[Herpetology • 2025] Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis • An Update on the Amphibian Assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the Description of A New giant Arthroleptis species (Amphibia: Anura)

Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis 

Lyakurwa, Liedtke, Mollel, Bittencourt-Silva, Jehle, Loader & Ngalason, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 

 x.com/Pius_Mollel

 Researchgate.net/publication/397209072

 

Abstract

Effective conservation measures require accurate and complete species inventories, which are however often missing for particularly biodiverse regions of concern. The montane forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) in East Africa represent fragmented relics of unique habitats that harbour remarkable levels of plant and animal diversity, including many endemic and threatened species most of which are poorly known. The present study focuses on the Ukaguru Mountains, an important mountain block in the central EAM, and expands on a recent study that summarized data from 30 years of amphibian surveys. Using systematic sampling (2022–2024) in localities that are less heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities than previously surveyed sites, we increase the number of documented amphibian species from 17 to 19, adding Xenopus cf. victorianus and a newly described species (see below). Among the three Ukaguru-endemic toads which have not been recorded since more than two decades, we re-discovered Nectophrynoides laticeps and N. paulae but failed to record the enigmatic Churamiti maridadi, which according to a dedicated extinction model has an updated probability of only 47.6% of still being extant. Based on genetic, morphological and bioacoustic evidence, we also describe a new large-bodied species of Arthroleptis (Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.), shedding further light into the evolution of ‘giant’ congeners which inhabit other mountain blocks in the EAM. Given the rapid deforestation of the EAM for which the Ukagurus are no exception, our findings give rise to concerns regarding current and future extinction risks within unique mountain amphibian assemblages, also affecting species which potentially still await description. 

Key words: Afromontane, biogeography, Churamiti, Eastern Arc Mountains, Nectophrynoides

 Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.

John Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke, Pius Mollel, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, Robert Jehle, Simon P. Loader and Wilirk Ngalason. 2025. An Update on the Amphibian Assemblage of the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania, with the Description of A New giant Arthroleptis species (Amphibia: Anura). Systematics and Biodiversity.  23(1); 2561124. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 [03 Nov 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/397209072_An_update_on_the_amphibian_assemblage_of_the_Ukaguru_Mountains_Tanzania_with_the_description_of_a_new_giant_Arthroleptis_species

  x.com/Pius_Mollel/status/1988558790933754073

[Herpetology • 2025] Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, N. saliensis & N. uhehe • Museomics and Integrative Taxonomy reveal Three New Species of glandular viviparous Tree Toads (Anura: Bufonidae: Nectophrynoides) in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains

  

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis

Nectophrynoides uhehe 

Thrane, Lyakurwa, Liedtke, Menegon, Petzold, Loader & Scherz, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

Abstract

For the last century, herpetologists have referred to any Nectophrynoides Noble, 1926 toad characterized by a large, robust body, with large, distinct parotoid glands, as Nectophrynoides viviparus (Tornier, 1905). Consequently, Nectophrynoides viviparus is also considered to have the broadest distribution of all its congeners, with populations ranging from the Tanzanian Southern Highlands, close to the Tanzania-Malawi border, through the Udzungwa and Mahenge Mountains in the south to Uluguru, Rubeho, and Nguru Mountains in the central part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. However, there is underappreciated morphological diversity within what is generally referred to as N. viviparus, and various populations are isolated by large distances and geographical barriers. Recent molecular studies have shown that N. viviparus from the Southern Highlands, the type locality, is genetically distinct from all other N. viviparus populations in the Eastern Arc Mountains, suggesting the existence of a species complex warranting taxonomic revision. Here, we present an integrative taxonomic assessment of southern populations by supplementing the genetic results with the analysis of morphometric and morphological data for 257 specimens assigned to N. viviparus, including museomic data for name-bearing types. Based on the results, we describe three new species from the N. viviparus species complex, covering the southern Eastern Arc Mountains populations. Together with a revised morphological key to the genus and a gazetteer of known populations, we provide Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy for N. viviparus sensu stricto and the new species to investigate their conservation status compared to other members of the genus.

Keywords: Archival DNA, bioacoustics, conservation, genetics, Mahenge Mountains, morphometrics, Nectophrynoides viviparus, Nectophryne werthi, Southern Highlands, species complex, Udzungwa Mountains

Intraspecific variation within Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov. in life. A Adult JVL 1291; B adult JVL 1292; C subadult paratype MTSN 8312; D subadult paratype MTSN 8401.

Photographs from Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains; 

A, B by John V. Lyakurwa; C, D by Michele Menegon.

Habitat of Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov. in Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Udzungwa Mountains.

Photograph by Michele Menegon.

Intraspecific variation within Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov. in life.
 A Adult paratype MTSN 5247; B–D unidentified adult specimens.

Photographs from Kihanga (A, B, C) and Kiolela (D) in Uzungwa Scarp N.F.R., Udzungwa Mountains by Michele Menegon.

Habitat of Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov. in Kihanga, Uzungwa Scarp N.F.R., Udzungwa Mountains. Photograph by Michele Menegon.

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides saliensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov.

 Christian Thrane, John V. Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke, Michele Menegon, Alice Petzold, Simon P. Loader and Mark D. Scherz. 2025. Museomics and Integrative Taxonomy reveal Three New Species of glandular viviparous Tree Toads (Nectophrynoides) in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains (Anura: Bufonidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 459-485. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

[Botany • 2025] Rhipidoglossum fischerianum (Orchidaceae: Angraecinae) • A New Species from the Western Rift Valley (Africa)

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, 

in Macedo, Trovó, Stévart et Farminhão. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Rhipidoglossum is the third most species-rich epiphytic orchid genus in continental Tropical Africa, containing at least 53 species. As part of an ongoing taxonomic revision, a new species endemic to the Western Rift Valley was identified. The novelty was previously confused with R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum. Here, we aim to clarify the diagnostic traits and geographic distribution of these three species.

Material and methods – We applied standard herbarium taxonomic practices to a geographically representative sampling of dry and spirit specimens identified as R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum, and conducted a thorough review of regional floras and field photographs to compile all available information on the novelty. A synoptic table, distribution map, and the risk of extinction based on IUCN Red List conservation status accompany the description and illustration of this new species.

Key results – Rhipidoglossum fischerianum sp. nov., R. globulosocalcaratum, and R. adoxum can be distinguished from each other based on stem size, leaf apex, perianth, and rostellum morphology. Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is endemic to the lower montane forests in the Western Rift, whereas R. globulosocalcaratum is restricted to the Guineo-Congolian forests, and newly recorded from Cameroon and Uganda. Rhipidoglossum adoxum is found in montane forests of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The new species is preliminarily assessed as Vulnerable (VU). The name R. globulosocalcaratum is here lectotypified.

Conclusion – This new species increases the diversity of Rhipidoglossum in the Western Rift to 16 species, of which 10 are endemic or near-endemic to the region. It highlights the relevant role of ongoing taxonomic work and the preservation of the Western Rift forests, which harbour high levels of unique biodiversity.

Keywords: Afromontane, African biogeography, Afrotropical biodiversity, Albertine Rift, East African Rift Valley, Ethiopian Highlands, IUCN, lectotypification, root gall, Virunga mountains

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Stem apex with two inflorescences. C. Leaf. D. Flower: frontal view. E. Flower: lateral view. F. Dorsal sepal. G. Lateral sepals. H. Petals. I. Lip: superior view. J. Lip: inferior view. K. Column: lateral view. L. Column: frontal view. M. Anther cap: frontal view. N. Anther cap: posterior view. O. Pollinaria. P. Fruit.

 Illustration from B. Dumbo 17 (holotype, BRLU). Drawn by Roger Andriamiarisoa.

Watercolour of Rhipidoglossum fischerianum [BR0000006800420].
Prepared by Gilbert Delepierre, December 1991.

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Habit with close-up of a root gall (J. Farminhão & B. Dumbo 233, BRLU). C. Habit (Gisenyi). D. Inflorescences (Cyamudongo Forest, from holotype B. Dumbo 17, BRLU). E. Flower: inferior view, showing spur (Gishwati Forest, unvouchered).

Photographs by João Farminhão (A, B), Eberhard Fischer (C, E), and Bonny Dumbo (D).

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is most similar to R. globulosocalcaratum and R. adoxum, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics: leaves dark green, linear-falcate with acute apex (vs light green, narrowly oblong with unequally bilobed apex in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs dark green, linear-falcate with unequally bilobed apex in R. adoxum); inflorescences with fewer flowers, 3–5 (vs 4–9 in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs 8–11 in R. adoxum); larger lateral sepals, widely ovate, 3–3.3 × 1.5–1.7 mm (vs widely elliptic to subcircular, 2.1–2.2 × 1.7–1.8 mm in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs triangular to widely deltate, 2.3–2.5 × 0.8–0.9 mm in R. adoxum); lip subcircular, markedly concave and bowl-shaped, spreading (vs transversally elliptic, convex, decurved in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs ovate, concave, decurved in R. adoxum); a lemon anther cap with a small pointed zenithal projection (vs pale yellow anther cap rounded at the zenith in both species); oblong viscidia with acute extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum (vs ellipsoid viscidia and rounded extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs subcircular, exposed laterally to the rostellum midlobe in R. adoxum).

Arthur Macedo, Marcelo Trovó, Tariq Stévart and João Farminhão. 2025. A New Species of Rhipidoglossum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from the Western Rift Valley (Africa). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(2): 248-259. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

[Botany • 2024] Casearia septandra (Salicaceae) • A New tree Species from the Mountains of Guinea, West Africa

Casearia septandra Breteler & Baldé, 

in Breteler et Baldé, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-024-10166-8 

 twitter.com/KewBulletin

Summary

In the synopsis of Casearia Jacq. in West and Central Africa (Breteler 2008), only a single, poor collection (Adam 3972), identified as C. prismatocarpa Mast., was recorded from the mountains of Guinea. More recently, some other flowering and fruiting specimens of Casearia have been collected from the same region as Adam’s specimen and together they represent a new species. It is illustrated and named herein as Casearia septandra, its distribution is mapped and conservation status assessed as Endangered, according to the IUCN criteria. A key to the four Casearia species of the Upper Guinea region of West Africa is presented.

Key Words: endangered, endemic, montane rainforest, taxonomy, woody plant

Casearia septandra. A leafy branchlet; B fruits; C dehisced fruit.

A – B from Baldé 1001; C from C. A. Couch et al. 550.

photos: A – B © A. Baldé; C © X. van der Burgt

Casearia septandra Breteler & Baldé sp. nov.

F. J. Breteler and A. Baldé. 2024. Casearia septandra (Salicaceae), A New tree Species from the Mountains of Guinea, West Africa. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-024-10166-8

  twitter.com/KewBulletin/status/1779796247424950603

[Ecology • 2024] A Biogeographical Appraisal of the threatened South East Africa Montane Archipelago Ecoregion

 

Location and extent of the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) 

Examples of SEAMA endemics. (a) Rhinolophus mabuensis (AM), (b) Chamaetylas choloensis (JB), (c) Nothophryne inagoensis (WC), (d) Atheris mabuensis (WRB), (e) Epamera malaikae (TCEC), f) Rhampholeon maspictus (JB), (g) Nadzikambia baylissi (WRB), (h) Maritonautes namuliensis (JB), (i) Euphorbia mlanjeana (ID), (j) Widdringtonia whytei (JB), (k) Encephalartos gratus (JB).

in Bayliss, Bittencourt-Silva, Branch, Bruessow, Collins, Congdon, Conradie, ... et Platts, 2024.

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54671-z

Abstract

Recent biological surveys of ancient inselbergs in southern Malawi and northern Mozambique have led to the discovery and description of many species new to science, and overlapping centres of endemism across multiple taxa. Combining these endemic taxa with data on geology and climate, we propose the ‘South East Africa Montane Archipelago’ (SEAMA) as a distinct ecoregion of global biological importance. The ecoregion encompasses 30 granitic inselbergs reaching > 1000 m above sea level, hosting the largest (Mt Mabu) and smallest (Mt Lico) mid-elevation rainforests in southern Africa, as well as biologically unique montane grasslands. Endemic taxa include 127 plants, 45 vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and 45 invertebrate species (butterflies, freshwater crabs), and two endemic genera of plants and reptiles. Existing dated phylogenies of endemic animal lineages suggests this endemism arose from divergence events coinciding with repeated isolation of these mountains from the pan-African forests, together with the mountains’ great age and relative climatic stability. Since 2000, the SEAMA has lost 18% of its primary humid forest cover (up to 43% in some sites)—one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa. Urgently rectifying this situation, while addressing the resource needs of local communities, is a global priority for biodiversity conservation.

Location and extent of the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) showing core sites in red, and an outline boundary of the convex hull of the ecoregion (created using QGIS version 3.28.12 LTR https://qgis.org/en/site/).

Examples of SEAMA endemics. (a) Rhinolophus mabuensis (AM), (b) Chamaetylas choloensis (JB), (c) Nothophryne inagoensis (WC), (d) Atheris mabuensis (WRB), (e) Epamera malaikae (TCEC), f) Rhampholeon maspictus (JB), (g) Nadzikambia baylissi (WRB), (h) Maritonautes namuliensis (JB), (i) Euphorbia mlanjeana (ID), (j) Widdringtonia whytei (JB), (k) Encephalartos gratus (JB).

  

 

Julian Bayliss, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, William R. Branch, Carl Bruessow, Steve Collins, T. Colin E. Congdon, Werner Conradie, Michael Curran, Savel R. Daniels, Iain Darbyshire, Harith Farooq, Lincoln Fishpool, Geoffrey Grantham, Zacharia Magombo, Hermenegildo Matimele, Ara Monadjem, Jose Monteiro, Jo Osborne, Justin Saunders, Paul Smith, Claire N. Spottiswoode, Peter J. Taylor, Jonathan Timberlake, Krystal A. Tolley, Érica Tovela and Philip J. Platts. 2024. A Biogeographical Appraisal of the threatened South East Africa Montane Archipelago Ecoregion. Scientific Reports. 14, 5971. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54671-z

  news.mongabay.com/2024/03/new-ecoregion-proposed-for-southern-africas-threatened-sky-islands

  news.mongabay.com/2018/10/secrets-revealed-scientists-explore-unique-isolated-forest-in-mozambique

Subjects: Adaptive radiation, Biodiversity, Biogeography, Climate and Earth system modelling, Conservation biology, Ecological modelling, Ecology, Ecosystem ecology, Ecosystem services, Evolution, Forest ecology, Palaeoecology, Speciation, Taxonomy, Tropical ecology, Zoology

[Herpetology • 2023] Kenyaphrynoides vulcani • A New Genus and Species of Toad (Anura: Bufonidae) from Mount Kenya illuminates East African Montane Biogeography

Kenyaphrynoides vulcani

 Liedtke, Malonza, Wasonga, Müller & Loader, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad160

Abstract

Discoveries of new species can greatly impact our understanding of the biogeography of a region. For example, groups of amphibian lineages restricted to the Afrotemperate forests of Tanzania and Ethiopia are indicative of a shared biogeographical history of this highly discontinuous ecosystem. Curiously, many of these lineages are absent from the geographically intermediate Kenyan highlands. This phylogeographical interval is generally considered to be attributable to the younger, volcanic origins of much of the Kenyan highlands, and thus an amphibian fauna that is derived largely from recent colonization events rather than comprising older relicts. Contrasting with this view, here we report on the discovery of a single specimen of Bufonidae (true toad) from Mount Kenya. The specimen belongs to a species new to science and deserves recognition at the generic level owing to its notable molecular phylogenetic and morphological divergences from other described taxa. It is most closely related to the Tanzanian genera Churamiti and Nectophrynoides. The discovery of this new toad and its association with Afrotemperate species is significant because it links Kenya to the biogeographically more ancient Tanzanian mountains and supports the potential longevity of the Afrotemperate forests in Kenya. Broadly, it highlights that we are still adding major branches to the phylogeny of anurans.

biogeography, Eastern Arc Mountains, East Africa Rift, Afromontane, Amphibia, Bufonidae, micro-computed tomography

Kenyaphrynoides gen. nov.

Nectophrynoides sp. (Spawls et al. 2019: 15). 

Bufonidae incertae sedis (Malonza and Bwong 2023: 516)

Type species: Kenyaphrynoides vulcani gen. et sp. nov. 

Liedtke, Malonza, Wasonga, Müller and Loader by original designation.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the words ‘Kenya’, a reference to the country and to the eponymous mountain, from which the name for the country was originally derived, and ‘phrynoides’, meaning toad-like. For nomenclatural purposes, we consider it to be neutral.

Mount Kenya forest toad

Diagnosis: Kenyaphrynoides can be distinguished from other bufonid genera by the combination of the following characters: lack of continuous parotoid glands (similar in Churamiti and different from some Nectophrynoides); eyelids lack glandular masses (glandular in Churamiti); lack of tympanum; forearms without a large glandular mass (present in Churamiti and some Nectophrynoides); spatulate toe tips (differently shaped in Churamiti and Nectophrynoides); toes with marginal webbing; toe tips without lamellae on ventral edge (present in Churamiti); nuptial spines on thumbs in males (similar to Nimbaphrynoides, absent in Churamiti and Nectophrynoides); distinct green/brown dorsal coloration and cream ventrum (somewhat similar in Churamiti, different in Nectophrynoides); eight presacral vertebrae (seven in Churamiti, eight in Nectophrynoides); tips of terminal phalanges broadly T-shaped, chisel-like (T-shaped with slender, curved crossbar in Churamiti, more knob-like or slightly T-shaped in Nectophrynoides); an unossified sternum (ossified in Churamiti, not ossified in Nectophrynoides); and lack of an ossified columella (absent in Churamiti, present in Nectophrynoides).

Distribution: Kenyaphrynoides is only known from Chogoria Forest Block on Mount Kenya.

Kenyaphrynoides vulcani sp. nov.

Etymology: The name vulcani is in reference to the more recent, volcanic origins of Mount Kenya, the only locality from which this species is known. The species name is a noun in the genitive form (‘of the volcano’).

Common name: Kenyan Volcano toad.

 

H Christoph Liedtke, Patrick K Malonza, Domnick V Wasonga, Hendrik Müller and Simon P Loader. 2023. A New Genus and Species of Toad from Mount Kenya illuminates East African Montane Biogeography. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad160. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad160

 phys.org/news/2023-11-kenyan-volcano-toad-species-reveals.html

[Herpetology • 2023] Poyntonophrynus fernandae & P. nambensis • Two New Poyntonophrynus Species (Anura: Bufonidae) highlight the importance of Angolan Centers of Endemism

Poyntonophrynus fernandae 

Baptista, Vaz Pinto, Keates, Lobón-Rovira, Edwards & Rödel, 2023

  

Namba pygmy toad | sapo pigmeu da Namba ||  DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e103935

The pygmy toad genus Poyntonophrynus is endemic to southern Africa. The morphology of these small toads is conserved. They are usually dully colored, and are predominately adapted to arid conditions. During recent surveys in Angola we found Poyntonophrynus specimens that were not assignable to known species. Using an integrative approach, based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, morphology, osteology, biogeography and ecology, we identified three new lineages, and describe two of them as new species. All three lineages are closely related to P. pachnodes, an Angolan endemic species, but they are geographically isolated from it. The new species are morphologically distinguishable, and are associated with two of the most important Angolan centers of endemism: the western escarpment and the central highlands. In order to get a more comprehensive understanding of the osteology of the genus, we also provide an osteological characterization of P. dombensis, which was not available to date. Our findings i) increase the number of earless species in the genus Poyntonophrynus, ii) emphasize southwestern Africa as the cradle of diversification in this genus, iii) report the occurrence of Poyntonophrynus in humid environments, thus showing that these toads are ecologically more variable than previously thought, and iv) underline the importance of further biodiversity studies in Angolan centers of endemism.

Keywords: Amphibia, Angolan escarpment, Angolan highlands, character displacement, pygmy toad, sexual dichromatism, speciation, syntopy

Poyntonophrynus habitats.
A, B Habitat of Poyntonophrynus fernandae sp. nov. at Congulo forest, Cuanza-Sul Province.
C, D Habitat of P. cf. fernandae and P. nambensis sp. nov. at Namba highlands, Cuanza-Sul Province.
E, F Habitat of P. pachnodes at Serra da Neve, Namibe Province.

Photos by K. Luchansky (A) and W.R. Branch (D).

Pictures of live Poyntonophrynus fernandae sp. nov.
 A Female holotype (ZMB 91791). B, C Male paratype (ZMB 91790) with yellow color when collected, and with fading coloration after three days. D Female paratype (BMNH 2021.7534), darker individual collected in forest. E Female paratype (FKH-1086) collected on red gravel, typical of Cuanza-Sul Province ferralitic soils. F Pair in axillary amplexus from Gabela (not collected).

Photos by L. Verburgt (E) and N.T. Ngan Thanh (F).

Poyntonophrynus fernandae sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Poyntonophrynus fernandae sp. nov. sensu lato differs from all Poyntonophrynus species except P. pachnodes in lacking a tympanum and a columella. It differs from P. pachnodes in having a better-developed neopalatine. Males differ from P. pachnodes and P. nambensis sp. nov. in dorsal coloration (partially or plain bright yellow vs. complex dull patterns in P. pachnodes, and P. nambensis sp. nov.). It differs from P. nambensis sp. nov. in being smaller, less sturdy, and having relatively longer fore and hindlimbs, in ventral coloration (speckles vs. nearly immaculate). It differs from P. beiranus in parotoid glands conspicuousness (conspicuous, with clearly demarcated margins vs. inconspicuous). It differs from P. damaranus in ventral patterning (speckles vs. immaculate). It differs from P. dombensis in tympanum (not visible vs. conspicuous), and ventral patterning (speckles vs. immaculate). It differs from P. fenoulheti in parotoid glands width (thinner or around same width of eye diameter vs. wider than eye diameter). It differs from P. grandisonae in tympanum (not visible vs. conspicuous) and skin texture (rough vs. leathery). It differs from P. grindleyi in pale occipital and sacral patches (present vs. absent) and dorsal spines (small vs. large). It differs from P. hoeschi in ventral patterning (speckles vs. immaculate). It differs from P. jordani in shape of parotoid glands (kidney-shaped vs. a cluster of glands) and pale occipital patch (present vs. absent). It differs from P. lughensis in conspicuousness of parotoid glands (conspicuous vs. inconspicuous) and tympanum (not visible vs. conspicuous). It differs from P. kavangensis in foot webbing (non-serrated vs. serrated), dorsal patterning (absent vertebral line vs. present), and ventral patterning (speckles vs. immaculate). It differs from P. parkeri in ventral patterning (speckles vs. immaculate). It differs from P. vertebralis in dorsal patterning (vertebral line absent vs. present), and conspicuousness of parotoid glands (conspicuous vs. inconspicuous).

Etymology: The specific epithet fernandae (Pt.) is a tribute to Fernanda Lages, a researcher and professor of Genetics based in Lubango, Angola. Her continuous investment in capacity building over the last decades and dedication to various research projects and international collaborations gave opportunities and transformed the professional paths of several young Angolan biologists, and thus of research in Biology in the country. The name, built in the feminine singular genitive, also pays homage to women in science. We suggest “Fernanda’s pygmy toad” and “sapo pigmeu da Fernanda” as English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

Pictures of live Poyntonophrynus nambensis sp. nov. A Female paratype (FKH-0458) with greyish coloration. B, C Female holotype (ZMB 91787) with dorsal and ventral coloration, respectively. D Pair in axillary amplexus [female (CHL0326), and male (BMNH 2021.7540) paratypes]. E Female paratype (BMNH 2021.7539) with brighter shades of brown and orange. F Eggs (CHL0472). Photos by W.R. Branch (B–F).

Poyntonophrynus nambensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Poyntonophrynus nambensis sp. nov. differs from P. pachnodes and P. fernandae sp. nov. sensu lato in having a columella. It differs from P. pachnodes in having a better-developed neopalatine. Differs from P. fernandae sp. nov. sensu lato in ventral patterning (few speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. scattered speckles at least on the chest), and dorsal coloration (dorsal pale hourglass-shaped blotch almost always present vs. absent), and breeding male coloration (dulls, similar to females vs. partially or completely bright yellow). It differs from P. beiranus in parotoid glands conspicuousness (conspicuous, elevated, with clearly demarcated margins vs. inconspicuous), and dorsal patterning (vertebral line absent vs. present). It differs from P. damaranus in ventral patterning (few dark speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. immaculate). It differs from P. dombensis in tympanum size (when visible, between 0.5 and 0.6 times internarial distance, vs. conspicuous and around 0.7 times internarial distance), and ventral patterning (few speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. immaculate). It differs from P. fenoulheti in parotoid glands width (thinner or around same width of eye diameter vs. wider than eye diameter). It differs from P. grandisonae in tympanum size (when visible, between 0.5 and 0.6 times internarial distance, vs. same width or wider than internarial distance) and skin texture (rough vs. leathery). It differs from P. grindleyi in pale occipital and sacral patches (present vs. absent), dorsal spines (small vs. large), and ventral coloration (few dark speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. dark thick ventral marbling). It differs from P. hoeschi in ventral patterning (few speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. immaculate). It differs from P. jordani in shape of parotoid glands (kidney-shaped vs. a cluster of glands) and pale occipital patch (present vs. absent). It differs from P. lughensis in conspicuousness of parotoid glands (conspicuous vs. inconspicuous). It differs from P. kavangensis in foot webbing (non-serrated vs. serrated), dorsal patterning (absent vertebral line vs. present), and ventral patterning (few speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. immaculate). It differs from P. parkeri in development of parotoid glands (elevated vs. flattened). It differs from P. vertebralis in dorsal patterning (absent vertebral line vs. present), ventral patterning (few speckles along midline of chest, and dark line in front of arm insertion vs. distinct thick dark blotches), and conspicuousness of parotoid glands (conspicuous vs. inconspicuous).

Etymology: The specific epithet nambensis (Pt.) is a reference to the Namba mountains. This is the largest and more preserved relic of Afromontane forest and montane grasslands in Angola. However, it lacks official protection. We suggest “Namba pygmy toad” and “sapo pigmeu da Namba” as English and Portuguese common names respectively.

 

Ninda L. Baptista, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Chad Keates, Javier Lobón-Rovira, Shelley Edwards and Mark-Oliver Rödel. 2023. Two New Poyntonophrynus Species (Anura: Bufonidae) highlight the importance of Angolan Centers of Endemism. Vertebrate Zoology. 73: 991-1031. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e103935

Resumo: O sapo-pigmeu do género Poyntonophrynus é endémico da África Austral. A morfologia destes pequenos sapos é pouco variável. Estes têm uma coloração geralmente parda, e estão predominantemente adaptados a ambientes áridos. Durante pesquisas recentes em Angola, encontrámos Poyntonophrynus que não correspondiam a nenhuma espécie conhecida. Usando uma abordagem integrativa baseada em DNA mitocondrial e nuclear, morfologia, osteologia, biogeografia e ecologia, identificámos três novas linhagens, duas das quais foram descritas como espécies novas. As três linhagens estão geneticamente próximas de P. pachnodes, uma espécie endémica de Angola, mas estão geograficamente isoladas desta espécie. As novas espécies são morfologicamente distintas, e estão associadas a dois dos mais importantes centros de endemismo angolanos: a escarpa e as terras altas. Para contribuir para o conhecimento da osteologia do género, fizemos também uma caracterização osteológica de P. dombensis, inexistente até à data. Os nossos resultados i) aumentam o número de espécies sem aparelho auditivo no género Poyntonophrynus, ii) reforçam o sudoeste de África como o centro de diversificação deste género, iii) relatam a ocorrência de Poyntonophrynus em floresta húmida, revelando que estes sapos são ecologicamente mais variáveis do que se pensava, e iv) realçam a importância de estudos mais aprofundados nos centros de endemismo angolanos.

Palavras-chave:Amphibia, deslocamento de caracteres, dicromatismo sexual, escarpa de Angola, especiação, sapo pigmeu, sintopia, terras altas de Angola

[Herpetology • 2023] Hyperolius ukaguruensis • Diversification of Spiny-throated Reed Frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae) with the Description of A New, Range-restricted Species from the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania

Hyperolius ukaguruensis 

 Lawson, Loader, Lyakurwa & Liedtke, 2023

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277535

  uc.edu 

Abstract

The spiny-throated reed frog species group is a small radiation of Hyperolius frogs from East Africa. Unlike many members of the genus which have relatively wide distributions, these species tend to be small-range endemics found in montane and submontane forests. Recent discovery of a golden-hued frog with the clade-specific traits of spines on their gular discs prompted a morphological and genetic exploration of the distinctness of this new lineage and relationships to other members of the clade. Genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear loci) results resolved many sister-relationships, but deeper nodes in the phylogeny were poorly resolved. A reduced-representation genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) dataset was able to fully resolve the phylogenetic relationships within this clade, placing this new lineage, here named after the mountain range in which is it found–Hyperolius ukaguruensis sp. nov., as an early diverging lineage within the group. This new species is distinct from all other spiny-throated reed frogs, necessitating further understanding as a single-mountain endemics vulnerable to habitat loss and potential decline. Morphometric analyses identify clear morphological characteristics that are distinct for the herein described species, most noticeably in that the eyes are significantly smaller than other members of the genus for which we have samples.

Photos in life of Hyperolius ukaguruensis sp. nov.
 A,B) Male (BMNH 2022.7682; holotype) and female (BMNH 2022.7683; paratype) in vivo,
C) H. ukaguruensis sp. nov. male and female in axillary amplexus, and D) Type locality habitat.

Photos by C. Liedtke. 

Hyperolius ukaguruensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis.— Horizontal pupil with distinctive gular flap in males. As with most other members of the spiny-throated group (H. spinigularis, H. burgessi, H. davenporti, H. minutissimus, H. ruvuensis, H. ukwiva), H. ukaguruensis sp. nov. also has the presence of dermal asperities (including the body and chin region) on the ventrum. This trait is unique amongst members of the genus Hyperolius. The presence of asperities on the gular flap diagnoses H. ukaguruensis sp. nov. from H. tanneri, for which they are absent. Hyperolius ukaguruensis sp. nov. primarily has asperities anteriorly positioned (closer to the mouth), which differentiates it from H. spinigularis, H. burgessi and H. davenporti which have an even distribution of dermal asperities on the gular flap. Hyperolius minutissimus and H. ukwiva have a similar distribution of asperities to H. ukaguruensis sp. nov.. Furthermore, in males, H. ukaguruensis sp. nov has a distinctively shaped gular flap, differentiating it from H. davenporti, H. tanneri and H. burgessi (Figs 4 & 5). Quantification of differences in gular shape from the H. ukwiva were not possible due to inability to locate the only known male specimen, but should be investigated in future studies.

Etymology.— Hyperolius ukaguruensis sp. nov. is named after the forested mountain block (Ukaguru Mountains) where the type series was collected. The species name is a masculine Latin singular adjective in the nominative case.

 

 Lucinda P. Lawson, Simon P. Loader, John V. Lyakurwa and H. Christoph Liedtke. 2023. Diversification of Spiny-throated Reed Frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae) with the Description of A New, Range-restricted Species from the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania.  PLoS ONE. 18(2): e0277535.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277535 

 uc.edu/news/articles/2023/01/biologists-speak-up-to-save-voiceless-african-frog.html

[Botany • 2022] Amorphophallus dumboi (Araceae) • A New Species from Eastern D.R. Congo, and A New Record of the Genus from Rwanda

Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo, 

in Fischer, Dumbo & Dumbo, 2022. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.93804

Abstract

Background and aims – A new species of Amorphophallus (Araceae) is described from D.R. Congo in connection with preparing the family treatment for the Flore d’Afrique centrale. Another species is recorded for the first time from Rwanda.

Methods – Standard herbarium practices were applied.

Key results – Amorphophallus dumboi sp. nov. is related to A. margretae. The differences between these species are discussed and distribution maps for the taxa are presented. Both species are range-restricted in the Albertine Rift and preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered. Amorphophallus mayoi is for the first time recorded for Rwanda. The taxon, originally described as a subspecies of A. calabaricus, is raised here to specific rank.

Keywords: Albertine Rift, Amorphophallus dumboi, Amorphophallus mayoi, Central Africa, endemism, taxonomy

 Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo.
 A. Inflorescence. B–C. Detail of spadix showing staminate (above) and carpellate zone (below). D. Carpellate flowers. E–G. Ornamentation on inner side of spathe.

Scale bars: 5 cm (A), 5 mm (B–C), 1 mm (D–G).

 Photographs taken at the type locality on 10 Dec. 2018 by Bonny Dumbo (A), and in the laboratory by Eberhard Fischer (B–G).

Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo. 
A–B, D. Habit with inflorescences showing the third author for comparison. C. Leaf, showing the third author for comparison. E. Base of plant showing roots and upper part of tuber. F. Leaf. G. Inflorescence.

Scale bars: 20 cm (A–D), 1 cm (E), 5 cm (F–G). 

Photographs taken at the type locality on 10 Dec. 2018 by Bonny Dumbo. 

Amorphophallus dumboi Eb.Fisch., B.Dumbo & L.Dumbo, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Amorphophallus dumboi differs from A. margretae in the leaves and inflorescences that appear at the same time on the same tuber (leaves appear after inflorescence in A. margretae), the peduncle about 4 times the length of the spathe (peduncle not exceeding 2 times the length of the spathe in A. margretae), and the inner base of spathe with irregular rounded to elongate smallpox-like projections of 0.2–1 mm in length, between and on the veins (inner base of spathe smooth, with shallowly elevated dark veins in A. margretae).

Distribution: Only known from the rainforests in the southern part of Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Fig. 5A).

Habitat: Transitional montane rainforest at Mulolo, partially submerged along small stream, 1108 m, together with numerous ferns and Impatiens species.

Etymology: Named after Dumbo Kilundo (1 January 1930−18 September 2020), one of the most knowledgeable botanists from D.R. Congo, despite that he never received formal training. Born in Kisanga (Mulolo), Shabunda, he went to the Institut de Recherche Scientifique en Afrique Centrale (IRSAC) at Lwiro, today Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles (CRSN). There he worked first with A.R. Christiaensen and later with G. Troupin. He made major contributions to the knowledge of the Flora of Central Africa, first for the IRSAC, later as Head of Irangi Forest Reserve and for the Herbarium of Lwiro.

 

 Eberhard Fischer, Bonny Dumbo and Landry Dumbo. 2022. A New Species of Amorphophallus (Araceae) from Eastern D.R. Congo, and A New Record of the Genus from Rwanda. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 155(3): 333-342. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.93804

twitter.com/plecevo/status/1563099534388916224

 

[Herpetology • 2022] Leptopelis shebellensis & L. xeniae • Genetic and Morphometric Analyses of Historical Type Specimens Clarify the Taxonomy of the Ethiopian Leptopelis gramineus Species Complex (Anura, Arthroleptidae)

Leptopelis shebellensis & Leptopelis xeniae

Goutte, Reyes-Velasco, Kassie & Boissinot, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1128.82176  

 twitter.com/Sandra_Goutte 

Abstract

Frogs of the genus Leptopelis have diversified in the Ethiopian Highlands to occupy forests and montane grasslands both east and west of the Great Rift Valley. Genetic studies revealed that the endemic species Leptopelis gramineus (Boulenger, 1898) comprises multiple unnamed taxa. A careful examination of historical type specimens is, however, needed to fully resolve the taxonomy of the group. Here we use mitochondrial DNA and morphological analyses on a large sample of recently-collected Ethiopian Leptopelis, as well as century-old type specimens to demonstrate that the recently resurrected L. montanus Tiutenko & Zinenko, 2021 (previously Pseudocassina ocellata Ahl, 1924) is a junior synonym of L. rugosus (Ahl, 1924) and corresponds to the taxon found west of the Great Rift Valley, not east as previously thought. Our results show that populations inhabiting the mountains and plateaus east of the Rift constitute a distinct and undescribed species. We provide a re-description of L. rugosus and describe two new species inhabiting the Highlands east of the Great Rift Valley. We provide an identification key, as well as a description of the calls of the members of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex.

Keywords: African treefrogs, Afromontane, historical DNA, integrative taxonomy, Leptopelis shebellensis sp. nov., Leptopelis xeniae sp. nov., museomics, new species

 Leptopelis rugosus (Ahl, 1924)

Diagnosis: A large (male (n = 22) SVL 38.7 ± 2.7 mm, female (n = 2) SVL 52.4 ± 0.2 mm) species of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex (Figs 5, 6). Robust, semi-fossorial form. It differs from other members of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex by the following combination of characters: (1) large tympanum (male TD/ED 0.57 ± 0.11, female TD/ED 0.54), (2) long snout (male SL/HL 0.25 ± 0.02, female SL/HL 0.27 ± 0.01), (3) well-developed metatarsal tubercle (male MTL/FL 0.17 ± 0.02, female MTL/FL 0.18 ± 0.02), (4) ventrum lacking any brown spots, (5) yellow colouration on the side of the ventrum and the inner thighs almost always present.

 Leptopelis shebellensis Goutte, Reyes-Velasco, Kassie & Boissinot, sp. nov.

 Common name: Shebelle River burrowing African treefrog.

Diagnosis: Medium to large (male (n = 21) SVL 35.9 ± 3.5 mm, female (n = 5) SVL 53.4 ± 5.3 mm), robust semi-fossorial species of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex (Fig. 7). It differs from other members of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex by the following combination of characters: (1) short and robust hind-limbs (male TL/SVL 0.33 ± 0.03, female TL/SVL 0.30 ± 0.02), (2) well-developed metatarsal tubercle (male MTL/FL 0.17 ± 0.03, female MTL/FL 0.16 ± 0.02), (3) longer snout (male SL/HL 0.23 ± 0.03, female SL/HL 0.24 ± 0.02), (4) toe and fingertips not enlarged and (5) ventrum often with dark brown spots and/or yellowish sides.

Etymology: The specific name refers to the Shebelle River, as the distribution range of the species appears restricted to the Shebelle River Basin, with populations found both north and south of the source of the river (Fig. 1).

 Leptopelis xeniae Goutte, Reyes-Velasco, Kassie & Boissinot, sp. nov.

 Common name: English: Xenia’s African treefrog.

 

Diagnosis: Small to medium-sized (male (n = 20) SVL 27.6 ± 2.0 mm, female (n = 2) SVL 43.5 ± 5.7 mm), robust arboreal species of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex (Fig. 8). It differs from other members of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex by the following combination of characters: (1) thin, elongated hind-limbs (male TL/SVL 0.36 ± 0.02, female TL/SVL 0.37 ± 0.03), (2) small metatarsal tubercle (male MTL/SVL 0.07 ± 0.01, female MTL/SVL 0.06 ± 0.00) (2) inter-orbital distance very short (male IOD/ED 0.88 ± 0.16, female IOD/ED 0.69 ± 0.12), (3) dorsal skin always smooth, except in females where it may be slightly rugose, (4) absence of yellow colouration on the ventrum or inner thighs.

Etymology: Leptopelis xeniae sp. nov. is named after Xenia Freilich, who conducted her doctoral research on Ethiopian anurans, including the Leptopelis gramineus complex.

 Sandra Goutte, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Abeje Kassie and Stéphane Boissinot. 2022. Genetic and Morphometric Analyses of Historical Type Specimens Clarify the Taxonomy of the Ethiopian Leptopelis gramineus Species Complex (Anura, Arthroleptidae). ZooKeys. 1128: 63-97.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1128.82176 

  twitter.com/Sandra_Goutte/status/1590049603722018816