[Botany • 2025] Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) • Doomed to Extinction by Mining: A New Species from Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil

 

Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis Leme, J.L.Lobo, O.B.C.Ribeiro & A.P.Gelli,

in Castro, Ribeiro, Leme, Almeida et Faria, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.1.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/398287909

Abstract

A new species of Hoplocryptanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered in a ferruginous rupestrian grassland located in the southern Iron Quadrangle region, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis is endemic to the Pires Range, a region under strong threat by mining exploitation. The morphological characters of H. serrapiresensis are discussed in comparison with H. knegtianus and H. tiradentesensis. This microendemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), reinforcing the need for a strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. Characters related to leaves proved useful in the taxonomic delimitation of this new species. Morphological analyses also validated and reinforced the diagnostic floral and inflorescence characters used in the circumscription of Hoplocryptanthus.

bromeliads, conservation, Espinhaço Range, morphology, Monocots

A–L. Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis (Leme 10355).
A. Habit. B. Frontal view of the corolla. C. Lateral view of the corolla.D. Flower. E. Abaxial view of sepals connate at the base. F. Petal, filaments, and style forming a common basal tube which is typical for Hoplocryptanthus. G. Details of the basal portion of the leaf blades with pronounced marginal spines. H. Floral bract. I. Longitudinalsection of the ovary. J. Stigma. K. Frontal view of the anther. L. Dorsal view of the anther.

Photographs by E. Leme. Bars = 5 mm (A–D,F–G). Bars = 1 mm (E, H–L). 

Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis Leme, J.L.Lobo, O.B.C.Ribeiro & A.P.Gelli, sp. nov.

A. General view of the ferruginous rupestrian fields of Pires Range, situated in the Congonhas municipality, at the southernend of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. B. Details of large banded itabirite blocks which occur randomly dispersed throughout the area. C. The saxicolous habit of Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis at type locality.
D. Presence of intense mining activityextending to the limits of the Pires Range. Photographs by P. H. Nobre.

A–G. Hoplocryptanthus knegtianus (Leme 9322). A. Habit. B. Frontal view of the corolla. C. Lateral view of the corolla.D. Details of the basal portion of the leaf blades and the marginal spines. E. Stigma. F. Frontal view of the anther. G. Dorsal view of theanther.
H. Habit of Hoplocryptanthus tiradentesensis (Leme 5819).

Photographs by E. Leme. Bars = 5 mm (A–B, D, H). Bars = 2 mm(C), Bars = 1 mm (E–G) 

JOÃO LUÍS L. M. DE CASTRO, OTÁVIO B. C. RIBEIRO, ELTON M. C. LEME, PEDRO S. DE ALMEIDA and ANA PAULA G. DE FARIA. 2025. Doomed to Extinction by Mining: A New Species of Hoplocryptanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) from Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 732(1); 57-66. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.1.5 [2025-12-03]

 Researchgate.net/publication/398287909_a_new_species_of_Hoplocryptanthus_from_Congonhas_Minas_Gerais_Brazil

[Paleontology • 2023] Tiliqua frangens • A Giant Armoured Skink from Australia expands Lizard Morphospace and the Scope of the Pleistocene Extinctions

Tiliqua frangens Hutchinson & Scanlon, 2009
Life reconstruction of T. frangens (greater than 2000 g) alongside a typical living skink Lampropholis guichenoti (approx. 2 g).

in Thorn, Fusco, Hutchinson, Gardner, ... et Lee, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0704 

Artwork by Katrina Kenny.

 twitter.com/Kailah_Thorn

Abstract

There are more species of lizards and snakes (squamates) alive today than any other order of land vertebrates, yet their fossil record has been poorly documented compared with other groups. Here, we describe a gigantic Pleistocene skink from Australia based on extensive material that includes much of the skull and postcranial skeleton, and spans ontogenetic stages from neonate to adult. Tiliqua frangens substantially expands the known ecomorphological diversity of squamates. At approximately 2.4 kg, it was more than double the mass of any living skink, with an exceptionally broad, deep skull, squat limbs and heavy, ornamented body armour. It probably filled the armoured herbivore niche that land tortoises (testudinids), absent from Australia, occupy on other continents. Tiliqua frangens and other giant Plio-Pleistocene skinks suggest that small-bodied groups that dominate vertebrate biodiversity might have lost their largest and often most morphologically extreme representatives in the Late Pleistocene, expanding the scope of these extinctions.

Keywords: megafauna, Tiliqua, Australia, Pleistocene, reptile, extinction

Selected skeletal elements of Tiliqua frangens. All skull elements are left lateral views except for neonate dentary (in right medial). Some elements are mirrored right elements,

 (a) Life reconstruction of T. frangens (greater than 2000 g) alongside a typical living skink Lampropholis guichenoti (approx. 2 g). 

Kailah M. Thorn, Diana A. Fusco, Mark N. Hutchinson, Michael G. Gardner, Jessica L. Clayton, Gavin J. Prideaux and Michael S. Y. Lee. 2023. A Giant Armoured Skink from Australia expands Lizard Morphospace and the Scope of the Pleistocene Extinctions. Proc. R. Soc. B. 20230704. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0704

  twitter.com/Kailah_Thorn/status/1668777253147394048

[Paleontology • 2025] The Ecology and Geography of Temnospondyl Recovery after the Permian–Triassic Mass Extinction

 

 Temnospondyls of the Triassic.

in Mehmood, Singh, Elsler et Benton, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241200 

artwork by Mark P. Witton  

Abstract

One of the mysteries of the Permian–Triassic mass extinction was the subsequent success of temnospondyls. Temnospondyls were key early tetrapods in the Carboniferous and Permian and hardly seem to be ideal pioneers in a tough post-extinction world. Did they survive because of some unusual adaptations or by occupying some limited part of the world? We explore temnospondyl success in the Triassic by comparing their functional ecomorphology and palaeogeographic distributions. We find that Early Triassic temnospondyls exhibited all skull sizes and shapes, reflecting a wide diversity of feeding modes: abundant parabolic-snouted forms, and less common longirostrine (long-snouted) and insectivorous (short-skulled) forms. In fact, morphospace occupation by temnospondyls increased dramatically from Late Permian to Early Triassic, and then decreased in the Middle Triassic, but without emphasis on one feeding mode or another. Nor is there any evidence for unusual patterns of evolution: Temnospondyli and subclade Trematosauria follow an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck evolutionary model, suggesting evolution towards a common skull shape. Metoposauroidea, Brachyopoidea and basal Stereospondyli evolved by the stasis model. Further, these Early Triassic temnospondyls did not occupy a limited part of the world; they show temperate distributions, but with some specimens in equatorial regions, contradicting the idea of a permanently impermeable tropical dead zone.

Keywords: geometric morphometrics, ecological function, temnspondyli, Triassic, Permian–Triassic mass extinction

 Temnospondyls of the Triassic.
(a) simplified phylogeny of the temnospondyl clades investigated here, with two paraphyletic assemblages, ’basal temnos’ and basal ’stereos’. Amphibamiformes are a clade within Dissorophoidea, comprising Micropholidae and Lissamphibia. Branches stemming from coloured nodes depict subclades of this node.
(b) three functional groupings based on skull morphology: large parabolic skulls characteristic of generalists such as extant crocodilians; generalist insectivore with short and wide skulls as in modern frogs; and longirostrine, adapted for fast, weak bites usually in fish eating, as in modern gharials.

Abbreviations: Stereo., Sterospondyli; Temno., Temnospondyli.

Silhouette images from Phylopic (https://www.phylopic.org: Dmitry Bogdanov (Metoposaurus, Lydekkerina, Batrachosuchus, Pelorocephalus, Trematosaurus) all CC0 3.0; Steven Traver (Dendrobates) CC0 1.0). Nix Draws Stuff/Nix illustration (Eryops) CC0 4.0. Silhouette images from Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org: Smokeybjb (Eolydekkerina magna, Deltasaurus kimberleyensis); Nobu Tamura (Gerrothorax BW and Wetlugasaurus BW) all CC0 3.0). Vector graphics: Mike Prince (Gharial) CC0 2.0; Momotarou, 2012 (Andrias japonicus) CC0 3.0; CDC (African Dwarf Frog) Public Domain. Skull Graphics vectorized by AM; Aphaneramma [Fortuny, et al. 2018]; Cyclotosaurus [Schoch & Milner, 2014] and Triadobatrachus [Ascarrunz, et al. 2016].

  Mastodonsaurus vs. Jaxtasuchus

artwork by Mark P. Witton  

www.MarkWitton.co.uk

Aamir Mehmood, Suresh A. Singh, Armin Elsler and Michael J. Benton. 2025. The Ecology and Geography of Temnospondyl Recovery after the Permian–Triassic Mass Extinction. R. Soc. Open Sci. 12: 241200. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241200 [05 March 2025]

Amphibians bounce-back from Earth’s greatest mass extinction

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/march/amphibians-bounce-back-from-extinction-event.html

Ancient frog relatives survived the aftermath of the largest mass extinction of species by feeding on freshwater prey that evaded terrestrial predators, University of Bristol academics have found.

In the study, published today in the journal Royal Society Open Science, their findings suggest the amphibians’ success lay in their generalist feeding ecology, enabling them to feed on a wide variety of prey despite the array of environmental changes happening all around them through the Triassic.

...

  x.com/MarkWitton/status/1376637860141539335

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Temporal Dynamics of Woolly Mammoth Genome Erosion prior to Extinction

woolly mammoth Mammuthus primigenius wanders the frozen shore of Wrangel Island. 

in Dehasque, Morales, et al., 2024. 

    DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.033    

 Artwork by Beth Zaiken

 www.SU.se

Highlights: 

• Analysis of long-term genomic changes using 21 high-coverage woolly mammoth genomes

• Severe bottleneck of the last surviving population when Wrangel Island was isolated

• The population partially recovered within a few generations and then remained stable

• Inbreeding depression and purging persisted for thousands of years after the recovery

Summary:

  A number of species have recently recovered from near-extinction. Although these species have avoided the immediate extinction threat, their long-term viability remains precarious due to the potential genetic consequences of population declines, which are poorly understood on a timescale beyond a few generations. Woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) became isolated on Wrangel Island around 10,000 years ago and persisted for over 200 generations before becoming extinct around 4,000 years ago. To study the evolutionary processes leading up to the mammoths’ extinction, we analyzed 21 Siberian woolly mammoth genomes. Our results show that the population recovered quickly from a severe bottleneck and remained demographically stable during the ensuing six millennia. We find that mildly deleterious mutations gradually accumulated, whereas highly deleterious mutations were purged, suggesting ongoing inbreeding depression that lasted for hundreds of generations. The time-lag between demographic and genetic recovery has wide-ranging implications for conservation management of recently bottlenecked populations.

Keywords: Mammuthus primigenius, woolly mammoth, extinction, ancient DNA, paleogenomics, mutation load, inbreeding, bottleneck, climate, Wrangel Island

The last woolly mammoth Mammuthus primigenius wanders the frozen shore of Wrangel Island. 

 Artwork by Beth Zaiken

 

M. Dehasque, H. E. Morales, et al. 2024. Temporal Dynamics of Woolly Mammoth Genome Erosion prior to Extinction. Cell.  DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.033    

New genetic study reveals the woolly mammoths' journey towards extinction

 www.su.se/english/news/new-genetic-study-reveals-the-woolly-mammoths-journey-towards-extinction-1.746552

 

[Botany • 2023] Ceropegia strophanthiflora (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae, sect. Chamaesiphon) • A magnificent and rare New Species from South Africa at the Brink of Extinction

 

Ceropegia strophanthiflora  Heiduk & D.Styles, 

in Heiduk et Styles, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.632.1.2

Abstract

We describe a novel species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae), C. strophanthiflora, from inland of Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new species is placed in section Chamaesiphon where it appears to be vegetatively and floristically most similar to C. rehmannii (formerly Brachystelma foetidum). Ceropegia strophanthiflora can, however, be readily distinguished from this species by its strikingly colourful greenish-yellow flowers with bright purple markings and purplish-pink vibratile hairs fringing the corolla lobe bases. Most remarkable, however, are the unusually long, slender and twisted corolla lobes much reminiscent of flowers known in Strophanthus; hence the name C. strophanthiflora. There are no other known South African species exhibiting such flamboyant flowers. Concerningly, this spectacular new species may be at the brink of extinction as only very little habitat remains which is under severe anthropogenic threat.

Brachystelma tanzaniense, a species with long and slender corolla lobes from Tanzania, is transferred to Ceropegia section Chamaesiphon under the proposed new name C. dodomaensis. Moreover, the blocking name for this transfer, C. tanzaniensis, is reduced to a synonym of C. cordiloba for which we designate a lectotype. 

Keywords: Brachystelma, Chamaesiphon, Ceropegieae, Coal mining, Critically Endangered, KwaZulu-Natal, nomen novum, Zululand Coastal Thornveld, Zululand Lowveld, Eudicots  

Ceropegia strophanthiflora Heiduk & D.Styles, sp. nov.

Etymology: —The specific epithet ‘strophanthiflora’ refers to the unusually long, caudate and twisted, reflexed corolla lobes reminiscent of flowers found in the genus Strophanthus.

Annemarie Heiduk and David G.A. Styles. 2023. Ceropegia strophanthiflora (Apocynaceae—Asclepiadoideae)—A magnificent and rare New Species from South Africa at the Brink of Extinction. Phytotaxa. 632(1); 27-37. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.632.1.2

https://mastodon.green/@plazi_species/111940773735643786 

[Entomology • 2023] Semanopterus kingstoni • A New, but possibly extinct, Species of Semanopterus Hope, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Lord Howe Island, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean

 Semanopterus kingstoni 

 Reid & Tees, 2023

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5306.5.4

Abstract

A new and brachypterous species of Semanopterus Hope, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini) is described: S. kingstoni Reid & Tees, new species. The species is based on a single female specimen, collected on Lord Howe Island in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It is the sixth species of dynastine known from Lord Howe Island; a key is provided for identification of all of the species known from this small island.

Keywords: Coleoptera, scarab, brachyptery, extinction, oceanic island, Australia

 Semanopterus kingstoni new species, holotype.
1, dorsal habitus; 2, lateral habitus; 3, dorsal of head; 4, anterior of head; 5, antenna; 6, labels.

 Semanopterus kingstoni new species, holotype.
 7, ventral habitus; 8, prothoracic leg; 9, metathoracic leg; 10, posterior.

Chris A.M. Reid, Natalie A. Tees. 2023.  A New, but possibly extinct, Species of Semanopterus Hope, 1847 from Lord Howe Island, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae).  Zootaxa. 5306(5); 563-570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5306.5.4

[Botany • 2023] Most of the World's Largest Flowers (Genus Rafflesia) are now on the Brink of Extinction

Map showing the diversity in the genus Rafflesia across the Malesian Floristic Region.
 Photos/illustrations credits: Indonesia (Rafflesia arnoldii, R. bengkuluensis – AB Tobias; R. gadutensis – Septian Andriki; R. hassletii – Jeremy Holden; R. micropylora – Jan Vrsovsky; R. patma – BRIN; R. rochussenii – BBTN Gede Pangarango);
 Malaysia (Rafflesia azlanii, R. cantleyi, R. kerrii, R. tiomanensis – Siti-Munirah MY; R. pricei, R. keithii – CJ Thorogood; R. tuan-mudae – Anthonia Chia);
Philippines (Rafflesia aurantia, R. lobata, R. manillana, R. mixta – drawn by ABT based on photos of Danilo S. Balete, Renee Galang, SINP PAMO and CENRO Tubod; R. banaoana, R. consueloae, R. baletei, R. banahawensis, R. panchoana – AB Tobias; R. leonardi – Erwin Agbayani; R. mira – Celine Murillo; R.speciosa – PL Malabrigo; R. schadenbergiana – Ramil Alcala; R. verrucosa – Sidic Nobair);

Base map by Gerald Eduarte.

in Malabrigo, Tobias, Witono, Mursidawati, Susatya, ... et Thorogood, 2023.

DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10431

Abstract

 Societal Impact Statement: 

Rafflesia is the genus that contains the world's largest flowers. Despite their global appeal, most of the 42 known species are now at risk of extinction. Urgent action is needed to protect these remarkable flowers. A combined approach to conservation is recommended, including a greater level of habitat protection and support for local community action groups. Rafflesia is a suitable new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics.

Summary: 

The genus Rafflesia, which includes the world's largest flowers, has aroused curiosity among scientists for centuries and features prominently in local culture across Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used in ethnobotanical medicine and, more recently, as a source of revenue from ecotourism. But despite its acclaim, Rafflesia remains poorly understood in many respects. Taxonomy is disputed, new species are described each year, and the plant has proven recalcitrant to cultivation. This has hindered conservation, and most of the 42 known species are now severely threatened, yet only one is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We estimate that 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction (equivalent to Critically Endangered [CR]). Moreover, we predict that at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability. Alarmingly, recent observations suggest taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science. We present recent scientific discoveries and probable extinctions and highlight case studies of conservation success, with a focus on the role of local people. We propose a multi-pronged conservation approach combining strengthened taxonomy, ex situ propagation, ecotourism, and an extension of protected areas. We suggest action devolved to local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media networks will be crucial outside of protected jurisdictions. Finally, we propose to establish Rafflesia as a new icon for plant conservation in the Asian tropics. A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost.

Keywords: conservation, ethnobotany, Flora, Malesiana, parasitic plants, threatened species

Map showing the diversity in the genus Rafflesia across the Malesian Floristic Region.
 Photos/illustrations credits: Indonesia (Rafflesia arnoldii, Rafflesia bengkuluensis – AB Tobias; Rafflesia gadutensis – Septian Andriki; Rafflesia hassletii – Jeremy Holden; Rafflesia micropylora – Jan Vrsovsky; Rafflesia patma – BRIN; Rafflesia rochussenii – BBTN Gede Pangarango);
Malaysia (Rafflesia azlanii, Rafflesia cantleyi, Rafflesia kerrii, Rafflesia tiomanensis – Siti-Munirah MY; Rafflesia pricei, Rafflesia keithii – CJ Thorogood; Rafflesia tuan-mudae – Anthonia Chia);
Philippines (Rafflesia aurantia, Rafflesia lobata, Rafflesia manillana, Rafflesia mixta – drawn by ABT based on photos of Danilo S. Balete, Renee Galang, SINP PAMO and CENRO Tubod; Rafflesia banaoana, Rafflesia consueloae, Rafflesia baletei, Rafflesia banahawensis, Rafflesia panchoana – AB Tobias; Rafflesia leonardi – Erwin Agbayani; Rafflesia mira – Celine Murillo; Rafflesia speciosa – PL Malabrigo; Rafflesia schadenbergiana – Ramil Alcala; Rafflesia verrucosa – Sidic Nobair);

Base map by Gerald Eduarte.

 

Pastor Malabrigo Jr., Adriane B. Tobias, Joko Witono, Sofi Mursidawati, Agus Susatya, Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah, Adhityo Wicaksono, Reza Raihandhany, Sarah Edwards and Chris J. Thorogood. 2023. Most of the World's Largest Flowers (Genus Rafflesia) are now on the Brink of Extinction. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET. DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10431

[Paleontology • 2023] Dwarfism and Gigantism Drive Human-mediated Extinctions on Islands

 Sardinian Dwarf Mammoth Mammuthus lamarmorai, Sardinian Giant Otter Megalenhydris barbaricina, Deer, Sardinian Dhole Cynotherium sardous and Giant Pica.

in Rozzi, Lomolino, van der Geer, Silvestro, ... et Chase, 2023. 

science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add8606

Illustration by Peter Schouten

Abstract

Islands have long been recognized as distinctive evolutionary arenas leading to morphologically divergent species, such as dwarfs and giants. We assessed how body size evolution in island mammals may have exacerbated their vulnerability, as well as how human arrival has contributed to their past and ongoing extinctions, by integrating data on 1231 extant and 350 extinct species from islands and paleo islands worldwide spanning the past 23 million years. We found that the likelihood of extinction and of endangerment are highest in the most extreme island dwarfs and giants. Extinction risk of insular mammals was compounded by the arrival of modern humans, which accelerated extinction rates more than 10-fold, resulting in an almost complete demise of these iconic marvels of island evolution.

Illustration of Sardinian Dwarf Mammoth Mammuthus lamarmorai, Sardinian Giant Otter Megalenhydris barbaricina, Deer, Sardinian Dhole Cynotherium sardous and Giant Pica.

Artwork: Peter Schouten

 studioschouten.com.au

  

  Roberto Rozzi, Mark V. Lomolino, Alexandra A. E. van der Geer, Daniele Silvestro, S. Kathleen Lyons, Pere Bover, Josep A. Alcover, Ana Benítez-López, Cheng-Hsiu Tsai, Masaki Fujita, Mugino O. Kubo, Janine Ochoa, Matthew E. Scarborough, Samuel T. Turvey, Alexander Zizka and Jonathan M. Chase. 2023.  Dwarfism and Gigantism Drive Human-mediated Extinctions on Islands. Science. 379(6636); 1054-1059. DOI: 10.1126/science.add8606

 science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add8606

Evolutionary arenas: 

Islands often contain distinctive ecological conditions that can lead to unusual evolutionary trajectories such as dwarf mammoths and giant rats. Rozzi et al. looked across extant and extinct species from islands to determine whether these evolutionary “oddities” were more threatened and found that both dwarf and giant species were more at risk for extinction. Further, the arrival of humans, both deep in the past and in the present, accelerated their extinction. Island conditions have thus both generated these unusual species and protected them, at least until humans acquired the ability to cross oceans. —SNV

[PaleoOrnithology • 2022] A 14,000-year-old Genome sheds light on the Evolution and Extinction of A Pleistocene Vulture

in Ericson, Irestedt, Zuccon, ... et Qu, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03811-0 

Artwork: Julian Hume   facebook.com/JulianHume5

Abstract

The New World Vulture [Coragyps] occidentalis (L. Miller, 1909) is one of many species that were extinct by the end of the Pleistocene. To understand its evolutionary history we sequenced the genome of a 14,000 year old [Coragyps] occidentalis found associated with megaherbivores in the Peruvian Andes. occidentalis has been viewed as the ancestor, or possibly sister, to the extant Black Vulture Coragyps atratus, but genomic data shows occidentalis to be deeply nested within the South American clade of atratus. Coragyps atratus inhabits lowlands, but the fossil record indicates that occidentalis mostly occupied high elevations. Our results suggest that occidentalis evolved from a population of atratus in southwestern South America that colonized the High Andes 300 to 400 kya. The morphological and morphometric differences between occidentalis and atratus may thus be explained by ecological diversification following from the natural selection imposed by this new and extreme, high elevation environment. The sudden evolution of a population with significantly larger body size and different anatomical proportions than atratus thus constitutes an example of punctuated evolution.

a Fossils identified as [Coragyps] occidentalis collected in the cave Casa del Diablo situated at c. 3800 m a.s.l. in the Altiplano of southern Peru (marked with a red star on the map).
 b Localities for fossil Coragyps specimens were identified as either atratus (blue) or occidentalis (red).

Per G. P. Ericson, Martin Irestedt, Dario Zuccon, Petter Larsson, Jean-Luc Tison, Steven D. Emslie, Anders Götherström, Julian P. Hume, Lars Werdelin and Yanhua Qu. 2022. A 14,000-year-old Genome sheds light on the Evolution and Extinction of A Pleistocene Vulture. Communications Biology.  857. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03811-0 

 .facebook.com/JulianHume5/posts/5307213776061236

[Herpetology • 2022] Hope in the Dark: Discovery of A Population related to the presumably Extinct Micro-endemic Blunt-headed Salamander (Ambystoma amblycephalum: Ambystomatidae)

Ambystoma cf. amblycephalum

in Hernandez, Dufresnes, Raffaëlli, Jelsch, ... et Nuñez, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1080/23766808.2022.2029323

ABSTRACT

We report on the discovery of a population related to the Blunt-headed Salamander (Ambystoma amblycephalum), a micro-endemic axolotl from Mexico scientifically confirmed only once since its original description in 1940, and now presumably extinct. In 2018, paedomorphic and metamorphosed adults, as well as clutches and larvae, were found in a cattle pond at Nahuatzen, Michoacán state, Mexico, ~60 km away from the type locality (Tacícuaro). Morphometric comparisons suggested high similarity with the type series of A. amblycephalum, while mitochondrial DNA barcoding (16S and control region) revealed close (but imperfect) matching to a reference sequence. We gathered data on life history and ecology of this population, which could be the only extant relic of A. amblycephalum. Its highly limited distribution and presumably low population density are hallmarks for a high risk of extinction, and alarms on the critical situation of many micro-endemic salamanders of Mexico, hence calling for immediate conservation actions.

KEYWORDS: Axolotl, diversity, endemism, extinction, michoacán, genetic barcoding

Ambystoma cf. amblycephalum

 (a) The breeding site at Nahuatzen, 

and photographs of (b) a paedomorphic adult; (c) a terrestrial adult; (d) a tadpole.

Axel Hernandez, Christophe Dufresnes, Jean Raffaëlli, Emmanuel Jelsch, Sylvain Dubey, Ana Luisa Santiago-Pérez, Verónica Carolina Rosas-Espinoza and Pablo Berea Nuñez. 2022. Hope in the Dark: Discovery of A Population related to the presumably Extinct Micro-endemic Blunt-headed Salamander (Ambystoma amblycephalum). Neotropical Biodiversity. 20(1); 35-44. DOI: 10.1080/23766808.2022.2029323

[Paleontology • 2022] Hanyusuchus sinensis • An Intermediate Crocodylian (Crocodylia: Gavialidae) linking Two Extant Gharials from the Bronze Age of China and Its Human-induced Extinction

Hanyusuchus sinensis

Iijima, Qiao, Lin, Peng, Yoneda & Liu, 2022

 

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0085  

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life restoration by Hikaru Amemiya  twitter.com/WANIwaniamemi

Abstract

A solid phylogenetic framework is the basis of biological studies, yet higher level relationships are still unresolved in some major vertebrate lineages. One such group is Crocodylia, where the branching pattern of three major families (Alligatoridae, Crocodylidae and Gavialidae) has been disputed over decades due to the uncertain relationship of two slender-snouted lineages, gavialines and tomistomines. Here, we report a bizarre crocodylian from the Bronze Age of China, which shows a mosaic of gavialine and tomistomine features across the skeleton, rendering support to their sister taxon relationship as molecular works have consistently postulated. Gavialine characters of the new Chinese crocodylian include a novel configuration of the pterygoid bulla, a vocal structure known in mature male Indian gharials. Extinct gavialines have repeatedly evolved potentially male-only acoustic apparatus of various shapes, illuminating the deep history of sexual selection on acoustic signalling in a slender-snouted group of crocodylians. Lastly, a cutmark analysis combined with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating of bone remains demonstrated that two individuals from Shang and Zhou dynasties in Guangdong, China, suffered head injuries and decapitation. Archaeological evidence together with historical accounts suggests the human-induced extinction of this unique crocodylian only a few hundred years ago.

Keywords: crocodylia, phylogeny, Holocene, extinction, sexual selection, acoustics

 

Life restoration of Hanyusuchus sinensis, gen. et sp. nov. from the Bronze Age of southern China

(illustration: Hikaru Amemiya).

Anatomy of Hanyusuchus sinensis, gen. et sp. nov. from the Bronze Age of southern China.

 (a–d) Holotype skull (XM 12-1558) in dorsal (a,b) and ventral (c,d) views.

 (e) Posterior skull of a paratype (XM 12-1557) in ventral view. (f) Three-dimensional reconstruction of the boxed part in (e), highlighting the pterygoid bulla (purple volume). (g) Three-dimensional reconstruction of the pterygoid bullae and nasopharyngeal duct (purple volume) in Gavialis gangeticus (UF 118998).

(h–k) Holotype mandible (XM 12-1558) in dorsal (h,i) and left lateral (j,k) views.
(l–n) Left femur of the holotype (XM 12-1558) in lateral (l), proximal (m) and distal (n) views.
(o,p) Axis of a paratype (SM E1623) in left lateral (o) and ventral (p) views.
(q,r) Third cervical vertebra of the holotype (XM 12-1558) in left lateral (q) and ventral (r) views.

(s) Composite reconstruction of H. sinensis scaled to the holotype (XM 12-1558) compared with a human (1.8 m height).

 an, angular; ar, articular; bo, basioccipital; d, dentary; ect, ectopterygoid; emf, external mandibular fenestra; en, external naris; f, frontal; hp, hypapophysis; itf, infratemporal fenestra; j, jugal; l, lacrimal; m, maxilla; n, nasal; o, orbit; pa, parietal, pal, palatine; pf, prefrontal; pm, premaxilla; po, postorbital; pt, pterygoid, q, quadrate; qj, quadratojugal; sa, surangular; sof, soborbital fenestra; sq, squamosal; stf, supratemporal fenestra. Scale bars are 10 cm. (Online version in colour.)

Systematics

Crocodylia Gmelin, 1789 (sensu Benton and Clark, 1988).

Gavialidae Adams, 1854 (sensu Brochu, 2003).

Hanyusuchus sinensis gen. et sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: A large slender-snouted crocodylian with five premaxillary, 16 maxillary and 18 dentary teeth; seventh maxillary tooth largest in the anterior-mid maxilla; medial wall of the last three maxillary alveoli within the suborbital fenestrae swollen; dorsal half of the prefrontal pillar narrow anteroposteriorly, and the medial process of the pillar dorsoventrally tall and anteroposteriorly short; interfenestral bar wider than one half of the interorbital distance; postorbital and squamosal parts of the skull table slope laterally; a shallow fossa extending posteriorly from the supratemporal fenestra onto the dorsal squamosal surface (autapomorphy); a pair of deep depressions anterior to the internal choana associated with the expansion of the posterior chamber of the pterygoid bulla; exoccipital sending a robust process ventrally to the basioccipital tubera; a pair of knob-like hypapophyses on the ventral surface of axial and third cervical centra; anterior margin of dorsal midline osteoderms with anterior process; reduced medial condyle of the femur (figure 2a–r; see electronic supplementary material, part I and II and figures S2–S21 for full description and comparisons, and electronic supplementary material, tables S3–S5 for measurements).

Etymology: The generic name after Han Yu (a Chinese government official and poet during the Tang dynasty) + suchus (Latin for Greek soûkhos, the crocodile god Sobek), and the specific epithet after sinae (Latin for China) + ensis (Latin for ‘from’).

Distribution: Archaeological records and historical literature revealed the past occurrences of H. sinensis across Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces in southeastern China from the late fourth millennium BC to the mid second millennium AD (figure 1; electronic supplementary material, figure S1 and tables S1 and S2).

   

   

Masaya Iijima, Yu Qiao, Wenbin Lin, Youjie Peng, Minoru Yoneda and Jun Liu. 2022. An Intermediate Crocodylian linking Two Extant Gharials from the Bronze Age of China and Its Human-induced Extinction. Proc. R. Soc. B.. 28920220085. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0085

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  twitter.com/WANIwaniamemi/status/1501510191161901057