[Botany • 2026] Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) • A New micro-endemic Tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Afzelia corallina  A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi, 

in Bianchi, Baldesi, Calzoni, Delledonne, Focaia, Luke, Khamis, Tomasi et Orsenigo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.186903

Abstract

Afzelia corallina A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) is described from the coral rag forests of the Tondooni Peninsula in the Ngezi–Vumawimbi Forest Reserve on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Morphologically distinct from all known members of the genus, this large, emergent tree shows the closest affinities to Afzelia quanzensis but differs in several vegetative and floral characters, including its falcate leaflets, highly branched terminal inflorescences, petal colour, the colour of stamens, and the number of extra staminodes. The species is currently known only from a restricted coastal limestone habitat, indicating a micro-endemic distribution. An updated diagnostic key to East African Afzelia species is provided. This discovery highlights the botanical uniqueness and conservation importance of Pemba’s remaining forest ecosystems.

Key words: Afzelieae, Detarioideae, new species, Ngezi, taxonomy, Vumawimbi

Afzelia corallina. a. Flower close-up showing two rudimentary subulate petals; b. Single flower; c. Inflorescence. Pictures by: Andrea Bianchi.

Afzelia corallina A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This species is similar to Afzelia quanzensis but can be distinguished by paniculate inflorescence (vs. racemose or one-forked inflorescence), number of flowers per inflorescence (up to 150 vs. 4–12), colour of the large petal (white and red, with a white median stripe vs. entirely green outside and red inside, occasionally mottled with white or greenish-white), the shape of small petals (subulate vs. clavate), the colour of stamen and staminodes that are crimson red in A. corallina and green, often with a red base, in A. quanzensis. Moreover, A. corallina shows a bigger style (40–50 mm vs 25 mm) and ovary (7 × 2.2–2.7 vs. 3.5 × 1.5 mm) compared to A. quanzensis. Finally, pods are thinly woody and 1–4 seeded (vs. thickly woody and 5–13 seeded in A. quanzensis), and seeds have much smaller aril (4–5 vs. 8–13 mm long) (Table 1).

 

Etymology. The epithet corallina (from the Latin ‘corallium’, coral) refers to this species’ habit of growing on coral rag, a rubbly limestone composed of ancient coral reef material. Furthermore, the colourful and dense inflorescence may resemble a coral head, as does the red marking on the large petal.

 Andrea Bianchi, Giacomo Baldesi, Daniela Calzoni, Massimo Delledonne, Riccardo Focaia, Quentin Luke, Khamis A. Khamis, Laura Tomasi and Simone Orsenigo. 2026. Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae), A New micro-endemic Tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. PhytoKeys. 273: 55-69. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.186903 [9 Apr 2026]

  

[Botany • 2025] Tessmannia princeps (Fabaceae: Detarieae) • A New rainforest Tree from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania

Tessmannia princeps A.Bianchi, Tomasi, Mwakisoma, Barbieri & Q.Luke, 

in Bianchi, Tomasi, Mwakisoma, Barbieri et Luke, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.2.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/389992439

 

Abstract

Tessmannia princeps, a new canopy emergent rainforest tree species from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, is described and illustrated. It is a montane, unarmed tree distinguished by its large stature, extensively buttressed bole, and high number of leaflets. Tessmannia princeps shows morphological affinities with another Tanzanian species, T. densiflora, nevertheless the two species can be distinguished by morphological characters as well as by ecology and geography. A diagnostic key to the East African species of Tessmannia is provided. Due to its restricted range and small number of recorded mature individuals, the conservation status of T. princeps is assessed as Vulnerable under the IUCN criteria.

Eastern Arc, Fabaceae, Detarieae, new species, taxonomy, Eudicots 

Tessmannia princeps A.Bianchi, Tomasi, Mwakisoma, Barbieri & Q.Luke, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—Superficially comparable to Tessmannia densiflora, but Tessmannia princeps is a taller tree, growing up to 40 m in height; leaves bear 18–24 pairs of leaflets on a rachis 68–94 mm long; leaflets are opposite to alternate, sub-rectangular or oblong in shape; flowers are white, with sepals and tepals up to 5 mm in length. Tessmannia densiflora is a smaller tree, reaching 20–25 m in height; leaves bear 8–13 pairs of leaflets on a rachis 30–60 mm long; leaflets are sub-opposite to alternate and may be oblong, lanceolate, ovate-oblong, or ovate-lanceolate in shape; flowers are red, with sepals and tepals measuring 10–20 mm in length.

ANDREA BIANCHI, LAURA TOMASI, ALOYCE MWAKISOMA, MATTEO BARBIERI and QUENTIN LUKE. 2025. Tessmannia princeps (Fabaceae), A New rainforest Tree from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.  Phytotaxa. 694(2); 109-118. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.2.1 [2025-03-20]

 Researchgate.net/publication/389992439_Tessmannia_princeps_a_new_rainforest_tree_from_the_Udzungwa_Mountains_Tanzania

https://news.mongabay.com/2025/03/3000-year-old-trees-in-tanzania-are-new-species/

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

Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis 

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

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2025.2561124 

 x.com/Pius_Mollel

 Researchgate.net/publication/397209072

 

Abstract

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

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

 Arthroleptis mamiwakisaraensis sp. nov.

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

 Researchgate.net/publication/397209072_An_update_on_the_amphibian_assemblage_of_the_Ukaguru_Mountains_Tanzania_with_the_description_of_a_new_giant_Arthroleptis_species

  x.com/Pius_Mollel/status/1988558790933754073

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

  

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis

Nectophrynoides uhehe 

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

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

Abstract

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

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

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

Photographs from Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains; 

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

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

Photograph by Michele Menegon.

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

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

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

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides saliensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov.

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

[Ichthyology • 2025] Labrochromis mawe & L. mawepili • Two New Cichlid Species of the Genus Labrochromis (Perciformes: Cichlidae) from Rocky Reefs of Lake Victoria, Tanzania

[A-C] Labrochromis mawe
[G-I] Labrochromis mawepili

Mahulu & Seehausen, 2025 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1240.125699

Abstract

Lake Victoria is home to a unique and taxonomically understudied species flock of endemic haplochromine cichlid fishes, with many morphologically specialized trophic groups and many different species in each of them. One of several mollusk-eating trophic groups are the pharyngeal snail-crushers of the genus Labrochromis Regan, 1920. Currently, six species from Lake Victoria have been described in this genus, none of which occupies rocky shores and reefs. Rocky shores and reefs of Lake Victoria, however harbor rich assemblages of habitat-specialized cichlids and these include snail-crushers. Here two new species of Labrochromis are described from this habitat in the Southeastern part of Lake Victoria. These species are distinct in their ecology, morphology, and male nuptial coloration from all previously described Labrochromis species, and they are distinct from each other in oral dentition, morphology, and stripe pattern. These species are named Labrochromis mawe sp. nov. and Labrochromis mawepili sp. nov. Both are currently only known from the Mwanza and Speke Gulf regions of the lake in Tanzania.

Key words: Haplochromine, Mwanza Gulf, pharyngeal crusher, Speke Gulf, taxonomy

 A male Labrochromis mawe sp. nov. blue morph Python Island B male L. mawe sp. nov. red morph Python Island and C female L. mawe sp. nov. Python Island
D, E two males L. mawe sp. nov. Kissenda island and F female L. mawe sp. nov. Kissenda Island

G, H two males Labrochromis mawepili sp. nov. Makobe island and I female L. mawepili sp. nov. Makobe island.

 Labrochromis mawe sp. nov.

Etymology. Species name mawe from the Swahili word, for stone, referring to the habitat occupation of the species that is confined to rocks.

 Labrochromis mawepili sp. nov.

Etymology. Species name mawepili, from Swahili, mawe means stone and pili means second. Refers to similarity in habitat association between this species and L. mawe and the superficial resemblance with the latter.

 Anna Mahulu and Ole Seehausen. 2025. Two New Cichlid Species of the Genus Labrochromis from Rocky Reefs of Lake Victoria, Tanzania (Perciformes, Cichlidae). ZooKeys 1240: 117-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1240.125699

[Entomology • 2022] Paleogene Forest Fragmentation and Out-of-Africa Dispersal explain Radiation of the Paleotropical Dung Beetle tribe Epactoidini trib. nov. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Species illustrated: (a) Ochicanthon hanskii Krikken & Huijbregts, (b) O. woroae Ochi, Ueda & Kon, (c) O. crypticus Krikken & Huijbregts, (d) O. devagiriensis Sabu & Latha, (e) O. ceylonicus Cuccodoro, (f) Grebennikovius basilewskyi (Balthasar), (g) Epactoides giganteus, (h) E. madecassus (Paulian), (i) E. major (Paulian), (j) E. frontalis (Montreuil).

 Epactoidini trib. nov.

Rossini, Grebennikov, Merrien, Miraldo, Viljanen & Tarasov, 2022

DOI: 10.1111/syen.12564 

 twitter.com/Tarasov_Sergio

Abstract

Paleotropical clades with largely disjunct distributions are ideal models for biogeographic reconstructions. The dung beetle genera Grebennikovius Mlambo, Scholtz & Deschodt, Epactoides Olsouffief and Ochicanthon Vaz-de-Mello are distributed in Tanzania, Madagascar and Réunion, and the Oriental region, respectively. We combine morphology and molecular dataset to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships between these taxa. Our analyses corroborate previous hypotheses of monophyly of the group, which is here described as new tribe Epactoidini trib. nov. Grebennikovius is recovered as sister to Epactoides, while Ochicanthon emerges as sister to them both. The disjunct distribution of our focal clade is unusual within the subfamily Scarabaeinae. Bayesian divergence time estimates and ancestral range reconstructions indicate an African origin of the crown group of the tribe Epactoidini trib. nov. in the early mid Eocene, ca. 46 Ma. The divergence between Epactoides and its sister is dated to 32.3 Ma, while the crown age for the genus Ochicanthon is dated to 27 Ma. We investigate the factors that may have shaped the current distribution of the tribe Epactoidini trib. nov. The formation of the Gomphotherium landbridge, along with favourable environmental conditions would have allowed dry-intolerant organisms, such as Ochicanthon, to disperse out of Africa. Remarkable climatic stability of the Eastern Arc Mountains was critical for the retention of the monotypic genus Grebennikovius. We suggest two subsequent overwater dispersal events: the migration of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of Epactoides from Africa to Madagascar (32.3–29.5 Ma); the lately dispersal of the MRCA of the today's extinct Epactoides giganteus Rossini, Vaz-de-Mello & Montreuil to Réunion island from Madagascar (3.4 Ma). We suggest that the high potential of dispersal of Epactoidini trib. nov. dung beetles and the strict association to forest habitat might have triggered two major radiations, one in Madagascar and one in the Oriental Region.

Keywords: biogeography, evolution, phylogenetics

Epactoidini trib. nov. 

Type genus: Epactoides Olsouffief, 1947

Genera: Epactoides Olsouffief, 1947

Grebennikovius Mlambo et al., 2019

Ochicanthon Vaz-de-Mello, 2003.

Distribution: Tanzania (Uluguru Mountains); Madagascar; Réunion Island; Oriental Region: from southern India to southern Philippines. 

Diagnosis: The tribe Epactoidini is supported by the following diagnostic characters (Figure 2): (i) elytra with 9–10 striae; (ii) besides epipleural carina, elytra with one or two additional lateral carinas; (iii) endophallus without frontolateral peripheral (FLP) endophallite; (iv) radial posterior (RP1) sclerite of hindwings (when present) approaches the posterior side the radial anterior (RA4) sclerite.

Ancestral range reconstruction of Epactoidini trib. nov. BioGeoBEAR tree and map showing suggested dispersal routes of Epactoides and Ochicanthon from Afrotropical ancestors, including date estimation. Nodal support values are expressed as UFBS and SH-aLRT. Bars at nodes indicate 95% CI of estimated ages. Distribution areas of Epactoidini members: Eastern Arc Mountains (EAMs) (red); Madagascar (light blue); Réunion (purple); Oriental (green).
Species illustrated: (a) Ochicanthon hanskii Krikken & Huijbregts, (b) O. woroae Ochi, Ueda & Kon, (c) O. crypticus Krikken & Huijbregts, (d) O. devagiriensis Sabu & Latha, (e) O. ceylonicus Cuccodoro, (f) Grebennikovius basilewskyi (Balthasar), (g) Epactoides giganteus, (h) E. madecassus (Paulian), (i) E. major (Paulian), (j) E. frontalis (Montreuil).

   

Michele Rossini, Vasily Grebennikov, Thomas Merrien, Andreia Miraldo, Heidi Viljanen and Sergei Tarasov. 2022. Paleogene Forest Fragmentation and Out-of-Africa Dispersal explain Radiation of the Paleotropical Dung Beetle tribe Epactoidini trib. nov. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae). Systematic Entomology. DOI: 10.1111/syen.12564

  twitter.com/Tarasov_Sergio/status/1569318421250117637

[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 

[Botany • 2020] Memecylon afroschismaticum (Melastomataceae: Olisbeoideae) • A New Species endemic to the East African Rift region of Rwanda, Burundi and western Tanzania

Memecylon afroschismaticum R.D.Stone,

 in Stone, 2020. 

DOI:10.5091/plecevo.2020.1657

  academia.edu/42331496

Drawn by Sandie Burrows.

Abstract

Background – A new species of Memecylon (Melastomataceae–Olisbeoideae) from Rwanda, Burundi and western Tanzania is described in connection with preparing the family treatment for the Flore d’Afrique centrale.

Methods – Standard herbarium practices were applied.

Key results – Memecylon afroschismaticum R.D.Stone is described and illustrated. This new species is remarkable for being endemic to forests of the East African Rift region avoided by all but a few other species of African Memecylon. A close relationship with M. flavovirens Baker (type of M. sect. Obtusifolia Engl.) is suggested by its corolla being narrowly conical-acute in bud and anther connectives with dorsal oil-gland and acute posterior extremity. However, its elliptic-ovate and distinctly acuminate leaves resemble those of M. myrianthum Gilg (of M. sect. Polyanthema Engl.) and M. verruculosum Brenan (of M. sect. Buxifolia R.D.Stone). The known location in western Tanzania is formally protected within the Mahale Mountains National Park, but the subpopulations in Rwanda and Burundi are unprotected and presumably threatened by high human population density and subsistence agriculture. The estimated area of occupancy is also quite small (12 km2). Memecylon afroschismaticum is thus provisionally assessed as Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii)] in accordance with IUCN criteria.

Keywords: Burundi, East African Rift, Melastomataceae, Memecylon afroschismaticum, new species, plant taxonomy, Rwanda, Tanzania

Memecylon afroschismaticum.
A . Flowering branch. B . Leaf. C . Section of branchlet showing axillary cyme. D . Floral bud. E . Anther dissected from oral bud, side view (left), top view (right). F . Fruit.

A from Bridson 287 (BR); B–E from Runyinya 935 (K); F from Harley 9597 (K). 

Drawn by Sandie Burrows.

Memecylon afroschismaticum R.D.Stone, sp. nov.

Etymology – The epithet afroschismaticum is a neuter adjective meaning “of the East African Rift region.”

 Robert Douglas Stone. 2023. Memecylon afroschismaticum sp. nov. (Melastomataceae–Olisbeoideae) endemic to the East African Rift region of Rwanda, Burundi and western Tanzania. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 153(1); 160-166. DOI:10.5091/plecevo.2020.1657

  academia.edu/42331496/Memecylon_afroschismaticum_endemic_to_the_East_African_Rift_region

[Botany • 2023] Isoglossa pareensis (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp, 

in Darbyshire et Hemp, 2023.

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10103-1

Summary

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp (Acanthaceae), from submontane moist forest at Mwala in the South Pare Mountains of northeastern Tanzania, is described and illustrated. This species is considered to be related to I. gregorii (S.Moore) Lindau and I. punctata (Vahl) Brummitt & J.R.I.Wood, which are widespread in the montane forests of eastern Africa, but it clearly differs from these species in inflorescence structure and indumentum and in anther morphology. Notes on the habitat requirements and extinction risk of this new species are provided; it is considered to be Vulnerable under IUCN criterion D2 because of its extremely limited range and a plausible future threat from wildfires. The recent discovery of the Critically Endangered acanthaceous herb Asystasia masaiensis Lindau at lower, drier elevations at the same site is also reported and the first known photograph of that species is reproduced

Key Words: Conservation, extinction risk, Isoglossinae, IUCN Red List, taxonomy.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov. 
A habit, flowering branch; B flower in situ; C face view of corolla with stamens and stigma visible at mouth; D dissected corolla with stamens; E partial infructescence with mature capsules; F indumentum of calyx lobe, side view, external face to left; G indumentum of peduncle; H capsule with seeds, and dorsal view of capsule valve; J mature seed, with detail of sculpturing.

A & D from Hemp 8165; B & C from photographs of plants in the field; E – J from Hemp 6953. DRAWN BY ANDREW BROWN.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov.
 A – C in situ at Mwala, Tanzania, collected as A. Hemp 7355;
D & E in cultivation at UBT.

PHOTOS: A – C a. Hemp; D, E U. Meve.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov.

RECOGNITION. Isoglossa pareensis is similar to I. gregorii in foliage and to both I. gregorii and I. punctata in corolla form and in having seeds with elongate, minutely glochidiate tubercles, but differs from both in the inflorescence being a panicle-like thyrse with pedunculate dichasial or monochasial cyme units (vs inflorescence a simple spike or, if branched, the branches being spiciform with (sub)sessile cyme units); in the anther thecae overlapping for c. half their length (vs thecae fully superposed to widely separated); in the capsule being puberulous with eglandular and occasional glandular hairs (vs capsule glabrous or occasionally with few eglandular hairs towards apex and/or with scattered glandular and/or long eglandular hairs); and in the inflorescence axes and calyces having a more dense indumentum including more numerous glandular hairs. It additionally differs from I. gregorii in having linear-lanceolate bracts, 1.3 – 3.6 × 0.3 – 0.5 mm (vs bracts elliptic, somewhat obovate or basal pairs ovate, (3.5 –) 4.5 – 14 × 0.7 – 6 mm) (Fig. 5; Table 1).

ETYMOLOGY. The species epithet “pareensis” denotes that this species is, so far as is known, endemic to the Pare Mountains of Tanzania.

 Iain Darbyshire and Andreas Hemp. 2023. A further New Species of Isoglossa (Acanthaceae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10103-1

[Entomology • 2023] Dioncomena flavoviridis, D. magombera, D. sanje, etc. • Bush-crickets with very special Ears and Songs – Review of the East African Phaneropterinae Genus Dioncomena Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), with Notes on its Biogeography and the Description of New Species

 (D-F) Dioncomena flavoviridis;
(G-I) D. magombera; 
 (J-L) D. sanje 

 Hemp, Montealegre-Z, Woodrow et Heller, 2023. 

DOI:  10.3897/dez.70.100804

Abstract

This study focuses on the genus Dioncomena and its acoustics, particularly the unique songs produced by male Dioncomena that consist of several distinct elements in a fixed sequence, culminating in a coda that typically elicits a response from a receptive female. We also examine the inflated pronotal lobes, which we term prebullae, that are prominently developed in some Dioncomena species but not in others. We discuss the role of prebullae in the context of acoustic communication in Dioncomena and other related Phaneropterini genera that have similar lateral pronotal lobes. We found that prebullae size is correlated with habitat distribution, with larger prebullae occurring in isolated species while aggregation-prone species have smaller or less pronounced prebullae. Using micro-computer tomography we show sexual dimorphism in the 3D geometry of the acoustic tracheae, being larger in the male. Interestingly, the tracheae are coupled by a septum, like in field crickets, which suggests potential cross talk.

We define three groups of Dioncomena based on altitude preferences, ecology, color patterns, and songs: the jagoi-, tanneri-, and ornata-groups. We describe the songs of several species, including newly identified species such as D. flavoviridis sp. nov., D. magombera sp. nov., D. ngurumontana sp. nov., D. sanje sp. nov., D. tanneri, D. versicolor sp. nov., and D. zernyi. We also provide information on the nymphs, development time, and mating behavior of various species reared in the laboratory, shedding light on their phenology and adaptations to their habitats.

Key Words: bioacoustics, biogeography, biology, Eastern Arc Mountains, morphology, phenology, Tanzania

 

Dioncomena species of the D. jagoi-group:
A–C. Male (A, B) and female (C) of D. jagoi, East Usambara Mountains;
D-F. Male (D, E) and female (F) of D. flavoviridis sp. nov.;
G–I. Male (G, H) and female (I) of D. magombera sp. nov.;
 J–L. Male (J, K) and female (L) of D. sanje sp. nov.

   

 Claudia Hemp, Fernando Montealegre-Z, Charlie Woodrow and Klaus-Gerhard Heller. 2023. Bush-crickets with very special Ears and Songs – Review of the East African Phaneropterinae Genus Dioncomena Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878, with Notes on its Biogeography and the Description of New Species. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 70(2): 221-259. DOI:  10.3897/dez.70.100804

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

Hyperolius ukaguruensis 

 Lawson, Loader, Lyakurwa & Liedtke, 2023

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277535

  uc.edu 

Abstract

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

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

Photos by C. Liedtke. 

Hyperolius ukaguruensis sp. nov.

 

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

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

 

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

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

[Herpetology • 2022] Rhampholeon colemani, R. rubeho, R. waynelotteri, ... • Cryptic Diversity in Pygmy Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Rhampholeon) of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, with Description of Six New Species

Rhampholeon colemani,  R. sabini,  

R. rubeho,  R. nicolai, 

R. waynelotteri,  R. princeeai 

Menegon, Lyakurwa, Loader & Tolley, 2022 

 DOI:  10.36253/a_h-12978

  twitter.com/IUCNChameleons 

 Researchgate.net/publication/366657704

Abstract

Previous molecular phylogenetic studies of pygmy chameleons have identified several cases of undescribed cryptic diversity of species, some of which have remained undescribed due to a lack of morphological information. Here, we combine descriptive morphology with principal component analysis, to quantify the overall morphological variation, and phylogenetic analysis to describe six new species of Rhampholeon from the Eastern Arc Mountains, including populations found in the Udzungwa, Rubeho, Nguru, Ukaguru, and Nguu Mountains. From our study we detected only limited morphometric variation between species. We distinguish the new species using genetics, combined with assessment of morphological features, and their geographical distribution. We highlight the threats to pygmy chameleons in East Africa from habitat change and exporting live specimens for the wildlife trade. Based on our understanding, we note a few species that we consider at risk of decline – mainly based on their narrow distribution and their apparent popularity in the export market. This study also further underlines the extraordinary biological value of the relatively small forest patches (less than 3000 km2) of the Eastern Arc, which contain more species of chameleons than any other area in mainland Africa.

Keywords: Afromontane, biodiversity, East Africa, chameleons, new species, reptiles

Rhampholeon uluguruensis Tilbury & Emmrich, 1996

Uluguru Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon moyeri Menegon, Salvidio & Tilbury 2002

Moyer’s Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon beraduccii Mariaux & Tilbury 2006

Beraducci’s Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon acuminatus Mariaux & Tilbury 2006

Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon colemani from the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve. 

Rhampholeon sabini from Nguu North Forest Reserve. 

Rhampholeon rubeho from Mafwomero Forest Reserve in the Rubeho Mountains. 

Rhampholeon nicolai from Mamiwa Kisara North Forest Reserve in the Ukaguru Mountains.

Rhampholeon waynelotteri from Kanga Forest Reserve in the Nguru Mountains landscape.

Rhampholeon princeeai from Mkingu Nature Reserve in the Nguru Mountains.

Rhampholeon colemani sp. nov.

Uzungwa Scarp’s Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: Rhampholeon colemani is named in honour of Carter Coleman, who for more than 25 years has raised funds and campaigned for the conservation of Tanzania’s forests. In 1991 he revived the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group based in Tanzania, and went on to establish the African Rainforest Conservancy in the USA and the Afri-can Rainforest Trust in the United Kingdom, organisations that remain dedicated to conserving Tanzania’s high biodiversity forests

 

Rhampholeon sabini sp. nov. 

Nguu North Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: The species name is a patronym for Andy Sabin who provides financial support to many organizations and is actively engaged with community and environmental programs around the world. As an extension of his life-long fascination with reptiles and amphibians and dedication to environmental education.

Rhampholeon rubeho sp. nov. 

Rubeho’s Pigmy Chameleon

Etymology: The species is named after the mountain block (Rubeho) where the type series was collected and where it is con-sidered to be restricted. The specific epithet is considered to be a noun in apposition.

Rhampholeon nicolai sp. nov. 

Nicola’s Pigmy Chameleon

Etymology: This species is named after Nicola Colangelo, an entrepreneur and industrialist who worked in Tanzania for most of his life. He supported conservation initiatives and organisations, and before many others argued for the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. He was passionate about conservation for its intrinsic importance but also for a sustainable development of economies, such as low impact tourism activities.

Rhampholeon waynelotteri sp. nov.

Wayne’s Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: This species is named after and dedicated to Wayne Lotter, in recognition to his ground-breaking work in developing a holistic and strategic intelligence-based approach to antipoaching. He helped successfully reverse the high rates of elephant poaching in Tanzania, during 2010’s. Unfortunately, he died on 16 August 2017 bravely fighting for the cause he was most passionate about. The specific epithet is patronym in the genitive masculine singular.

Rhampholeon princeeai sp. nov. 

Princeeai’s Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: The species is named after Richard Williams, better known by his stage name Prince Ea, an American activist and inspirational spoken word artist, poet, rapper and filmmaker. From 2014 he has shifted his focus from music to creating motivational and inspirational spoken word films and content covering a wide range of topics such as deforestation and the reckless destruction of our environment for which we are all responsible. The specific epithet is considered to be a noun in apposition.

Michele Menegon, John V. Lyakurwa, Simon P. Loader and Krystal A. Tolley. 2022. Cryptic Diversity in Pygmy Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Rhampholeon) of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, with Description of Six New Species. Acta Herpetologica. 17(2; 85-113. DOI:  10.36253/a_h-12978

  twitter.com/IUCNchameleons/status/1608487507808735237  

Researchgate.net/publication/366657704_Cryptic_diversity_in_Rhampholeon_of_the_Eastern_Arc_Mountains_of_Tanzania