[Botany • 2026] Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae) • A New Species from Mamasa, Sulawesi

 

Begonia andariasii  Mustaqim & Ardi,

in Mustaqim et Ardi, 2026.  

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2213 

Abstract

Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae) is described as a new species endemic to Mamasa Regency, Sulawesi Barat Province, Indonesia. The species is provisionally assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). Detailed descriptions, distribution, photographs, and discussions are given.

Keyword: Begonia ranoposoensis, Cucurbitales, herbs, Indonesia, taxonomy, Wallacea

Morphology of Begonia andariasii.
A. Wild plants. B. Stipule. C. Leaf, adaxial. D. Leaf, abaxial. E. Inflorescence. F. Male flower, lateral view. G. Male flower, frontal view. H. Stamens. I. Female flowers. J. Female flower, frontal view. K. Style and stigmas. L. Cross-section of ovary, also showing placentae. M. Capsules.

Photographs: A–E, F–G by Andarias Sambokaraeng and H–M by Wendy A. Mustaqim,

Begonia andariasii Mustaqim & Ardi, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Begonia andariasii is similar to B. ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu & Ardi but differs in being consistently erect (vs. semi-erect to creeping), longer stipules (14–16 vs. 6‒11 mm long), male inflorescences consisting of 1–2 compressed monochasia, with up to 7 flowers (vs. a thyrse composed of up to 18 partial inflorescences, each compressed-subumbellate and bearing 4–12 flowers), male flowers with more anthers (43–47 vs. 21–29), longer female inflorescence peduncle (9–36 mm vs. 1–3 mm), longer fruiting pedicels (5–6 mm vs. up to 4 mm) and a longer capsule (20–22 mm vs. 9–17 mm). 

Etymology: Named in honour of Andarias Sambokaraeng, also known as Andre, a local plant enthusiast and conservationist whose contributions have revealed the plant diversity of Mamasa to the scientific community and the public.

 Wendy A. Mustaqim and Wisnu H. Ardi. 2026. Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Mamasa, Sulawesi.  Taiwania. 71(4); 638-642 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.638 [11 August 2026] 

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2213

[Ornithology • 2022] Zosterops paruhbesar • A distinct New Species of Zosterops White-eye (Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) from the Sulawesi Region, Indonesia

Zosterops paruhbesar 

 Irham, Prawiradilaga, Menner, O'Connell, Kelly, Analuddin, Karya, Meads, Marples & Rheindt, 2022

   

Wangi-wangi White-eye || DOI: doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13148 

 twitter.com/Dar_OConnell 

photo: James Eaton

  

Abstract

We describe a new species of Zosterops white-eye, which is restricted to Wangi-wangi, a single island of roughly 155 km2 in the Wakatobi Archipelago, Indonesia. Informally known as the Wangi-wangi White-eye, the new species is highly distinct both morphologically and genetically. It is considerably larger in body and bill size compared with other regional Zosterops species. The Wangi-wangi White-eye remains locally common but its habitat is dwindling. Given its minute area of occupancy and the threat from the bird trade, we recommend the IUCN status Endangered.

Keywords: bill size, body size, IUCN status Endangered, Wangi-wangi Island

 Wangi-wangi white-eye and  Wakatobi white-eye 

photo: Nicola Marples and David Kelly

Zosterops paruhbesar sp. nov.

Wangi-wangi White-eye

Kacamata Wangi-wangi

Etymology: Zosterops paruhbesar exhibits a prominent massive bill unique among white-eyes in the region. The species epithet is based on the word ‘massive bill’ in Bahasa Indonesia (paruh besar) and is used as an inalienable noun in apposition. 

  

Mohammad Irham, Dewi M. Prawiradilaga, Jochen K. Menner, Darren P. O'Connell, David J. Kelly, Kangkuso Analuddin, Adi Karya, Martin Meads, Nicola M. Marples and Frank E. Rheindt. 2022. A distinct New Species of Zosterops white-eye from the Sulawesi Region, Indonesia. Ibis. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13148 

 twitter.com/Dar_OConnell/status/1585258641191407617

  twitter.com/Dar_OConnell/status/1064858735754035200

[Botany • 2022] Vaccinium sulawesiense (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) • Vaccinium in Sulawesi: A New Species and A List of known Taxa

 

Vaccinium sulawesiense Mustaqim & P.W.Fritsch, 

in Mustaqim, Fritsch, Ahmad, Lakiu, Pitopang et Ardi, 2022.

DOI: 10.7751/telopea15774 

Researchgate.net/publication/363672464

Abstract

Vaccinium sulawesiense Mustaqim & P.W.Fritsch, a newly discovered endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, is described. This species is similar to V. simulans Sleumer but differs in having an acuminate leaf apex, larger floral organs, and an absence of trichomes in the upper half of the inner surface of corolla and disk. This species is known from the two specimens, one from a mid-montane rain forest in Mamasa Regency, Sulawesi Barat Province and the another from Poso Regency, Sulawesi Tengah Province. An updated list of the 17 known Vaccinium species in Sulawesi is also provided.

Keywords: endemic, Ericales, shrub, Sulawesi, taxonomy

Morphology of Vaccinium sulawesiense Mustaqim & P.W.Fritsch:
A. Living plant. B. Branchlets with leaves and inflorescences. C. Inflorescence. D. Flowers.

 Scale bar: B–D = 10 mm. 

Photographs: A–C by Wendy A. Mustaqim, All images from W.H. Ardi et al. 583.

  

Wendy A. Mustaqim, Peter W Fritsch, Roland P.P. Ahmad, Fedrik S. Lakiu, Ramadanil Pitopang and Wisnu H. Ardi. 2022. Vaccinium (Ericaceae) in Sulawesi: A New Species and A List of known Taxa. Telopea. 25; 301–307. DOI: 10.7751/telopea15774 

Researchgate.net/publication/363672464_Vaccinium_Ericaceae_in_Sulawesi

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron yombuwurii (Ericaceae, subgen. Vireya) • A New orange-flowered Species from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

  

Rhododendron yombuwurii Hutabarat, Bandjolu & Zulfadli,  

in Hutabarat, Zulfadli, Bandjolu, Basrul, Hariri, Senatama et Larekeng, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2170  

Abstract

A new species of Rhododendron subgenus Vireya from Central Sulawesi, Rhododendron yombuwurii, is described. The species is known from material originating from the Tokorondo Range, northwest of Lake Poso, and is currently cultivated at a lower elevation near Saluopa Waterfall, where it grows epiphytically and produces small, bright orange flowers. We provide a detailed morphological description, comparative microscopic observations, notes on distribution, habitat and ecology, and a preliminary conservation assessment. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal ITS region support the placement of the species within subgenus Vireya and its distinction from morphologically similar taxa.

Keyword: Flora, Malesia, Mountain flora, Poso, Rhododendron celebicum, Schistanthe, Tokorondo, Wallacea

A. Rhododendron yombuwurii thriving and flowering as an epiphyte beneath the canopy of a small tree in Tentena, Central Sulawesi; B. The fresh material of the type specimen PWH1635; C. Flower bud of R. yombuwurii.

(Photographed by P.W.K. Hutabarat)

Morphology of Rhododendron yombuwurii Hutabarat, Bandjolu & Zulfadli, sp. nov.
 A. flowering stem; B. Semi–erect inflorescence; C. Flower bud; D. Glabrescent adaxial leaf; E. Scaly petiole; F. Scaly abaxial leaf; G. Scales on abaxial leaf; H. Narrow funnel–shaped corolla; I. Corolla lobes and stamen position; J. Corolla (inside); K. Androecium and gynoecium; L. Stamen; M. Gynoecium; N. Immature fruit; O. Laxly scaly ovary

 (Photographed by Zulfadli)

Rhododendron yombuwurii Hutabarat, Bandjolu & Zulfadli, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhododendron yombuwurii is most closely allied to R. celebicum (Blume) DC. (de Candolle, 1839), and shows affinity to R. impressopunctatum J.J.Sm. (Smith, 1932), and R. vidalii subsp. brachystemon Argent (Argent, 2003). It differs from R. celebicum by its raised midrib and lateral veins (vs. slightly impressed), semi-erect to horizontal inflorescences (vs. pendulous), glabrous calyx externally (vs. densely scaly), and much smaller orange corolla, 17–22 × 12–16 mm (vs. 35–46 × 20–25 mm, pink to red). From R. impressopunctatum it differs in having smaller leaves, fewer-flowered inflorescences, smaller orange corollas, and filaments clustered at the corolla mouth rather than exserted. The species further differs from R. vidalii subsp. brachystemon by its scaly young twigs becoming glabrescent, longer leaves with raised veins, glabrous calyx externally, smaller orange corolla, and a sparsely scaly to nearly glabrescent ovary. Additional distinguishing characters are summarized in Table 1. ...

A. Type locality of Rhododendron yombuwurii in the Tokorondo Range, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. The red dot marks Saluopa Waterfall, where the type specimen was collected as a cultivated plant, while the yellow circle indicates Petirorano, the presumed original source of the species.
B. Saluopa Waterfall, a lower montane site at 560 m elevation, characterized by a cool and humid climate.

Prima Wahyu Kusuma Hutabarat, Zulfadli, Kurniawan Palindondaya Bandjolu, Basrul, Muhammad Rifqi Hariri, Andhika Senatama and Siti Halimah Larekeng. 2026. Rhododendron yombuwurii (Ericaceae), A New orange-flowered Species of subgenus Vireya from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.  Taiwania. 71(2); 277-283 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.277 [2026 March 28] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2170  

[Botany • 2026] Hellwigia opalina (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New Species of the enigmatic Jade Gingers of Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen,  

in Poulsen, Senjaya, Ardiyani et Newman, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.171221 

Abstract

The Indonesian Island of Sulawesi is home to a number of members of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, with unusual turquoise flowers not found anywhere else. A recent paper reinstating Hellwigia, using molecular evidence, placed these “jade gingers” in this genus. During a joint expedition between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Bogor Botanical Gardens 26 years ago, an interesting jade ginger was collected at Mt. Sojol. This is similar to two other named species from Sulawesi, H. coeruleoviridis and H. glacicaerulea, in having unusual dimorphic, turquoise-bluish green flowers but differs from both in the much shorter ligule without a demarcation line and is described here as Hellwigia opalina. In preparation for this, all available material of jade gingers from Sulawesi was examined, and all except the collections from Mt. Sojol had a long ligule with a demarcation line similar to H. coeruleoviridis and H. glacicaerulea. It is, however, questionable whether the identification by R.M. Smith of several collections from Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, matches the type of H. coeruleoviridis, which was lost in Berlin during the Second World War. Until this species has been recollected at its type locality, here identified as Mt. Tentolomatinan, 300 km away, the identification cannot be easily ascertained. Rhizomes from Mt. Sojol were cultivated in botanic gardens, and plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Garden flowered several times, which enabled detailed studies and dissection of both flower morphs. This is usually impossible during fieldwork and emphasizes the importance of cultivation of gingers—not just for ex situ conservation but also for research purposes. Detailed photographs taken of the cultivated plants were used to obtain a better morphological understanding and to illustrate Hellwigia opalina in the present paper.

Key words: Alpinia, ex situ conservation, Indonesia, monoecism, Wallacea

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.
A. Leafy shoots, inflorescence with functionally female flowers open; B. Leafy shoots, inflorescence with functionally male flowers open; C. Bases of leafy shoots; D. Part of pseudostem with one leaf blade; E. Close-up of ligule, petiole, and leaf base; F. Ligule, viewed from the inside; G. Close-up of midrib beneath.

All photographs of the type (A.D. Poulsen 3255) by A.D. Poulsen.  

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.
 Functionally female flowers: A. Inflorescence with first flowers; B. Flower; C. Bracteole; D. Calyx; E. Corolla lobes; F. Flower, bracteole removed; G. Inner part of cincinnus with functionally male flowers in bud; H. Labellum, ventral and dorsal view; J. Stamen, lateral and ventral view (staminodes); K. Gynoecium, ventral and lateral view. Functionally male flowers: L. Inflorescence; M. Flower; N. Calyx; O. Corolla lobes; P. Flower, bracteole removed; Q. Labellum, ventral and dorsal view; R. Floral tube and stamen, lateral view; S. Floral tube and staminodes; T. Floral tube and epigynous gland; U. Stamen, ventral view.

All photographs of the type (A.D. Poulsen 3255) by A.D. Poulsen.

Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Similar to Hellwigia glacicaerulea (R.M.Sm.) Senjaya & A.D.Poulsen in having inflorescences of secund cincinni bearing turquoise-blue, dimorphic flowers but differing in its shorter ligule (2–3.5 mm, coriaceous vs. 20–30 mm, marcescent), shorter petiole (7–12 mm vs. 20–30 mm), leaf blades being densely tomentose beneath (vs. shortly tomentose), and tomentose inflorescence rhachis (vs. shortly tomentose).

Etymology. The epithet means ‘opal-colored’ from Greek, opallios, an opal.

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Seni Kurnia Senjaya, Marlina Ardiyani and Mark Fleming Newman. 2026. Hellwigia opalina (Zingiberaceae) – A New Species of the enigmatic Jade Gingers of Sulawesi. PhytoKeys. 272: 169-180. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.171221 [03 Apr 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Phreatia tinukariensis (Orchidaceae: Thelasiinae) • A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

  

Phreatia tinukariensis  Juswara & Wibowo,  

in Juswara, Wibowo, Ormerod, Gumilang, Santoso, Sutikno et Kusumawaty, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2024.69.03.05

Abstract 

A new species of Phreatia sect. Caulescentes from Sulawesi, Indonesia, Phreatia tinukariensis is described and illustrated. It closely resembles P. navicularis, described from Maluku (Seram, Indonesia), but differs in the shape of the labellum, in particular its basal part and the position of the circular thickenings on the labellum blade. A comparison between the two is presented in a table. A key to the Indonesian species of sect. Caulescentes is provided.

Keywords: Caulescentes; Mekongga Mountain; Phreatia; new species; subalpine

Phreatia tinukariensis sp. nov.
a. Habit; b. flower, oblique view; c. flower bract; d. dorsal sepal; e. lateral sepal; f. petal; g. lip, flattened; h. lip, side view (showing the claw of the labellum); i. column; j. anther cap

(Suyadi, Hamzah & Widjaja 9337, BO). 

— Drawn by Aninda Retno Utami Wibowo.

Phreatia tinukariensis Juswara & Wibowo, sp. nov. 

 Most similar to Phreatia navicularis J.J.Sm. but differs in the flowers having the labellum with obtuse, weakly retrorse basal lobules (vs basal lobules subacute, patently to obliquely truncate), and two circular glands on the base of the junction of the labellum blade with the claw (vs on the claw). A detailed comparison is presented in Table 1.

Etymology. The species epithet is based on the village of Tinukari, which is the nearest inhabited settlement to the type locality.

  Juswara, L.S.; Wibowo, A.R.U.; Ormerod, P.; Gumilang, A.R.; Santoso, W.; Sutikno; Kusumawaty, A. 2025. Phreatia tinukariensis (Orchidaceae: Thelasiinae), A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2024.69.03.05

[Botany • 2025] Syzygium rubrocarpum (Myrtaceae) • A New Species of Wallacean Syzygium with red-colored globose berries

Syzygium rubrocarpum I. Martian., M.R. Hariri & A.S.D. Irsyam, 

in Martiansyah, Hariri et Irsyam, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.715.2.5

Abstract

Syzygium rubrocarpum, a new species from Sulawesi, is described and illustrated here. This novel species is recognized by its narrowly elliptic or oblong-elliptic to subfalcate leaf shape with 13‒15 lateral veins, cauliflorous cymes on main stem, pink-colored flowers, and red-colored globose berries. Currently, S. rubrocarpum is known to occur in two locations in Southeast Sulawesi (Kendari and Kolaka) and is locally referred to as ruruhi.

Indonesia, Malesia, Myrtoideae, Sulawesi, Syzygieae, Eudicots

Syzygium rubrocarpum

Irfan MARTIANSYAH, Muhammad Rifqi HARIRI, Arifin Surya Dwipa IRSYAM. 2025. Syzygium rubrocarpum (Myrtaceae): A New Species of Wallacean Syzygium with red-colored globose berries. Phytotaxa. 715(2); 153-158. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.715.2.5 [2025-08-19]

https://itb.ac.id/berita/herbarium-bandungense-sith-itb-dan-brin-ungkap-spesies-baru-tumbuhan-endemik-dari-sulawesi-tenggara/62751

 

[Mammalogy • 2025] Crunomys tompotika • Systematics and Historical Biogeography of Crunomys and Maxomys (Rodentia: Muridae: Murinae), with the Description of A New Species from Sulawesi and New Genus-level Classification

Crunomys tompotika Achmadi & Fabre

in Giarla, Achmadi, Fabre, Handika, Chipps, Swanson, Nations, Morni, ..., Rowe et Esselstyn, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf006    

 facebook.com/AmericanSocietyofMammalogists 

Abstract

Crunomys and Maxomys are closely related murine genera from forested regions of Southeast Asia and western portions of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Previous phylogenetic analyses suggested that a taxonomic reappraisal is necessary for these genera, but limited taxon sampling prevented formal changes. We produced a mitochondrial DNA dataset that includes 376 individuals representing all 22 recognized species and a nuclear dataset comprising thousands of ultraconserved elements missing only 1 recognized species. Our phylogenetic inferences consistently show that Crunomys is nested within Maxomys. We transfer all Maxomys species to the older genus Crunomys to resolve the paraphyly. We also conducted a morphological analysis of species from Sulawesi and described a new species of Crunomys from the eastern peninsula of the island. We identify 43 geographically defined mitochondrial haplogroups across all species of Crunomys, many of which also are inferred as distinct in a multilocus species delimitation analysis. Historical biogeographic reconstructions consistently inferred multiple dispersal events to and from oceanic islands and among continental shelf islands and mainland Southeast Asia. On both large continental shelf islands like Borneo and large oceanic islands like Sulawesi, in situ divergence produced high levels of diversity.

Indo-Australian Archipelago, overwater dispersal, Philippines, Rattini, rodents, species delimitation, Sulawesi, Sunda Shelf, Wallacea

View of the cranium and dentary of the holotype Crunomys tompotika sp. nov. (MZB36997/FMNH213454) from Mt. Tompotika, Sulawesi.

Crunomys tompotika sp. nov.

Authority. Anang S. Achmadi and Pierre-Henri Fabre

Mount Tompotika Spiny Rat

Etymology: This species is named for its geographical provenance of Mt. Tompotika, a peak near the tip of the eastern peninsula of Sulawesi, used as a noun in apposition.

Distribution and habitat: Known only from Mt. Tompotika in secondary lowland tropical forest, from near sea level to 760 m. Montane forest is almost certainly present near the summit of Mt. Tompotika (1,540 m), but no trapping was undertaken above 760 m. 

Thomas C Giarla, Anang S Achmadi, Pierre-Henri Fabre, Heru Handika, Austin S Chipps, Mark T Swanson, Jonathan A Nations, Muhd Amsyari Morni, Julius William-Dee, Nurul Inayah, Endah Dwijayanti, Muhammad Rizaldi Trias Jaya Putra Nurdin, Kyra E Griffin, Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan, Lawrence R Heaney, Kevin C Rowe and Jacob A Esselstyn. 2025. Systematics and Historical Biogeography of Crunomys and Maxomys (Muridae: Murinae), with the Description of A New Species from Sulawesi and New Genus-level Classification. Journal of Mammalogy. 106(4); 832–858, DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf006 [13 June 2025]

  facebook.com/AmericanSocietyofMammalogists/posts/1163983275767730

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus • Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus  Wolf, 1936

in Herlambang, Sabinhaliduna, Trilaksono, ..., Herr et McGuire, 2025. 

Sangir Flying-frog  |  Katak-terbang Sangir  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146

Abstract

Sangihe is the northernmost island in a string of a volcanic islands that extend northward from Sulawesi toward the Philippines. Sangihe is known to host one species of flying-frog in the genus Rhacophorus, which is currently classified as a subspecies of the widespread species, R. pardalis (as R. p. rhyssocephalus). Based on newly collected material obtained during a recent expedition in Sangihe, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of R. p. rhyssocephalus. Molecular sequences (12S rRNA, tRNA val, and 16S rRNA) were obtained for this species, and 66 additional Rhacophorid sequences were extracted from GenBank, including R. pardalis from Borneo. Our molecular analysis revealed that R. p. rhyssocephalus is sister to the Sulawesi Rhacophorus clade, and is not closely related to the widespread lineage of R. pardalis. Furthermore, R. pardalis and R. p. rhyssocephalus exhibit an uncorrected patristic distance of 16%. Our morphological comparisons also identified unique differences between Sangihe and Bornean populations of R. pardalis, such as a prominent U-shaped intraorbital ridge present in the Sangihe population but absent in Bornean population. Based on the available evidence, we elevated the taxonomic status of the Rhacophorus frog from Sangihe Island to Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus. This study highlights the taxonomic complexities and significant discoveries still to be made on this remote island, enhancing our understanding of insular evolutionary processes in this under-explored island archipelago.

Key words: endemic, Morphometric analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, Remote Island

 

Live specimen of Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus from Sangihe (MZB Amph 33593

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus Wolf, 1936

 Etymology. We elevate Wolf’s (1936) proposed subspecies name to full species status.  Rhyssocephalus  is derived from Greek, with ‘Rhysso’ means ‘wrinkled’ and ‘Cephalus’ means ‘head’. We suggest the English common name “Sangir Flying-frog”. We suggest the Indonesian name “Katak-terbang Sangir.”

Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Efendi SABINHALIDUNA, Wahyu TRILAKSONO, Syahfitri ANITA, Awal RIYANTO, Amir HAMIDY, Isaac KRONE, Sina AMINI, María José Navarrete MÉNDEZ, Mark HERR, Jimmy A. MCGUIRE. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 5636(1); 121-143. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5 [2025-05-15] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146_Taxonomic_Reassessment_of_an_Enigmatic_Rhacophoridae_from_Sangihe_Island_Indonesia

[Botany • 2021] Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense (Zingiberaceae) • A New Subspecies from South-East Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

 Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi, 

in Ardiyani, Ardi et Santoso, 2021.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.527.1.3 

 facebook.com/KebunRayaBogorBRIN

Abstract

A new subspecies of Zingiber ultralimitale Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen was found at Matarombeo, South-East Sulawesi. Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi, was described, illustrated and barcoded using four barcoding loci (rbcL, trnH-psbA, Internal Transcribed Spacer-ITS, and matK). Provisional conservation status assessment indicates a Critical Endangered (CR) status. The taxonomic placement into section was determined based on morphology, molecular, and pollen SEM data.

Keywords: Indonesia, limestone, scanning electron microscope, South-East Sulawesi, Wallacea, Monocots

Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi

MARLINA ARDIYANI, WISNU H. ARDI, WAHYUDI SANTOSO. 2021. Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi (Zingiberaceae), A New Subspecies from Sulawesi.  Phytotaxa. 527(1); 32-40. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.527.1.3 [2021-11-26]

 facebook.com/KebunRayaBogorBRIN/posts/3927965837305976

[Mammalogy • 2023] Rattus halmaheraensis, R. obiensis, etc. • Review of Moluccan Rattus (Rodentia: Muridae) with Description of Four New Species

 

Rattus obiensis 

R. halmaheraensis

Fabre, Miguez, Holden, Fitriana, Semiadi, Musser & Helgen, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.75.2023.1783 

Researchgate.net/publication/376479879

 

Abstract

Four new species of Rattus are described from the Moluccan islands (Maluku) of Indonesia: Rattus taliabuensis and R. feileri, both from the island of Taliabu, and R. halmaheraensis and R. obiensis from the islands of Halmahera and Obi, respectively. These descriptions are presented as part of a taxonomic review of Moluccan Rattus based on all known specimens in museum collections worldwide. Morphological characters, molecular systematics, and geographical distributions are documented for each of these species. Using both morpho-anatomical and morphometric approaches, we found that the Maluku Islands support Rattus taxa with spiny fur and two distinct morphotypes (1) species with a long tail and short rostrum (R. morotaiensis, R. halmaheraensis, R. obiensis, R. feileri) and (2) species with a short tail and long rostrum (R. taliabuensis, R. feliceus, R. ceramicus, R. elaphinus). Most of the new Moluccan species belong to a clade that includes members of the R. xanthurus species group from Sulawesi and the Australo-Papuan Rattus lineages. Their phylogenetic relationships highlight the role of Wallacea as an important area for diversification of Rattus into the Australo-Papuan region. Finally, the morphologically distinctive taxon Nesoromys ceramicus from Seram was found to be sister species to R. feliceus, and we relegate Nesoromys into the synonymy of the genus Rattus. The close affinities between R. ceramicus and R. feliceus may be an example of in situ island speciation, which has not been observed for small mammals on other Maluku Islands.

Keywords: biodiversity, biogeography, Maluku, molecular systematics, morphology, Murinae, Rattini, Wallacea

 

Dorsal and ventral views of study skins of
(a, d) Rattus feileri sp. nov. (SNSD 11429 holotype);
(b, e) R. elaphinus (AMNH 109322 paratype); and
(c, f) R. taliabuensis sp. nov. (SNSD 11968 holotype).

Scale bar 10 mm. 

Dorsal and ventral views of study skins of
(a, d) Rattus morotaiensis (AM M.7084);
(b, e) R. halmaheraensis sp. nov. (AM M.23652 holotype); and
(c, f) R. obiensis sp. nov. (MZB 38231, holotype).

Scale bars 10 mm.

External appearance (a) of the holotype of Rattus obiensis sp. nov. shortly after capture.
Both fore and hind feet are pictured (b–c and d–e, respectively).

Pierre-Henri Fabre; Roberto Portela Miguez; Mary Ellen Holden; Yuli S. Fitriana; Gono Semiadi; Guy G. Musser and Kristofer M. Helgen. 2023. Review of Moluccan Rattus (Rodentia: Muridae) with Description of Four New Species. Records of the Australian Museum. 75(5): 673–718. DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.75.2023.1783

 Researchgate.net/publication/376479879_Review_of_Moluccan_Rattus_with_description_of_four_new_species

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Abstrak [Bahasa Indonesia]. Empat spesies baru Rattus dideskripsi dari Kepulauan Maluku, yaitu Rattus taliabuensis dan R. feileri dari Pulau Taliabu, R. halmaheraensis dan R. obiensis masing-masing dari Pulau Halmahera dan Pulau Obi. Deskripsi spesies baru tersebut merupakan bagian dari reviu taksonomi Rattus dari Maluku berdasarkan semua spesimen yang ada di seluruh koleksi museum dunia. Selain spesies baru, juga didokumentasikan karakter morfologi, sistematika molekuler dan persebaran geografis Rattus dari Maluku. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan morfo-anatomi dan morfometri, kami menemukan bahwa Maluku memiliki taksa Rattus dengan rambut duri dan dua morfotipe yang berbeda yaitu (1) berekor panjang dan moncong pendek (R. morotaiensis, R. halmaheraensis, R. obiensis, R. feileri) atau (2) berekor pendek dan moncong panjang (R. taliabuensis, R. feliceus, R. ceramicus, R. elaphinus). Semua spesies baru dari Maluku termasuk dalam satu kelompok anggota R. xanthurus-group dari garis keturunan Rattus Sulawesi dan Australo-Papua. Hubungan kekerabatan mereka menunjukkan peran Wallacea sebagai jalur kolonisasi Rattus menuju ke kawasan Australo-Papua. Terakhir, Nesoromys ceramicus dari Seram yang secara morfologis berbeda, diketahui merupakan sister spesies dari R. feliceus. Oleh karena itu, kami mengusulkan agar genus Nesoromys ditempatkan di dalam genus Rattus. Kedekatan antara R. ceramicus dan R. feliceus kemungkinan merupakan contoh dari spesiasi pulau in situ, yang belum pernah diamati pada mamalia kecil di pulau-pulau lain di Maluku

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus boeadii • Morphological and Genetic Analysis of Sulawesi Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) and Description of A Fourth Species endemic to the Island

Rhacophorus boeadii 

 Hamidy, Riyanto, Munir, Gonggoli, Trilaksono & McGuire, 2025 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5569.2.1 

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Abstract

A new species of tree frog of the genus Rhacophorus is described from two different localities on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The new species is divergent morphologically and genetically, and is deeply nested within the monophyletic group of endemic Sulawesian Rhacophorus comprising R. edentulus, R. georgii, and R. monticola. The new species has a combination of distinctive morphological characteristics that distinguishes it from other Rhacophorus species, including from other Sulawesian Rhacophorus: medium size SVL 40.4–44.6 mm in males; 48.1–54.2 mm in females, males have sloped snout in lateral view, presence of vomerine teeth, absence of a bony crest in the occipital region of the skull, dorsal skin coarsely granular with white-tipped keratinized asperities, flank with white blotched pattern, dermal flaps absent on limbs, heel without dermal appendage, and tuberculate cloaca. The discovery of the new species enhances knowledge of the diversity of endemic Sulawesian amphibians and requires future conservation efforts, especially in light of ongoing threats such as agricultural expansion.

Amphibia, Gunung Katopasa, Gunung Gandang Dewata, Mountain Forest, Rhacophorus boeadii sp. nov., taxonomy

Rhacophorus boeadii sp. nov.

Amir HAMIDY, Awal RIYANTO, Misbahul MUNIR, Ade Damara GONGGOLI, Wahyu TRILAKSONO and Jimmy A. McGUIRE. 2025. Morphological and Genetic Analysis of Sulawesi Rhacophorus and Description of A Fourth Species endemic to the Island.  Zootaxa. 5569(2); 201-230. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5569.2.1

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[Entomology • 2024] Glyphodes nurfitriae & G. ahsanae • Two New Species in the Genus Glyphodes Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Spilomelinae) from Indonesia

 

[C, D]  Glyphodes nurfitriae Sutrisno, 
[E, F]  Glyphodes ahsanae Sutrisno,  

in Watung, Darmawan, Narakusumo, Nugroho, Encilia, Qodri, Peggie, Ubaidillah et Sutrisno, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.4.5

Researchgate.net/publication/377627030

Abstract

Two new species of Glyphodes Guenée, 1854 from Indonesia are proposed as new to science, namely G. nurfitriae sp. nov. and G. ahsanae sp. nov. The total number of recorded Glyphodes for Indonesia is 48 at present. Images of adults and genitalia are provided for both new species.

Agrioglypta, Chabulina, diversity, genitalia, moth, morphology, Papua, Sulawesi

 (A) Glyphodes stolalis ♂ (MZB. Lepi. 715), (B) G. stolalis ♀ (MZB. Lepi. 716),
(C) G. nurfitriae sp. nov. ♂ (holotype; MZB. Lepi. 687.01) (D) G. nurfitriae sp. nov. ♀ (paratype; MZB. Lepi. 678.01)
(E) G. ahsanae sp. nov. ♂ (holotype; MZB. Lepi. 682.01), (F) G. ahsanae sp. nov. ♀ (paratype; MZB. Lepi. 713.01).

Abbreviations, amb= antemedial band, ap= apex, bb= basal band, mb= medial band, pmb= postmedial band. Arrows indicate diagnostic characters.

Glyphodes nurfitriae Sutrisno sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name nurfitriae is derived from the name of the first daughter, Nur Fitria, of the senior author, Hari Sutrisno. This name is dedicated to her support during our preparing of this manuscript. A noun in the genitive case.

Distribution. Kwerba, Mt. Foja, Papua only (Indonesia).

Glyphodes ahsanae sp. nov. 
(E) ♂ (holotype; MZB. Lepi. 682.01), (F) ♀ (paratype; MZB. Lepi. 713.01).

Glyphodes ahsanae Sutrisno sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific name ahsanae is derived from the name of the 2nd daughter, Annisa Ahsan,  of  the senior author, Hari Sutrisno. This name is dedicated to her support during the preparation of this manuscript. A noun in the genitive case.

Distribution. West Java, Southeast Sulawesi and North Sulawesi in Indonesia.

Jackson F. WATUNG, Darmawan DARMAWAN, Awit SUWITO, Raden Pramesa NARAKUSUMO, Hari NUGROHO, Encilia ENCILIA, Agmal QODRI, Djunijanti PEGGIE, Rosichon UBAIDILLAH and Hari SUTRISNO. 2024. Description of Two New Species in the Genus Glyphodes Guenée from Indonesia (Lepidoptera: Crambidae, Spilomelinae).  Zootaxa. 5403(4); 469-478. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.4.5

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Researchgate.net/publication/377627030_two_new_species_of_Glyphodes_Indonesia