Newly discovered / described species 2015

Ixora longibracteata Bremek. (Rubiaceae), An Addition to Flora of India, with Notes on its Status and Distribution

Abstract

Ixora longibracteata has been rediscovered after its type collection from Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal, India, earlier known only from its type locality, Chittagong hill tracts in Bangladesh. This species is also reported here as an addition to the flora of India. Besides, hitherto undescribed morphology of fruit of this species is provided here in the description for the first time with photograph. A detailed description, illustration, photograph, distribution map and conservation status of the species are provided here to facilitate its easy identification.

Source:

Karthigeyan, Kaliyamurthy and Arisdason, Wilson. (2015). Ixora longibracteata Bremek. (Rubiaceae), An Addition to Flora of India, with Notes on its Status and Distribution. Taiwania 60(2): 95-98.
 
"Paropeas achatinaceum (Pfeiffer, 1846), Fig. 5
Several specimens of this smallish species, averaging about 10 mm in shell length, were found in a small damp mossy concrete drain on the eastern end of the island. The observation of this species on the island is noteworthy and may be regarded as a rediscovery of the species in Singapore. Specimens collected more than a century ago from Singapore (H. N. Ridley collection; NHMUK 1896.9.3.33–37) are present in the Natural History Museum, London (see Naggs, 1994), but this species appears to be rare and has not been collected or mentioned by latter workers (e.g., Lim, 1969; Ho, 1995; Tan et al., 2012). However, it is not ascertained if the species is native to Singapore. Owing in part to human activities, this species occurs in the Mascarene Islands, Southeast Asia, Borneo, and has also been introduced to the Hawaiian Islands (van Benthem Jutting, 1952; Cowie, 1997; Vermeulen & Whitten, 1998)."

Source:

Tan, Siong Kiat et al. (2015). Terrestrial snails and slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Pulau Tekong, Singapore. Nature in Singapore 8: 25-30.
 
Rediscovery of the threatened Stoffberg Widow butterfly, Dingana fraterna: the value of citizen scientists for African conservation

Abstract

The Stoffberg Widow, Dingana fraterna (Lepidoptera: Satyrinae), was only known from a single highly localised population near Stoffberg, South Africa. This butterfly is univoltine, with historical records indicating that adults fly for approximately 10 days in early October. It was last seen in 2002 and was Red-Listed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct). The cause of the extirpation of the type population was inappropriate burning of its habitat during the adult flight period. A new colony was recently discovered in October 2014 at a site 46 km N of the type locality by citizen scientists from the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa. This study clearly highlights that developing countries, which are often limited in resources, can benefit hugely from the contributions of citizen scientists to conservation initiatives.

Source:

Lawrence, James M. (2015). Rediscovery of the threatened Stoffberg Widow butterfly, Dingana fraterna: the value of citizen scientists for African conservation. Journal of Insect Conservation. DOI: 10.1007/s10841-015-9787-0 [Abstract]
 
Identification of a Rare Gecko from North Island New Zealand, and Genetic Assessment of Its Probable Origin: A Novel Mainland Conservation Priority?

Abstract

The largest extant New Zealand gecko, Hoplodactylus duvaucelii (Duvaucel's Gecko), is a nocturnal, viviparous species of conservation concern. Hoplodactylus duvaucelii, once widespread throughout New Zealand, is now confined to offshore islands, the majority of which are free from all introduced mammalian predators (mice, rats, cats, mustelids, brushtail possums). A single H. duvaucelii, caught within a fenced reserve on North Island in 2010 was genotyped to determine whether it represents a recent introduction or a previously unknown native relict population. Genotypes from seven nuclear loci and a minimum spanning network of mtDNA haplotypes revealed two clusters representing southern (Cook Strait) and northern island populations. This genetic structure is concordant with variation between these two groups observed in body size, color pattern, and scalation. The mainland specimen was found to possess a mixture of morphological character states typical of northern and southern island populations. Although the individual possessed a unique mitochondrial haplotype, high heterozygosity, and a private nuclear allele, it was no more genetically distinct than conspecifics from isolated island populations. Comparisons with live captive geckos failed to provide evidence that the aberrant specimen represented a recent translocation. We infer that H. duvaucelii has survived naturally on North Island at very low population densities since the human-mediated introduction of novel predators 800 years ago. Our findings suggest a novel conservation priority, which should be prioritized for additional study in the immediate future.

Source:

Mary Morgan-Richards, M. Rheyda Hinlo, Chris Smuts-Kennedy, John Innes, Weihong Ji, Manuela Barry, Dianne Brunton, and Rodney A. Hitchmough. (In Press, 2015). Identification of a Rare Gecko from North Island New Zealand, and Genetic Assessment of Its Probable Origin: A Novel Mainland Conservation Priority?. Journal of Herpetology. [Abstract]
 
On the enigmatic symbiotic polychaete ‘Parasyllidea’ humesi Pettibone, 1961 (Hesionidae): taxonomy, phylogeny and behaviour

Abstract

The hesionid genus Parasyllidea differs from Oxydromus in lacking median antennae. It was originally described to include a single species, P. humesi, known only from its original description. This was based on specimens from mangrove swamps at Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo, West Africa), living endosymbiotically with the bivalve Tellina nymphalis. Lately, the genus included P. blacki and P. australiensis. A new population of P. humesi was recently found at the upper intertidal level of Rio San Pedro salt marsh in Cádiz Bay (eastern Atlantic, Iberian Peninsula). It was also living endosymbiotically, but with another bivalve, Scrobicularia plana. Some Iberian and Congolese specimens revealed the presence of a small papilla-like central antenna associated with the prostomial median ridge, which raised some doubts on the validity of the genus Parasyllidea. A phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial COI and 16S and the nuclear 18S and 28S genes confirms Parasyllidea as a junior synonym of Oxydromus. Therefore, in this paper, P. humesi is fully re-described as Oxydromus humesi comb. nov. The worm has never been reported as free-living. Previously, the association appeared to be an obligate symbiosis, closer to parasitism, as infested hosts had lower relative biomasses than non-infested ones and the worm did not occur locally inside any other bivalve co-habiting the intertidal salt marsh. The finding of a highly infested population (> 85% in the specimens longer than 20 mm) of a new host at the lower subtidal part of Rio San Pedro mouth, the bivalve Psammotreta cumana, led us to discuss the host-specificity of O. humesi. In addition, the observation of living specimens during sampling and laboratory handling enabled detailed observations of the host-entering behaviour of the specimens living with S. plana, which are also described and illustrated. Living, uninfested specimens of P. cumana have not been obtained, preventing us from checking the host-entering behaviour in the new host. The significance of the intraspecific attacks observed in experimental conditions is also discussed.

Source:

Martin, D., Nygren, A., Hjelmstedt, P., Drake, P. and Gil, J. (2015). On the enigmatic symbiotic polychaete ‘Parasyllidea’ humesi Pettibone, 1961 (Hesionidae): taxonomy, phylogeny and behaviour. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 174(3): 429-446. [Abstract]
 
Rediscovery of the Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis (Musser, Heaney & Rabor, 1985) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) from Dinagat Island, Philippines

Abstract

The Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis belongs to the group of Cloud Rats, arboreal and folivorous nocturnal rodents endemic to the forests of the Philippines. The species, endemic to a small island Dinagat in the Philippines, was discovered and captured in 1975. Since then, despite repeated surveys, no specimen was found until 2012. It is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN Red List and was even believed to be extinct. Finally, Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat was rediscovered in January 2012 and its presence confirmed on Dinagat Island. The rediscovery of this species underlines the local, national and international importance of Dinagat Island (or Dinagat-Siargao cluster of islands), as the most distinct subcentre of species endemism within the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region. Unfortunately, only one locally protected area exists on the whole island and none of the last remaining native forest habitats on Dinagat are currently protected at the national level. Mining and habitat destruction constitute a serious threat to this species. We believe that this rediscovery may provide some important and timely impetus and urgency to the need for a more rational, scientifically-based and island-wide, development program on Dinagat by also incorporating an island/region-wide biodiversity conservation strategy that would help ensure the effective, longer-term protection of the larger majority of the few remaining natural habitats in this region.

Source:

Řeháková, M., V. Řehák and W.L.R. Oliver. (2015). Rediscovery of the Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat Crateromys australis (Musser, Heaney & Rabor, 1985) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Muridae) from Dinagat Island, Philippines. Journal of Threatened Taxa 7(8): 7428-7435.
 
I enjoy that you browse the internet for all these new discoveries, but could it be an idea to start collecting them in one thread, just like the rediscovery thread, because I feel that that would make this subforum much more organized.
 
lintworm said:
I enjoy that you browse the internet for all these new discoveries, but could it be an idea to start collecting them in one thread, just like the rediscovery thread, because I feel that that would make this subforum much more organized.
Click to expand...

I like this idea :)
 
English rose thought to be extinct found growing in a hedge in Gloucestershire

A beautiful English rose thought to have been extinct since the last century has been discovered growing in a garden hedge in Gloucestershire.

The "City of Gloucester Rose" was created for the community by John Sanday in 1969, but has not been on sale since 1995 and was thought to have been lost.

But following months of searching, the peach-coloured rose has been found in a garden in Abbeydale, in Gloucester.

Now experts will be able to take cuttings and keep the variety going for future generations.

A spokeswoman for Plant Heritage said that following months of intensive research, it was discovered in a garden in Abbeydale still bearing a "faint label" with the 'City of Gloucester' rose written on it.

The quest to find a survivor had been launched by Caroline Mellor, from the Gloucester Local History Society.

"When I began, nobody seemed to have heard of the rose" she said.

"So to actually see it at last - having been searching for it and asking so many people about this rose - is amazing."

According to Plant Heritage, the hybrid tea rose was on the charity's threatened list but with no records of a living plant for decades, it was set to be described as critical or extinct.

The spokeswoman added "It's been out of cultivation so it's very lucky to have found it."

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ear...nd-growing-in-a-hedge-in-Gloucestershire.html
 
Rediscovery of the rare coccinellid 'Micraspis flavovittata' (Crotch, 1874) in Western Victoria (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

'Micraspis flavovittata' (Crotch, 1874), a distinctive yellow and black Australian ladybird that has not been collected for more than 60 years, is reported in numbers from western Victoria. Notes are provided on pollen-feeding and other aspects of its biology.

Source:

Richter, Reiner. (2015). Rediscovery of the rare coccinellid 'Micraspis flavovittata' (Crotch, 1874) in Western Victoria (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The Australian Entomologist 42(2): 73-76. [Abstract]
 
A new record of the genus Myosotis (Boraginaceae) for the flora of Iran: rediscovery of a rare plant

Abstract

Myosotis diminuta Grau (Boraginaceae) is recorded for the first time for the flora of Iran. It was rediscovered in 2013 in Zanjan Province, NW of Iran, in a wetland habitat far from its previously known habitat after not being documented for more than 100 years. A detailed taxonomic description and photographs are provided to facilitate its identification in the field. Also diagnostic characters to define Myosotis diminuta from its close relatives are provided.

Source:

Mahmoodi, M., Ghahremaninejad, F. and Maassoumi, A. A. (2015). A new record of the genus Myosotis (Boraginaceae) for the flora of Iran: rediscovery of a rare plant. J. Bot. 21(1): 43-46.
 
Rediscovery of Neurergus derjugini derjugini Nesterov 1916 (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae) in Western Iran

Abstract

In June 2013, we rediscovered Neurergus derjugini derjugini in Kurdistan province in west of Iran in elevation of 1682 m above sea level — during biodiversity survey after its first description report by Nesterov in 1916. Some specimens, both adult and larvae were found and some characteristic including some of the salamander morphological characteristics and environmental factors like description of current situation at mentioned locality and surrounding areas were reported. The comparison of morphological characteristics of new specimens with the first description of this species revealed no obvious differences. This is the first study that informs the exact locality and population of N. d. derjugini in Iran.

Source:

Bozorgi, Farnaz et al. (2015). Rediscovery of Neurergus derjugini derjugini Nesterov 1916 (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae) in Western Iran. Russian Journal of Herpetology 22(2): 103-106.
 
Rediscovery of Pseudoyoungia simulatrix (Cichorieae-Asteraceae) from India and its taxonomic history

Abstract

Pseudoyoungia simulatrix (Babc.) D. Maity & Maiti of Cichorieae-Asteraceae, which has been also treated Youngia simulatrix (Babc.) Babc. & Stebb. or Tibetoseris simulatrix (Babc.) Sennikov since its description by Babcock as Crepis simulatrix Babc. from China, Nepal and India. in 1928. In India this species is found only in Sikkim. In the latter territory the species has been rediscovered after a lapse of more than a century. Detailed description, photographs, notes on distribution and ecology, nomenclatural history are provided. Its threat status (as per IUCN) in India is proposed based on the field observation.

Source:

Dey, Sentu Kumar and Maity, Debabrata. (2015). Rediscovery of Pseudoyoungia simulatrix (Cichorieae-Asteraceae) from India and its taxonomic history. Rheedea 25(1): 31-35.
 
The rediscovery of Stachys virgata (Lamiaceae), a rare endemic of Peloponnisos, Greece: taxonomy, distribution, karyology and conservation

Abstract

Stachys virgata, a rare Greek member of S. subsect. Rectae, was hitherto known from historical collections made in the north-eastern and southern parts of Peloponnisos, the last one dated in 1844. Its only recent record, on Poros Island in 1940, is not supported by a herbarium specimen. The species was rediscovered in 2005, 161 years after its last collection, and subsequently documented in 18 populations (1 of them now extinct) distributed along the eastern slopes of Mt. Parnonas and Mt. Madara in east Peloponnisos. We review the species’ description and distribution based on both historical records and recent collections, select a specimen deposited in the Natural History Museum, Paris (P) as a lectotype, and count its chromosome number, 2n = 34, for the first time. We evaluate the species’ taxonomic relationships and consider its threats and conservation status based on our own field work and several years of monitoring. S. virgata totals 355 mature plants and 12 out of its 18 populations comprise 20 plants or fewer. Based on the IUCN criteria, S. virgata falls under the Endangered (EN) category and specific conservation measures are proposed. Finally, we provide a key distinguishing S. virgata from the other Greek members of S. subsect. Rectae.

Source:

Constantinidis, Theophanis, Kalpoutzakis, Eleftherios and Kougioumoutzis, Konstantinos. (2015). The rediscovery of Stachys virgata (Lamiaceae), a rare endemic of Peloponnisos, Greece: taxonomy, distribution, karyology and conservation. Phytotaxa 218(3): 241-252. [Abstract]
 
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