Species New to Science

Fairy Rock Gecko | Cnemaspis paripari
(upper:- male holotype) from Gua Pari-pari with original tail. (lower:- female) from Gua Angin with regenerated tail.
[Map of] Distribution in western Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract

A new species of karst dwelling Cnemaspis is described from western Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Cnemaspis paripari sp. nov. is presumably endemic to the karst outcroppings which extend approximately 4.2 km between Gua Angin and Gua Pari-pari in the district of Bau. It is the only species of Southeast Asian Cnemaspis with a median, subcaudal row of bead-like scales and whose adult males have a bright yellow head and a bright yellow regenerated tail. Cnemaspis paripari sp. nov. differs markedly from the other three species of Bornean Cnemaspis in aspects of size, squamation, and coloration and its presence underscores the potential unrealized diversity of this genus in Borneo as compared to Peninsular Malaysia.

Key words: Cnemaspis paripari, Borneo, karst, new species, taxonomy

L. LEE GRISMER & CHAN KIN ONN. 2009. A New Species of Karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Sarawak, Borneo. Zootaxa. 2246: 21–31

http://lasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/biology/Grismer_s_Publications/Cnemaspis_paripari.pdf

Nematocharax costai
Bragança, Barbosa & Mattos, 2013

Nematocharax costai, new species is described from the Contas river basin, northeastern Brazil. The new species is included in the genus Nematocharax by possessing elongated branched dorsal-, anal- and pelvic-fin rays; two rows of pre-maxillary teeth in adults and practically complete row of teeth along the free ventral maxillary border. It differs from N. venustus, unique congener, by the number of maxillary teeth in adult males; absence of hooks and spinules on dorsal and pelvic fins; reduced number of anal-fin rays with spinules; presence of a long dark pink horizontal mark on caudal peduncle; number of supraneurals and pelvic-fin filament yellow.

Key words: Characidae, Neotropical, Northeastern Brazil, Systematics, Taxonomy

Bragança, P.H.N.d., Barbosa, M.A. & Mattos, J.L. 2013. A New Nematocharax Species from the middle Contas River basin, Northeastern Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 63 (1): 3-8.

http://www.senckenberg.de/files/content/forschung/publikationen/vertebratezoology/vz63-1/01_vertebrate_zoology_63-1_barbosa_3-8.pdf

Erythrocharax altipinnislive paratype, MZUSP 110999, 25.8 mm SL,
rio Curuá, tributary of rio Iriri, rio Xingu basin, depicting live color pattern of species.

doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0052098.g002

Erythrocharax altipinnis is described from the Serra do Cachimbo, Pará, Brazil. The new taxon is distinguished from all of the Characidae genera by having the pelvic bones firmly attached through the isquiatic processes; a nearly triangular hiatus in the musculature covering the anterior chamber of the swim bladder between the first and second pleural ribs (pseudotympanum); the pedunculate, notably expanded and distally compressed teeth in both jaws; circumorbital series represented by antorbital and four infraorbital bones with laterosensory canals not enclosed; a single tooth row in the premaxillary with the teeth perfectly aligned and similar in shape and cusp number; the first three branched dorsal-fin rays distinctly elongate in males; a bright red adipose and caudal fins in life; a conspicuous dark midlateral stripe extending from the opercle to the tip of the median caudal-fin rays; and by the absence of a humeral spot. The phylogenetic position of the new taxon is discussed using morphological and molecular datasets, with conflicting results of both approaches discussed. Additionally, a summarized discussion on the current problems in the Characidae taxonomy is presented and the principal biases in the morphological dataset are also discussed.

Erythrocharax, new genus

Type species: Erythrocharax altipinnis, new species, by monotypy and original designation.

Etymology: From the Greek erythrus, meaning red, in reference to the bright red coloration of the adipose and caudal fin in live specimens, plus the suffix -charax, as generally applied for genera of the Characidae.

Erythrocharax altipinnis, new species

Etymology: From the latin alti, meaning elongate, and pinnis meaning fin, in reference to the elongate dorsal-fin rays in males.

Netto-Ferreira, A.L., Birindelli, J.L.O., de Sousa, L.M., Mariguela, T.C. & Oliveira, C. 2013. A New Miniature Characid (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae), with Phylogenetic Position Inferred from Morphological and Molecular Data. PLoS ONE. 8 (1): e52098. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0052098

Abstract

We document the presence of the Montane Fish-eating Rat, Neusticomys monticolus, in two páramo ecosystems of the Colombian Andes, in the departments of Valle del Cauca and Cauca at 3558 and 3300 m respectively. For small mammals, páramo ecosystems are underexplored zones in a biogeographic context.

Jorge Horacio Velandia-Perilla and Carlos Arturo Saavedra-Rodríguez. 2013. Mammalia, Rodentia, Cricetidae, Neusticomys monticolus (Anthony, 1921): Noteworthy records of the Montane Fish-Eating Rat in Colombia. Check List. 9(3): 686–688. http://checklist.org.br/getpdf?NGD205-12

Abstract

Abrothrix jelskii is one of the lesser-known species in the genus Abrothrix, and it has only been recorded in a few localities in highland environments along the central Andean range. In Argentina, existing records are restricted to just one locality in Jujuy province. We have recently recorded this species in Salta Province, extending its known distribution 150 km northward in northwestern Argentina and 175 km further to the southeast compared to existing records from localities in southern Bolivia. Ten other rodent species were also recorded in the same area, with some of these records, such as those for Auliscomys sublimis, Akodon boliviensis, and Phyllotis sp., being noteworthy as well.

J. Pablo Jayat, Pablo E. Ortiz and F. Rodrigo González. 2013. First record of Abrothrix jelskii(Thomas, 1894) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Salta province, northwestern Argentina: Filling Gaps and Distribution Map. Check List.9(4): 902–905

http://www.checklist.org.br/getpdf?NGD195-12

ABSTRACT

Coelogyne phuhinrongklaensis Ngerns. & P. Tippayasri (Orchidaceae), a new species from northern Thailand is described, illustrated and presented. It is an epiphyte or lithophyte in montane forest at 1100–2100 m altitude.

KEY WORDS: Coelogyne phuhinrongklaensis, Orchidaceae, new species, Thailand.

Vernacular.— Ueang thian pak si nam tan (เอื้องเทียนปากสีน้ำตาล).

Etymology.— The generic name, Coelogyne from the Greek koilos, hollow, cavity, and gyne, female, which refers to the concave stigma (Pridgeon et al., 2005). The speciﬁc epithet is named after Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park where the authors found and collected the type specimens.

“เอื้องเทียนปากสีน้ำตาล” Coelogyne phuhinrongklaensis
ผศ.ดร.ฉัตรชัย เงินแสงสรวย และนิสิตภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มก. รายงานการค้นพบกล้วยไม้ชนิดใหม่ของโลก พบในอุทยานแห่งชาติภูหินร่องกล้า จังหวัดพิษณุโลก

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P. TIPPAYASRI& C. NGERNSAENGSARUAY. 2012. Coelogyne phuhinrongklaensis (Orchidaceae), a new species for Thailand. THAI FOR. BULL. (BOT.) 40: 125–129. 2012.

http://web3.dnp.go.th/botany/PDF/TFB/TFB40/TFB40_18_Coelogyne.pdf

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Photos of lizard species inventoried in Qatar

(Author: Valdeón A, except for Diplometoponzarudnyi (Yamaguchi N)).
doi: 10.3897/zookeys.373.5994

Abstract

We have updated the list of the lizard species present in Qatar and produced the first distribution maps based on two field surveys in 2012 and 2013. We used the QND95/Qatar National Grid with a grid of 10 × 10 km squares for mapping. Our results show the occurrence of 21 lizard species in Qatar, from the 15 species indicated in the last biodiversity report conducted in 2004. The most abundant family found in Qatar is Gekkonidae with nine species (Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus robustus, H. flaviviridis, H. persicus, Stenodactylus arabicus, S. slevini, S. doriae, Pseudoceramodactylus khobarensis), followed by Lacertidae with four species (Acanthodactylus schmidti, A. opheodurus, Mesalina brevirostris, M. adramitana), Agamidae with three species (Trapelus flavimaculatus, Uromastyx aegyptia, Phrynocephalus arabicus), Scincidae with two species (Scincus mitranus, Trachylepis septemtaeniata), and Varanidae (Varanus griseus), Sphaerodactylidae (Pristurus rupestris) and Trogonophiidae (Diplometopon zarudnyi) with one species each. The species richness fluctuated largely across Qatar between one and eleven species per grid square. We believe that the lizard fauna records in Qatar are still incomplete and that additional studies are required. However, our study here fills a gap concerning lizard biodiversity knowledge in the Gulf Region.

Keywords: Reptilia, geographic distribution, species richness, inventory, maps, biodiversity, atlas

Sphaerodactylidae (Pristurus rupestris) Gekkonidae (Stenodactylus arabicus, S. slevini, S. doriae, Pseudoceramodactylus khobarensis, Bunopus tuberculatus)

Gekkonidae (Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus persicus, H. robustus, H. flaviviridis)
Scincidae (Scincus mitranus, Trachylepis septemtaeniata)

Lacertidae (Mesalina brevirostris, M. adramitana, Acanthodactylus schmidti, A. opheodurus)
Varanidae (Varanus griseus), and Agamidae (Uromastyx aegyptia, Phrynocephalus arabicus, Trapelus flavimaculatus)

Dan Cogălniceanu, Aurora M Castilla, Aitor Valdeón, Alberto Gosá, Noora Al-Jaidah, Ali Alkuwary, Essam O. H. Saifelnasr, Paloma Mas-Peinado, Renee Richer and Ahmad Amer Mohd Al-Hemaidi. 2014. A Preliminary Report on the Distribution of Lizards in Qatar. ZooKeys. 373: 67–91. doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.373.5994

Somrania flavidaD.J.Middleton & Triboun, sp. nov.

Abstract

The new speciesSomrania flavida D.J.Middleton & Triboun, from Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province, Thailand, is described. It is the third species in this genus which is restricted to karst limestone habitats in Thailand. A key to the species of Somrania is provided.

Keywords: New species, Somrania, Thailand

David J. Middleton and Pramote Triboun. 2013. A New Species of Somrania (Gesneriaceae) from Thailand. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 65(2): 181–184.

http://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_65_2_pdf_Vol_65_Part_2_2013/4.4.65.2.07_y2013_V65P2_GBS_pg.181.pdf

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand has resulted in eighteen species. Three new species are described: Didymocarpus inflatus J.F.Maxwell & Nangngam, D. jaesonensis Nangngam & J.F.Maxwell, and D. payapensis Nangngam & J.F.Maxwell. A key to the Thai species, detailed descriptions, and notes on distribution, ecology, phenology, salient morphological traits, and illustrations are presented.

Keywords: Didymocarpus, Gesneriaceae, taxonomic revision, Thailand

Pranee Nangngam and J.F. Maxwell. 2013. Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 65(2): 185–225.

http://www.sbg.org.sg/images/4_4_Research_Gardens_Bulletin/4_4_65_2_pdf_Vol_65_Part_2_2013/4.4.65.2.08_y2013_V65P2_GBS_pg.185.pdf

http://www.sbg.org.sg/index.php?option=com_xgardenbulletin&Itemid=118

Abstract

A new species of gecko of the genus Stenodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) is described from the dune desert of Al Sharqiyah Sands in northeastern Oman. Stenodactylus sharqiyahensis sp. nov. is characterized morphologically by its small size, snout shape, webbing between fingers not very extended, relatively short limbs, and scalation. It is genetically distinct in the mitochondrial DNA and the nuclear MC1R gene from Stenodactylus arabicus to which it has previously been referred. The new species seems to have a restricted distribution confined to the Sharqiyah Sands, which remain isolated from other sand deserts in Arabia. In addition, the data presented herein confirm new locality records for Stenodactylus arabicus in the easternmost limit of its distribution range in western central Oman.

Keywords: gecko, Arabia, deserts, phylogeny, taxonomy, systematics, evolution, mitochondrial DNA, MC1R

Metallinou, Margarita & Salvador Carranza. 2013. New species of Stenodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Sharqiyah Sands in northeastern Oman. Zootaxa. 3745(4): 449–468.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3745.4.3

http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18626

New species of gecko endemic to Sharqiyah Sands discovered - Muscat Daily:
http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/New-species-of-gecko-endemic-to-Sharqiyah-Sands-discovered-2sv6

Fig. 2. Geotrypetes seraphini occidentalis from Draw River Forest Reserve.
Fig. 3. Dorsal (above) aspect of Aubriasubsigillata from Boi-Tano Forest Reserve.
Fig. 4. Unnamed Astylosternus species from Ankasa Conservation Area.

Abstract

We investigated the herpetofauna of four forests, designated as Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas in the Western Region, Ghana. We recorded a total of 47 amphibian species, among them the first country records for the genera Acanthixalus and Phlyctimantis, as well as new taxa within the genera Arthroleptis and Astylosternus. The species Acanthixalus sonjae was so far only known from Ivory Coast. Phrynobatrachus ghanensis and Hyperolius bobirensis are reported for the first time outside of the Kakum and Bobiri forest reserves, respectively. We comment on and illustrate these and other less known species. Most of the recorded species were either endemic to West Africa or even smaller parts of the Upper Guinean forest block.

The relatively high diversity, and/or unique species composition with respect to regional endemicity, documented during our surveys, clearly demonstrates that the western Ghanaian forests, although already highly fragmented, still have a high potential for nature conservation. However, we also documented several invasive species (e.g. Bufo maculatus, Bufo regularis, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, Phrynobatrachus accraensis, Afrixalus fulvovittatus), normally not occurring in forest habitats. These species clearly indicate significant alteration of the original forest habitats by means of unsustainable forest use. The relatively high diversity of western Ghanaian amphibian communities and their unique composition is a further hint towards the existence of a Pleistocene forest refugium in south-western Ghana.

Key words: Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Anura: conservation, faunistics, forest, south-western Ghana, taxonomy.

Fig. 6. a. Juvenile Acanthixalus sonjae (SVL 24 mm) from Ankasa Conservation Area;
b. Hyperolius bobirensis from Ankasa Conservation Area;
c. Hyperolius cf. fusciventris lamtoensis female from Ankasa Conservation Area (SVL 47 mm);
d. Hyperolius laurenti from Draw River Forest Reserve.

MARK-OLIVER RÖDEL, MARLON GIL, ALEX CUDJOE AGYEI, ADAM D. LEACHÉ, RAUL E. DIAZ, MATTHEW K. FUJITA & RAFFAEL ERNST. 2005. The Amphibians of the forested parts of south-western Ghana. SALAMANDRA. 41(3); 107-127

http://faculty.washington.edu/leache/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/2005Salamandrab.pdf

Odontobatrachus natator (Boulenger, 1905)

photo: Mark-Oliver Rödel

Abstract

Background

Higher-level systematics in amphibians is relatively stable. However, recent phylogenetic studies of African torrent-frogs have uncovered high divergence in these phenotypically and ecologically similar frogs, in particular between West African torrent-frogs versus Central (Petropedetes) and East African (Arthroleptides and Ericabatrachus) lineages. Because of the considerable molecular divergence, and external morphology of the single West African torrent-frog species a new genus was erected (Odontobatrachus). In this study we aim to clarify the systematic position of West African torrent-frogs (Odontobatrachus). We determine the relationships of torrent-frogs using a multi-locus, nuclear and mitochondrial, dataset and include genera of all African and Asian ranoid families. Using micro-tomographic scanning we examine osteology and external morphological features of West African torrent-frogs to compare them with other ranoids.

Results

Our analyses reveal Petropedetidae (Arthroleptides, Ericabatrachus, Petropedetes) as the sister taxon of the Pyxicephalidae. The phylogenetic position of Odontobatrachus is clearly outside Petropedetidae, and not closely related to any other ranoid family. According to our time-tree estimation Odontobatrachus has been separated from other frog lineages since the Cretaceous (90.1 Ma; confidence interval: 84.2-97.1 Ma). Along with this molecular evidence, osteological and external diagnostic characters recognize West African torrent-frogs as distinct from other ranoids and provide strong support for the necessity of the recognition of a new family of frogs. This is the only endemic vertebrate family occurring in the Upper Guinea biodiversity hotspot.

Conclusion

Based on molecular and morphological distinctiveness, the West African torrent-frog Odontobatrachus natator is allocated to a newly described anuran family. The discovery of an endemic vertebrate family in West Africa highlights the Upper Guinean forests as an outstanding, but highly endangered biodiversity hotspot.

Keywords: Amphibia, Anura, Ranoidae, Natatanura, Odontobatrachidae fam. nov., Petropedetidae, Biodiversity hotspot, Higher level systematics, Molecular phylogeny, Osteology, West Africa

Odontobatrachus natator (Boulenger, 1905)

photo: Mark-Oliver Rödel

Amphibia Linnaeus, 1758

Lissamphibia Haeckel, 1866

Anura Rafinesque, 1815

Neobatrachia Reig, 1958

Odontobatrachidae fam. nov.

Type genus: Odontobatrachus Barej, Rödel, Loader & Schmitz, 2014

Type species: Petropedetes natator Boulenger, 1905

Distribution: The single included genus is known from the Upper Guinean forests in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and western Ivory Coast, where frogs usually occur close to streams with strong currents and cascades or rapids.

Diversity: At present a single species is described, Odontobatrachus natator (Boulenger, 1905). However, Barej et al. already recognized a higher diversity in this lineage and a more detailed taxonomic analysis of the family throughout the distribution range in the Upper Guinea forests is in preparation (M.F. Barej et al. unpubl. data).

Etymology: The name refers to the Greek words όδούς (odous = tooth, genitive: odóntos) and βατραχοσ

(batrachos = frog) and points to the exceptionally long maxillary teeth and large tusks on

lower jaws in these frogs (Figure 2).

Barej, M.F., A. Schmitz, R. Günther, S.P. Loader, K. Mahlow & M.-O. Rödel. 2014. The First Endemic West African Vertebrate Family – A New anuran Family highlighting the uniqueness of the Upper Guinean Biodiversity Hotspot. Frontiers in Zoology. 11:8 doi: dx.doi.org/10.1186/1742-9994-11-8

http://www.frontiersinzoology.com/content/11/1/8/abstract

http://www.frontiersinzoology.com/content/pdf/1742-9994-11-8.pdf

The new family of frogs toothed Guinea

... and the tree frog with the dentures of the Republic (GALLERY)

http://www.greenreport.it

http://www.innovations-report.de

http://www.naturkundemuseum-berlin.de/en/presse/press-releases-2014/2014

Abstract

Rasbora vulcanus, new species, is described from Painan, West Sumatra. It is allied to R. reticulata, but differs in having a more slender build and a fiery-red live coloration. Syntype material of R. reticulata is examined and a lectotype is designated.

K eywords:Rasbora reticulata, R. vulcanus, Taxonomy, Sumatra, Biodiversity.

Tan, H. H. 1999. Rasbora vulcanus, A New Species of cyprinid Fish from central Sumatra. J. South Asian Nat. Hist. 4(2): 111-116.

Abstract

Four new species of the minnow genus Rasbora of the Sumatrana group, R. arundinata, R. haru, R. maninjau, and R. bindumatoga, are described from northern Sumatra.

Rasbora arundinata is distinguished from all congeners in the Sumatrana group by the black midlateral stripe overall forming a reed-leaf-like profile. Rasbora haru differs from its congeners in the Sumatrana group in having the black midlateral stripe overall forming a stamen-like profile. The new species endemic to Lake Maninjau in central west Sumatra, Rasbora maninjau, is unique among all the congeners in the Sumatrana group in having a combination of the black midlateral stripe extending from the midhumeral region of uniform width, the prominent acutely triangular basicaudal blotch, and the oval supra-anal pigmentation. Rasbora bindumatoga is distinguished from all congeners in the Sumatrana group by a combination of the black rectangular subdorsal blotch, the absence of supra-anal pigmentation, and the somewhat oval basicaudal blotch.

Rasbora arundinata, R. maninjau, and R. bindumatoga occur allopatrically in the northwestern coastal region of Sumatra, while R. haru is known from northeastern coastal area of Sumatra. A new diagnostic character for the Sumatrana group is described: partial exposure of the upper lip due to a submedial contact between the maxilla and the lower lip, which is marked posteriorly by a lachrymal groove.

Keywords: Danioninae, Rasbora, new species, northern Sumatra, Sundaland

DANIEL N. LUMBANTOBING. 2014. Four New Species of Rasbora of the Sumatrana group (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 3764(1); 1 - 25.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3764.1.1

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Fig. 9 A–E. Ventral aspects of hatchlings of Cyclemys spp.
(A) Cyclemys atripons (Chanthaburi, Thailand; paratype); (B) C. dentata (Palawan, Philippines); (C) C. pulchristriata (Phuc Son, central Vietnam; holotype); (D) C. enigmatica (western Nias, Indonesia; paratype); (E) C. oldhamii (Thailand).

Not to scale. Juvenile pattern (radiating lines along scute seams) already developing in USNM 94745. Hatchlings of C. fusca and C. gemeli unknown. — Photos: F. Höhler.

Abstract

In the present study, we use mtDNA sequence data (cyt b gene) in combination with nuclear DNA sequences (C-mos, Rag2 genes, R35 intron), nuclear genomic fingerprints (ISSR) and morphological data to reveal species diversity within the Southeast Asian leaf turtle genus Cyclemys, a morphologically difficult group comprising cryptic species. Two morphologically distinct major groupings exist, a yellow-bellied species group with three taxa (Cyclemys atripons, C. dentata, C. pulchristriata) and a dark-bellied species group. The latter contains besides the morphologically variable C. oldhamii three additional new species (C. enigmatica n. sp., C. fusca n. sp., C. gemeli n. sp.). According to mtDNA data, C. fusca and C. gemeli constitute with high support the sister group of a clade comprising all other species, indicating that the dark-bellied species are not monophyletic, despite morphological similarity. mtDNA sequences of C. enigmatica, being highly distinct in nuclear genomic markers, do not differ from the sympatric C. dentata, suggesting that the original mitochondrial genome of C. enigmatica was lost due to introgressive hybridization. Morphological discrimination of Cyclemys species is possible using multivariate methods. However, gross morphology of most dark-bellied species on the one hand and of C. atripons and C. pulchristriata on the other is so similar that reliable species determination is only possible when genetic markers are used. The high diversity within Cyclemys requires revision of the IUCN Red List Categories for leaf turtles because the former assessment was based on the wrong assumption that in the entire range of the genus occurs only a single species.

Fig. 10 Range of the genus Cyclemys (shaded) and genetically veriﬁed records of
(1) C. atripons, (2) C. dentata, (3) C. pulchristriata, (4) C. enigmatica,
(5) C. fusca, (6) C. gemeli, (7) C. oldhamii and (8) putative C. fusca × C. oldhamii hybrid.
For C. dentata and C. enigmatica genetically not veriﬁed records are also shown (grey symbols).

Fig. 9 A–E. Ventral aspects of hatchlings of Cyclemys spp.
(A) Cyclemys atripons (USNM 94745, Khao Sabap, Chanthaburi, Thailand; paratype);
(B) C. dentata (ZMUC E56, Palawan, Philippines); (C) C. pulchristriata (Phuc Son, central Vietnam; holotype); (D) C. enigmatica (ZMA 19029:2, western Nias, Indonesia; paratype); (E) C. oldhamii (SMNS 5355:1, Thailand).

Not to scale. Juvenile pattern (radiating lines along scute seams) already developing in USNM 94745. Hatchlings of C. fusca and C. gemeli unknown. — Photos: F. Höhler.

Fritz, U.; D Guicking, M Auer, R. S Sommer, M Wink, A. K Hundsdörfer. 2008. Diversity of the Southeast Asian Leaf Turtle genus Cyclemys: How many leaves on its tree of life? Zoologica Scripta. 37(4), 367–390. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-6409.2008.00332.x.

http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Articles/Fritz_etal_2008a.pdf

Louise Durkin, Markus Handschuh, Keo Sovannak, Lizzy Ward, Nikki Hulse and Alistair Mould. 2010. Discovery of a hitherto unknown breeding population of the Asian leaf turtle Cyclemys aff. atripons in Phnom Kulen National Park, northwestern Cambodia.Cambodian Journal of Natural History. 2010 (1) 15-17
http://www.accb-cambodia.org/en/Discovery%20of%20Cyclemys%20in%20PKNP_ACCB%20-%20Durkin%20et%20al.pdf

Abstract

We describe external morphology and habitat of ten specimens of Cyclemysgemeli, a recently discovered leaf turtle species from north-eastern India, previously known only from its incomplete holotype and photos of a live female. Further, we assess the phylogenetic position of C. gemeli using sequence data of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene as well as of three nuclear DNA fragments (C-mos, Rag2 genes, intron 1 of R35 gene) and confirm its genetic distinctiveness. Mitochondrial data strongly suggest a sister group relationship of C. gemeli and C. fusca, another species occurring in Myanmar. According to our new records, the Naga Hills and the Arakan Mts could constitute the geographical divide between C. gemeli and C. fusca. Morphologically, C. gemeli resembles other dark-bellied Cyclemys species and determination by external morphology alone is quite difficult.

Key words: India, Myanmar, Cyclemys fusca, Cyclemysgemeli, molecular phylogenetics

Praschag, Peter; Hundsdörfer, Anna K.; Fritz, Uwe. 2009. Further Specimens and Phylogenetic Position of the recently described Leaf Turtle Species Cyclemysgemeli (Testudines: Geoemydidae). Zootaxa. 29 (37). http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2009/f/zt02008p037.pdf

Fritz, U.; D Guicking, M Auer, R. S Sommer, M Wink, A. K Hundsdörfer. 2008. Diversity of the Southeast Asian Leaf Turtle genus Cyclemys: how many leaves on its tree of life? Zoologica Scripta. 37(4), 367–390. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-6409.2008.00332.x.

ABSTRACT

We present the first herpetological checklist for the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia, with records of 22 species of amphibians and 33 species of reptiles belonging to 44 genera in 22 families. The checklist includes three species (Ingerophrynus macrotis, Micryletta inornata, Scincella melanosticta) which in Cambodia were formerly only known to occur in the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest of the country. Our findings highlight the importance of countrywide herpetological baseline surveys in lowland habitats.

Timo Hartmann, Flora Ihlow, Sarah Edwards, Sovath Sothanin, Markus Handschuh and Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. A Preliminary Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Cambodia. Asian Herpetological Research. 4(1):36-55.
DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1245.2013.00036

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235971772_A_Preliminary_Annotated_Checklist_of_the_Amphibians_and_Reptiles_of_the_Kulen_Promtep_Wildlife_Sanctuary_in_Northern_Cambodia?ev=prf_pub

Fig 2. Cyclemys sp.2, are a good match to Cyclemys enigmatica;
(a). Carapace. (b). Plastron. (c). Side view of shell. (d). pattern on side of neck.

ABSTRACT

Two living samples of Cyclemys dentata and C. enigmatica were captured by a local villager from Klong Todaeng close to the peat swamp forest in Sungai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province. Characteristics and colour pattern determination including coarse measurements were done. This is the first record of C. enigmatica from this area.

KEY WORDS:Cyclemys dentata, Cyclemys enigmatica, peat swamp forest, Narathiwat Province, southernmost Thailand.

Tanya Chan-ard, Siriporn Thong-aree, Michael Cota and Sunchai Makchai. 2011. Cyclemys of the Peat Swamp of Southernmost Thailand. The Thailand Natural History Museum Journal. 5(2): 107-112

Fossil pigments reveal dark coloration of extinct marine reptiles.
The leatherback turtle (top) and mosasaur (bottom) have a dark back and light belly, a camouflage pattern, and the ichthyosaur (center) is uniformly dark.

illustration: Stefan Sølberg

Throughout the animal kingdom, adaptive colouration serves critical functions ranging from inconspicuous camouflage to ostentatious sexual display, and can provide important information about the environment and biology of a particular organism. The most ubiquitous and abundant pigment, melanin, also has a diverse range of non-visual roles, including thermoregulation in ectotherms. However, little is known about the functional evolution of this important biochrome through deep time, owing to our limited ability to unambiguously identify traces of it in the fossil record. Here we present direct chemical evidence of pigmentation in fossilized skin, from three distantly related marine reptiles: a leatherback turtle, a mosasaur6 and an ichthyosaur. We demonstrate that dark traces of soft tissue in these fossils are dominated by molecularly preserved eumelanin, in intimate association with fossilized melanosomes. In addition, we suggest that contrary to the countershading of many pelagic animals, at least some ichthyosaurs were uniformly dark-coloured in life. Our analyses expand current knowledge of pigmentation in fossil integument beyond that of feathers, allowing for the reconstruction of colour over much greater ranges of extinct taxa and anatomy. In turn, our results provide evidence of convergent melanism in three disparate lineages of secondarily aquatic tetrapods. Based on extant marine analogues, we propose that the benefits of thermoregulation and/or crypsis are likely to have contributed to this melanisation, with the former having implications for the ability of each group to exploit cold environments.

Johan Lindgren et al. 2014. Skin Pigmentation provides evidence of Convergent Melanism in Extinct Marine Reptiles. Nature. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature12899

Fossils Reveal True Color of Mosasaurs, Ichthyosaurs, Prehistoric Turtles

: Fossilized skin pigments from an 85 million-year-old mosasaur, a 193 million-year-old ichthyosaur and a 55 million-year-old leatherback turtle have revealed the skin color of these extinct marine reptiles.

http://sci-news.com/paleontology/science-color-mosasaurs-ichthyosaurs-turtles-1672.html
http://livescience.com/42415-ancient-marine-beast-color.html

Balaenoptera bertae Boessenecker 2013

The newly discovered Upper Miocene to Upper Pliocene San Gregorio assemblage of the Purisima Formation in Central California has yielded a diverse collection of 34 marine vertebrate taxa, including eight sharks, two bony fish, three marine birds (described in a previous study), and 21 marine mammals. Pinnipeds include the walrus Dusignathus sp., cf. D. seftoni, the fur seal Callorhinus sp., cf. C. gilmorei, and indeterminate otariid bones. Baleen whales include dwarf mysticetes (Herpetocetus bramblei Whitmore & Barnes, 2008, Herpetocetus sp.), two right whales (cf. Eubalaena sp. 1, cf. Eubalaena sp. 2), at least three balaenopterids (“Balaenoptera” cortesi “var.” portisi Sacco, 1890, cf. Balaenoptera, Balaenopteridae gen. et sp. indet.) and a new species of rorqual (Balaenoptera bertae n. sp.) that exhibits a number of derived features that place it within the genus Balaenoptera. This new species of Balaenoptera is relatively small (estimated 61 cm bizygomatic width) and exhibits a comparatively narrow vertex, an obliquely (but precipitously) sloping frontal adjacent to vertex, anteriorly directed and short zygomatic processes, and squamosal creases. Fossil odontocetes include the lipotid “river dolphin” Parapontoporia sternbergi (Gregory & Kellogg, 1927), four true porpoises including a bizarre new genus also known from other strata (Phocoenidae indet., Phocoenidae unnamed genera 1 and 2, and cf. Phocoena), an indeterminate delphinid (Delphinidae indet.) a pilot whale-like delphinid (cf. Globicephalinae indet.), an undetermined sperm whale (cf. Physeteroidea indet.), and an indeterminate odontocete. The new record of Parapontoporia sternbergi is noteworthy as it represents the first association of any earbones (petrosal, tympanic bulla, malleus, and incus) for the extinct genus. Discovery and description of a complete marine mammal assemblage permits faunal comparisons with other published Pliocene marine mammal assemblages from around the globe. The aggregate Pliocene marine mammal assemblage from eastern North Pacific (ENP) shares little in common with the modern fauna, and is mostly composed of extinct genera; notably, phocoenids and odobenids were more diverse than in the ENP today. This indicates that the modern fauna of the ENP did not emerge until after the end of the Pliocene, and probably sometime during the Early Pleistocene. The Pliocene ENP assemblage is similar to that of Japan, and the North Pacific in general shares little with south Pacific, Mediterranean, or North Atlantic marine mammal assemblages, indicating the North Pacific hosted a provincial marine mammal fauna that evolved in isolation from the modern marine mammal fauna, which had already appeared in the North Atlantic by the Early Pliocene.

Keywords: Marine mammals, Pinnipedia, Mysticeti, Odontoceti, Pliocene, Pleistocene, Purisima Formation, new species, Mammiferes marins, Pinnipedia, Mysticeti, Odontoceti, Pliocene, Pleistocene, Formation Purisima, espece nouvelle

Robert W. Boessenecker. 2013. A New Marine Vertebrate Assemblage from the Late Neogene Purisima Formation in Central California, part II: Pinnipeds and Cetaceans. Geodiversitas. 35 (4): 815-940;
doi: dx.doi.org/10.5252/g2013n4a5

Balaenoptera bertae: New Fossil Whale Species Discovered

Robert Boessenecker, a PhD student with the University of Otago, has discovered an extinct species of whale that lived during Pliocene, 3.35 – 2.5 million years ago.

http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/science-balaenoptera-bertae-new-fossil-whale-species-01750.html

[Herpetology • 2009] Cnemaspis paripari | Fairy Rock Gecko • A New Species of Karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from western Sarawak, Borneo

[Ichthology • 2013] Nematocharax costai • A New Nematocharax Species (Characiformes: Characidae) from the middle Contas River basin, Northeastern Brazil

[Ichthology • 2013] Erythrocharax altipinnis • A New Miniature Characid (Characiformes: Characidae), with Phylogenetic Position Inferred from Morphological and Molecular Data

[Mammalogy • 2013] Neusticomys monticolus (Anthony, 1921) (Mammalia, Rodentia, Cricetidae): Noteworthy records of the Montane Fish-Eating Rat in Colombia

[Mammalogy • 2013] First record of Abrothrix jelskii (Thomas, 1894) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Salta province, northwestern Argentina: Filling Gaps and Distribution Map

2012 Coelogyne phuhinrongklaensis

[Herpetology • 2014] A Preliminary Report on the Distribution of Lizards in Qatar

[Botany • 2013] Somrania flavida • A New Species of Somrania (Gesneriaceae) from Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, Peninsular Thailand

[Botany • 2013] Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae) in Thailand | 18 spp. with 3 new spp. & A key to the Thai species

[Herpetology • 2013] Stenodactylus sharqiyahensis • New species of Stenodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Sharqiyah Sands in northeastern Oman

[Herpetology • 2005] The Amphibians of the forested parts of south-western Ghana

[Herpetology • 2014] Odontobatrachidae • The First Endemic West African Vertebrate Family – A New anuran Family highlighting the uniqueness of the Upper Guinean Biodiversity Hotspot

[Ichthyology • 1999] Rasbora vulcanus • A New Species of cyprinid Fish from central Sumatra, Indonesia

[Ichthyology • 2014] Four New Species of Rasbora of the Sumatrana group (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia

[Testudology • 2008] Diversity of the Southeast Asian Leaf Turtle genus Cyclemys: How many leaves on its tree of life?

[Testudology • 2009] Leaf Turtle Species Cyclemys gemeli (Testudines: Geoemydidae) | Further Specimens from North-eastern India and Phylogenetic Position

[Herpetology • 2013] A Preliminary Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia

[Testudology • 2011] Cyclemys of the Peat Swamp of Southernmost Thailand, with the first record of เต่าใบไม้ท้องดำ Cyclemys enigmatica from Thailand

[Paleontology • 2014] Skin Pigmentation provides evidence of Convergent Melanism in Extinct Marine Reptiles

[PaleoMammalogy • 2013] Balaenoptera bertae • A New Marine Vertebrate Assemblage from the Late Neogene Purisima Formation in Central California, part II: Pinnipeds and Cetaceans