scholarly journals The Reptile Database: Curating the biodiversity literature without funding

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Uetz
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Publication ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Initial Release ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Species Type ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Type Information ◽  
Name Changes

The Reptile Database (RDB) curates the literature and taxonomy for about 14,000 species and subspecies of reptiles (Uetz et al. 2021). Together with a few other databases, the RDB curates the literature for about 70,000 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. While it acts as a current name list for extant reptile taxa, including synonymies, it also collects images (currently ~18,000, representing half of all species), type information, diagnoses and descriptions, and a bibliography of 62,000 references, most of which are linked to online sources. The database is also extensively cross-referenced to citizen science projects (iNaturalist), the NCBI taxonomy, the IUCN Red List, and several others, and serves as data provider (for reptiles) for the Catalogue of Life. A major challenge for the Reptile database is the consistent curation of the literature, which requires the addition of about 2000 papers a year, including about 200 new species descriptions and numerous taxonomic changes. For instance, during the past five years, almost 1000 species changed their names, in addition to the ~900 species that were newly described, i.e., almost 20% of all reptile species were described or changed their name within just a half decade! While the database can keep track of name changes, it remains a largely unsolved problem of how these name changes can or should be translated into related databases such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which keeps track of the literature independently (but exchanges data with the RDB). Some sites use the web services of the RDB to update their taxonomy, such as Calphotos or iNaturalist, but many do not or have not been able to implement automated name tracking. The RDB also works with the Global Assessment of Reptile Distributions (GARD Initiative) to keep track of range changes. After GARD published a collection of ~10,000 range maps for reptiles in 2017, more than half of these maps have changed in area size by more than 5% since the initial release. The database has developed several avenues for streamlining and optimizing curation of the literature, e.g., (semi-) automated requests for publications, species descriptions, and photos from authors, but the process is far from fully automated. Questions remain: how can taxonomic databases develop, share, and exchange better tools for curation? Can we standardize data collection and processing? How can we automatically exchange data with other data sources? How can we optimize the process of scientific publication to streamline databasing and automated information extraction?

scholarly journals A taxonomic revision of Gaultheria series Trichophyllae (Ericaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-341
Author(s):  
Peter W. Fritsch ◽  
Lu Lu
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
East Central ◽  
Present Treatment ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
The Himalaya

The last taxonomic revision of Gaultheria series Trichophyllae (Ericaceae), a clade of high-elevation species endemic to the Himalaya-Hengduan Shan region of east-central Asia, was published in 1941. Since then, a number of new species have been described and other taxonomic changes have occurred in the group, prompting the need for a comprehensive revision. The present treatment of the series comprises 21 species, including Gaultheria x biluoensis, a newly described hybrid between G. crassifolia and G. major. A key to species and species descriptions is provided, and lectotypes are newly designated for G. cardiosepala, G. gonggashanensis, G. marronina, and G. stenophylla.

Description of two new species Pericopini from Guatemala and critical review of some recent nomenclature changes in the genus Dysschema Hübner (Lepidoptera: Erebiidae: Arctiinae: Pericopini)

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Laguerre ◽  
José Monzon Sierra ◽  
Simeao De Souza Moraes
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Nucleotide Sequence ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Data Analyses ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Species Descriptions ◽  
Molecular Characters

Two new species of Pericopini (Erebiidae, Arctiinae) are described from Guatemala: Gnophaela baileyi sp. nov. and Dysschema faustinoi sp. nov. Detailed species descriptions are based upon morphological and molecular characters as well as distributional data. Analyses of the CO1 locus (a 658 nucleotide sequence commonly referred to as a barcode) in 397 individuals of the genus Dysschema Hübner reveal that many taxonomic changes recently proposed by V. O. Becker are not supported by molecular data. Dysschema appears not to be a genus of wide ranging species but rather a complex of more localized species that require redefinition using more detailed morphological, molecular, and ecological data.

Ten new records of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) for Vietnam and lectotypification of Polystichum atroviridissimum and P. fimbriatum

Phytotaxa ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 164 (2) ◽  
pp. 115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngan Thi Lu ◽  
Liang Zhang ◽  
Li-Bing Zhang
Keyword(s):  
New Records ◽  
Color Images ◽  
Species Type ◽  
Type Information

Ten new records of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae; pteridophyta) for Vietnam, P. auriculum, P. dangii, P. excellens, P. fimbriatum, P. liboense, P. minimum, P. mucronifolium, P. nepalense, P. subacutidens, and P. xichouense, are reported from new collections, incorrectly attributed past collections, or unidentified material. Color images are provided for newly collected species. Type information is given for all related names. We also lectotypified two names of Polystichum: P. atroviridissimum and P. fimbriatum.

scholarly journals Landscape habitat occupancy and distribution of the Wild Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in Zimbabwe’s Protected Areas (PAs)

2021 ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Mahakata Innocent ◽  
Gonhi Prudence ◽  
Matindike Spencer ◽  
Masumba Yvonne ◽  
Hungwe Christopher
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Habitat Occupancy ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Unique Species

The Smutsia temminckii is the only species of pangolin known to exist in Zimbabwe and is considered vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Distribution of wild S. temminckii in protected areas (PAs) and associated environmental variables are not well defined in Zimbabwe. The study sort to relate key environmental variables (Altitude, rainfall, temperature and vegetation type) to habitat occupancy and distribution of S. temminckii. Data was collected from forty-eight stations based on S.temminckii sightings historical records spanning ten years (2011-2021) done by field rangers, tourists and scientific services research personnel. A review of available literature was done from online sources and station records. A distribution map based on S. temminckii sightings across various PAs in Zimbabwe was developed for this study. Results of this study reveal that S. temminckii occupy PAs in South East low-veld areas, Northwestern Zimbabwe, Mid Zambezi Valley and Nyanga NP. No historical data on S. temminckii sighting in central PAs located in ecological regions IIa, IIb and III of Zimbabwe. Climatic conditions associated with S. temminckii distribution, except for Nyanga NP, are average temperatures above 220C and rainfall between 400mm to 900mm per annum. Landscapes ideal for S. temminckii habitat occupancy have an altitude between 262m-2000m above sea level. Associated vegetation types for habitat occupancy of S. temminckii are the Zambezian and mopane woodlands as well as montane forest grasslands mosaic of Nyanga NP. Future studies should focus on establishing distribution of S. temminckii outside PA, population status and density to inform conservation of this rare and unique species around Zimbabwe.

scholarly journals Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Research on Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex: A Complex Pathogen with Extraordinary Economic Consequences

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 886
Author(s):  
Sujan Paudel ◽  
Shefali Dobhal ◽  
Anne M. Alvarez ◽  
Mohammad Arif
Keyword(s):  
Functional Genomics ◽  
Bacterial Wilt ◽  
Ralstonia Solanacearum ◽  
Wilt Disease ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Bacterial Wilt Disease ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
And Control ◽  
Name Changes

The bacterial wilt pathogen, first known as Bacillus solanacearum, has undergone numerous taxonomic changes since its first description in 1896. The history and significance of this pathogen is covered in this review with an emphasis on the advances in technology that were used to support each reclassification that finally led to the current separation of Ralstonia solanacearum into three genomic species. Frequent name changes occurred as methodology transitioned from phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular studies, to genomics and functional genomics. The diversity, wide host range, and geographical distribution of the bacterial wilt pathogen resulted in its division into three species as genomic analyses elucidated phylogenetic relationships among strains. Current advances in phylogenetics and functional genomics now open new avenues for research into epidemiology and control of the devastating bacterial wilt disease.

scholarly journals Conservation challenges regarding species status assessments in biogeographically complex regions: examples from overexploited reptiles of Indonesia

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 627-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle J. Shaney ◽  
Elijah Wostl ◽  
Amir Hamidy ◽  
Nia Kurniawan ◽  
Michael B. Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Species ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Genetic Sampling ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Modelling Techniques ◽  
Biogeographical Regions

AbstractIUCN Red List assessments are important for conservation and management initiatives. However, status assessments are often challenging because of poor sampling between biogeographical regions. Researchers sometimes assess poorly known species, which can have unforeseen ramifications, including the trade of rare and cryptic species under common species names. Here, we address this issue in relation to economically important reptile species in Indonesia. We reviewed examples of single species categorized as Least Concern for which the assessments probably encompassed multiple closely related species. We also examined Red List assessments that utilized species distribution modelling techniques, and identified biogeography as a major barrier to using such methods. To test how biogeography may affect status assessments we used our own model lizard system from Indonesia, taking an integrative phylogeographical approach to quantify status assessments under contrasting scenarios. We show that failure to account for biogeographical breaks leads to significant variation in Red List status. Our model system fluctuates from Least Concern to Endangered, depending upon whether biogeographical boundaries are considered in taxonomic evaluations. We identify Sauria (lizards) and Serpentes (snakes) as major lineages requiring taxonomic and conservation attention in Indonesia. We also make the following recommendations: (1) Indonesia's trade quotas should further subdivide management zones to account for gaps in taxonomic evaluations; (2) genetic sampling should be considered a high priority during wildlife exportation processes from poorly studied geographical areas; and (3) continuation of thorough biological inventory is critical for conservation initiatives across heterogeneous mountain and island landscapes.

scholarly journals Distribution and diversity of reptiles in Albania: a novel database from a Mediterranean hotspot

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edvárd Mizsei ◽  
Daniel Jablonski ◽  
Zsolt Végvári ◽  
Szabolcs Lengyel ◽  
Márton Szabolcs
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Altitudinal Variation ◽  
Diversity Patterns ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Precipitation Variation ◽  
Variation Explained ◽  
Online Sources

Although Albania has a rich reptile fauna, efforts to reveal its diversity have so far been limited. To fill this gap, we collected available published and unpublished (museum collections, online sources) records of reptile occurrences and conducted several expeditions to search for reptiles in areas with few or no previous records. Our georeferenced database contains 3731 records of 40 species from between 1918 and 2015. Based on this comprehensive dataset, we prepared distribution maps for each reptile species of the country. Applying spatial statistics, we revealed that overall sampling effort was clustered, with hotspots associated with easily accessible areas and natural heritage sites. The maximum number of species per cell was 26 with an average of seven. Cells harbouring large reptile diversity were located along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, on the western slopes of south Albanian mountains, i.e. in areas generally considered as Balkans biodiversity hotspots or potential historical refugia. We found that species presence and diversity is strongly influenced by landscape features. Diversity of land cover, altitudinal variation, temperature and precipitation variation explained the observed pattern in our models. Our study presents the largest database of reptile occurrences to date and is the first to analyse reptile diversity patterns in Albania. The database and the diversity patterns can provide a basis for future macroecological studies and conservation planning.

scholarly journals Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Research on Ralstonia solanacearum: A Complex Pathogen with Extraordinary Economic Consequences

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujan Paudel ◽  
Shefali Dobhal ◽  
Anne M. Alvarez ◽  
Mohammad Arif
Keyword(s):  
Functional Genomics ◽  
Bacterial Wilt ◽  
Ralstonia Solanacearum ◽  
Wilt Disease ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Bacterial Wilt Disease ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
And Control ◽  
Name Changes

The bacterial wilt pathogen, first known as Bacillus solanacearum, has undergone numerous taxonomic changes since its first description in 1896. The history and significance of this pathogen is covered in this review with an emphasis on the advances in technology that were used to support each reclassification that finally led to the current separation of Ralstonia solanacearum into three genomic species. Frequent name changes occurred as methodology transitioned from phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular studies, to genomics and functional genomics. The diversity, wide host range and geographical distribution of R. solanacearum has resulted in its inclusion in a “species complex” as genomic analyses of elucidated phylogenetic relationships among strains. Current advances in phylogenetics and functional genomics now open new avenues for research into the epidemiology and control of the devastating bacterial wilt disease.

scholarly journals Amphibians and reptiles of Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary, Napo Province, Ecuador

Check List ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-751
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Camper ◽  
Omar Torres-Carvajal ◽  
Santiago R. Ron ◽  
Jonas Nilsson ◽  
Alejandro Arteaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Diverse Species ◽  
Transect Sampling ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Elevational Range

We conducted a long-term inventory of the herpetofauna of Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary in the eastern part of the Napo Province in Ecuador. This private preserve is about 500 ha in size and is located on the southern slopes of Volcán Sumaco. The preserve contains primary forest, secondary forest, and pasture habitats. Based mostly on nocturnal transect sampling we documented 39 species of amphibians including one species of salamander, two species of caecilians, and 36 species of frogs. Rain frogs (Pristimantis Jiminez de la Espada, 1871) were diverse with 14 species documented. A diverse species assemblage of 45 reptile species was also documented on the preserve. Six amphibian species found were listed by the IUCN Red List. At least three species exhibited substantial geographic range extensions and seven species showed elevational range extensions. We discovered several undescribed species including one salamander, three frogs, one lizard, and one snake.

A taxonomic treatment of Trisetopsis (Poeae, Poaceae) in southern Africa

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 458 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-68
Author(s):  
ALUONESWI C. MASHAU ◽  
LYN FISH ◽  
ABRAHAM E. VAN WYK
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Flora Of Southern Africa ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Taxonomic Treatment ◽  
Iucn Red List Categories ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Species Descriptions

Trisetopsis, a genus of temperate C3 grasses, extends from the Arabian Peninsula southwards along the African mountains (temperate Afromontane Region) to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, with a centre of diversity in southern Africa. A taxonomic treatment of Trisetopsis in the Flora of southern Africa (FSA) region is presented. The proposed classification is based on existing and comparative evidence derived from macromorphology, micromorphology, leaf anatomy, DNA sequences and geographical distribution. Fourteen species of Trisetopsis are recognized in the FSA region, all of them endemic to the region. Five of the species are rare; based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, three species are considered “Vulnerable”, one as “Endangered, and one as “Critically Endangered” and probably “Extinct”. Improved and emended species descriptions, a key to the species, updated distribution maps and illustrations, especially of the spikelets, are provided. Lectotypes are designated for the names Avenastrum longum var. grande and Avena longa (basionym of Trisetopsis longa).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document