Redescription of the genus Manta with resurrection of Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868) (Chondrichthyes; Myliobatoidei; Mobulidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2301 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDREA D. MARSHALL ◽  
LEONARD J. V. COMPAGNO ◽  
MICHAEL B. BENNETT
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Manta Alfredi ◽  
Disc Width ◽  
Manta Birostris ◽  
Using Data

The taxonomic history of the genus Manta has been questionable and convoluted, with Manta having one of the most extensive generic and species synonymies of any living genus of cartilaginous fish. Having previously been considered a monotypic genus with a single recognized species, Manta birostris (Walbaum 1792), new evidence, in the form of morphological and meristic data, confirm that two visually distinct species occur, both with wide ranging distributions through many of the world’s oceans. Manta birostris stands as the most widely distributed member of the genus, while Manta alfredi (Krefft 1868), resurrected herein, represents a smaller, more tropical species. Separation of the two species is based on morphometric measurements and external characters including colouration, dentition, denticle and spine morphology, as well as size at maturity and maximum disc width. The two species of Manta are sympatric in some locations and allopatric in other regions. A visual key was constructed which highlights the conspicuous, diagnostic features of the two species using data collected throughout their respective geographical ranges. A third, putative species, referred to here as Manta sp. cf. birostris, in the Atlantic may be distinct from M. birostris, but further examination of specimens is necessary to clarify the taxonomic status of this variant manta ray. The results of this study will aid in the differentiation of members of this genus both in the field and in preserved specimens. The splitting of this long-standing monospecific genus will help to highlight the specific threats facing the different species of Manta (e.g. targeted fishing, bycatch fisheries, boat strikes and habitat degradation) and will ultimately assist in the correct assessment of their respective worldwide conservation status.

Systematics of the Giant Sedges of Carex Sect. Rhynchocystis (Cyperaceae) in Macaronesia with Description of Two New Species

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 304-320
Author(s):  
Mónica Míguez ◽  
Pedro Jiménez-Mejías ◽  
Carmen Benítez-Benítez ◽  
Hanno Schaefer ◽  
Santiago Martín-Bravo
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Divergence Time ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Divergence Time Estimates ◽  
Western Palearctic

Abstract— Populations of Carex sect. Rhynchocystis (Cyperaceae) from the Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores and Madeira) have traditionally been treated either as a variety of the widely distributed Western Palearctic C. pendula, or directly synonymized under it. However, recent phylogenetic studies have shown that Azorean populations of C. pendula display a certain degree of differentiation from mainland plants, while the phylogenetic relationships of Madeiran populations remain unclear. Here we perform an integrated systematic study focused on the Macaronesian populations of Carex sect. Rhynchocystis to elucidate their phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status. We reconstructed a molecular phylogeny based on five DNA regions and conducted a multivariate morphological analysis. Divergence time estimates show that the Macaronesian populations can be traced back to a Plio-Pleistocene origin. Our results suggest that these island populations of C. pendula are better treated as two distinct species within Carex sect. Rhynchocystis (i.e. C. leviosa from the Azores and C. sequeirae from Madeira). We provide morphological characters to differentiate the new species from C. pendula s. s., detailed descriptions of the three taxa, a revised key for the entire section, as well as detailed analytical drawings of the two newly described species. We also perform a critical evaluation of the taxonomic diversity of Carex in the Azores and Madeira. Finally, we informally assessed the conservation status of the new species at a global scale under IUCN categories and criteria, resulting in the proposal of the categories Least Concern for C. leviosa and Critically Endangered for C. sequeirae.

Revision of the elegans-group of Alona s. lato and its status as a subgenus of Coronatella Dybowski & Grochowski, 1894 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4732 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-526
Author(s):  
ARTEM Y. SINEV
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
The West ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Basal Segment ◽  
Old World ◽  
Basal Group ◽  
Species Groups

The taxonomic status of the elegans-group of Alona s. lato (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) is herein examined. The West Palearctic Alona elegans Kurz, 1875 and poorly known African taxon Coronatella cf. bukobensis (Weltner, 1897) are redescribed, and new data on morphology of Coronatella circumfimbriata (Megard, 1967) and Coronatella rectangula (Sars, 1861) is added. Based on analysis of original and literature data, the elegans-group is herein suggested as a separate subgenus within the genus Coronatella, namely Coronatella (Ephemeralona) subgen. nov. Main diagnostic features of the latter include: (1) seta arising from the basal segment of antenna endopodite much longer than endopodite; (2) acessory seta of limb I long, almost as long as ODL seta; (3) setae 2-3 of IDL armed with uniform thin setulae; (4) exopodite of limb II with a very short, rudimentary seta. Coronatella (Ephemeralona) subgen. nov. is a morphologically uniform basal group of the genus. It is distributed mostly in the arid belt of the Old World, with a single species known from South Africa. C. (Coronatella) is distributed worldwide; it is composed of several distinct species-groups with overlapping areas of distribution. A checklist of Coronatella species is provided. 

Taxonomic status and distribution of the critically endangered Christmas Island spleenwort (Asplenium listeri, Aspleniaceae): it is not as rare as we thought

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Ohlsen ◽  
Leon R. Perrie ◽  
Lara D. Shepherd ◽  
Michael J. Bayly
Keyword(s):  
New Caledonia ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Christmas Island ◽  
Chloroplast Haplotype

Asplenium listeri C.Chr. has been considered endemic to Christmas Island and is one of only two fern species listed as Critically Endangered under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Its status as a distinct species has been questioned because of morphological similarity to the widespread A. polyodon G.Forst., which also occurs on Christmas Island. Molecular analyses revealed that A. listeri and plants attributed to A. polyodon from coastal limestone in New Caledonia and Vanuatu share the same rbcL, trnL–trnF and rps4–trnS haplotype and that other samples of A. polyodon in Australia and the south-western Pacific belong to three separate molecular lineages. One of these lineages is formed by epiphytic A. polyodon from Christmas Island and has a chloroplast haplotype closely related to that of A. listeri, differing by four mutations. The A. listeri haplotype and each of the three A. polyodon lineages are associated with morphological characters and are all worthy of recognition as separate species. Asplenium listeri is here expanded to include limestone dwelling populations in the Pacific previously assigned to A. polyodon. This greatly extends the geographic range of A. listeri, and its conservation status should be revised accordingly. Application of correct names to all species in the A. polyodon complex requires further molecular sampling throughout its geographic range and clarification of how type material relates to each of the molecular groups.

scholarly journals Discovery and description of a mysterious Asian flying squirrel (Rodentia, Sciuridae, Biswamoyopterus) from Mount Gaoligong, southwest China

ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 864 ◽  
pp. 147-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan Li ◽  
Xue-You Li ◽  
Stephen M. Jackson ◽  
Fei Li ◽  
Ming Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yunnan Province ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Additional Species ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Southern Asia

The flying squirrels of the tribe Pteromyini (Family Sciuridae) currently include 15 genera of which the genus Biswamoyopterus comprises two recognized species, B.biswasi Saha, 1981 and B.laoensis Sanamxay et al., 2013. These two species were each described from only one specimen that are separated from each other by 1,250 kilometres in southern Asia, where they occur in northeast India and central Lao PDR respectively. In 2017 and 2018, two specimens of Biswamoyopterus were discovered from Mount Gaoligong, west Yunnan province, southwest China (between the type locality of the two recognized species). This study aimed to evaluate the taxonomic status of these two newly acquired specimens of Biswamoyopterus by comparing their morphology with the two described species of the genus. The results of this study showed that the specimens from Yunnan province (China) differed from both B.laoensis and B.biswasi in both pelage colour and craniology, and should be recognised as a distinct species, B.gaoligongensissp. nov., which is formally described here. This study contributes to the understanding of the flying squirrels of southern Asia and identifies an additional species that appears to be endemic to southwest China; however, more research is required to provide details of its ecology, distribution, and conservation status.

A New Species of Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia (Myrtaceae, Myrteae) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-543
Author(s):  
Karinne Sampaio Valdemarin ◽  
Jair Eustáquio Quintino Faria ◽  
Fiorella Fernanda Mazine ◽  
Vinicius Castro Souza
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Flower Buds ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Lowland Forests ◽  
A New Species

Abstract—A new species of Eugenia from the Atlantic forest of Brazil is described and illustrated. Eugenia flavicarpa is restricted to the Floresta de Tabuleiro (lowland forests) of Espírito Santo state and is nested in Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia. Considering all other species of the subgenus that occur in forest vegetation types of the Atlantic forest phytogeographic domain, Eugenia flavicarpa can be distinguished mainly by the combination of smooth leaves with indumentum on both surfaces, with two marginal veins, usually ramiflorous inflorescences, pedicels 4.5‐9.7 mm long, flower buds 3.5‐4 mm in diameter, and by the calyx lobes that are 2‐3 mm long with rounded to obtuse apices. Morphological analyses were performed to explore the significance of quantitative diagnostic features between the new species and the closely related species, Eugenia farneyi. Notes on the habitat, distribution, phenology, and conservation status of Eugenia flavicarpa are provided, as well as a key for all species of Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia from forest vegetation of the Atlantic forest phytogeographic domain.

Chasing the phantom: biogeography and conservation of Vipera latastei-monticola in the Maghreb (North Africa)

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inês Freitas ◽  
Soumia Fahd ◽  
Guillermo Velo-Antón ◽  
Fernando Martínez-Freiría
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Niche Modelling ◽  
Habitat Transformation ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Suitable Space ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Maghreb region (North Africa) constitutes a major component of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. During the last centuries, a consistent human population growth has led to an unprecedented rate of habitat transformation and loss in the region and thus, threatening its biodiversity. The Western Mediterranean viper Vipera latastei-monticola inhabits humid and subhumid areas in the main mountain ranges of the Maghreb, facing such threatening factors; however, its elusive character and rarity hindered data collection for distinct biological purposes. Here, we study the biogeographical patterns and conservation status of the Maghrebian V. latastei-monticola resulting from recent sampling campaigns in Morocco and Tunisia. We update species distribution, and integrate phylogeographic and ecological niche modelling analyses at both species and lineage level to identify suitable areas, and to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic transformation and level of protection of their suitable space. We identified four highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, including a new lineage endemic to the Western High Atlas, with allopatric distributions and restricted to mountain ranges, supporting the role of mountains as past climatic refugia. Despite the remoteness of suitable areas, we report widespread habitat degradation and identify the low effectiveness of the current protected areas system in preserving the species and lineages range. Our study shows the urgent need to apply management actions for the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species and suggests a revaluation of the specific status of V. monticola, as these populations likely represent an ecotype of V. latastei.

scholarly journals Global extinction risk for seahorses, pipefishes and their near relatives (Syngnathiformes)

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Riley A. Pollom ◽  
Gina M. Ralph ◽  
Caroline M. Pollock ◽  
Amanda C.J. Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Selective Extraction ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Data Deficient

Abstract Few marine taxa have been comprehensively assessed for their conservation status, despite heavy pressures from fishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Here we report on the first global assessment of extinction risk for 300 species of syngnathiform fishes known as of 2017, using the IUCN Red List criteria. This order of bony teleosts is dominated by seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (family Syngnathidae). It also includes trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), shrimpfishes (Centriscidae), cornetfishes (Fistulariidae) and ghost pipefishes (Solenostomidae). At least 6% are threatened, but data suggest a mid-point estimate of 7.9% and an upper bound of 38%. Most of the threatened species are seahorses (Hippocampus spp.: 14/42 species, with an additional 17 that are Data Deficient) or freshwater pipefishes of the genus Microphis (2/18 species, with seven additional that are Data Deficient). Two species are Near Threatened. Nearly one-third of syngnathiformes (97 species) are Data Deficient and could potentially be threatened, requiring further field research and evaluation. Most species (61%) were, however, evaluated as Least Concern. Primary threats to syngnathids are (1) overexploitation, primarily by non-selective fisheries, for which most assessments were determined by criterion A (Hippocampus) and/or (2) habitat loss and degradation, for which assessments were determined by criterion B (Microphis and some Hippocampus). Threatened species occurred in most regions but more are found in East and South-east Asia and in South African estuaries. Vital conservation action for syngnathids, including constraining fisheries, particularly non-selective extraction, and habitat protection and rehabilitation, will benefit many other aquatic species.

A refined circumscription of Notobubon striatum and the resurrection of Dregea collina Ecklon & Zeyher (Apiaceae, Apioideae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 266 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTHONY R. MAGEE ◽  
ODETTE E. CURTIS ◽  
B-E. VAN WYK
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Type Specimen ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Type Material ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Extensive Field

Extensive field surveys of the Critically Endangered Central and Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld have uncovered that Notobubon striatum, as currently circumscribed, comprises two distinct species. Upon careful examination of the type material it has become clear that names exist for both species. The type specimen of N. striatum clearly matches the lesser known species, a large shrub, ca. 1 m. tall, with a powerful anise-scent and which is restricted to the banks of seasonal rivers and watercourses in the Central and Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. The second and better known entity, with a wider distribution, corresponds to the type material of Dregea collina Ecklon & Zeyher. As such, a new combination, Notobubon collinum (Ecklon & Zeyher) Magee, is here made to accommodate this taxon, restricted to dry quartz and silcrete patches or outcrops in Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld. In their revised circumscriptions N. striatum and N. collinum are readily distinguished by habit, scent, leaf size and division, as well as leaf lobe shape and sepal size. Comprehensive descriptions of both species are provided, together with notes on their ecology and conservation status, and the existing key to the species of Notobubon updated. This brings the number of recognised species in the genus to thirteen.

Nitschkia broomeana. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Minter
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Serbia And Montenegro

Abstract A description is provided for Nitschkia broomeana, which are found on cracks in bark. Details are given of its hosts, geographical distribution (Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, USA (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia), Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, China (Beijing, Fujian, Hebei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Yunnan and Zhejiang), India (Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra), Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Australia (South Australia), New Zealand, Czech Republic, France, UK, Italy, and Serbia and Montenegro), transmission, diagnostic features and conservation status.

Trimmatostroma scutellare. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Minter
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Larix Decidua ◽  
Cladosporium Cladosporioides ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Juniperus Communis ◽  
Cedrus Libani

Abstract Descriptions are given of Trimmatostroma scutellare, which are found on dead decaying branches, twigs and cones of conifers, including information on its geographical distribution (USA (California), Russia, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, UK, Iceland, Norther Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine), hosts (Abies sp., Cedrus libani, Juniperus communis, Larix decidua, L. europaea, L. kaempferi, L. komarovii, L. sibirica, Larix sp., Pinus contorta, P. maritima var. nigra, P. mugo, P. nigra, P. radiata, P. sibirica, P. sylvestris and Pinus sp.), other associated organisms (Cladosporium cladosporioides and Sclerophoma pithiophila [Sydowia polyspora]), diagnostic features, biology and conservation status.

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