Unravelling the underestimated diversity of Philippine water monitor lizards (Squamata: Varanus salvator complex), with the description of two new species and a new subspecies

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2446 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDRÉ KOCH ◽  
MAREN GAULKE ◽  
WOLFGANG BÖHME
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Varanus Salvator ◽  
Monitor Lizards ◽  
Asian Water

Recently, the first part of the morphological revision of the Southeast Asian water monitor lizards of the Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768) species group provided a taxonomic overview over the members of this successful and widespread species complex (Koch et al. 2007). There, the Philippine taxa marmoratus, nuchalis and cumingi were reelevated to species status due to diagnostic morphological characteristics, e.g. significantly enlarged scales on the neck region. In this second part of the ongoing revision, these three species are re-investigated using additional voucher specimens and advanced statistical techniques including canonical variates analysis and principal component analysis. Our new investigations indicate that V. marmoratus represents a composite species, comprising at least three distinct taxa. Hence, the populations of the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi–Tawi Island) and those of the Palawan region are described as new species, viz. Varanus rasmusseni sp. nov. and V. palawanensis sp. nov., respectively. The allopatric island populations of V. cumingi inhabiting Samar, Leyte, and Bohol (the East Visayan subregion) show characteristic and geographically correlated colour patterns distinct from the type locality Mindanao (the second subregion of Greater Mindanao), warranting subspecific partition of this species. The new subspecies is named V. cumingi samarensis ssp. nov. In contrast, the taxonomic status of V. nuchalis remained unchanged, although this species shows some considerable variation in colour pattern. The systematic chapters are supplemented with notes about biology and conservation status. The hitherto underestimated diversity and zoogeography of Philippine water monitors is discussed in the light of Pleistocene sea level fluctuations. Finally, we introduce a scenario for the evolution and spread of Southeast Asian water monitor lizards and provide an identification key for the Philippine members of the V. salvator complex.

Two new annual fishes (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) unexpectedly discovered in the highlands of southern Brazil

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4949 (3) ◽  
pp. 499-520
Author(s):  
LUIS ESTEBAN KRAUSE LANÉS ◽  
MATHEUS VIEIRA VOLCAN ◽  
LEONARDO MALTCHIK
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
The Body ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Body Depth ◽  
Body Contact ◽  
Morphometric Features ◽  
Natural Grassland ◽  
Two Populations

Two new species of Austrolebias are described based on specimens collected from temporary pools located in natural grassland landscape within the Araucaria Forest domain at exceptionally high altitudes (~1000 meters a.s.l.). Austrolebias botocudo sp. n. and Austrolebias nubium sp. n. occur, respectively, in drainages of upper rio Apuaê-Inhandava (upper rio Uruguay basin) and upper rio Taquari-Antas (upper rio Jacuí, Laguna dos Patos basin), in the Meridional Plateau of southern Brazil. Despite an intensive survey conducted in the area, only two populations of each species were recorded. Both new species occurs at altitudes that are among the higher recorded for species of the genus, and both are assigned to the subgenus Acrolebias. The new species described herein are easily distinguished for its congeners by the colour pattern of males, by presence of melanophores irregularly distributed in different parts of the body, contact organs cover the body and anal fins, position of fins related with vertebrae, by preopercular and mandibular series of neuromasts united, by a series of morphometric features and by larger maximum standard length. Austrolebias botocudo and A. nubium are distinguished from each other by colour pattern of males, length of contact organs in the flank and number of contact organs in scales of lateral line, dorsal profile of head, number of neuromasts in the preopercular + mandibular series, body depth in females, and by basihyal cartilage length. Additionally, we discuss the conservation status of the new species, and provided an identification key for the species of the subgenus Acrolebias. 

scholarly journals A new species of Coccoloba P. Browne (Polygonaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon with exceptionally large leaves

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efigenia de MELO ◽  
Carlos Alberto CID FERREIRA ◽  
Rogério GRIBEL
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Madeira River ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
A New Species

ABSTRACT We describe and illustrate a new species of Coccoloba (Polygonaceae), named Coccoloba gigantifolia, from the Brazilian Amazon. It resembles Coccoloba mollis Casar, but differs from the latter species by its much larger leaves in the fertile branches. The species has only been recorded in the Madeira River basin, in the states of Amazonas and Rondônia, in the central and southwestern Brazilian Amazon. The description was based on herbarium material, cultivated plants, and individual trees in their natural habitat. We provide illustrations, photographs, and an identification key with morphological characteristics that distinguish the new taxon from the other two related taxa of the Coccoloba sect. Paniculatae, as well as comments on the geographic distribution and conservation status of the species.

scholarly journals Two new species of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
CHARUN MAKNOI ◽  
Surapon Saensouk ◽  
Piyaporn Saensouk ◽  
SARAYUT RAKARCHA ◽  
WORANART THAMMARONG
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Northern Thailand ◽  
Two New Species

Abstract. Maknoi C, Saensouk S, Saensouk P, Rakarcha S, Thammarong W. 2021. Two new species of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: 3910-3921. Curcuma aruna and C. pitukii, two new species from northern Thailand, are described, illustrated, and photographed. They are endemic to Sukhothai and Lampang Provinces, northern Thailand, and the morphological characteristics of two new species are compared with their closest species, C. flaviflora, C. eburnea, and C. pierreana. Two new species, C. aruna and C. pitukii are assignable to Curcuma subgenus Ecomata. C. aruna is recognized by leaves ovate with thin chartaceous, fertile bracts 6–12, it’s glabrous on nearly all parts of the plant, flowers yellow and labellum yellow with 2 darker yellow bands in the center. C. pitukii is recognized by bracts 20–40 with purplish white to purple, corolla lobes purplish white to pale purple, staminodes white, and labellum white with an embossed yellow path along the midrib from base to apex. A detailed description, distribution, ecology, etymology, preliminary conservation status, and photographs of two new species are provided. A key to 20 species of Curcuma subgenus Ecomata in Thailand is presented.

A biosystematic study of Pentameris (Arundineae, Poaceae)

Bothalia ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. P. Barker
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Leaf Blade ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Biosystematic Study ◽  
Fruit Characters

A biosystematic study of the endemic southwestern Cape grass genus Pentameris Beauv. is presented. Results of studies on the macro- and micromorphology, leaf blade anatomy and cytology are discussed and illustrated. The results of a cladistic study indicate that the genus is monophyletic, united by the synapomorphies of ovary and fruit characters. The conservation status of the taxa in the genus is assessed, and conservation status codes allocated. A key to the taxa in the genus is presented, and each species is described. Five new species,  Pentameris glacialis N.P. Barker, P. hirtiglumis N.P. Barker, P. oreophila N.P. Barker,  P. swartbergensis N.P. Barker and  P. uniflora N.P. Barker, and one new subspecies,  P. longiglumis (Nees) Stapf subsp. gymnocolea N.P. Barker, are described and illustrated.

A new species of Trachylepis (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Amhara Region, Ethiopia, and a key to the Ethiopian Trachylepis

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4859 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-126
Author(s):  
THORE KOPPETSCH
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Record ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Ecological Importance ◽  
Cryptic Taxa ◽  
Biogeographical Pattern ◽  
A New Species

Ethiopia is known for its highly endemic and rich herpetofaunal diversity shaped by its biogeographical patterns. Here, a new species of skink, Trachylepis boehmei sp. nov., is described from the Ethiopian Highlands. It differs from its congeners in having smooth uncarinated dorsal scales, 26–29 scale rows around midbody, a slender body of small size, a relatively short tail, a low eye–snout distance and a unique colour pattern with 6–8 darkish brown dorsal stripes. Based on morphological characteristics, its biogeographical pattern and comparisons with other similar congeners this new species is closely related to Trachylepis megalura. A published new record of Trachylepis wingati for the Kafa region is re-examined and identified as T. megalura. An updated comprehensive key to the Trachylepis found in Ethiopia is provided. In the context of ongoing phylogenetic and taxonomic revisions of Trachylepis and its species complexes the presence of further cryptic taxa can be expected also for the Ethiopian biodiversity hotspots. Consequently, the need of further herpetological investigations in this region of ecological importance is stressed. 

scholarly journals Anatomy of the Male Reproductive Organ of Water Monitor Lizard, Varanus salvator bivittatus (Reptil: Varanidae)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
mahfud
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Reproductive Organ ◽  
Male Reproductive Organ ◽  
Monitor Lizard ◽  
Varanus Salvator ◽  
Biological Aspects ◽  
Male Reproductive Organs ◽  
Monitor Lizards ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Asian Water

One of the majority species of Varanidae is Varanus salvator or which commonly known as water monitor lizards (water monitor) or Asian water monitor lizard. This species is the most widely spread out of the all varanids. In Indonesia, V. salvator are distributed in almost all islands, from Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku and Flores. Subspecies V. s. bivittatus was found only in Java, Bali and South East Islands [1]. The information on reproductive biological aspects of the V. s. bivittatus, especially the male reproductive organs is limited. Therefore, the study was aim to explore the male reproductive organs system of V. s. bivittatus that focused on macroscopic evaluation. Two adult male lizards with 45.60 cm SVL from Bogor area were used in this study. The lizard were anesthetized and exanguinated to sacrifice and fixed in 4 % paraformaldehyde through perfusion then followed by visceral observation and morphometric carefully measurement. All the observation finding and collected data were analyzed descriptively and presented in the form of tables and figures. Morphometric data were tabulated in the form of the average (mean) ± standard deviation (SD). Male reproductive organs of the V. s. bivittatus were generally similar to other reptiles such as snakes and lizards, with characteristics a pair of hemipenes. Epididymis was not formed of head, body and radix segment. The deferent duct is a small, straight and short duct which connected the epididymis to cloaca.

Four new species of the Indo-Burmese genus Badis from West Bengal, India (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Badidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3985 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Valdesalici ◽  
Stefan van der Voort
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Caudal Peduncle ◽  
Caudal Fin ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Black Blotch ◽  
Vertical Bars

Four new species of Badis are described from West Bengal, India. Badis andrewraoi, new species, is diagnosed by a combination of characters which include absence of a black caudal-fin margin, absence of a conspicuous dark blotch on pectoral-fin base, absence of cleithral and opercular blotches, absence of a blotch on the dorsolateral aspect of the caudal peduncle, absence of an ocellus on the caudal-fin base, presence of a conspicuous median black caudal peduncle blotch, a medially broader posterior-most bar, displaying as a partially absorbed second median caudal peduncle blotch, presence of an additional bar anteriorly, and vertical bars restricted to lower half of body and never forming large blocks. Badis autumnum, new species, is diagnosed by a combination of characters which include two autapomorphies: presence of a blotch above the base of the opercular spine, and of a conspicuous dark blotch on pectoral-fin base. Additionally, it presents a black caudal-fin margin, outlining entire fin, absence of a cleithral blotch, absence of a blotch on the dorsolateral aspect of the caudal peduncle, absence of an ocellus on the caudal-fin base, presence of a conspicuous median black caudal peduncle blotch, a medially broader posterior-most bar, displaying as a partially absorbed second median caudal peduncle blotch, and presence of an additional bar anteriorly. Badis kyanos, new species, is diagnosed by a combination of characters which include absence of a conspicuous dark blotch on pectoral-fin base, absence of cleithral and opercular blotches, absence of a blotch on the dorsolateral aspect of the caudal peduncle, absence of an ocellus on the caudal-fin base, presence of a conspicuous median black caudal peduncle blotch, a medially broader posterior-most bar, displaying as a partially absorbed second median caudal peduncle blotch, presence of an additional bar anteriorly, its vertical bars forming large, fragmented black blocks dorsolaterally and ventrolaterally, and a unique stress colouration consisting of a dark grey body, metallic dark blue operculum, flanks almost entirely devoid of bars, large, fragmented black blocks dorsolaterally, and absence of a black caudal-fin margin. Based on similarities in colour pattern and biometrics they are deduced to be closely related and form a new species group, which we herein define. The three species are divergent and diagnosable from each other and represent valid evolutionary species. The fourth species represents a cryptic unit that was heretofore unrecognised and considered as the most widespread species of the genus, B. badis. We describe this lineage as Badis soraya, new species, and find it belongs to the B. badis species group. It can be diagnosed by a combination of characters which include absence of opercular blotches, absence of a blotch on the dorsolateral aspect of the caudal peduncle, absence of an ocellus on the caudal-fin base, presence of a cleithral blotch, presence of a small oval black blotch medially on caudal peduncle, interorbital width 6.3–8.8 % SL, dorsal-fin spines XIV–XVI, scales in lateral row 25–27, and vertebrae number 27. 

scholarly journals A new species and a new record of the Southeast Asian millipede genus Antheromorpha Jeekel, 1968 (Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) from Vietnam

ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 832 ◽  
pp. 77-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natdanai Likhitrakarn ◽  
Sergei I. Golovatch ◽  
Irina Semenyuk ◽  
Somsak Panha
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Record ◽  
National Park ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Southern Vietnam ◽  
Brown Body ◽  
A New Species

Antheromorphanguyenisp. n. is described and illustrated from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, southern Vietnam. The new species is distinguished by a peculiar colour pattern showing a uniformly black-brown body contrasting with yellow-brown paraterga and epiproct, as well as in the pointed gonopodal process being unusually short, only approximately half as long as the solenophore. In addition, an identification key to all 13 presently known species, all mapped, is given. A new record of A.festiva is provided from southern Vietnam.

REVISION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRIGLOCHIN BULBOSA COMPLEX (JUNCAGINACEAE)

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Köcke ◽  
S. von Mering ◽  
L. Mucina ◽  
J. W. Kadereit
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Species ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
One New Species

The Triglochin bulbosa complex (Juncaginaceae) from the Mediterranean region and Africa is revised. One new species, Triglochin buchenaui Köcke, Mering & Kadereit, and two new subspecies, Triglochin bulbosa subsp. calcicola Mering, Köcke & Kadereit and Triglochin bulbosa subsp. quarcicola Mering, Köcke & Kadereit, are described from South Africa. The only two Mediterranean taxa in the complex (Triglochin barrelieri, T. laxiflora) are elevated to species rank. Altogether seven species and four subspecies are recognised: Triglochin barrelieri, T. buchenaui, T. bulbosa subsp. bulbosa, T. bulbosa subsp. calcicola, T. bulbosa subsp. quarcicola, T. bulbosa subsp. tenuifolia, T. compacta, T. elongata, T. laxiflora and T. milnei. An identification key, detailed descriptions and accounts of the ecology and distribution of the taxa are provided. An IUCN conservation status is proposed for each taxon.

scholarly journals A taxonomic revision of Acanthaceae tribe Barlerieae in Angola and Namibia. Part 2

Kew Bulletin ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain Darbyshire ◽  
Erin A. Manzitto-Tripp ◽  
Frances M. Chase
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
New Variety ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Near Threatened

SummaryThe second part of a taxonomic revision of the tribe Barlerieae (Acanthaceae) in Angola and Namibia covers Barleria sects. Somalia and Stellatohirta. Thirty-one taxa including 27 accepted species are treated. Four new species (Barleria eburnea, B. imatensis, B. louiseana and B. thunbergiiflora), one new subspecies (B. kacondensis subsp. glabrescens) and one new variety (B. violascens var. humpatana) are described. In addition, B. taitensis S.Moore var. occidentalis S.Moore is elevated to subspecies status and B. newtonii Lindau is resurrected as a distinct species endemic to the Lubango Highlands of Angola. Full descriptions, citations of types and representative specimens, and notes on their habitat(s), ecology and biogeography are provided for each taxon. Thirteen names in Barleria are lectotypified and a neotype is selected for B. newtonii. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status and extinction risk is provided for each taxon. Of the 31 taxa enumerated, five are assessed as Endangered, two as Vulnerable, two as Near Threatened, and 13 are of Least Concern, whilst nine are currently considered to be Data Deficient. This contribution completes our revision of Barleria in Angola and Namibia, with 59 accepted species, four additional subspecies, four additional varieties and two incompletely known taxa documented in total. A remarkable 75% of the taxa are endemic or near-endemic to Angola and Namibia.

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