Code-compliant description of a recently identified distinct Dravidogecko species from Coonoor, Western Ghats, India (Squamata, Gekkonidae)

The Rufescent Burrowing Frog, Fejervarya rufescens, is thought to have a wide distribution across the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. This locally abundant but secretive species has a short breeding period, making it a challenging subject for field studies. We sampled 16 populations of frogs morphologically similar to F. rufescens in order to understand the variation among populations found across the Western Ghats. Our study shows significant morphological and genetic differences among the sampled populations, suggesting that F. 'rufescens' is a complex of several undescribed species. Using evidence from morphology and genetics, we confirm the presence of five distinct species in this group and formally describe four as new. The new species were delineated using a phylogeny based on three mitochondrial genes (16S, COI and Cytb) and a haplotype network of a nuclear gene (Rag1). Hereafter, the distribution of F. rufescens is restricted to the state of Karnataka and adjoining regions of northern Kerala. Three new species (Fejervarya kadar sp. nov., Fejervarya manoharani sp. nov. and Fejervarya neilcoxi sp. nov.) are from regions south of Palghat gap in the state of Kerala, and one (Fejervarya cepfi sp. nov.) from the northern Western Ghats state of Maharashtra. These findings indicate that Fejervarya frogs of the Western Ghats are more diverse than currently known. Our results will also have implications on the conservation status of F. rufescens, which was previously categorized as Least Concern based on its presumed wide geographical distribution. Furthermore, in order to facilitate a better taxonomic understanding of this region's fejervaryan frogs, we divide all the known Fejarvarya species of the Western Ghats into four major groups-Fejervarya nilagirica group, Fejervarya rufescens group, Fejervarya sahyadris group and Fejervarya syhadrensis group, based on their morphological affinities.

Hydroxycitric acid made the genus Garcinia economically important. Genetic and chemical diversity has been studied in Garcinia species using molecular markers, HCA and antioxidant activity. Nine species were collected and screened for molecular diversity and six were subjected to analyse antioxidant and HCA content and its interspecies variability. A total of 129, 125 and 89 bands with polymorphism of 78.74%, 78.4% and 93.36% were obtained using ISSR, RAPD and EST-SSR, respectively. The average PIC value obtained with ISSR, RAPD and EST-SSR markers was 0.9161, 0.9440 and 0.8903, respectively. Determined HCA content by HILIC-HPLC system using 0.1% orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile (30:70) as mobile phase in fruit powder of various Garcinia species was found to be significantly different. G. gummi-gutta, G. indica and G. xanthochymus are rich of HCA containing 12.44±1.04%, 7.92±0.83% and 6.3±0.286%, respectively. G. morella, G. talbotii and G. celebica contained very negligible amount of HCA, 0.023±0.012%, 0.083±0.034% and 0.34±0.013%, correspondingly. G. talbotii showed high antioxidant capacity (95.40±0.720). Below that G. indica and G. xanthochymus were showing significant amount of total phenols (1.23±0.015 and 1.07±0.008), flavonoids (11.17±0.075 and 12.35±0.219) and antioxidant activity (90.73±0.976 and 91.37±0.854). Correlation analysis found significant association between molecular and chemical variation indicating influence of genetic background on the observed HCA and antioxidant profiles. The conducted analysis showed the most distinct species at the genetic and chemical levels were G. gummi-gutta, G. indica and G. xanthochymus. This study signifies the utility of molecular and chemical fingerprints for commercial exploitation of HCA from Garcinia species.

BackgroundA long-standing view of Indian biodiversity is that while rich in species, there are few endemics or in-situ radiations within the subcontinent. One exception is the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, an isolated mountain range with many endemic species. Understanding the origins of the montane-restricted species is crucial to illuminate both taxonomic and environmental history.ResultsWith evidence from genetic, morphometric, song, and plumage data, we show that two songbird lineages endemic to the Western Ghats montane forest each have diversified into multiple distinct species. Historically labeled as single species of widespread Asian genera, these two lineages are highly divergent and do not group with the taxa in which they were previously classified but rather are distinct early divergences in larger Asian clades of flycatchers and babblers. Here we designated two new genera, the Western Ghats shortwings as Sholicola and the laughingthrushes as Montecincla, and evaluated species-limits to reflect distinct units by revising six previously named taxa and describing one novel species. Divergence dating showed that both these montane groups split from their Himalayan relatives during the Miocene, which is coincident with a shift towards arid conditions that fragmented the previously contiguous humid forest across peninsular India and isolated these lineages in the Western Ghats. Furthermore, these two genera showed congruent patterns of diversification across the Western Ghats Sky Islands, coincident with other climatic changes.ConclusionOur study reveals the existence of two independent endemic radiations in the high montane Western Ghats or Shola Sky Islands with coincident divergence times, highlighting the role of climate in the diversification of these ancient lineages. The endemic and highly divergent nature of these previously unrecognized species underscores the dearth of knowledge about the biogeography of the Asian tropics, even for comparatively well-known groups such as birds. The substantial increase in the diversity of this region underscores the need for more rigorous systematic analysis to inform biodiversity studies and conservation efforts.

The monotypic genus Dravidogecko, represented by its type-species D. anamallensis, is singular amongst peninsular Indian gekkonid lineages in its endemism to the Western Ghats. Molecular species delimitation approaches reveal at least seven species-level lineages within the genus from its distribution range across the mid-high elevations of the southern Western Ghats of India. These lineages, albeit superficially cryptic, are patently diagnosable from each other by employing a limited but precise set of morphological characters. Six of these lineages that were obscured under the nomen D. anamallensis are herein recognized as distinct species. A reappraisal of the genus Dravidogecko is provided based on external morphology and osteological characters, along with a detailed redescription of the holotype of D. anamallensis. A key to the species based on diagnostic characters is presented. Gene-trees based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data recovered marginally disparate topologies and were consequently coalesced into a species-tree for phylogenetic inference. Timetree analysis reveals late Miocene cladogenesis in this group and establishes late Palaeocene divergence from its sister genus, Hemidactylus, making Dravidogecko one of the earliest, extant lizard lineages to have colonized peninsular India.

Exploring the shell-based taxonomy of the Sri Lankan land snail Corilla H. and A. Adams, 1855 (Pulmonata: Corillidae) using mitochondrial DNA

An overlap of ranges of Nilgiri langurs (Semnopithecus johnii Fischer, 1829) and tufted gray langurs (Semnopithecus priam Blyth, 1844) in the Western Ghats resulted in the formation of mixed-species groups (MSGs) with a notable presence of brown morphs and significant changes in group composition and population dynamics. Our study investigated the composition of MSGs and examine the vegetation in their ranges across the Western Ghats. We identified three new locations with MSGs in the Nilgiris and southern Western Ghats predominantly found in deciduous forests (∼50 %), at an average altitude of 621.01 m asl. The mean group size of MSGs was 10.9 ± 4.49SD The geographic variation in the abundance of Nilgiri and tufted gray langurs, driven by their ecological adaptability and dispersal patterns, provides important insights into their ecological niches in the Western Ghats.

Hebius beddomei (Günther, 1864) is an endemic natricine colubrid snake species from the biodiverse Western Ghats, India. A recent molecular phylogeny provided evidence for the paraphyly of the genus Hebius, with Hebius beddomei recovered as sister to a clade containing Fowlea and Atretium. Freshly collected specimens and existing museum material allowed us to elucidate the generic status of the species and identify two distinct populations, one of which is described as a new species. A new genus, Sahyadriophis gen. nov., is proposed to accommodate Sahyadriophis beddomei gen. et. comb. nov., and Sahyadriophis uttaraghati gen. et. sp. nov. is described as a new species from the northern part of the range. The discovery of a new Oligocene divergent lineage, Sahyadriophis gen. nov., highlights the role of the Western Ghats as a source of relic lineages.

Genetic isolation of populations is a potent force that helps shape the course of evolution. However, small populations in isolation, especially in fragmented landscapes, are known to lose genetic variability, suffer from inbreeding depression and become genetically differentiated among themselves. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) inhabiting the fragmented landscape of Anamalai hills and examined the genetic structure of the species across its distributional range in the Western Ghats. We sequenced around 900 bases of DNA covering two mitochondrial regions–hypervariable region-I and partial mitochondrial cytochrome b–from individuals sampled both from wild and captivity, constructed and dated phylogenetic trees. We found that the lion-tailed macaque troops in the isolated forest patches in Anamalai hills have depleted mitochondrial DNA diversity compared to troops in larger and continuous forests. Our results also revealed an ancient divergence in the lion-tailed macaque into two distinct populations across the Palghat gap, dating to 2.11 million years ago. In light of our findings, we make a few suggestions on the management of wild and captive populations.

HPTLC fingerprints can be used for documentation and quantification of chemical markers to identify morphological and geographical variation in herbal raw materials. The current work was aimed at developing phytochemical fingerprints of Oroxylum indicum vent. from different geographical regions of India viz. Western Ghats (Maharashtra) and Northern Uttar Pradesh. Fingerprint of flavonoid, chrysin was developed for roots, leaves and bark of the plant from different regions using cold extraction and suitable solvent system. HPTLC technique was successfully used for evaluating regional variations. The fingerprints were also utilized for quantification of the flavonoid, chrysin from different parts of the plants from two distinct geographical regions. Maximum content of chrysin was found in plant collected from Western Ghats than in U.P.

Therapeutic actions of medicinal plants are due to the chemical components present in them. These chemical constituents often vary with change in geographical and climatic conditions. Climate, altitude, and temperature play an important role to make a herb therapeutically potent. Ancient Ayurvedic physicians mentioned that medicinal plants which grow in Himalayan region are more potent as compared to the plants growing in other regions. A modest study was therefore undertaken to compare the in vitro anticancer activity of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. collected from Himalayan region and Western Ghats with respect to their chemo profile and genetic patterns. Variation in physio-chemical, phyto-chemical, the genetic profiles were observed in plants collected from these two regions and corresponding variation was also seen in their anticancer activities.

We present a synopsis of a rare and little-known species of Distimake from Western India: a complete morphological description based on recent collections is provided, and nomenclature and typification issues are resolved. The fruit and seeds are described for the first time. With new morphological evidence and a full characterization of D. rhyncorhiza, the present study corroborates its placement in Distimake and supports its identity as a distinct species. The conservation status is assessed as Endangered but its distribution range is not yet fully documented and this assessment might be reviewed if more collections are made.

Eriocaulon karaavalense Darsh., R.K. Choudhary, Datar & G.R. Rao (Eriocaulaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Western Ghats, India. It is closely similar to E. kanarense but differs from it by the number of peduncles, linear-lanceolate leaves, glandular female petals, non-beaked seeds, and ribbon-shaped seed appendages. Eriocaulon karaavalense is also similar to E. palghatense and E. odoratum but differs from the former by hemispherical white heads, unequal male petals, and remarkably longer peduncles; and from the latter by linear-lanceolate leaves, white heads and seed appendages in the form of split ribbon-like bands. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and trnL-F loci confirmed the status of E. karaavalense as a distinct species.

As part of the ex-situ conservation of the wild ornamental plants at JNTBGRI, several species of Memecylon were collected and introduced from the Western Ghats. While working on the taxonomy of the collected plants, it was found that a well defined species Memecylon deccanense C.B.Clarke has been reduced recently to the synonym of M.heyneanum Benth. ex Wight & Arn. A detailed study by relevant literature, live and herbarium specimens, and type specimens housed at different herbaria, it is reinstated as a distinct species and a lectotype is designated here. Relevant photographs and images of type specimens of M.deccanense and M.heyneanum also provided to facilitate its easy identification.

s u MM ary . – The travancore Tortoise, Indotestudo travancorica (Family Testudinidae) is a medium-sized tortoise (straight carapace length [SCL] up to 331 mm) endemic to the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats in southwestern India. The taxonomy of the genus Indotestudo has recently been revised, and I. travancorica is considered a distinct species. It is found in semi-evergreen, evergreen, moist deciduous, and bamboo forests, as well as in rubber and teak plantations, occurring mostly near streams and marshes, with a home range of 5.2–34 ha. Travancore Tortoises are omnivorous; their diet encompasses grasses to mollusks and they occasionally scavenge on dead animals. They breed from November to March in captivity, have a clutch size of 1–5 eggs, and hatchlings measure 55–60 mm SCL. The major threats to this species are hunting and habitat loss. Conservation measures should focus on protection, identification of crucial tortoise habitats, and increasing awareness among local communities. D istri B ution . – India. Endemic to the Western Ghats, across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu of southwestern India. s ynony M y . – Testudo travancorica Boulenger 1907, Testudo (Indotestudo) travancorica, Geochelone travancorica, Geochelone (Indotestudo) travancorica, Indotestudo travancorica. su B species . – None recognized. s tatus . – IUCN 2011 Red List: Vulnerable (VU A1cd) (assessed 2000); CITES: Appendix II,

Systomus rubrotinctus Jerdon has long been considered a synonym of Puntius arulius. Examination of ‘P. arulius’ collected from various parts of the Western Ghats revealed the presence of two distinct species: and the fish considered by Day as ‘P. arulius’ from Wayanad is in fact P. rubrotinctus. Based on the colour pattern, morphometrics and meristics, P. rubrotinctus is retrieved from the synonymy of P. arulius and redescribed. Puntius rubrotinctus can be distinguished from P. arulius by the unique colour pattern consisting of three well-defined black blotches on the body, two scales high and three scales wide, as distinct from the diffused blotches in P. arulius. It further differs from P. arulius in having a shorter dorsal-to-hypural distance (49.8-54.6 % SL, vs. 57.3-57.6 % SL), a smaller interorbital width (28.4-35.6 % HL, vs. 39.1-39.7 % HL) and a higher number of gill rakers (10-11 in the first gill arch, vs. 8). Puntius rubrotinctus is wide distributed in the Cauvery River and its tributaries in the Western Ghats region across the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The results revalidate the identity of the ‘Puntius filamentosus group’ of previous authors drawing attention to the presence of intermediate forms among this group, in which natural hybrids appear to occur, of which P. exclamatio may be one.