[Botany • 2025] Ozoroa bhangazica (Anacardiaceae: Anacardioideae) • A New Species from Maputaland, South Africa

Ozoroa bhangazica R.G.C.Boon & A.E.van Wyk, 

in Boon et van Wyk, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.714.2.1

Artwork by Daleen Roodt.

Abstract

Ozoroa bhangazica, a clonal, fire-adapted geoxylic suffrutex, is formally described as a new species with a highly restricted distribution in the Maputaland Centre of Endemism in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. It is confined to Maputaland Wooded Grassland on Quaternary coastal sands, a vegetation type notable for its rich diversity of geoxylic suffrutices. The two known populations are included in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. In southern Africa, Ozoroa species are divided into two groups based on leaf and pollen characters; O. bhangazica belongs to Group A and is unique among KwaZulu-Natal species for its geoxylic growth form. The genus shows significant infraspecific vegetative variation, with O. bhangazica displaying distinct variation in leaf size and shape between new shoots after fire and regrowth that has persisted through one or more fire-free seasons. Morphologically, the new species resembles O. barbertonensis, another geoxylic suffrutex, which is a geographically isolated serpentine endemic confined to the Barberton Centre of Endemism about 250 km from where O. bhangazica occurs. Both share the characteristic of linear to narrowly oblong leaves following fire. However, O. bhangazica can be distinguished by its longer, broader leaves, which are mostly glabrous on the upper surface with flat (non-revolute) margins, a longer petiole, and larger mature drupes. A provisional conservation status of Near Threatened (NT) is recommended under IUCN Red List criteria.

classification, endemism, geofrutex, geoxyle, geoxylic suffrutex, grassland, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, Maputaland Centre of Endemism, Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot, pollen, taxonomy, underground trees, Eudicots

Ozoroa bhangazica: leaf, flower and fruit morphology.
A. Plant (ca. 600 mm high) in flower. B. Leaves from a recently sprouted post-fire plant, showing craspedodromous venation; blade with silvery-white abaxial surface, green and mostly hairless adaxial surface, except for hairs along the midrib and main veins. C. Older female flowers with early fruit development. D. Male flowers. E. Mature fruit. Photographs by R.G.C. Boon.

Ozoroa bhangazica: habitat and habit.
A. Maputaland Wooded Grassland on Quaternary coastal dunes, showing a mix of grasses and broad-leaved geoxylic suffrutices. B. Clone with multiple ramets emerging shortly after fire; note the silvery-white underside of leaves. C. Post-fire ramets (ca. 250 mm high) with developing inflorescences. D. Mature growth (ca. 1 m high) unburned for one or more seasons, bearing mature fruit and relatively broad leaves. Photographs by R.G.C. Boon (A, C & D) and W.S. Matthews (B).

Ozoroa bhangazica.
 A. Two flowering shoots (ramets) sprouting from a partially exposed lignotuber after fire. B. Relatively broad leaf from regrowth that has persisted through one or more fire-free seasons. C. Male flowers. D. Female flowers. E. Mature fruit. F. Stem section from regrowth that has persisted through one or more fire-free seasons showing bark with lenticels. Artist: Daleen Roodt.

Ozoroa bhangazica R.G.C.Boon & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis:—A member of Ozoroa Group A; distinguished from all other species of Ozoroa in KZN Province, South Africa, by being a clonal geoxylic suffrutex not exceeding 1.5 m in height (vs. non-clonal shrubs or trees >2 m tall). Morphologically resembling O. barbertonensis in also being a geoxylic suffrutex with linear to narrowly oblong leaves on new growth following a fire, but differing as follows: lamina of post-fire leaves 80–110(–130) mm long [vs. shorter, (23–)55–80(–90) mm], (6–)9–18 mm wide [vs. narrower, (2–)4–7(–8.5) mm], adaxially glabrous except for midrib and secondary veins (vs. ca. uniformly hairy), with margin plane (vs. revolute); petiole 5–18 mm long (vs. shorter, 1.5–3.0 mm); mature drupe when dry 10 × 7 mm (vs. smaller, 4.5–5.0 × 6.0–6.5 mm); confined to Maputaland Centre of Endemism where it grows on nutrient-poor Quaternary coastal sands (vs. a serpentine endemic confined to Barberton Centre of Endemism)

Etymology:—The specific epithet “bhangazica” refers to the fact that the species is currently known only from the vicinity of Lake Bhangazi North and Lake Bhangazi South in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site in KZN Province, South Africa. 

The name of the lakes derives from the Zulu word umbhangazi, which refers to various quick-growing trees— Zulu names of geographical features are often named for the dominant vegetation there (A. Koopman, pers. comm.).

Richard G.C. BOON and Abraham E. VAN WYK. 2025. A New Species of Ozoroa (Anacardiaceae: Anacardioideae) from Maputaland, South Africa.  Phytotaxa. 714(2); 103-117. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.714.2.1 [2025-08-08]

 

  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pseudobarbus outeniqua • A New redfin Species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa

Pseudobarbus outeniqua

Zarei, Bragança, Skelton & Chakona, 2025 

Forest redfin | Wildernis rooivlerkie  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1239.131064 

Abstract  

Previous DNA-based studies identified four genetic lineages within Pseudobarbus afer: (i) the Mandela lineage confined to the Sundays, Swartkops, and Baakens river systems, (ii) the Krom lineage endemic to the Krom River system, (iii) the St Francis lineage occurring in the Gamtoos and adjacent river systems, and (iv) the Forest lineage occurring in several southern coastal river systems from the Tsitsikamma to the Klein Brak river system. Subsequent detailed morphological evaluation provided a redescription of P. afer s.s. (Mandela lineage), supported revalidation of P. senticeps (Krom lineage) and description of a new species, P. swartzi (St Francis lineage). The present study builds on these earlier findings and provides a formal description of the Forest lineage as a new species for science, Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. The new species differs from the aforementioned congeners by the conspicuous pigmentation on the centre of the scales which gives it a distinctive speckled hen pattern. The new species thus closely resembles the small-scale redfin, P. asper, in colour pattern, but it is readily separated from this species by genetic characters and fewer number of scales in predorsal region (16–17, mode 16 vs 18–26, mode 20–23) and around the caudal peduncle (14–15, mode 15 vs 16–22, mode 18–20). A revised key for the single-barbeled redfins is presented.

Key words: Conservation, endemic hotspot, Forest lineage, minnows, systematics, threatened freshwater fish

 

Live specimens of Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. from the Klein Brak River system
A SAIAB 237307 (tag number FZ03), male, holotype, 67.6 mm SL
B SAIAB 246084 (tag number FZ04), paratype, 80.6 mm SL
C SAIAB 246084 (tag number FZ06), paratype, 77.9 mm SL.

  Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. 

Proposed common names. Forest redfin (English), 

Wildernis rooivlerkie (Afrikaans).

Diagnosis. Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. is diagnosed among all currently recognised congeners by the following combination of character states: mouth with one pair of barbels; barbel length 1.0–1.9 times orbit diameter, reaching vertical through posterior edge of eye; pigmentation distinct, with scale centres darkly pigmented, giving the fish an overall speckled appearance, speckling less conspicuous or absent ventrally; presence of a distinct dark mid-lateral band, with a broader anterior half and a narrower posterior half which ends in form of a large triangular mark at the base of the caudal fin; lack of dark spots, dashes, stripes or wavy lines on back and mid-dorsal; scales moderate sized, 35–37 in lateral line series, 14–15 (mode 15) around caudal peduncle, and 16–17 (mode 16) on predorsal region. Detailed comparison of the new species with the other congeners is presented below.

Etymology. The specific epithet outeniqua refers to the Outeniqua mountain range and highlights the species’ occurrence in streams draining its southern slopes within the southern Cape Fold Ecoregion.

 Fatah Zarei, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Paul H. Skelton and Albert Chakona. 2025. Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov., A New redfin Species (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) from the Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa. ZooKeys 1239: 231-255. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1239.131064 

[Herpetology • 2025] Breviceps batrachophiliorum • A New Rain Frog (Anura: Brevicipitidae; Breviceps) from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

  

Breviceps batrachophiliorum

Du Preez, Netherlands & Minter, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2025.2478896 

ABSTRACT

Breviceps, an African genus of fossorial frogs, comprises 20 species most of which occur in South Africa. In this study we describe a new species that differs morphologically from its closest congener Breviceps verrucosus, in the position of the mouth and relative size of the inner and outer metatarsal tubercles. Its taxonomic status as a separate species is placed beyond doubt by very significant differences in the structure of the advertisement call and substantial genetic divergence (7.5% uncorrected p-distance) in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study demonstrates the value of an integrative approach in taxonomy and that, when assessing the reliability of distribution data, it is better to err on the side of caution.

KEYWORDS: Bioacoustics, Breviceps batrachophiliorum sp. nov., conservation, phylogenetics, morphology, citizen science

Holotype male Breviceps batrachophiliorum sp. nov. (SAIAB 141902) from Boston, KwaZulu-Natal Province:
a – dorsolateral view; b – anterior view; c – ventral view; d – posterior view, showing heel to heel and vertebral lines; e – right hand; f – left foot.

Breviceps batrachophiliorum sp. nov. Du Preez, Netherlands and Minter

 

 L.H. du Preez, E.C. Netherlands and L.R. Minter. 2025. A New Rain Frog (Anura: Brevicipitidae; Breviceps) from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa. African Journal of Herpetology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2025.2478896   [19 May 2025]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Civettictis vulpidens • Cranial and Endocranial Morphology of A New Species of Giant Civet (Carnivora: Viverridae) from the early Pliocene of Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry, South Africa

 

the skull and mandible of (A) Civettictis vulpidens from Langebaanweg 
and (B) living African civet Civettictis civetta .

Civettictis vulpidens

Churcher, Hurlburt, Govender & Valenciano, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1127/pala/2025/0157 

www.UCM.es 

Abstract

We present an extensive cranial sample of an extinct large viverrid from the Pliocene Varswater Formation at Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry (South Africa, 5.2 Ma), comprising a complete skull, multiple dentaries, and isolated dentition. The intermediate temporal position of Langebaanweg relative to Toros Menalla (Chad, 7 Ma) and Laetoli1 (Tanzania, 3.8–3.5 Ma), the type localities of Sahelictis korei and ‘Viverra’ leakeyi respectively, influenced the historical attribution of the known material of this viverrid as belonging to either taxon. The re-evaluation of the classical material from this locality, in conjunction with these new specimens, permits its assignment to a new species, named Civettictis vulpidens. It emerges as the most complete sample of a large viverrid in the fossil record. Civettictis vulpidens sp. nov , exhibits some intraspecific variable traits, particularly regarding the degree of development of the P4 parastyle, and the cuspids position in the m2. It differs from C. leakeyi in the upper canine cross sections, which is circular and without smaller cristae on the distal face, in the absence of P3 mesial and distal accessory cusp, and in a more primitive morphology of the carnassials, comprising a relatively longer P4 metastyle, a reduced to absent P4 paraconule, a reduced m1 metaconid, and a shorter and slenderer m1 talonid, with no crista obliqua. It also differs from S. korei in a relatively shorter P4 mestastyle, a more bunodont M1, a slenderer P3, and a better developed m1 talonid with an entoconid. Our cladistic analysis demonstrates a sister-group relationship of C. vulpidens sp. nov., with a clade composed of C. leakeyi and the extant Civettictis civetta (African civet), which is morphologically distinct from the extant Viverra zibetha (large Indian civet). We also obtained a relationship of successive sister groups between, Civettictis Megaviverra, and Sahelictis. The endocast of C. vulpidens sp. nov., has the same superficial brain morphology in C. civetta, with the addition of an ectosylvian sulcus on the left hemisphere, a long entolateral sulcus on each hemisphere and an anteroposteriorly oriented sulcus medial to the right coronal sulcus. We propose the term “entocoronal” for this sulcus. The endocranial skull surface is damaged where a left entocoronal sulcus might have been reproduced. The common presence of a straight posterior cerebellar vermis distinguishes both C. civetta and C vulpidens sp. nov. from V. zibetha, Viverra megaspila Viverra tangalunga and Viverricula indica. Preliminary ecomorphological comparison show that this giant civet is less specialised and larger than the modern C. civetta and may have played a mesocarnivore role in the Langebaanweg fauna, like the smaller-sized canine Eucyon khoikhoi from the same locality.

Keywords: Neogene • Africa • Civettictis • Viverra • brain endocast

Comparative figure of the skull and mandible of Civettictis vulpidens from Langebaanweg (left) and those of the living African civet Civettictis civetta (right).

 

Churcher, Charles S.; Hurlburt, Grant R.; Govender, Romala and Valenciano, Alberto. 2025. Cranial and Endocranial Morphology of A New Species of Giant Civet (Carnivora, Viverridae) from the early Pliocene of Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry, South Africa. Palaeontographica Abteilung A. Band 329 Lieferung 3-6. 151 - 199. DOI: doi.org/10.1127/pala/2025/0157 [Mar 24, 2025]

https://www.UCM.es/otri/noticias-nueva-especie-sudafrica-ucm

 x.com/paleo_alberto/status/1904171437981569321

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Goggia sabula • A New Pygmy Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Goggia) from the arid Northern Cape Province of South Africa

  

Goggia sabula

Conradie, Hundermark, Kemp & Keates, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.5  

 facebook.com: Courtney Hundermark

Abstract

The genus Goggia is composed of ten small bodied leaf-toed gecko species endemic to South Africa and adjacent Namibia. Using a combination of phylogenetic and morphological analyses we assessed the taxonomic status of an isolated rupicolous population discovered south of Klein Pella in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The newly collected material was recovered as a well supported clade by two independent phylogenetic algorithms (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference), with little intraspecies structuring. While the particular interspecific relationships among closely related Goggia remain unresolved, the phylogenetic results suggest the novel material is related to G. rupicola, G. gemmula, G. incognita and G. matzikamaensis. This is supported by the similar ecologies (rupicolous lifestyle), geographies (arid western extent of South Africa) and morphologies (prominent dorsal chevrons and yellow-centred pale dorsal spots), which are shared among these closely related species. Despite their similarity, the novel population from Klein Pella remains geographically separate, differs from congeners by an uncorrected ND2 p-distance of 11.03–22.91%, and is morphologically diagnosable. Based on these findings we describe the Klein Pella population as a new species.

Reptilia, Gekkonidae, Namibia, arid, quartzite, cryptic species

Goggia sabula

Werner CONRADIE, Courtney HUNDERMARK, Luke KEMP and Chad KEATES. 2025. New Pygmy Gecko (Goggia: Gekkonidae) from the arid Northern Cape Province of South Africa.  Zootaxa. 5618(4); 552-570. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.5 [2025-04-04] facebook.com/feverhunting/posts/10229231279309947

[Botany • 2019] Senecio stella-purpurea (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) • A New, localised Species of purple radiate Senecio from the Sneeuberg Massif, South Africa

  

Senecio stella-purpurea V.R.Clark, J.D.Vidal & N.P.Barker,  

 in Clark, Vidal et Barker, 2019.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.406.3.4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/333855230

Abstract

Senecio stella-purpurea is described as a novel species endemic to the Sneeuberg Centre of Floristic Endemism, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The species was first encountered in 2006 and erroneously identified as S. arenarius in the checklist for the Sneeuberg massif. Closer inspection of the material indicated that this is a novel species clearly distinct in southern Africa’s purple-flowered Senecio flora. Morphologically it is closest to S. glastifolius, S. umbellatus, and S. grandiflorus, but differs by the presence of pinnatisect leaves, solitary flowers, and a densely glandular hairy indumentum along its vegetative parts. Occupying approximately only 200 km2 in the eastern and western Sneeuberg, mostly above 1800 m elevation in Karoo Escarpment Grassland, the IUCN Red Listing status of VULNERABLE is proposed.

Great Escarpment, Senecioneae, Eudicots

Senecio stella-purpurea V.R.Clark, J.D.Vidal & N.P.Barker sp. nov.

Vincent Ralph Clark, João Vidal and Nigel P. Barker. 2019. A New, localised Species of purple radiate Senecio (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) from the Sneeuberg massif, South Africa. Phytotaxa. 406(3):180-190. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.406.3.4

  Researchgate.net/publication/333855230_A_new_species_of_Senecio_from_the_Sneeuberg_massif_South_Africa

[Botany • 2025] Petalidium hoarusibense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from northwestern Namibia

Petalidium hoarusibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, 

in Swanepoel et van Wyk, 2025.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.681.1.1  

Abstract

Petalidium hoarusibense, hitherto misidentified as P. rossmannianum and P. ohopohense, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the south and southeast of Okandjombo in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows on arid hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. hoarusibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, single or multi-stemmed from a thick rootstock, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of short dendritic, simple and bifurcate trichomes appearing matted, flowers borne in short, few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate or elliptic, deeply concave, appearing cobwebbed due to a mixture of loosely entangled long simple and dendritic trichomes. The flowers of P. hoarusibense are distinctive in having the lobes magenta with the anterior lobe sometimes slightly lighter shaded than the others and with two separate narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. hoarusibense from P. kaokoense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. ohopohense, P. rossmannianum, P. sesfonteinense, and P. welwitschii, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species.

endemism, flora, Kaokoveld, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Namib Desert, Ruellieae, Okandjombo, Hoarusib River, taxonomy, Eudicots

Petalidium hoarusibense. 
Morphology of leaves and flowers. A. Shoot with flower and leaves, the latter with dense, greyish white indumentum. B, C. Flower in front (B) and side (C) view; note bracteoles (some of spent flowers) with cobwebby indumentum. D, E, F, G. Flowers in front view, each from a different plant to show variation. Note all corolla lobes of a flower being ca. similarly coloured in various shades of magenta, or lateral and upper lobes slightly darker shaded than the anterior lobe, sometimes (as in D, E, G) with darker magenta or maroon triangular nectar guides; anterior lobe adaxially with two narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium hoarusibense.
Habitat and habit. A. Mature plant ca. 800 mm high (greyish shrub in foreground), growing among dark grey sedimentary rocks of the Swakop Group along the banks of the Hoarusib River near Okandjombo, Namibia. B. Base of plant showing several branches arising from the main stem just above ground level, each covered with rough, fissured, greyish white bark.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium hoarusibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1.2 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium kaokoense, from which it differs in having indumentum on the bracteoles cobwebbed, consisting of a mixture of loosely entangled simple and dendritic trichomes up to 2.5 mm long, with in addition scattered short-stalked glandular trichomes (vs. matted/compact, stellate and dendritic, shorter, up to 0.5 mm long, lacking glandular trichomes); corolla glabrous outside (vs. exposed part strigose); nectar guides on anterior lobe narrowly triangular, separate (vs. linear-oblong, confluent or nearly so).

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Hoarusib River and its catchment to which Petalidium hoarusibense is endemic.

Wessel SWANEPOEL and Abrahan E. van WYK. 2025. Petalidium hoarusibense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia.  Phytotaxa. 681(1); 1-10. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.681.1.1  

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pseudobarbus kubhekai • A New Redfin (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

 

Pseudobarbus kubhekai 

Zarei, Mathebula & Chakona, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.134080

Abstract

A recent phylogeographic analysis of the remnant populations of Pseudobarbus quathlambae from Lesotho and South Africa revealed the existence of three allopatrically distributed lineages: (i) one in eastern Lesotho, (ii) one in Mohale, central Lesotho, and (iii) a third lineage in the Umzimkhulu (= Mzimkhulu) River, KwaZulu-Natal, adjacent to the Mkhomazana River (type locality), where the species has gone extinct. The present study provides morphological and osteological evidence corroborating the distinctiveness of the Umzimkhulu River population from all other populations (extant and extinct) of P. quathlambae, supporting their recognition as distinct species. Herein, we describe the Umzimkhulu River population as a new species, Pseudobarbus kubhekai. The new species, a single barbeled redfin, differs from all currently recognized congeners by having 51–56 scales in lateral-line series (vs. 60–72 in P. quathlambae and 25–45 in the other species). Proposed steps to resolve the taxonomic status of P. quathlambae from other localities (Mkhomazana population, Eastern Lesotho Highlands, and Mohale lineages) are presented.

Key Words: Cyprinidae, endemic species, freshwater fish, systematics, Umzimkhulu redfin

Fresh specimens of Pseudobarbus kubhekai sp. nov. from the Umzimkhulu River system.
A. SAIAB 246079 (tag number F86), paratype, 62.4 mm SL;
B. SAIAB 246079 (tag number F90), paratype, 54.3 mm SL.

 Pseudobarbus kubhekai sp. nov.

  

Pseudobarbus quathlambae (non-Barnard)

—Kubheka et al. 2017: 303; Swartz et al. 2023: 301.

Proposed common name: Umzimkhulu Redfin (English); 

Umzimkhulu Rooivlerkie (Afrikaans).

Diagnosis: Pseudobarbus kubhekai sp. nov. is easily distinguishable from P. burchelli, P. burgi, P. skeltoni, and P. verloreni by possessing a single pair of oral barbels (vs. two pairs). The new species differs from all currently recognized congeners by having 51–56 scales in lateral-line series (vs. 60–72 in P. quathlambae and 25–45 in other species). It further differs from its closest relative, P. quathlambae, by having fewer vertebrae (36–37 vs. 38–40) and lacking dark spots on its back (vs. presence of 2–4 rows of dark spots on back; Figs 5–7 for comparison).

Etymology: Pseudobarbus kubhekai sp. nov. is named after Skhumbuzo Kubheka from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who, through extensive sampling efforts in search of Pseudobarbus quathlambae from its type locality and headwater tributaries of the Umkhomazi and adjacent river systems, discovered this new species from the Umzimkhulu River system. This discovery was significant because it helped to resolve a longstanding debate on the natural occurrence of redfin minnows in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. The discovery also highlights the conservation significance of the headwater tributaries of rivers draining the Drakensberg Mountain.

 Fatah Zarei, Xiluva Mathebula and Albert Chakona. 2025. Pseudobarbus kubhekai sp. nov., A New Redfin (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(1): 1-16. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.134080

[Botany • 2021] Ceropegia heidukiae (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) • a morphologically intriguing and rare novelty from South Africa

Ceropegia heidukiae D.Styles & Meve, 

in Styles et Meve. 2021.

DOI:  doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.497.1.2 

PollinationResearch.wordpress.com

Abstract

A new species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae) is described from Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This new species shares a subset of vegetative and floral characters with the long-lost C. rudatisii, but is clearly separated by its sophisticated floral morphology. Ceropegia heidukiae occurs in Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland, an endangered vegetation type. A comprehensive species description is provided together with information on habitat and distribution; photographs of plants in habitat are also provided. A preliminary assessment of conservation status according to IUCN criteria suggests that C. heidukiae is Critically Endangered (CR).

Eudicots, Ceropegieae, endemism, geophyte, glaucous leaves, KwaZulu-Natal, Ngome, mistbelt grassland, trap flower

Ceropegia heidukiae

David G.A. Styles and Ulrich Meve. 2021. Ceropegia heidukiae (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae)—a morphologically intriguing and rare novelty from South Africa. Phytotaxa. 497(1); 20–28. DOI:  doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.497.1.2 

PollinationResearch.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/ceropegia-heidukiae-a-morphologically-intriguing-and-rare-novelty-from-south-africa

  jeffollerton.co.uk/2021/04/23/a-spectacular-new-plant-has-been-named-to-honour-a-colleague-meet-ceropegia-heidukiae

[Entomology • 2024] Onthophagus pragtig • A New and unusually ornate southern African Dung Beetle Species in d’Orbigny’s Onthophagus Group 18 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Onthophagini)

Onthophagus pragtig Deschodt, 

in Deschodt et Sole, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5493.2.7 

  www.UP.ac.za

 

Abstract

Onthophagus pragtig Deschodt, new species is described and illustrated from South Africa. Its known collection localities are shown. We also briefly describe and illustrate three distinct subgroups in the18th Onthophagus group of d’Orbigny (1913) and further provide a checklist of the known species in this group while dividing them into these subgroups where known.

Coleoptera, Food specialists, millipede carcass, sandy habitat, new subgroup association

 Christian M. Deschodt and Catherine L. Sole. 2024. A New and unusually ornate southern African Dung Beetle Species in d’Orbigny’s Onthophagus Group 18 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Onthophagini). Zootaxa. 493(2); 186-194. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5493.2.7 

  www.UP.ac.za/research-matters/news/multimedia-3274976-meet-hathoronthophagus-spinosa-and-onthophagus-pragtig

[Botany • 2024] Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae: Ruellieae) • A New Species from Namibia

  Petalidium namibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk,

in Swanepoel et van Wyk. 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.2 

 

Abstract

Petalidium namibense, hitherto confused with P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the southwest, west and northwest of Puros in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows at the base of rocky outcrops, on arid hillsides, and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. namibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, corky bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of relative long dendritic trichomes appearing lanate, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate. The flowers of P. namibense are distinctive in having the two upper corolla lobes discolorous, abaxially light brown, adaxially vermillion, without nectar guides, and connate towards the base for 25–40% of their length. The anterior lobe is adaxially magenta with two relative long, narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. The two lateral lobes are adaxially vermillion, or distally magenta, grading to vermillion towards the throat, and lack conspicuous nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. namibense from P. sesfonteinense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and P. variabile, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species. 

endemism, flora, Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, Kunene Region, Namib Desert, Ruellieae, Puros, taxonomy, Eudicots

Petalidium namibense, habitat and habit. 

A. Mature plant (ca. 0.5 m high) with greyish appearance, growing among rocks. 

B. Multiple stems (thickest ca. 80 mm in diam.) from base of a relatively old plant, each covered with thick corky bark.  

Petalidium namibense, habitat and habit. 

A. Several plants (dark grey dwarf shrubs) growing in the bed of an ephemeral drainage line. 

B. Ancient windswept plant sprouting from persistent woody stems with corky bark. 

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

 Petalidium namibense, morphology of leaves and flowers.
 A. Flower, reduced shoots, and congested leaves; leaves with dense greyish indumentum. B. Flower in the process of fading as indicated by its pale colours. C. Newly opened flower with bracteoles in oblique lateral view; note brownish abaxial colour of posterior corolla lobes. D. Flower in front view. E. Flower with bracteoles in lateral view. F. Flower in dorsal view.

 Photographs: W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium namibense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium sesfonteinense, differing by having the leaf lamina ovate, elliptic, suborbicular or orbicular (vs. ovate, elliptic or oblanceolate); bracteoles with trichomes dendritic, interspersed with glandular ones (vs. trichomes glandular with in addition appressed simple ones towards base); corolla shorter, 15.0–17.5 mm (vs. 20–24 mm long), upper lobes rectangular, smaller, 4.9–5.2 × 2.9–3.2 mm (vs. obovate, 5.8–8.2 × 3.5–4.3 mm), upper and lateral lobes differently coloured than anterior lobe with nectar guides absent or inconspicuous (vs. all lobes similarly coloured, nectar guides on upper and lateral lobes conspicuous).

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Namib Desert to which Petalidium namibense is endemic. The Namib Desert in its broadest definition, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean from Saõ Nicolau (Bentiaba) in Angola through Namibia to the Olifants River in South Africa (Seely 2004, Goudie & Viles 2015).

Petalidium sesfonteinense, morphology of leaves and flowers.
A. Flowers, shoots, and leaves; greyish leaves are still densely covered in trichomes; green leaves almost glabrous. B–E. Flowers in front view showing variation in corolla colour and lobe margins, with two yellow nectar guides.

Photographs: W. Swanepoel. 

Republished from Swanepoel & Manzitto-Tripp (2022).

Wessel Swanepoel and Abraham E. van Wyk. 2024. Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Namibia.  Phytotaxa. 671(2); 128-138. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.671.2.2 

[Entomology • 2023] Hathoronthophagus spinosus • A New Genus and Species in the Diverse Dung Beetle Tribe Onthophagini Streubel, 1846 (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from South Africa

Hathoronthophagus Stals, Daniel & Deschodt, 2024
Hathoronthophagus spinosus (Deschodt in Deschodt & Sole, 2023)

in Stals, Daniel et Deschodt, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5397.3.10 

 Researchgate.net/publication/377153072

in Deschodt & Sole, 2023.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5375.2.9

 

Abstract

A new dung beetle genus and species is described and pictured following its recent discovery on a farm in South Africa. Hathor spinosa Deschodt, new species belongs to the subfamily Scarabaeinae, tribe Onthophagini Streubel, 1846, it shows a unique set of characters. A map is provided to show the type locality of the new genus and species that has a putative association with ants.

Coleoptera, Putative ant association, dung beetle, Afrotropical region

Christian M. Deschodt and Catherine L. Sole. 2023. A New Genus and Species in the Diverse Dung Beetle Tribe Onthophagini Streubel, 1846 (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from South Africa.  Zootaxa. 5375(2); 279-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5375.2.9

 

===========

In November 2023, Deschodt & Sole (2023) proposed the new genus-group name Hathor Deschodt for a peculiar, putatively ant-associated onthophagine dung beetle from Gauteng province, South Africa. The genus is as yet known only from the female holotype of the species Hathor spinosa Deschodt, 2023. It was overlooked that the new generic name is preoccupied by Hathor Kirkaldy & Edwards, 1902, as regulated by the Principle of Homonymy (Articles 52–60 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature [henceforth the Code, Anonymous 1999]). Hathor Kirkaldy & Edwards is a monotypic genus of red bug or cotton stainer (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoroidea: Pyrrhocoridae) from tropical Africa, itself a junior subjective synonym of Sericocoris Karsch, 1892. Sericocoris is currently a valid genus (Robertson 2004; Stehlík & Jindra 2011).

Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Onthophagini

Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini

Genus Hathoronthophagus Stals, Daniel & Deschodt, replacement name

Hathoronthophagus spinosus (Deschodt in Deschodt & Sole, 2023), new combination

Riaan Stals, Gimo M. Daniel and Christian M. Deschodt. 2024. Hathoronthophagus, new replacement name for Hathor Deschodt, 2023, preoccupied genus-group name of a putatively myrmecophilic dung beetle (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini).  Zootaxa. 5397(3); 449-450. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5397.3.10

  Researchgate.net/publication/377153072_Hathoronthophagus_new_replacement_name_for_Hathor_Deschodt_2023_dung_beetle_Scarabaeidae

www.UP.ac.za/research-matters/news/multimedia-3274976-meet-hathoronthophagus-spinosa-and-onthophagus-pragtig

[Ichthyology • 2024] Enteromius nzigidaherai • A New endemic Enteromius (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the upper Malagarazi in Burundi: Lessons for a protected area under implementation

Enteromius nzigidaherai 

Bigirimana, Kisekelwa, da Costa, Huyghe, Banyankimbona & Vreven, 2024

  DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15652 

 x.com/CharlotteHuygh6

Abstract

Recent collecting efforts in the upper Malagarazi basin (2013–2022) allowed for an integrative study based on qualitative (colour), quantitative (meristic and metric), and barcoding gene [mtDNA, cytochrome c oxidase (COI)] data of specimens similar to Enteromius sp. ‘ascutelatus’, being a previously identified, potentially, new species. Based on these data, the present study confirms its identification as a new species for science, which is here formally described as Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov. This new species belongs to the group of Enteromius species for which the last unbranched ray of the dorsal fin is flexible and devoid of serrations along its posterior edge. This species has a horizontal series of black spots at the midlateral level of the sides. Three congeneric species, known from the Congo basin sensu lato, with two of them also found in the upper Malagarazi basin, are most similar to it. However, E. nzigidaherai sp. nov. is distinguished from the two sympatric upper Malagarazi species, that is, E. quadrilineatus and E. lineomaculatus, at least by two meristics and two morphometrics. It is also distinguished from E. urostigma, known from the upper Congo basin, by two meristics and one, apparently related, morphometric. In addition, a barcoding (mtDNA, COI) study revealed that the specimens of E. nzigidaherai sp. nov. form a well-supported, separate lineage, with a K2P genetic distance of more than 10% with specimens identified as E. quadrilineatus and E. lineomaculatus, both originating from the upper Malagarazi basin and for which tissue samples were available. Finally, the new species was found to be endemic to the upper reaches of two left bank affluents of the upper Malagarazi basin: the Muyovozi and the Kinwa. However, both affluents are threatened by human activities, which seem to have resulted in its local disappearance as recent intensive collecting efforts in the latter affluent have remained unsuccessful. The species should thus be considered Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria B1ab(ii,iv)c(i,iii). Therefore, it is hoped that the present description draws renewed attention to the importance of aquatic protection in the region by highlighting the need for the effective establishment of the Malagarazi Nature Reserve and concern for its optimal delimitation to efficiently protect the entire ichthyofauna of the upper Malagarazi, without excluding the fish species confined to its affluent rivers.

Keywords: aquatic protection, COI barcoding, colour pattern, Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov., Malagarazi Nature Reserve, Nkoma Massif

 

 Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov. 

Anatole Bigirimana, Tchalondawa Kisekelwa, Luis M. da Costa, Charlotte E. T. Huyghe, Gaspard Banyankimbona and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven. 2024. Description of A New endemic Enteromius (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the upper Malagarazi in Burundi: Lessons for a protected area under implementation. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15652

  x.com/CharlotteHuygh6/status/1841086014271459507