A new, enigmatic species of black-eyed gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Mokopirirakau) from North Otago, New Zealand

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4964 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-156
Author(s):  
CAREY KNOX ◽  
RODNEY A. HITCHMOUGH ◽  
STUART V. NIELSEN ◽  
TONY JEWELL ◽  
TRENT BELL
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Rock Outcrops ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Taxonomic Approach ◽  
Upper South ◽  
Alpine Environments

The New Zealand endemic gecko genus, Mokopirirakau, is notable for its ecology, with some species inhabiting extreme alpine environments, as well as for the large number of geographically circumscribed, species-level lineages awaiting formal description. In, 2018, a population superficially similar in colour and morphology to the black-eyed gecko (M. kahutarae) was discovered in alpine greywacke rock outcrops in the Oteake Conservation Park, North Otago, ~400 km south of the nearest M. kahutarae populations in the upper South Island. Genetic and morphological data indicate that this population is distinct, sister to a clade comprising M. granulatus and M. kahutarae. It can be distinguished from all but one Mokopirirakau species by colour pattern, and from M. kahutarae by smaller adult body size, eye and supraciliary characters, mouth and throat colour, ventral scale row count, tail length, toe shape, and lamellar count. Using an integrated taxonomic approach, we here formally describe this form as a new species, M. galaxias sp. nov., as well as discuss its ecology, likely distribution (particularly with respect to M. kahutarae), and potential conservation issues and requirements. Mokopirirakau galaxias sp. nov. should be considered “Threatened—Nationally Endangered” (qualifiers Data Poor) in the New Zealand Threat Classification System due to the low abundance and restricted known distribution, with potential threats from invasive predatory mammals and climate change. It should be considered Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List system.

A new alpine skink species (Scincidae: Eugongylinae: Oligosoma) from Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4920 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-508
Author(s):  
GEOFF B. PATTERSON ◽  
RODNEY A. HITCHMOUGH
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
National Park ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Head Width ◽  
Long Tail ◽  
Critical Data ◽  
Data Deficient

A new species of Oligosoma is described from a slate scree in montane tussock grassland in Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand, where it is currently known from a single small site. The new species (Oligosoma kahurangi sp. nov.) can be distinguished from all congeners by its extremely long tail, 36–38 mid-body scale rows, head length/head width ratio of 1.66, and colour pattern. It is part of the O. longipes Patterson species complex. The species is currently very poorly known but likely to be highly threatened, and we suggest listing as Nationally Critical (Data Poor, One Location) in New Zealand, and Data Deficient in the IUCN red-list. Predation by introduced mammals, particularly mice, is assumed to be a threat to its survival. 

Rediscovery of the enigmatic Andean frog Telmatobius halli Noble (Anura: Telmatobiidae), re-description of the tadpole and comments on new adult’s characters, type locality and conservation status

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4834 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-206
Author(s):  
C.C. CUEVAS ◽  
J.R. FORMAS ◽  
M. ALVARADO-RYBAK ◽  
A. PEÑAFIEL-RICAURTE ◽  
C. AZAT
Keyword(s):  
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Type Locality ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Water Frog ◽  
Iucn Red List Assessment ◽  
Data Deficient

We report the rediscovery of Telmatobius halli (Hall’s water frog), which had not been found since its description (over 80 years) since its type locality was not clearly established. “Aguas Calientes” near Ollagüe is hypothesized as the original type locality where Frank Gregory Hall collected the type material in 1935. The tadpole is re-described, and new data on the external and internal morphology of adults is provided. These new morphological data are compared with Telmatobius spp. inhabiting geographically close to T. halli in Chile and Bolivia. In addition, comments on its ecology, conservation, and taxonomic status in relation with other Telmatobius spp. inhabiting nearby areas in Ascotán and Carcote salt pans are provided. No evidence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Ranavirus infection was found in T. halli and a sympatric amphibian species. Our work supports the validity of T. halli and suggests this species should be considered as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List assessment until taxonomic issues are resolved. 

scholarly journals A synthesis of African and western Indian Ocean Island mammal taxa (Class: Mammalia) described between 1988 and 2008: an update to Allen (1939) and Ansell (1989)

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2205 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHAEL HOFFMANN ◽  
PETER GRUBB ◽  
COLIN P. GROVES ◽  
RAINER HUTTERER ◽  
ERIK VAN DER STRAETEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Systematic Position ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
New Genera ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
New Subgenus ◽  
African Mammals ◽  
The Status ◽  
Data Deficient

We provide a synthesis of all mammal taxa described from the African mainland, Madagascar and all surrounding islands in the 20 years since 1988, thereby supplementing the earlier works of G.M. Allen (1939) and W.F.H. Ansell (1989), and bringing the list of African mammals described over the last 250 years current to December 2008. We list 175 new extant taxa, including five new genera, one new subgenus, 138 new species and 31 new subspecies, including remarks, where relevant, on the current systematic position of each taxon. Names of seven species of primates are emended, according to the requirements of the ICZN. The taxonomic group in which the largest number of new taxa has been described is the Primates, with two new genera, 47 new species and 11 new subspecies, while geographically the biggest increase in new species descriptions has been on the island of Madagascar, accounting for roughly half (67) of all new species described in the past 20 years. Nearly half of all new species listed currently are assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (49 of 101 listed species) suggesting further research is urgently needed to help clarify the status of those recently described species.

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.

Novelties in Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the campos rupestres of Serra do Padre Ângelo, Minas Gerais, Brazil: a new species and a new record

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 510 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
LUDOVIC JEAN CHARLES KOLLMANN ◽  
PAULO MINATEL GONELLA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Campos Rupestres ◽  
Rock Outcrops ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Minas Gerais State

Begonia piranga (Begoniaceae) is a new narrowly endemic species from the campos rupestres of Serra do Padre Ângelo, a quartzitic massif in Conselheiro Pena, eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Description, diagnosis, taxonomic comments, detailed illustrations, field photographs, and a provisional IUCN Red List Assessment are provided. The new species is considered Critically Endangered due to its restricted occurrence in high elevation rock outcrops, small population size, and decline in the quality of the habitat. Begonia vasconcelosiana, another Critically Endangered species, is also newly reported here for Serra do Padre Ângelo. These discoveries add to the increasing list of novelties from Serra do Padre Ângelo, reinforcing the urge for conservation actions to protect the endemic flora of this Serra and other areas of campos rupestres in eastern Minas Gerais state.

Recent Progress in Taxonomic Studies, Biogeographic Analysis, and Revised Checklist of Amphibians in Indochina

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3A) ◽  
pp. 1-110
Author(s):  
Nikolay A. Poyarkov ◽  
Tan Van Nguyen ◽  
Evgeniy S. Popov ◽  
Peter Geissler ◽  
Parinya Pawangkhanant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
South Vietnam ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Iucn Red List Criteria ◽  
Annotated Checklist

The Indochinese Peninsula is recognized as one of the key global biodiversity hotspots. The amphibian fauna of Indochina (including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand) is one of the richest in the world. About 60% of the known species were described within the last 20 years. We review the literature and our data to assess all recent discoveries and taxonomic changes and compile the first annotated checklist of the amphibian fauna of Indochina since the middle of the 20th century, including updated faunal lists for Vietnam and Thailand. Amphibian checklists for Laos and Cambodia are published for the first time. For each species we provide the following information: scientific name; recommended common name in English; information on type specimens; type locality; data on its distribution within Indochina and beyond; IUCN conservation status; taxonomic comment and the most important references. We review the distribution of each species across the 23 biogeographic subregions of Indochina, estimate the similarity among the regional faunas and evaluate their species richness and endemism. In total we record 423 amphibian species belonging to three orders, 11 families and 71 genera; 199 species (47%) are endemic to Indochina. Comprising 270 known species, the amphibian fauna of Vietnam is the richest (98 endemics, 36.3%), followed by Thailand with 194 species (29 endemics, 14.9%), Laos with 121 species (13 endemics, 10.7%), and Cambodia with 72 species (6 endemics, 8.3%). A cluster analysis of faunal similarity between the subregions shows two major assemblages, divided by the Isthmus of Kra. Within the northern mainland portion of Indochina three clusters can be distinguished: (1) northeastern and northwestern uplands of Vietnam and northern Laos; (2) Northern, Central, and Southern Annamites, the Bolaven Plateau, and central-south Vietnam lowlands; (3) western Indochinese subregions. We identify the Northeast and Northwest Uplands of Vietnam, the Northern, Central and Southern Annamites, the Cardamom Mountains, the mountains of Northeast Thailand, Northern Tenasserim and southern Peninsular Thailand as nine major centers of diversity and endemism of Indochinese amphibians. The analysis of amphibian distribution patterns across Indochina suggests the presence of 14 chorotypes grouped in five major range types. Our results underline the role of Indochina as a key area for amphibian diversity and conservation. Among 423 species of Indochinese amphibians, 152 species (35.9%) were considered as data deficient (DD) or were not evaluated (NE) according to the IUCN Red List criteria; while 76 species (18.0%) were considered vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN) or critically endangered (CR), 20 species (4.7%) were considered to be near threatened (NT), and 175 species (41.4%) to be of the least concern (LC). Our study thus has implications for further conservation efforts on regional and global levels, as well as for understanding the biogeographic patterns of amphibian richness and endemism in Asia.

Review of the genus Cobitis in the Middle East, with the description of eight new species (Teleostei: Cobitidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4535 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÖRG FREYHOF ◽  
ESRA BAYÇELEBİ ◽  
MATTHIAS GEIGER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Black Spot ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Caudal Fin ◽  
River Drainage

The diversity of Cobitis in the Middle East is reviewed, resulting in the recognition of 30 species, of which eight are described herein as new. Two species, C. amphilekta and C. kellei, seem to be extinct. Hypotheses on species-level diversity derived from distance and Poisson tree process analyses of DNA barcode data are tested against morphometric and morphological characters including colour patterns. For species pairs separated by small K2P distances in COI sequence data we follow a practitioner-oriented diagnostic species concept, in which we recognise species only if differentiated morphologically (including by colour pattern). For all 30 species we provide diagnoses and identification keys. Cobitis afifeae, new species, from the Büyük Menderes River drainage in the Aegean Sea basin, is distinguished by having two laminae circularis in the male, a row of blotches below Z4, a small, roundish or comma-shaped black spot at the upper caudal-fin base, and elevated mental lobes. Cobitis aliyeae, new species, from the lower Seyhan and Ceyhan River drainages, is distinguished by having two laminae circularis in the male, the blotches in Z2 and Z4 anterior to the dorsal-fin origin usually well separated from each other, and the pigmentation in Z1 well distinguished from the pigmentation in Z2. Cobitis anabelae, new species, from the lower Orontes River drainage, is distinguished by having two laminae circularis in the male, the pigmentation in Z2 formed by small, brown spots, always much smaller than blotches in Z3, much smaller than the pupil diameter, Z2 and Z3 well separated, and no pigmentation below Z4. Cobitis erkakanae, new species, from the Gölbasi Lakes, adjacent to the Ceyhan River drainage, is distinguished by having two laminae circularis in the male, no blotches below Z4, the blotches in Z2 and Z4 being horizontally elongated and often fused with adjacent ones, and the caudal fin with 4–6 wide, regularly-shaped, brown bands. Cobitis emrei, new species, from the Lake Sapanca basin is distinguished by having one lamina circularis in the male, a large black spot at the upper caudal-fin base, and Z3 fully covered by very small spots forming a sand-like pattern. Cobitis joergbohleni, new species, from the Sultan marshes in Central Anatolia is distinguished by having two laminae circularis in the male, and the flank colour pattern being completely disorganised, not following the Gambetta zones. Cobitis pirii, new species, from the endorheic Lake Eğirdir basin and the Mediterranean Aksu and Köprü Rivers, is distinguished by having two laminae circularis in the male, a simple external part of the suborbital spine and two distinct rows of small blotches in Z4, one along the lateral midline and one distinctly below. Cobitis troasensis, new species, from the Tuzla River drainage, is distinguished by having one lamina circularis in the male and 25–36 small, comma-shaped brown blotches in Z4. A lectotype is designated for Cobitis battalgilae. As First Revisers, priority is given to Cobitis fahireae over C. kurui. Cobitis damlae and C. kurui are treated as synonyms of C. fahireae. Cobitis strumicae and C. taenia are recorded for the first time from Anatolia and C. saniae is newly documented from the Black Sea basin in Georgia. The Poisson tree process analysis of COI data proposed 31 groups, most of which could be distinguished by morphological characters. Cobitis troasensis is described based on morphological data alone.  

A revision of Australian species of Radula subg. Odontoradula

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt A. M. Renner ◽  
Nicolas Devos ◽  
Elizabeth A. Brown ◽  
Matt J. von Konrat
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Chloroplast Markers ◽  
Molecular Divergence ◽  
Wet Tropics ◽  
Australian Flora ◽  
Morphological Differences

The current paper presents molecular data from three chloroplast markers (atpB–rbcL spacer, trnG G2 intron, trnL–trnF intron and spacer); morphological data, and geographic data to support the recognition of nine species belonging to Radula subg. Odontoradula in Australasia. R. ocellata, the subgeneric type from the Wet Tropics bioregion, is maintained as distinct from its sister species, R. pulchella, from south-eastern Australian rainforests; both species are Australian endemics. Reinstatement of R. allisonii from synonymy, under R. retroflexa, is supported by molecular data and morphological characters, including the absence of triradiate trigones on leaf-lobe cell walls, the apex of lobules on primary shoots not being turned outwards, the oblong-elliptic female bracts, and the perianths having a pronounced wing. Reinstatement of R. weymouthiana, from synonymy under R. retroflexa, is also supported by molecular data and morphological characters, including the presence of a single low dome-shaped papilla over each leaf-lobe cell, and the large imbricate lobules on primary shoots. R. weymouthiana occurs in Tasmania and New Zealand, whereas R. allisonii is a New Zealand endemic. Australian R. retroflexa exhibits differentiation into epiphytic and rheophytic morphs, interpreted as ecotypes. Australian individuals, comprising both epiphytic and rheophytic morphs, are monophyletic and nested within a clade containing individuals from other regions. R. novae-hollandiae is newly reported for the New Zealand Botanical Region, from Raoul Island in the Kermadecs. R. novae-hollandiae exhibits decoupling of morphological and molecular divergence, with Australian individuals forming two clades reflecting geography (a Wet Tropics bioregion clade and a south-eastern Rainforest clade). These clades exhibit equivalent levels of molecular divergence, as observed in R. pulchella and R. ocellata, but no morphological differences. Similar levels of molecular divergence were observed in trans-Tasman populations of R. tasmanica. The New Zealand endemic, R. plicata, is excluded from the Australian flora, and R. cuspidata replaces R. dentifolia for the New Zealand endemic species formerly known by both names.

scholarly journals Conservation Status of Brachycephalus Toadlets (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Marcos R. Bornschein ◽  
Marcio R. Pie ◽  
Larissa Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Atlantic Rainforest ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Iucn Red List Categories ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Polygon Method ◽  
Official Recognition ◽  
Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

The number of described anurans has increased continuously, with many newly described species determined to be at risk. Most of these new species inhabit hotspots and are under threat of habitat loss, such as Brachycephalus, a genus of small toadlets that inhabits the litter of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Of 36 known species, 22 were described in the last decade, but only 11 have been assessed according to the IUCN Red List categories, with just one currently listed as Critically Endangered. All available data on occurrence, distribution, density, and threats to Brachycephalus were reviewed. The species extent of occurrence was estimated using the Minimum Convex Polygon method for species with three or more records and by delimiting continuous areas within the altitudinal range of species with up to two records. These data were integrated to assess the conservation status according to the IUCN criteria. Six species have been evaluated as Critically Endangered, five as Endangered, 10 as Vulnerable, five as Least Concern, and 10 as Data Deficient. Deforestation was the most common threat to imperiled Brachycephalus species. The official recognition of these categories might be more readily adopted if the microendemic nature of their geographical distribution is taken into account.

A new forest dwelling button spider from South Africa (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4700 (4) ◽  
pp. 584-600
Author(s):  
B.M.O.G. WRIGHT ◽  
C. D. WRIGHT ◽  
C.L. SOLE ◽  
R. LYLE ◽  
R. TIPPETT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Ventral Surface ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
African Species ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Coi Barcoding ◽  
Sand Forest ◽  
New Forest ◽  
Data Deficient

The medically important spider genus Latrodectus Walckenaer 1805, commonly referred to as “button spiders” in South Africa, is represented by six species in the country. Using morphology and the COI barcoding gene we describe a new forest dwelling species, Latrodectus umbukwane n. sp. Wright, Wright, Lyle and Engelbrecht. Females have red markings on both the ventral and posterior dorsal surfaces of the abdomen, parallel spermathecae and three loops of the copulatory ducts. Males have an embolus with four loops and diagnostic white markings on the ventral surface of the abdomen that darken with age. Egg sacs are smooth, large, and bright purple when freshly laid, turning shiny grey with time. Latrodectus umbukwane n. sp. is known only from sand forest vegetation types in northern Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A predicted geographic distribution for this species is provided based on cartographic mapping of known habitat and altitudinal preference, from which area of occupancy (AOO; 698 km2) and extent of occurrence (EOO; 4963 km2) were calculated to assess potential IUCN Red List status. Due to the uncertainty of the distribution of this species, a Red List status of Data Deficient (DD) is recommended. An updated key to the southern African species of Latrodectus is provided. 

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