[Herpetology • 2014] Sundaland Cnemaspis • Systematics and Natural History of Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) with Descriptions of Eight New Species from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia

Abstract

A well-supported and well-resolved phylogeny based on a concatenated data set from one mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, six morphological characters, and nine color pattern characters for 44 of the 50 species of the Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) is consistent with the previous taxonomy of Cnemaspis based solely on morphology and color pattern. Cnemaspis is partitioned into four major clades that collectively contain six species groups. The monophyly of all clades and species groups is strongly supported and they are parapatrically distributed across well-established, biogeographical regions ranging from southern Vietnam westward through southern Indochina, southward through the Thai-Malay Peninsula, then eastward to Borneo. Eight new species (Cnemaspis omari sp. nov. from the Thai-Malaysian border; C. temiah sp. nov. from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia; C. stongensis sp. nov. from Gunung Stong, Kelantan, Malaysia; C. hangus sp. nov. from Bukit Hangus, Pahang, Malaysia; C. sundagekko sp. nov. from Pulau Siantan, Indonesia; C. peninsularis sp. nov. from southern Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and C. mumpuniae sp. nov. and C. sundainsula sp. nov. from Pulau Natuna Besar, Indonesia) are described based on morphology and color pattern and all but C. sundagekko sp. nov. are included in the phylogenetic analyses. Cnemaspis kendallii is polyphyletic and a composite of six species. An updated taxonomy consistent with the phylogeny is proposed for all 50 species and is based on 25 morphological and 53 color pattern characters scored across 594 specimens. Cladogenetic events and biogeographical relationships within Cnemaspis were likely influenced by this group’s low vagility and the cyclical patterns of geographical and environmental changes in Sundaland over the last 25 million years and especially within the last 2.5 million years. The phylogeny indicates that nocturnality, diurnality, substrate preferences, and the presence of ocelli in the shoulder regions have evolved independently multiple times.

Keywords: Cnemaspis, Gekkonidae, Southeast Asia, new species, Sunda Shelf, biogeography, phylogeography

   

Grismer, L. L., Perry J. L. Wood, Shahrul Anuar, Awal Riyanto, Norhayati Ahmad, MohD. A. Muin, Montri Sumontha, Jesse L. Grismer, Chan K. Onn, Evan S. H. Quah & Olivier S. A. Pauwels. 2014. Systematics and Natural History of Southeast Asian Rock Geckos (genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) with Descriptions of Eight New Species from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Zootaxa. 3880(1): 1–147.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3880.1.1

http://zoobank.org/References/03A6448A-25D7-46AF-B8C6-CB150265D73D

researchgate.net/publication/267569767_Systematics_and_natural_history_of_Southeast_Asian_Rock_Geckos_(genus_Cnemaspis_Strauch_1887)_with_descriptions_of_eight_new_species_from_Malaysia_Thailand_and_Indonesia

[Herpetology • 2014] Rhacophorus bengkuluensis • Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Bukit Barisan, southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia

Rhacophorus bengkuluensis
Streicher, Hamidy, Harvey, Anders, Shaney, Kurniawan & Smith, 2014 | zootaxa.3878.4.2

Abstract

The Indonesian island of Sumatra contains several endemic species of parachuting frog of the genus Rhacophorus. Most of these are known from small type series collected from only a few localities, and consequently, many Sumatran Rhacophorus species are poorly understood. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we investigated relationships among a group of Rhacophorus species from southern Sumatra. Our molecular analysis was based on a fragment of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene (16S) and included data derived from type specimens of two species endemic to Sumatra: R. barisani and R. catamitus. Our analyses of these data reveal that the only known female specimen of R. catamitus possesses a divergent 16S sequence compared to male specimens (8.82%; uncorrected “p” distance). Based on phylogenetic reconstructions, we found that this female specimen belongs to an unnamed taxon related to R. margaritifer from Java. Consequently, we remove the specimen from R. catamitus and describe it as Rhacophorus bengkuluensis sp. nov., a medium-sized slender tree frog with extensive brown hand webbing. We identified additional specimens referable to the new species using mtDNA and morphology. These specimens originate from low to intermediate elevations (ca. 600–1600 m) in the provinces of Bengkulu and Lampung, suggesting that R. bengkuluensis is widely distributed across the southwestern versant of the Bukit Barisan.

Keywords: Rhacophoridae, Indonesia, Sundaland, 16S, flying frog, new species, composite taxon

Streicher, Jeffrey W., Amir Hamidy, Michael B. Harvey, Ben Anders, Kyle Shaney, Nia Kurniawan and Eric N. Smith. 2014. Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Sumatra. Zootaxa. 3878(4);

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3878.4.2

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03878p365f.pdf

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D7AED20E-2ADD-4DB2-8D8E-96E4D1719B66

[Herpetology • 2014] DNA Barcoding, Phylogeny and Systematics of Golden-backed Frogs (Hylarana, Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot, with the Description of Seven New Species

ABSTRACT 

A systematic revision of the genus Hylarana in the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot is presented. Species delineation in Hylarana is complicated due to a lack of distinct colour differences or striking morphological characters, leading to potential misidentification. We conducted extensive surveys throughout the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot and performed multiple gene (16S, COI and Cytb) barcoding using 103 samples collected from cultivated land and natural habitats. Genetic distance comparisons and Neighbor Joining trees indicated the presence of at least 14 candidate species in the region, supported by taxa groupings for all three genetic markers. Utilising a combination of molecular and morphological data, we describe seven new species, doubling the number of Hylarana species previously known from this region. We further demonstrate that H. temporalis, which was originally described from Sri Lanka, was misidentified with the Western Ghats endemic species for nearly 100 years. Conversely, H. aurantiaca was originally described from the Western Ghats and misidentified in Sri Lanka. Our study confirms that the distribution of H. temporalis is restricted to Sri Lanka, while H. aurantiaca is endemic to the Western Ghats, and that there are no shared Hylarana species between the two regions. Hylarana flavescens, H. intermedius and H. montanus, previously considered synonyms of H. temporalis are confirmed as valid species. Hylarana bhagmandlensis is removed from the synonymy of H. aurantiaca and placed as a junior subjective synonym of H. montanus. To establish nomenclatural stability, H. flavescens, H. malabarica and H. temporalis are lectotypified and H. intermedius is neotypified. Detailed descriptions, diagnosis, morphological and genetic comparisons, illustrations and data on distribution and natural history are provided for all species. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial markers (16S, COI and Cytb) and a fragment of the nuclear Rag1 gene, show complete endemism of the Western Ghats-Sri Lankan species. Four major groups in this region are identified as: 1 — the Hylarana aurantiaca group, endemic to the Western Ghats; 2 — the Hylarana flavescens group, endemic to the Western Ghats; 3 — the Hylarana temporalis group, endemic to Sri Lanka; and 4 — the Hylarana malabarica group from Sri Lanka and India. The discovery of numerous morphologically cryptic Hylarana species in this region further emphasizes the benefits of utilizing an integrative taxonomic approach for uncovering hidden diversity and highlighting local endemism in the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot.

S. D. Biju, Sonali Garg, Stephen Mahony, Nayana Wijayathilaka, Gayani Senevirathne and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2014. DNA Barcoding, Phylogeny and Systematics of Golden-backed Frogs (Hylarana, Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot, with the Description of Seven New Species. Contributions to Zoology - Bijdragen tot de dierkunde. 83:269-335.

researchgate.net/publication/267471069_DNA_barcoding_phylogeny_and_systematics_of_Golden-backed_frogs_(Hylarana_Ranidae)_of_the_Western_Ghats-Sri_Lanka_biodiversity_hotspot_with_the_description_of_seven_new_species

[Herpetology • 2014] Rana kauffeldi | Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog • Cryptic Diversity in Metropolis: Confirmation of a New Leopard Frog Species (Anura: Ranidae) from New York City and Surrounding Atlantic Coast Regions

Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog | Rana kauffeldi 

Feinberg, Newman, Watkins-Colwell, Schlesinger, Zarate, Curry, Shaffer & Burger, 2014 

Abstract

We describe a new cryptic species of leopard frog from the New York City metropolitan area and surrounding coastal regions. This species is morphologically similar to two largely parapatric eastern congeners, Rana sphenocephala and R. pipiens. We primarily use bioacoustic and molecular data to characterize the new species, but also examine other lines of evidence. This discovery is unexpected in one of the largest and most densely populated urban parts of the world. It also demonstrates that new vertebrate species can still be found periodically even in well-studied locales rarely associated with undocumented biodiversity. The new species typically occurs in expansive open-canopied wetlands interspersed with upland patches, but centuries of loss and impact to these habitats give some cause for conservation concern. Other concerns include regional extirpations, fragmented extant populations, and a restricted overall geographic distribution. We assign a type locality within New York City and report a narrow and largely coastal lowland distribution from central Connecticut to northern New Jersey (based on genetic data) and south to North Carolina (based on call data).

Figure 2. Photographs of Rana kauffeldi sp. nov. holotype (YPM 13217).
Male frog presented live: (a) whole body, dorsolateral view and (b) dorsal view; and preserved: (c) dorsal view and (d) ventral view.

Photographs taken by BRC (a), BZ (b), and GWC (c–d). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108213.g002

Diagnosis and Description

Rana kauffeldi sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:149ED690-FA7D-4​216-A6A1-AA48CC39B292.

Holotype: YPM 13217, adult male (Fig. 2, Table 1), collected from Bloomfield region, Richmond County (Staten Island), NY, United States, on 15 November 2011, by B. R. Curry.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym in recognition of Carl F. Kauffeld who studied the R. pipiens complex in the NY/NJ-metro area and concluded that three distinct species, including an undocumented central species, occurred there.

Common Name: We propose the common name ‘Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog’ for this species.

Jeremy A. Feinberg, Catherine E. Newman, Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell, Matthew D. Schlesinger, Brian Zarate, Brian R. Curry, H. Bradley Shaffer and Joanna Burger. 2014. Cryptic Diversity in Metropolis: Confirmation of a New Leopard Frog Species (Anura: Ranidae) from New York City and Surrounding Atlantic Coast Regions. PLoS ONE, 2014; 9 (10): e108213 DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0108213

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-new-leopard-frog-from-east-coast.html

[Paleontology • 2014] Zaraapelta nomadis • The Ankylosaurid Dinosaurs of the Upper Cretaceous Baruungoyot and Nemegt formations of Mongolia

Life restoration of Zaraapelta nomadis

Illustration: Danielle Dufault | DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12185

Abstract

The discovery of a new ankylosaurid skull with some unusual features from the Baruungoyot Formation of Mongolia prompted a systematic review of ankylosaurid specimens from the Baruungoyot and Nemegt formations. Dyoplosaurus giganteus was found to possess no diagnostic features and is regarded as a nomen dubium. The holotype of Tarchia kielanae (previously synonymized with Tarchia gigantea) has one autapomorphy, an accessory postorbital ossification with surrounding furrow, and Tar. kielanae is here considered a valid species, making the combination Tar. gigantea unnecessary. An accessory postorbital ossification is also found in the holotype of Minotaurasaurus ramachandrani, and this species is here considered a junior synonym of Tar. kielanae. The newly described skull from the Baruungoyot Formation forms the holotype of a new genus and species, Zaraapelta nomadis gen. et sp. nov., diagnosed by unusual bilayered ornamentation on the squamosal horn and extensive postocular ornamentation. Two distinct tail club handle morphotypes are present in the Nemegt Formation and probably represent two different species. However, it is impossible to assign either tail club morphotype to the single valid species from the formation, Saichania chulsanensis, because of a lack of overlapping material. A revised phylogenetic analysis including newly identified characters found Zaraapelta nomadis to be most closely related to Tar. kielanae.  

Keywords: Ankylosauria; Ankylosauridae; Campanian; Dinosauria; Gobi Desert; Maastrichtian

skull of Zaraapelta nomadis.

photo: Jessica Tansey

Zaraapelta nomadis gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype: MPC D100/1338, a partial skull missing the rostrum.

Etymology: Zaraapelta nomadis; зараа (Mongolian) hedgehog, in reference to the spiky appearance of the skull, and pelta (Latin), a small shield, in reference to the osteoderms found on all ankylosaurs; nomadis, from nomas (Latin), nomad, in reference to Mongolian travel company Nomadic Expeditions, which has facilitated many years of palaeontological fieldwork in the Gobi Desert.

Holotype locality and horizon: 43°28.345′N, 99°51.032′E (WGS 84), Hermiin Tsav, Gobi Desert, Mongolia; Baruungoyot Formation (Mid−Upper Campanian, Jerzykiewicz, 2000).

Diagnosis: Ankylosaurine ankylosaurid with bulbous cranial ornamentation. Unlike other ankylosaurs, squamosal horn has unique smooth-textured keel offset from the rest of the squamosal horn by a distinct and abrupt change to a granular texture; elaborate pattern of postocular caputegulae covering entire postocular region between squamosal and quadratojugal horns, with more postocular caputegulae than Ano. lambei, Sa. chulsanensis, or Tar. kielanae.

Victoria M. Arbour, Philip J. Currie and Demchig Badamgarav. 2014. The Ankylosaurid Dinosaurs of the Upper Cretaceous Baruungoyot and Nemegt formations of Mongolia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/zoj.12185

 Mongolian armoured dinosaur with spiky helmet shows Gobi Desert was hotspot for ankylosaur diversity.

http://uofa.ualberta.ca/news-and-events/newsarticles/2014/october/ualberta-paleontologists-name-new-armoured-dinosaur

http://phys.org/news/2014-10-mongolian-dinosaur-spiky-helmet-gobi.html

[Herpetology • 2014] Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis • Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, India; Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870)

Abstract

A new species of ground dwelling gecko, Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis sp. nov. is described from the hills of Kannur and Wayanad district of Kerala, India. This medium sized, robust Cnemaspis differs from all other Indian congeners in possessing heterogeneous dorsal scales composed of granular scales with more or less regularly arranged longitudinal rows of keeled, conical tubercles running down the back; two supranasals and a long internasal separating the nasal scales; subtriangular mental with two widely separated enlarged postmentals and 1 – 3 small median scales; 19 or 20 subdigital lamellae on finger IV and 20 or 21 on toe IV; 4 or 5 femoral pores on each thigh; no preanal pores; sub-cylindrical tail without whorls of enlarged tubercles on the dorsal aspects; uniform, hexagonal median subcaudals; six supralabials and six or seven infralabials. Morphological characters and natural history traits suggest the affinity of the new species is with Cnemaspis wynadensis. Characters useful in distinguishing the new species from C. wynadensis are also provided.

Keywords: ground-dwelling; Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis sp. nov.; Cnemaspis wynadensis; Kerala; India

Vivek Philip Cyriac and P. K. Umesh. 2014. Description of a New Ground-Dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Kerala, Allied to C. wynadensis (Beddome, 1870). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 21(3):187-194.

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/854

researchgate.net/publication/266477226_DESCRIPTION_OF_A_NEW_GROUND-DWELLING_Cnemaspis_STRAUCH_1887_(SQUAMATA_GEKKONIDAE)_FROM_KERALA__ALLIED_TO_C._wynadensis_(BEDDOME_1870)

[Herpetology • 2014] First Record of the Gekkonid Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 from Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia may Represent an Undescribed Species

ABSTRACT 

We provide confirmed photographic evidence for the previously overlooked occurrence of the polyphyletic Asian gecko genus Cnemaspis from Gunung Mulu National Park, the world-renowned UNESCO natural heritage site in northern Sarawak, East Malaysia. This new record from Sarawak province represents a remarkable range extension for Cnemaspis cf. kendallii by 550 km to the northeast and denotes the most northern occurrence of the genus in Borneo. Our new finding makes it very likely that these gekkonid lizards also inhabit appropriate limestone karst habitats in adjacent Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan. Given the visible differences in the Mulu specimen compared to those from the remaining distribution range on Borneo and the Malaysian Peninsula together with the fact that numerous Cnemaspis species are restricted to small areas, it seems plausible that another undescribed, rather cryptic and possibly locally endemic Bornean species is involved. Lastly, the new record contributes to the importance of the Mulu National Park as a major conservation area in East Malaysia of international concerns.

 Andre Koch and Sebastian Schulz. 2014. First Record of the Gekkonid Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 from Gunung Mulu National Park, Northern Sarawak, East Malaysia may Represent an Undescribed Species. Asian Herpetological Research. 5(3):209-212.
DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00209

researchgate.net/publication/266210027_First_Record_of_the_Gekkonid_Genus_Cnemaspis_Strauch_1887_from_Gunung_Mulu_National_Park_Northern_Sarawak_East_Malaysia_may_Represent_an_Undescribed_Species

[Botany • 2014] Three New Ginger Species (Zingiberaceae) from Laos; Curcuma corniculata and C. flammea (Curcuma subg. Ecomata) & Zingiber jiewhoei (Zingiber sect. Zingiber)

Abstract

Three new Zingiberaceae species from Laos, Curcuma corniculata and C. flammea (Curcuma subg. Ecomata), and Zingiber jiewhoei (Zingiber sect. Zingiber), are described and illustrated here.

Keywords: Curcuma; Laos; Zingiber; Zingiberaceae; gingers; new species; vulnerable

J. Leong-Škorničková; O. Šída; S. Bouamanivong; K. Souvannakhoummane; K. Phathavong. 2014. Three New Ginger Species (Zingiberaceae) from Laos. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 59; 106–112

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea/pre-prints/content-nbc_blumea_0283

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3767/000651914X685221

[Herpetology • 2014] A Taxonomic Revision of the Asian Keelback Snakes, genus Amphiesma (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae), with Description of A New Species

Abstract

The Asian keelback snakes (genus Amphiesma) are a widely distributed group of Old World natricines, inhabiting a variety of niches and exhibiting significant morphological variation. Recent molecular phylogenies suggest that this genus is not monophyletic, and that additional cryptic diversity is also likely present. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the group based on 3162 bp of one mitochondrial gene (Cyt. b) and three nuclear genes (C-mos, Rag1, NT3), sampling 18 species in addition to those sequenced in previous works. All analyses consistently show that Amphiesma consists of three distinct, monophyletic lineages with strong support. We divide Amphiesma into three genera, Amphiesma, Hebius, and Herpetoreas. The genus Amphiesma is monotypic, Herpetoreas contains three species, and Hebius comprises the remaining 39 species. On the basis of a combination of molecular analyses and external morphological comparisons, we describe a new species in the Herpetoreas group from China as H. burbrinki sp. nov. Several other species are shown to be non-monophyletic or contain significant levels of intraspecific genetic diversity. Another Old World natricine genera, Xenochrophis is also found to be non-monophyletic. Our results indicate that further taxonomic revisions are needed in Natricinae, at multiple levels.

Keywords: Natricinae, Amphiesma, Hebius, Herpetoreas, Snakes, new species, Southeastern Asia, systematics

Guo, Peng, Fei Zhu, Qin Liu, Liang Zhang, Jian X. Li, Yu Y. Huang & R. A. Pyron. 2014. A Taxonomic Revision of the Asian Keelback Snakes, genus Amphiesma (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae), with Description of A New Species. Zootaxa 3873(4): 425–440.

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3873.4.5

http://home.gwu.edu/~rpyron/publications/Guo_et_al_2014.pdf

[Botany • 2014] A New Combination and New Records of Tetrastigma (Vitaceae) from Thailand

A: Tetrastigma assimile (Kurz) C.L.Li ex P.Kochaiphat & Trias-Blasi;
B: T. macrocorymbum Gagnep. ex J.Wen, Boggan & Turland, and
C-D: T. triphyllum (Gagnep.) W.T. Wang var. triphyllum

 Abstract 

Four species of Tetrastigma are newly recorded for Thailand, including T. assimile (Kurz) C.L.Li ex P.Kochaiphat & Trias-Blasi, T. macrocorymbum Gagnep. ex J.Wen, Boggan & Turland, T. pyriforme Gagnep., and T. triphyllum (Gagnep.) W.T. Wang var. triphyllum. A new combination, T. assimile (Kurz) C.L.Li ex P. Kochaiphat & Trias-Blasi is provided.

Keywords: Vitaceae; Tetrastigma; Southeast Asia; Thailand

 Phongsakorn Kochaiphat, Anna Trias-Blasi and Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng. 2014. A New Combination and New Records of Tetrastigma (Vitaceae) from Thailand. Phytotaxa. 183(4):272-278. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.183.4.6

researchgate.net/publication/267315937_A_new_combination_and_new_records_of_Tetrastigma_(Vitaceae)_from_Thailand

[BioGeography / Herpetology • 2014] Crossing the Line: Increasing Body Size in a trans-Wallacean Lizard Radiation (Cyrtodactylus, Gekkota)

Figure 1. Dated phylogeny (Bayesian MCC tree) for Cyrtodactylus estimated with concatenated nuclear and mitochondrial dataset showing divergence dates and ancestral state reconstructions for body length (blue smallest, green intermediate and red largest); taxon names and posterior probabilities are given in the electronic supplementary material, figure S1; exact ages and sizes of all nodes (with 95% highest posterior density (HPD) intervals) are in electronic supplementary material, file SI_4. Yellow shading denotes the two clades occurring in the Australopapuan region. Grey bars at right denote maximum body size for each species (in mm), with grey shading denoting larger-bodied clades in Asian and Australopapuan regions.

DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0479

Abstract

The region between the Asian and Australian continental plates (Wallacea) demarcates the transition between two differentiated regional biotas. Despite this striking pattern, some terrestrial lineages have successfully traversed the marine barriers of Wallacea and subsequently diversified in newly colonized regions. The hypothesis that these dispersals between biogeographic realms are correlated with detectable shifts in evolutionary trajectory has however rarely been tested. Here, we analyse the evolution of body size in a widespread and exceptionally diverse group of gekkotan lizards (Cyrtodactylus), and show that a clade that has dispersed eastwards and radiated in the Australopapuan region appears to have significantly expanded its body size ‘envelope’ and repeatedly evolved gigantism. This pattern suggests that the biotic composition of the proto-Papuan Archipelago provided a permissive environment in which new colonists were released from evolutionary constraints operating to the west of Wallacea.

Keywords: Asia; Cyrtodactylus; ecological release; insular gigantism; New Guinea; Wallace's Line

Paul M. Oliver, Phillip Skipwith and Michael S. Y. Lee. 2014. Crossing the Line: Increasing Body Size in a trans-Wallacean Lizard Radiation (Cyrtodactylus, Gekkota). Biology Letters. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0479

https://www.academia.edu/8701155/Oliver_P.M._Skipwith_P._Lee_M.S.Y._2014._Crossing_the_line_increasing_body_size_in_a_n_lizard_radiation_Cyrtodactylus_Gekkota_._Biology_Letters_10_20140479

Geckos crossed the line and got bigger

http://www.earthtimes.org/scitech/geckos-crossed-line-bigger/2715/

http://www.apscience.org.au/projects/APSF_11_1/apsf_11_1.html

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/new-guinea-geckos-evolving-into-giants-embargo-00-01-wednesday-hold-jk-1468918

[Mammalogy / Venom • 2014] Anaphylactic Shock following the Bite of A Wild Kayan Slow Loris (Nycticebus kayan): Implications for Slow Loris Conservation

Figure 1. This subadult slow loris bit the victim’s finger intensely resulting in a severe wound.
(Panel A) Subadult Nycticebus kayan before the victim handled it – already a large drop of saliva can be seen protruding from the animal’s mouth. (Panel B) The bite site 12 days after the bite.

(Photos by G. Madani) DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-20-43

Abstract

Background

Asian slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are one of few known venomous mammals, yet until now only one published case report has documented the impact of their venomous bite on humans. We describe the reaction of a patient to the bite of a subadult Nycticebus kayan, which occurred in the Mulu District of Sarawak in 2012.

Findings

Within minutes of the bite, the patient experienced paraesthesia in the right side of the jaw, ear and right foot. By 40 minutes, swelling of the face was pronounced. The patient was admitted to Mulu National Park Health Clinic/Klinik Kesihatan Taman Mulu Tarikh, at which time he was experiencing: swollen mouth, chest pain, mild abdominal pain, nausea, numbness of the lips and mouth, shortness of breath, weakness, agitation and the sensation of pressure in the ears due to swelling. The blood pressure was 110/76, the heart ratio was 116 and oxygen saturation was 96%. The patient was treated intramuscularly with adrenaline (0.5 mL), followed by intravenous injection of hydrocortisone (400 mg) and then intravenous fluid therapy of normal saline (500 mg). By 8 h10 the next day, the patient’s condition had significantly improved with no nausea, and with blood pressure and pulse rate stable.

Conclusions

A handful of anecdotes further support the real danger that slow loris bites pose to humans. As the illegal pet trade is a major factor in the decline of these threatened species, we hope that by reporting on the danger of handling these animals it may help to reduce their desirability as a pet.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Hypersensitivity; Systemic reaction; Malaysia; Adrenaline; Necrosis; Paresthesia; Animal bite; Mammal venom; Hematuria

George Madani and K Anne-Isola Nekaris. 2014. Anaphylactic Shock following the Bite of A Wild Kayan Slow Loris (Nycticebus kayan): Implications for Slow Loris Conservation. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases. 20:43  doi: dx.doi.org/10.1186/1678-9199-20-43

When cute turns deadly – the story of a wildlife biologist who was bit by a venomous slow loris, and lived to tell the tale http://news.mongabay.com/2014/1024-dasgupta-slow-loris-bite.html

[Paleontology • 2014] Resolving the Long-standing Enigmas of A Giant Ornithomimosaur Deinocheirus mirificus

 Deinocheirus mirificus

reconstruction: Michael Skrepnick

The holotype of Deinocheirus mirificus was collected by the 1965 Polish–Mongolian Palaeontological Expedition at Altan Uul III in the southern Gobi of Mongolia. Because the holotype consists mostly of giant forelimbs (2.4 m in length) with scapulocoracoids, for almost 50 years Deinocheirus has remained one of the most mysterious dinosaurs. The mosaic of ornithomimosaur and non-ornithomimosaur characters in the holotype has made it difficult to resolve the phylogenetic status of Deinocheirus. Here we describe two new specimens of Deinocheirus that were discovered in the Nemegt Formation of Altan Uul IV in 2006 and Bugiin Tsav in 2009. The Bugiin Tsav specimen (MPC-D 100/127) includes a left forelimb clearly identifiable as Deinocheirus and is 6% longer than the holotype. The Altan Uul IV specimen (MPC-D 100/128) is approximately 74% the size of MPC-D 100/127. Cladistic analysis indicates that Deinocheirus is the largest member of the Ornithomimosauria; however, it has many unique skeletal features unknown in other ornithomimosaurs, indicating that Deinocheirus was a heavily built, non-cursorial animal with an elongate snout, a deep jaw, tall neural spines, a pygostyle, a U-shaped furcula, an expanded pelvis for strong muscle attachments, a relatively short hind limb and broad-tipped pedal unguals. Ecomorphological features in the skull, more than a thousand gastroliths, and stomach contents (fish remains) suggest that Deinocheirus was a megaomnivore that lived in mesic environments.

Altangerel Perle, a Mongolian paleontologist, with the arms of Deinocheirus in Ulaanbaatar State Museum

 Photographer: Louie Psihoyos

Deinocheirus mirificus,
from the Greek for “terrible hand, which is unusual”.

Figure 1: Deinocheirus mirificus.

a, MPC-D 100/127. b, MPC-D 100/128. c, Composite reconstruction of MPC-D 100/127 with a simple proportional enlargement of MPC-D 100/128. Scale bar, 1 m. The human outline is 1.7 m tall.
The holotype and the two new specimens provide almost all skeletal information of Deinocheirus.

DOI: 10.1038/nature13874

Figure 2: Skull of Deinocheirus mirificus (MPC-D 100/127).

DOI: 10.1038/nature13874

Figure 3: Postcranial skeletons of Deinocheirus mirificus (MPC-D 100/127, MPC-D 100/128).

DOI: 10.1038/nature13874 

Figure 4: Phylogenetic relationships of Deinocheirus mirificus within Ornithomimosauria.

a, Hypothetical fleshed-out reconstruction of Deinocheirus mirificus (by Michael Skrepnick). b, Time-scaled strict consensus tree of the six most-parsimonious trees from our analysis (tree length = 2,927, consistency index = 0.22, retention index = 0.59; Supplementary Information). In this hypothesis Deinocheirus is a derived taxon of the Deinocheiridae, which is the sister-group of the Ornithomimidae.

DOI: 10.1038/nature13874

a, Photo to show in situ gastralia, gastroliths, and stomach contents. Blue and green arrows represent gastralia and gastroliths. Red rectangle is an area of scattered fish remains and gastroliths. Red circle is an area where broken fish bones are aggregated. b, Enlarged photo of scattered fish remains (vertebrae, scales) with gastroliths in a.

Yuong-Nam Lee, Rinchen Barsbold, Philip J. Currie, Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, Hang-Jae Lee, Pascal Godefroit, François Escuillié and Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig. 2014. Resolving the Long-standing Enigmas of A Giant Ornithomimosaur Deinocheirus mirificus.
Nature. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature13874

Deinocheirus Exposed: Meet The Body Behind the Terrible Hand http://on.natgeo.com/1xaIeZv via @ngphenomena

Bizarre dinosaur reconstructed after 50 years of wild speculation http://gu.com/p/42kdq

tumblr.com/tagged/deinocheirus

[Herpetology • 2014] Strophurus horneri | Arnhem Phasmid Gecko • A New Phasmid Gecko (Squamata: Diplodactylidae) from the Arnhem Plateau: more new Diversity in Rare Vertebrates from northern Australia

Arnhem Phasmid Gecko | Strophurus horneri  

Oliver & Parkin, 2014

FIGURE 4. A) Strophurus horneri sp. nov. seen and photographed in southern Kakadu National Park.
Note prehensile tail and pink tongue. Photograph: Brendan Schembri.

FIGURE 3. Strophurus horneri sp. nov. in life. Holotype NMVD72591 photographed at Yirrkakak.
Photograph: Rich Glor.

FIGURE 5. Habitat of Strophurus horneri sp. nov. at Namarragon Gorge, Kakadu National Park.
Photograph: Stuart Young.

Abstract

The Arnhem Plateau is a rugged expanse of sandstone escarpment in the Australian Monsoonal Tropics with a highly endemic biota. Here we describe a new species of small spinifex dwelling Strophurus (phasmid gecko) that also appears to be endemic to this region. Strophurus horneri sp. nov. can be diagnosed from all congeners by aspects of size, coloration and scalation. Even with the description of this new species, however, levels of morphological and genetic diversity within Strophurus from the stone country of the Northern Territory suggest additional divergent lineages are present. A number of recent studies have now provided preliminary evidence of evolutionary diversity within the Arnhem Plateau, but data remains scant and almost nothing is known about how topography and historical processes have shaped the endemic biota of this region.

Keywords: Australian Monsoonal Tropics, endemism, lizard, Kakadu National Park, sandstone, spinifex

Distribution and habitat. Strophurus horneri sp. nov. is known only from the Arnhem Plateau region in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The holotype was collected on the northern edge of the Arnhem Plateau in the vicinity of Yirrkakak. Other specimens have been observed at other localities along the western edge of the Arnhem Plateau (Brendan Schembri, Mitchell Scott pers. comm.), and this species may occur throughout the western and northern Arnhem Plateau (Fig. 1). 

Where data is available, all specimens were found in well developed spinifex patches on or at the base of large sandstone escarpment or boulders (Fig. 5). The longitudinal striped patterning evident in life provides excellent camouflage in this habitat. Brendan Schembri (pers. comm.) reports that this species was comparatively easy to find in long unburnt spinifex in a sheltered gully in southern Kakadu. The potential role of fire frequency in shaping the distribution and abundance of this taxon warrants further investigation.

Etymology. Named in honor of Dr. Paul Horner, Emeritus Curator of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, in recognition of his significant contributions to Australian reptile systematics.

Oliver, Paul M. & Tom Parkin. 2014. A New Phasmid Gecko (Squamata: Diplodactylidae: Strophurus) from the Arnhem Plateau: more new Diversity in Rare Vertebrates from northern Australia. Zootaxa. 3878(1): 37–48.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3878.1.3

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/zt03878p048.pdf

[Ornithology • 2014] First Record of the Nesting Biology of the Red-vented Barbet, Megalaima lagrandieri (Aves: Piciformes: Megalaimidae), an Indochinese endemic

Fig. 4. A, Parent Red-vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri on the nesting hole.
B–F, with different food items: B, lizard Bronchocela smaragdina; C, figs; D, fruit of Knema sp.;
E, bush cricket Zabalius sp.; and F, cicada.

Abstract

We report on the nesting biology of the red-vented barbet (Megalaima lagrandieri) in its natural habitat in Loc Bac forest (southern Vietnam, Lam Dong Province). Two active nests containing nestlings and one nest in the process of excavation were observed during 2012 and 2013. Both parents participated in the provisioning of their brood throughout the day, making a maximum of 52 daily visits with food. The nestlings’ diets consisted of fleshy fruits, insects and spiders as well as vertebrates. Plant matter was added to the nestlings’ diet from the initial days of feeding, and its proportion increased over time. We provide a first description of the red-vented barbet nesting hole and comment on the hardness of the wood. A description of the two-week-old nestlings is also provided.

Key words. Asian barbets, cavity nesting, Brinell’s test, frugivory, nestling period

Vitaly L. Trounov and Anna B. Vasilieva. 2014. First Record of the Nesting Biology of the Red-vented Barbet, Megalaima lagrandieri (Aves: Piciformes: Megalaimidae), an Indochinese endemic. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 62: 671–678

http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/zoology_volume_62/62rbz671-678.pdf

[Paleontology • 2014] Maaradactylus kellneri • A New toothed Pterosaur (Pterodactyloidea: Anhangueridae) from the Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation, NE Brazil

Maaradactylus kellneri 

Bantim, Saraiva, Oliveira & Sayão, 2014

A new species of pterosaur, discovered from the northeastern Brazil, distinguished from others by numerous teeth and the size of the crest, which occupies 40% of its skull.

Illustration: Maurilio Oliveira

Abstract

A new species of pterosaur, Maaradactylus kellneri gen. nov., sp. nov. (Archosauria: Pterosauria) from the Romualdo Formation (Aptian/Albian), is herein described. The specimen (MPSC R 2357) was found at Sítio São Gonçalo, Santana do Cariri city (State of Ceará, northeast Brazil) and consists of the skull, atlas and axis, and represents one of the largest skulls of the Anhangueridae from the Araripe Basin described. The autapomorphies of the new pterosaur include the following characters: a premaxillary sagittal crest that is relatively long and high, beginning at the anterior part of the skull (rostrum) and extending to the 22nd pair of alveoli, not covering the nasoantorbital fenestra or the choanaes, and also the presence of 35 pairs of alveoli; smooth palatal ridge, which starts on the 5th pair of alveoli and ends on the 13th pair; palate is convex shaped in the anterior region; choanae not extending laterally; small and convex palatal elevation; the 5th, 6th and 7th alveoli smaller than the 4th and 8th; the alveoli decreasing in size from the 9th to the 12th and increasing from the 13th to 18th, and from the 18th to the 35th they are arranged in triplets. Furthermore, the lateral surface of the premaxillary crest shows grooves and tridimensional structures that may have housed blood vessels.

Keywords: Pterosauria, Anhangueridae, Araripe Basin, Romualdo Formation, Brazil

The generic name refers to Maara, in the legends of the Cariri the daughter of a chief, by sorcery changed into a river monster with long teeth, devouring fishermen. The suffix ~dactylus is common in the names of pterosaurs and is derived from Greek δάκτυλος, daktylos, "finger", referring to the long (fourth) wing finger. The specific name honours Alexander Kellner, Brazil's foremost pterosaur expert.

  

 Renan A. M. Bantim, Antônio A. F. Saraiva, Gustavo R. Oliveira and Juliana M. Sayão. 2014. A New toothed Pterosaur (Pterodactyloidea: Anhangueridae) from the Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation, NE Brazil. Zootaxa. 3869 (3): 201–223. doi: dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3869.3.1.

NE10: Pesquisadores da UFPE identificam espécie inédita de pterossauro http://noticias.ne10.uol.com.br/ciencia-e-vida/noticia/2014/10/02/pesquisadores-da-ufpe-identificam-especie-inedita-de-pterossauro-512161.php via @portalne10
http://cienciahoje.uol.com.br/noticias/2014/10/novo-gigante-voador-do-nordeste