[Paleontology • 2016] Eotrachodon orientalis • A Primitive Hadrosaurid from southeastern North America and the Origin and Early Evolution of ‘Duck-billed’ Dinosaurs

Eotrachodon orientalis 

Prieto-Márquez, Erickson & Ebersole, 2016

DOI:  10.1080/02724634.2015.1054495

ABSTRACT

Eotrachodon orientalis gen. et sp. nov. (latest Santonian of Alabama, southeastern U.S.A.) is one of the oldest and most basal hadrosaurid dinosaurs and the only hadrosaurid from Appalachia (present day eastern North America) with a preserved skull. This taxon possesses a relatively derived narial structure that was until now regarded as synapomorphic for saurolophine (solid-crested or crestless) hadrosaurids. Maximum parsimony analysis places E. orientalis as the sister taxon to Saurolophidae (Saurolophinae + Lambeosaurinae). Character optimization on the phylogeny indicates that the saurolophine-like circumnarial structure evolved by the Santonian following the split between saurolophines and lambeosaurines but prior to the major hadrosaurid radiation. Statistical dispersal-vicariance analysis posits an Appalachian ancestral area for Hadrosauridae and subsequent dispersal of their ancestors into Laramidia (present-day western North America) during the Cenomanian.

Prieto-Márquez, A., G. M. Erickson, and J. A. Ebersole. 2016. A Primitive Hadrosaurid from southeastern North America and the Origin and Early Evolution of ‘Duck-billed’ Dinosaurs. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI:  10.1080/02724634.2015.1054495

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3AD914D2-A3A5-45FD-8C94-5EE80461FEBC

Research team identifies rare dinosaur from Appalachia 

http://news.fsu.edu/Top-Stories/Research-team-identifies-rare-dinosaur-from-Appalachia

http://phy.so/372681843 via @physorg_com

[Herpetology • 2016] Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis • A New Species of Karst Forest Bent-toed Gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus Gray) not yet threatened by foreign cement companies and A Summary of Peninsular Malaysia’s Endemic Karst Forest Herpetofauna and the need for its conservation

Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis

Grismer, Wood, Anuar, Davis, Cobos & Murdoch, 2016

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4061.1.1 

Abstract

A new species of Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. of the sworderi complex, is described from Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia and is differentiated from all other species in the sworderi complex by having a unique combination of characters including a maximum SVL of 74.7 mm; low, rounded, weakly keeled, body tubercles; 34–40 paravertebral tubercles; weak ventrolateral body fold lacking tubercles; 38–41 ventral scales; an abrupt transition between the posterior and ventral femoral scales; 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; enlarged femoral scales; no femoral or precloacal pores; no precloacal groove; wide caudal bands; and an evenly banded dorsal pattern. Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is a scansorial, karst forest-adapted specialist endemic to the karst ecosystem surrounding Gunung Senyum and occurs on the vertical walls of the limestone towers as well as the branches, trunks, and leaves of the vegetation in the associated karst forest. Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is the seventh species of karst forest-adapted Cyrtodactylus and the sixteenth endemic species of karst ecosystem reptile discovered in Peninsular Malaysia in the last seven years from only 12 different karst forests. This is a clear indication that many species remain to be discovered in the approximately 558 isolated karst ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia not yet surveyed. These data continue to underscore the importance of karst ecosystems as reservoirs of biodiversity and microendemism and that they constitute an important component of Peninsular Malaysia’s natural heritage and should be protected from the quarrying interests of foreign industrial companies.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus, Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, limestone forest, karst, Malaysia, new species, systematics, endemic, conservation

FIGURE 3. Left: Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. Upper left: LSUHC 12200 subadult female; middle left: 12201 juvenile; lower left; LSUHC 12209 adult female.
Right: Microhabitat of C. gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. at Gunung Senyum, Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.

Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov.

Gunung Senyum Bent-toed Gecko | Cicak Gunung Senyum

Etymology. The specific epithet gunungsenyumensis refers to the type locality of Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. It is hoped this name will underscore the importance of this Hutan Lipur as a sanctuary for this endemic species and keep it safe from the quarrying interests of foreign cement companies.

Distribution. Currently, Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is known only from the type locality of Gunung Senyum, Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia (Fig. 1). Exploration of the adjacent karst towers of Gunung Jebak Puyoh and Bukit Terus (Fig. 5) to determine if this species occurs there as well is necessary.

Natural history. Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum is a recreational area situated around three limestone hills: Gunung Senyum, Gunung Jebak Puyoh, and Bukit Terus (Fig. 5). The northernmost hill, Gunung Senyum, is the largest, reaching 525 m in elevation and covering 1.75 sq.km. Several large, open chambers and cave systems deeply incise and sculpt the periphery of this limestone hill, which is surrounded by karst forest vegetation. All specimens of the type series and two additional specimens not collected were active at night on the limestone walls or the adjacent karst vegetation (Fig. 3). Lizards were observed at night between 01030 and 2400 hrs on the vertical trunks of small trees as well as on thin, horizontal branches of low-growing shrubs. Lizards only occurred in areas

where karst rock-rubble had accumulated at the edge of the cliff faces and where the cliff faces were eroded and exfoliated, providing cracks and holes into which lizards were able to take refuge. This species is very wary and lizards would often flee during our approach. When captured, most quickly dropped their tails and only two specimens of the nine lizards observed had complete tails. This suggests this population may be under heavy predation. No gravid females or hatchlings were observed, indicating that the breeding season is not in March.

Discussion 

Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is the seventh known species of Bent-toed Gecko in Peninsular Malaysia adapted to a karst ecosystem (Table 6). Fortunately some of these karst forest species such as C. astrum Grismer, Wood, Quah, Anuar, Muin, Sumontha, Norhayati, Bauer, Wangkulangkul, Grismer & Pauwels; C. langkawiensis Grismer, Wood, Quah, Anuar, Muin, Sumontha, Norhayati, Bauer, Wangkulangkul, Grismer & Pauwels; C. gunungsenyumensis sp. nov., and C. metropolis Grismer, Wood, Chan, Anuar, Muin are found in protected areas, thus far from the reach of quarrying interests of foreign investors (Grismer et al. 2014b,c). Unfortunately others, such as C. guakanthanensis, C. sharkari Grismer, Wood, Anuar, Quah, Muin, Mohamed, Chan, Sumarli, Loredo & Heinz; and Cyrtodactylus sp. nov. (Grismer et al. in prep.) remain highly threatened (Grismer 2014a,c). 

The discovery of 16 new endemic species of karst ecosystem reptiles in only the last seven years (Grismer et al. 2008a,b, 2009, 2012, 2013a, 2014a,b,c,d,e) from only 12 different karst ecosystems (Table 1) is a strikingly clear indication that many other endemic species remain to be discovered in the approximately 558 isolated karst ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia (Price 2014) we have not yet surveyed. The extremely high degree of floral and invertebrate endemism in these ecosystems is well-documented (Kiew 1991; Vermeulen & Whitten 1999; Clements et al. 2006) and it is becoming apparent that endemic reptiles will rank as the most important component of vertebrate endemism (Grismer et al. 2014c). To date, 15 of approximately 32 species of Cyrtodactylus (47%) in Thailand, approximately one of seven species (14%) in Cambodia, 10 of approximately 14 species (71%) in Laos, nine of approximately 37 species (24%) in Vietnam, and seven of 31 species (23%) in Peninsular Malaysia are endemic, karst ecosystem specialists (Table 6). Data for Myanmar are lacking and Sumatra, Java, and Borneo still remain too unexplored. Allowing so many of these ecosystems to be converted into cement by foreign industrial companies is an affront on the natural heritage of these nations and is seriously eroding the herpetological biodiversity of Southeast Asia.

Grismer, L. L., Wood, P. L., Jr., Anuar, S. Davis, H. R., Cobos, A. J., Murdoch, M. L. 2016. A New Species of Karst Forest Bent-toed Gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus Gray) not yet threatened by foreign cement companies and A Summary of Peninsular Malaysia’s Endemic Karst Forest Herpetofauna and the need for its conservation. 

Zootaxa. 4061(1); 4061(1): 001–017. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4061.1.1 

[Herpetology • 2016] Nasutixalus medogensis • A New Genus and Species of Treefrog (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Medog, southeastern Tibet, China

墨脱棱鼻树蛙 |  Nasutixalus medogensis

  Jiang, Yan, Wang & Che, 2016

photo: Ke JIANG [蒋珂] || DOI: 10.13918/j.issn.2095-8137.2016.1.15

Abstract

A new genus and species of threefrog is described from Medog, southeastern Tibet, China based on morphological and phylogenetic data. The new genus can be distinguished from other treefrog genera by the following combination of characters: (1) body size moderate, 45.0 mm in male; (2) snout rounded; (3) canthus rostralis obtuse and raised prominently, forming a ridge from nostril to anterior corner of eyes; (4) web rudimentary on fingers; (5) web moderately developed on toes; (6) phalange "Y" shaped, visible from dorsal side of fingers and toes; (7) skin of dorsal surfaces relatively smooth, scatted with small tubercles; (8) iris with a pale yellow, "X" shaped pattern of pigmentation.

Key words: Taxonomy, New genus, New species, Theloderma moloch, Nasutixalus medogensis sp. nov.

Phylogenetic analysis: Currently  recognized  genera  of  the  family  Rhacophoridae  were recovered  as  monophyletic  groups  in  our  phylogenetic  analysis  (Figure 1). However, similar to previous studies (Li et al., 2009), our data  cannot  resolve  phylogenetic  relationships  among  different  genera.   The Medog treefrog   was   clustered   and   share   the   haplotype  with  a  formerly  identified  T. moloch  (specimen  voucher  number  6255  RAO)  in  Li  et  al.  (2009),  and  both  of  them  form  a  distinct clade from all other species of genus Theloderma, including the  true T. moloch.  Such  result  is  similar  to  the  phylogenetic  topography recovered in Li et al. (2013) using more datasets. Therefore,   according   to   a   combination   of   morphological   characters  and  phylogenetic  data  of  mitochondrial  genes,  we  conclude that the male treefrog specimen (KIZ016395) consisted an  independent  evolutionary  lineage  and  concordant  evidence  confirm species status (Hou et al., 2014; Wu & Murphy, 2015), which is described as a new species and a new genus in family Rhacophoridae.  

Nasutixalus gen. nov. Jiang, Yan, Wang and Che 

Type species: Nasutixalus medogensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: (1)  Body  size  moderate  (45.0  mm  in  male);  (2)  snout  rounded;  (3)  canthus  rostralis  obtuse  and  raised  prominently,  forming  a  ridge  from  nostril  to  anterior  corner  of  eyes;  (4)  web  rudimentary on fingers; (5) web moderately developed on toes; (6) phalange “Y” shaped, visible from dorsal side of fingers and toes;  (7)  skin  of  dorsal  surfaces  relatively  smooth,  scatted  with  small tubercles; (8) iris with a pale yellow, “X” shaped pattern of pigmentation, especially distinct in preservative. 

Distribution: Currently   known   only   from   the   type   locality,   Medog, Tibet, China.

Etymology: The generic nomen Nasutixalus is derived from the Latin adjective nasutus (“large-nosed” in English), means the prominent ridge from nostril to the anterior corner of eye, and ixalus, a common generic root for treefrogs. We suggest the common name of the new genus be “ridged-nose treefrog” in English, and “Leng Bi Shu Wa” (棱鼻树蛙) in Chinese.

Content: The new genus currently contains a single species, Nasutixalus medogensis sp. nov. which is described below.

Nasutixalus  medogensis  sp.  nov.  Jiang,  Wang,  Yan  and  Che (Figures 2-4) 

Synonyms: Thermoderma moloch: Li et al., 2009 

Holotype: KIZ 016395, adult male, collected from Gelin (N29.21665°, E95.17571°, elevation 1 619 m), Beibeng, Medog, southeastern Tibet, China, on 28 April  2015, by Ke JIANG.

Etymology The species name “medogensis” is named after the type locality, Medog, Tibet, China. According to the Latin name, we suggest the  English  common  name  as  “Medog  Ridged-nose  Treefrog”,  and  the  Chinese  formal  name  as  “Muo  Tuo  Leng  Bi  Shu  Wa”  (墨脱棱鼻树蛙).

Ke JIANG, Fang YAN, Kai WANG, Da-Hu ZOU, Cheng LI and Jing CHE. 2016. A New Genus and Species of Treefrog from Medog, southeastern Tibet, China (Anura, Rhacophoridae).
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH. 37(1); 15-20.  DOI: 10.13918/j.issn.2095-8137.2016.1.15

ResearchGate.net/publication/291521962_A_new_genus_and_species_of_treefrog_from_Medog_southeastern_Tibet_China_Anura_Rhacophoridae

藏东南发现树蛙科新属新种 

就在今年，包括笔者在内的几位研究人员一道，在西藏东南部墨脱热带雨林中发现一类全新的树蛙物种！通过DNA和形态比较，我们中国的两栖爬行动物学者确定这不仅仅是一个新物种，它更代表一个从未被描述过的新属！

http://www.ikexue.org/archives/37919

[Herpetology • 2016] Frankixalus, A New Rhacophorid Genus of Tree Hole Breeding Frogs with Oophagous Tadpoles

Frankixalus jerdonii (Günther, 1876) 

Genus Frankixalus [gen. nov.] Biju, Senevirathne, Garg, Mahony, Kamei, Thomas, Shouche, Raxworthy, Meegaskumbura & Van Bocxlaer, 2016

 A male Frankixalus jerdonii emerges from a tree hole about 5 meters high. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY S.D. Biju || DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

Abstract

Despite renewed interest in the biogeography and evolutionary history of Old World tree frogs (Rhacophoridae), this family still includes enigmatic frogs with ambiguous phylogenetic placement. During fieldwork in four northeastern states of India, we discovered several populations of tree hole breeding frogs with oophagous tadpoles. We used molecular data, consisting of two nuclear and three mitochondrial gene fragments for all known rhacophorid genera, to investigate the phylogenetic position of these new frogs. Our analyses identify a previously overlooked, yet distinct evolutionary lineage of frogs that warrants recognition as a new genus and is here described as Frankixalus gen. nov. This genus, which contains the enigmatic ‘Polypedates’ jerdonii described by Günther in 1876, forms the sister group of a clade containing Kurixalus, Pseudophilautus, Raorchestes, Mercurana and Beddomixalus. The distinctiveness of this evolutionary lineage is also corroborated by the external morphology of adults and tadpoles, adult osteology, breeding ecology, and life history features.

Fig 1. Bayesian consensus phylogram showing phylogenetic relationships among 86 taxa representing all known rhacophorid genera and one outgroup species.
Numbers above the branches represent Bayesian Posterior Probabilities, numbers below the branches represent Maximum Likelihood bootstrap values. Clade representing Frankixalus gen. nov. is shown in red. The specimen that was assigned to “Theloderma moloch” by Li et al. [2009] is indicated by an asterisk. Colors of taxa labels represent the reproductive modes: blue, terrestrial foam-nesting, exotrophic tadpoles; orange, terrestrial gel-nesting, exotrophic tadpoles; green, terrestrial direct-developing, endotrophic tadpoles; cyan, aquatic gel-nesting, exotrophic tadpoles. The new genus Frankixalus is also a terrestrial gel-nesting form.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

Fig 2. A–C, Frankixalus jerdonii in life.
(A) dorsolateral view of an adult male (BNHS 5976), (B) an adult male (SDBDU 2009.271) emerging from a tree hole, (C) frontal view of an adult male (BNHS 5977). D–H, A composite showing the breeding habitat of Frankixalus jerdonii. (D) Evergreen forest at Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state, (E) close-up of a tree hole opening located 3.4 meters above the ground, (F) oviposition site with eggs adhered to the inner vertical walls of the tree hole above the water level, and arrow pointing towards an adult female found submerged about 1 cm below the water surface, (G) unpigmented gel-encapsulated eggs, (H) premetamorphic larva inside the water-filled tree hole.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727 

Taxonomic treatment

Amphibia Linnaeus, 1758
Anura Fischer von Waldheim, 1813

Rhacophoridae Hoffman, 1932
Rhacophorinae Hoffman, 1932

Frankixalus gen. nov.

Etymology: The genus is named after Prof. Franky Bossuyt of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), as a token of appreciation for his contribution to amphibian research and herpetology education, and in particular for the valuable role he played in the scientific career of SDB and IVB. The generic epithet is derived from the name ‘Franky’ (used as a noun in the nominative singular) in conjugation with the genus name ‘Ixalus’ Duméril & Bibron, 1841, often used as a suffix in rhacophorid generic names. For the purposes of nomenclature, the gender of this genus is male.

Suggested common name: Franky’s tree frogs

Type species: Polypedates jerdonii Günther, 1876

'Polypedates' jerdonii =  Frankixalus jerdonii (Günther, 1876)

Boulenger, G. A. 1882. Catalogue of the Batrachia Salientia s. Ecaudata in the collection of the British Museum. 2d ed.  archive.org/stream/catalogueofbatra00brituof

Diagnosis: We consider Frankixalus to consist of the most inclusive clade that contains Frankixalus jerdonii comb. nov. but not Kurixalus eiffingeri. Frankixalus currently contains two species, F. jerdonii (Günther, 1876) and a currently unidentified species.

Frankixalus can be distinguished from the other rhacophorid genera by the combination of the following characters: medium-sized adults (male SVL 37.1–42.1 mm, N = 11; female SVL 46.8 mm, N = 1), webbing medium (foot webbing: I2––2+II1+–21/4III1+–11/2IV11/2−1+V; hand webbing: I1–1+II1+–2+III2––1+IV); creamy-white, gel-encapsulated eggs without pigmentation are laid in tree holes (phytotelm-breeding) where they also undergo development. The tadpole is oophagous and lacks keratinized tooth rows. The two currently included species are geographically restricted to high altitudes (approximately 1100–1600 m asl) in Northeast India and adjoining regions in China.

Fig 5. Geographic distribution of Frankixalus in Northeast India and China.
 Circle = Frankixalus jerdonii, square = Frankixalus sp.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

Fig 2. A–C, Frankixalus jerdonii in life. (A) dorsolateral view of an adult male (BNHS 5976), (B) an adult male (SDBDU 2009.271) emerging from a tree hole, (C) frontal view of an adult male (BNHS 5977). D–H, A composite showing the breeding habitat of Frankixalus jerdonii. (D) Evergreen forest at Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state, (E) close-up of a tree hole opening located 3.4 meters above the ground, (F) oviposition site with eggs adhered to the inner vertical walls of the tree hole above the water level, and arrow pointing towards an adult female found submerged about 1 cm below the water surface, (G) unpigmented gel-encapsulated eggs, (H) premetamorphic larva inside the water-filled tree hole.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727 

Description of the name-bearing type

Frankixalus jerdonii (Günther, 1876) comb. nov.

Common name: Jerdon’s tree frog

Name-bearing type: Lectotype, NHM 1947.2.7.84 (ex BMNH 72.4.17.189), an adult female.

Type locality: “Darjeeling”, West Bengal, India.

Geographic distribution: Frankixalus jerdonii is widely distributed in three Northeast Indian states (Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland), and in the “Darjeeling” region of West Bengal. Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills district, Wahlynkien (Marai Kaphon), Cherrapunjee (1337 m asl), and Mawphlang forest (1577 m asl); Manipur: Churachandarpur district, Zaraengtung, Raenghzaeng village (1392 m asl); Nagaland: Kohima district, Sechüma village, Zubza (1470 m asl), Meriema village (1425 m asl), Seukwehii, Tseminyu village (1340 m asl); West Bengal: Darjeeling district, “Darjeeling” (1600 m asl) (Fig 5).

Natural history and breeding ecology

All males in our study were found on arboreal vegetation in montane evergreen forest (Mawphlang, Meghalaya), or secondary forests (Zaraengtung, Manipur and Zubza, Nagaland); males from Zubza were collected from inside bamboo poles with slits. Breeding activities of Frankixalus jerdonii take place between May–August. Males of F. jerdonii were heard calling at night (between 18:00–22:00 hours) from tree holes located at heights ranging from 0.8–5.5 m at Mawphlang forest, Meghalaya (in June 2009) soon after sporadic rain showers. The habitat at this locality is composed of an evergreen forest with sparse undergrowth, consisting of scattered shrubs and herbs (Fig 2D). The trunks of hardwood trees in these montane evergreen forests usually have large growths of bryophytes (Fig 2E). Amplexus was not observed. Freshly laid egg clutches (unpigmented, gel-encapsulated) were found adhering on the inner walls of a tree hole about 5 m above the ground (Fig 2F and 2G). In total, nine nest sites were observed in tree hollows, with tree diameters of about 10–30 cm (measured at the height of the hole). Occupied tree holes had openings oriented both horizontally (N = 5) and vertically (N = 4), usually with narrow openings, and contained water that ranged in depth from about 5–50 cm (volume of water contained ranging from 30–160 ml, N = 3). A deep layer of organic debris was observed at the bottom of some tree holes, and at two nest sites a dormant male was found submerged under water (Fig 2F). When disturbed, one male tightly wedged itself into a crevice in the bottom of the hollow. At another nest site, a female (not collected) was observed submerged in water. Eggs were observed between 0.3–10 cm above the water surface, were round, diameter measuring 2.0 ± 0.1 mm, N = 18, with a thick jelly layer of about 0.2–0.4 mm. Clutch size varied from 16–30 eggs per mass (2.5–5.6 cm, N = 7). During repeated surveys at the same site between 27–29 June 2009, we also observed tadpoles of various sizes (stages 10–44) inside the water-filled tree holes

Tadepole of Frankixalus jerdonii, oral disc with papillae demarcating its margins, shown in frontal view of a stage 36 tadpole

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

Fig 3. Various life history stages of Frankixalus jerdonii.
 (A) lateral, (B) dorsal, (C) ventral views of a preserved stage 36 tadpole, (D) unfertilised “nutritive” eggs found inside the dissected larval gut (mean diameter = 1.0 mm), (E) oral disc with papillae demarcating its margins, shown in frontal view of a stage 36 tadpole, (F) dextral vent tube, in ventral view of a stage 26 tadpole, (G) sinistral spiracular tube, in ventral view of a stage 36 tadpole, (H) gel-encapsulated eggs (mean diameter = 2.0 mm) found on the inside wall of a tree hole, (I) dorsolateral view of a stage 44 tadpole, (J) oral disc of a live stage 36 tadpole having a bifurcated muscular tongue, shown in frontal view, (K) dorsal, (L) ventral views of a live stage 35 tadpole, (M) serrated, inverted upper jaw of a stage 37 tadpole in ventral view, (N) serrated, V-shaped lower jaw of a stage 37 tadpole in ventral view.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

dorsal, ventral views of a preserved stage 36 tadpole of Frankixalus jerdonii,
unfertilised “nutritive” eggs found inside the dissected larval gut (mean diameter = 1.0 mm)

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

Conservation: 

The major threat for amphibians in Northeast India is disturbance of primary and secondary forests by ‘jhumming’ (slash and burn) with the purpose of cultivating crops. Several localities where Frankixalus jerdonii is reported to occur are highly disturbed and fragmented habitats. The population at Cheerapunjee in Meghalaya state was recorded from a secondary forest adjacent to a highly polluted Wahlynkien stream, individuals from Manipur were from tree stumps within a jhum field, and those from Nagaland were from a secondary forest. These threats are alarming, especially for species that have very specialized habitat requirements, such as availability of small water collections in tree holes that are crucial for their survival and reproductive success.

A male Frankixalus jerdonii emerges from a tree hole about 5 meters high. 

 PHOTOGRAPH BY S.D. Biju || DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

Conclusion

Multiple lines of evidence from our study highlight the unique evolutionary position and life history features of Frankixalus. The description of this enigmatic lineage from the relatively unexplored northeast region of India not only emphasizes that part of this region’s biodiversity still remains poorly studied, but also underscores the need to replicate similar studies in other animal groups within this globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.

The description of this new rhacophorid genus adds to our knowledge on reproductive diversification in one of the most specious groups of neobatrachian amphibians. Such information is essential in understanding the evolution of reproductive strategies that allowed amphibians to occupy a broad variety of ecological niches. 

S. D. Biju, Gayani Senevirathne, Sonali Garg, Stephen Mahony, Rachunliu G. Kamei, Ashish Thomas, Yogesh Shouche, Christopher J. Raxworthy, Madhava Meegaskumbura and Ines Van Bocxlaer. 2016. Frankixalus, A New Rhacophorid Genus of Tree Hole Breeding Frogs with Oophagous Tadpoles. PLoS ONE. 11(1): e0145727. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145727

'Extinct' Frog Rediscovered After 150 Years, Eats Mom's Eggs 

http://on.natgeo.com/1ZMUPEV via  @NatGeo

[Paleontology • 2016] Dracoraptor hanigani • The Oldest Jurassic Dinosaur: A Basal Neotheropod from the Hettangian of Great Britain

Dracoraptor hanigani 

Martill, Vidovic,  Howells & Nudds, 2016

Artwork by Bob Nichols (paleocreations.com). 

 DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0145713

Abstract

Approximately 40% of a skeleton including cranial and postcranial remains representing a new genus and species of basal neotheropod dinosaur is described. It was collected from fallen blocks from a sea cliff that exposes Late Triassic and Early Jurassic marine and quasi marine strata on the south Wales coast near the city of Cardiff. Matrix comparisons indicate that the specimen is from the lithological Jurassic part of the sequence, below the first occurrence of the index ammonite Psiloceras planorbis and above the last occurrence of the Rhaetian conodont Chirodella verecunda. Associated fauna of echinoderms and bivalves indicate that the specimen had drifted out to sea, presumably from the nearby Welsh Massif and associated islands (St David’s Archipelago). Its occurrence close to the base of the Blue Lias Formation (Lower Jurassic, Hettangian) makes it the oldest known Jurassic dinosaur and it represents the first dinosaur skeleton from the Jurassic of Wales. A cladistic analysis indicates basal neotheropodan affinities, but the specimen retains plesiomorphic characters which it shares with Tawa and Daemonosaurus.

Systematic Palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Saurischia Seeley, 1888

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Neotheropoda Bakker, 1986

Dracoraptor gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: DFD000B9-D42B-495D-B807-DCBA3B2C3745

Dracoraptor hanigani sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 21D0AF91-5893-47D6-9C3B-EF985487C60B

Holotype: NMW 2015.5G.1–2015.5G.11 is a disarticulated, but associated partial skeleton with elements of the skull, including both premaxillae, both maxillae, some teeth, a lacrimal, partial jugal, post orbital, squamosal, fragmentary lower jaws and a possible hyoid, and postcranial skeleton including two cervical vertebrae, posterior elements of the vertebral column (lumbar and caudal vertebrae), distal forelimb, ischium and pubis, hind limb with femur, and fragmentary tibia with proximal fibula. There are also cervical ribs, thoracic ribs and several unidentified fragments (Table 1, Fig 5).

Fig 7. Left premaxilla in situ with tooth in lateral view.

 DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0145713

Fig 9. Tooth, assumed to be from right maxilla with which it lies adjacent.
(A) Entire tooth with crown and root. Note that the tip is in good condition with minimal wear.

   DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0145713

Block containing the hip and leg bones of Dracoraptor hanigani

photo: National Museum of Wales  DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0145713

Etymology: The genus name Dracoraptor is from Draco alluding to the dragon of Wales with raptor, meaning robber, a commonly employed suffix for theropod dinosaurs. The species name honours Nick and Rob Hanigan who discovered the skeleton and generously donated it to Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum of Wales.

Locality and horizon: The new specimen was collected from several limestone and mudstone blocks among debris from a small rock fall at the base of the cliff on the east side of Lavernock Point (National Grid reference ST 187681). The cliff at this locality is ~7 m high and exposes the top of the Late Triassic Penarth Group on the east side, and the Blue Lias Formation of the Lower Lias Group forming the point. Structurally this is the southwest dipping limb of the Lavernock syncline in the Bristol Channel Basin (Figs 2–4). The cliff fall in which Dracoraptor was discovered comprises material restricted to the lowest two to three metres of the section and comprises debris mainly from the Bull Cliff Member of the Blue Lias Formation (see above for detailed discussion of the age of these strata). Lithological and bed thickness comparisons indicate that the dinosaur comes from either bed 7 or bed 9 (Fig 4), of the Bull Cliff Member, both of which contain a thin, but distinctive bed of broken calcitic shelly material.

Diagnosis: A basal neotheropod with the following autapomorphies and unique combination of plesiomorphies: Three teeth in the premaxilla, slender maxillary process of jugal, large narial opening with slender subnarial bar, anteriorly directed pubis considerably longer than ischium, and large dorsal process on distal tarsal IV.

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Fig 29. Dracoraptor hanigani restored as a shoreline dwelling predator and scavenger.

Artwork by Bob Nichols (paleocreations.com).

   DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0145713

Discussion

Dracoraptor hanigani is clearly a saurischian dinosaur on account of its pelvic construction, while the possession of serrated, recurved laterally compressed teeth among other characters demonstrates its theropod affinities. The cladistic analysis finds Dracoraptor to lie within Neotheropoda, but is basal within the clade. Dracoraptor can be distinguished from other basal neotheropods from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic on a variety of criteria, not necessarily apomorphic. However, Dracoraptor possesses a combination of basal characters that make it difficult to place phylogenetically. The shallow antorbital fossa of the maxilla, an anteriorly located pleurocoel on the cervical vertebrae and the presence of an obturator notch in the ischium indicates neotheropodan affinities, but many of the other neotheropodan synapomorphies cannot be identified in Dracoraptor. The cladistic analysis recovers Dracoraptor as the sister taxon to “Syntarsus” kayentakatae and all other coelophysids placing it close to the base of Coelophysoidea (Fig 28). However, several of the synapomorphies of Coelophysoidea are coded ‘?’ for Dracoraptor. Notably the horizontal ridge of the maxilla parallel to the tooth row cannot be seen as both left and right maxillae expose their internal surface. The sublacrimal process of the jugal of Dracoraptor is certainly not pointed as it is in some non-coelophysoid theropods, but this process is slender, slightly damaged and it is ambiguous as to whether it is bluntly rounded which is typical for coelophysoids. Dracoraptor retains many basal features, and would appear to be very basal within Neotheropoda. It is likely that further preparation of the specimen will enable the identification of additional characters that may better resolve its phylogenetic affinities.

The presence of Dracoraptor in marine strata may be of little significance with regard to the animal’s autecology, but we have restored it as a shore-line dwelling animal (Fig 29).

David M. Martill, Steven U. Vidovic, Cindy Howells and John R. Nudds. 2016. The Oldest Jurassic Dinosaur: A Basal Neotheropod from the Hettangian of Great Britain.
PLoS ONE. 11(1): e0145713.  DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0145713

Welsh dinosaur bones confirmed as new Jurassic species

Named Dracoraptor hanigani, meaning ‘dragon robber’, the dog-sized meat-eating predator is ‘the best dinosaur fossil Wales has ever had’

  http://gu.com/p/4g2vd/stw

Dinosaur discovered: UK's oldest known species of Jurassic dinosaur found in Wales is a distant relative of the T Rex http://ibt.uk/A6SO9  @IBTimesUK #walesdinosaur

‘Dragon thief’ dinosaur named | UoP News http://www.port.ac.uk/uopnews/2016/01/20/dragon-thief-dinosaur-named/

[Herpetology • 2016] Cyrtodactylus rufford • A New Cave-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos

Cyrtodactylus rufford

Luu, Calame, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2016

FIGURE 3. Dorsal view of the paratype of Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov. (IEBR R.2015.34) in life from Khammouane Province, central Laos. 

Photo: V. Q. Luu.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4067.2.4

Abstract

We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus from Khammouane Province, central Laos based on morphological and molecular data. Morphologically, Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov. differs from its congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: medium size, SVL reaching 72.5 mm; dorsal pattern with three or four light transverse bands between limb insertions; one intersupranasal; 14–16 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, weakly developed in the paravertebral region; 27–29 ventral scale rows between ventrolateral folds; 42–43 precloacal and femoral pores in a continuous row in males, enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; 4 or 5 postcloacal tubercles on each side; dorsal tubercles present at base of tail; medial subcaudal scales enlarged. Molecular analyses show that the new species is closely related to C. khammouanensis, which was originally described from Khammouane Province.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov., Khammouane Province, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Etymology. The  new  species  is  named  in  honour  of  the  Rufford  Foundation  (UK)  for  its  support  to  herpetofaunal research and conservation in Laos. The species epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition, invariable. As common names, we suggest Ki Chiem Rufford (Laotian) and Rufford Bent-toed Gecko (English).

Natural history. The type series of the new species was found between 20:00 and 21:00, on a karst cliff near the entrance of Nang Log Cave, from 0.3 m to 2 m height above the forest floor, at elevations between 160 and 180 m a.s.l. Nang Log Cave is situated within an isolated karst mountain surrounded by secondary forest, plantations, and some huts for tourists. The cave is a tourism site, only 50 m distant from Road 12 and 64 km from the border of Vietnam. The humidity was approximately 80% and the air temperature ranged from 24 to 26°C (Fig. 5). Other species found on the same karst wall within a 300 meters range of the type locality were the lizard Gekko gecko (Linnaeus), and the tree frog species Rhacophorus spelaeus Orlov, Gnophanxay, Phimminith & Phomphoumy, as well  as  the  Huntsman  Spider  Heteropoda  maxima  Jaeger,  and  the  long-legged  cave  centipede  Thereuopoda longicornis (Fabricius). 

Vinh Quang Luu, Thomas Calame, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. Cyrtodactylus rufford, A New Cave-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos.
Zootaxa. 4067(2);  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4067.2.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/291339874_Cyrtodactylus_rufford_a_new_cave-dwelling_bent-toed_gecko_Squamata_Gekkonidae_from_Khammouane_Province_central_Laos

[Herpetology • 2016] Blythophryne beryet • A New Genus and Species of Arboreal Toad (Anura, Bufonidae) with Phytotelmonous Larvae, from the Andaman Islands, India

Andaman Bush Toad |  Blythophryne beryet

 Chandramouli, Vasudevan, Harikrishnan, Dutta, Janani, Sharma, Das & Aggarwal, 2016

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.555.6522 

Abstract

A new bufonid amphibian, belonging to a new monotypic genus, is described from the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, Republic of India, based on unique external morphological and skeletal characters which are compared with those of known Oriental and other relevant bufonid genera. Blythophryne gen. n. is distinguished from other bufonid genera by its small adult size (mean SVL 24.02 mm), the presence of six presacral vertebrae, an absence of coccygeal expansions, presence of an elongated pair of parotoid glands, expanded discs at digit tips and phytotelmonous tadpoles that lack oral denticles. The taxonomic and phylogenetic position of the new taxon (that we named as Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n.) was ascertained by comparing its 12S and 16S partial genes with those of Oriental and other relevant bufonid lineages. Resulting molecular phylogeny supports the erection of a novel monotypic genus for this lineage from the Andaman Islands of India.

Keywords: Amphibian, bufonid, tadpole, rRNA, molecular phylogeny, skeletal characters

Figure 1. Morphological characters of the Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n.: a dorso-lateral view b dorsal view c ventral view d ventral view of left palm e ventral view of left foot of the adult female holotype (ZSI_A-12521) in life f adult female holotype in preservation g dorsal view of the male paratype (ZSI_A-12529) in life showing inverted-V shaped markings and the inter-ocular band on the dorsum.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.555.6522

Systematics

Blythophryne gen. n.

http://zoobank.org/2BAB0154-53B8-43E3-BB14-F36F12FDD8DE

Type species: Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. by monotypy (Fig. 1, Table 4).

Etymology: The generic name is a patronym, coined in appreciation of Edward Blyth (1810–1873), the first curator of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, who initiated herpetological studies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, through his phenomenal, pioneering paper “Notes on the fauna of the Nicobar islands” (Blyth 1846). Das (1999) remarked, “Blyth is to be credited for the description of a large number of species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that are still valid. Blyth (1846) wrote the first account on the vertebrate fauna of these islands, and in 1863, compiled the first check-list”. Further details of Edward Blyth and his contributions to studies on Indian natural history are in Das (2004) and Sridharan (2013). The specific epithet ‘beryet’ (in Great Andamanese language; Andamanese.net) refers to ‘small frog’. We believe that the Great Andamanese knew of the existence of this small arboreal anuran that is here described as new species to science. We hope the name given here will also raise awareness about the dwindling, indigenous tribal populations in the Andamans, their culture and extinction of their tribal languages.

Vernacular name: ‘Andaman Bush Toad’ is proposed as the common English name for this new species, indicating its arboreal habit and restricted distribution as understood currently.

Figure 5. a A live, uncollected specimen of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. showing milky white secretion from the parotoid gland b Amplecting pair (live, uncollected) of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. showing axillary amplexus.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.555.6522

Figure 6. a Eggs and hatchling tadpoles of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n.  b, c endotrophic larvae of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. showing pale white abdominal yolk d Lateral view of a Stage 43 tadpole of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. e Oral disc of a Stage 35 larva of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n., showing absence of keratodont and the presence of keratinised jaw sheaths f a metamorph of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. showing initiation of tail absorption.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.555.6522

Distribution: This species has been documented from five islands of the Andaman archipelago, namely, the South Andaman (Mt. Harriet), Rutland, Little Andaman, Havelock Island in the Ritchie’s Archipelago and North Andaman (Saddle Peak) (Fig. 4).

Figure 4. Map showing distribution of Blythophryne beryet gen. et sp. n. in the Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal, India. Holotype collected from Mt Harriet (indicated with a red triangle).

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.555.6522

S. R. Chandramouli, Karthikeyan Vasudevan, S Harikrishnan, Sushil Kumar Dutta, S Jegath Janani, Richa Sharma, Indraneil Das and Ramesh Aggarwal. 2016. A New Genus and Species of Arboreal Toad with Phytotelmonous Larvae, from the Andaman Islands, India (Lissamphibia, Anura, Bufonidae). ZooKeys. 555: 57-90. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.555.6522