[Botany / Ecology • 2014] True Mangrove Species of Sundarbans Delta, West Bengal, Eastern India

Figure 4. The mangrove forest of Indian Sundarbans, showing the woody nature of the true mangrove plants.
Figure 5. Representative images of adaptive features for true mangroves in Indian Sundarbans:
 (d) Pneumatophores in Avicennia officinalis, (e) Knee roots in Xylocarpus mekongensis, (f) Stilt roots in Rhizophora mucronata

Abstract

 Varied opinions exist as to the species composition and ecological distinction of mangrove habitats of the Indian Sundarbans. Furthermore, distinction of true or major mangroves from mangrove-associate and minor species was left unresolved by past authors. The present study thus aimed to revise a species list of true mangroves in the Indian Sundarbans delta. An indexing of adaptive morpho-physiological characters of mangroves for the tidal-saline environment was conducted. The analysis illustrated 24 species of true mangroves in Indian Sundarbans, belonging to nine families. Of these, Rhizophoraceae showed maximum richness at each of the generic and specific categories assessed. The current study has highlighted the taxonomic richness and status of true mangrove from Indian Sundarbans, resolving the long debated distinction of true from minor and associate mangroves. 

Barik, J.; S. Chowdhury. 2014. True Mangrove Species of Sundarbans Delta, West Bengal, Eastern India. Check List. 10(2):329-334.

http://www.checklist.org.br/getpdf?SL137-13

[Herpetology • 2014] Hylarana‬ centropeninsularis • A ‪‎New Species‬ of ‪‎Frog‬ of the Hylarana signata Complex (Anura: Ranidae) from Peninsular Malaysia‬

Hylarana‬ centropeninsularis

Chan, Brown, Lim, Ahmad & Grismer 2014 ‪

Abstract

We describe a new species of ranid frog from the Hylarana signata complex in Peninsular Malaysia based on morphological and genetic differentiation. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) adult males reaching 37.4–37.6 mm snout–vent length; (2) nuptial pads absent in males; (3) humeral glands in males large; (4) webbing on toes reduced, one phalanx free of web on postaxial side of Toe II and pre-axial side of Toe V; (5) dorsolateral stripe straight, continuous, red to orange in color; (6) middorsal region black, unmarked; (7) flanks black, coloration unstratified; (8) flanks, dorsal surfaces of limbs, and upper lip with large, round, yellow spots; (9) venter grayish-brown, with light spots on throat and light reticulations on ventrum. The new species is phenotypically most similar to Hylarana siberu but differs by having larger, more-dense, and more-rounded spots on the flanks and dorsal side of limbs, larger spots along the entire upper lip, and having light, distinct spots on the throat and light reticulations on the ventrum. We use mitochondrial data to estimate genealogical relationships and genetic divergences between the new species, H. siberu, a related and undescribed Sumatran population, and other members of the H. signata complex. These data unequivocally support the specific recognition of the new taxon and provide insights into its evolutionary relationships.

Keywords: Hylarana debussyi, H. siberu, Morphology, Sumatra, Systematics, Taxonomy

 Hylarana‬ centropeninsularis Chan, Brown, Lim, Ahmad & Grismer 2014 ‪

[Rana siberu Leong and Lim, 2004:261

Hylarana siberu Chan and Norhayati, 2009:295; Chan et al., 2010:203]

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin prefix ‘‘centro’’ (root = centrum) and the root ‘‘peninsularis’’ in reference to the type and only known localities of the new species in central Peninsular Malaysia.

Distribution: The new species is currently known from two adjacent localities in Pahang, central Peninsular Malaysia.

Kin Onn Chan, Rafe M. Brown, Kelvin K.P. Lim, Norhayati Ahmad and Lee Grismer. 2014. A ‪‎New Species‬ of ‪‎Frog‬ (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae) of the Hylarana signata Complex from Peninsular Malaysia‬. Herpetologica. 70(2):228-240. http://dx.doi.org/10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-13-00057

rejang-lebong.blogspot.com

[Herpetology • 2014] Scaphiophryne matsoko • An Enigmatic New Scaphiophryne toadlet (Anura: Microhylidae) from the Rainforests of north-eastern Madagascar

Abstract

A new species of Scaphiophryne is described from north-eastern Madagascar. The new toadlet species is probably at least partly fossorial as can be judged from its large and sharp metatarsal tubercle, and seems to lead a secretive or strictly seasonal life since very few adult specimens were collected despite intensive field surveys in the region. The new species differs from all other Scaphiophryne, among other characters, by the absence of a tarsal tubercle and reminds the genus Paradoxophyla in its strongly marbled ventral pattern on belly and hindlimbs, and by its triangular head shape with pointed snout. 

Key words Anura; Microhylidae; Scaphiophryne; Scaphiophryne matsoko sp. n.; Marotondrano Special Reserve; tarsal tubercle.

Etymology. The species epithet is a noun in apposition to the genus name, derived from the Malagasy adjective "matsoko", used as to indicate something pointed for ward. It is used in this context to indicate to the pointed shape of the head of this species.

Distribution. The new species is known from (1) the type locality, Marotondrano Special Reserve, (2) Ambatovaky Special Reserve, (3) Ankarana River near Antalaha, (4) Tsararano and (5) Besariaka (see Fig. 5). All collecting sites are located at low to mid-altitudes (70 – 850 m asl) in north-eastern Madagascar.

Achille P. Raselimanana, Christopher J. Raxworthy, Franco Andreone, Frank Glaw & Miguel Vences. 2014. An Enigmatic New Scaphiophryne toadlet from the Rainforests of north-eastern Madagascar (Amphibia: Microhylidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 64 (1) 

http://www.senckenberg.de/files/content/forschung/publikationen/vertebratezoology/vz64-1/07_vertebrate_zoology_64-1_vences_95-102.pdf

[Herpetology • 2006] Paradoxophyla tiarano • A New Narrow-mouthed Frog of the Genus Paradoxophyla (Microhylidae: Scaphiophryninae) from Masoala rainforest, northeastern Madagascar

Paradoxophyla tiarano

Andreone, Aprea, Odierna, & Vences, 2006


Abstract
 A new microhylid frog of the genus Paradoxophyla is described from the rainforests of northeastern Madagascar (Masoala). Paradoxophyla tiarano n. sp. was found in still waters within rainforest. In external morphology it is similar to P. palmata, hitherto the only known species belonging to this genus, but it differs by a much less extended foot webbing. We also provide a description of the probable tadpole of the species, which is a specialized suspension feeder of the typical microhylid type. The new species also differs from P. palmata in karyology and mitochondrial DNA sequences. Paradoxophyla tiarano n. sp. is currently known from Masoala, but we suspect that its distribution might extend over a wider area in northeastern Madagascar.
Key Words. Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae, Paradoxophyla, New species, Madagascar

Etymology: The specific epithet “tiarano” (pronounced: tee-how-row-noo) is a Malagasy term composed by two words: “tia”, which means “love” and “to love,” “to like,” and “rano,” meaning “water.” The name means “that one loving the water,” and is used as a noun in apposition, underlining the aquatic habits of this frog.

 Andreone, F., Aprea, G., Odierna, G., & Vences, M. 2006. A New Narrow-mouthed Frog of the Genus Paradoxophyla (Microhylidae: Scaphiophryninae) from Masoala rainforest, northeastern Madagascar. Acta Herpetologica. 1: 15-27.

francoandreone.it/docs/Andreone%20et%20al._Paradoxophyla.pdf

[Herpetology • 2005] Scaphiophryne menabensis • A New Species of Scapiophryne from western Madagascar

Scaphiophryne menabensis Glos , Glaw & Vences 2005

 Abstract

We describe the adult and larval morphology, advertisement call, ecology, and life history of a new species of Marbled Toad from the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar on the basis of eight specimens from Kirindy Forest C. F. P. F. in the central Menabe area. Scaphiophryne menabensis n. sp. is larger, but morphologically similar to S. marmorata from the eastern rainforests. However, DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene resulted in a clear differentiation from this species. The strongest mitochondrial affinities are with S. madagascariensis, a morphologically highly divergent species occurring in montane savanna and forest areas on the high plateau of Madagascar.

Julian Glos , Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. 2005 A New Species of Scapiophryne from western Madagascar. Copeia. 2005(2): 252-261
doi: dx.doi.org/10.1643/CH-04-238R2 jstor.org/stable/4098531

http://www.serpentes.ru/forums/index.php?topic=3068.0

http://www.fonozoo.com/eng/verfichapu2.php?id=607469

[Herpetology • 2003] A Revision of the Scaphiophryne marmorata Complex of Marbled Toads from Madagascar, including the Description of A New Species; Scaphiophryne boribory

female Scaphiophryne boribory 

photo: Olaf Pronk | https://flic.kr/p/dM2LPR

Scaphiophryne boribory 

Vences, Raxworthy, Nussbaum & Glaw, 2003

A revision of the available material hitherto assigned to the endemic Malagasy microhylid toad Scaphiophryne marmorata finds this taxon to be a complex of three species. In this study we resurrect Scaphiophryne spinosa Steindachner, 1882 from the synonymy of S. marmorata and describe a new species from central eastern Madagascar. These three Scaphiophryne species are characterized by their distinctly expanded terminal finger discs, a character only shared with S. gottlebei. S. spinosa is characterized by a highly granular back, with large spiny tubercles above the forelimb insertion and in the tympanic region, while S. marmorata is dorsally covered by less prominent and more regular tubercles. The new species is distinguished from both S. marmorata and S. spinosa by its large body size (SVL 47-60 mm), a smoother dorsal skin, and reddish terminal finger discs in life. S. spinosa is distributed in low- and mid-altitude rainforests along the east coast, whereas the new species is only known from mid-altitude rainforest in the

Fierenana region. In contrast, records of S. marmorata include eastern mid-altitude rainforests

and several more arid western sites.

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Madagascar, Microhylidae, frog taxonomy.

Etymology. The specific name is an unlatinized epithet derived from the Malagasy adjective boribory (=rounded), and refers to the stout and rounded body shape of this species.

Distribution. Only known from two specific sites in the Fierenana region, central eastern Madagascar (Fig.3): (1) Ampahanana, and (2) Sahanomanana.

Venesci, M; Raxworthy, C. J.; Nussbaum, R. A.; Glaw, F. 2003. A Revision of the Scaphiophryne marmorata Complex of Marbled Toads from Madagascar, including the description of a new species. Herpetological Journal 13: 69–79.

Jeanneney Rabearivony, Achille P. Raselimanana, Manajary A. Andriamazava, Russell Thorstrom and Lily-Arison Rene de Roland. 2010. A new locality for the endangered microhylid frog Scaphiophryne boribory from northern Madagascar and a rapid survey of other amphibians of the Bemanevika region. Herpetology Notes. 3: 105-109

http://www.peregrinefund.org/docs/pdf/research-library/2010/2010-Rabearivony-microhylid.pdf

[Paleontology • 2014] The Cretaceous (Cenomanian) continental record of the Laje do Coringa flagstone (Alcântara Formation), Brazil, northeastern South America

Fig. 4. On land: sauropod titanosaurids (left) and andesaurids (right); theropod spinosaurid (center) and noasaurid (right); sawfish Atlanticopristis equatorialis. Flying: Anhangueridae.
In the water: left – Mawsonia gigas (close to the surface), Pycnodontiform (middle) Myliobatis sp. (botton); right – Tribodus sp. (sharks), Lepidotes sp. (up), ceratodontid (middle), and the sawfish Onchopristis sp. (background).

illustration: Rodolfo Nogueira 

Highlights

• A summary of the Cretaceous flora and fauna of Alcântara Formation, Brazil.

• Evidence of the existence of a trans-oceanic Gondwanan fauna until the Cenomanian.

• Forested areas surrounded by dry environment in Brazilian northeastern coast.

Abstract

The fossil taxa of the Cenomanian continental flora and fauna of São Luís Basin are observed primarily in the bone bed of the Laje do Coringa, Alcântara Formation. Many of the disarticulated fish and tetrapod skeletal and dental elements are remarkably similar to the chronocorrelate fauna of Northern Africa. In this study, we present a summary of the continental flora and fauna of the Laje do Coringa bone-bed. The record emphasizes the existence of a trans-oceanic typical fauna, at least until the early Cenomanian, which may be interpreted as minor evolutionary changes after a major vicariant event or as a result of a land bridge across the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, thereby allowing interchanges between South America and Africa. The paleoenvironmental conditions in the northern Maranhão State coast during that time were inferred as forested humid areas surrounded by an arid to semi-arid landscape.

Keywords: Alcântara Formation; São Luís Basin; Cretaceous; Cenomanian

Manuel Alfredo Medeiros, Rafael Matos Lindoso, Ighor Dienes Mendes and Ismar de Souza Carvalho. 2014. The Cretaceous (Cenomanian) continental record of the Laje do Coringa flagstone (Alcântara Formation), northeastern South America. Journal of South American Earth Sciences. 53, 50–58. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2014.04.002

[Herpetology • 2014] Nyctibatrachus kumbara | Kumbara Night Frog • A Novel Breeding Behaviour and Parental Care in A Stream Dwelling New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) from the Western Ghats of India

Nyctibatrachus kumbara 

Gururaja, Dinesh, Priti & Ravikanth. 2014

A female (left) and male Kumbara Night Frog during their mating ritual.

Photo: K. V. Gururaja | newswatch.nationalgeographic.com

Abstract

Reproductive modes are diverse and unique in anurans. Selective pressures of evolution, ecology and environment are attributed to such diverse reproductive modes. Globally forty different reproductive modes in anurans have been described to date. The genus Nyctibatrachus has been recently revised and belongs to an ancient lineage of frog families in the Western Ghats of India. Species of this genus are known to exhibit mountain associated clade endemism and novel breeding behaviours. The purpose of this study is to present unique reproductive behaviour, oviposition and parental care in a new species Nyctibatrachus kumbara sp. nov. which is described in the paper. Nyctibatrachus kumbara sp. nov. is a medium sized stream dwelling frog. It is distinct from the congeners based on a suite of morphological characters and substantially divergent in DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Males exhibit parental care by mud packing the egg clutch. Such parental care has so far not been described from any other frog species worldwide. Besides this, we emphasize that three co-occurring congeneric species of Nyctibatrachus, namely N. jog, N. kempholeyensis and Nyctibatrachus kumbara sp. nov. from the study site differ in breeding behaviour, which could represent a case of reproductive character displacement. These three species are distinct in their size, call pattern, reproductive behaviour, maximum number of eggs in a clutch, oviposition and parental care, which was evident from the statistical analysis. The study throws light on the reproductive behaviour of Nyctibatrachus kumbara sp. nov. and associated species to understand the evolution and adaptation of reproductive modes of anurans in general, and Nyctibatrachus in particular from the Western Ghats.

Keywords: Axillary amplexus, oviposition, Kathalekan, mud pack, Myristica swamps, reproductive character displacement, Western Ghats

Gururaja, K. V., K. P. Dinesh, H. Priti & G. Ravikanth. 2014. Mud-Packing Frog: A Novel Breeding Behaviour and Parental Care in A Stream Dwelling New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Amphibia, Anura, Nyctibatrachidae). Zootaxa. 3796(1): 33–61. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3796.1.2

http://www.atree.org/sites/default/files/articles/mudpacking_frog_zootaxa.pdf

New Frog Mates Doing Handstands, Does “Pottery” http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/05/16/new-species-frogs-animals-india-mating @NatGeo

[Herpetology • 2014] DNA Barcoding reveals Unprecedented Diversity in Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Micrixalus): A Taxonomic Revision with Description of 14 New Species

Abstract

In this study, we investigate species level diversity in the monotypic frog family Micrixalidae, which is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. Attempting the first nearcomplete taxon sampling of Indian dancing frogs from the entire Western Ghats, we use 138 tissue samples collected from 70 localities over the last 12 years for DNA barcoding. Our results of multiple mitochondrial gene (16S and COI) barcoding reveal unexpectedly high species level diversity in the genus Micrixalus. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we herein describe 14 new species, leading to a more than two-fold increase in the number of known species in this ancient lineage. Additionally, certain taxonomic uncertainties about the status of previously known taxa in this genus are resolved. Micrixalus narainensis and M. swamianus are considered as junior subjective synonyms of M. kottigeharensis, whereas M. herrei is resurrected from synonymy of M. fuscus and confirmed as a valid species. Taxonomic accounts of three species—M. elegans, M. silvaticus and M. thampi—are provided for the first time after their original descriptions. For nomenclatural stability, M. fuscus, M. saxicola and M. silvaticus are lectotypified, and M. elegans and M. kottigeharensis are neotypified. Detailed descriptions, morphological and genetic comparisons, illustrations, data on distribution, and natural history are provided for all species. We also provide the first osteological description of M. fuscus, the type species of the genus Micrixalus, and we report foot-flagging behavior in a total eight species, including two for which it has been studied previously. Overall, our results highlight the underestimation of true diversity in several amphibian groups of the Western Ghats, suggesting that spatial patterns of amphibian richness and endemism in this region need to be further re-examined.

Keywords: Micrixalus; Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot; endemic family; foot-flagging; osteology; ancient lineage

Figure 5. Schematic illustration of breeding behaviour in Micrixalus:
A. male calling and foot tapping, B. male foot flagging with simultaneous calling, C. male kicking another intruding male, D. female approaching a calling male, E. male and female in amplexus, moving inside the water, F. amplected pair with their heads emerging out of water, and female digging a cavity on the stream bed with the help of hindlimbs, G. female releasing eggs inside the cavity, H. male detaching from the female, I. female covering the eggs with sand and gravel using hindlimbs.

In the illustration, male is shown in light grey, and female in dark grey.

  

  

SD Biju, Sonali Garg, KV Gururaja, Yogesh Shouche, Sandeep A Walujkar. 2014. DNA Barcoding reveals Unprecedented Diversity in Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Micrixalus): A Taxonomic Revision with Description of 14 New Species.  Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.). 43(1); 

DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v43i1.6850

ResearchGate.net/publication/273421686_DNA_barcoding_reveals_unprecedented_diversity_in_Dancing_Frogs_of_India_(Micrixalidae_Micrixalus)_a_taxonomic_revision_with_description_of_14_new_species

facebook.com/BijuSDas

14 NEW SPECIES of Dancing Frogs: Today our article ‘DNA barcoding reveals unprecedented diversity in Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Micrixalus): a taxonomic revision with description of 14 new species’ got published. This extensive work was done over the period of last 12 years and by the year 2013 we had some exciting results. Finally today our work is published. Authors: SD Biju, Sonali Garg, KV Gururaja, Yogesh Shouche, Sandeep Walujkar.

For original publication visit http://www.sljol.info/index.php/CJSBS/article/view/6850

Digging for dancing FROGS: Researchers uncover 14 new species
http://dailym.ai/1mGEkad via @MailOnline

[Mammalogy • 2014] Biogeography and Taxonomy of Extinct and Endangered Monk Seals (Monachus & Neomonachus gen. nov.) Illuminated by Ancient DNA and Skull Morphology

recently extinct Caribbean monk seal, now classified as Neomonachus tropicalis

illustration: Peter Schouten

Abstract

Extinctions and declines of large marine vertebrates have major ecological impacts and are of critical concern in marine environments. The Caribbean monk seal, Monachus tropicalis, last definitively reported in 1952, was one of the few marine mammal species to become extinct in historical times. Despite its importance for understanding the evolutionary biogeography of southern phocids, the relationships of M. tropicalis to the two living species of critically endangered monk seals have not been resolved. In this study we present the first molecular data for M. tropicalis, derived from museum skins. Phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome b sequences indicates that M. tropicalis was more closely related to the Hawaiian rather than the Mediterranean monk seal. Divergence time estimation implicates the formation of the Panamanian Isthmus in the speciation of Caribbean and Hawaiian monk seals. Molecular, morphological and temporal divergence between the Mediterranean and “New World monk seals” (Hawaiian and Caribbean) is profound, equivalent to or greater than between sister genera of phocids. As a result, we classify the Caribbean and Hawaiian monk seals together in a newly erected genus, Neomonachus. The two genera of extant monk seals (Monachus and Neomonachus) represent old evolutionary lineages each represented by a single critically endangered species, both warranting continuing and concerted conservation attention and investment if they are to avoid the fate of their Caribbean relative.

Keywords: Ancient DNA, extinction, mitochondrial DNA, Panamanian Seaway, Phocidae, systematics

Martin-Scheel D, Slater GJ, Kolokotronis S-O, Potter CW, Rotstein DS, Tsangaras K, Greenwood AD, Helgen KM. 2014. Biogeography and Taxonomy of Extinct and Endangered Monk Seals Illuminated by Ancient DNA and Skull Morphology. ZooKeys 409: 1-33. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.409.6244

Extinct relative helps to reclassify the world's remaining two species of monk seal

http://phys.org/news/2014-05-extinct-relative-reclassify-world-species.html

Scientists uncover new marine mammal genus, represented by single endangered species http://news.mongabay.com/2014/0514-hance-monk-seal-genus.html 

[Cetology • 2005] Orcaella heinsohni | Australian Snubfin Dolphin • Description of A New Dolphin (Cetacea, Delphinidae) found off the northern coasts of Australia

Orcaella heinsohni Beasley, Robertson & Arnold, 2005
Australian Snubfin Dolphin 

Abstract

Comparisons of the Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris, between Australian and Asian sites documented geographic differences in height of dorsal fin, presence or absence of a median dorsal groove in front of the dorsal fin, and coloration (presence or absence of a dorsal cape). Analysis of genetic data provided support for two clades within the Asian samples, the Mekong River samples from Cambodia and southern Laos, and all other marine and freshwater sites from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The major separation, however, was between sites in Asia and those from Australia (5.9% of base pair differences, compared with 1.2% for within Australia and 1.5% for within Asia). Within a 403 base segment of the mtDNA control region, Australian specimens had 17 diagnostic sites with 16 fixed base pair differences and one insertion/deletion. Consistent, statistically significant differences in skull characters of Australian specimens have previously been demonstrated and are reviewed in this paper. There was a high concordance in character differences demonstrated between O. brevirostris from all Asian sites and Australian specimens, especially in the genetic and osteological characters. Based on the range and concordance of character differences, we propose that the Australian dolphins be recognized as a new species, Orcaella heinsohni (suggested common name: Australian snubfin dolphin).

Keywords: Irrawaddy dolphin; snubfm dolphin; Orcaella brevirostris; Orcaella heinsohni; taxonomy; skull morphology; geographic variation; molecular analyses; external morphomerrics

Beasley, Isabel; Robertson, Kelly M. & Arnold, Peter W. 2005. Description of A New Dolphin, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni sp. n. (Cetacea, Delphinidae). Marine Mammal Science. 21(3): 365-400. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2005.tb01239.x

Australian Snubfin Dolphin - Mammals Reference Library http://po.st/di5L36 

[Herpetology • 2014] Hyloscirtus condor • A New Species of Tree Frog of the Genus Hyloscirtus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from the Cordillera del Condor, southern Ecuador

Hyloscirtus condor

zoologia.puce.edu.ec |  FaunaWebEcuador 

 Abstract

Ecuadorian frogs of genus Hyloscirtus comprises 16 described species, of which eleven belong to the H. larinopygion group. They are restricted to the flanks of the Andes, both east and west. An assessment of the herpetofauna in the southern part of Cordillera del Condor (montane forests on sandstone plateaus) province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, led to the discovery of a new species for the group, which we describe herein as Hyloscirtus condor sp. nov. We herein analyze the tadpoles and advertisement calls, as well as estimate the phylogenetic relationships of the new and related species, based on new sequences of mitochondrial genes 12S, tRNAValy 16S, until a total of 2508 bp. The results show that the group H. larinopygion comprises two clades: one occurring in the northern and central Andes, and the second in the south. The new species belongs to the southern clade, is sister to H. tapichalaca, and a seemingly undescribed species from Provincia Morona Santiago. The new species differs from all its congeners in color pattern, which consists of dark yellow dots on a tan background. It is the largest species of the H. larinopygion group and shares with H. tapichalaca the presence of a large prepollical curved spine and hypertrophied forearms. The new species inhabits a remote and well-preserved area of Cordillera del Condor. The discovery of new species and others at the site denotes the biological importance of this area and encourages the development of conservation plans.

Keywords: New species; Hylidae; Hyloscirtus condor; Ecuador; Phylogenia; Ecological information.

ALMENDARIZ, Ana; BRITO, Jorge; BATALLAS, Diego  and  RON, Santiago. 2014. Una especie nueva de rana arbórea del género Hyloscirtus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) de la Cordillera del Cóndor [A New Species of Tree Frog of the Genus Hyloscirtus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from the Cordillera del Condor]. Pap. Avulsos Zool. (São Paulo). 54(4); 33-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.04.

academia.edu/6705955/Una_especie_nueva_de_rana_arborea_del_genero_Hyloscirtus_Amphibia_Anura_Hylidae_de_la_Cordillera_del_Condor
readcube.com/articles/10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.04

[Paleontology • 2014] Zby atlanticus • a new turiasaurian sauropod (Dinosauria, Eusauropoda) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal

Zby atlanticus Mateus, Mannion & Upchurch, 2014

PaleoArt by EloyManzanero.deviantart.com

ABSTRACT

Here we describe a new partial sauropod skeleton from the late Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic) of the Lourinhã Formation, central west Portugal. The closely associated specimen comprises a complete tooth (with root), a fragment of cervical neural arch, an anterior chevron, and an almost complete right pectoral girdle and forelimb. The new sauropod, Zby atlanticus, n. gen. et sp., can be diagnosed on the basis of four autapomorphies, including a prominent posteriorly projecting ridge on the humerus at the level of the deltopectoral crest. Nearly all anatomical features indicate that Zby is a non-neosauropod eusauropod. On the basis of several characters, including tooth morphology, extreme anteroposterior compression of the proximal end of the radius, and strong beveling of the lateral half of the distal end of the radius, Zby appears to be closely related to Turiasaurus riodevensis from approximately contemporaneous deposits in eastern Spain. However, these two genera can be distinguished from each other by a number of features pertaining to the forelimb. Whereas previously described Late Jurassic Portuguese sauropods show close relationships with taxa from the contemporaneous Morrison Formation of North America, it appears that turiasaurians were restricted to Europe. All adult sauropods recovered in the Late Jurassic of Portugal thus far are very large individuals: it is possible that the apparent absence of small- or medium-sized adult sauropods might be related to the occupation of lower-browsing niches by non-sauropods such as the long-necked stegosaur Miragaia longicollum.

Zby atlanticus skeleton

lusodinos.blogspot.com

Mateus, O. V.; Mannion, P. D.; Upchurch, P. 2014. Zby atlanticus, a new turiasaurian sauropod (Dinosauria, Eusauropoda) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 34 (3): 618. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2013.822875

http://www.hablandodeciencia.com/articulos/2012/08/31/dinosaurios-ibericos

http://sciencythoughts.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-turiasaurian-sauropod-from-late.html

[Mammalogy • 2014] Miniopterus maghrebensis | Maghrebian Bent-wing Bat • A new species of the Miniopterus schreibersii species complex (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from the Maghreb Region, North Africa

Maghrebian Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus maghrebensis Puechmaille, Allegrini, Benda, Bilgin, Ibañez & Juste 2014

Abstract

We used an integrative approach combining cranio-dental characters, mitochondrial and nuclear data and acoustic data to show the presence in the genus Miniopterus of a cryptic species from the Maghreb region. This species was previously recognised as Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817). Miniopterus maghrebensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from M. schreibersii sensu stricto on the basis of cranial characters and from mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite evidence. Although slight external morphological and acoustic differences were noted between the two species, these criteria alone did not allow reliable species identification from live animals. Based on the specimens identified morphologically and/or genetically, the distribution range of M. maghrebensis sp. nov. extends from northern Morocco to south of the High Atlas Mountains and northern Tunisia. The new cryptic species is found in sympatry with M. schreibersii s.str. near coastal regions of North Africa.

Keywords: Bats, cryptic species, echolocation, Mammalia, Morocco

FIGURE 2. Photographs of Miniopterus maghrebensis sp. nov. individuals from the type locality Kef Azigza Cave, showing the typical appearance of the species. Note that a) was photographed with day light and a flash while b) was photographed during night time with a flash, hence the apparent pelage colour differences (photographs by Jaroslav Červený & Antonín Reiter respectively).
FIGURE 10. Hypothetical distribution maps of Miniopterus maghrebensis sp. nov. and M. schreibersii s.str. (Kuhl, 1817). Sites with confirmed species identifications are: 1: Kef Azigza Cave (or Tazzouguert Cave); 2: Oued El Ammar, Sebt-es-Âït-Serhrouchèn; 3: Oued Tessaoud, Talknout; 4: Talmat; 5: Win-Timdouine & Oued Emi Oggoug; 6: Zaghouan mine; 7: Ichkeul National Park; 8: Iberia.

Etymology. The name maghrebensis refers to the region (the Maghreb; the region of northern Africa located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sahara) where the new species was discovered. The proposed vernacular names are Maghrebian Bent-wing Bat (English), Minioptère du Maghreb (French)

Puechmaille, Sebastien J., Benjamin Allegrini, Petr Benda, Kanat Gürün, Jan Šrámek, Carlos Ibañez, Javier Juste & Rasit Bilgin. 2014. A new species of the Miniopterus schreibersii species complex (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from the Maghreb Region, North Africa. Zootaxa. 3794(1): 108–124.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3794.1.4

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/zt03794p124.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Polychrus jacquelinae • A New Bush Anole (Iguanidae, Polychrotinae) from the upper Marañon basin, Peru, with a redescription of Polychrus peruvianus (Noble, 1924) and additional information on Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845

Polychrus jaqcuelinae sp. n. from La Libertad, Peru: male holotype CORBIDI 7725 with normal  colouration A photograph by M. León, in stress colouration B photograph by M. León, subadult male C ZFMK 91763, female D CORBIDI 5742, photograph by M. León, close-up of the head of one female E, ZFMK 91764.

Polychrus jacquelinae Koch, Venegas, Garcia-Bravo & Böhme, 2011

Abstract

We herein describe a new colorful species of Polychrus with a conspicuous sexual dimorphism from the dry forest of the northern portion of Región de La Libertad, Peru. The new species differs from all other Polychrus species, in that this species has very small dorsal scales and thus a higher number of scales around midbody and in the middorsal line from behind the occipital scales to the level of the posterior edge of the thigh. Furthermore, we redescribe Polychrus peruvianus whose original description is short and lacks information on intraspecific variation and sexual dimorphism. Also, we add some information on intraspecific variation and ecology of Polychrus gutturosus. Finally, we synonymize Polychrus spurrelli Boulenger with Polychrus gutturosus.

Keywords: Andes, dryforest, new species, lizard, bush anoles, reptiles, Polychrus jacquelinae sp. n., Polychrus peruvianus, Polychrus gutturosus, Polychrus spurrelli

 Claudia Koch, Pablo J. Venegas, Antonio Garcia-Bravo, and Wolfgang Böhme. 2011. A New Bush Anole (Iguanidae, Polychrotinae, Polychrus) from the upper Marañon basin, Peru, with a redescription of Polychrus peruvianus (Noble, 1924) and additional information on Polychrus gutturosus Berthold, 1845. Zookeys. 2011; (141): 79–107. doi:  dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.141.1678

Polychrus marmoratus https://flic.kr/p/gvBMCz

photo: Ryan Lynch