Species New to Science

ABSTRACT

Lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were assessed in Thai population of the protected and rare Himalayan crocodile newt, Tylototriton verrucosus (Anderson, 1871) from Northern Thailand using skeletochronology. LAGs were clearly discernable in phalangeal bone cross-sections and could be interpreted as age. The number of LAGs in the sampled breeding population was found to be 4-8 in males (n=12) and 4 and 6 in females (n=2), consistent with previous observations that sexual maturity is reached at four years of age in both sexes. Although limited in sample size, the data suggest that males with ages over eight years are rare or absent in the breeding population studied. This non-lethal technique thus appears of potential use in ecological studies requiring non-lethal sampling of tropical urodela, including rare and or protected species.

KEY WORDS: Skeletochronology, LAGs, Tropical newt, Tylototriton verrucosus, Thailand

Wichase Khonsue, Thosapol Chaiananporn and Porrawee Pomchote. 2010. Skeletochronological Assessment of Age in the Himalayan Crocodile Newt, Tylototriton verrucosus (Anderson, 1871) from Thailand. Tropical Natural History. 10(2): 181-188.

http://www.zoo3.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de/fileadmin/07020300/zoo3/download_pub_pdf/TropNaturalHistory2010_10_181-188.pdf

Tylototriton uyenoi

from Siribhumi Royal Gaden, Inthanon National Park,

Chiang Mai, northern Thailand
Taken: February 2009 by P. Sookbangnop

Abstract

Three morphological groups are found in a salamandrid newt Tylototriton shanjing from Thailand. We describe two of them as new species, one from northern and the other from northeastern Thailand, based on molecular and morphological data, however we could not make a taxonomic decision on the remaining one group because of the lack of voucher specimens and sufficient genetic data. The northern species differs morphologically from all known congeners by having the combination of orange to reddish brown markings, narrow and sharply protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, weakly segmented vertebral ridge, and long and high tail. The northeastern species is characterized by having the combination of yellow, orange, or reddish brown markings, wide and moderately protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, smooth vertebral ridge, black limbs, and black tail except for edges. Validity of taxonomic subdivision of the genus Tylototriton is discussed.

Keywords: Tylototriton, Molecular phylogeny, Morphology, New species, Thailand

Type I & Type II Dorsal Color Pattern | females of Thai Tylototriton

Pomchote et al. (2008)

Type I : Tylototriton uyenoi

Type II: Tylototriton panhai

Tylototriton uyenoi sp. nov.

Tylototriton verrucosus: Smith (1924) : 309; Taylor (1962): 279;

Tylototriton verrucosus Type I: Pomchote et al. (2008): 39 (part).

Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated to Dr. Shun-ichi Uéno, who collected part of the paratypes of the new species.

Range: Doi Ang Khang, Doi Chang Kien, Doi Inthanon, Doi Pui, and Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Natural history: The holotype and the paratypes deposited in KUHE were collected in artificial pools. The species is also found in natural or artificial ponds, ditches along farms, and in slow streams, with an average depth of 38.2 cm (range 9–120 cm). Breeding occurs from May to July. Larvae are found in the water bodies from August

Tylototriton panhai sp. nov.

Tylototriton verrucosus: Wongratana (1984): 107;

Tylototriton verrucosus Type II: Pomchote et al. (2008): 39.

Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated to Prof. Somsak Panha (Chulalongkorn University), who is an active naturalist and helped our field surveys.

Range: Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok Province, and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary and Phu Suan Sai National Park, Loei Province, Thailand. The locality in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is the southernmost record in the genus Tylototriton.

Natural history: The species was first reported by Wongratana (1984), which was collected walking on an elephant trail at foggy morning. The habitat is moist forest with bamboo bushes and variety of water bodies like temporal pools by rain, and streams. Eggs are found as attached on wet grass or plant overhanging the water surface or under wood debris on land near small streams or ponds. In the breeding season from May to July, the adults were found in the water bodies. Out of the breeding season, the species is probably terrestrial and difficult to encounter.

Nishikawa, Kanto, Wichase Khonsue, Porrawee Pomchote & Masafumi Matsui. 2013. Two New Species of Tylototriton from Thailand (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae). Zootaxa. 3737(3): 261-279.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3737.3.5

Pomchote, P., Pariyanonth, P. & Khonsue, W. 2008. Two Distinctive Color Patterns of the Himalayan Newt Tylototriton verrucosus (Urodela: Salamandridae) Found in Thailand and Its Implication on Geographic Segregation. The Natural History Journal of Chulalongkorn University. 8, 35–43.
http://www.aseanbiodiversity.info/Abstract/53006539.pdf

Mount Sidley, the highest volcano in Antarctica, may have a lot of company lurking out of sight. Scientists are using seismographs to hunt for hidden volcanoes in Antarctica.

photo: Doug Wiens

Abstract

Numerous volcanoes exist in Marie Byrd Land, a highland region of West Antarctica. High heat flow through the crust in this region may influence the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Volcanic activity progressed from north to south in the Executive Committee mountain range between the Miocene and Holocene epochs, but there has been no evidence for recent magmatic activity. Here we use a recently deployed seismic network to show that in 2010 and 2011, two swarms of seismic activity occurred at 25–40 km depth beneath subglacial topographic and magnetic highs, located 55 km south of the youngest subaerial volcano in the Executive Committee Range. We interpret the swarm events as deep long-period earthquakes based on their unusual frequency content. Such earthquakes occur beneath active volcanoes, are caused by deep magmatic activity and, in some cases, precede eruptions. We also use radar profiles to identify a prominent ash layer in the ice overlying the seismic swarm. Located at 1,400 m depth, the ash layer is about 8,000 years old and was probably sourced from the nearby Mount Waesche volcano. Together, these observations provide strong evidence for ongoing magmatic activity and demonstrate that volcanism continues to migrate southwards along the Executive Committee Range. Eruptions at this site are unlikely to penetrate the 1.2 to 2-km-thick overlying ice, but would generate large volumes of melt water that could significantly affect ice stream flow.

Amanda C. Lough, Douglas A. Wiens, C. Grace Barcheck, Sridhar Anandakrishnan, Richard C. Aster, Donald D. Blankenship, Audrey D. Huerta, Andrew Nyblade, Duncan A. Young, Terry J. Wilson. 2013. Seismic Detection of an Active Subglacial Magmatic Complex in Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica. Nature Geoscience. 2013; DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1992

Volcano Discovered Smoldering Under a Kilometer of Ice in West Antarctica

: Heat May Increase Rate of Ice Loss

— It wasn't what they were looking for but that only made the discovery all the more exciting.

In January 2010 a team of scientists had set up two crossing lines of seismographs across Marie Byrd Land in West Antarctica. It was the first time the scientists had deployed many instruments in the interior of the continent that could operate year-round even in the coldest parts of Antarctica.

What's Under Antarctica? Quake Waves Give First Look

http://www.livescience.com/19546-antarctica-seismic-image-geology.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131117155609.htm

http://phys.org/news/2013-11-volcano-smoldering-kilometer-ice-west.html

Nishima-Shima Volcano

: Submarine Volcanic Eruption Gives Birth to New Island Off Japan

A new island was born today [20 Nov 2013] in the Pacific Ocean in Japan's Izu (or Volcano) island chain. It is produced by a new submarine eruption which is currently taking place about 500 m southeast of Nishino-Shima island.

The eruption was first spotted by Japanese navy this morning at 10:20 (local time) who documented surtseyan activity at the eruption site (explosive interaction of sea-water and lava, generating violent jets of steam and ash). It appears that the eruption has already built an island of about 200 m diameter in size, which suggests that the vent was already located in very shallow waters.

A small steam and ash plume rising to about 600 m. was reported by VAAC Tokyo. The last known eruption of the volcano occurred in 1973 .

Underwater Volcanic Eruption Gives Birth To New Island Off Japan
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mbvd/underwater-volcanic-eruption-gives-birth-to-new-island-off-j via @michellebvd

Nishima-Shima volcano (Japan): submarine volcanic eruption gives birth to new island

http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/nishino-shima/news/38948/Nishima-Shima-volcano-Japan-submarine-volcanic-eruption-gives-birth-to-new-island.html

Siats meekerorum

Zanno & Makovicky 2013

Allosauroid theropods were a diverse and widespread radiation of Jurassic–Cretaceous megapredators. Achieving some of the largest body sizes among theropod dinosaurs, these colossal hunters dominated terrestrial ecosystems until a faunal turnover redefined apex predator guild occupancy during the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous. Here we describe a giant new species of allosauroid – Siats meekerorum gen. et sp. nov. – providing the first evidence for the cosmopolitan clade Neovenatoridae in North America. Siats is the youngest allosauroid yet discovered from the continent and demonstrates that the clade endured there into the Late Cretaceous. The discovery provides new evidence for ecologic sympatry of large allosauroids and small-bodied tyrannosauroids. These data support the hypothesis that extinction of Allosauroidea in terrestrial ecosystems of North America permitted ecological release of tyrannosauroids, which went on to dominate end-Cretaceous food webs.

This illustration shows Siats within its ecosystem,
eating an Eolambia and intimidating early, small-bodied tyrannosauroids.

Illustration: Julio Lacerda

Siats meekerorum

Illustration: Jorge Gonzales

Zanno, L. E.; Makovicky, P. J. 2013. Neovenatorid theropods are Apex Predators in the Late Cretaceous of North America. Nature Communications. 4. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms3827

Colossal new predatory dino terrorized early tyrannosaurs

A new species of carnivorous dinosaur – one of the three largest ever discovered in North America – lived alongside and competed with small-bodied tyrannosaurs 98 million years ago. This newly discovered species, Siats meekerorum, (pronounced see-atch) was the apex predator of its time, and kept tyrannosaurs from assuming top predator roles for millions of years.

.............

http://phys.org/news/2013-11-colossal-predatory-dino-terrorized-early.html

http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/science-siats-meekerorum-dinosaur-utah-01567.html

Fig. 6. Flowers/inner petals of (representatives of) Miliusa species recovered in each clade.
A-C. Clade A.A. Miliusa sclerocarpa (A.DC.) Kurz.

B, C. Miliusavelutina (DC.) Hook.f. & Thomson.

D-F. Clade B. D. Miliusa campanulata Pierre.

E. Miliusa thorelii Finet & Gagnep. F. Miliusa thailandica Chaowasku & Kessler.

G-I. Clade C. G. Miliusa amplexicaulis Ridl.

H. Miliusa intermedia Chaowasku & Kessler. I. Miliusa mollis Pierre.

J-L. Clade D. J. Miliusa brahei (F.Muell.) Jessup. K. Miliusa parviflora Ridl. L. Miliusa sp. 2.

(Photographs taken by: A: P. Keßler; B, G, I, K: T. Chaowasku; C: A. Rodphitak; D, L: B. Siriphiphat; E: S. Poungcharean; F: S. Thanapathomsinchai; H: S. Gardner; J: L. Jessup).

Abstract

The molecular phylogeny of Miliusa (Annonaceae) is reconstructed, with 27 (of ca. 50) species included, using a combination of seven plastid markers (rbcL exon, trnL intron, trnL-F spacer, matK exon, ndhF exon, psbA-trnH spacer, and ycf1 exon) constituting ca. 7 kb. In addition, two new species of Miliusa are described from the Malesian area:M. butonensis sp. nov. from Buton Island, Indonesia and M. viridiflora sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea. The former is included in the molecular phylogenetic analysis. The reconstructed phylogeny corresponds well to the informal morphological grouping proposed earlier. A revised key to 13 Austro-Malesian species of Miliusa is provided.

Keywords. Annonaceae, Buton Island, identification key, Papua New Guinea, molecular phylogeny.

Chaowasku T. & Keßler P.J.A. 2013. Phylogeny of Miliusa (Magnoliales: Annonaceae: Malmeoideae: Miliuseae), with descriptions of two new species from Malesia. European Journal of Taxonomy. 54: 1-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2013.54

http://www.europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/view/175

http://siamensis.org/webboard/topic/38616

Europelta carbonensis Kirkland, Alcalá, Loewen, Espílez, Mampel, and Wiersma 2013

the Basal Nodosaurid Ankylosaur from the Lower Cretaceous (Lower Albian) Escucha formation, Pseudofrenolopsis dominated landscape, of Northeastern Spain

illustration: Andrey Atuchin | 672619529425520

Abstract

Nodosaurids are poorly known from the Lower Cretaceous of Europe. Two associated ankylosaur skeletons excavated from the lower Albian carbonaceous member of the Escucha Formation near Ariño in northeastern Teruel, Spain reveal nearly all the diagnostic recognized character that define nodosaurid ankylosaurs. These new specimens comprise a new genus and species of nodosaurid ankylosaur and represent the single most complete taxon of ankylosaur from the Cretaceous of Europe. These two specimens were examined and compared to all other known ankylosaurs. Comparisons of these specimens document that Europelta carbonensis n. gen., n. sp. is a nodosaur and is the sister taxon to the Late Cretaceous nodosaurids Anoplosaurus, Hungarosaurus, and Struthiosaurus, defining a monophyletic clade of European nodosaurids– the Struthiosaurinae.

Europelta

Kirkland, Alcalá, Loewen, Espílez, Mampel, and Wiersma 2013 gen. nov.

Etymology: “Euro” as a contraction for Europe in regard to its origin and “pelta” Greek for shield, a common root for ankylosaurian genera; “Europe’s shield”.

Europelta carbonensis

Kirkland, Alcalá, Loewen, Espílez, Mampel, and Wiersma 2013 gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name “carbonensis” from the coal, is in honor of access to the fossil locality in the Santa María coal mine provided by Sociedad Anónima Minera Catalano-Aragonesa (SAMCA Group), which has been extracting coal in Ariño (Teruel) since 1919.

The Basal Nodosaurid Ankylosaur Europelta carbonensis n. gen., n. sp. from the Lower Cretaceous (Lower Albian) Escucha formation, Pseudofrenolopsis dominated landscape, of Northeastern Spain | with Proa valdearinnoensis, Hulkepholis & Trachyaspis

illustration: Andrey Atuchin
| facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=672619529425520

James I. Kirkland, Luis Alcalá, Mark A. Loewen, Eduardo Espílez, Luis Mampel & Jelle P. Wiersma. 2013. The Basal Nodosaurid Ankylosaur Europelta carbonensis n. gen., n. sp. from the Lower Cretaceous (Lower Albian) Escucha Formation of Northeastern Spain. PLoS ONE. 8(12): e80405.

doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080405

http://aragonhoy.aragon.es/index.php/mod.documentos/mem.descargar/fichero.documentos_Kirkland_et_al_2013_in_press_Europelta_PONE-D-13-24335_36be13e3%232E%23pdf

Figure 2. Flowers of (A) Miliusa intermedia sp. nov., (B) Miliusa thailandica sp. nov., and (C)–(D) Miliusa campanulata Pierre.

Photographs: (A) Simon Gardner, (B) Kithisak Aongyong, (C)–(D) Charndanai Pradubpet.

Abstract

Seven new species of the genus Miliusa are described from Thailand (M. fragrans, M. hirsuta, M. intermedia, M. nakhonsiana, M. sessilis, M. thailandica, and M. umpangensis). A key to the 19 species of Miliusa in Thailand is provided. In addition, the complete taxonomic nomenclature of all known species of Miliusa in Thailand is given, with several new proposed synonyms. The new as well as the known species of Miliusa in Thailand are classified into four morphological groups on the basis of a combination of flower and/or inflorescence position and inner petal morphology proposed earlier.

Chaowasku T. & Keßler P.J.A. 2013. Seven new species of Miliusa (Annonaceae) from Thailand. Nordic Journal of Botany.http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-1051.2012.01785.x

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1756-1051/earlyview

Philautus nianeae

Stuart, Phimmachak, Seateun & Sheridan 2013

Abstract

The small rhacophorid frog Philautus abditus is geographically restricted to central Vietnam and adjacent Cambodia. Our fieldwork in northern Laos resulted in the discovery of a Philautus species that very closely resembles P. abditus, but is at least 330 km from the nearest known locality of that species. The Laos population differs from P. abditus in mitochondrial DNA and coloration, and is described here as a new species. Philautus nianeae sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having the combination of a hidden tympanum; no nuptial pads; smooth skin; large black spots on the hidden surfaces of the hind limbs; light venter with dark spotting; and a bronze iris. A second species of Philautus from northern Laos, P. petilus, is transferred on the basis of morphology to the genus Theloderma.

Keywords: Laos; new species; Philautus abditus; Philautus petilus; Rhacophoridae

Etymology. The specific epithet is a matronym for Dr. Niane Sivongxay, Professor of Biology at the National University of Laos, co-collector of the species, and cherished friend and colleague of the authors.

Distribution and natural history. Philautus nianeae is known from three localities in Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouan Provinces in northern Laos (Figure 1). In Vientiane Province, males were found during mid-May calling at night (2015–2130 h) on vegetation within 2 m of the ground and within 5 m of streams and riverbanks in disturbed semi-evergreen forest, sometimes mixed with bamboo, at 490–548 m elevation. In Bolikhamxay Province, a female and three juveniles were found during early March on rainy nights (1912–1952 h) 1 m above the ground on sapling leaves and palm fronds within 3 m of small rocky streams in semi-evergreen forest at 471–488 m elevation. In Khammouan Province, males were found during mid-May calling at night (2000–2110 h) on vegetation 1.5–4 m above the ground in semi-evergreen mixed with pine forest near the edge of open grassland at 972–979 m elevation. The Nam Ngum River at the type locality in Vientiane Province is under concession for a hydroelectric power project, making the persistence of the species at the type locality uncertain.

Stuart, Bryan L., Somphouthone Phimmachak, Sengvilay Seateun & Jennifer A. Sheridan. 2013. A New Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Laos allied to P. abditus Inger, Orlov & Darevsky, 1999. Zootaxa. 3745(1): 73-83.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3745.1.6

Betadevario ramachandrani

Pramod, Fang, Rema Devi, Liao, Indra, Jameela Beevi & Kullander 2010

Abstract

Betadevario, new genus, with the single species B. ramachandrani, new species, from Karnataka, southwestern India, is closely related to Devario but differs from it in having two pairs of long barbels (vs. two pairs of short or rudimentary barbels, or barbels absent), wider cleithral spot which extends to cover three scales horizontally (vs. covering only one scale in width), long and low laminar preorbital process (vs. absent or a slender pointed spine-like process) along the anterior margin of the orbit, a unique flank colour pattern with a wide dark band along the lower side, bordered dorsally by a wide light stripe (vs. vertical bars, or stripes narrow and usually in greater number).

Key words: Karnataka, endemism, Devario, Danio, cytochrome b, rhodopsin, phylogeny

Pramod, P.K., F. Fang, K. Rema Devi, T.-Y. Liao, T.J. Indra, K.S. Jameela Beevi & S. O. Kullander. 2010. Betadevario ramachandrani, A New danionine Genus and Species from the Western Ghats of India (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Danioninae). Zootaxa. 2519: 31-47. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/zt02519p047.pdf

http://www.svenkullander.se/blog/2010/07/a-very-strange-danio/

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Abstract

The taxonomy of Rasboroides and Horadandia, two genera of small danionine cyprinids that occur in southern India and Sri Lanka, is reviewed. Rasboroides comprises four species, distinguished as follows: R. vaterifloris and R. nigromarginatus differ from their congeners by a lesser body depth (26.9-33.0 % SL); and from each other by a greater interorbital width in males (29-33 % HL vs. 17-22) and greater anal-fin depth in females (23.5-24.8 % SL vs. 17.4-22.7) of R. vaterifloris. Rasboroides pallidus differs from Rasboroides rohani, new species, by its smaller size (up to 24.6 mm vs. 35.5 mm SL), by possessing fewer scales in transverse line on body (1/2 6 1/2-1/2 7 1/2 vs. 1/2 8 1/2) and in lateral series (20-24 vs. 25-28).

Rasboroides differs from Horadandia, its sister group, by the presence in males of a series of tubercles on the leading edge of the pectoral fin (absent in Horadandia) and by possessing 3 (vs. 2) rows of pharyngeal teeth, while the pharyngeal teeth of Horadandia are ornamented distally by a series of cusps, a character absent in Rasboroides. Horadandia brittaniis recognized as a valid species, distinguished from H. atukorali by possessing a smaller eye (eye diameter 27-37 % HL, vs. 37-41) and having the dorsal-fin origin closer to the hypural notch (vs. midway between snout-tip and hypural notch).

The genus Rasboroides is restricted to shaded rainforest streams in the south-western ‘wet zone’ (Kalu to Walawe Rivers) of Sri Lanka, whereas Horadandia occurs in the coastal floodplains of western Sri Lanka and southern India.

-: Rasboroides Brittan, 1954 :-

Diagnosis. Rasboroides is distinguished from the two genera most closely related to it, viz. Trigonostigma and Horadandia (see Kottelat & Vidthayanon, 1993; Fang et al., 2009; Liao et al., 2010; Tang et al., 2010)

The gender of Rasboroides is masculine (see ICZN (1999), art. 30.1.4.4). The genus is restricted to rainforest streams in south-western Sri Lanka, from the Kalu to the Walwe River basins.

• Rasboroides vaterifloris(Deraniyagala, 1930)

• Rasboroides nigromarginatus (Meinken, 1957)

• Rasboroides pallidus Deraniyagala, 1958

• Rasboroides rohani, new species, Batuwita, Silva & Edirisinghe, 2013

Etymology. The species is named in honour of Rohan Pethiyagoda, Founder of the Wildlife Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka (WHT), for his special commitment to the ichthyofauna of Sri Lanka and India; and for continuing support of biodiversity research and conservation in Sri Lanka.

-: Horadandia Deraniyagala, 1943 :-

Horadandia has a wide distribution in the coastal floodplains of southern India, and southern and western Sri Lanka.

• Horadandia atukoraliDeraniyagala, 1943

• Horadandia brittani Rema Devi & Menon, 1992

Batuwita, S., Silva, M.d. & Edirisinghe, U. 2013. A Review of the danionine Genera Rasboroides and Horadandia (Pisces: Cyprinidae), with Description of A New Species from Sri Lanka. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. 24 (2): 121-140.

http://www.wildlife.lk/data_files/downloads/Rasboroides_Horadandia_2013.pdf

http://www.pfeil-verlag.de/04biol/pdf/ief_24_2_02.pdf

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Murina eleryi

Furey, Thong, Bates & Csorba 2009

Based on a series of 11 specimens collected in north Vietnam between 2006 and 2007, a new species of tube-nosed bat belonging to the genus Murina is described. Externally similar to Murina aurata Milne-Edwards, 1872, from which it differs primarily in dental characteristics, the new species is distinguished from all other existing species of Murina by a combination of its small size, pelage and craniodental features. It is currently known from three localities in north Vietnam, all of which include significant areas of forest over limestone karst.

Keywords: karst, Murina sp. nov., tube-nosed bats, taxonomy, Vietnam

Murina eleryi | Elery's Tube-nosed Bat

http://www.mammalogy.org/murina-eleryi-1939

Furey, N.M.; Thong, V.D.; Bates, P.J.J.; Csorba, G. 2009. Description of a new species belonging to the Murina 'suilla-group' (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murininae) from north Vietnam. Acta Chiropterologica. 11 (2): 225-236.

http://bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3161/150811009X485477

https://www.miiz.waw.pl/periodicals/acta-chiropterologica/abstracts/AC_11-2_abs.pdf

Murina balaensis Soisook, Karapan, Satasook & Bates 2013
Bala Tube-nosed Bat | ค้างคาวจมูกหลอดบาลา

via Bats of Thailand: 413010248825938

Abstract

A new species of Murina belonging to ‘suilla-group’ is described based on two specimens collected with harp traps in lowland evergreen forest in the southernmost part of peninsular Thailand. Morphology and molecular (mitochondrial COI) data suggest that the new species is most closely related to M. eleryi, which is currently known from Indochina. The new species, however, can be distinguished by the size and shape of the upper canine, the shape of the upper and lower premolars, and the colour of the ventral pelage. Additional data on bacular morphology, echolocation, ecology, and distribution are included.

Key words: Tube-nosed bat, new species, cryptic species, taxonomy, Thailand, Southeast Asia

Etymology: The name balaensis refers to the type locality, Bala Forest, from where the type specimen was collected. The proposed English name is Bala Tube-nosed bat.

Ecology and Distribution: M. balaensis was captured together with Hipposideros atrox Andersen, Kerivoula hardwickii Thomas, K.minuta Miller, K.pellucida Waterhouse and Murina suilla (Temminck). The general habitat of M. balaensis at HBWRS is lowland Malaysian-type evergreen rain forest. M. eleryi, however, has been found in a more heavily degraded habitat in limestone forests at an elevation over 500 m asl. (Furey et al., 2009).

So far, M. balaensis is known only from two specimens collected from the type locality. However, further field surveys using harp trap may extend its range, particularly in the lowland evergreen forest habitats of peninsular Malaysia.

Soisook, Pipat, Sunate Karapan, Chutamas Satasook & Paul J. J. Bates. 2013. A New Species of Murina (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Peninsular Thailand. Zootaxa. 3746(4): 567–579.

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03746p579f.pdf
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Arabian Scops Owl | Otus pamelae

in Wadi Darbat, Dhofar by Shanfari: http://flic.kr/p/9oWTzZ

We investigated phylogenetic relationships among Otus scops owls from Socotra Island, the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa using molecular, vocalization and biometric data. The Socotra Scops Owl Otus senegalensis socotranus, currently treated as a subspecies of the African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis, is more closely related to the Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia and to the endemic Seychelles Scops Owl Otus insularis. Considerable mitochondrial genetic distance and significant morphological differentiation from its two closest relatives, as well as its distinctive vocalizations compared with O. insularis, strongly support recognition of Socotra Scops Owl as a full species. Unexpectedly, two taxa from the Arabian Peninsula, Pallid Scops Owl Otus brucei and African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis pamelae, represent very distinct lineages; O. brucei is basal to a clade that includes taxa found in the Indo-Malayan region and on Indian Ocean islands. In contrast, O. s. pamelae occupies a well-supported basal position within a clade of continental Afro-Palaearctic taxa. The uncorrected-p genetic distance between O. s. pamelae and its closest relatives (other populations of senegalensis from mainland Africa) is c. 4%. As O. s. pamelae is also well differentiated phylogenetically, morphologically and vocally from O. s. senegalensis, we recommend its elevation to species status, as Otus pamelae. Among mainland African O. senegalensis subspecies, Ethiopian populations appear to represent the most divergent lineage, whereas other lineages from Somalia, Kenya and South Africa are poorly differentiated. The large genetic distance between the Ethiopian haplotype and other African haplotypes (3.2%) suggests that the Ethiopian Otus may represent a cryptic taxon, and we recommend that more individuals be sampled to assess the taxonomic status of this population.

Keywords: biogeography; Indian Ocean Islands; Indo-Malaya; phylogeny; Socotra Island; taxonomy

Figure 1. Map depicting the geographical range of Otus taxa in the region of interest.
Afro-Palaearctic clade: A1 = Otussenegalensis pamelae; A2 = Otus scops; A3 = Otus pembaensis; A4 = Otus hartlaubi; A5 = Otus senegalensis.
Indo-Malayan/Indian Ocean clade: i1 = Otus brucei; i2 = Otus moheliensis; i3 = Otus pauliani; i4 = Otus capnodes; i5 = Otus mayottensis; i6 = Otus rutilus; i7 = Otus madagascariensis; i8 = Otus senegalensis socotranus; i9 = Otusinsularis; i10 = Otus sunia.

DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12041

Arabian Scops Owl, Otus senegalensis subsp. pamelae,

in Wadi Darbat, Dhofar by Shanfari.net | http://flic.kr/p/9oWTzZ

Jean-Marc Pons, Guy M. Kirwan, Richard F. Porter and Jérôme Fuchs. 2013. A Reappraisal of the Systematic Affinities of Socotran, Arabian and East African Scops Owls (Otus, Strigidae) using a Combination of Molecular, Biometric and Acoustic Data. Ibis. 155(3); 518–533. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ibi.12041

Oreolalax multipunctatus Wu, Zhao, Inger & Shaffer, 1993

Abstract

A new species of Oreolalax is described from southwestern Sichuan, China. The species is distinguished from its many congeners in Sichuan by its small size (males = 50 mm SVL), smooth dorsum, and its black-spotted body. Unlike all other congeners, tadpoles of the new form have black spots on the body and tail.

Guan-Fu Wu, Er-Mi Zhao, Robert F. Inger, H. and Bradley Shaffer. 1993. A New Frog of the Genus Oreolalax (~~Pelobatidae~~ Megophryidae) from Sichuan, China. Journal of Herpetology. 27(4); 410-413.

https://www.eeb.ucla.edu/Faculty/Shaffer/pubs/WuJHerp1993.pdf

Oreolalax sterlingae

Nguyen, Phung, Le, Ziegler & Böhme 2013

photo: Phùng Mỹ Trung: vncreatures.net

Abstract

The genus Oreolalax is reported from Vietnam for the first time and a new species is described based on morphological differences, molecular divergence, and phylogenetic placement. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: size small; tympanum hidden; toes with webbing at base; dorsum with distinct, round, spiny warts; flanks with white, spiny spots; belly and lower surface of limbs smooth, with dark marbling; interorbital region without dark triangular pattern; upper surface of thigh with dark bars; male with black spines present on margin of lower lip, spinal patches on chest small with fine spines, nuptial spines on fingers small, and without vocal sacs. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is unambiguously nested within the genus Oreolalax.

Oreolalax sterlingae; A: holotype, A. paratype

Truong Q. Nguyen, Trung M. Phung, Minh D. Le, Thomas Ziegler and Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. First Record of the Genus Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam with Description of a New Species. Copeia. 213-222.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1643/CH-12-021

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247779120_First_Record_of_the_Genus_(Anura_Megophryidae)_from_Vietnam_with_Description_of_a_New_Species

http://www.vncreatures.net/event018.php

Ontogenetic Changes in head pattern of Rafetus swinhoei

Abstract

The description of Rafetus vietnamensis Le et al., 2010 is reviewed. As the name was based on the same type material as Rafetus leloii Ha, 2000, we declare R. vietnamensis an objective synonym of R. leloii. Simultaneously, no characteristics presented by Le et al. distinguish their R. vietnamensis from Rafetus swinhoei (Gray, 1873), which confirms our view that they constitute the same biological entity.

Balázs Farkas, Minh Le, Truong Quang Nguyen. 2011. Rafetus vietnamensis Le, Le, Tran, Phan, Phan, Tran, Pham, Nguyen, Nong, Phan, Dinh, Truong and Ha, 2010 — Another Invalid Name for an Invalid Species of SoftShell Turtle (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 18(1):65-72.

http://www.folium.ru/rjh/index.php/rjh/article/view/823

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256306820_Rafetus_vietnamensis_LE_LE_TRAN_PHAN_PHAN_TRAN_PHAM_NGUYEN_NONG_PHAN_DINH_TRUONG_AND_HA_2010__ANOTHER_INVALID_NAME_FOR_AN_INVALID_SPECIES_OF_SOFTSHELL_TURTLE_(REPTILIATESTUDINES_TRIONYCHIDAE)

Le T. B., Le Q. H., Tran M. L., Phan T. H., Phan M. T.,Tran T. T. H, Pham T. T., Nguyen D. T., Nong V. H.,Phan V. C., Dinh D. K., Truong N. H., and Ha D. D. 2010. Comparative morphological and DNA analysis of specimens of giant freshwater soft-shelled turtle in Viet-nam related to Hoan Kiem turtle, Tap chi Cong nghe Sinhhoc. (J. Biotechnol.), 8 (3A), 949 – 954.

http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Articles/Le_etal_2010.pdf

ABSTRACT.
During work on a forthcoming new revision of Liparis in Thailand, ﬁve new national records were discovered, and details on the Thai occurrences are reported in this paper.

Three of the newly recorded species are terrestrials that only produce leaves in the rainy season. Thus, (1) L. acutissima Rchb.f. (also known from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) is reported from Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, province of Bueng Kan; (2) L. sootenzanensis Fukuy. (also known from Taiwan and Vietnam), is reported from Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, province of Phitsanulok; and (3) L. stenoglossa C.S.P.Parish & Rchb.f. (previously considered endemic to Myanmar) is reported from Wat Tham Pha Sawan, Nong Hin, province of Loei.

The two remaining species are epiphytes that bear leaves all the year round. Thus, (4) L. elegans Lindl. widespread in Malesia) is reported from Khao Sok National Park in province of Surat Thani and from Khao Chet Yot in province of Trang; and (5) L. vestita Rchb.f. (previously known from India only) is reported from Amphoe Rong Kwang in province of Phrae and from two parts of Khao Yai National Park (situated in the provinces of Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri, respectively).

The newly recorded species are illustrated by colour photos, and morphological descriptions based on Thai material are provided together with lists of synonyms and supplementary references to the literature. The name L. elegans Lindl. is lectotypiﬁed.

KEY WORDS:Liparis acutissima, L. elegans, L. sootenzanensis, L. stenoglossa, L. vestita, distribution, occurrence, taxonomic revision.

Liparis acutissima Rchb.f.
Distribution.— Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.
Thailand.— NORTH-EASTERN: Bueng Kan
Vernacular.— Ueang klip muan bai ya (เอื้องกลีบม้วนใบหญ้า) (here proposed).

Liparis sootenzanensis Fukuy.
Distribution.— Taiwan, Vietnam.
Thailand.— NORTHERN: Phitsanulok

Vernacular.— Klip muan khiao morakot (กลีบม้วนเขียวมรกต) (here proposed).

Liparis stenoglossa C.S.P.Parish & Rchb.f.

Distribution.— Myanmar.

Thailand.— NORTH-EASTERN: Loei

Vernacular.— Ya pro nok noi (หญ้าเปราะนกน้อย) (here proposed).

Liparis elegans Lindl.

Distribution.— Widespread in Malesia, from Peninsular Malaysia in the west to the Philippines in the north-east and New Guinea in the south-east.

Thailand.— PENINSULAR: Surat Thani, Trang

Vernacular.— Klip muan dok ngam (กลีบม้วนดอกงาม) (here proposed).

Liparis vestita Rchb.f.

Distribution.— India.

Thailand.— NORTHERN: Phrae; CENTRAL: Nakhon Nayok; SOUTH-EASTERN: Prachin Buri

Vernacular.— Ueang khao san dok som (เอื้องข้าวสารดอกส้ม) (here proposed)

Naiyana Tetsana, Henrik Æ. Pedersen, and Kitichate Sridith. 2013. Five Species of Liparis (Orchidaceae) newly recorded for Thailand. THAI FOR. BULL. (BOT.). 41: 48–55.

http://web3.dnp.go.th/botany/PDF/TFB/TFB41/TFB41_08_Liparis.pdf

Figure 1. Kohautia gracilis (Wall.) DC.:
A. habit; B. young plant showing seemingly whorled leaf arrangement; C. schematic inﬂorescence structure (from Mantell 1985: Fig. 16); D. portion of inﬂorescence; E. detail of ﬂowers.

All photographs by R. Pooma.

ABSTRACT

The genus Kohautia (Rubiaceae) is newly recorded for the Flora of Thailand; the species Kohautia gracilis, previously only known from Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, has recently been discovered in Kanchanaburi. Notes on the delimitation of the genus and on the main distinctive character for the taxa of the Oldenlandia–Hedyotis complex and allies (= Hedyotideae in the old sense; now included in an expanded tribe Spermacoceae) are included.

KEY WORDS: Rubiaceae, Kohautia, Kohautia gracilis, Flora of Thailand, new genus record.

Distribution.— Pakistan, Nepal (type!), India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, SOUTH-WESTERN Thailand.

Ecology.— Low limestone hills (Thailand). Elsewhere: in open grassland, on open dry rocky slopes, on fringes of coniferous forest; also in seasonally moist areas near streams, growing in sandy and clayey soils; mostly in ﬁ re-prone habitats. Altitude: 180 m (Thailand). Elsewhere (65–)250–2000 m. Flowers: December (Thailand). Elsewhere November, January–July

Puff, C. 2013. Kohautia Cham. & Schltdl. (Rubiaceae) – A New Genus record for the Flora of Thailand: K. gracilis (Wall.) DC. discovered in Kanchanaburi. THAI FOR. BULL. (BOT.). 41: : 56–60.

http://web3.dnp.go.th/botany/PDF/TFB/TFB41/TFB41_09_Kohautia.pdf

Figure 1. เศวตแดนสรวง Paraboea middletonii Triboun:
A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Inﬂorescence.

Photographed by Pramote Triboun.

ABSTRACT

Paraboea middletoniiTriboun, a new species from Thailand, is described and illustrated.

KEY WORDS:Gesneriaceae, new species, Paraboea, Thailand

เศวตแดนสรวง

Paraboea middletonii พาราโยเอีย มิดเดิลโทนี

ไม้ล้มลุกอายุหลายปี ขึ้นบนเกาะหิน ลำต้นตั้งตรง สูง 10-30 เซ็นติเมตร ใบเรียงตรงข้ามสลับตั้งฉาก ชิดติดกันบริเวณส่วนปลายของลำต้น ดอกสีขาวบานช่วงต้นเดือน ส.ค.-ต.ค. ค้นพบทางภาคเหนือ ในเขต จ.น่าน ขึ้นบนหินปูนในร่มรำไร ที่ความสูง 1,000 - 1,300 เมตร จากระดับน้ำทะเล

Distribution.— Endemic to Thailand | NORTHERN: Nan.
Ecology.— In shade on limestone rock, alt. 1,000–1,210 m.

Vernacular. —Sawet daen sruang (เศวตแดนสรวง) (coined by the author).
'middletonii' named in honour of Dr D. J. Middleton, a plant taxonomist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the leader of the Thai Gesneriaceae research team.

Proposed IUCN conservation assessment.— Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii)). This species is only known from the type locality, which is a small limestone outcrop right beside the road on the boundary of Doi Phu Kha National Park and with extensive agricultural areas beyond. The basal area of the outcrop shows considerable disturbance. There are estimated to be fewer than 500 plants in the population.

Triboun, P. 2013. Paraboea middletonii (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Thailand
. THAI FOR. BULL. (BOT.). 41: 45–47.
http://web3.dnp.go.th/botany/PDF/TFB/TFB41/TFB41_07_Paraboea.pdf

เปิดตัวพืชไทย “วงศ์ชาฤาษี” พันธุ์ใหม่ 6 ชนิด

http://www.manager.co.th/science/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9560000155362

http://www.dailynews.co.th/Content/IT/202721/วว.ค้นพบ+6+พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกวงศ์ชาฤาษี

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