2% for within Australia and 1.5% for within Asia). Within a 403 base segment of the mtDNA control region, Australian specimens had 17 diagnostic sites with 16 fixed base pair differences and one insertion/deletion. Consistent, statistically significant differences in skull characters of Australian specimens have previously been demonstrated and are reviewed in this paper. There was a high concordance in character differences demonstrated between O. brevirostris from all Asian sites and Australian specimens, especially in the genetic and osteological characters. Based on the range and concordance of character differences, we propose that the Australian dolphins be recognized as a new species, Orcaella heinsohni(suggested common name: Australian snubfin dolphin).

Keywords: Irrawaddy dolphin; snubfm dolphin; Orcaella brevirostris; Orcaella heinsohni; taxonomy; skull morphology; geographic variation; molecular analyses; external morphomerrics

Beasley, Isabel; Robertson, Kelly M. & Arnold, Peter W. 2005. Description of A New Dolphin, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni sp. n. (Cetacea, Delphinidae). Marine Mammal Science. 21(3): 365-400. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2005.tb01239.x

Australian Snubfin Dolphin - Mammals Reference Library http://po.st/di5L36

recently extinct Caribbean monk seal, now classified as Neomonachus tropicalis

illustration: Peter Schouten

Abstract

Extinctions and declines of large marine vertebrates have major ecological impacts and are of critical concern in marine environments. The Caribbean monk seal, Monachus tropicalis, last definitively reported in 1952, was one of the few marine mammal species to become extinct in historical times. Despite its importance for understanding the evolutionary biogeography of southern phocids, the relationships of M. tropicalis to the two living species of critically endangered monk seals have not been resolved. In this study we present the first molecular data for M. tropicalis, derived from museum skins. Phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome b sequences indicates that M. tropicalis was more closely related to the Hawaiian rather than the Mediterranean monk seal. Divergence time estimation implicates the formation of the Panamanian Isthmus in the speciation of Caribbean and Hawaiian monk seals. Molecular, morphological and temporal divergence between the Mediterranean and “New World monk seals” (Hawaiian and Caribbean) is profound, equivalent to or greater than between sister genera of phocids. As a result, we classify the Caribbean and Hawaiian monk seals together in a newly erected genus, Neomonachus. The two genera of extant monk seals (Monachus and Neomonachus) represent old evolutionary lineages each represented by a single critically endangered species, both warranting continuing and concerted conservation attention and investment if they are to avoid the fate of their Caribbean relative.

Keywords: Ancient DNA, extinction, mitochondrial DNA, Panamanian Seaway, Phocidae, systematics

Martin-Scheel D, Slater GJ, Kolokotronis S-O, Potter CW, Rotstein DS, Tsangaras K, Greenwood AD, Helgen KM. 2014. Biogeography and Taxonomy of Extinct and Endangered Monk Seals Illuminated by Ancient DNA and Skull Morphology. ZooKeys 409: 1-33. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.409.6244

Extinct relative helps to reclassify the world's remaining two species of monk seal

http://phys.org/news/2014-05-extinct-relative-reclassify-world-species.html

Scientists uncover new marine mammal genus, represented by single endangered species http://news.mongabay.com/2014/0514-hance-monk-seal-genus.html

[Botany • 2014] Begonia wuzhishanensis • a new species (sect. Diploclinium, Begoniaceae) from Hainan Island, China

[Botany • 2014] Begonia intermedia • a new species of Begoniaceae from Hainan, China

[Herpetology • 2014] Taxonomic Assessment of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae: Macrochelys), with the description of two new species(; Macrochelys apalachicolae & M. suwanniensis) from the southeastern United States

[Herpetology • 2014] Mating Systems, Reproductive Success, and Sexual Selection in Secretive Species: A Case Study of the Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox

[Entomology • 2014] Ampulex dementor • The Soul-Sucking Wasp by Popular Acclaim – Museum Visitor Participation in Biodiversity Discovery and Taxonomy

[Paleontology • 2014] Kryptodrakon progenitor • The Earliest Pterodactyloid (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) from the terrestrial Middle-Upper Jurassic boundary of Northwest China and the Origin of the Group

[Ornithology • 2007] Rigidipenna • A new genus of frogmouth (Podargidae) from the Solomon Islands – results from a taxonomic review of Podargus ocellatus inexpectatus Hartert 1901

[Paleontology • 2014] Banguela oberlii • An unusual edentulous pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation of Brazil

[Ichthyology • 2014] ปลาเลียหินแม่น้ำว้า | Garra waensis • a new cyprinid fish (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes) from the Nan River basin of the Chao Phraya River system, northern Thailand

[Mammalogy • 2014] Miniopterus maghrebensis | Maghrebian Bent-wing Bat • A new species of the Miniopterus schreibersii species complex (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from the Maghreb Region, North Africa

[Fungi • 2014] เห็ดเผาะสิรินธร | Astraeus sirindhorniae • A New Representative of Star-Shaped Fungi from northeastern Thailand

[Ornithology / Birding • 2010] Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, north peninsular Malaysia

[Ornithology • 2011] A Survey on Mass Movements of the Vulnerable Plain-pouched Hornbill Aceros subruﬁcollis in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, Peninsular Malaysia

[Paleontology • 2014] Zby atlanticus • a new turiasaurian sauropod (Dinosauria, Eusauropoda) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal

[Herpetology • 2014] DNA Barcoding reveals Unprecedented Diversity in Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Micrixalus): A Taxonomic Revision with Description of 14 New Species

[Herpetology • 2014] Calotes pethiyagodai • A New Species of the Genus Calotes (Squamata: Agamidae) from High Elevations of the Knuckles Massif of Sri Lanka

[Herpetology • 2011] Polychrus jacquelinae • A New Bush Anole (Iguanidae, Polychrotinae) from the upper Marañon basin, Peru, with a redescription of Polychrus peruvianus (Noble, 1924) and additional information on Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845

[Herpetology • 2014] Hyloscirtus condor • A New Species of Tree Frog of the Genus Hyloscirtus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from the Cordillera del Condor, southern Ecuador

[Cetology • 2005] Orcaella heinsohni | Australian Snubfin Dolphin • Description of A New Dolphin (Cetacea, Delphinidae) found off the northern coasts of Australia

[Mammalogy • 2014] Biogeography and Taxonomy of Extinct and Endangered Monk Seals (Monachus & Neomonachus gen. nov.) Illuminated by Ancient DNA and Skull Morphology