[Mammalogy • 2019] Plecturocebus parecis • A New Species of Titi Monkey, Plecturocebus Byrne et al., 2016 (Primates, Pitheciidae), from Southwestern Amazonia, Brazil

Plecturocebus parecis 

 Gusmão, Messias, Carneiro, Schneider, Alencar, et al., 2019.

Parecis Titi  ||   Primate Conservation. 33

Abstract

 In 2011, a distinct but unnamed form of titi, Plecturocebus, was re-discovered in the Chapada dos Parecis, a plateau in the southern extreme of the Brazilian state of Rondônia. Here we describe it as a new species based on an analysis of morphological and molecular traits. It can be distinguished from all other species of the genus Plecturocebus by its generally grayish agouti pelage. The limbs are grayish agouti on the outer surface, and grayish white on the inner surface; the breast, throat, and sideburns are also grayish white; the dorsum is reddish chestnut, and the tail is gray, paler to white at the tip. A phylogenetic analysis of the new species revealed a monophyletic clade with the four geographically closest species, and four scenarios of species delimitation indicated that speciation was recent. The geographic distribution of the new species is still poorly defined. Most of the recorded localities coincide with areas of higher elevation in the transition zone between the Amazon forest and the Cerrado savanna, in southern Rondônia and western Mato Grosso, including part of the Chapada dos Parecis (Parecis Plateau), and extending into the Aripuanã/Juruena and Aripuanã/Roosevelt interfluves. The range of the new species is in the area of the Amazon’s “Arc of Deforestation”, where enormous tracts of forest are being destroyed for timber, colonization and industrial agriculture. It occurs in the Juruena National Park and a few Indigenous protected areas. Based on the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List, this new titi should be considered Near Threatened. 

Key words: Pitheciidae, Chapada dos Parecis, geographic distribution, morphology, genetics

Figure 6. Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. and its geographically adjacent species to the east, P. cinerascens,

provided by Stephen D. Nash.

Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov.

Synonyms: Callicebus cinerascens (Spix, 1823) (in part). Miranda Ribeiro, A. de. 1914. Hist. Nat. Zool. Publ. 84. Annexo n. 5, p.19. Commissão de Linhas Telegraphicas Estratégicas de Matto-Grosso ao Amazonas, Rio de Janeiro; Hershkovitz, P. 1990. Fieldiana, Zool. n.s. (55); Van Roosmalen et al. 2002. Neotrop. Primates (10 suppl.); 

Callicebus moloch (Hoffmannsegg, 1807) (in part). Hershkovitz, P. 1990. Fieldiana, Zool. n.s. (55). 

Callicebus brunneus (Wagner, 1842) (in part). Hershkovitz, P. 1990. Fieldiana, Zool. n.s. (55).

Diagnosis: The beard, sideburns, thorax, and anterior portion of the anterior members of Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. are grayish-white, as are the hands, feet, and distal portion of the tail (Fig. 5). The general coloration of the new species is dark grayish agouti, in particular on the flanks and external surface of the members (Fig. 1), with a distinctly reddish chestnutcolored dorsal region (Fig. 4). This combination of external morphological traits confers the new species with a unique appearance when compared with all other Plecturocebus species.

Figure 5. Plecturocebus parecis from the forest reserve of the UHE Rondon II hydroelectric plant.

Photograph A by Alberto Caldeiras; photographs B, C and D by Manoel Pinheiro, and 

photographs E and F by Fabiano Mattos.

Natural history: Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. has been the subject of two ecological studies at the type locality (Alencar 2011; Mattos 2016). They have shown that the behavior and ecology of the new species are typical of other titis of the genus Plecturocebus (see Bicca-Marques and Heymann 2013). 

The group studied by Alencar (2011) was formed of a breeding pair and their immature offspring, which engaged in typical territorial behaviors, in particular the characteristic vocal duet at the beginning of the daily activity period. Infants were carried almost exclusively by the breeding male. The study group occupied a small home range, of only 5.5 ha, and had a predominantly frugivorous diet (70% fruit, 20% leaf, 8% insects, and 2% flowers; n = 4060 scan sample records), with the consumption of fruit declining during the dry season, when other items increased in importance. 

Mattos (2016) recorded Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov. groups of up to six individuals, with a modal size of four. This study also emphasized the importance of ripe fruit pulp, seeds, and arils in the diet of the species, which is typical of Plecturocebus. 

Etymology: The species’ epithet is a reference to the Chapada dos Parecis, or the Parecis Plateau, where the new species, Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov., was found. 

Vernacular names: Miranda-Ribeiro (1914) reported that the Parecis people refer to the new species as “otôhô”. The non-indigenous residents of the region refer to the new species as “zogue-zogue”, the name given to titi monkeys throughout the Brazilian Amazon basin. We recommend the Parecis titi. 

Conclusions:

The genetic, morphological, and zoogeographic evidence presented here are sufficient to denominate Plecturocebus parecis sp. nov., a taxon distinct from P. cinerascens, with which it had been synonymized historically (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1914). The findings of the present study indicate a recent speciation process, with P. cinerascens as the sister group. Following the recognition of this new taxon, the genus Plecturocebus is now composed of 24 species.

Almério Câmara Gusmão, Mariluce Rezende Messias , Jeferson Costa Carneiro , Horacio Schneider , Thiago Bento de Alencar, Armando Muniz Calouro, Júlio Cesar Dalponte, Fabio de Souza Mattos, Stephen F. Ferrari, Gerson Buss, Renata Bocorny de Azevedo, Eduardo Marques Santos Júnior, Stephen D. Nash, Anthony B. Rylands and Adrian A. Barnett. 2019.  A New Species of Titi Monkey, Plecturocebus Byrne et al., 2016 (Primates, Pitheciidae), from Southwestern Amazonia, Brazil. Primate Conservation. 33; S. 1–15. 

     

[Mammalogy • 2019] Tarsius niemitzi • A New Tarsier Species from the Togean Islands of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, with References to Wallacea and Conservation on Sulawesi

Tarsius niemitzi 

 Shekelle, Groves, Maryanto, Mittermeier, Salim & Springer, 2019

 mongabay.com 

facebook.com: Myron Shekelle

Abstract

We describe and name a new species of tarsier from the Togean Islands, in Tomini Bay, bounded by the northern and eastern peninsulas of Sulawesi. In doing so, we highlight how 25 years of sustained research on the alpha taxonomy of Sulawesian tarsiers, Tarsius, have helped to identify key conservation priorities in the Sulawesian region of the Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot.

 Key words: Biodiversity, bioacoustics, cryptic species, duet call, Togean form, taxonomy, hotspots 

Figure 2. Top right: Southeast Asia and Australia, with red box indicating contents of Top Left. Top left: Sulawesi, with red box indicating contents of bottom. Bottom: The Togean Islands in the U-shaped bay of Tomini, bordered in the north and west by the northern peninsula, and the south by the eastern peninsula of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Expected species distribution circled in red, approximate location of type locality marked with red X.

Figure 1. Skulls of three type specimens (left to right), Tarsius supriatnai, T. spectrumgurskyae and Tarsius niemitzi.
Photos by Myron Shekelle.

Tarsius niemitzi sp. nov.  

Description:

 MORPHOLOGY: 

Surveys of wild populations have indicated that body weight and tail length fall within the range of a number of other Tarsius species, including T. tarsier, T. fuscus, T. dentatus, T. spectrumgurskyae, and T. supriatnai. Body weights and tail lengths may well overlap with all species of Tarsius, except T. pumilus and possibly some offshore taxa, such as T. sangirensis. Body weight: female 104−110 g (n = 2); male 125−138 g (n = 3). Tail length: female = 245−261 mm (n = 2); male 246−258 mm (n = 3) (data from Shekelle 2003). Tarsius niemitzi is similar to T. dentatus in having darkly pigmented skin, particularly the tail, and relatively dark pelage with dark gray facial fur, particularly in adults (Fig. 3). Atypical for tarsier species endemic to small islands, T. niemitzi does not have a reduced tail tuft (see Shekelle et al. 2008b). 

VOCALIZATIONS: Spectrograms of the Togean form were published by Nietsch and Kopp (1998) (Fig. 4). ....

Diagnosis: The duet call, and the species provenance and genetics are diagnostic. 

Figure 3. Niemitz’s tarsier Tarsius niemitzi sp. n. from Malenge Island, Sulawesi.

Photo by Myron Shekelle,

 illustration by Stephen D. Nash.

Distribution: Togean Islands, except for Una Una (Fig. 2). 

Etymology: Niemitz’s tarsier. This species is named in honor of Dr. Carsten Niemitz, universally regarded as the father of tarsier field biology. Although his field work was preceded by that of Fogden (1974), it was Niemitz who first dedicated a substantial part of his career to the systematic study of wild tarsiers. Niemitz and his student, Alexandra Nietsch, surveyed tarsiers in Central Sulawesi. Subsequently, reportedly acting on a tip from an Indonesian government official, Rolex Lameanda, Nietsch traveled to the Togean Islands to survey tarsiers there and, with Niemitz, was the first to report their presence and the likelihood of their taxonomic distinctiveness (Nietsch and Niemitz 1993). We have found no evidence that Tarsius togeanus (as per Surjadi and Supriatna 1998, p.281; Ito et al. 2008, p.234) and T. togianensis (as per Gursky 2007, p.5) are names arising from formal descriptions, and they are as such nomina nuda. 

Local Name: Bunsing, tangkasi, podi.

Myron Shekelle, Colin P. Groves, Ibnu Maryanto, Russell A. Mittermeier, Agus Salim and Mark S. Springer. 2019. A New Tarsier Species from the Togean Islands of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, with References to Wallacea and Conservation on Sulawesi. Primate Conservation. (33):  

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1200343/28189770/1568845686573/PC33_Shekelle_New_tarsier_species.pdf

facebook.com/GenerasiBiologi/photos/3081149061959858

facebook.com/162884963728702/photos/2937641336253037

For Indonesia’s newest tarsier, a debut a quarter century in the making news.mongabay.com/2019/10/tarsier-niemitz-indonesia-sulawesi-species-biodiversity/ via @Mongabay

   

[Mammalogy • 2017] Tarsius spectrumgurskyae & T. supriatnai • Two New Tarsier Species (Tarsiidae, Primates) and the Biogeography of Sulawesi, Indonesia

Tarsius supriatnai 

 Shekelle, Groves, Maryanto & Mittermeier, 2017 

Abstract

 We name two new tarsier species from the northern peninsula of Sulawesi. In doing so, we examine the biogeography of Sulawesi and remove the implausibly disjunct distribution of Tarsius tarsier. This brings tarsier taxonomy into better accordance with the known geological history of Sulawesi and with the known regions of biological endemism on Sulawesi and the surrounding island chains that harbor portions of the Sulawesi biota. The union of these two data sets, geological and biological, became a predictive model of biogeography, and was dubbed the Hybrid Biogeographic Hypothesis for Sulawesi. By naming these species, which were already believed to be taxonomically distinct, tarsier taxonomy better concords with that hypothesis and recent genetic studies. Our findings bring greater clarity to the conservation crisis facing the region. 

Keywords: Biodiversity, bioacoustics, cryptic species, duet call, Manado form, Gorontalo form, Libuo form, taxonomy

Tarsius spectrumgurskyae sp. nov.

Type locality: Manado, North Sulawesi 

Diagnosis: As with many species of Eastern Tarsier, the clearest field diagnosis of living specimens is from a spectrogram of its duet call or through playback tests (Figs. 2 and 3). As there is no known case of sympatry among extant tarsiers, the best diagnosis of museum and other deceased specimens is by provenance, or genetic analysis, although some diagnostic morphological characters are indicated.

Etymology: Gursky’s spectral tarsier. This species is named in honor of Dr. Sharon Gursky, who has dedicated most of her professional life to studying the behavioral ecology of this species. Most of her work on this species was published using a taxonomy that is now superseded, in which her population was classified as Tarsius spectrum. Ongoing reclassification, therefore, created an unfortunate disconnect between the species name used in her publications, and the most up-to-date taxonomic revision. Thus, by naming this species Tarsius spectrumgurskyae, it forever links the names Tarsius and spectrum with the population of animals that she studied. 

Local Name: Tangkasi, Wusing 

 Jatna’s tarsier Tarsius supriatnai n. sp. (left) and  Gursky’s spectral tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae n. sp.  (right). 

Illustrations by Stephen D. Nash.  

Jatna’s tarsier Tarsius supriatnai n. sp. 

photo by R. Mittermeier

Tarsius supriatnai sp. nov.

Type locality: Bumbulan, Gorontalo. 

Diagnosis: See above for T. spectrumgurskyae, duet call and provenance are absolutely diagnostic. Genetics diagnose a T. spectrumgurskyae – T. supriatnai clade from all others and are hypothesized to be themselves distinct. Driller et al. (2015) estimated a divergence date of 0.3 mya for the separation of the two. 

Morphology: Tarsius supriatnai is very similar morphologically to T. spectrumgurskyae n. sp. (see under that species), differing in the generally larger bare spot at the base of the ear, the less shortened hindfoot, the very long tail, and longer middle finger. 

Etymology: Jatna’s tarsier. This species is named in honor of Dr. Jatna Supriatna, who has dedicated most of his professional life to the conservation of Indonesian biodiversity, and has sponsored much of the foreign collaborative work done on tarsiers.

 Local Name: Mimito 

Distribution: On the northern peninsula from the Isthmus of Gorontalo westward at least as far as Sejoli, and probably as far as Ogatemuku (see Driller et al. 2015), but not as far as Tinombo (Fig. 1). 

Myron Shekelle, Colin P. Groves, Ibnu Maryanto and Russell A. Mittermeier. 2017. Two New Tarsier Species (Tarsiidae, Primates) and the Biogeography of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Primate Conservation. (31): Published electronically prior to print.  

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1200343/27541166/1493324743810/PC31_Shekelle_et_al_Two_new_tarsiers.pdf

http://www.conservation.org/NewsRoom/pressreleases/Pages/Conservation-International-Scientists-Announce-Discovery-of-Two-New-Species-of-Tarsiers-in-Indonesia-.aspx

Two new species of tarsier, rumored to be inspiration for Yoda, announced on Star Wars Day https://news.mongabay.com/2017/05/two-new-species-of-tarsier-rumored-to-be-inspiration-for-yoda-announced-on-star-wars-day/ @mongabay

[Primatology • 2015] Cheirogaleus andysabini | Montagne d’Ambre Dwarf Lemur • A New Species in the Genus Cheirogaleus (Cheirogaleidae)

Cheirogaleus andysabini

Lei, McLain, Frasier, Taylor, Bailey, Engberg, Ginter, Nash, Randriamampionona, Groves,
Mittermeier & Louis, 2015

Montagne d’Ambre or Andy Sabin’s Dwarf Lemur

Abstract

 The genus Cheirogaleus, the dwarf lemurs (Infraorder Lemuriformes), has been identified as harboring cryptic species diversity. More comprehensive fieldwork combined with improvements in genetic research has revealed a larger radiation of species than was initially described in a number of lemur genera, including Avahi, Lepilemur, Microcebus, and Mirza. Available genetic and morphological evidence suggests that Cheirogaleus is among the genera where diversity was previously underestimated, and additional fieldwork may reveal even more species. A population of Cheirogaleus from northern Madagascar in and around Montagne d’Ambre National Park, surveyed during an expedition in 2005, was recently identified and proposed as a new species. Additional specimens were obtained during fieldwork in February of 2015. Subsequent genetic and morphological analyses of the data collected have determined that this population is an independent lineage, and herein we describe this new species, which we name Cheirogaleus andysabini after New York philanthropist Andy Sabin.

Key words: Cheirogaleus, cryptic species, dwarf lemurs, Madagascar, new species

Cheirogaleus andysabini sp. nov. 

Formerly Cheirogaleus sp. nov. 1, also CCS1 (Lei et al. 2014).

Distribution: Cheirogaleus andysabini is known from the Montagne d’Ambre National Park and areas nearby around the town of Joffreville, northwest of the Irodo River in northern Madagascar (Fig. 1). Observed at 541−1073 m above sea level. 

Etymology: This new species is named after Andy Sabin, a well-known New York philanthropist committed to species conservation, especially turtles, amphibians and primates. In particular, he has supported many projects in Madagascar, including research on lemurs, tortoises and frogs. His longterm interest, his enthusiasm, and his generosity have helped to encourage many researchers and conservationists, young and old alike. 

Vernacular names: Montagne d’Ambre or Andy Sabin’s dwarf lemur.

Runhua Lei, Adam T. McLain, Cynthia L. Frasier, Justin M. Taylor, Carolyn A. Bailey, Shannon E. Engberg, Azure L. Ginter, Stephen D. Nash, Richard Randriamampionona, Colin P. Groves, Russell A. Mittermeier and Edward E. Louis, Jr. 2015. A New Species in the Genus Cheirogaleus (Cheirogaleidae). Primate Conservation. 29 (2): 1–12.
ResearchGate.net/publication/281409257_A_New_Species_in_the_Genus_Cheirogaleus_(Cheirogaleidae)

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1200343/26492745/1440680348010/PC29_Lei_et_al_New_species_Cheirogaleus.pdf

[Mammalogy • 2015] The Distribution and Taxonomy of Titi Monkeys (Callicebus) in Central and Southern Peru, with the Description of A New Species; Callicebus urubambensis

Figures 33−35. Three Callicebus urubambensis from different localities. Individuals shown on the left and in the center: left bank of the Río Urubamba, near the Colonia Penal del Sepa, Peru (Photographs by Proyecto Mono Tocón); specimen on the right: Amazonia Lodge, on the left bank of the upper Río Madre de Dios, Peru (Photograph by Kevin Schafer).  Figure 37. Hypothetical distributions of Callicebus urubambensis, C. toppini, C. brunneus, and C. aureipalatii. There is little reliable information on the distribution range of C. brunneus; this map is based on Ferrari et al. (2000) and Porter et al. (2013).

Abstract

Here we report on the results of a study on the distribution and taxonomy of titi monkeys, genus Callicebus, in the central part of Peru. We reinstate Callicebus toppini Thomas, a species described in 1914, but since then neglected by science. It evidently has a wide distribution in southern Peru, western Brazil and northern Bolivia. Based on field observations, analysis of museum specimens, and photographs, we also describe a new species of Callicebus from the Río Urubamba basin, endemic to Peru. Reliable identification of titi monkeys observed in the wild is crucial to avoid confusion and to determine conservation strategies.

Key Words: Callicebus, distribution Peru, Platyrrhini, Primates, taxonomy

Figures 33−35. Three Callicebus urubambensis from different localities. Individuals shown on the left and in the center: left bank of the Río Urubamba, near the Colonia Penal del Sepa, Peru (Photographs by Proyecto Mono Tocón); specimen on the right: Amazonia Lodge, on the left bank of the upper Río Madre de Dios, Peru (Photograph by Kevin Schafer).
Figure 37. Hypothetical distributions of Callicebus urubambensis, C. toppini, C. brunneus, and C. aureipalatii. There is little reliable information on the distribution range of C. brunneus; this map is based on Ferrari et al. (2000) and Porter et al. (2013).

Etymology: This species is named after the Río Urubamba, Peru, where it was discovered.

Vernacular name: The species is locally known as “mono tocón.” We propose the name Urubamba Brown Titi Monkey.

Conservation: The Urubamba Brown Titi is hunted for food, especially where all the larger primates have been exterminated. As it lives near villages, it is an easy prey for hunters and young boys with slingshots. However, considering its relatively large range with low human presence, there is no immediate threat for this species. It is protected in Manu National Park, and is common along the Río Urubamba (see also Aquino et al. 2013).

Jan Vermeer and Julio C. Tello-Alvarado. 2015. The Distribution and Taxonomy of Titi Monkeys (Callicebus) in Central and Southern Peru, with the Description of A New Species. Primate Conservation. 2015 (29). 

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1200343/26367059/1436028902233/PC29_Vermeer__Tello_Peruvian_Callicebus.pdf

[Mammalogy • 2006] The Recently Described Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae): Current Knowledge and Conservation Assessment

 The Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji. 

Drawing by Stephen D. Nash.

Abstract

The highland mangabey (Lophocebus kipunji), described and named in 2005, is the first monkey to be discovered in Africa since 1984. This species, endemic to Tanzania, was independently discovered by two research groups, one working in Ndundulu Forest in the Udzungwa Mountains, the other ~350 km to the southwest in the Rungwe-Livingstone Forest in the Southern Highlands. Lophocebus kipunji is an arboreal omnivore with a morphology and vocal repertoire distinct from other mangabeys (Lophocebus spp. and Cercocebus spp.). Although few data are available, studies of its molecular biology, ecology, behavior, and conservation status are underway. Lophocebus kipunji is Critically Endangered as a result of hunting and loss of habitat, which have produced small and fragmented populations. Efforts to improve the conservation status of both Ndundulu Forest and Rungwe-Livingstone Forest are ongoing, as well as augmentation of community-based conservation programs with expanded law enforcement. Research, long-term monitoring, effective law enforcement, and additional conservation projects are all essential to the long-term survival of L. kipunji.

Key Words: Highland mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji, Tanzania, conservation, Udzungwas, Southern Highlands

Carolyn L. Ehardt and Thomas M. Butynski. 2006. The Recently Described Highland Mangabey, Lophocebus kipunji (Cercopithecoidea, Cercopithecinae): Current Knowledge and Conservation Assessment. Primate Conservation. (21): 81 –87

http://www.primate-sg.org/storage/PDF/PC21.kipunji.pdf

[Mammalogy • 2007] The Endemic Uganda Mangabey, Lophocebus ugandae, and Other Members of the Lophocebus albigena-Group

Abstract

 Revising the grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena group) in the light of the Phylogenetic Species Concept reveals more taxonomic diversity than was formerly suspected. The three subspecies recognized by Groves (1978) are diagnosably distinct, and are here upgraded to species rank. Most significantly, the mangabeys of Uganda, not recognized as distinct at all in the 1978 revision, are now shown to constitute a fourth species, Lophocebus ugandae (Matschie, 1912), which is apparently confined to Uganda, and as such probably Uganda’s only endemic primate

Key Words: Mangabey,  Lophocebus albigena, Lophocebus osmani,  Lophocebus johnstoni,  Lophocebus ugandae, Uganda endemicity

 Groves, Colin. 2007. The Endemic Uganda Mangabey, Lophocebus ugandae, and Other Members of the albigena-Group (Lophocebus). Primate Conservation. 22.

http://arts.anu.edu.au/grovco/Uganda%20mangabey.pdf