Easternmost Distribution Research Articles

Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. (Cactaceae) in the Bulgarian flora

Abstract Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. is included in the List of Top 10 of the worst invasive alien plant species in Bulgaria. This is the fastest spreading species of the four species of the Opuntia genus found so far in natural habitats in Bulgaria. In the period 2010-2023, 3 new localities of the species were established in 3 new floristic regions of Bulgaria: Black Sea Coast (North), Stara Planina (East) and Strandzha Mountain. They describe the northernmost and easternmost distribution limits of the species in Bulgaria. The described localities are different in area: from 0.08 ha to 21.11 ha. The characteristics of the abiotic environment are presented such as: slope, exposure, elevation, bedrock, soil, climatic region and subregion. The habitats in which individuals of the species are found are indicated. Accompanying plant species were studied. The spatial structure of O. humifusa populations was studied. The reasons for the appearance and spread of this invasive alien plant species in territories that have not been inhabited by it until now have been examined, considering that these reasons are not natural, but have an anthropogenic character. Our findings support the opinions of other researchers about the key role of nature lovers in the spread of this invasive species. Factors favoring the increase in population size in established localities are indicated. Methods have been proposed to control the spread of the species.

First record of Hoplobatrachus litoralis Hasan, Kuramoto, Islam, Alam, Khan & Sumida, 2012 (Anura, Dicroglossidae) from China

We report the first record of Hoplobatrachus litoralis Hasan, Kuramoto, Islam, Alam, Khan & Sumida, 2012 from China based on seven specimens from Baoshan City, western Yunnan. Morphologically, the specimens from China mostly agree with the original description of H. litoralis and phylogenetically show a small genetic distance (1.7%) in the 16S rRNA gene with the specimens (including one paratype) of H. litoralis from its type locality in Bangladesh. Our work increased the species number of the genus Hoplobatrachus Peters, 1863 in China to two. This record is the easternmost distribution of this species at present. Furthermore, we found that the species H. salween Thongproh, Chunskul, Sringurngam, Waiprom, Makchai, Cota, Duengkae, Duangjai, Hasan, Chuaynkern & Chuaynkern, 2022 recently described from north-western Thailand is morphologically and genetically very similar to H. litoralis and, therefore, we discuss the validity of H. salween as a separate species.

Easternmost distribution of Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) in Türkiye: implications for the putative contact zone between B. bufo and B. verrucosissimus.

The geographic range of a species is crucial for obtaining information on the exact distribution of the species. The geographic data are important for delimiting distinct species or exploring the degree of differentiation among different populations of a species. The local details of species boundaries facilitate the study of the importance of phylogeographic background, secondary contacts, and hybrid zones, along with the relations between the species and its extrinsic environmental factors. In the present study, the range boundaries of Bufo bufo and Bufo verrucosissimus in the north-eastern region of Türkiye were delineated using an integrative taxonomic approach that utilized a combination of molecular and morphological data. According to the mtDNA results of the present study, B. bufo inhabits a single distribution from İyidere town to Çayeli town in Rize, while B. verrucosissimus is distributed from Şavşat town of Artvin to Ardeşen town in Rize. In addition, the two species coexist in Pazar, Hemşin, and Çamlıhemşin towns in Rize. The demographic analyses indicated a distinct population expansion for the B. verrucosissimus species after the Last Glacial Maximum, while the same did not occur for B. bufo. The univariate and multivariate statistical analyses conducted for the morphological data of the two species corroborated the presence of a putative contact zone between B. bufo and B. verrucosissimus. In summary, the present study resolved the non-distinct geographic boundaries between B. bufo and B. verrucosissimus species and also revealed the easternmost distribution of B. bufo in Türkiye. In addition, important evidence on the putative contact zone between the two species was indicated using an integrative taxonomic approach.

High levels of genetic diversity and population structure in the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica at its easternmost distribution limit

Abstract High levels of genetic diversity and connectivity are crucial for the persistence of local populations, especially at the edge of species’ distribution ranges. Here, we assessed the potential and realized connectivity of populations of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica at its easternmost distribution using physical modelling and genetic analyses. Genetic assessments of diversity and gene flow among populations were carried out with 18 microsatellite loci, while oceanographic connectivity was assessed via Lagrangian dispersal simulations. Levels of genetic and clonal diversities were prevalent among shallow and deep sites without signs of reproductive isolation. Both approaches identified two main clusters corresponding to “Aegean” populations along the western Turkey coast and “Levantine” populations along the southern Turkey coast. Aegean populations were genetically homogeneous, connected by high levels of gene flow, whereas Levantine populations were genetically heterogeneous. Within-sea patterns of genetic connectivity did not fully overlap with those derived from physical modelling; the realized connectivity was greater than that predicted by ocean-current simulations, especially in the Aegean Sea. Lagrangian dispersion dynamics cannot necessarily explain genetic connectivity patterns among populations, which are shaped over longer temporal scales and can be affected by human activities and local environmental conditions.

New distribution record of Habenaria gibsonii var. foetida Blatt. & McCann (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) from Panay Island, Philippines, with notes on allied taxa, ecology, and conservation

We report the occurrence of Habenaria gibsonii var. foetida Blatt. & McCann on Panay Island in the Philippines. Our new records represent the easternmost distribution of this species, and also the first in the Malesian region. We present a full description, photographs, updated distribution map, and notes on allied taxa, ecology, and conservation status of this taxon. Our report highlights the importance of Panay Island in floristic studies of the Philippines.

A report on the occurrence of the cicada Callogaeana festiva (Fabricius, 1803) (Insecta: Cicadidae) from Mizoram, India

We present a new state record of Callogaeana festiva from Mizoram State, India based on, an individual collected from Hualtu, Serchhip District. This record represents the range extension of the species as well as the easternmost distribution record within the Indian subcontinent.

A new endemic dormouse species in Anatolia

Molecular studies provide very useful information on predicting the evolutionary history of species, species ecology and for describing new species. Dryomys laniger is an alpine species that is endemic to Anatolia, inhabiting high rocky areas. Its known distribution consists of fragmented and isolated populations. In order to determine the evolutionary history of the species, a phylogenetic tree was created with one mtDNA and two nuDNA. Thirty-one samples were collected from 6 populations of Dryomys laniger distributed in Anatolia. Among these 6 populations, Subaşı plateau (Antalya) and Çiçekliboyun plateau (Niğde) populations are new distribution records for the species. According to the result of this study the genetic distance between Eastern lineage and Western lineage is 7%. Beside this genetic distance, two clades are morphologically significantly different from each other. Based on the differences, the Eastern lineage was defined as a new Dryomis species. The two lineages appear in the evolutionary tree as two monophyletic lineages and no common haplotype is shared between these lineages. According to the data available in the literature, and provided in this study, the westernmost distribution limit of Dryomys laniger is around the Subaşı plateau (Antalya), and the easternmost distribution limit is probably the Saimbeyli-Tufanbeyli line. The distribution area of the new Dryomys species is Tahtalı Mountains on the Adana-Kahramanmaraş border in the west, and the Erzurum region in the east. This study strongly suggests the importance of Anatolian high mountain ecosystems in terms of biodiversity, their potential to host new species, and the need for careful conservation.

A New Species of the Genus Rapisma (Insecta: Neuroptera: Ithonidae) from Taiwan.

A new species of the genus Rapisma, Rapisma taiwanense sp. nov., is described from Taiwan. The new species represents the first of its genus and family recorded in Taiwan. By collecting both genders, the hypothesis of sexual dimorphism is examined. This finding also expands the easternmost distribution border of Rapisma in the Oriental region. This discovery can be attributed to the development of social media which helps researchers access rare species.

The faded stripes of Bengal: a historical perspective on the easternmost distribution of the striped hyena

The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is an understudied large carnivore with no known historic range map. Knowledge of the past and present extent of its easternmost distribution beyond 85° east longitude is dubious. Through a comprehensive review of historical evidence and contemporary records, we investigated striped hyena presence in Bengal, i.e., Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal in South Asia. We found 14 historical records, with the oldest one dating to 1876. Our review establishes Bangladesh as a former striped hyena range country and the striped hyena as one of the first large carnivores to go extinct in Bangladesh. We identified northern Bangladesh as part of its historical range (until ~1965), and south-central Bangladesh as a possible part of its historical range. In West Bengal, India, hyenas were historically present up to the southern tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, but the present range is reduced. The area south of the Damodar River is its last refuge in Bengal. We also found 15 contemporary records (2010–2021) in Bengal, from sites situated on the eastern limit of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. These records noted 25 sightings including 9 deaths due to poaching, train accidents, and retaliatory killings. Our review demonstrates that hyenas are currently present up to 87° east longitude, which extends the currently documented easternmost range for the species by almost 1,000 km. We recommend methods which can be applied to delineate the historical extent of striped hyenas elsewhere as well as for other poorly understood species.

The Oriental Tiny Frog of the Genus <i>Microhyla</i> Tschudi, 1839 (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) Revealed across Geographical Barriers of the Wallace Line

The frog genus Microhyla was considered as the South, East, and Southeast Asian frog species. Microhyla orientalis was described in 2013, distributed in Java and Bali, Indonesia. Thenceforth, it was known as the easternmost distribution of this genus within the oriental region, but recently this species was recorded from the Timor Island and Sulawesi on the Wallace regions. We applied molecular analysis to evaluate the taxonomic status and the origin of the Wallacean population. Phylogenetic analysis using the partial 16S mitochondrial gene demonstrated that the Java, Timor and Sulawesi populations were not significantly different from the Bali population. This Wallacean population of M. orientalis was originated from Java and possibly it is accidentally distributed by humans through the expansion of agricultural activity.

Occurrence of Tamdil Leaf-litter Frog Leptobrachella tamdil (Sengupta et al., 2010) (Amphibia: Megophryidae) from Manipur, India and its phylogenetic position

We present a new state record of Leptobrachella tamdil from Manipur State, northeastern India based on three individuals collected from Chakpi stream, Chandel District. This record represents the range extension of the species as well as the easternmost distribution record. We also provide additional morphological data as well as the first time genetic data for the species and inferred its phylogenetic position using mitochondrial 16S rRNA marker gene sequence.

A Review of Oak Dendrochronology in Eastern Europe

Over the recent decades, a many oak tree-ring width chronologies have been used for archaeological, climatological and ecological studies, particularly across western, southern and central Europe. However, a general summary of research in the easternmost distribution of European oaks, represented mainly by Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., has been missing. Therefore, we herein overview the current state-of-the-art of oak dendrochronology in Eastern Europe. Many tree-ring width chronologies were created across this area mostly from living trees and applied in the investigation of climate-growth relationships or dendroecological studies, especially in Baltic States. In contrast, dendrochronological dating is fairly rare in the Baltic area because of a low occurrence of oak wood in historical constructions. The only long multi-centennial tree-ring width (TRW) chronology compiled using living trees as well as historical buildings exists in western Ukraine, though many preserved historical buildings still remain unexplored in some regions (e.g. Transcarpathia). The general lack of long and well-replicated TRW chronologies resulted in usage of radiocarbon methods or TRW chronologies representing distant regions for dating purposes. Nevertheless, some regions show great dendrochronological potential for compilation of long tree-ring width chronologies and its usability in dendroarchaeology or paleo-climatology.

Cartografía corológica de detalle y calentamiento global: Genista longipes Pau en la Serra d’Aitana (Alicante, España)

Genista longipes Pau forma parte de los matorrales orófilos pulvinulares béticos, una de las comunidades vegetales más vulnerables al calentamiento global. Su distribución más oriental en la península Ibérica se localiza en la culminación de la Serra d’Aitana (Alicante), considerada un área refugio de extrema fragilidad ante cualquier alteración climática. En 2004 se realizó una cartografía corológica de detalle de la distribución de la especie en el sector oriental de la sierra, preferentemente a partir de 1475 msnm, registrándose una pequeña subpoblación aislada a 1300 msnm. Para tratar de entender esta localización disyunta se ha calculado el Índice de Termicidad para cuadrículas de 200 m de lado con el fin de determinar la extensión y subdivisión del piso supramediterráneo, modelizándose un escenario de aumento de las temperaturas que ocasionaría su extinción. Para verificar esta hipótesis, desde 2014 se realiza un seguimiento mediante un exhaustivo trabajo de campo con GPS de precisión. Los resultados arrojan datos controvertidos, puesto que la población aumentó significativamente entre 2004 y 2014 y se encuentra en un declive sostenido desde 2014 a 2018. Se discute el valor de la temperatura como única variable a tratar y la necesidad de analizar el papel del viento y del manejo histórico de la vegetación para entender su dinámica.

Contribution to the knowledge of Podischnus Burmeister, 1847 (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae: Dynastinae) with the description of two new species from Brazilian Amazon Forest

Two new Podischnus Burmeister, 1847 species are described here: Podischnus limeirai sp. nov. from Gurupi region, Maranhão state, Brazil, the easternmost distribution of the genus; and Podischnus cleidecostae sp. nov. from the Acre state, Western of Brazilian Amazon Forest. New diagnostic characters are illustrated and discussed for the genus. An illustrated identification key for all Podischnus species, and an up-to-date distribution map for the Brazilian species of Podischnus are provided. Moreover, we propose the inclusion of P. limeirai sp. nov. in the Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) due to the fast loss of the Oriental Amazon Forest remnant fragment in that region.

Areolate grouper, <i>Epinephelus</i> <i>areolatus</i> (Perciformes: Serranidae), a new host record for <i>Lernaeenicus ramosus</i> (Copepoda: Pennellidae), with comments on the known hosts and distribution records of the copepod in the Indo-West Pacific region

An ovigerous female of Lernaeenicus ramosus Kirtisinghe, 1956 was collected from an areolate grouper, Epinephelus areolatus (Forsskål, 1775), in coastal waters of Suruga Bay (western North Pacific Ocean), Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan. This represents a new host and the easternmost distribution records for L. ramosus. Based on the literature published between 1956 and 2019, this paper tabulates the known hosts and distribution records of the species in the Indo-West Pacific region. The recent collections of L. ramosus from Japan further support a previous suggestion that the geographical distribution of the species in Japanese waters is affected by two warm currents, the Kuroshio, and its branch, the Tsushima Current.

<strong>Hidden but not enough: DNA barcodes reveal two new species in <em>Hygrobates fluviatilis </em>complex from Iran (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)</strong>

Water mites of the Hygrobates fluviatilis complex are common in Palaearctic inhabiting mainly running and slowly flowing waters. In this study, we examined the specimens collected in a stream in Golestan Province of Iran which is currently the easternmost distribution limit of the latter species complex. We used a fragment of the mtDNA COI gene and the D2 region of 28S rDNA to test the genetic structure. Molecular analyses revealed presence of two new well-supported species with a mean genetic divergence of 12.80% and 14.66% COI, respectively, from their closest relatives. Phylogenetic analysis based on COI and nuclear DNA data placed H. grabowskii sp. nov. as the sister species of H. persicus, and H. ulii sp. nov. as the sister species of H. turcicus. Discriminant statistical analysis revealed that the two newly discovered species could be separated on the basis of morphometric characters, but robust morphological differences were not found. Yet we were able to show that diversity in water mites is underestimated and that species delimitation requires an integrative approach.

First record of the non-indigenous parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) in the Lake Ontario Watershed: Oneida Lake, New York

Four specimens of the Asiatic parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) were collected from Oneida Lake, New York in September 2018; one specimen was from a white sucker Catostomus commersonii, another from a green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, and two from a bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. The four adult female specimens were found attached to the base of the gills of their respective hosts along with other ergasilid species. The average total length of the adult female N. japonicus specimens we found was 0.609 mm. These detections represent the first known occurrence of this non-native species in the state of New York, extends the easternmost distribution of this parasite over 400 miles, and now includes the Lake Ontario watershed for the first time. It is commonly believed that the international aquaculture industry and aquarium fish trade are the most likely vectors of dispersal for N. japonicus. Monitoring the spread of non-indigenous aquatic species is an important step towards the development of management plans and mitigation efforts with regards to the anthropogenic causes of dispersal, and fish parasites are no exception.

Ecological and genetic aspects of distribution of the marginal populations of Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) in Ukrainian Carpathians

Abstract Current distributions of Swiss stone pine mostly cover the mountain regions of Europe (Alps and Carpathians). Easternmost distribution of this species is located in western Ukraine. Due to environmental fragmentation in Eastern Carpathians and competition with Norway spruce and other species, marginal populations of Swiss stone pine create isolated island, where other species are not able to cope with harsh conditions. Still, Pinus cembra L. play an important role for soil-formation and soil-protection in high elevations. The evidence of recent reduction in the area of Swiss stone pine raises the question whether the introduction of this species at lower altitudes can be successful? According to the studies conducted on reciprocal transplant experiments, Swiss stone pine population from higher elevation are able to profit in low elevation sites. Thus, parallelly with gene conservation activity, the possibilities of assisted migration should be recognized for this species.

The waterfowl image in the art of the Neo-Eneolithic population of the Urals

The first generalizing work on waterfowl images in Neolithic art was presented by N.N. Gurina in 1972. Based on numerous findings the author defines their chronology and distribution area, characterizes the features of images and offers reconstruction of the overall picture of the world. At the same time Ural is the easternmost distribution area of waterfowl images marked by only a few finds. Nowadays the situation presented by N.N. Gurina has changed a lot. On the territory of Ural dozens of Neolithic and Eneolithic sculptural images of waterfowls made of stone, clay, bone, horn and wood were discovered. Even more known are the engraved images of birds on ceramic vessels. Practically all those vessels belong to the Eneolithic time. According to the Ural archeologists the image of the bird appeared in different symbolic meanings: the bird was considered to be the main character in the creation of the world; it could have been demiurge, ancestor and progenitor of the genus; the bird is associated with the development of craft cult; it could reflect the calendar symbols. The assumption of N.N. Gurina that the area of distribution of waterfowl images coincides with the area of residence of the population of the Finno-Ugric language group is confirmed.

The easternmost distribution and highest elevation record of the rare Desert Cat Snake Telescopus rhinopoma (Reptilia: Colubridae) in Pakistan

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