[Ornithology • 2024] Integrative Taxonomy reveals Unrecognised Species Diversity in African Corypha Larks (Passeriformes: Alaudidae)

African Corypha Larks (Aves: Alaudidae)

in Alström, Mohammadi, Donald, Nymark, Enbody, Irestedt, ... et Stervander, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad107 

 twitter.com/nesospiza

 

Abstract

The species complex comprising the rufous-naped lark Corypha africana, Sharpe’s lark Corypha sharpii, the red-winged lark Corypha hypermetra, the Somali long-billed lark Corypha somalica and Ash’s lark Corypha ashi encompasses 31 recognised taxa across sub-Saharan Africa, many of which are extremely poorly known and some not observed for decades. Only 17 taxa have been studied molecularly and none comprehensively for morphology, vocalisations or other behaviours. Here, we undertake comprehensive integrative taxonomic analyses based on plumage and morphometrics (for 97% of the taxa), mitochondrial and nuclear loci (77%), ≤ 1.3 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (68%), song (many described for the first time; 52%) and additional behavioural data (45%). All polytypic species as presently circumscribed are paraphyletic, with eight primary clades separated by ≤ 6.3–6.8 Myr, broadly supported by plumage, morphometrics, song and other behaviours. The most recent divergences concern sympatric taxon pairs usually treated as separate species, whereas the divergence of all clades including C. africana subspecies is as old as sister species pairs in other lark genera. We propose the recognition of nine instead of five species, while C. ashi is synonymised with C. somalica rochei as C. s. ashi. The geographical distributions are incompletely known, and although the nine species are generally para-/allopatric, some might be sympatric.

Africa, behaviour, bird, morphometrics, new classification

Remaining species and name recommendations are:

Highland lark (C. kurrae)

Plains lark (C. kabalii)

Plateau lark (C. nigrescens)

Rufous-naped lark (C. africana s.s.)

Sentinel lark (C. athi)

Somali lark (C. somalica)

Red-winged lark (C. hypermetra s.s.)

Kidepo lark (C. kidepoensis)

Per Alström, Zeinolabedin Mohammadi, Paul F. Donald, Marianne Nymark, Erik D. Enbody, Martin Irestedt, Emmanuel Barde Elisha, Henry K. Ndithia, B. Irene Tieleman, Derek Engelbrecht, Urban Olsson, Loïs Rancilhac and Martin Stervander. 2024.  Integrative Taxonomy reveals Unrecognised Species Diversity in African Corypha Larks (Aves: Alaudidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad107. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad107

  twitter.com/nesospiza/status/1708435961779020040

[Ornithology • 2022] Otus bikegila • A New Species of Scops-owl (Strigiformes: Strigidae) from Príncipe Island (Gulf of Guinea, Africa) and Novel insights into the Systematic Affinities within Otus

 Otus bikegila

Melo, Freitas, Verbelen, da Costa, Pereira, Fuchs, Sangster, Correia, de Lima & Crottini, 2022 

 

Principe Scops-Owl | Kitóli-do-príncipe || Mocho-do-príncipe || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1126.87635

Original artwork by Marco N. Correia.

Abstract

A new species of scops-owl (Aves, Strigiformes, Strigidae, Otus) is described from Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea, Africa). This species was discovered for science in 2016, although suspicions of its occurrence gained traction from 1998, and testimonies from local people suggesting its existence could be traced back to 1928. Morphometrics, plumage colour and pattern, vocalisations, and molecular evidence all support the species status of the scops-owl from Príncipe, which is described here as Otus bikegila sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that this species descended from the first colonisation of the Gulf of Guinea islands, being sister to the clade including the mainland African Scops-Owl O. senegalensis, and the island endemics Sao Tome Scops-Owl O. hartlaubi and Pemba Scops-Owl O. pembaensis. The most diagnostic trait in the field is its unique call which, curiously, is most similar to a distantly related Otus species, the Sokoke Scops-Owl O. ireneae. The new species occurs at low elevations of the old-growth native forest of Príncipe, currently restricted to the south of the island but fully included within Príncipe Obô Natural Park. Otus bikegila sp. nov. takes the number of single-island endemic bird species of Príncipe to eight, further highlighting the unusually high level of bird endemism for an island of only 139 km2.

Keywords: Biodiversity, endemism, exploration, Gulf of Guinea, integrative taxonomy, Otus bikegila sp. nov., Prin­cipe Scops-Owl, systematics

The candidate species of  Otus from Príncipe
 A female specimen MHNC-UP-AVE7000, showing colouration in life (available also in the Macaulay library (ML): ML470442301; grey-brown morph) B female (left, sample P9-037) and male (right, sample P9-038) grey-brown morphs captured at Boca do Inferno on January 28, 2019 (ML470438621) C rufous morph individual photographed at Ribeira Porco area on July 04, 2016 D daytime sighting of a grey-brown morph individual between Rio São Tomé and Ribeira Porco on January 19, 2019 (ML470443361, only the rufous upperparts are clearly seen) E grey-brown morph individual photographed in the Ribeira Porco area on January 21, 2019 F fully developed brood patch of a female rufous morph (sample P8-001) captured in the Ribeira Porco area on January 20, 2019 (ML470440211). ML – Macaulay Library.

Photographs: A – HP B, D, F – MM and BF C – PV E – Paul van Giersbergen.

 Otus bikegila sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species (Figs 2, 9) is assigned to the genus Otus based on genetic and morphological similarities to other known species of this genus. Phylogenetic analyses place it within the Afro-Palearctic clade, making generic placement unambiguous. Placement of the new species in Otus is further supported by its morphological characters: small size, distinctive ear-tufts, facial disc, short rounded wings, and short tail. The new species differs from the other described taxa of the Afro-Palearctic Otus clade (O. hartlaubi, O. senegalensis, including O. s. feae sometimes treated as a distinct species, O. pembaensis, O. pamelae, O. scops, O. brucei) by high genetic differentiation (pairwise ND2 distance ranging from 4.1% to 9.1%), by the lack of haplotype sha­ring at the KIAA1239 and TGFB2 nuclear markers, as well as from a combination of morphological, genetic and natural history (bioacoustics) traits.

Principe Scops-Owl  Otus bikegila sp. nov. from Príncipe Island, Africa.
 Left: Adult rufous morph in the typical posture. Right: Adult grey-brown morph in a stress posture, when it raises the ear tufts to increase the efficiency of camouflage.

Original artwork by Marco N. Correia.

Etymology: 

The species name is a patronym honouring Ceciliano do Bom Jesus, known as ‘Bikegila’ (Suppl. material 5). The species epithet name is intentionally defined as an invariable noun in apposition (not a noun in the genitive case) for better pronunciation; no confusion with the species authority is possible because the noun is an oral nickname.

Bikegila, a native of Príncipe Island, began the ‘Príncipe Scops-Owl saga’ in 1998, when he shared with MM reports of two sightings of birds that looked like owls in parrot nests. Since then, Bikegila took part in every field effort that led to the bird’s discovery for science; he also led the capture of all sampled individuals, including the holotype, which required ingenious ways to erect canopy nets. For almost 25 years, Bikegila has put all his resources, including bottomless fieldwork skills and a vast knowledge of Príncipe, towards the successful completion of innumerable research projects in a terrain that the collector José Correia considered to be the “bad among the bad or the worse among the worse” [sic] (Diary, 2 September 1928, Archives AMNH, New York). Besides his skills, Bikegila’s “cheerful temperament, possibly the first requirement for an undertaking in inhospitable regions” (von Humboldt 1841), coupled with an unbeatable gift for story-telling and an underlying quiet wisdom, contributes as much to making the expeditions he leads memorable and successful. A former parrot harvester, Bikegila became a warden of Prín­cipe Obô Natural Park soon after its creation; he is now a much sought-after nature guide.

We believe that most field researchers are grateful to the ‘Bikegilas’ with whom they are/were honoured to work with. As such, the name is also in recognition of all the people, around the world, who through their deep relationship with and knowledge of the regions they inhabit, play key roles in the description of new species and of new sites to science.

Common name: We propose the English common name Principe Scops-Owl, the name for São Tomé and Príncipe as Kitóli-do-príncipe, and the name for the Portuguese list of the birds of the world as Mocho-do-príncipe. All common names refer to Príncipe Island, from where it is endemic.

Martim Melo, Bárbara Freitas, Philippe Verbelen, Sátiro R. da Costa, Hugo Pereira, Jérôme Fuchs, George Sangster, Marco N. Correia, Ricardo F. de Lima and Angelica Crottini. 2022. A New Species of Scops-owl (Aves, Strigiformes, Strigidae, Otus) from Príncipe Island (Gulf of Guinea, Africa) and Novel insights into the Systematic Affinities within Otus. ZooKeys. 1126: 1-54. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1126.87635

Resumo: Descrevemos uma nova espécie de mocho-de-orelhas ou kitóli (Strigiformes: Strigidae: Otus) da Ilha do Príncipe, São Tomé e Príncipe (Golfo da Guiné, África). Esta espécie foi descoberta para a ciência apenas em 2016, embora suspeitas da sua existência tenham ganho força a partir de 1998, e testemunhos de habitantes locais sobre a sua ocorrência já estarem documentados em 1928. A morfometria, a cor e padrão da plumagem, as vocalizações e dados moleculares demonstram que esta população de mocho no Príncipe é uma espécie nova, que foi batizada de mocho-do-príncipe (lista mundial) ou kitóli-do-príncipe (nome nacional), Otus bikegila sp. nov. As análises filogenéticas indicam que esta espécie descende da primeira colonização das ilhas do Golfo da Guiné, sendo irmã do clado que inclui o mocho-d’ore­lhas-africano O. senegalensis, do continente, o mocho-de-são-tomé (ou kitóli-de-são-tomé) O. hartlaubi e o mocho-de-pemba O. pembaensis, ambos endémicos das ilhas que lhes dão o nome. No campo, a característica mais diagnóstica é o seu canto único que, curiosamente, é mais parecido com o da espécie de Otus mais afastada, o mocho-de-sokoke O. ireneae. A nova espécie ocorre nas zonas baixas da floresta nativa do Príncipe, atualmente restrita ao sul da ilha, mas totalmente inserida no Parque Natural do Obô do Príncipe. Otus bikegila sp. nov. eleva o número de espécies de aves endémicas restritas ao Príncipe para oito, sublinhando ainda mais o nível extremamente elevado de aves endémicas para uma ilha de apenas 139 km2.

Palavras-chave: Biodiversidade, endemismo, exploração, Golfo da Guiné, Kitóli-do-príncipe, Mocho-do-príncipe, Otus bikegila sp. nov., sistemática, taxonomia integrada

 

   

[Ornithology • 2021] Cisticola bakerorum & C. anderseni • Two New Cisticola Species (Passeriformes: Cisticolidae) Endemic to the Marshes of the Kilombero Floodplain of southwestern Tanzania

[top] Cisticola bakerorum Kilombero Cisticola;
[bottom] Cisticola anderseni White-tailed Cisticola.

New species of cisticola warblers from the Kilombero floodplain of Tanzania.

 For both species, the bird in the front is painted after the type specimen, whereas the bird behind is based on photos of birds in more worn plumages. 

 Fjeldså, Dinesen, Davies, Irestedt, ... et Bowie, 2021

 DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12971

Watercolour painting by Jon Fjeldså.

Abstract

The presence of two undescribed cisticola warblers in the marshes of the Kilombero floodplain in central Tanzania has been known since the 1980s and these putative new species have been illustrated in field guides on African birds, although with no formal name. Here we name both species, based on two museum specimens collected in 1961 and recently detected in a museum collection. We use these specimens to provide formal descriptions of each form and, using DNA sequence data extracted from these specimens, we place them in a broad phylogenetic framework for the genus Cisticola. The phylogenetic placement indicates that one of the new species is nested within a group of plain-backed duetting cisticolas and the other within the streak-backed marsh cisticolas. We use our own and public recordings to characterize the vocal repertoire of each of these new species and compare song characteristics with other members of their respective clades. Dating of nodes in the molecular phylogeny suggests that both cisticolas endemic to the Kilombero became isolated and diverged from their sister-species between 2.5 and 3.5 million years ago, long after the formation of the Eastern Arc Mountains and the Malawi Rift. We propose that both species should be classified as globally endangered, owing to immense anthropogenic pressures on the floodplain, as documented in several publications and by a recent Ramsar Advisory Mission.

Keywords: Africa, Cisticolidae, conservation, habitat selection, new species, Ramsar, wetlands

New species of cisticola warblers from the Kilombero floodplain of Tanzania.
 At the top, Cisticola bakerorum Kilombero Cisticola (Kidenenda wa Kilombero); at the bottom Cisticola anderseni White-tailed Cisticola (Kidenenda Mkia-mweupe).
For both species, the bird in the front is painted after the type specimen, whereas the bird behind is based on photos of birds in more worn plumages. Watercolour painting by Jon Fjeldså.

Based on the combined evidence from genetics, morphology and bioacoustics, we conclude that these two cisticolas of the Kilombero Floodplain represent independent species, which we formally describe and name below:

Cisticola bakerorum, species nova

(a.k.a. Kilombero Cisticola in English; 

Kidenenda wa Kilombero in Kiswahili)

Etymology: We named this species after Neil Baker and the late Liz Baker, in recognition of their long-term efforts to document and conserve Tanzania’s birdlife, which includes the exploration of the Kilombero floodplain (e.g. Baker & Baker 1990, 2002).

Cisticola anderseni, species nova

(a.k.a. White-tailed Cisticola in English; 

Kidenenda Mkia-mweupe in Kiswahili)

Etymology: We named this species after the late Thorkild Andersen, in recognition of his efforts to document Tanzania’s birdlife, including his collection in 1961 of the two specimens that serve as holotypes in this publication. His 11 741 avian specimens from Tanzania, collected over 20 years, are today deposited in six European natural history museums.

Jon Fjeldså, Lars Dinesen, Owen R. Davies, Martin Irestedt, Niels K. Krabbe, Louis A. Hansen and Rauri C. K. Bowie. 2021. Description of Two New Cisticola Species Endemic to the Marshes of the Kilombero Floodplain of southwestern Tanzania. Ibis. DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12971

[Ornithology • 2020] Type Specimens Matter: New Insights on the Systematics, Taxonomy and Nomenclature of the Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans) complex

Sylvia subalpina Temminck, 1820

in Zuccon, Pons, Boano, ... et Brambilla, 2020. 

 DOI:  10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz169 

  twitter.com/ZoolJLinnSoc

Abstract

We revise the taxonomy of the Sylvia cantillans complex, a group of phenotypically distinct warblers with mainly parapatric distributions around a large part of the Mediterranean basin. We redefine the species limits using a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers and we objectively link available names to the genetically defined lineages by genotyping the surviving type specimens. In addition, the study of archival documents clarifies the exact composition of type series and provides further evidence for the identification of lost types. These results support the recognition of three species-level taxa: Moltoni’s warbler, Sylvia subalpina (north-central Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearics); the western subalpine warbler, S. iberiae (North Africa, Iberia, southern France and extreme north-west Italy); and the eastern subalpine warbler, S. cantillans, with subspecies S. cantillans cantillans (southern Italy, Sicily) and S. cantillans albistriata (Balkans, Greece, western Turkey).

Keywords: species limits, Sylvia cantillans, taxonomy, types

Neotype of Sylvia subalpina Temminck, 1820, MSNM Av37427, ventral (A), lateral (B) and dorsal (C) views.

The images were calibrated with the Xrite ColorChecker.

....

In conclusion, we recommend the recognition of three species in this complex: 

Sylvia subalpina Temminck, 1820 (Moltoni’s warbler), 

monotypic north-central Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, 

Balearics Synonyms: Sylvia subalpina Temminck, 1820 Sylvia subalpina inornata Tschusi, 1906 Sylvia cantillans moltonii Orlando, 1937 

Sylvia iberiae Svensson, 2013 (western subalpine warbler), 

monotypic North Africa, from Tunisia to Morocco, Iberia, southern France, extreme north-west Italy 

Synonyms: Sylvia inornata iberiae Svensson, 2013 

Sylvia cantillans (Pallas, 1764) (eastern subalpine warbler), 

polytypic 

Sylvia cantillans cantillans (Pallas, 1764) 

southern Italy, Sicily 

Synonyms: Motacilla cantillans Pallas, 1764 Sylvia leucopogon ‘Heckeli’ Schinz, 1821 Sylvia leucopogon ‘Heckeli’ Meyer B, 1822 

Sylvia cantillans albistriata (Brehm CL, 1855) 

extreme north-east Italy, Balkans, Greece, western Turkey 

Synonyms: Curruca albistriata Brehm CL, 1855

Dario Zuccon, Jean-Marc Pons, Giovanni Boano, Giorgio Chiozzi, Anita Gamauf, Chiara Mengoni, Davide Nespoli, Georges Olioso, Marco Pavia, Irene Pellegrino, Marko Raković, Ettore Randi, Hamid Rguibi Idrissi, Moez Touihri, Markus Unsöld, Severino Vitulano and Mattia Brambilla. 2020. Type Specimens Matter: New Insights on the Systematics, Taxonomy and Nomenclature of the Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans) complex. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 190(1); 314–341. DOI:  10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz169  

 twitter.com/ZoolJLinnSoc/status/1312694835674054658

[Ornithology • 2020] A Comprehensive Molecular Phylogeny of Afrotropical White-eyes (Aves: Zosteropidae) highlights Prior Underestimation of Mainland Diversity and Complex Colonisation History

in Martins, Cox, Irestedt, et al., 2020. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106843

Highlights

• Comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Afrotropical Zosteropidae.

• Likely single colonisation of the Afrotropical realm.

• Multiple independent colonisations of oceanic and ecological islands.

 • An underestimation of mainland species diversity.

• Proposed revised taxonomy.

Abstract

White-eyes (Zosterops) are a hyper-diverse genus of passerine birds that have rapidly radiated across the Afrotropics and Southeast Asia. Despite their broad range, a disproportionately large number of species are currently recognised from islands compared to the mainland. Described species-level diversity of this ‘great speciator’ from continental Africa-Arabia is strikingly low, despite the vast size and environmental complexity of this region. However, efforts to identify natural groups using traditional approaches have been hindered by the remarkably uniform morphology and plumage of these birds. Here, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships and systematics of Afrotropical Zosterops, including the Gulf of Guinea and western Indian Ocean islands. We included exceptional sampling (~160 individuals) from all except one subspecies of the 55 taxa (32 species, plus 23 additional named sub-species) currently recognized throughout the region, in addition to a subset of extra-Afrotropical taxa, by exploiting blood and archival samples. Employing a multi-locus phylogenetic approach and applying quantitative species delimitation we tested: (1) if there has been a single colonisation event of the Afrotropical realm; (2) if constituent mainland and island birds are monophyletic; and (3) if mainland diversity has been underestimated. Our comprehensive regional phylogeny revealed a single recent colonisation of the Afrotropical realm c.1.30 Ma from Asia, but a subsequent complex colonisation history between constituent island and mainland lineages during their radiation across this vast area. Our findings suggest a significant previous underestimation of continental species diversity and, based on this, we propose a revised taxonomy. Our study highlights the need to densely sample species diversity across ranges, providing key findings for future conservation assessments and establishing a robust framework for evolutionary studies.

Keywords: Cryptic species, Islands, Continents, Passeriformes, Species delimitation, Zosterops

 Frederico C. Martins, Siobhan C. Cox, Martin Irestedt, Robert P. Prŷs-Jones and Julia J. Day. 2020. A Comprehensive Molecular Phylogeny of Afrotropical White-eyes (Aves: Zosteropidae) highlights Prior Underestimation of Mainland Diversity and Complex Colonisation History. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 149. 106843. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106843

[Ornithology • 2016] Stiphrornis dahomeyensis, S. inexpectatus & S. rudderi • Three New Species of Stiphrornis (Aves: Muscicapidae) from the Afro-tropics, with A Molecular Phylogenetic Assessment of the Genus

[from top to bottom]    Stiphrornis rudderi, S. dahomeyensis &  S. inexpectatus  

 Voelker, Tobler, Prestridge, Duijm, Groenenberg, Hutchinson,
 Martin, Nieman, Roselaar & Huntley, 2016

  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2016.1226978 

 Abstract

We describe three new species of forest robin in the genus Stiphrornis; two from West Africa and one from the Congo Basin. Each species represents a distinct phylogenetic lineage based on genetic analysis. In addition to genetic differentiation, each new species is diagnosable from other Stiphrornis lineages by morphology, and by plumage. One of the new species [Stiphrornis inexpectatus] appears to be restricted to the Central and Brong-Ahafo Regions of Ghana, and another [Stiphrornis dahomeyensis] is restricted to Benin and the Central Region of Ghana. In Ghana, these two new species presumably come into contact with Stiphrornis erythrothorax (Western Region of Ghana and westward), and there is evidence that one of the new species has a distinguishably different song from erythrothorax. The distribution of the third new species [Stiphrornis rudderi] is primarily on the south bank of the Congo River, near the city of Kisangani. Recognition of these species provides additional evidence that Afrotropical forests are harbouring substantial cryptic diversity, and that our knowledge of the drivers of this diversity remains poorly documented across the region.

Key words: Africa, cryptic species, speciation, systematics, tropical forests,

Fig. 1. Visual comparisons of new Stiphrornis taxa and their closest relatives. Column (A) dorsal, lateral and ventral views of (from left to right): erythrothorax, the type specimen of inexpectatus (LSUMZ 168539), the type specimen of dahomeyensis (TCWC 15743) and gabonensis. Column (B) dorsal, lateral and ventral views of (from left to right): the type specimen of rudderi (TCWC 15204) and xanthogaster. 

Stiphrornis dahomeyensis sp. nov. 

Dahomey Forest Robin

ETYMOLOGY: Named after the Dahomey Gap, that separates the otherwise broadly distributed western and eastern expanses of Guineo-Congolian tropical forests, and in which the isolated Lama Forest is located. The Gap derives its name from the African kingdom of Dahomey, which lasted c. 300 years and was located in the area of what is now Benin.

DISTRIBUTION: The known distributional range of the new species is currently limited to one locality in Benin, the Lama Forest (6 57.61’N, 2 10.12’E) and a second locality from c. 30 km south of Assin Foso, Central Region, Ghana (5 19’59.88“N, 1 13’ 0.1194”E). 

Stiphrornis inexpectatus sp. nov. 

Ghana Forest Robin

ETYMOLOGY:  Named both for the unexpected nature of its distribution, being restricted to two provinces in Ghana, and the fact that there are no obvious geographic barriers that separate it from two other members of the genus.

DISTRIBUTION: The known distributional range of the new species is currently limited to three locations in Ghana, one 30 km south of Assin Foso, Central Region (5 20.300 N, 1 13.58’W), one in Kakum National Park, Central Region (5 210 3000N, 1 230 W) and another 26 km south-west of Goaso, Brong-Ahafo Region (6.71 N, 2.73 W). 

Stiphrornis rudderi sp. nov. 

Rudder’s Forest Robin

ETYMOLOGY: Named in honour of James Earl Rudder, who led the 2nd Ranger Battalion during the invasion of Normandy, and was later President of Texas A&M University; his presidency was a transformative steppingstone in driving A&M’s success.

DISTRIBUTION: The known distributional range of the new species is currently limited to two localities near the city of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The first is Yoko Forest Reserve, Ubundu District (0.29400 , 25.288917 ), on the south side of the Congo River. The second locality is Turumbu, c. 8 km N of Yelenge, Yawenda District (0.633483 , 25.073933 ), on the north side of the Congo River.

Rudder’s Forest Robin, Stiphrornis rudderi   

Gary Voelker, Michael Tobler, Heather L. Prestridge, Elza Duijm, Dick Groenenberg, Mark R. Hutchinson, Alyssa D. Martin, Aline Nieman, Cees S. Roselaar and Jerry W. Huntley. 2016. Three New Species of Stiphrornis (Aves: Muscicapidae) from the Afro-tropics, with A Molecular Phylogenetic Assessment of the Genus.  Systematics and Biodiversity.  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2016.1226978

ResearchGate.net/publication/308697529_Three_new_species_of_Stiphrornis_Aves_Muscicapidae_from_the_Afro-tropics_with_a_molecular_phylogenetic_assessment_of_the_genus

facebook.com/BRTCTAMU/posts/10154443381201760

Team discovers three new bird species in Africa http://phy.so/397725009 via @physorg_com

[Ornithology • 2015] Paragallinula gen. nov. • A New Genus for the Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata Sundevall, 1850 (Aves, Rallidae)

Fig. 2. Lesser Moorhen Paragallinula angulata Sundevall, 1850, 
Kgomo Kgomo, South Africa, Feb. 2011 (photo by Mark Tittley).
This photograph illustrates two diagnostic character states differentiating Paragallinula from the genus Gallinula: the orange colouration on the frontal shield does not cover the entire shield, and the lack of a contrasting reddish band on the legs proximal to the ankle joint.

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2015.153

Abstract

Molecular phylogenetic analysis has demonstrated that the genus Gallinula is not monophyletic and comprises four major lineages. A review of the nomenclature of Gallinula shows that generic names are available for three lineages but that a fourth is as yet unnamed. A new monotypic genus, Paragallinula gen. nov., is described for Lesser Moorhen (Gallinula angulata Sundevall, 1850).

Key words: Gallinules, morphology, nomenclature, Paragallinula gen. nov., phylogenetics

Class Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Order Gruiformes (Bonaparte, 1854)

Family Rallidae (Rafinesque, 1815)

Paragallinula gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:909AC100-559E-4CA3-BC7E-E6FD87002E30

Type species: Gallinula angulata Sundevall, 1850. Monotypic.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the Greek para (beside) and the Latin gallinula (a little hen or chicken). It denotes the resemblance of P. angulata to species of Gallinula but highlights that they are independent evolutionary lineages. The gender of the name is feminine.

Distribution: Paragallinula angulata is found in most of the African continent from Senegal and Gambia to Ethiopia, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

George Sangster, Juan Carlos Garcia-R and Steve A. Trewick. 2015. A New Genus for the Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata Sundevall, 1850 (Aves, Rallidae). European Journal of Taxonomy.  153: 1–8. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2015.153

ResearchGate.net/publication/283901793_A_new_genus_for_the_Lesser_Moorhen_Gallinula_angulata_Sundevall_1850_(Aves_Rallidae)

[Ornithology • 2015] Potential Merger of Ancient Lineages in A Passerine Bird discovered based on Evidence from Host-Specific Ectoparasites

Figure 1. Phylograms and sample distribution maps of Xanthomixis zosterops and its associated Myrsidea.
(A) ML phylogram of X. zosterops from 1979 bp of mtDNA (ND3, cyt-b, and ATP6), collapsed to unique haplotypes. Nodes labeled with cyt-b corrected and p-distance (in parentheses) divergences and with nodal support (MP/ML/PP, *=100/100/1.0). Map shows distribution of X. zosterops mtDNA clades, with pie charts showing proportion of each clade among samples from a given area. Numbers next to pie charts are sample sizes.
 (B) ML phylogram of all Myrsidea feather lice collected from X. zosterops, based on 379 bp of mtDNA (COI). Numbers at tips represent the X. zosterops clade from which the individual was collected. Nodes labeled with corrected and p-distance (in parentheses) divergences and with nodal support (MP/ML/PP, *=100/100/1.0). Map shows geographic distribution of Myrsidea samples.

 Internal pie charts represent proportion of Myrsidea collected from each of the four X. zosterops mtDNA clades. Numbers next to pie charts are sample sizes. || DOI:  10.1002/ece3.1639

Abstract

The merger of formerly isolated lineages is hypothesized to occur in vertebrates under certain conditions. However, despite many demonstrated instances of introgression between taxa in secondary contact, examples of lineage mergers are rare. Preliminary mtDNA sequencing of a Malagasy passerine, Xanthomixis zosterops (Passeriformes: Bernieridae), indicated a possible instance of merging lineages. We tested the hypothesis that X. zosterops lineages are merging by comparing mtDNA sequence and microsatellite data, as well as mtDNA sequence data from host-specific feather lice in the genus Myrsidea (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae). Xanthomixis zosterops comprises four deeply divergent, broadly sympatric, cryptic mtDNA clades that likely began diverging approximately 3.6 million years ago. Despite this level of divergence, the microsatellite data indicate that the X. zosterops mtDNA clades are virtually panmictic. Three major phylogroups of Myrsidea were found, supporting previous allopatry of the X. zosterops clades. In combination, the datasets from X. zosterops and its Myrsidea document a potential merger of previously allopatric lineages that likely date to the Pliocene. This represents the first report of sympatric apparent hybridization among more than two terrestrial vertebrate lineages. Further, the mtDNA phylogeographic pattern of X. zosterops, namely the syntopy of more than two deeply divergent cryptic clades, appears to be a novel scenario among vertebrates. We highlight the value of gathering multiple types of data in phylogeographic studies to contribute to the study of vertebrate speciation.

Keywords: Birds; despeciation; ectoparasites; Madagascar; microsatellites

Conclusion

In addition to contributing to the study of vertebrate speciation, particularly in birds, this work adds to limited data concerning avian phylogeography on Madagascar. The focus of most phylogeographic studies on Madagascar has been amphibians, reptiles, or mammals, with only four utilizing extensive population-level sampling in birds (Fuchs et al. 2007, 2013; Cruaud et al. 2011; Goodman et al. 2011). This study represents the densest and largest sampling yet presented for a Malagasy endemic bird and the first for a species within one of Madagascar's endemic avian radiations. Although bird communities show differences between lowland and montane forests, this differentiation between habitats has not been suggested to play a direct role in bird diversification on the island. Studies on other vertebrates have highlighted cryptic taxa geographically split by elevation in humid forests (e.g., Olson et al. 2004), but X. zosterops provides the first example of this biogeographic pattern in birds.

As well as being informative about avian biogeography in Madagascar, this study illustrates the importance of lowland humid forest to preserving extant biodiversity on the island. This has been highlighted in other vertebrate taxa, but it has been underemphasized in birds. Low-elevation forests in the central east and southeast have not received attention as a center of endemism in birds, but the X. zosterops results show their importance. Further phylogeographic studies on Malagasy birds may yet uncover similar patterns and unknown cryptic taxa.

Finally, we highlight the value of gathering multiple types of data in phylogeographic studies to contribute to the study of vertebrate speciation. In this instance, data from mtDNA, nuclear DNA, and ectoparasites were necessary to better understand the complicated evolutionary history of X. zosterops. We also emphasize the importance of sampling across a taxon's distribution to provide greater insight into the biodiversity of a region and to reveal unknown patterns of regional endemism. These aspects contribute to more accurate and comprehensive biogeographic theories and provide important details for developing conservation programs.

Nicholas L. Block, Steven M. Goodman, Shannon J. Hackett, John M. Bates and Marie J. Raherilalao. 2015. Potential Merger of Ancient Lineages in A Passerine Bird discovered based on Evidence from Host-Specific Ectoparasites.
Ecology and Evolution. 5(17); 3743–3755.
DOI:  10.1002/ece3.1639

Scientists discover bird in Madagascar that evolved in reverse http://news.mongabay.com/2015/10/scientists-discover-bird-in-madagascar-that-evolved-in-reverse/

[Ichthyology / Behaviour • 2014] First Observation of African Tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus Predating on Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica in flight

Figure 1. Avivorous behavioural strategies adopted by
Hydrocynus vittatus in the Schroda Dam man-made lake.
(a) Flight path of the prey Hirundo rustica, (b) surface pursuit strategy of H. vittatus to overcome surface image shift due to light refraction (angle θ) and (c) direct aerial strikes by adult H. vittatus that compensate for the image shift

(not drawn to scale).  DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12278

Abstract

A population of African tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus from the Schroda Dam, actively prey on barn swallows Hirundo rustica in flight. This behaviour was discovered during a radio telemetry study and documented using a motion picture video camera. These results show that an avivorous diet is a part of the feeding biology of H. vittatus, and may occur in other populations.

Keywords: avivorous behaviour; feeding behaviour; freshwater fish; predation; South Africa

 An African tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus caught on the Lower Zambezi River.

photo: Les Gibbon | doi: dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature.2014.14496

G. C. O'Brien, F. Jacobs, S. W. Evans, N. J. Smit. 2014. First Observation of African Tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus Predating on Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica in flight. Journal of Fish Biology. 84(1), 263–266. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12278

Video: Fish leaps to catch birds on the wing 

http://www.nature.com/news/video-fish-leaps-to-catch-birds-on-the-wing-1.14496

Watch: First Video of Fish Leaping Into Air to Prey on Birds

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/01/13/freshwater-fish-leap-into-air-prey-on-birds/

[Ornithology • 2013] Rediscovery of a Long-Lost Lark reveals the Conspecificity of Endangered Heteromirafra populations in the Horn of Africa | Archer's Lark Heteromirafra archeri rediscovered after 90 years

Heteromirafra archeri | Archer's Lark

 Jijiga Ethiopia by David Hoddinott 

  http://rockjumperbirding.blogspot.com

Abstract

The African lark genus Heteromirafra is thought to consist of three threatened species inhabiting mid-altitude grasslands, one in South Africa and two in the Horn of Africa. One of the latter, Archer’s Lark H. archeri of Somaliland, has not been seen with certainty since 1922. We surveyed its type locality as well as a nearby area of grassland east of Jijiga in adjacent north-eastern Ethiopia, where sightings of Heteromirafra larks have recently been made. First, we used a combination of morphological and molecular evidence to show that these recent sightings refer to the same taxon as Archer’s Lark. Second, we used a combination of morphological, molecular and vocal evidence to show that these populations are conspecific with the Liben (Sidamo) Lark H. sidamoensis of southern Ethiopia, but that the Horn of Africa populations are highly distinct from Rudd’s Lark H. ruddi of South Africa. Third, we suggest that the extent and quality of their habitat in north-eastern Ethiopia is small and poor, and that the type locality of Archer’s Lark in Somaliland has been completely transformed. Taken together, these results imply that there is a single species of Heteromirafra in the Horn of Africa (for which the scientific name H. archeri has priority, and which we suggest retains the English name Liben Lark), consisting of two tiny populations separated by 590 km of apparently unsuitable habitats. Environmental niche models suggest that there are no environmentally similar locations elsewhere within the region. Despite the discovery of a second population, the Liben Lark remains a highly threatened species in urgent need of conservation intervention to avert the extinction of both of its populations.

Claire N. Spottiswoode, Urban Olsson, Michael S. L. Mills, Callan Cohen, Julian E. Francis, Negussie Toye, David Hoddinott, Abiy Dagne, Chris Wood, Paul F. Donald. 2013. Rediscovery of a Long-Lost Lark reveals the Conspecificity of Endangered Heteromirafra populations in the Horn of Africa. Journal of Ornithology. 154 (3): 813-825. doi: 10.1007/s10336-013-0948-1

 http://rockjumperbirding.blogspot.com/2011/05/significant-ethiopian-discovery.html

[Ornithology • 2013] Ptilopachinae: a new subfamily of the Odontophoridae (Aves: Galliformes); Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus & Nahan’s Partridge P. nahani

Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus)

Location: Tambacounda, eastern Senegal 

Taken on January 2006 by Liki Fumei http://flic.kr/p/PXeY8

The use of DNA sequences of diverse genetic loci has revolutionized our understanding of the systematic relationships among many different organisms. One such unexpected discovery was that two African galliform species, the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus Gmelin, 1789, and Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani Dubois, 1905, represent a relictual clade sister to the New World Quail (Odontophoridae) and hence are only distantly related to other Old World Galliformes (Crowe et al. 2006, Cohen et al. 2012). Almost as unexpected was the recovery of the sister relationship between P. petrosus and F. nahani, which had never been considered close relatives, much less placed in the same genus (Crowe et al. 2006, Cohen et al. 2012). Previously unrecognized vocal and behavioral similarities between P. petrosus and P. nahani supported the genetic data and the transfer of nahani to Ptilopachus (Crowe et al. 2006, Cohen et al. 2012). Intriguingly, both species occupy areas suggested to serve both as centres of species diversification and places where relictual taxa persist (Kingdon 1989, Fjeldså & Bowie 2008, Fjeldså et al. 2012): P. nahani in dense primary forest in the vicinity of the Albertine Rift and P. petrosus in rocky outcrops of the Sahel. 

Cohen et al. (2012) suggested that the African Ptilopachus diverged from the New World quail some 37.4 Ma (95% HPD 31.7-43.0) in the Oligocene, and from each other some 9.6 Ma (95% HPD 5.8-14.0). Given the considerable time since Ptilopachus diverged from the remaining members of the Odontophoridae (genera Dendrortyx, Oreortyx, Callipepla, Philortyx, Colinus, Odontophorus, Dactylortyx, Cyrtonyx, and Rhynchortyx), as well as the clear disjunction of Old World taxa from New World taxa, we recommend that all New World species of Odontophoridae be placed in the subfamily Odontophorinae Gould, 1844, and in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1999; Art. 13.1.1), erect and provide a formal definition below of a new subfamily to encompass the two African species of the genus Ptilopachus.

Family: Odontophoridae Gould, 1844

Subfamily: Ptilopachinae Bowie, Cohen and Crowe, subfam. nov.

Type genus: Ptilopachus Swainson, 1837

Description: Small African-endemic galliform birds (Aves: Galliformes) that have bare red skin around the eye, lack tarsal spurs, and are not sexually dimorphic. Both taxa regularly cock their tails, a character shared by only one other African galliform, Dendroperdix sephaena Smith. The calls of both taxa consist of a series of whistles increasing in volume and likely comprise duets. Field observations suggest that both taxa live in small family groups.

.................................

RAURI C.K. BOWIE, CALLAN COHEN & TIMOTHY M. CROWE. 2013. Ptilopachinae: a new subfamily of the Odontophoridae (Aves: Galliformes). Zootaxa. 3670 (1): 097–098. http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03670p098f.pdf

[Ornithology • 2012] Geodatabase of Global Owl species and Owl Biodiversity Analysis

Abstract

Global diversity assessments contribute to the understanding of large taxonomic groups, and conservation efforts depend on knowledge of taxonomic status, distribution and abundance of species. These assessments and databases provide a basis for studying patterns and changes in species distribution and diversity, especially in light of global issues such as climate change. As apex predators, owls can play a significant role in providing for broader ecosystem-level conservation and analysis. Because they are excellent indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem health, owls can be used to identify conservation targets and at-risk areas. By studying and conserving owl species, larger biodiversity conservation goals can be achieved. This project developed a geodatabase of 211 owl species range maps and analyzed the characteristics of the global distribution of owlsfor the Global Owl Project (GLOW). Density maps of species richness, threatened species, data deficient species, and restricted-range species were developed using the database. A rarity-weighted species index using the parameters of the threatened and restricted-range species revealed conservation priority areas in South America, central Africa, and Indonesia. 

Keywords: owl, biodiversity, GIS, database, range maps

Figure 3. The global distribution of 210 of the 221 owl species identified by the International Ornithological Union. 

Cite as: Romulo, Chelsie L. 2012. Geodatabase of global owl species and owl biodiversity analysis. Master of Natural Resources Capstone Paper. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Falls Church, Virginia. 53 pp.

http://www.globalowlproject.com/papers/Romulo,_Chelsie_L._2012._Geodatabase_of_global_owl_species_and_owl_biodiversity_analysis._Master_of_Natural_Resources_Capstone_Paper.pdf