[Mammalogy • 2026] Coendou sangay • A New Species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the Hyper-diverse Mammalian Community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador

 

Coendou sangay Brito, 

in Brito​, Curay, León-Caldas, Lojan-Cueva, Ojala-Barbour, Pozo-Zamora, Simba, Tito, Vargas, Vega-Yánez et Batallas, 2026. 

Sangay Porcupine | Puerco espín de Sangay  ||  DOI:  doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382

Abstract 

The tropical Andes harbor high levels of undocumented biodiversity, often hidden within complex ecological communities that require sustained sampling efforts to be fully characterized. Here, we describe a new species of porcupine of the genus Coendou, discovered within the hyper-diverse mammalian assemblage of Sangay National Park (Sangay) in Ecuador. The description is based on an adult specimen collected at 2,400 m on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cytb) place the new species as a distinct lineage within the Clade B (sensu (Voss, Hubbard & Jansa, 2013)), showing significant genetic divergence (p-distance > 6.0%) from its closest congeners, C. speratus, C. nycthemera and C. bicolor. Morphologically, Coendou sangay sp. nov. is diagnosed by its medium body size, a remarkably short tail (approx. 26% of head-and-body length), tricolored bristle-quills with brownish-red tips, and distinct cranial features, including a long nasal bone and a mesopterygoid fossa that does not reach the second upper molar. This discovery is contextualized within a comprehensive mammalian inventory of Sangay, compiled over 15 years of fieldwork. Despite an intensive sampling effort totaling 12,800 trap-nights and 2,400 camera-trap days, only a single specimen was obtained, highlighting the species status as a rare, canopy-dwelling specialist. We report 170 mammal species within the park, including 18 endemic and 35 threatened taxa. With a richness of 0.03 species per km2, Sangay ranks as the most mammal-diverse protected area per unit area in the Tropics. Our results demonstrate that intensive, long-term inventories are essential for identifying cryptic arboreal lineages that remain “invisible” to traditional terrestrial sampling. Finally, we emphasize the urgent need for conservation policies, including the strengthening of biological corridors and the limitation on road and mining expansion, to safeguard this high-elevation biodiversity hotspot.

Keywords: Eastern Andes, Cloud forest, Rare species, Biodiversity hotspot, Species delimitation

Systematic

Family Erethizontidae Bonaparte, 1845

Genus Coendou Lacépède, 1799

Coendou sangay new species. Brito

Coendou rufescens: Brito & Ojala-Barbour (2016), not Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865)

Coendou rufescens: Batallas & Brito (2022), not Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865)

Sangay Porcupine, Puerco espín de Sangay (in Spanish)

Diagnosis. Coendou sangay sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the genus by its medium-sized body (HBL 460 mm) and very small tail (26% LT/HBL), absence of long fur, tricolored bristle-quills (with brownish red tips), spiny ventral fur, and a unique combination of cranial features, including a long nasal bone (35% LN/CIL), constricted maxillary bony bridge, and a mesopterygoid fossa that does not reach M2.

Coendou sangay sp. nov. (MECN 4343, holotype).
 (A) External appearance of the adult female alive in its natural habitat in the Sangay, Ecuador; (B) lateral and (C) posterior view of the revealing an aposematic coloration.

 Photographs by J. Brito.

Selected external and soft anatomical features of Coendou sangay sp. nov. (MECN 4343, holotype).
Ventral view of the hand (A), and of the foot (B); detail of the muzzle (C); perineal region (D), and ventral view of the tail (E).

 Abbreviations: a = anus, v = vagina. Photographs by J. Brito.

Etymology: This species is named in honor of Sangay National Park, which is the largest Andean national park in Ecuador. The park includes a large elevation gradient along the eastern slopes, or Eastern Cordillera, of the Andes and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park gets its name from Sangay, one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, which is located within its boundaries.

Field expedition to Guabisai (A), Cubillines (B), and sampling and collecting in the area (C, D).

Photographs of J. Brito (A, C, D), and G. Pozo (B).

Jorge Brito​, Jenny Curay, Víctor León-Caldas, Pamela Lojan-Cueva, Reed Ojala-Barbour, Glenda Pozo-Zamora, Laura Simba, Paul Tito, Rocío Vargas, Mateo A. Vega-Yánez and Diego Batallas. 2026. Discovery of A New Species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the Hyper-diverse Mammalian Community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. PeerJ. 14:e21382 DOI:  doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382 [June 8, 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Telipogon yanesha (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species in the Central Peruvian Amazon

Telipogon yanesha L. Valenz & Nauray, 

in Valenzuela-Gamarra et Nauray-Huari, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.3 

facebook.com/LuisValenzuelaGamarra

 

Abstract

A new species of Telipogon from the montane forests of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, Pasco Region, Perú, is described and illustrated. This species was found growing on the slender branches of a Miconia tree at an elevation of between 2100 and 2300 m. similar to T. perlobatus. Telipogon yanesha sp. nov., differs by a much shorter inflorescence with a single flower at a time, a 1-veined labellum with an entire margin, the central lobe, and noticeably smaller lateral lobes. The species description is accompanied by illustrations and photographs, and information is provided on aspects of its distribution, phenology, ecology, and similarity to other species.

Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Tropical Andes, Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, Monocots

Telipogon yanesha L. Valenz & Nauray sp. nov. 

  

Luis VALENZUELA-GAMARRA and William NAURAY-HUARI. 2025. A New Species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) in the Central Peruvian Amazon.  Phytotaxa. 720(2); 131-139. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.3 [2025-09-30]

 facebook.com/LuisValenzuelaGamarra/posts/2504627273238851

[Botany • 2025] Guzmania sanluisensis (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • A New Species from the fragmented montane cloud forests of northern Peru

  

Guzmania sanluisensis  

in Rojas-Fernandez, Gouda et Marcelo-Peña, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.9

 facebook.com: Laboratorio de Plantas Vasculares y Herbario ISV

 

Abstract

Guzmania sanluisensis (Bromeliaceae) is described and illustrated, a new species from the severely fragmented cloud forests of the Jaén area, northern Peru. This species is recognized by its reddish to bright brown bracts and revolute white petals with purple spots at the apex. Its morphology is contrasted with related species. Additionally, information on ecological aspects, distribution, and conservation status is included.

Taxonomy, Poales, conservation, endemism, northern Peru, Monocots

Marisela Analu ROJAS-FERNANDEZ, Eric J. GOUDA and Jose Luis MARCELO-PEÑA. 2025. Guzmania sanluisensis (Bromeliaceae; Tillandsioideae), A New Species from the fragmented montane cloud forests of northern Peru.  Phytotaxa. 720(2); 179-183. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.9 [2025-09-30] 

 facebook.com/100092540314053/posts/773420005752670

[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis yanesha (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New, spectacular, long-caudate Species of Pleurothallis from central Peru related to P. sijmii

Pleurothallis yanesha Ocupa, L.Valenz. & Mark Wilson,

in Ocupa-Horna, Valenzuela, Ward et Wilson, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.3.1  

 Researchgate.net/publication/396084620

facebook.com/LuisOcupa05

Abstract

In Peru, despite being recognized for its rich diversity of orchid species, the richness of Pleurothallis species is still unknown. Here we describe and illustrate a new species of Pleurothallis found in central Peru. Pleurothallis yanesha can be easily recognized by its raceme of long caudate flowers. The new species is most similar to P. sijmii, but differs from it in the flowers with apically connivent sepals (versus partially extended), longer sepals, narrowly ovate, much longer petals, the lip smaller and without callus, with the median lobe narrowly triangular, acute, and the column strongly arched. P. yanesha is known from montane forests located within the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve (BIOAY) in the department of Pasco. In addition, we report the first confirmed wild population of P. sijmii, and include an update of this description, taxonomic comments on the allied species and the implications of floral morphology for the pollination of these species.

Elongatia, Huánuco, Pasco, Pleurothallidinae, Scabrata, taxonomy, Monocots

 Composite plate of Pleurothallis yanesha.
A. Plant. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Column, lip, and ovary, lateral view. E. Lip, ventral and three-quarter views. F. Column, three-quarter view. G. Anther cap. H. Pollinarium.

Prepared by L. Ocupa-Horna.

Pleurothallis yanesha Ocupa, L.Valenz. & Mark Wilson, sp. nov.

 Composite plate of Pleurothallis sijmii.
 A. Plant. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Column, lip, and ovary, lateral view. E. Column, ventral and three-quarter views. F. Lip, adaxial and abaxial views. G. Anther cap. H. Pollinarium.

 Prepared by L. Ocupa-Horna.

P. sijmii

Luis OCUPA-HORNA, Luis VALENZUELA, Raven WARD and Mark WILSON. 2025. A New, spectacular, long-caudate Species of Pleurothallis (Orchidaceae) from central Peru related to P. sijmii.  Phytotaxa. 720(3); 193-208. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.3.1 [2025-10-02]

 Researchgate.net/publication/396084620_A_new_species_of_Pleurothallis_from_central_Peru

 facebook.com/LuisOcupa05/posts/4170346506574703

[Botany • 2025] Telipogon rojasiae (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species from relict forests on the western slopes of the northern Peruvian Andes

Telipogon rojasiae C.Martel, A.Diaz & Iturralde,

in Martel, Diaz Hernández, Iturralde et Collantes, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.164394 

Abstract

Telipogon rojasiae, from the western Andean slopes of northern Peru, is described as a new species. Telipogon rojasiae is similar to Telipogon montufarianus, which is only known from southern Ecuador, but differs in its cream-yellow flowers heavily stained with red-vinaceous (vs. bright yellow flowers), the sub-rhombic to obovate petals (vs. elliptic petals), the number of veins in the petals (9–10 veins vs. 5 veins) and labellum (26 veins vs. 16–19 veins), and its sagittate callus (vs. widely subcordiform callus). We provide a description, illustrations, photographs, and information about the habitat of this new species. Furthermore, we discuss the identity and occurrence of morphologically similar species. The discovery of this new entity highlights the importance of preserving the relict forests of the western Andean slopes in north-west Peru and south-west Ecuador.

Key words: Ecuador, endemic species, Oncidiinae, Telipogon ecuadorensis, Telipogon frymirei, Telipogon montufarianus

Telipogon rojasiae
A. Habit; B. Flower, ¾ view; C. Dissected flower with expanded perianth (d.sep: dorsal sepal; l.sep: lateral sepal; pet: petal; lab: labellum), all in frontal view except one lateral sepal; D. Expanded labellum, frontal view with details of the apex; E. Callus, frontal view with details of the setae; F. Pedicel, ovary and column, lateral view with details of the ovary cross-section; G. Column, frontal and lateral views with details of the setae; H. Anther cap, frontal and ventral views; I. Pollinarium, frontal and ventral views.

Telipogon rojasiae
A. Habit; B. Floral bract, lateral view; C. Flower, frontal view; D. Dissected flower, frontal view with details of the abaxial side of the sepals and the labellum surface; E. Callus and column, frontal view; F. Pedicel, ovary and column, lateral view with details of the ovary cross-section; G. Column, frontal, top and lateral views; H. Anther cap and pollinarium, ventral and dorsal views. Note that all the floral segments are in their natural position, not expanded.

 Telipogon rojasiae C.Martel, A.Diaz & Iturralde, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Telipogon rojasiae is most similar to Telipogon montufarianus but differs by its cream-yellow flowers heavily stained with red vinaceous (vs. bright yellow flowers), the sub-rhombic to obovate petals, 15–17 × 11–12 mm (vs. elliptic petals, 12 × 8 mm), the greater number of veins in the petals (9–10 veins vs. 5 veins) and labellum (26 veins vs. 16–19 veins), and its sagittate callus (vs. a widely sub-cordiform callus).

Eponymy. Telipogon rojasiae is named after Dr Consuelo Rojas, professor of Botany at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo, for her work on biodiversity and plant conservation in Northern Peru.

 Carlos Martel, Alex G. Diaz Hernández, Gabriel A. Iturralde and Benjamín Collantes. 2025. Telipogon rojasiae (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae), A New Species from relict forests on the western slopes of the northern Peruvian Andes. PhytoKeys. 265: 49-60. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.265.164394 [16-10-2025]

Resumen: Telipogon rojasiae, de los Andes occidentales del norte de Perú, es descrita como una nueva especie. Telipogon rojasiae es similar a Telipogon montufarianus, la cual solo se conoce de Ecuador, pero se diferencia por las flores cremas amarillas tenidas de rojo vino (vs. flores amarillo brillantes), los pétalos sub-rómbicos a obovados (vs. pétalos elípticos), el número de venas en los pétalos (9–10 venas vs. 5 venas) y el labelo (26 venas vs. 16–19 venas), y el callo sagitado (vs. el callo ampliamente sub-cordiforme). Proporcionamos una descripción, ilustraciones, imágenes e información sobre el hábitat de esta nueva especie. Además, analizamos la identidad y la presencia de la nueva entidad y de especies morfológicamente similares. El descubrimiento de la nueva entidad resalta la importancia de preservar los bosques relictos de la vertiente occidental de los Andes en el norte del Perú.

Palabras clave: Ecuador, especie endémica, Perú, Telipogon ecuadorensis, Telipogon frymirei, Telipogon montufarianus

[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis maitamae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species (subgenus Ancipitia) discovered through citizen science in the paramo of the Central Andes of Colombia

 

Pleurothallis maitamae  

in Sánchez-Gómez, Gallego-Franco et Wilson, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.717.3.2 

Abstract

A new species of Pleurothallis (subgenus Ancipitia) is described from the paramos of the Central Andes of Colombia, discovered through citizen science. Pleurothallis maitamae belongs to the P. crocodiliceps complex and is apparently endemic to the paramo fragment of Cerro de Las Palomas, in the municipality of Sonsón, Antioquia at elevations between 2600–3000 meters. This species is distinguished by its robust, medium-sized habit and unique floral morphology, particularly its chestnut-colored, 3-lobed labellum with horn-like lateral lobes and pale yellow to cream-colored flowers with dark-purple spots. Detailed comparisons with morphologically similar species in the complex, including P. andreae, P. ecomingae, P. onagriceps, and P. wielii confirm its distinctiveness. It is also compared with the similar species P. dunstervillei, which is not a member of the P. crocodiliceps complex, but which is similar in general floral features. This discovery highlights the importance of integrating citizen science with traditional taxonomic research to uncover biodiversity in understudied ecosystems such as the Andean paramos.

Orchidaceae, Pleurothallis, Andes, Colombia, Pleurothallidinae, Monocots

Pleurothallis maitamae sp. nov. 

David SÁNCHEZ-GÓMEZ, Yudy GALLEGO-FRANCO and Mark WILSON. 2025. A New Species of Pleurothallis (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae) from subgenus Ancipitia discovered through citizen science in the paramo of the Central Andes of Colombia. Phytotaxa. 717(3;); 258-268. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.717.3.2 [2025-09-12]

The species, named Pleurothallis maitamae, was discovered in the transition zone between the high Andean forest and the subparamo, at an altitude ranging from 2,600 to 3,300 meters above sea level. Its habitat is located within the Regional District for Integrated Management (DRMI) Paramo de Vida Maitama — Sonson, a protected area managed by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Negro and Nare River Basins (Cornare).

[Botany • 2025] Porroglossum hildeae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from the threatened cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador

 

 Porroglossum hildeae M.F.Monteros, E.Restrepo & Baquero, 

in Monteros, Restrepo, Iturralde, Jiménez et Baquero. 2025. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159826

 Photos by M.F. Monteros & Jaime Culebras  

Abstract

A new species of Porroglossum (Orchidaceae) is described and illustrated from the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. Porroglossum hildeae sp. nov. is morphologically similar to P. josei Luer, but can be distinguished by several features: it has narrowly obovate leaves reaching up to 9 cm in length (vs. elliptical, 4.5 cm), a longer dorsal sepaline tail measuring 6 mm (vs. 1.5 mm), oblong-ovate petals with one acute angle at the upper margin (vs. ovate with the upper and lower margins acutely angled below the middle), and the lip obtrullate, attenuate at the base, and acute at the apex (vs. obovate with the apex obtuse and abruptly acuminate). It grows epiphytically at approximately 1,600 m elevation in a cloud forest ecosystem that is increasingly threatened by deforestation, land-use change, and mining activities. Due to its restricted distribution and the ongoing degradation of its habitat, we recommend classifying it as Critically Endangered according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Key words: Conservation, Cordillera del Toisán, epiphyte, Intag Valley, IUCN Red List, Río Manduriacu Reserve

Composite plate of Porroglossum hildeae M.F.Monteros, E.Restrepo & Baquero.
A. Plant; B. Frontal view of dissected perianth (holotype: flower preserved in alcohol); C. Frontal view of flower (holotype); D. Lateral view of flower; E. Petals (holotype); F. Anther cap, and pollinarium; G1. Lip frontal view (paratype); G2. Lip ¾ view (paratype); G3. Lip lateral view (paratype) H. Ovary and column and column foot.

 Photographs by M. F. Monteros from holotype (Monteros 212, QCNE) and paratype (Monteros 312, QCNE).

A.  Porroglossum hildeae M.F.Monteros, E.Restrepo & Baquero growing in situ as an epiphyte on mossy branches in the Río Manduriacu Reserve;
B. Cloud forest habitat of P. hildeae; C. Aerial view of the Río Manduriacu Reserve and landscape of the Cordillera del Toisán.

 Photos by M.F. Monteros (A, B); Jaime Culebras (C).

 Porroglossum hildeae M.F.Monteros, E.Restrepo & Baquero, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Most similar to P. josei Luer but distinguished by the longer, narrowly obovate leaves 8.0–9.0 cm long (vs. shorter, elliptical, 4.5 cm long), tail length of the dorsal sepal 6 mm long (vs. 1.5 mm long), longer lateral sepaline tails 19–20 mm long (vs. ca. 14 mm), petals oblong-ovate with one acute angle near the middle of the upper margin (vs. ovate with two acute angles below the middle), obtrullate blade of the lip with an attenuate base (vs. obovate) and apex of the lip acute (vs. obtuse and abruptly acuminate).

Eponymy. The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case, honoring Hildegarden Toeppfer de Kohn (1912–2006), a Czech refugee who settled in Ecuador in 1945. A devoted admirer of nature, particularly orchids, she inspired in her children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the natural world. This legacy ultimately led them to establish the Río Manduriacu Reserve, the site where this species was discovered.

 Marco F. Monteros, Eugenio Restrepo, Gabriel A. Iturralde, Marco M. Jiménez and Luis E. Baquero. 2025. Porroglossum hildeae sp. nov. (Orchidaceae), A New Species from the threatened cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. PhytoKeys. 263: 151-164. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.263.159826

[Herpetology • 2025] Brachycephalus nanicus • A New Species of Flea-toad of the Genus Brachycephalus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the Cloud Forests of Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil

 

Brachycephalus nanicus 

Nunes, Lyra, Machado, Carrasco-Medina, de Andrade, Haga, Botelho, Pedrozo, Velasco, Jacinavicius, Gray, Blackburn, Kohlsdorf, Muscat & Toledo, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.2.3

  facebook.com/JaimiGray

Abstract

Species of the genus Brachycephalus are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, where they inhabit amidst the leaf litter. Depending on their phenotypic traits, these small-sized amphibians are commonly referred to as either flea-toads or pumpkin toadlets. Among them, the pumpkin toadlets (with a bufoniform phenotype) have received more extensive research attention. These individuals are often conspicuous, and prevalent in their natural habitat. In contrast, the flea-toads (leptodactyliform species) are brownish, cryptic with the background. This scarcity has led to their reduced scientific attention, including in the realm of taxonomy. Thus, we herein describe a new species of the genus Brachycephalus from montane forests of the Estação Ecológica de Bananal, in the municipality of Bananal, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species is characterized by having a leptodactyliform body; adult SVL 6.9–9.0 mm for males and 9.2–9.6 mm for females; smooth skin lacking hyperossification; snout rounded in dorsal view; finger II with pointed tips; toe I absent (lacking phalanges), and toes II, III, IV and V distinct; toe II with rounded tips; brown background with few golden spots scattered aleatory in the general coloration of dorsal surfaces and cloacal region; presence of a dark brown stripe along the flanks and the thigh; yellow blotches on the ventral surfaces; presence of dark brown strips on the legs. Based on molecular phylogeny, we recognize the Brachycephalus puri species group, based on a clade composed by B. puri sister to the new species plus a candidate new species. The new species probably has a restricted geographic distribution, and its discovery reinforces the importance of deeper taxonomic effort with the brownish leptodactyliform species of the genus.

Amphibia, Atlantic Forest, taxonomy, natural history, phylogeny, Brachycephaloidea, direct-developing anurans

Brachycephalus nanicus sp. nov. 

Ivan NUNES, Mariana L. LYRA, Thatnara M. MACHADO, Andres Santiago CARRASCO-MEDINA, Felipe Silva de ANDRADE, Isabelle Aquemi HAGA, Lucas M. BOTELHO, Mariana PEDROZO, Isabel G. VELASCO, Fernando De Castro JACINAVICIUS, Jaimi A. GRAY, David C. BLACKBURN, Tiana KOHLSDORF, Edélcio MUSCAT and L. Felipe TOLEDO. 2025. A New Species of Flea-toad of the Genus Brachycephalus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the Cloud Forests of Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil.  Zootaxa. 5691(2); 231-256. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.2.3 [2025-09-09]

  facebook.com/JaimiGray/posts/10235174749456818

[Botany • 2025] Magnolia tapichalacaensis (Magnoliaceae: sect. Splendentes) • A New Species from the Andean foothills of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador

 

 Magnolia tapichalacaensis  Á.J.Pérez & E.Rea,

in Pérez, Rea, Martínez, Hidalgo, F. Mendoza, R. Mendoza, Díaz, Archila, Burgess, Zenil-Ferguson et Vázquez-García, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.716.4.2 

 

Abstract

Magnolia tapichalacaensis is described from the cloud forest remnants of Quebrada Honda, Tapichalaca Reserve in the Zamora Chinchipe Province, south-east Ecuador. This species is characterized by its tomentose leaves and hypsophyll, flowers 5.6–7.5 cm in diameter with three sepals that are abaxially tomentose to villous and adaxially glabrous, petals 9–10, stamens 54–63, gynoecium densely tomentose with 4–5 carpels and densely tomentose ellipsoid fruits. An illustration, photos and a distribution map for the new species are provided. Relationships with other species are discussed, and preliminary conservation status of Critically Endangered (CR) is assigned. Finally, an updated list of Ecuadorian magnolias is presented.

Andes, Cloud Forest remnants, Conservation, Jocotoco Foundation, Neotropical taxonomy, Tapichalaca Reserve, Magnoliids

 Magnolia tapichalacaensis.
A. Habit. B. Bark. C. Branches. D. Young branch showing the stipule and the annular stipular scar. E. Leaf and lateral veins. F. Underside of leaf showing the tomentose indumentum.

A–D from Pérez et al. 12679; E from Pérez et al. 12183; F from Pérez et al. 12684. Photographs by Álvaro J. Pérez.

 

 Magnolia tapichalacaensis.
 A. Hypsophyll. B. Flower bud without hypsophyll. C. Flower lateral view. D. Flower in male phase. E. Stamens with connectives. F. Immature fruit.

A, C–E from Jaramillo & Mendoza 3098; B from Pérez et al. 12684; F from Pérez et al. 12198. Photographs by Nelson Jaramillo (A, C–E) and Álvaro J. Pérez (B, F).

 

Magnolia tapichalacaensis Á.J.Pérez & E.Rea, sp. nov.  

Magnolia tapichalacaensis is like Magnolia bankardiorum Dillon & Sánchez Vega (2009: 7) and Magnolia lozanoi Vázquez & CastroArce in Vázquez-García et al. (2012: 114), but differs from these in several morphological features (Table 2).

Álvaro J. PÉREZ, Edison REA, Jennifer MARTÍNEZ, Fanny HIDALGO, Franco MENDOZA, Ramiro MENDOZA, Nelson Jaramillo DÍAZ, Fredy ARCHILA, Kevin S. BURGESS, Rosana ZENIL-FERGUSON, J. Antonio VÁZQUEZ-GARCÍA. 2025. Magnolia tapichalacaensis (M. sect. Splendentes, Magnoliaceae), A New Species from the Andean foothills of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador.  Phytotaxa. 716(4); DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.716.4.2  [2025-09-04]

[Herpetology • 2025] Atractus nemosophis & A. xaxi • A First Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Approach to Sleepyhead Snakes from Venezuela (Dipsadidae: Atractus), with the Description of Two New Andean Species

[H] Atractus xaxi 
[A-F] Atractus nemosophis 

Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Camargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero & Urra, 

in Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Carmargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero et Urra, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-025-00682-1 

Researchgate.net/publication/394217023_A_first_phyloge 

  facebook.com/FernandoRojasRunjaic

Abstract

This study constitutes the first evolutionary investigation that adds Venezuelan species of sleepyhead snakes of the genus Atractus, the most diverse and with the largest number of species with a restricted distribution area above 1000 m asl, whose estimated divergence occurred 21–22 MY. In this context, phylogenetic analyses using a combination of mitochondrial (16S, Cytb, ND4) and nuclear (RAG1, NT3) markers within the framework of maximum likelihood and Bayesian models, as well as morphological and meristic data, support the recognition of two new species that inhabit montane semideciduous forests and cloud forests between 1800 and 2200 m asl: A. nemosophis sp. nov. a polymorphic species related to A. meridensis, instead, A. xaxi sp. nov. exhibits a uniform dorsal pattern very closely with A. mariselae and A. mijaresi, respectively. Finally, we provide new data on the diversity and distribution of the Atractus from the cordillera de Mérida, including a dichotomous key and a novel perception of their conservation status when considered the most diverse and dominant snakes of the Andean Mountain landscapes. Atractus nemosophis sp. nov. and Atractus xaxi sp. nov. should be included in the Vulnerable category according to criteria Ac and B2 (i,ii,iii,iv).

Keywords: Cryptozoic and semifossorial snakes, Northern Andes, Cordillera de Mérida, Montane semideciduous forests and cloud forests, Taxonomy and conservation

Images of Atractus nemosophis sp. nov. in life. Holotype MZUC 47720: dorsal view of the body and head, showing the black vertebral line and a very attenuated light band behind the parietals; ventral view of the body and tail, displaying a reddish pattern with three spots on each scale, forming incomplete longitudinal lines (A–B). MZUC 47729: dorsal view of the body and head, exhibiting a grayish-brown pattern with an interrupted white line between the 1st and 3rd dorsal scale rows and a whitish surface heavily pigmented with black (C–D). MZUC 47726 and MZUC 47718: reddish pattern with a black vertebral line and a strongly pigmented orange belly (E–G). MZUC 47735: olive-brown pattern with a black vertebral line, with supralabials and the ventral surface of the head showing a yellowish hue 
(H). Image of Atractus xaxi sp. nov. in life: head and dorsum of the body entirely black (© Daniel Quihua)

Atractus nemosophis sp. nov. Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Camargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero & Urra.  

Etymology. The specific name is an adjective derived from the Greek words “nemos,” which means forest or wood with pasture for cattle, and ophis m., which means “snake” (Brown, 1956), to refer to the place where it was found, which originally corresponds to a semicaducifolious forest Andean montane (Ataroff & Sarmiento, 2004), but currently they have been transformed, giving rise to new novel landscapes called anthromes (Ellis et al., 2010).

Atractus xaxi sp. nov. Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Prudente, Bazó, Navarrete, Camargo-Sillet, Ortiz, Correa, Guerrero & Urra. 

Etymology. The word “xaxi” is a toponym of the first indigenous settlers of the area (the Chamas tribes) and that, with the arrival of the Spanish people, was transformed morphologically to be known today as “Jají” (Gordones-Rojas & Meneses-Pacheco, 2004). The town is one of the oldest in Mérida state, Venezuela, founded in 1580.

Luis Felipe Esqueda, Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic, Ana Prudente, Santos Bazó, Luis Fernando Navarrete, Edward Carmargo-Sillet, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Claudio Correa, Pablo Guerrero and Félix Urra . 2025. A First Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Approach to Sleepyhead Snakes from Venezuela (Dipsadidae: Atractus), with the Description of Two New Andean Species. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-025-00682-1 [01 August 2025] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/394217023_A_first_phylogenetic_and_taxonomic_approach_to_Atractus_from_Venezuela

  facebook.com/groups/mhnls/permalink/24476601345296834 

Palabras clave: Andes septentrionales, Northern Andes, Cordillera de Mérida, Bosques semicadufolios montanos y bosques nublados, Taxonomía y conservación

[Botany • 2025] Jaltomata veracruzana (Solanaceae: Solanoideae: Solaneae) • A New Species from the mountain cloud forests of Veracruz, Mexico

 

Jaltomata veracruzana  

in Martínez‑Flores, Burgos‑Hernández, Martínez-Domínguez et Nicolalde-Morejón, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.2.4

x.com/LiliMtzD

Abstract

A new species from the state of Veracruz, Mexico, previously identified as Jaltomata bohsiana, is described as Jaltomata veracruzana. This species occurs in the mountain cloud forest of the Sierra de Chiconquiaco. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of a black to blackish calyx when in flower, pubescence sparse, corolla with light-purple veins, green pedicels, and ovate-deltoid leaves with sinuate to sinuate-toothed margins, acute apex, and attenuated-truncated base. A preliminary conservation assessment is provided for this new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a detailed comparison of this new species with all Jaltomata species distributed in Mexico, including a full description, illustrations, taxonomic notes, comparative table, and an identification key for the genus in Mexico.

conservation status, endemism, Jaltomata, montane cloud forest, Neotropics, Sierra Madre Oriental, Solanaceae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Ma. Mercedes MARTÍNEZ-FLORES, Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ, Lilí MARTÍNEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ and Fernando NICOLALDE-MOREJÓN. 2025. Jaltomata veracruzana (Solaneae, Solanoideae, Solanaceae), A New Species from the mountain cloud forests of Veracruz, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 712(2); 141-155. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.2.4 [2025-07-30]

 x.com/LiliMtzD/status/1951793803121361007

[Entomology • 2025] Acrophylla alta • A New giant Species of Acrophylla Gray, 1835 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae: Phasmatini) from the highlands of the Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia

Acrophylla alta 

Coupland & Emmott, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4

 

Abstract

Searching of suitable habitat during the wet season months has revealed a spectacular new species of phasmid from Queensland, Australia: Acrophylla alta sp. nov., which is described and figured from the holotype and paratype females only, also eggs. A key is provided to compare it with other similar species within the genus. Habitat type and known foodplants are noted.

Phasmatodea, Stick insect, Acrophylla alta new species, cloud forest, Atherton Tablelands, altitude, endemic, taxonomy

 Acrophylla alta sp. nov.

Ross M. COUPLAND and Angus J. EMMOTT. 2025. A New giant Species of Acrophylla Gray, 1835 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae: Phasmatini) from the highlands of the Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa. 5647(4); 371-383. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4 [2025-06-17]

 https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2025/july/supersized-stick-insect-discovered-in-wet-tropics