First report of a bat guano fire from a cave in Southeast Asia

Xylosandrus germanus origins from SE Asia and Oriental Region from where it was introduced to almost all Holarctic excluding north. In Ukraine, this species was found only in Transcarpathian Region (2012). This is the first find of this species in Volyn Region, in the Kivertsi National Park "Tsumanska Pushcha". The collection of material was carried out by counting animals on six test plots from 05.07.2022 to 09.25.2022. Three window traps and three Barber traps were placed in each trial area. The traps were located at a distance of 50 m from each other. 1 female was collected in a a birch and alder forest that grew on the site of a former fire with a windfall. The current discovery of this species confirms the already known data on its presence in birch and alder forests that have grown on the site of a fire with a significant amount of dead wood in western Ukraine. According to recent data on its distriubution in Europe, it can be expected that X. germanus can be found in other places of Ukraine.

Morphological characters were studied in 90 accessions of Capsicum frutescens in Southeast and East Asia, and cluster analysis was carried out to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the characters. Four major clusters appeared both in the qualitative characters (XA, XB, XC and XD) and quantitative characters (YA, YA, YC and YD), and 90 accessions were classified into 9 types based on cluster combinations. Four major types (XAYB, XAYC, XBYB and XBYD) including 61 accessions were distributed evenly in Southeast Asia. Five minor types, on the other hand, were distributed unevenly: XAYA in the Ryukyu Islands, Indonesia, northern Thailand; XBYA in Indonesia, southern Thailand, Vietnam; XCYD in northern and southern Thailand; XCYD in Vietnam and Laos; XDYD in southern Thailand. Morphological characters were more diversified in Thailand. This is partly because C. frutescens is used more frequently in Thailand than in other regions. All 17 accessions from the Ryukyu Islands, on the contrary, showed exactly the same qualitative characters and high similarity in quantitative characters. These results agree with the results of biochemical analyses. Accessions from the Ryukyu Islands were both morphologically and biochemically very close to each other, indicating that the Ryukyu Islands is the end of the dispersal route of C. frutescens in Southeast and East Asia.

Huai Yuak area is located at Ban Kaeng Subdistrict, Sisatchanalai District, Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand. The occurrences of gold are distributed along the Sukhothai Fold Belt from Phrae to Lampang though Sukhothai provinces. The Huai Yuak area is a one of the primary gold deposits in the Sukhothai Fold Belt. The geology of the Huai Yuak area is comprised of siltstone, sandstone, shale and tuff from the Permian to Triassic age. Quartz veins of the deposit were formed in siltstone, sandstone and shale. Based on the cross-cutting relationship and mineral assemblages, the quartz veins can be divided into three stages. Quartz veins of stage I are composed of a large amount of microcrystalline quartz with a minor amount of arsenopyrite and a trace amount of calcite, illite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and electrum. Quartz veins of stage II consist of mainly quartz. Quartz veins of stage III are comprised of a large amount of dolomite and a small amount of quartz with a trace amount of illite and arsenopyrite. Electrum is associated with arsenopyrite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. The electrum was formed as inclusion and filled in fractures of arsenopyrite and pyrite. Based on structure, texture and occurrence, pyrite and arsenopyrite can be classified into four types. Type 1 pyrite and arsenopyrite were disseminated in sandstone, siltstone and shale. Type 1 is characterized by euhedral to subhedral shape with size ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 mm. Type 2 pyrite and arsenopyrite were formed in a fracture as veins in shale and metashale. Type 3 pyrite and arsenopyrite occur in quartz veins. Type 3 is associated with galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and electrum. The electrum in Type 3 at Huai Yuak deposit was formed as inclusions and native gold associated with pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite and quartz of stage III. The concentration of electrum is related to arsenic content in pyrite. Type 4 of pyrite and arsenopyrite was formed in shale rock. Pyrite and arsenopyrite gains at the Huai Yuak gold deposit have had developed under a different structure and physical condition from uplift during volcanic arc setting.

This study aims to carry out a comprehensive characterization of guano from cave and non-cave environments through a series of mineralogical and chemical analyses. The methodology used includes X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis to determine the composition of chemical elements, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for mineral phase identification, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological observations. The objectives of this study are: (1) to analyze the comparison of magnetic mineral properties, (2) to analyze the composition of chemical elements, (3) to analyze the types and phase distribution of magnetic minerals, and (4) to analyze the morphological differences between cave guano and non-cave. Cave guano samples are in the Bat Cave of the Rammang-Rammang Maros Karst Area and for non-cave guano samples are in Kalong Park, Soppeng Regency. The results showed that cave guano had a significantly higher magnetic susceptibility value than non-cave guanos, with variable values ranging from 278.0 x 10-8 m-3 kg to 832.7 x 10-8 m3/kg, while non-cave guano ranged from 23.7 x 10-8 m3/kg to 51.1 x 10^-8 m3/kg. The elemental composition of both types of guano is generally the same, but non-cave guano does not contain vanadium (V). XRD analysis revealed greater mineral phase diversity in cave guano compared to non-cave guanos. SEM confirmed significant morphological differences, with cave guano showing a denser and more uniform microstructure compared to a more heterogeneous structure in non-cave guanos. This research provides new insights into the influence of the environment on the composition and physical properties of guano, which can be helpful in agricultural applications and environmental research.

This study presents a three‐dimensional shear wave velocity (Vs) model and azimuthal anisotropy of the crust beneath northern and central Thailand derived from ambient noise tomography. Continuous seismic data from 99 broadband stations across Southeast Asia were processed to extract Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersion curves. These curves were then used in a direct joint inversion for both isotropic Vs perturbations and azimuthal anisotropy at depths of 15–35 km. The inversion was initialized with a local 1D velocity model specifically derived for northern Thailand. Results reveal significant lateral heterogeneities in crustal structure, with Vs ranging from 3.615 to 3.675 km/s at 15–20 km depth to 3.650 to 3.720 km/s at 30–35 km depth across the study area. A prominent high‐velocity anomaly (Vs > 3.675 km/s at 15–20 km depth, Vs > 3.745 km/s at 20–30 km depth, and Vs > 3.720 km/s at 30–35 km depth) is observed in the northwestern sector (18.5°–19.5° N, 98°–101° E), corresponding to the Shan‐Thai terrane. The velocity contrast between the Shan‐Thai and Indo‐China terranes is delineated by a lateral velocity gradient, with the Shan‐Thai Terrane consistently exhibiting higher velocities throughout the investigated depth range. Azimuthal anisotropy patterns show complex variations, with a prominent NW‐SE trend in fast polarization directions in northern Thailand, consistent across all depth ranges. The strongest anisotropy is observed in the northern Thailand, coinciding with high‐velocity zones. The spatial correspondence between present‐day surface kinematics, as recorded by GPS measurements, and crustal anisotropic fabric suggests a coherent deformation pattern that extends through multiple crustal levels, with pronounced expressions along terrane boundaries.

In the dry tropics, the main nutrient influx into caves, which occurs during monsoonal flooding, is closely simulated by the deliberate introduction of wet leaf litter into the cave environment. We describe the construction and use of a wet leaf litter trap which exploits the attractiveness of wet leaf litter to orthopteroid insects inhabiting such caves. The traps collect a greater diversity of species per unit time and a greater total number of individuals per unit time than other techniques. Apart from the efficiency of the traps they can be used to allow sampling with replacement. This technique has a minimal impact on populations of cave invertebrates, and we therefore recommend its use where sampling is likely to pose a conservation threat to the fragile cave ecosystem. In a survey of macroinvertebrate fauna in a limestone cave in the dry tropics of Northern Queensland, Australia, Weinstein and Slaney (1995) have recently demonstrated that wet leaf litter traps are the most effective and efficient means of sam- pling. In many caves in the dry tropics, the major organic input into the cave ecosystem occurs in the wet season (November - March) when leaf litter is washed into the caves with mon- soonal rains. At this time, troglophilic (facultatively cave dwell- ing) and troglobitic (obligately cave dwelling) faunae are reac- tivated, and are thus more easily detected (Humphreys 1991). The introduction of wet leaf litter into a tropical cave is thought to simulate the thriving state of a tropical cave following natural flooding, and is thus a useful technique for collecting and studying cave invertebrates (Humphreys 1991, Weinstein 1994). We have now used the technique extensively in our studies of troglophilic cockroaches in Northern Queensland, and have also noted that cave dwelling gryllids are attracted to the traps. We suggest that wet leaf litter traps are the sampling technique of choice for orthopteroid insects in tropical caves. Here we describe the design and construction of wet leaf litter traps in detail to make the traps more available to other ento- mologists.

Cyrtodactylus species are the most diverse of the geckos and are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. However, their patterns of distribution, especially in northern and western parts of Thailand, remain unknown because few Cyrtodactylus species in these regions have been described. Thus, a data set of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) gene and flanking tRNAs from Cyrtodactylus found in northern and western Thailand, including contiguous areas, was assembled to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and identify the distribution patterns of these geckos. The results showed four well-supported clades, a northwestern clade (A), a northern clade (B), a western clade (C), and a special clade characterized by specific morphological features (D). Clades A–C were grouped with strong support by the geography of their localities from northern Thailand (Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Provinces) along the Tenasserim mountain ranges to Phang-Nga Province, Thailand. Clade D is a distinct clade of Cyrtodactylus species characterized by a tuberculate and prehensile tail and distributed widely in mainland Southeast Asia. Overall, the results suggest a pattern of geographic separation and distribution of Cyrtodactylus in northern and western Thailand. Additionally, this study provides evidence of a hidden biodiversity of Cyrtodactylus in these regions.

Malaysia is a tropical country with abundant natural tourist caves. Ensuring wireless communications are available inside the tourist caves is essential for the safety of tourists. This paper presents the field measurement results collected inside Kek Lok Tong – a tropical cave in Peninsular Malaysia. Polarization effects are investigated and reported for co-polarizations, namely, vertical-vertical and horizontal-horizontal at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. This field measurement result collected from inside a natural tropical cave in South East Asia is a timely addition to the body of knowledge since there is still limited data collected from inside actual caves worldwide.

From Challenges to Sustainable Solutions for Upland Agriculture in Southeast Asia.- Beyond the Horizons - Challenges and Prospects for Soil Science and Soil Care in Southeast Asia.- Water and Matter Flows in Mountainous Watersheds of Southeast Asia: Processes and Implications for Management.- Agricultural Pesticide Use in Mountainous Areas of Thailand and Vietnam: Towards Reducing Exposure and Rationalizing Use.- Linkages between Agriculture, Poverty and Natural Resource Use in Mountainous Regions of Southeast Asia.- Mango and Longan Production in Northern Thailand: the Role of Water Saving Irrigation and Water Stress Monitoring.- Soil Conservation on Sloping Land: Technical Options and Adoption Constraints.- Improved Sustainable Aquaculture Systems for Small-scale Farmers in Northern Vietnam.- Participatory Approaches to Research and Development in the Southeast Asian Uplands: Potential and Challenges.- Integrated Modeling of Agricultural Systems in Mountainous Areas.- Rethinking Knowledge Provision for the Marginalized: Rural Networks and Novel Extension Approaches in Vietnam.- Policies for Sustainable Development: The Commercialization of Smallholder Agriculture.

EvolutionVolume 34, Issue 2 p. 394-406 ArticleFree Access THE ZOOGEOGRAPHY OF SPECIALIZED CAVE ANIMALS: A BIOCLIMATIC MODEL Francis G. Howarth, Francis G. Howarth B. P. Bishop Museum, P.O. Box 19000-A, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96819Search for more papers by this author Francis G. Howarth, Francis G. Howarth B. P. Bishop Museum, P.O. Box 19000-A, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96819Search for more papers by this author First published: March 1980 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1558-5646.1980.tb04827.xCitations: 44 Corresponding Editor: D. M. Raup AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume34, Issue2March 1980Pages 394-406 ReferencesRelatedInformation

The Galericinae are a group of Erinaceidae that are currently distributed in Southeast and Eastern Asia. Although galericines have an Asian origin, their fossil record in this region is scarce, which greatly limits the knowledge of the evolutionary history of this group. We describe here the first fossils of Eulipotyphla from the middle Miocene (13.4–13.2 Ma) of the Mae Moh Basin of northern Thailand, and assign the material to three taxa of Erinaceidae attributable to the Galericinae (Galerix rutlandae, Lantanotherium anthrace, sp. nov., and Lantanotherium sp.). The Mae Moh erinaceids present a Lantanotherium-Galerix association that is uncommon in the Miocene of Asia. Galerix rutlandae is a species formerly described in the Siwaliks of Pakistan and India, which reaffirms the strong affinities during the middle Miocene between the mammalian faunas of Southeast and Southern Asia. The discovery of two species of Lantanotherium in Mae Moh provides additional knowledge about the evolution in Asia of this widespread Miocene genus that had never been recorded in Southeast Asia. The presence of three Galericinae in Mae Moh Basin reinforces the hypothesis of a mainly closed and wet environment during the deposition of the K and Q lignite layers. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BDE7F01C-360C-4D4B-988C-01633F1AB722

Impact assessment of biomass burning on air quality in Southeast and East Asia during BASE-ASIA

The evolutionary dynamics of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the last glacial period remains understudied, despite its potential in providing a “cold case” for climate sensitivity studies. Here, we investigate SE Asian-Pacific paleoclimate records to decipher the dominant underlying mechanism that governed tropical Asian-Pacific hydrology during MIS 3. Our results suggest that the glacial emergence of the Sunda Shelf likely altered the atmospheric circulation pattern in Southeast (SE) Asia and led to the realignment of rainfall patterns between Thailand and Indonesia during the last glacial period. We also propose that the long-term hydrological regime change in the tropical Asian-Pacific region during MIS 3 was mainly influenced by an El Niño-like mechanism. An intense El Niño-like condition led to strong aridity in SE Asia during mid MIS 3. By late MIS 3, an enhanced seasonality dampened the intensity of the El Niño-like conditions, thus, leading to muted aridity in SE Asia. The alternating warm and wet summer months and droughts during winter favoured the proliferation of C4 plant types in Northern Thailand from mid MIS 3 to late MIS 3.

The Late Oligocene to Early Miocene flora of the Ban Pa Kha Subbasin (Li Basin, northern Thailand) provides a record of montane dry tropical oak-pine forests. The rich ensemble of Fagaceae typical of these forests might have existed in the wider region of Southeast Asia since Eocene times and various fossil plant assemblages represented both lowland (Fagaceae, Dipterocarpaceae) and upland (Fagaceae, Pinaceae) tropical forests. These findings are in conflict with previous interpretations of vegetation development in northern Thailand, which stressed that stratigraphically older (possibly Late Oligocene) spore and pollen assemblages in northern Thailand were markedly different from the modern tropical flora and had a distinct northern temperate character. A major change in climate would have caused a dramatic shift to tropical conditions since the Mid-Miocene. Considering palaeobotanical data from adjacent regions in Southeast Asia, we suggest that differences in spore and pollen assemblages in intermontane basins in northern Thailand are more likely to represent different facies and lowland/upland settings. Assembly of these forest ecosystems, typically comprising Quercus sections Cyclobalanopsis, Ilex and Quercus, pollen of Castaneoideae with affinities to Castanopsis and Lithocarpus, and extinct fagaceous genera such as Eotrigonobalanus, most probably dates back to the Eocene. The absence of oaks of Quercus section Cerris in the spore and pollen assemblage of the Ban Pa Kha Subbasin, despite this group being part of the modern vegetation, might reflect the late arrival (secondary radiation) of this chiefly temperate group in tropical Southeast Asia.

Genetic, Linguistic and Archaeological Perspectives on Human Diversity in Southeast Asia