[Herpetology • 2019] Diploderma drukdaypo • A New Species of Dwarf Japalura sensu lato (Squamata: Agamidae) from the upper Mekong River in Eastern Tibet, China, with Notes on Morphological Variation, Distribution, and Conservation of Two Congeners Along the Same River

Diploderma drukdaypo 

Wang, Ren, Jiang, Zou, Wu, Che & Siler, 2019

Dwarf Mountain Dragon  || DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4544.4.3 

Japalura drukdaypo  facebook.com/KaiWang79

Abstract

Despite being recognized as ecologically and biogeographically important, the biodiversity of the Hengduan Mountain Region, particularly along the upper Mekong River, remains poorly understood. Here we describe a new species of Mountain Dragon of the genus Japalura sensu lato Gray, 1853 from the headwater region of the Mekong River in Chamdo, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The species is recognized as a member of the Japalura flaviceps Barbour & Dunn 1919 complex, and it can be distinguished readily from all congeners by a suite of morphological characteristics, including its dwarf appearance (small body size and disproportionally short tails and short hind limbs), smooth or weakly keeled ventral scales, feebly developed vertebral crests in males, and by the absence of distinct gular spots in males and females. In addition to the description of the new species, we also report morphological variations and range extensions of two recently described congeners along the same river, namely J. iadina and J. vela. We discuss the distribution patterns of the genus in the Hengduan Mountain Region and the urgent conservation priorities for protecting Japalura species along the Mekong River. According to our best available data, we provided IUCN assessments of the three species and propos to list them as nationally protected under the Chinese Wildlife Protection Act.

Keywords: Reptilia, cryptic diversity, habitat destruction, lizard, new record, Three Parallel Rivers, Yunnan

FIGURE 2. Holotype male (left; KIZ 027619) and paratopotype female (right, KIZ 027617) of Japalura drukdaypo sp. nov. in life. Photos by Kai WANG.

FIGURE 5. Comparisons of live males (columns 1, 2) and females (columns 3, 4) among Japalura drukdaypo sp. nov. (row A), J. batangensis (row B), J. vela (row C), J. laeviventris (row D), and J. flaviceps (row E). Photos by Kai WANG and Xu ZHANG.

Etymology. The species name, drukdaypo, was derived from the pronunciation of the Kham Tibetan word that means “dwarf dragon”, which describes the diagnostic dwarf-morphology of the new species. We name the new species using Kham Tibetan in honor of the local culture and people, as well as their positive impacts on wildlife conservation.
Suggested English common name is: Dwarf Mountain Dragon, and the suggested Chinese common name is .... (Pinying: Zhu Pan Xi).  

   

Kai Wang, Ke Jiang, Jinlong Ren, Dahu Zou, Jiawei Wu, Jing Che and Cameron D. Siler. 2019. A New Species of Dwarf Japalura sensu lato (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) from the upper Mekong River in Eastern Tibet, China, with Notes on Morphological Variation, Distribution, and Conservation of Two Congeners Along the Same River. Zootaxa. 4544(4); 505–522.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4544.4.3 

  facebook.com/KaiWang79/posts/2126364577424198
 researchgate.net/publication/330386420_A_new_species_of_Dwarf_Japalura_from_the_upper_Mekong_River_in_Eastern_Tibet_China 

After almost two years, our manuscript finally gets published! A new species of dwarf Japalura sensu lato, Japalura drukdaypo (was still Japalura when we first submitted it, and now it should be Diploderma after our generic revision) from the upper Mekong River Valley in eastern Tibet, China. The species name, drukdaypo, is derived from Kham Tibetan, which means "dwarf dragon".

[Botany • 2018] Begonia medogensis • A New Species of Begoniaceae from Western China and Northern Myanmar

Begonia medogensis JianW.Li, Y.H.Tan & X.H.Jin

in Li, Tan, Wang, et al., 2018.

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.103.25392 

Abstract

Begonia medogensis JianW.Li, Y.H.Tan & X.H.Jin, a new species of Begoniaceae, is described and illustrated by colour photographs. Begonia medogensis is distributed in western China and northern Myanmar. It has erect stems, is tuberless, has many triangular to lanceolate leaves, base slightly asymmetric, margins remotely and irregularly denticulate; staminate flowers have 4 perianth segments, with outer 2 segments broadly ovate, inner 2 spathulate; pistillate flowers have 5 perianth segments, unequal, outer 4 broadly ovate, inner 1 spathulate. The new species is assigned to section Platycentrum and can easily be distinguished from the other species in the section.

Keywords: Begonia, Begonia medogensis, sect. Platycentrum, new species, China, Myanmar

Figure 1. Begonia medogensis JianW.Li, Y.H.Tan & X.H.Jin.
 A Habitat B–E Flowers F Pedicel and ovary (showing large wing) G Male flowers (face view) H Ovary (showing loculus) I Flowers J Dissection of female flower K Dissection of male flower L Leaves M Anther with filament (under dissection mirror, bar = 1 mm) N Female flower (face view).

(photographed by Jian-Wu Li).

Begonia medogensis JianW.Li, Y.H.Tan & X.H.Jin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Begonia medogensis is morphologically similar to B. goniotis, B. griffithiana, B. nepalensis and B. sandalifolia, but can be easily distinguished from them by having leaves ovate-lanceolate, 6.0–8.0 × 1.5–2.5 mm, base slightly asymmetric, margins remotely and irregularly denticulate; triangular to lanceolate stipules; staminate flowers with outer 2 segments broadly ovate, inner 2 spathulate; pistillate flowers with perianth segments unequal, outer 4 larger, broadly ovate, inner 1 smallest, spathulate; cylindroid ovary, larger wing oblong, apex truncate.

Type: CHINA. Tibet, Medog County, Beibeng town, semi-evergreen forest in a subtropical area, 29°15'09"N, 95°13'31"E. 1381 m a.s.l., 16 November 2017, flowering, Xiaohua Jin, Jianwu Li, Xilong Wang & Chengwang Wang 19331 (holotype: HITBC!, isotype: HITBC!, PE!, K!)

Distribution and habitat: This new species grows in subtropical areas in Beibeng town, Medog County, Tibet, China, at an elevation of 700–1400 m and in Putao district, Kachin state, Myanmar, at an elevation of 600–1200 m.

Etymology: The species is named after the holotype locality, Medog County, in Tibet, China.

 Jian-Wu Li, Yun-Hong Tan, Xi-Long Wang, Cheng-Wang Wang and Xiao-Hua Jin. 2018. Begonia medogensis, A New Species of Begoniaceae from Western China and Northern Myanmar. PhytoKeys.  103: 13-18.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.103.25392

[PaleoIchthyology • 2017] Eoanabas thibetana • Fossil Climbing Perch and Associated Plant Megafossils indicate A Warm and Wet Central Tibet During the late Oligocene

Eoanabas thibetana

Wu, Miao, Chang, Shi & Wang, 2017

  DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00928-9  IVPP.cas.cn 

Abstract

Understanding the Tibetan Plateau’s palaeogeography and palaeoenvironment is critical for reconstructing Asia’s climatic history; however, aspects of the plateau’s uplift history remain unclear. Here, we report a fossil biota that sheds new light on these issues. It comprises a fossil climbing perch (Anabantidae) and a diverse subtropical fossil flora from the Chattian (late Oligocene) of central Tibet. The fish, Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov., is inferred to be closely related to extant climbing perches from tropical lowlands in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It has osteological correlates of a labyrinth organ, which in extant climbing perches gives them the ability to breathe air to survive warm, oxygen-poor stagnant waters or overland excursion under moist condition. This indicates that Eoanabas likewise lived in a warm and humid environment as suggested by the co-existing plant assemblage including palms and golden rain trees among others. As a palaeoaltimeter, this fossil biota suggests an elevation of ca. 1,000 m. These inferences conflict with conclusions of a high and dry Tibet claimed by some recent and influential palaeoaltimetry studies. Our discovery prompts critical re-evaluation of prevailing uplift models of the plateau and their temporal relationships with the Cenozoic climatic changes.

Systematic Palaeontology  

Teleostei Müller, 1845

Anabantiformes sensu Wiley and Johnson, 2010

Anabantoidei sensu Lauder and Liem, 1983

Anabantidae Bonaparte, 1839

Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. The generic name combines ‘Eo-’ (Greek, early/primeval) with ‘Anabas’, the type genus of Anabantidae from tropical Asia. The specific name refers to Tibet, China.

Holotype. IVPP V 22782, a complete skeleton, part and counterpart (Fig. 1a,b).

Paratypes. Sixteen specimens are designated as paratypes (Supplementary Information).

Locality and Horizon. Jiangnongtangga (type locality) and Songwori in south Nima Basin and Dayu in Lunpola Basin in central Tibet (Supplementary Figs 1 and 2). Middle-upper part of Dingqing Formation, late Oligocene (Chattian) (ca. 26~23.5 Ma)6, 20, 26.

Diagnosis. A labyrinth fish displaying anabantid characteristics including a posterior notch of the opercle bounded by spines, a V-shaped strut on inner side of opercle and six to nine anal-fin spines. It shares with Asian anabantids the following derived characters: broad infraorbitals 3–5 completely covering the cheek, a sensory canal pore just behind sphenotic/pterotic junction and pelvic plate lying flat; and it shares with African anabantids some derived characters, e.g., sensory canal opening in between the infraorbitals, supraorbital commissure of the sensory canal absent and male postocular contact organ present.

Figure 1 A new fossil climbing perch, Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov. from the upper Oligocene of central Tibet. It resembles its extant tropical relatives in having a labyrinth organ for air breathing and postocular contact organ in male fishes for stimulating the female during a mating clasp.
(a) Photograph and (b) line drawing of holotype (IVPP V22782a), image horizontally rotated. (c) Photograph and (d) line drawing of the head of IVPP V18412a, red area in (d) representing muscular attachment facet.

Abbreviations: alm, attachment facet of levator operculi muscle; Cbr1, ceratobranchial of first gill arch; op.st, V-shaped struts on inner side of opercles.

Figure 2 Fossil climbing perch, Eoanabas thibetana gen. et sp. nov. from the upper Oligocene of central Tibet.
(a) Line drawing of the head of IVPP V18414a. (b) Photograph of IVPP V18414a. (c) Photograph of IVPP V18581a. (d) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of relics of labyrinth organ in (c), arrows pointing the pores on the lamellae. (e) Computerized tomography of labyrinth organ (lateral view) of Anabas testudineus (OP 435). (f) Cleared and stained head showing the labyrinth organ and associated structures of Anabas testudineus (collection no. OP 432). (g) Cleared and stained specimen of Anabas testudineus (collection no. OP 433). (h) Osteological restoration of Eoanabas, purported male; not to scale.

Images in (c), (d) are horizontally rotated. Abbreviations: br, branchiostegal rays; hp1, hypural 1; m., muscle; php, parhypural.

Feixiang Wu, Desui Miao, Mee-mann Chang, Gongle Shi and Ning Wang. 2017. Fossil Climbing Perch and Associated Plant Megafossils indicate A Warm and Wet Central Tibet During the late Oligocene. Scientific Reports. 7, Article number: 878.  DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00928-9 
ResearchGate.net/publication/316090334_Fossil_climbing_perch_and_associated_plant_megafossils_indicate_a_warm_and_wet_central_Tibet_during_the_late_Oligocene

IVPP.cas.cn/xwdt/tpxw/201706/t20170605_4807953.html

Feixiang Wu, Dekui He, Mee-mann Chang and Desui Miao. 2017. New light on the paleobiogeography of the labyrinth fishes. RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE. 3(2); 63-64. DOI: 10.14456/randk.2017.29
 rk.msu.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/14-Feixiang.pdf

[Entomology • 2017] Taxonomic Review of the Oriental Flower Beetle Coilodera penicillata species complex (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)

Coilodera grandimaculata   Qiu, Xu & Chen, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4350.3.5 

Abstract

The taxonomy of the Coilodera penicillata Hope, 1831 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) species complex, which is recognized by the black body and elytra with larger tomentose maculae, is revised. Six Indochinese species assigned to this complex, including Coilodera grandimaculata new species from Tibet, China. Coilodera nigroscutellaris Moser, 1902 revised status and C. formosana Moser, 1910 revised status formerly treated as two subspecies of C. penicillata Hope, 1831 are elevated to species rank. The distribution of C. penicillata in China is confirmed based on examination of specimens from Yunnan and Tibet, and almost all previous Chinese literature records should be referred to C. nigroscutellaris. Coilodera dives (Gory & Percheron, 1833) revised status previously synonymized with C. penicillata is herein considered as a valid species based on the examination of types and additional specimens, and C. miksici Antoine, 1986 new synonymy is regarded as a junior synonym of C. dives. A lectotype is designated for Coilodera dives (Gory & Percheron, 1833). The record of C. mearesii (Westwood, 1842) in southeastern China is attributed to a misidentification of C. nigroscutellaris, and it is here newly recoreded from Tibet near the Nepal-China border. Diagnosis characters and intraspecific variations are illustrated for all six species, new distribution records and a key to species are also presented. Ecological information is provided for all species.

 Keywords: Coleoptera, Taenioderini, Taenioderina, revision, new species, synonym, lectotype, commensalism, China

 Jian-Yue Qiu, Hao Xu and Li Chen. 2017. Taxonomic Review of the Oriental Flower Beetle Coilodera penicillata species complex (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae).  Zootaxa. 4350(3); 511–537. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4350.3.5

[Botany • 2017] A Taxonomic Revision of Herminium L. (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae)

Figure 5. Flowers of representive species of Herminium.
  A Herminium monorchis B H. latilabre C H. forceps
D H. fallax E H. lanceum F H. edgeworthii G H. monophyllum H H. quinquelobum I H. pugioniforme. 

Abstract

Herminium (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) is a medium-sized genus widespread in the northern hemisphere, with a clear centre of diversity in the Himalayas. We present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Herminium based on field observations and morphological studies, for which we examined about 2500 specimens. We recognize 49 species grouped into six formal sections, including one new species, Herminium tibeticum, from Tibet. We provide an identification key to the species, descriptions of the species, notes on ecology and distribution, and complete nomenclature for each species, including typifications. We here designate lectotypes for five species and reduce four taxa to synonymy.

Keywords: Herminium tibeticum, key, morphology, synonyms, taxonomy

Figure 2. Habitat of Herminium.
A Herminium choloranthum (Terrestrial) B H. quinquelobum (Epiphytic on tree trunk). 

Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti, André Schuiteman, Wei-Tao Jin and Xiao-Hua Jin. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of Herminium L. (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae).
  PhytoKeys. 79: 1-74.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.79.11215

[Fungi • 2017] Tricholoma highlandense & T. sinopardinum • New Species in the Tricholoma pardinum Complex from Eastern Himalaya

Tricholoma sinopardinum 

  Zhu L Yang, X.X. Ding, G. Kost & Rexer

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.305.1.1

Abstract 

Species of Tricholoma sect. Pardinicutis (Singer) Bon are relatively easily recognizable even in the field, and the type species of section, T. pardinum (Pers.) Quél., was reported from the eastern Himalaya and adjacent areas. However, such reports were largely based on superficially similar morphology. In this study, we have generated DNA sequences of samples from southwestern China, and found that there are molecular discrepancies between the Chinese collections and European ones. Further detailed morphological analyses indicated the two independent new species occur in southwestern China, one in subtropical coniferous forests mixed with fagaceous plants between 2400 and 2800 m altitude, the other in subalpine dark coniferous forests between 3300 and 4100 m altitude. Consequently, two new species, namely, Tricholoma highlandense and T. sinopardinum, are described and illustrated.

Keywords: Agaricales, poisonous mushrooms, species delimitation, Fungi, Himalaya

Taxonomy 

Tricholoma highlandense Zhu L Yang, X.X. Ding, G. Kost & Rexer, sp. nov.  

Etymology:— highlandense is proposed because of its occurrence on Yunnan Plateau.

Tricholoma sinopardinum (HKAS 58001). Bars = 2 cm

Photo by Q. Cai and Z.L. Yang 

Tricholoma sinopardinum Zhu L Yang, X.X. Ding, G. Kost & Rexer, sp. nov.  

Etymology:— sinopardinum is proposed because of the Chinese mushroom’s similarity to T. pardinum. 

Type:— China. Xizang Autonomous Prefecture (Tibet): Jiangda County, Jiangda Town, alt. 3500 m, in forest dominated by Picea sp. and Populus sp., 8 August 2013, B. Feng 1427 (HKAS 82533!).

Habit, habitat, and distribution:— Solitary to scattered on calcareous soil in forests dominated by Picea spp., and sometimes mixed with Betula spp., Populus spp., or Quercus spp.; fruiting in summer in southwestern China in alpine areas between 3300 and 4100 m altitude. It may also occur in mixed forests of Tsuga and Abies in Nepal. 

Zhu L. Yang, Xiao-Xia Ding, G. Kost and K.-H. Rexer. 2017. New Species in the Tricholoma pardinum Complex from Eastern Himalaya.

 Phytotaxa.  305(1); 1–10. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.305.1.1

[Botany • 2017] Dancing Butterflies of the East Himalayas: New Meconopsis Species; M. gakyidiana & M. merakensis, from East Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and South Tibet

Meconopsis gakyidiana  

T. Yoshida, R. Yangzom & D.G. Long

www.NBC.gov.bt  journals.RBGE.org.uk

Abstract

The region from eastern Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh of India and the adjacent south-eastern Tibet and northern Myanmar seems to be one of the last frontiers not only for Meconopsis hunting but also for other botanical exploration. Although there remain political difficulties for foreigners to approach the unsettled border between India and China, including the famous Tsari valley with its prominently rich flora, which was visited by Frank Ludlow, George Sherriff, Frank Kingdon-Ward and a few other plant hunters before 1950, some botanical and horticultural treasures in this region have gradually been revealed to recent travellers. As a result of examining the photographs taken by these travellers and our own botanical field research in eastern Bhutan in 2014, accompanied

by subsequent herbarium studies, two species new to science are described. The first, from eastern Bhutan and adjacent Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, has long been cultivated under the names M. grandis or M. grandis GS600, and has recently been described as M. grandis subsp. orientalis (Grey-Wilson, 2010). It is the national flower of Bhutan. However, the type of M. grandis from Sikkim belongs to a species quite distinct from the eastern populations and the latter is now described as a new species, Meconopsis gakyidiana. The second novelty, Meconopsis merakensis, is newly described from eastern Bhutan and adjacent Arunachal Pradesh. In the past this species was confused with the closely allied M. prainiana. The two species are isolated geographically, M. prainiana being found only much further to the north-east, in south-eastern Tibet, including the Tsari valley. The title of this article is based on a comparison made by Frank Kingdon-Ward of Meconopsis flowers with butterflies in Tibet (see below).

Fig. 2 Colony of Meconopsis gakyidiana, surrounded by yellow-flowered M. paniculata, at Tsejong, Merak, east Bhutan, alt. 4,000m. Photo: T. Yoshida (2014), 1, vii. 

• Meconopsis gakyidiana T. Yoshida, R. Yangzom & D. G. Long, nom. et stat. nov.; nom. nov. for Meconopsis grandis Prain subsp. orientalis Grey-Wilson, Sibbaldia 8, 81 (2010).

Type: NE Bhutan, Cho La, Ludlow, Sherriff & Hicks 20801 (BM, holotype). Meconopsis grandis auct. non Prain, G. Taylor, The Genus Meconopsis 68 (1934), pro parte.

Diagnosis: M. baileyi Prain affinis, sed flore crateriformi, petalis manifeste concavis, thecis aurantiacis, atque stylo longiore difert. 

M. gakyidiana is similar to M. baileyi, but differs from the latter in the bowl-shaped flower with distinctly concave petals, orange-coloured thecae and longer style.

Distribution: Eastern Bhutan, western Arunachal Pradesh of India, southern Xizang (Tibet) of China; 3,700–4,300m in elevation. Habitat: Open shrubberies, lush pastures, beside rubble walls in grazing grounds, rarely on the sunny edge of sub-alpine forests; often forming a loose tuft with short rhizomes and gregariously growing together with shrubs and other tall herbs.

• Meconopsis merakensis T. Yoshida, R. Yangzom & D.G. Long, sp. nov. 

Type: East Bhutan: Trashigang district, Merak region, loose rocky area above Tsejong, 4,290m

Diagnosis: M. prainianae Kingdon-Ward affinis, sed capsulis longioribus et subcylindricis differt. 

M. merakensis differs from M. prainiana in its longer and sub-cylindrical fruit capsules.

Distribution: Eastern Bhutan: Merak and Sakten regions of Tashigang district; India: western Arunachal Pradesh, region around Orka La and Bhangajang, Tawang district, Mago district; 3,800–4,500m in elevation. 

Habitat: West, north-west or north-east facing steep rocky slopes, partly moss-covered boulder slopes or grassy and rocky slopes above tree-line, exposed to intermittent foggy rains of summer monsoon; rooting deep among rocks with scanty soil.

•  Meconopsis merakensis var. merakensis

•  Meconopsis merakensis var. albolutea T. Yoshida, R. Yangzom & D. G. Long, var. nov. 

Meconopsis elongata at its type locality in Bhutan 

CONCLUSIONS 

As stated in the introduction above, parts of the vast mountain ranges between Bhutan, northern Myanmar and south-west China remain very poorly explored botanically, even for such showy plants as Meconopsis. The new discoveries reported here demonstrate that diligent field work, using the modern technology of digital photography, can reveal plants new to science and often not brought into cultivation in the past. Sometimes these plants have been collected by early explorers, but those collections were often too limited to allow detailed scientific study without further material. However, when re-examined in conjunction with new specimens and images, proper scientific investigation can reveal new botanical treasures.

Toshio Yoshida, Rinchen Yangzom and David Long. 2017. Dancing Butterflies of the East Himalayas: New Meconopsis Species from East Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and South Tibet. SIBBALDIA: The Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture. 14; 69-96. 

https://journals.RBGE.org.uk/index.php/rbgesib/article/view/193

 The National Flower of Bhutan found to be a New Species!  shar.es/1Q2yqX

http://www.NBC.gov.bt/news/the-national-flower-of-bhutan-found-to-be-a-new-species.html

[Botany • 2017] Sorbus cibagouensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae) from Zayü County, southeastern Xizang, China

Sorbus cibagouensis  H. Peng et Z. J. Yin
(A) wild plant & (B) flower.

     

Photographed by Z. Mingxu.  DOI: 10.1111/njb.01253 

Abstract

Sorbus cibagouensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae subfam. Rosaceae), a new taxon from Cibagou National Nature Reserve, Zayü County, southeastern Xizang (Tibet), China, is described and illustrated. It is related to S. monbeigii (Cardot) Balakr., but primarily differs in the number of styles (S. cibagouensis = 5; S. monbeigii = 4) and the shape of stipules and leaves (S. cibagouensis: stipules caducous, small, with entire margin, leaflets in 9–11 pairs; S. monbeigii: stipules persistent, large, serrate, leaflets in 6–8 (–10) pairs).

Sorbus cibagouensis  H. Peng et Z. J. Yin

(A) wild plant, (B) flower, (C) type specimen.

   Photographed by Z. Mingxu.  DOI: 10.1111/njb.01253 

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Cibagou National Nature Reserve.

Zhijian Yin, Mingxu Zhao, Fanglin Tang, HongYan Sun and Hua Peng. 2017. Sorbus cibagouensis sp. nov. (Rosaceae) from Zayü County, southeastern Xizang, China.

  Journal of Botany.  35(1); 58–62.  DOI: 10.1111/njb.01253 

 ResearchGate.net/publication/312924312_Sorbus_cibagouensis_sp_nov_Rosaceae_from_Zayu_County_southeastern_Xizang_China

http://kmy.forestry.gov.cn/portal/kmy/s/1741/content-950985.html

http://www.qqnalp.com/tech/4530358.html

[Mammalogy • 2017] Multilocus approaches reveal Underestimated Species Diversity and Inter-specific Gene flow in Pikas (Ochotona) from southwestern China

   Ochotona roylii, Langtang National Park, Nepal

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.11.005 

Highlights

• A potential new subgenus represented by the O. syrinx group.

• Uncover three potential new species.

• Mitochondrial introgression was observed from O. cansus to O. curzoniae.

Abstract

The phylogeny of living pikas (Ochotonidae, Ochotona) remains obscure, and pika species diversity in southwestern China has never been well explored. In this study, 96 tissue samples from 11 valid species in three classified subgenera (Pika, Ochotona and Conothoa) from 23 locations were characterized using multilocus sequences of 7031bp. Two mitochondrial (CYT B and COI) and five nuclear gene segments (RAG1, RAG2, TTN, OXAIL and IL1RAPL1) were sequenced. We analysed evolutionary histories using maximum likelihood (RAxML) and Bayesian analyses (BEAST), and we also used molecular species delimitation analyses (BPP) to explore species diversity. Our study supported O. syrinx (O. huangensis) as a distinct clade from all named subgenera. Relationships among subgenera were not fully resolved, which may be due to a rapid diversification in the middle Miocene (∼13.90 Ma). Conflicting gene trees implied mitochondrial introgression from O. cansus to O. curzoniae. We uncovered three cryptic species from Shaanxi, Sichuan and Yunnan with strong support, suggesting an underestimation of species diversity in the “sky-island” mountains of southwest China.

Keywords: Cryptic species; mitochondrial introgression; multilocus species delimitation; Ochotona

Conclusion: 

This study inferred the phylogeny of 14 taxa including three cryptic species within a diverse assemblage. Our results supported the O. syrinx group as a distinct lineage beyond the four recognized subgenera, and thus this group may represent a distinct subgenus. Two and one cryptic new species were found in the O. syrinx group and O. thibetana, respectively, suggesting underestimated species diversity in the mountains of southwestern China. Additionally, our results supported mitochondrial introgression from O. cansus to O. curzoniae. Relationships among subgenera remain unresolved, calling for further studies using phylogenomic data. Nevertheless, the unresolved relationship at the root of the genus may be a result of accelerated uplift of the Himalaya and consequences of geographic isolation and rapid diversification.

Narayan Prasad Koju, Kai He, Mukesh Kumar Chalise, Chris Ray, Zhongzheng Chen, Bin Zhang, Tao Wan, Shunde Chen and Xuelong Jiang. 2017. Multilocus approaches reveal Underestimated Species Diversity and Inter-specific Gene flow in Pikas (Ochotona) from southwestern China.
 Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.11.005

[Entomology • 2016] Epidaus wangi • A New Assassin Bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Tibet, China

Epidaus wangi 

  Chen, Zhu, Wang & Cai, 2016

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4154.1.6

Abstract

Epidaus wangi Chen, Zhu, Wang & Cai, sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from Tibet, China, is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens. The new species is morphologically similar to E. tuberosus Yang, 1940. The new species represents the first record of Epidaus species from Tibet.

Keywords: Hemiptera, taxonomy, reduviid, Epidaus, new species, China

Zhuo Chen, Guangxiang Zhu, Jianyun Wang and Wanzhi Cai. 2016. Epidaus wangi (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae), A New Assassin Bug from Tibet, China.
  Zootaxa. 4154(1); 89–95.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4154.1.6

[Herpetology • 2016] Japalura iadina & J. laeviventris • Two New Species of Japalura (Squamata: Agamidae) from the Hengduan Mountain Range, China

Japalura iadina

 Wang, Jiang, Siler & Che, 2016

Figure 5: Japalura iadina sp. nov. in life, adult male holotype (KIZ 019321);  dorsolateral (A), ventral (B), and ventral head close-up views (C)  

Photos by Kai WANG  ZooRes.ac.cn

ABSTRACT

Until recently, the agamid species, Japalura flaviceps, was recognized to have the widest geographic distribution among members of the genus occurring in China, from eastern Tibet to Shaanxi Province. However, recent studies restricted the distribution of J. flaviceps to the Dadu River valley only in northwestern Sichuan Province, suggesting that records of J. flaviceps outside the Dadu River valley likely represent undescribed diversity. During two herpetofaunal surveys in 2013 and 2015, eight and 12 specimens of lizards of the genus Japalura were collected from the upper Nujiang (=Salween) Valley in eastern Tibet, China, and upper Lancang (=Mekong) Valley in northwestern Yunnan, China, respectively. These specimens display a unique suite of diagnostic morphological characters. Our robust comparisons of phenotype reveal that these populations can be distinguished readily from J. flaviceps and all other recognized congeners. Here-in, we describe the two Japalura lineages as new species, Japalura laeviventris sp. nov. and Japalura iadina sp. nov.. In addition, we provide updated conservation assessments for the new species as well as imperiled congeners according to the IUCN criteria for classification, discuss the importance of color patterns in the diagnosis and description of species in the genus Japalura, and discuss directions for future taxonomic studies of the group.

Keywords: Coloration; Conservation; Hengduan Mountains; Hydropower development; Japalura flaviceps

Figure 2: Lateral and ventral views of adult male holotype KIZ 014038 (A and B) and adult female paratopotype KIZ 014043 (C and D) of Japalura laeviventris sp. nov. in life 

Photos by Kai WANG

Japalura laeviventris sp. nov. Wang, Jiang, Siler, and Che

Synonyms: Japalura flaviceps Pope, 1935: 467; Zhao & Jiang, 1977: 293-298; Hu et al., 1987: 112; Zhao et al., 1999: 111-115; Li et al., 2010: 115.

Diagnosis: Following Inger’s definition of the genus (Inger, 1960) , the new species is assigned to the genus Japalura based on a number of diagnostic characters, including: (1) dorsal scales unequal in size; (2) enlarged crest scales present; (3) gular pouch present; (4) lateral fold of skin in axilla-groin region present; (5) supraciliary scales greatly imbricate;(6)head relatively long, flat; (7) tail long, slender; (8) tail cylindrical in shape; and (9) precloacal and femoral pores absent.

Distribution and Natural History: Japalura laeviventris sp. nov. is known only from its type locality in the upper Nujiang Valley (Figure 1); however, the species may also occur along geographically proximate stretches of Nujiang. Little vegetation exists in the Hot- and -Dry Valley (Figure 4). The new species is terrestrial, with individuals have been observed on the s and y hills alongside the river, utilizing rock crevices and rodent burrows as shelters. No larger reptiles have been recorded from the area. Males of the new species are more conspicuous in behavior than females, and can be observed basking for greater lengths of time in open habitat. In contrast, females appear to stay in closer proximity to shelters.

Etymology: We derive the new species name from the Latin word “laeviventris, ” meaning “smooth venter, ” in reference to one of the major diagnostic characteristics of the new species: smooth or weakly keeled ventral body scales. Suggested common name: Smooth-venter Mountain Dragon (English); Hua Fu Pan Xi (Chinese; 滑腹攀蜥).

Japalura iadina sp. nov. Wang, Jiang, Siler, and Che 

Synonyms: Japalura flaviceps Zhao et al., 1999: 293-298; Yang and Rao, 200: 200-201; 8; Xu and Zhang 2011: 202-203; 

Japalura splendida Xu and Zhang 2011: 202-203; 

Japalura cf. flaviceps Manthey et al., 2012

Diagnosis: Following Inger’s (1960) definition of the genus, the new species is assigned to Japalura based on a number of diagnostic characters, including: (1) dorsal scales unequal in size; (2) enlarged crest scales present; (3) gular pouch present; (4) lateral fold of skin in axilla-groin region present; (5) supraciliary scales greatly imbricate; (6) head relatively long, flat; (7) tail long, slender; (8) tail cylindrical in shape; and (9) precloacal and femoral pores absent.

Distribution and natural history: Although locally abundent, Japalura iadina sp. nov. is known only from the type locality (Figure 1). The new species is terrestrial, inhabiting dry, rocky habitats along the Lancang River (Figure 7). The emerald green coloration of the males makes them st and out from the rocky, environmental background. Tail autotomy has been observed for this population.

Etymology: The Latin name “iadina” means “emerald like,” which describes the diagnostic emerald green body coloration of males of the new species. Suggested common name: Emerald Mountain Dragon (English), Fei Cui Pan Xi (Chinese; 翡翠攀蜥).

Kai Wang, Ke Jiang, Dahu Zou, Fang Yan, Cameron D Siler and Jing Che. 2016. Two New Species of Japalura (Squamata: Agamidae) from the Hengduan Mountain Range, China. Zoological Research. 37(1): 41–56.  

ResearchGate.net/publication/291522015_Two_new_species_of_Japalura_Squamata_Agamidae_from_the_Hengduan_Mountain_Range_China

CameronSiler.com/two-new-species-of-japalura-from-southwest-china/

ZooRes.ac.cn/article/2016/1346/ZoolRes-37-1-41.html

[PaleoMammalogy • 2016] Protovis himalayensis • An Early Sheep from the Pliocene of Tibet, (Bovidae, Caprini), and Origin of Ice Age Mountain Sheep

Fig. 2 Map of extinct and extant species of Ovis in Eurasia and their evolutionary relationships.

Image by WANG Xiaoming   english.cas.cn

ABSTRACT

Modern wild sheep, Ovis, is widespread in the mountain ranges of the Caucasus through Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Tianshan-Altai, eastern Siberia, and the Rocky Mountains in North America. In Eurasia, fossil sheep are known at a few Pleistocene sites in North China, eastern Siberia, and western Europe, but are so far absent from the Tibetan Plateau. We describe an extinct sheep, Protovis himalayensis, gen. et sp. nov., from the Pliocene of the Zanda Basin in western Himalaya. Smaller than the living argali, this new form shares with Ovis posterolaterally arched horncores and partially developed sinuses and possesses several transitional characters leading to Ovis. Protovis likely subsisted on C3 plants, which are the dominant vegetation in the Zanda area during the Pliocene. With the discovery of this new genus and species, we extend the fossil record for the sheep clade into the Pliocene of the Tibetan Plateau, consistent with our previous out-of-Tibet hypothesis. Ancestral sheep in the Pliocene were presumed adapted to high altitude and cold environments, and during the Ice Age, sheep became anatomically modern and dispersed outside of the Tibetan Plateau. Both this new fossil datum and the existing molecular phylogeny suggest that the Tibetan Plateau, possibly including Tianshan-Altai, represents the ancestral home range(s) of mountain sheep and that these basal stocks were the ultimate source of all extant species. Most sheep species survived along their Pleistocene route of dispersal, offering a highly consistent pattern of zoogeography.

Fig.1 Holotype of Protovis himalayensis, in frontal-lateral view (A) and dorsal view of horncores (B), and cross-sectional shapes at four intervals along left horn

Image by WANG Xiaoming  english.cas.cn

Fig. 3 Artist reconstruction of a male Zanda sheep, Protovis himalayensis, placed in a modern Zanda basement outcrop that was widely exposed during basin formation. 

Art by Julie Selan and photo background by WANG Xiaoming  english.cas.cn

Xiaoming Wang, Qiang Li and Gary T. Takeuchi. 2016. Out of Tibet: An Early Sheep from the Pliocene of Tibet, Protovis himalayensis, genus and species nov. (Bovidae, Caprini), and Origin of Ice Age Mountain Sheep. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.   DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2016.1169190

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F2AEE746-0A5B-4F40-89B7-8EF0C04F21FD

New Species from the Pliocene of Tibet Reveals Origin of Ice Age Mountain Sheep

Modern wild sheep, Ovis, is widespread in the mountain ranges of the Caucasus through Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Tianshan-Altai, eastern Siberia, and the Rocky Mountains in North America. In Eurasia, fossil sheep are known by a few isolated records at a few Pleistocene sites in North China, eastern Siberia, and western Europe, but are so far absent from the Tibetan Plateau.

In a paper published May 4 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, paleontologists from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and La Brea Tar Pits and Museum at Los Angeles reported a new genus and species of fossil sheep from the Pliocene of Zanda Basin in Tibet. This finding extends the fossil record for the sheep into the Pliocene of the Tibetan Plateau, suggesting that the Tibetan Plateau, possibly including Tianshan-Altai, represents the ancestral home range(s) of mountain sheep and that these basal stocks were the ultimate source of all extant species, which is consistent with the Out-of-Tibet hypothesis regarding the origins of Ice Age megaherbivores.

New fossil materials were collected from IVPP locality ZD0712 in Guanjingtai, Zanda County, Tibetan Autonomous Region in western Himalaya during the 2006 and 2007 field seasons. The holotype specimen (IVPP V18928), forming the main basis of this new species, is a nearly complete male left and right horncores. With a total horncore upper curve length of 443 mm, it is similar in size to some extant species of Ovis.

This new extinct sheep, Protovis himalayensis, has a combination of features distinguishable from other species such as Ovis, Pseudois and Tossunnoria. Smaller than the living argali, it shares with Ovis posterolaterally arched horncores and partially developed sinuses and possesses several transitional characters leading to Ovis.

........

http://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201605/t20160511_162948.shtml

New species from the Pliocene of Tibet reveals origin of Ice Age mountain sheep http://phy.so/382171822 via @physorg_com

[Herpetology • 2016] Amolops nyingchiensis • A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Amphibia: Ranidae) from southeastern Tibet, China

林芝湍蛙 | Amolops nyingchiensis

 Jiang, Wang, Xie, Jiang & Che, 2016

DOI: 10.13918/j.issn.2095-8137.2016.1.31 

Abstract  

A new species of the genus Amolops Cope, 1865 is described from Nyingchi, southeastern Tibet, China, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species, Amolops nyingchiensis sp. nov. is assigned to the Amolops monticola group based on its skin smooth, dorsolateral fold distinct, lateral side of head black, upper lip stripe white extending to the shoulder. Amolops nyingchiensis sp. nov. is distinguished from all other species of Amolops by the following combination of characters: (1) medium body size, SVL 48.5-58.3 mm in males, and 57.6-70.7 mm in females; (2) tympanum distinct, slightly larger than one third of the eye diameter; (3) a small tooth-like projection on anteromedial edge of mandible; (4) the absence of white spine on dorsal surface of body; (5) the presence of circummarginal groove on all fingers; (6) the presence of vomerine teeth; (7) background coloration of dorsal surface brown, lateral body gray with yellow; (8) the presence of transverse bands on the dorsal limbs; (9) the presence of nuptial pad on the first finger in males; (10) the absence of vocal sac in males. Taxonomic status of the populations that were previously identified to A. monticola from Tibet is also discussed.

Key words: Amolops monticola group; Amolops nyingchiensis sp. nov.; DNA barcoding; Tibet

Etymology: The species name “nyingchiensis” is the Latin form of name of Nyingchi Prefecture, which includes the two localities of the new species. According to the Latin name, we suggest the English common name as “Nyingchi Cascade Frog”, and the Chinese common name as “Lin Zhi Tuan Wa” (林芝湍蛙). 

Ecological notes: The new species, A. nyinchiensis is found in the small to medium sized, fast flowing streams near mixed forest at relative high elevation (Figure 4). At the type locality (Gedang), the stream is much faster, and has rocky shores, while at the other locality (Zhibai) the stream is slower, and the shores are covered by vegetation and not rocky. Such distinct microhabitats suggest a wide ecological niche of the new species. In Gedang, only the new species was observed, and in Zhibai, one amphibian species, Nanorana parkeri (Stejneger, 1927) was co-distributed with the new species, and one reptile species Pseudoxenodon macrops (Blyth, 1854) was also observed. Reproductive season of the new species is unknown. 

Figure 2 Different views of the male holotype (KIZ 016432) of Amolops nyingchiensis sp. nov. in life.  A: dorsolateral view; B: ventral view; C: dorsal view.

Figure 3 Different views of the female paratopotypes in life, from Medog (KIZ016434)  A: dorsolateral view; B: ventral view; C: dorsolateral and ventral view from Mainling (KIZ012636)

Figure 4 Habitat of Amolops nyingchiensis sp. nov. at Gelin, Medog (A) and Zhibai, Mainling (B), Tibet, China

(Photos by Ke JIANG and Kai WANG)  || DOI: 10.13918/j.is

Ke JIANG, Kai WANG, Fang YAN, Jiang XIE, Da-Hu ZOU, Wu-Lin LIU, Jian-Ping JIANG, Cheng LI and Jing CHE. 2016. A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Amphibia: Ranidae) from southeastern Tibet, China. ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH. 37(1); 31-40.  DOI: 10.13918/j.issn.2095-8137.2016.1.31