Species New to Science

Abstract

Four new cyprinid species of the Rasbora trifasciata-group, Rasbora api, R. nodulosa, R. kluetensis, and R. truncata, are described from northwestern Sumatra, Indonesia.
Rasbora api is distinguished from its congeners in the R. trifasciata-group by an anteriorly tapering black midlateral stripe extending posteriorly along the flank from the first lateral-line scale system and terminating at a slightly wider black basicaudal spot on the caudal-fin base, and stout conical cephalic tubercles with basal portion bearing microgranules (Type A tubercles). Rasbora nodulosa is distinguished from its congeners in the species group by having nodular and smaller cephalic tubercles (Type D tubercles). Rasbora kluetensis is distinguished from its congeners in the species group by the conical cephalic tubercles with a somewhat protruded base bearing microridges (Type E tubercles). Rasbora truncata differs from its congeners in the species group by a combination of meristic, pigmentary, and tuberculation features, and details of the lateral line system.

Other members of the R. trifasciata-group in the region, Rasbora meinkeniand R. tobana, are redescribed. Rasbora tobana is resurrected.

Three new areas of endemism in northwestern Sumatra are proposed based on the distributions of three new endemic species: the Tripa District represented by R. nodulosa, the Kluet District represented by R. kluetensis, and the Alas District represented by R. truncata.

Daniel N. Lumbantobing. 2010. Four New Species of the Rasbora trifasciata-Group (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Northwestern Sumatra, Indonesia. Copeia. 2010(4); 644-670.

http://www.asihcopeiaonline.org/doi/abs/10.1643/CI-09-155

http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1643/CI-09-155

https://www.academia.edu/3849209/Lumbantobing_2010_Four_new_species_of_the_Rasbora_trifasciata_group_from_Northwestern_Sumatra_Indonesia

Lithocarpus orbicarpus Strijk

Abstract

A new species is described, Lithocarpus orbicarpus Strijk, collected from Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary, Mueang district, Phang Nga Province in the Peninsular Floristic Region of Thailand. We provide the first technical illustrations and colour photographs of the new species, as well as a description of its conservation status and the collecting locality. The species can be easily distinguished by its unique orbicular acorns, each covered with a dense pattern of irregularly placed scales, which completely conceal the nut, except for a tiny apical pore, and which are arranged in a dense cluster on an erect woody spike. We also provide an amendment to the existing diagnostic key to Lithocarpus, and discuss important differences with morphologically similar species found in Thailand and the surrounding region.

Keywords: Lithocarpus orbicarpus, new species, Stone Oaks, Fagaceae, Thailand, Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary

Figure 2. Lithocarpus orbicarpus Strijk, sp. nov.
Chamchumroon et al. 5823 (BKF). Pictures from field collection. A Branch with leaves B Young infructescences C Bark and sapwood D Fresh fruit – top view E Fresh fruit – side view F Fresh fruit – bottom view G Dried fruit – top view H Dried fruit – side view J Dried fruit – bottom view (G–J: blue lines demarcate vestigial exocarp; red lines demarcate scar area (receptacle tissue)) K Dried infructescence L Young acorn, opened up to show dotted pattern of small depressions and surface structure of the umbo M Cross-section of fried nut, showing seed coat and black cotyledons N Terminal leaf, twig and very small terminal bud, showing grey indumentum O Young emerging leaf with soft grey indumentum.

All pictures by S. Sirimongkol and J. S. Strijk.

Distribution: This species is only known from Thailand, and has not been recorded outside Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary, Mueang district, Phang Nga Province. During our field survey, we found only one individual tree, located on a gentle sloping section of closed dense forest. Additional survey work will have to be undertaken to determine the actual population size of this species within the wildlife sanctuary.

Ecology: This species grows in dense hillside forest at an elevation of around 450 m.

Etymology: Lithocarpus orbicarpus is named after its unique orbicular acorns, arranged densely clustered on an erect spike, of which the cup almost completely encloses the nut (except for a tiny apical pore). The exterior of the cup is covered with a dense pattern of ridges, transforming with age into horizontal and vertical lines with irregularly placed scales. Apart for a tiny portion of the umbo which is covered with vestigial exocarp, the exterior surface of the nut is completely covered by scar. Although the cupule nearly completely covers the nut, the latter is free and not fused to the wall of the cupule – a condition which occurs throughout the genus (Cannon 2001; Cannon and Manos 2001). Upon drying, the shrinking of the cotyledons inside the nut causes the whole infructescence to make a rattling sound when shaken.

Joeri Strijk, Sukontip Sirimongkol, Sukid Rueangruea, Nikom Ritphet, Voradol Chamchumroon. 2014. Lithocarpus orbicarpus (Fagaceae), a new species of Stone Oak from Phang Nga province, Thailand. PhytoKeys. 34 (2014) : 33-46. doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.34.6429

Ansonia lumut | female paratype, live coloration

Chan, Wood, Anuar, Muin, Quah, Sumarli & Grismer 2014
photo: Mohd Abdul Muin

Abstract

A new species of Ansonia is described based on genetic and morphological differentiation. Ansonia lumut sp. nov. is most closely related to three other Peninsular Malaysian species, A. penangensis, A. malayana, and A. jeetsukumarani but differs from these and other congeners by at least 6.9% sequence divergence at the 12S, 16S rRNA and t-RNA-val genes and the following combination of morphological characters: (1) SVL 21.0–23.6 mm in males, 27.7–31.6 mm in females; (2) first finger shorter than second; (3) interorbital and tarsal ridges absent; (4) light interscapular spot absent; (5) presence of large, yellow rictal tubercle; (6) dorsum black with greenish-yellow reticulations; (7) flanks with small yellow spots; (8) fore and hind limbs with yellow cross-bars; and (9) venter light gray with fine, white spotting.

Key words: conservation, morphology, phylogeny, Southeast Asia, systematics

Distribution and natural history:Ansonia lumut sp. nov. occurs in hill dipterocarp forest on Gunung Tebu and Gunung Lawit in the northeastern state of Terengganu.
Etymology: The specific epithet “lumut” is derived from the Malay word for moss, in reference to the new species’ color pattern, which gives it a mossy appearance.
Suggested English name: Mossy Stream Toad; Malay name: Kodok lumut.

Chan, Kin O., Perry L. W. Jr, Shahrul Anuar, MohD. A. Muin, Evan S. H. Quah, Alexandra X. Y. Sumarli & L. L. Grismer. 2014. A New Species of Upland Stream Toad of the genus Ansonia Stoliczka, 1870 (Anura: Bufonidae) from northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. Zootaxa. 3764(4): 427–440.

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3764.4.3

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03764p440f.pdf

(upper) Holotype of Diasporus citrinobapheus (adult male) in life
C–D Different call positions of male Diasporus citrinobapheus:
C Male paratype (MHCH 2371) from Paredón on green leaf about 3 m above ground level, D Male specimen (SMF 89817) from Willie Mazú referred to as Diasporus citrinobapheus calling from an elevated position on the underside of a leaf.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.196.2774

Abstract

We describe the frog species Diasporus citrinobapheus sp. n. from the Cordillera Central of western Panama. The new species differs from all other species in its genus in coloration, disk cover and disk pad shape, skin texture, advertisement call, and size. It is most similar to D. tigrillo, from which it differs in dorsal skin texture, relative tibia length, number of vomerine teeth, ventral coloration, dorsal markings, and relative tympanum size, and to D. gularis, from which it can be distinguished by the lack of membranes between the toes, adult size, posterior thigh coloration, and position of the choanae. We provide data on morphology, vocalization, and distribution of the new species, as well as brief information on its natural history.

Keywords: Central America, Anura, diversity of species, taxonomy, vocalization

Hertz, A; Hauenschild, F; Lotzkat, S; Köhler, G. 2012. A New Golden Frog Species of the genus Diasporus (Amphibia, Eleutherodactylidae) from the Cordillera Central, western Panama. ZooKeys. 196: 23-46. doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.196.2774

New frog species from Panama dyes fingers yellow

http://phys.org/news/2012-05-frog-species-panama-dyes-fingers.html via @physorg_com

The "rules" allowing color reconstruction from the shape of melanin-containing organelles originate with feathered dinosaurs, and are associated with an increase in melanosome diversity. However, fuzzy dinosaurs like T. rex and Sinosauropteryx show a pattern found in other amniotes like lizards and crocodilians in which a limited diversity of shapes doesn't allow color reconstruction. An explosion in the distribution of the shapes of melanin-containing organelles preserved in living taxa and the fossil record may point to a key physiological shift within feathered dinosaurs.
DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature12973

Inference of colour patterning in extinct dinosaurs has been based on the relationship between the morphology of melanin-containing organelles (melanosomes) and colour in extant bird feathers. When this relationship evolved relative to the origin of feathers and other novel integumentary structures, such as hair and filamentous body covering in extinct archosaurs, has not been evaluated. Here we sample melanosomes from the integument of 181 extant amniote taxa and 13 lizard, turtle, dinosaur and pterosaur fossils from the Upper-Jurassic and Lower-Cretaceous of China. We find that in the lineage leading to birds, the observed increase in the diversity of melanosome morphologies appears abruptly, near the origin of pinnate feathers in maniraptoran dinosaurs. Similarly, mammals show an increased diversity of melanosome form compared to all ectothermic amniotes. In these two clades, mammals and maniraptoran dinosaurs including birds, melanosome form and colour are linked and colour reconstruction may be possible. By contrast, melanosomes in lizard, turtle and crocodilian skin, as well as the archosaurian filamentous body coverings (dinosaur ‘protofeathers’ and pterosaur ‘pycnofibres’), show a limited diversity of form that is uncorrelated with colour in extant taxa. These patterns may be explained by convergent changes in the key melanocortin system of mammals and birds, which is known to affect pleiotropically both melanin-based colouration and energetic processes such as metabolic rate in vertebrates, and may therefore support a significant physiological shift in maniraptoran dinosaurs.

These are two of the fossil specimens sampled from the Cretaceous and Jurassic of China. Fuzz-covered dinosaur Beipiaosaurus shows the rounder melanosomes seen in living lizards and crocodilians while the bird shows the unique skinny melanosomes seen in living mammals, birds and many of the studied feathered dinosaurs to date. Changes in the diversity of these melanin-containing organelles may show a physiological shift occurred in feathered dinosaurs closer to the origin of flight.

DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature12973

some of the 13 Jurassic and Cretacous pterosaur, dinosaur, turtle , bird and llizard fossils sampled for evidence of preserved melanosomes.

Quanguo Li, Julia A. Clarke, Ke-Qin Gao, Chang-Fu Zhou, Qingjin Meng, Daliang Li, Liliana D’Alba, Matthew D. Shawkey. 2014. Melanosome Evolution indicates a Key physiological shift within Feathered Dinosaurs. Nature. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature12973

Revision to rules for color in dinosaurs suggests connection between color and physiology

New research revising rules on deciphering color in dinosaurs may provide a tool for understanding the evolutionary emergence of flight and changes in dinosaur physiology. While surveying melanosome shape in fossil and extant specimens, a research team unexpectedly discovered that ancient maniraptoran dinosaurs, paravians, and living mammals and birds uniquely shared the evolutionary development of diverse melanosome shapes related to color. The similarity could relate to a key shift in dinosaurian physiology.

http://sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140212132753.htm

http://phys.org/news/2014-02-dinosaurs-physiology.html

Mesoplodon hotaula on Desroches Island in the Seychelles

photo: Lisa Thompson | science.unsw.edu.au

Abstract

We present genetic and morphological evidence supporting the recognition of a previously synonymized species of Mesoplodon beaked whale in the tropical Indo-Pacific, Mesoplodon hotaula. Although the new species is closely-related to the rare ginkgo-toothed beaked whale M. ginkgodens, we show that these two lineages can be differentiated by maternally (mitochondrial DNA), biparentally (autosomal), and paternally (Y chromosome) inherited DNA sequences, as well as by morphological features. The reciprocal monophyly of the mtDNA genealogies and the largely parapatric distribution of these lineages is consistent with reproductive isolation. The new lineage is currently known from at least seven specimens: Sri Lanka (1), Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati (1+), Palmyra Atoll, Northern Line Islands, U.S.A. (3), Maldives (1), and Seychelles (1). The type specimen (Sri Lanka) was described as a new species, M. hotaula, in 1963, but later synonymized with M. ginkgodens. This discovery brings the total number of Mesoplodon species to 15, making it, by far, the most speciose yet least known genus of cetaceans.

Keywords: speciation; taxonomy; species delimitation; mtDNA; nuclear introns; Y-chromosome; morphology; Mesoplodon; beaked whale

A male specimen of Mesoplodon hotaula on Desroches Island in the Seychelles

photo: Lisa Thompson

Merel L. Dalebout, C. Scott Baker, Debbie Steel, Kirsten Thompson, Kelly M. Robertson, Susan J. Chivers, William F. Perrin, Manori Goonatilake, R. Charles Anderson, James G. Mead, Charles W. Potter, Lisa Thompson, Danielle Jupiter, Tadasu K. Yamada. 2014. Resurrection of Mesoplodon hotaula Deraniyagala 1963: A New Species of Beaked Whale in the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Marine Mammal Science. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12113

https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/discovery-new-whale-species

2012. A Newly Recognised Beaked Whale (Ziphiidae) in the Tropical Indo-Pacific:
Mesoplodon hotaula or M. ginkgodens hotaula

http://iwc.int/cache/downloads/23xzzp4bbo1wcw0sw448os8w8/SC-64-SM3.pdf

2013. Deraniyagala’s beaked whale, Mesoplodon hotaula:
A review of current status, biology, threats and future research needs

http://swfsc.noaa.gov/uploadedFiles/Divisions/PRD/Programs/EEZ_Mammals_and_Acoustic/Scientific_Review_Group/PSRG-2013-B06-M_hotaula-sbp.pdf

Fig. 1 Photograph of the holotype of Zhongornis haoae DNHM D2456

Scale bar equals 2 cm

Abstract

The recently described maniraptoran theropod Zhongornis haoae, known from a single juvenile specimen, was originally identified as a bird. However, morphological re-evaluation reveals striking resemblances to both Oviraptorosauria and Scansoriopterygidae. The reduced, but still long, boney tail is reinterpreted as having approximately twenty vertebrae and is reminiscent of the tails of Caudipteryx and Epidexipteryx in its proportions and morphology. Other morphological similarities with basal oviraptorosaurs include a short and deep skull, and a reduced minor digit. Zhongornis also differs strikingly from other Mesozoic birds, and resembles scansoriopterygids, in the size of the alular metacarpal, the proportions of the manual digits, and the lack of processes on the ischium. These similarities, together with resemblances between basal oviraptorosaurs and previously described scansoriopterygids, may point to a close relationship between these two clades. Cladistic analysis confirms a close relationship between Zhongornis and Scansoriopterygidae, which share forelimbs and pedal unguals that are elongate compared to those of oviraptorosaurs, but does not support oviraptorosaur affinities for this clade. Additional specimens will be required in order to determine both the taxonomic placement of this species and the affinities of Scansoriopterygidae, highlighting the drawbacks of basing new species on juvenile material.

Key words: Cretaceous, Theropoda, Scansoriopterygidae, Oviraptorosauria, Aves, Zhongornis, tail

Holotype of Zhongornis haoae (D2455 . 6).
Photographs of the slab (left; D2456) and counterslab (right; D2455) under normal light. Interpretive drawing of slab (some portions added from information contained in counterslab) with close-ups of the manus, foot and caudal vertebrae. Abbreviations: co, coracoid; cv, caudal vertebrae (c1–c13); cve, cervical vertebrae; dc, distal carpal; dpc, deltopectoral crest; dv, dorsal vertebrae; gas, gastralia; f, frontal; fei, feather impressions; fem, femur; fib, fibula; fur, furcula; hum, humerus; isc, ischium; j, jugal; mcI–III, metacarpals I–III; mtI–IV, metatarsals I–IV; pmx, premaxilla; q, quadrate; rad, radius; rib, thoracic ribs; sc, scapula; syn, synsacrum; tib, tibia; uln, ulna; I–IV, digits (manual or pedal) I–IV.

illustration: whenpigsfly-returns.blogspot.com

Zhongornis haoae illustration: Kahless28 on @deviantART

Jingmai K. O’CONNOR and Corwin SULLIVAN. 2014. Reinterpretation of the Early Cretaceous maniraptoran (Dinosauria: Theropoda) Zhongornis haoae as a scansoriopterygid-like non-avian, and morphological resemblances between scansoriopterygids and basal oviraptorosaurs. VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 52; 3-30.

http://www.ivpp.cas.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/xbwzxz/201401/P020140121386966325113.pdf

Gao, Cunling, Chiappe, L.M., Meng, Q., O'connor, J.K., Wang, X., Cheng, X., Liu, J. 2008.A New Basal Lineage Of Early Cretaceous Birds From China And Its Implications On The Evolution Of The Avian Tail. Palaeontology. 51(4); 775-791. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4983.2008.00793.x

http://dinosauria.ucoz.com/news/2008-07-17-30

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/04/paleo-birding/

Chaohusaurus specimen with three embryos.
Color coding indicates: black, maternal vertebral column, including neural and haemal spines; blue, maternal pelvis and hind flipper; green, maternal ribs and gastralia. Embryos 1 and 2 are in orange and yellow, respectively, whereas neonate 1 is in red.

Abbreviations: i-v, metatarsals; 4, fourth distal tarsal; a, astragalus; c, calcaneum; cr, caudal rib; cv, caudal vertebra; d, dentary; fe, femur; fi, fibula; h, haemal spine; il, ilium; is, ischium; pb, pubis; pm, premaxilla; sr, sacral rib; sv, sacral vertebra; and ti, tibia. Scale bar is 1 cm. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088640

Abstract

Viviparity in Mesozoic marine reptiles has traditionally been considered an aquatic adaptation. We report a new fossil specimen that strongly contradicts this traditional interpretation. The new specimen contains the oldest fossil embryos of Mesozoic marine reptile that are about 10 million years older than previous such records. The fossil belongs to Chaohusaurus (Reptilia, Ichthyopterygia), which is the oldest of Mesozoic marine reptiles (ca. 248 million years ago, Early Triassic). This exceptional specimen captures an articulated embryo in birth position, with its skull just emerged from the maternal pelvis. Its headfirst birth posture, which is unlikely to be a breech condition, strongly indicates a terrestrial origin of viviparity, in contrast to the traditional view. The tail-first birth posture in derived ichthyopterygians, convergent with the conditions in whales and sea cows, therefore is a secondary feature. The unequivocally marine origin of viviparity is so far not known among amniotes, a subset of vertebrate animals comprising mammals and reptiles, including birds. Therefore, obligate marine amniotes appear to have evolved almost exclusively from viviparous land ancestors. Viviparous land reptiles most likely appeared much earlier than currently thought, at least as early as the recovery phase from the end-Permian mass extinction.

Motani R, Jiang D-y, Tintori A, Rieppel O, Chen G-b. 2014. Terrestrial Origin of Viviparity in Mesozoic Marine Reptiles Indicated by Early Triassic Embryonic Fossils. PLoS ONE. 9(2): e88640. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088640

Ichthyosaur Birth Preserved in Fossil

The birth of an ichthyosaur is preserved in a 248-million-year old fossil. The ichthyosaur was an ancient marine reptile that lived during the Mesozoic era. The fossil was recovered in China and appears to show a live birth. There are three embryos in the fossil. One of the embryos (colored in yellow) is exiting the pelvis, with half its body still inside its mother.

Dr. Motani says in a statement, "The study reports the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the 'moment' of live-birth, with a baby emerging from the pelvis of its mother. The 248-million-year old fossil of an ichthyosaur suggests that live-bearing evolved on land and not in the sea."

http://www.sciencespacerobots.com/ichthyosaur-birth-preserved-in-fossil-21320143

http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/science-chaohusaurus-fossil-live-reptile-birth-01763.html

Atopodentatus unicus

illustration: Julius Csotonyi | csotonyi.com

Abstract

The Luoping fauna (Anisian, Middle Triassic) is probably the oldest of Triassic faunas in Guizhou–Yunnan area, China. The reptilian assemblage is comprised of ichthyosaurs, a number of sauropterygians (pachypleurosaur-like forms), saurosphargids, protorosaurs, and archosauriforms. Here, we report on a peculiar reptile, newly found in this fauna. Its dentition is fence or comb-like and bears more than 175 pleurodont teeth in each ramus of the upper and lower jaws, tooth crown is needle-like distally and blade-shaped proximally; its rostrum strongly bends downward and the anterior end of its mandible expands both dorsally and ventrally to form a shovel-headed structure; and its ungual phalanges are hoof-shaped. The specializations of the jaws and dentition indicate that the reptile may have been adapted to a way of bottom-filter feeding in water. It is obvious that such delicate teeth are not strong enough to catch prey, but were probably used as a barrier to filter microorganisms or benthic invertebrates such as sea worms. These were collected by the specialized jaws, which may have functioned as a shovel or pushdozer (the mandible) and a grasper or scratcher (the rostrum). Our preliminary analysis suggests that the new reptile might be more closely related to the Sauropterygia than to other marine reptiles.

Keywords: Diapsida, Bottom-filter feeding, Middle Triassic, Yunnan, China

Cheng, L.; Chen, X. H.; Shang, Q. H.; Wu, X. C. 2014. A New Marine Reptile from the Triassic of China, with a highly specialized Feeding Adaptation. Naturwissenschaften. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00114-014-1148-4

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2014/02/05/atopodentatus-will-blow-your-mind/

http://qilong.wordpress.com/2014/02/01/im-not-sure-that-name-is-appropriate/

Figure 1. Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis calling.
Dorsolateral (a) and frontal (b) views of a calling male that was removed from under the soil at the entrance of the tunnel from which it had been calling. The male was induced to call above ground after brief exposure to a female. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084809.g001

Abstract

Quantitative descriptions of animal vocalizations can inform an understanding of their evolutionary functions, the mechanisms for their production and perception, and their potential utility in taxonomy, population monitoring, and conservation. The goal of this study was to provide the first acoustical and statistical analysis of the advertisement calls of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis. Commonly known as the Indian purple frog, N. sahyadrensis is an endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. As the only known species in its family (Nasikabatrachidae), it has ancient evolutionary ties to frogs restricted to the Seychelles archipelago (Sooglossidae). The role of vocalizations in the behavior of this unique species poses interesting questions, as the animal is fossorial and potentially earless and it breeds explosively above the soil for only about two weeks a year. In this study, we quantified 19 acoustic properties of 208 calls recorded from 10 males. Vocalizations were organized into distinct call groups typically composed of two to six short (59 ms), pulsatile calls, each consisting of about five to seven pulses produced at a rate of about 106 pulses/s. The frequency content of the call consisted of a single dominant peak between 1200–1300 Hz and there was no frequency modulation. The patterns of variation within and among individuals were typical of those seen in other frogs. Few of the properties we measured were related to temperature, body size, or condition, though there was little variation in temperature. Field observations and recordings of captive individuals indicated that males engaged in both antiphonal calling and call overlap with nearby calling neighbors. We discuss our findings in relation to previous work on vocal behavior in other fossorial frogs and in sooglossid frogs.

Thomas A, Suyesh R, Biju SD, Bee MA. 2014. Vocal Behavior of the Elusive Purple Frog of India (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), a Fossorial Species Endemic to the Western Ghats. PLoS ONE. 9(2): e84809. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0084809

http://www.sciencespacerobots.com/listen-to-the-calls-of-the-elusive-purple-frog-21420145

Dinosaur remains discovered in Pahang

: Scientists have dug up the first known dinosaur remains in Malaysia in the form of a tooth fossil found in the rural interiors of Pahang.

The tooth [Sample UM10575], is only about 23mm long and 10mm wide.

The team of paleontology researchers from University of Malaya (UM) and two other Japanese institutions-- namely Waseda and Kumamoto University-- announced.

http://english.astroawani.com/news/show/dinosaur-remains-discovered-in-pahang-30335

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/02/18/Fisheating-dinosaur-fossil-discovered-in-Pahang/

http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/first-time-fossil-of-dinosaur-found-in-malaysia/

https://sites.google.com/site/masatoshisone/publications

facebook.com/sabahforestrydepartment/photos/a.131750893525723.15907.130808856953260/727327343968072

Buxus sirindhorniana W. K. Soh, M. von Sternburg, Hodk. & J. Parn.

DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/njb.00314

Abstract

A new bicarpellate Buxus species, Buxus sirindhorniana W. K. Soh, M. von Sternburg, Hodk. & J. Parn., is described from northern Thailand. This is the first reported bicarpellate species of Buxus. The pollen morphology and the degree of pollen viability of the species are reported. DNA was extracted from herbarium samples and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequenced. The palynological evidence and the phylogenetic reconstruction support the contention that this new species belongs to the genus Buxus. The morphological diversity of reproductive organs in the Buxaceae, in relation to this new species, is briefly discussed.

Soh, W. K., von Sternburg, M., Hodkinson, T. R. and Parnell, J. A. N. 2014. Buxus sirindhorniana sp. nov. (Buxaceae), a bicarpellate species from Thailand. Nord. J. Bot. 31: xxx–xxx. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/njb.00314

Holotype of Buxus sirindhorniana sp. nov., Hennipman 3194 (BKF).

http://oikos.ekol.lu.se/appendixdown/NJB-00314.pdf

Ontogenetic transformation of color and pattern in Tandayapa Andean toad Andinophryne olallai from Río Manduriacu, Imbabura Province, Ecuador

doi: 10.1514/journal.arc.0000075

Abstract

We report the rediscovery of Andinophryne olallai, an endangered species only known from a single specimen, collected in 1970. At the type locality, Tandayapa, Pichincha Province, numerous follow-up surveys after 1970 failed to record the species suggesting that the population is extinct. The rediscovery of A. olallai took place in 2012 at Río Manduriacu, Imbabura Province, Ecuador. Two surveys suggest that a healthy population of A. olallai survives at the site, with observations of froglets, juveniles, and adults across numerous stream systems. However, the extent of known occupancy of the population is small (<1 sq.km.). . Further data are presented to update knowledge of the distribution, ontogeny, morphology, and conservation status of the species. The population at Río Manduriacu is surrounded by logging, mining, and hydroelectric developments that could compromise its future survival. There is an urgent need to establish a monitoring program and to protect its remaining population and habitat in the region.

Key words.Andinophryne olallai, rediscovery, Tandayapa Andean toad, Andinosapo de Olalla, Bufonidae, Endangered species, Ecuador

A baby Tandayapa Andean toad Andinophryne olallai , otherwise known as a toadlet.
Biologists thought the species extinct until its recent rediscovery in a rain forest in Ecuador.

Photograph by Santiago Ron, FAUNAWEBECUADOR
| newswatch.nationalgeographic.com

Ryan L. Lynch, Sebastian Kohn, Fernando Ayala-Varela, Paul S. Hamilton, and Santiago R. Ron. 2014. Rediscovery of Andinophryne olallai Hoogmoed, 1985 (Anura, Bufonidae), an enigmatic and endangered Andean toad. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 8(1) [Special Section]: 1–7 (e75).
doi: dx.doi.org/10.1514/journal.arc.0000075

http://zoologia.puce.edu.ec/Vertebrados/Recursos/publicaciones/Cientifica/Lynch_et_al._2014_Andinophryne.pdf

Biologists Find “Extinct” Andean Toad Alive and Well

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/02/10/biologists-find-extinct-andean-toad-alive-and-well/

http://www.biodiversityphotography.org/Press/Gallery/n-hZptH/i-rNzj9Pm

Vanilla atropogon, in situ inflorescence.

Photo: Romana Rybková

Abstract

Vanilla atropogon a new species from Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam is described.

Keywords: Vanilla atropogon, Orchidacea, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Etymology. From atro-, dark, and pogon, beard, referring to the dark, hairy lip.

Distribution. Vietnam (Khanh Hoa Province). Endemic.

Notes. Vanilla atropogon is perhaps most closely related to V. borneensis Rolfe (syn. V. pilifera Holttum), which has flowers that are similar in size, shape and ornamentation. In V. borneensis the patch of hairs on the mid-lobe is much denser, with hairs of almost uniform thickness (versus hairs strongly narrowing towards the apex in V. atropogon) and this patch is almost or entirely contiguous with the central patch of scales; in V. atropogon the patch of hairs and the callus-like patch of scales are well-separated; in V. borneensis the basal part of the lip is much broader and is provided with two knob-like calli, which are lacking in V. atropogon. The colour of the lip is quite different in V. borneensis: white with pink or purple veins and pink hairs. Finally, the inflorescence of V. borneensis carries 5–12 (V. atropogon: 10–23) flowers.

The unusual colour of the lip of V. atropogon in combination with the bad smell of the flowers suggests that it may be pollinated by flies. Unfortunately, nothing is known about the pollinators of other Asian species, but most are likely to be bee pollinated, as has been observed in similar-looking tropical American species (Cameron, 2011).

André Schuiteman. Leonid Averyanov & Romana Rybková. 2013. Vanilla atropogon, a new species from Vietnam. Orchideen. 1-1; 10-16.

http://orchideen-journal.de/permalink/2013_1_COOTES_SCHUITEMAN_new.pdf

Figure 3. Lophura imperialis (B)

between its parental species, L. nycthemera (A) and L. edwardsi (C).

Painting by John Schmitt.

The imperial pheasant Lophura imperialis was described in 1924 from a captive pair that was obtained in Vietnam, and that became the sole founders of a captive line in France. Always considered a highly endangered and mysterious species, and despite concerted searches, L. imperialis was not found again in the wild until one was trapped in 1990, and the captive population gradually died out. Its status as a distinct species was unquestioned until the late 1990s when the possibility of a hybrid origin was raised. To elucidate the taxonomic status of L. imperialis, we studied all the existing museum specimens, carried out captive hybridization experiments, and analysed mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites. All these lines of evidence demonstrate congruently and conclusively that L. imperialis is an occasional hybrid between silver pheasant L.nycthemera and Edwards's pheasant L. edwardsi, with the 1990 bird probably being a hybrid between L. nycthemera and Vietnamese pheasant L.hatinhensis. Thus L. imperialis has no taxonomic standing and should be removed from lists of species of conservation concern. However, hybridization with L. nycthemera may pose a further threat to the survival in the wild of the endangered L. edwardsi and L. hatinhensis.

Keywords: conservation; Edwards's pheasant; fragmented habitat; hybridization; microsatellites; morphological analyses; mtDNA sequencing; silver pheasant

Imperial Pheasant Lophura imperialis

1997 Vietnam Stamp: Pheasants

Figure 3. Lophura imperialis (B)

between its parental species, L.nycthemera (A) and L. edwardsi (C).

Painting by John Schmitt.

A. Hennache, P. Rasmussen, V. Lucchini, S. Rimondi, E. Randi. 2003. Hybrid Origin of the Imperial Pheasant Lophura imperialis (Delacour and Jabouille, 1924) demonstrated by Morphology, Hybrid Experiments, and DNA Analyses. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 80(4); 573-600.
doi: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8312.2003.00251.x

http://gbwf.org/pheasants/imperial.pdf

Fig. 1. Examples of new species of mammals discovered since 1993.
From top left to bottom right, Rungwecebus kipunji. Cuscomys ashanika. Bradypus pygmaeus. Mirza zaza. Cebus queirozi. Rhyncocyon udzunwensis.
Macrotarsomys petteri. Laonastes aenigmamus. Scotophilus marovaza. Microgale jenkinsae

doi: dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0812419106

Abstract

In light of recent discoveries of many new species of poorly-studied organisms, we examine the biodiversity of mammals, a well known “charismatic” group. Many assume that nearly all mammal species are known to scientists. We demonstrate that this assumption is incorrect. Since 1993, 408 new mammalian species have been described, ≈10% of the previously known fauna. Some 60% of these are “cryptic” species, but 40% are large and distinctive. A substantial number persist only in areas undergoing rapid habitat destruction. Our findings suggest global animal and plant species diversity is badly underestimated even in well studied taxa. This implies even greater threats to ecosystem services and human well-being than previously assumed, and an increased need to explore, understand, and conserve Earth's living resources.

keywords: biodiversity, extinction, new mammals

Gerardo Ceballos and Paul R. Ehrlich. 2009. Discoveries of New Mammal Species and their implications for Conservation and Ecosystem Services. PNAS. 106(10); 3841–3846. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0812419106

Abstract

Endemic to China, the Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis) is considered globally vulnerable by the IUCN because of its small, declining population and fragmented range. The species has been recorded in only a few mountainous forests in south-central Sichuan and in the extreme northeast of Yunnan Province. We summarized the basic eco-biology information on its habitat, breeding, winter habits and behavior, voice, population status, research and conservation.

Keywords: Emei Shan Liocichla, habitat, breeding, population, conservation

Yiqiang FU, Simon D. DOWELL and Zhengwang ZHANG. 2013. Emei Shan Liocichla: Population, Behavior and Conservation. Chinese Birds. 4(3): 260–264. DOI dx.doi.org/10.5122/cbirds.2013.0023

Pic. 1. The holotype of Bugun Liocichla Liocichla bugunorum sp nov.
It was photographed on 25.v.2006 at Lama Camp just outside the boundaries of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The overall colour of the bird is olive which tends to look greener in the shade (see Pic. 6) and neutral grey in bright light (a camera flash for instance). This is probably a male bird.

Abstract

This paper describes a new bird species of the genus Liocichla discovered near Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in western Arunachal Pradesh, India. While the taxon most closely resembles L. omeiensis, an endemic of China, the many points of difference in plumage, size and vocalisations indicate a new species. The known population is very small and only three (breeding?) pairs responded to song play back in May 2006. The plumage and the vocalisations are distinctive and therefore the paucity of records suggests a small and highly localized population.

Bugun Liocichla Liocichla bugunorum sp. nov.

Taxonomic status

Evaluating the relative status of taxa is not easy (Helbig et al. 2002), especially when all other congeners are allopatric. Visually and aurally, L. bugunorum is most similar to L. omeiensis but there are many points of difference between them: in vocalisations, ten features of plumage, and size (Table 1). While future surveys may extend their ranges towards each other the balance of probability of finding intermediate populations, showing a cline in all the above differences is low. Furthermore, L. bugunorum differs from L. omeiensis and from L. steerii in its plumage as much as the latter differ between themselves. L. omeiensis was elevated from subspecies (of L. steerii) to species (Cheng 1987). These factors make a strong case for assigning specific rank to the Eaglenest taxon.

On the lack of a full specimen

Given the very small known population, I felt it would be inappropriate to collect a specimen, especially as that would have affected one of only three known (breeding?) pairs. So only some feathers which had worked loose (after the photographs were taken) were collected as type material. Should the census planned for next season indicate a larger population, steps will be taken to obtain a full specimen after seeking permission from the appropriate authorities.

Etymology: All observations of this taxon, except the first, were carried out during field work under the Eaglenest Biodiversity Project (Athreya 2005, 2006). Local community participation and development have been the cornerstones of our conservation efforts there and Mr Indi Glow of the Bugun tribe has played a very critical role throughout the project. Furthermore, all sightings of the taxon except one have been in Bugun community forest. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Indi Glow and others by naming the new taxon after their Bugun tribe. The word Bugun (both ‘u’ rhyme with “put”) is a masculine term used by the community to refer to themselves. It is believed to mean “people of the valley = valley dwellers” but the etymology is uncertain and its origins may lie in another language. The specific name

bugunorum [= (Liocichla) of the Buguns] is the invariable genitive plural of the latinised noun Bugunus.

Athreya, Ramana. 2006. A New Species of Liocichla (Aves:Timaliidae) from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Indian Birds. 2(4): 82-94.

http://www.indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB.2.4.Liocichla.pdf

A. Townsend Peterson and Monica Pape. 2006. Potential geographic distribution of the Bugun Liocichla Liocichla bugunorum, a poorly-known species from north-eastern India. Indian Birds. 2 (6): 146–149.

http://www.bio-nica.info/biblioteca/Peterson2006DistributionLiocichla.pdf

Northern Sierra Madre forest monitor Varanus bitatawa

Welton, Siler, Bennett, Diesmos, Duya, Dugay, Rico, Van Weerd & Brown 2010

As humans continue to explore the last uncharted regions of the planet, discoveries of previously unknown species of large vertebrates have become infrequent. Here, we report on the discovery of a spectacular new species of giant, secretive, frugivorous, forest monitor lizard (Genus: Varanus) from the forests of the northern Philippines. Using data from morphology and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences, we demonstrate the taxonomic distinctiveness of this new 2 m long species and provide insight into its historical biogeography and systematic affinities. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new species is closely related to Varanus olivaceus (from southern Luzon and nearby islands), but it differs from this and other varanids with respect to characteristics of scalation, colour pattern, body size, anatomy of the reproductive organs and genetic divergence. The new species appears to be restricted to forests of the central and northern Sierra Madre mountain range; it is separated from the range of V. olivaceus by a more than 150 km stretch that includes at least three low-elevation river valley barriers to dispersal. This discovery identifies a seldom-perceived biogeographic boundary and emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity research in the megadiverse conservation hotspot of the Philippines. It is anticipated that the new species will serve as an important flagship species for conservation efforts aimed at preserving the remaining forests of northern Luzon.

Keywords: biodiversity, conservation hotspots, flagship species, frugivory, Sierra Madre, Varanus

Varanus bitatawa sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from bitatawa, the Agta tribespeoples' common name for the new species.

One of the first photographs in life of the newly discovered (Welton et al. 2010)
Varanus bitatawa (KU 322188) from Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano.

Photo: ACD. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.266.3982

Luke J. Welton, Cameron D. Siler, Daniel Bennett, Arvin Diesmos, M. Roy Duya, Roldan Dugay, Edmund Leo B. Rico, Merlijn Van Weerd and Rafe M. Brown. 2010. A Spectacular New Philippine Monitor Lizard reveals a Hidden Biogeographic Boundary and a Novel Flagship Species for Conservation. Biology Letters. 6 (5): 654–658. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2010.0119.

Brown R, Siler C, Oliveros C, Welton L, Rock A, Swab J, Van Weerd M, van Beijnen J, Rodriguez D, Jose E, Diesmos A 2013. The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: The herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range. ZooKeys. 266: 1. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.266.3982.

Varanus (Odatria) hamersleyensis

Maryan, Oliver, Fitch & O'Connell 2014

Abstract

Varanus pilbarensis Storr, 1980 is a specialised saxicolous varanid endemic to the Pilbara region of Western Australia. We present genetic and morphological evidence confirming the existence of a divergent southern lineage, here described as V. hamersleyensis sp. nov.. The new species differs noticeably in having a darker colouration and a reduced pattern of small whitish ocelli on the dorsal surface of the limbs only with a largely unbanded tail. By contrast, V. pilbarensis which is redescribed and restricted to the northern lineage, is paler and more boldly patterned with large greyish ocelli on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the body and a strongly banded tail. The two species have discrete distributions centred on the Chichester and Hamersley Ranges to the north and south of the Fortescue River Basin. This pattern of intraregional genetic structuring is similar to that found in a number of other saxicolous lizard lineages from the Pilbara.

Key words: goanna, Chichester Range, Hamersley Range, Fortescue River Basin, mtDNA divergence

Maryan B, Oliver PM, Fitch AJ and O'Connell M. 2014. Molecular and Morphological Assessment of Varanus pilbarensis (Squamata: Varanidae), with a description of a new species from the southern Pilbara, Western Australia. Zootaxa. 3768(2): 139-158.

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03768p158f.pdf

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