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Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
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| 1:44a | [Botany • 2022] Capurodendron andrafiamenae, C. sakarivorum, etc. (Sapotaceae) • A 638-gene Phylogeny supports the Recognition of Twice as many Species in the Malagasy Endemic Genus Capurodendron
Abstract The Malagasy genus Capurodendron currently accommodates 26 described species and is the largest genus of the family Sapotaceae in Madagascar. These species are frequently logged because of their valued hardwood, which potentially puts them at risk of extinction. Species-level identifications are often problematic, and this hinders both an accurate assessment of their conservation status and the development of effective protection measures. We sorted all the material (ca. 860 collections) available in the herbaria with significant collections for Madagascar into 47 putative species based on morphology. On 41 of these, for which we were able to retrieve suitable DNA, we conducted a phylogenetic reconstruction based on molecular sequences of 638 loci from 108 Capurodendron specimens, performing a target capture approach combined with next-generation sequencing. Maximum likelihood (RAxML), pseudocoalescence (ASTRAL), and coalescence (STACEY) analyses showed that Capurodendron comprises two deeply divergent lineages. One, which includes a single species, is here newly described as C. subg. Reflexisepala based on its distinctive morphology. The second lineage contains all remaining species, which seem to have resulted from a rapid radiation event. The phylogenetic tree provides good support for most of the species hypothesized based on morphology, with the exception of two species-groups that we have named the Arid Complex and the Eastern Complex. As many as 20 species-level lineages genetically distinct from any of the currently recognized species were identified, 17 of which were morphologically well-characterized, representing strong candidates for new species. This would suggest that Capurodendron is the most species-rich endemic genus of plants in Madagascar. While 14 of these 20 clades are still under study, we here describe six species new to science: Capurodendron andrafiamenae (provisionally assessed as CR), C. aubrevillei (VU), C. birkinshawii (CR), C. naciriae (EN), C. randrianaivoi (CR), and C. sakarivorum (EN). Capurodendron oblongifolium comb. nov. (EN), previously regarded as a variety of C. perrieri, represents a distinct lineage that is here recognized at the species level. The newly described species are illustrated by line drawings and photographs from the field, and a preliminary threat assessment is provided. We discuss the evolutionary history of Capurodendron and also explore the question of node age estimates and their methodological limitations. Keywords: Capurodendron, Madagascar, NGS, new species, node age estimation, phylogenomics, Sapotaceae, target capture
Capurodendron Aubrév. in Adansonia, sér. 2, 2: 92. 1962. Capurodendron subg. Reflexisepala Boluda & L.Gaut., subg. nov. – Type: Capurodendron madagascariense (Lecomte) Aubrév. (≡ Sideroxylon madagascariense Lecomte). Capurodendron Aubrév. subg. Capurodendron Capurodendron andrafiamenae L.Gaut & Boluda, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Capurodendron andrafiamenae differs from the vegetatively most similar species C. greveanum by the young shoots and petioles covered by rusty trichomes (vs. green and glabrous in C. greveanum), the longer pedicels (7–11 vs. 5 mm), the longer sepals (4.5 vs. 3.5 mm), the longer corolla lobes (5.4 vs. 3 mm), and the glabrous (vs. pubescent) ovary. Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the Andrafiamena forest, where the new species was found, now part of the Andrafiamena-Andavakoera protected area, managed by the NGO Fanamby. Distribution, ecology and phenology: Capurodendron andrafiamenae is only known from the type locality in the north of Madagascar, in dense humid semi-deciduous forest on sandstone from 360 to 540 m asl (Fig. 7). The two collections have flowers and were collected in November and December, the earlier one also bearing fruit from the previous season's flowering. Capurodendron aubrevillei L.Gaut & Boluda, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Capurodendron aubrevillei differs from other Capurodendron species with marked Aubréville growth pattern and brachyblasts by its oblanceolate, almost glabrous and flat leaves (vs. pubescent and more or less bullate or with markedly raised secondaries on the lower surface in C. antongiliense, C. birkinshawii, C. schatzii, and C. nodosum). Etymology: This species is dedicated to André Aubréville, professor at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, a famous and sagacious taxonomist of Sapotaceae, and author of the corresponding volume of the Flore de Madagascar et des Comores (Aubréville, 1974). The Aubréville growth pattern, dominant in the Sapotaceae family and particularly evident in this species, was also named in his honor (Hallé & al., 1978). Distribution, ecology and phenology: Capurodendron aubrevillei is found in lowland moist evergreen forests, from the Masoala Peninsula southwards to Foulpointe, from ca. 80 to 400 m elevation (Fig. 7). This very distinctive species has been collected from November to February so far, but never in fertile condition. Capurodendron birkinshawii L.Gaut & Boluda, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Capurodendron birkinshawii resembles C. nodosum by the arrangement of its leaves at the apex of short brachyblasts, but differs by its glabrous ovary, the villous stamen filaments, larger stipules, its broadly rounded to subcordate leaf base (vs. obtuse), its bullate leaf lamina, and the higher number of secondary veins (12–14 vs. 8–12). Etymology: This species honors Chris Birkinshaw, of the Missouri Botanical Garden's Madagascar Program, who collected the type specimen, in recognition of his dedication to the conservation of the Malagasy flora and the training of national botanists.
Capurodendron naciriae L.Gaut & Boluda, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Capurodendron naciriae resembles C. ludiifolium in its vegetative characters, especially the size and venation pattern of its leaves. It differs however by its smaller fruits (15–18 × 9–11 vs. 28–38 × 15–21 mm) that are ovoid (vs. elliptic), its larger calyx lobes, at least at fruiting stage, and its distinctly petiolate leaves (vs. subsessile). Etymology: This species is dedicated to our colleague and friend Yamama Naciri of the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, who was part of the collecting team and is deeply involved in our present efforts to resolve Malagasy Sapotaceae taxonomy and systematics by providing invaluable knowledge in population genetics and molecular phylogeny. Distribution, ecology and phenology: Capurodendron naciriae is only known from northern Madagascar from: the littoral dry forest on sand at Analabe, near Lac Sahaka; the dry deciduous forest of Bobankora and Bekaraoka, 20 km inland; and forest remnants a few kilometers northwest of Vohémar (Fig. 7). Flowers were observed from October to January, and fruit in November. Capurodendron randrianaivoi L.Gaut & Boluda, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Capurodendron randrianaivoi is vegetatively similar to C. sakarivorum, but differs by its leaf blade length/petiole length ratio of 7–14 (vs. 2–5), its secondary and tertiary veins that have the same green color as the lamina in living specimens (vs. pale green), its usually lower number of secondaries (5–11 vs. 9–13), its staminodes that are glabrous in the central part of their outer side (vs. pubescent), and its beaked fruit with ridges (vs. non-beaked and without ridges). Etymology: It is a pleasure to dedicate this species to our colleague and friend Richard Randrianaivo, of the Missouri Botanical Garden's Madagascar Program, who was the first to collect the species in flower, in recognition of his extensive knowledge of Sapotaceae, and in appreciation of the many fine moments we shared while collecting Sapotaceae in the field. Distribution, ecology and phenology: Capurodendron randrianaivoi is only known from the extreme north of Madagascar, in dry deciduous forest, including in littoral sites (Fig. 7). It flowers from December to February, and the only specimen in fruit was collected in December. Capurodendron sakarivorum L.Gaut & Boluda, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Capurodendron sakarivorum is vegetatively similar to C. ankaranense Aubrév., especially in leaf blade shape, dimension and venation, but differs by its stipules, which are lacking or scale-like, inconspicuous and pubescent (vs. linear, 2 mm long, and glabrescent), its shorter petiole (ratio leaf blade length/petiole length of 4.2–8 vs. 2–5), its villous sepals and pedicels (vs. glabrous or with rare scattered trichomes), and its staminodes with the outer side densely villous (vs. glabrous toward the middle). Etymology: This species is named after the Malagasy word “sakarivo”, which means “blood brother” to honor Patrick Ranirison and Louis Nusbaumer, two former Ph.D. students at Antananarivo and Geneva Universities, respectively, who have both collected this new species. They worked hand in hand for three consecutive seasons in the forest fragments around the municipality of Daraina. They contributed greatly to our knowledge of the flora and vegetation of this area, and to the official recognition of the entire region as the Loky Manambato protected area. At the end of their field work together, they decided to sacralize their friendship through the traditional ceremony of becoming blood brothers. Distribution, ecology and phenology: Capurodendron sakarivorum is only known from northern Madagascar, in the deciduous forests of the Loky-Manambato protected area (previously Daraina), on laterite or sands (Fig. 7). Flowering recorded from January to February, fruiting starting in January. Capurodendron oblongifolium (Lecomte) L.Gaut. & Boluda, comb. & stat. nov. Carlos G. Boluda, Camille Christe, Yamama Naciri and Laurent Gautier. 2022. A 638-gene Phylogeny supports the Recognition of Twice as many Species in the Malagasy Endemic Genus Capurodendron (Sapotaceae). TAXON. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12676 | ||||||||
| 1:45a | [Herpetology • 2022] The Biogeography of Bent-toed Geckos, Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
Abstract The gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus is the third largest vertebrate genus on the planet with well over 300 species that range across at least eight biogeographic regions from South Asia to Melanesia. The ecological and morphological plasticity within the genus, has contributed to its ability to disperse across ephemeral seaways, river systems, basins, land bridges, and mountain ranges—followed by in situ diversification within specific geographic areas. Ancestral ranges were reconstructed on a mitochondrial phylogeny with 346 described and undescribed species from which it was inferred that Cyrtodactylus evolved in a proto-Himalaya region during the early Eocene. From there, it dispersed to what is currently Indoburma and Indochina during the mid-Eocene—the latter becoming the first major center of origin for the remainder of the genus that seeded dispersals to the Indian subcontinent, Papua, and Sundaland. Sundaland became a second major center of radiation during the Oligocene and gave rise to a large number of species that radiated further within Sundaland and dispersed to Wallacea, the Philippines, and back to Indochina. One Papuan lineage dispersed west to recolonize and radiate in Sundaland. Currently, Indochina and Sundaland still harbor the vast majority of species of Cyrtodactylus. Conclusions: The dispersal and colonization capabilities of the hyper-diverse gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus are not greatly influenced by well-established biogeographic barriers as evidenced by their ability to cross seaways, major river systems, basins, mountain ranges, and ephemeral land bridges—followed by extensive in situ diversification within specific geographic areas and habitats. Cyrtodactylus originated in a proto-Himalayan landscape during the early Eocene and later dispersed into and radiated in Indoburma and Indochina. The Indoburma radiation remained in situ but the Indochina radiation became a major center of origin that since the Late Eocene, seeded the evolution of the remainder of the genus with three independent dispersal events and subsequent radiations in Sundaland, India-Sri Lanka, and Papua. The Sundaland radiation became a second major center of radiation during the Oligocene with dispersals and subsequent dispersals and radiations in Wallacea, the Philippines, and back to Indochina. A Miocene dispersal from Indochina to Papua and another from Papua to Sundaland are difficult to explain given that the intervening geographic region (Wallacea) existed only as a series of small islands. The discovery of related species in Wallacea would add further support to what at this point can only be hypotheses of over-water dispersal. L. Lee Grismer, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Evan S.H. Quah, Jesse L. Grismer and Perry L. Wood Jr. 2022. The Biogeography of Bent-toed Geckos, Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae). PeerJ. 10:e13153. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13153 | ||||||||
| 1:48a | [Botany • 2022] Iris calcicola (Iridaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Areas of northern Guangxi, China based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence
Abstract Iris calcicola Z.C.Lu, Z.P.Huang & Yan Liu, a new species of Iris sect. Lophiris was found from limestone areas of Guangxi, China. Iris calcicola is similar to Iris japonica Thunb., but differs by its inflorescence simple; flowering stems ascendent, with 2–5 branches; spathes 2, narrowly lanceolate, 2–3.8 cm long, 1–2 (3)-flowered, apex acuminate; flower segments obliquely ascending, not spreading when blooming; pedicel enveloped by spathes or subequal to spathes; outer segments elliptic, with prominent, irregular, yellow crest. Keyword: Iris japonica, Iris formosana, Iris sect. Lophiris, ITS, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, trnL-F 
Iris calcicola Z.C.Lu, Z.P.Huang & Yan Liu, sp. nov. 岩生鳶尾 Diagnosis: Iris calcicola is similar to Iris japonica Thunb., but differs from the latter species in its inflorescence simple; flowering stems ascendent, with 2–5 branches; spathes 2, narrowly lanceolate, 2–3.8 cm long, 1–2 (3)-flowered, apex acuminate; flower segments obliquely ascending, not spreading when blooming; pedicel enveloped by spathes or subequal to spathes; outer segments elliptic, with prominent, irregular, yellow crest. 
Etymology: The specific epithet ‘calcicola’ refers to the limestone habitats of this new species. Distribution and habitat: Iris calcicola has only been collected from limestone areas of northern Guangxi, China (Fig. 5). It grows in the near foot of limestone forests or shrubs, at an elevation of 300–500 m. Zhao-Cen Lu, Zhang-Ping Huang, Ping Yang and Yan Liu. 2022. Iris calcicola (Iridaceae), A New Species from Limestone Areas of northern Guangxi, China based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence. Taiwania. 67(2); 211-216. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2022.67.211  | ||||||||
| 1:57a | [Herpetology • 2022] Taxonomy, Distribution, and Conservation Status of A Rare Arboreal Lizard, Bronchocela hayeki (Müller, 1928) (Reptilia: Agamidae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia
Abstract Bronchocela hayeki (Müller, 1928) is one of the rarest species of the genus, known only from a handful of museum specimens from five locations in North Sumatra, and often confused with its similar congener, B. cristatella, which occurs widely throughout the Indonesian Archipelago and Peninsular Malaysia. Here, we examined the morphology of B. hayeki based on museum specimens, and redescribe the species based on a freshly collected series near the type locality, as the condition of its neotype is not in a good state. We studied the characters of B. hayeki with a morphometric comparison to its sympatric congener B. cristatella and allopatric congener, B. jubata from Sumatra Island, Indonesia. Based on the current distribution pattern and the apparent threats, we update the conservation status of B. hayeki using IUCN Red List Criteria and propose that it be considered as an Endangered (EN) species endemic of northern Sumatra including Aceh. We also provide a key to the recognized Bronchocela species, based on examined material and literature. Keywords: Reptilia, Conservation, Endemic, Indonesia, morphometric characters, Sumatra --2022_Amarasinghe_Kamsi_Riyanto_et-al__@Thasun.jpg) --2022_Amarasinghe_Kamsi_Riyanto_et-al__@Thasun.jpg) --2022_Amarasinghe_Kamsi_Riyanto_et-al__@Thasun.jpg) Bronchocela hayeki (Müller, 1928) A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Mistar Kamsi, Awal Riyanto, Chairunas A. Putra, Jakob Hallermann, Noviar Andayani, A. Abinawanto and Jatna Supriatna. 2022. Taxonomy, Distribution, and Conservation Status of A Rare Arboreal Lizard, Bronchocela hayeki (Müller, 1928) (Reptilia: Agamidae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5120(3); 409-422. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5120.3.7 | ||||||||
| 8:40a | [Botany • 2022] Geum rubrum comb. nov. (Rosaceae), elevation of Geum elatum forma rubrum to Species Rank
Abstract Geum elatum forma rubrum (Rosaceae) is elevated here to the rank of species, Geum rubrum comb. nov. from the Himalaya. The species differs from the commonly occurring G. elatum in several distinctive characters which include: smaller flower size (2.2–2.8 cm diameter), elliptic or lanceolate pseudo-sepal, glandular hairs on calyx, red petals, dorsifixed stamens, lesser number of carpels (6–8) and achene size (7.8–8.0 × 1.6–1.8 mm). Based on the morphological study of the fresh plant specimens collected from Kashmir Himalaya, here we provide a detailed description of G. rubrum and photographic illustrations of its diagnostic characters. We also provide comparison of distinguishing features of G. rubrum with its closely related G. elatum to facilitate easier field identification. Keywords: Biodiversity, Flora, Geum, Himalaya, Kashmir, new combination, Taxonomy, Eudicots
Geum rubrum (Ludlow) A. A. Khuroo, K. Hussain & R. Gulzar Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Khalid Hussain, Ruquia Gulzar and Mansoor R. Ganai. 2022. Geum rubrum comb. nov. (Rosaceae), elevation of Geum elatum forma rubrum to Species Rank. Phytotaxa. 541(1); 66-72. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.1.6 | ||||||||
| 8:45a | [Ichthyology • 2022] Mystus irulu • A New Species of Bagrid Catfish (Siluriformes: Bagridae) from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India
Abstract Mystus irulu, new species, is described from the Netravathi River system from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It differs all South Asian congeners in having a uniformly black colour pattern, a long-based adipose fin reaching the base of the last dorsal-fin ray anteriorly, dorsal fin with convex dorsoposterior margin, and the following combination of characters: body depth at anus 19.9–22.3 % SL, dorsal-fin spine length 17.5–18.7 % SL, adipose-fin base 34.2–38.4 % SL, caudal peduncle depth 10.6–11.9 % SL and eye diameter 27.2–37.1 % HL. Keywords: Pisces, Siluriformes, Bagridae, Western Ghats, Netravathi River, Karnataka  Mystus irulu, new species Balaji Vijayakrishnan and Jayasimhan Praveenraj. 2022. Mystus irulu, A New Species of Bagrid Catfish from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India (Teleostei: Bagridae). Zootaxa. 5120(3); 443-448. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5120.3.10 It is named as Mystus irulu in reference to the uniform black colored body of this species. The specific name irulu is derived from Kannada (the official language of the state of Karnataka), meaning dark. | ||||||||
| 9:01a | [Ichthyology • 2022] Hyphessobrycon comodoro • The Emerald Green Tetra: A New restricted-range Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Juruena, Chapada dos Parecis, Brazil
Abstract A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from the rio Mutum, a tributary of the rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil. The new taxon can be distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a well-defined and relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe on body, extending from head to the middle caudal-fin rays, presence of a humeral blotch, distal profile of the anal fin falcate in males, 13–16 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 17–26), and 11 or 12 horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle. The new species shows polymorphism regarding the presence of the adipose fin, and a discussion on this type of polymorphism across the family and its systematic implications is presented. Keywords: Adipose fin, Amazon, Hyphessobrycon melanostichos, Tapajós, Taxonomy.
Hyphessobrycon comodoro, new species Diagnose. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners, except Hyphessobrycon. cachimbensis Travassos, 1964, H. cyanotaenia Zarske & Géry, 2006, H. fernandezi Fernández-Yépez, 1972, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus Zarske & Géry, 2004, H. paucilepis García-Alzate, Román-Valencia & Taphorn, 2008, H. petricolus Ohara, Lima & Barros, 2017, H. piranga Camelier, Dagosta & Marinho, 2018, H. psittacus Dagosta, Marinho, Camelier & Lima, 2016, H. scholzei Ahl, 1937, H. sovichthys Schultz, 1944, H. stegemanni Géry, 1961, H. taphorni García-Alzate, Román-Valencia & Ortega, 2013, H. tuyensis García-Alzate, Román-Valencia & Taphorn, 2008, and H. vilmae Géry, 1966 by the presence of a well-defined and relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe on body, extending from head to the middle caudal-fin rays (vs. well-defined longitudinal stripe absent, or stripe wider than the orbit, or stripe starting approximately vertically through the origin of the dorsal fin or stripe blurred posteriorly). The new species is distinguished from the aforementioned species, except H. cachimbensis, H. cyanotaenia, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, and H. petricolus, by the possession of a humeral blotch (vs. humeral blotch absent). It is distinguished from H. cachimbensis and H. cyanotaenia by having the distal profile of the anal fin falcate in males (vs. approximately straight or convex) and from H. cachimbensis, H. petricolus, and H. nigricinctus by having 13–16 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 17–26).It can be further distinguished from H. cyanotaenia by lacking concentration of black pigmentation on longest rays of dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins (vs. pigmentation present).It is readily distinguished from H. melanostichos, the most similar congener, by having 11 or 12 horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle (vs. 14), fewer branched pelvic-fin rays (6 vs. 7), humeral blotch wider than deep, with pigmentation much more intense than the dark midlateral band, with well-defined edges (vs. humeral blotch deeper than wide, with pigmentation similar to the dark midlateral band, without well-defined edges). Another useful character in distinguishing H. comodoro from H. melanostichos is the presence of 13–15, mode 14, rarely 16 (only 3 of 30 specimens), branched anal-fin rays (vs. 16–18, mode 16). Etymology. The name comodoro is in reference to the Municipality of Comodoro, Mato Grosso State, where all the specimens were collected. It is also the name of a senior naval rank used in many navies, which inspired the municipality’s name. A noun in apposition. Fernando Cesar Paiva Dagosta, Thomaz Jefrey Seren, Anderson Ferreira and Manoela Maria Ferreira Marinho. 2022. The Emerald Green Tetra: A New restricted-range Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Juruena, Chapada dos Parecis, Brazil. Neotrop Ichthyol. 20(1); e210119. DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0119 | ||||||||
| 9:24a | [Botany • 2019] Tashiroea dayaoshanensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species of Tashiroea from Guangxi, China
Abstract Tashiroea dayaoshanensis (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), a species from northeastern Guangxi, China and previously often identified as Phyllagathis nudipes or P. oligotricha in Chinese herbaria, is described as new based on morphological and molecular data. Indumentum, leaf texture and surface sculpture, capsule morphology and molecular phylogenetic data strongly support the placement of T. dayaoshanensis within the Tashiroea clade which should be accommodated in Tashiroea. Morphology as well as sequence divergence of the nrITS region indicate that T. dayaoshanensis is well differentiated from other species in the same clade, and thus should be treated as a distinct species. Tashiroea dayaoshanensis is phylogenetically closest to Bredia sessilifolia but can be easily distinguished by its petiolate leaves (vs. sessile or subsessile), and crowned ovary (vs. uncrowned). It resembles P. nudipes and P. oligotricha in habit and stamen morphology but differs from both in its leaf apex acuminate (vs. acute to obtuse), connective ventrally tuberculate (vs. not tuberculate) and ovary crown exerted from calyx tube during young fruit stage (vs. not exerted). Keywords: Eudicots, Bredia, Tashiroea, taxonomy
Tashiroea dayaoshanensis Q.J. Zhou & Ying Liu, sp. nov. Diagnosis:— Resembles P. nudipes and P. oligotricha in the stoloniferus habit and isomorphic stamens, while differs from both in having acuminate leaf apex (vs. acute to obtuse), ventrally tuberculate connective (vs. not tuberculate) and ovary crown exerted from calyx tube during young fruit stage (vs. not exerted). Etymology:—The specific epithet is derived from Dayaoshan Mountain, the distribution range of T. dayaoshanensis. Distribution:—Tashiroea dayaoshanensis is currently known from Dayaoshan Mountain, Pingnan and Jinxiu, northeastern Guangxi, China (Fig. 7). It occurs in dense or open forest, often on slopes, along forest margin, or in bushes along trails, at 700–1100 m. Qiujie Zhou, Jinhong Dai, Renchao Zhou and Ying Liu. 2019. A New Species of Tashiroea (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae) from Guangxi, China. Phytotaxa. 414(6); 269-279. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.414.6.1 | ||||||||
| 10:03a | [Herpetology • 2022] Cnemaspis matahari, C. sirehensis, et C. lagang • Three New Species of Cnemaspis (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Sarawak, East Malaysia, Borneo
Abstract Three new species of Cnemaspis are described from karst regions of Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. These are Cnemaspis matahari sp. nov. and C. sirehensis sp. nov. from limestone hills located in the Serian Division of western Sarawak, and C. lagang sp. nov. from Gunung Mulu, Miri Division, in northern Sarawak. All can be distinguished from congeners using mitochondrial DNA as well as an enlarged metatarsal scales on the first toe. Individually, each species can be diagnosed by differences in subcaudal scale morphology: Cnemaspis lagang sp. nov. lacks enlarged subcaudals; Cnemaspis matahari sp. nov. has keeled subcaudals bearing an enlarged median row of smooth scales; and Cnemaspis sirehensis sp. nov. has an enlarged median row of weakly keeled scales. The discovery of these species suggests that additional unrecognized species may exist within the genus on Borneo, especially in association with karst formations. High endemism and species diversity notwithstanding, these karst formations are under severe pressure from limestone extraction and deforestation. Keywords: Reptilia, Cnemaspis, taxonomy, new species, ecology, conservation, endemic, karst, Sarawak   Cnemaspis lagang sp. nov. North Sarawak Day Gecko; Cicak Gua Mulu Etymology. The epithet lagang is a noun in apposition derived from the paratype locality of Lagang Cave, within Gunung Mulu National Park.  Cnemaspis matahari sp. nov. White Rock Gecko; Cicak Batu Putih Etymology. The epithet matahari is Malay for sun, in reference to the yellowish tint on the species. It is usedas a noun in apposition. Cnemaspis sirehensis sp. nov. Blue Day Gecko; Cicak Gua Sireh Etymology. The epithet sirehensis comes from the type locality, Gua Sireh (Sireh Cave), Kampung Bantang,Serian and translates to betel in Malay. Betel is a type of plant of the family Piperaceae, consumed as betel quid orin ‘paan’. Gua Sireh is also known as an important archaeological site in south-western Sarawak. Izneil Nashriq, Hayden R. Davis, Aaron M. Bauer and Indraneil Das. 2022. Three New Species of Cnemaspis (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Sarawak, East Malaysia, Borneo. Zootaxa. 5120(1); 1-29. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5120.1.1 Izneil Nashriq and Indraneil Das. 2021. Underestimated Diversity of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Sauria: Gekkonidae) on Karst Landscapes in Sarawak, East Malaysia, Borneo. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 13(7); 18792–18799. DOI: 10.11609/jott.7195.13.7.18792-18799   | ||||||||
| 1:04p | [PaleoOrnithology • 2022] Manuherikia primadividua • A New Species of Manuherikia (Aves: Anatidae) provides evidence of Faunal Turnover in the St Bathans Fauna, New Zealand
Abstract The St Bathans Fauna is a highly diverse non-marine vertebrate assemblage derived from the lower Miocene (19–16 Ma) Bannockburn Formation exposed in Central Otago, New Zealand. Deposited in palaeolake Manuherikia, remains of waterfowl dominate the avian assemblage, which, with eight known species in four genera, is one of the more diverse globally. Here we describe Manuherikia primadividua nov. sp., the fourth species in the genus. The stratigraphic distribution of fossils assignable to M. primadividua nov. sp. and a previously known species of Manuherikia, M. lacustrina, allow for the recognition of two distinct biozones within the Bannockburn Formation. Fossils of Manuherikia lacustrina are shown to be restricted to beds in the lower 26 m of the Bannockburn Formation in the Manuherikia River Section while fossils of the new species only occur in beds higher than 34 m in this section. This zonation allows correlation of the disparate sites in nearby Mata Creek with the stratigraphy in the Manuherikia River Section. This is the first such biostratigraphical zonation recognised in the fossil-bearing horizons at St Bathans; all other vertebrates have distributions spanning the stratigraphical range of both species. We tentatively correlate this vertebrate zonation with the previously identified pollen zonation, namely the Casuarinaceae Zone and its overlying Asteraceae-Chenopodiaceae or Chenopodipollis chenopodiaceoides Zone. This transition marks a relatively minor environmental change towards drier and more seasonal climates that appears to have driven the palaeoecological replacement of M. lacustrina by M. primadividua nov. sp. in palaeolake Manuherikia. Keywords: Early Miocene, Fossil birds, New Zealand, St Bathans Fauna, Biostratigraphical zonation  Manuherikia primadividua nov. sp. Trevor H. Worthy, R. Paul Scofield, Steven W. Salisbury, Suzanne J. Hand, Vanesa L. De Pietri, Jacob C. Blokland and Michael Archer. 2022. A New Species of Manuherikia (Aves: Anatidae) provides evidence of Faunal Turnover in the St Bathans Fauna, New Zealand. Geobios. 70; 87-107. DOI: 10.1016/j.geobios.2021.08.002 |
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