Endemic Research Articles

Insights into phylogenetic relationships and gene rearrangements: complete mitogenomes of two sympatric species in the genus Rana (Anura, Ranidae).

Mitochondrial genomes (also known as mitogenomes) serve as valuable molecular markers and have found widespread applications in molecular biology and ecology. There is abundant sequence variation in vertebrate mitogenomes, and occasionally, they exhibit gene rearrangements. In this study, two Chinese endemic Rana species, Ranajiemuxiensis and Ranahanluica, were sequenced and analyzed to obtain their complete mitogenomes. The two species were sympatrically distributed in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. The mitogenome of R.jiemuxiensis was 17,506 bp, while that of R.hanluica was 17,505 bp, each comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The gene content, nucleotide composition, and evolutionary rates of each mitogenome were analyzed and compared with those of congeners. A phylogenetic analysis based on 22 mitogenomes in Rana revealed that the two sympatric species were in two different lineages, indicating that they were genetically separated to a certain extent. Three types of gene rearrangement patterns were identified when examining the gene orders of the 22 Rana mitogenomes. Most of the species shared a second and dominant gene rearrangement pattern that originated from the first ancient pattern. A "tandem duplication - multiple deletion" hypothesis was proposed to explain the evolution of these different gene rearrangement patterns. This study provided valuable data references and enhanced our understanding of the phylogenetic implications and gene rearrangements of Rana species.

Phylogeny and systematics of the colubrid snake genera Liopeltis and Gongylosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) and description of a new Himalayan endemic genus and species.

The colubrid snakes of the genera Gongylosoma Fitzinger, 1843 and Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 are distributed across south and southeast Asia with five and eight nominate species, respectively. Despite their wide distribution, members of these genera are among some of the least-known colubrids. The two genera were considered synonymous in the past only to be separated later, and are defined on rather nebulose characters with a lack of support from molecular data. To test the monophyly of the two genera, we generated molecular data for the type species of Gongylosoma and species representing the two genera, including samples of Liopeltis rappii (Günther, 1860) from the western Himalayas. Results recovered paraphyly of Liopeltis, especially with regard to the genus Gongylosoma. Morphological data supports recognizing the western and eastern populations of L. rappii as two distinct species. The findings from our integrative taxonomic approach advocate establishing a new genus to embody Liopeltis rappii and a new allied species from the central and western Himalayas. A rediagnosis and revised classification of the genera Gongylosoma and Liopeltis is presented. The results further hint at cryptic diversity across members of the two genera, warranting scrutiny of the most widespread members of the group.

Beyond natural language: an ontology-based description of a new Scarabaeus dung beetle from Madagascar (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae).

The dung beetle genus Scarabaeus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae, Scarabaeini), predominantly found in the arid regions of the Old World, includes three endemic species inhabiting the dry ecosystems of western and southern Madagascar. These species are presumed to form a monophyletic clade nested within the African Scarabaeus.Semantic modelling of phenotypes using ontologies represents a transformative approach to species description in biology, making phenotypic data FAIR and computable. The recently developed Phenoscript language enables the creation of semantic, computable species descriptions using a syntax akin to human natural language (NL). However, Phenoscript has not yet been tested as a tool for describing new taxa. In this study, we test the utility of Phenoscript by describing a new species, Scarabaeus (sensu lato) sakalava sp. nov. from Madagascar. The initial description is composed directly in Phenoscript, replacing the traditional natural language format. This Phenoscript description is then translated into a human-readable form using the Phenospy tool for publication purposes. Additionally, the Phenoscript description is converted into an RDF graph, making it understandable by computers using semantic technologies.Scarabaeussakalava sp. nov. is found in western central Madagascar and is closely related to S.viettei (Paulian, 1953) from north-western Madagascar. We provide an updated identification key and distribution map for all Malagasy Scarabaeus and discuss their systematic placement.

Feed palatability and consumption of Eclectus Roratus Biaki in The Captivity of Bird and Ochid Park in Biak Numfor

This study aimed to assess the palatability and feed consumption of bayan parrots (Eclectus roratus biaki) in the captivity at the Bird and Orchid Park in Biak, using a variety of local feed combinations. The feeds consisted of fruits (papaya and bananas) and seeds (mung beans and sweet corn). A total of 8 parrots (4 males and four females) were used, housed in pairs within individual cages. Four treatments were tested: P0 (papaya and banana), P1 (papaya, banana, and mung beans), P2 (papaya, banana, and sweet corn), and P3 (papaya, banana, mung beans, and sweet corn). Feed and water were provided ad libitum and feed consumption was measured by weighing the remaining feed daily. The results indicated that bananas had the highest palatability and consumption across all treatments, with the highest feed consumption occurring in the P3 treatment, which included a combination of fruits and seeds. Palatability index, dry matter intake, and organic matter intake were higher when parrots were offered a varied diet. No significant differences were found between treatments in daily consumption, but the variety in feed combinations led to improved consumption patterns. The findings suggest that providing a balanced and varied diet consisting of fruits and seeds is crucial for optimizing bayan parrots' nutritional intake and health in captivity. This study contributes to improved feeding strategies for captive management and conservation efforts, ensuring the well-being of this endemic species.

Plio‐Pleistocene decline of mesic forest underpins diversification in a clade of Australian Panesthia cockroaches

AbstractThe progressive aridification of the Australian continent, and coincident decline of mesic forest, has been a powerful driver of allopatric and environmental speciation in native species. The relictual mesic forests of the eastern seaboard now harbour a diverse group of endemic fauna, including the wood‐feeding cockroaches of the genus Panesthia, which reached the continent via two separate invasions from Melanesia. The more recent of these colonization events gave rise to a group of five recognized species, occurring in mainland woodlands, sclerophylls and rainforests, as well as the forests and grasslands of the Lord Howe Island Group. Due to limited sampling in molecular studies and doubt regarding the standing taxonomy, there is little certainty about relationships among the species and poor understanding of the effects of ancient climatic change upon their evolution. We undertook a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the clade, using complete mitogenomes and nuclear ribosomal markers from nearly all known morphospecies and populations. Our time‐calibrated phylogenetic analyses reveal an additional six unrecognized, highly divergent lineages and suggest that these have arisen primarily through vicariance as rainforests fragmented during Plio‐Pleistocene glacial cycles (2–5 million years ago). Ancestral niche estimations also evidence a tropical rainforest origin for the group, followed by at least three niche transitions into drier forest, including one associated with the singular colonization of the Lord Howe Island Group. Finally, we find evidence of frequent, parallel wing reduction, in potential association with the contraction of forest habitats into small refugia. Our results reiterate the far‐reaching role of ancient aridification in driving speciation, niche expansion and morphological evolution in Australian fauna.

Scrobipalpa chardonnayi Huemer and Özden, sp. nov.: a new presumably endemic species from Cyprus (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

Scrobipalpa chardonnayi Huemer & Özden, sp. nov. is described from the limestone mountains of northern Cyprus and considered as a possible island endemism. The new species shows closer phylogenetic relationships to S. vasconiella (Rössler, 1877) and some related species, but differs phenotypically and in male and female genitalia, as well as through significant divergences in DNA barcode. Morphologically relevant diagnostic characters are compared and figured. Finally, S. vasconiella is reported from Kyrgyzstan for the first time.

Review of One Health in the Galápagos Islands (Part 1): historical perspective, invasive species, and emerging infectious diseases

The Galápagos archipelago is a vast reservoir of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, owing in large part to its relatively recent volcanic genesis and colonization by humans. This unique ecological system is particularly susceptible to human, animal, and environmental impacts. Climate change, globalization, and the blurring of human-domestic animal-wildlife interfaces are poised to bring new threats and challenges to the region. A One Health perspective that simultaneously considers human, animal, and environmental health is imperative in assessing and mitigating the challenges facing the Galápagos Islands. In Part I of this review, we provide the historical context for biodiversity in the archipelago; discuss the role of invasive species in habitat destruction, fragmentation, and competition with endemic species; and summarize the established and emerging infectious disease threats. We also discuss the imperative to implement research, surveillance, and preventative measures to identify and manage future threats from a One Health perspective, with a specific emphasis on implications for wildlife health. In Part II of this review, we outline the socioeconomic context of life in the Galápagos Islands, evaluate the current and predicted effects of climate change, and discuss direct anthropogenic factors affecting Galápagos biodiversity, such as tourism, fishing, pollution, and the illegal wildlife trade. We also examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. We build a cohesive picture of One Health in the Galápagos Islands by integrating past work, current needs, and emerging threats. We also consider overarching goals for conservation, ecosystem management, and socioeconomic sustainability that have been previously defined by both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and we identify discrete, implementable, and interdisciplinary recommendations that will facilitate achievement of those goals.

Islands are key for protecting the world's plant endemism.

Islands are renowned as evolutionary laboratories and support many species that are not found elsewhere1,2. Islands are also of great conservation concern, with many of their endemic species currently threatened or extinct3. Here we present a standardized checklist of all known vascular plants that occur on islands and document their geographical and phylogenetic distribution and conservation risk. Our analyses of 304,103 plant species reveal that 94,052 species (31%) are native to islands, which constitute 5.3% of the global landmass4. Of these, 63,280 are island endemic species, which represent 21% of global plant diversity. Three-quarters of these are restricted to large or isolated islands. Compared with the world flora, island endemics are non-randomly distributed within the tree of life, with a total of 1,005 billion years of unique phylogenetic history with 17 families and 1,702 genera being entirely endemic to islands. Of all vascular plants assigned International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation categories5, 22% are island endemics. Among these endemic species, 51% are threatened, and 55% of all documented global extinctions have occurred on islands. We find that of all single-island endemic species, only 6% occur on islands meeting the United Nations 30×30 conservation target. Urgent measures including habitat restoration, invasive species removal and ex situ programmes are needed to protect the world's island flora. Our checklist quantifies the uniqueness of island life, provides a basis for future studies of island floras, and highlights the urgent need to take actions for conserving them.

Records of endangered felines in conservation units in the Brazilian Pampa

The Brazilian Pampa biome is an environment formed by grasslands, shrubs, and riparian forests, home to several endemic species. These are being increasingly threatened by the replacement of their native areas by other types of land use, including agriculture and urbanization. To obtain comprehensive records of the native fauna, camera traps were installed in two protected areas, the Ibirapuitã Biological Reserve and the Espinilho State Park. In this way, it was possible to detect diverse populations of two native cats, the margay (Leopardus wiedii) and the Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), as well as the first record of the elusive Pampa’s cat (Leopardus munoai) in Brazilian conservation units, highlighting the critical importance of these unique habitats for biodiversity conservation and ecological research.

Evaluation of methyl jasmonate as elicitor in the production of cycloartane saponins in Astragalus aitosensis in vitro root cultures

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment is known to increase the levels of plant secondary metabolites. The significant medicinal benefits of cycloartane type saponins, including immune modulation, antiviral properties, and antitumor activity, drive high global demand, making sustainable production methods economically, medically, and ecologically important. In this study the effect of MeJA as an elicitor for promoting higher accumulation of cycloartane saponins – astragaloside I, II and IV was evaluated. The experiment was conducted using biotechnological approaches for sustainable production using in vitro root cultures of the endemic plant species Astragalus aitosensis, which is known to produce rare cycloartane saponins. LC-HRESI-MS analysis was used to identify and quantify compounds. The content of astragaloside I increased significantly by 68% (118 ng/mg DW) compared to control group (70 ng/mg DW). Astragaloside II was found with 1.5 points increased amount (473 ng/mg DW), compared to control (331 ng/mg DW) and astragaloside IV production was also improved. The highest cost-efficacy concentration of the elicitor for all tested astragalosides was observed at 50 µL MeJA.

Life history of Mexican species of the genus <i>Tlaloc</i> (Cyprinodontiformes, Profundulidae)

Fish of the genus Tlaloc are distributed from southern Mexico to Central America and are a distinctive example of the endemic fauna of the Mesoamerican highlands, which has been scarcely studied in Mexico. The present study provides basic life-history data for the species Tlaloc hildebrandi, T. candalarius, and T. labialis, which are native to the headwaters of the Grijalva-Usumacinta basin in southeastern Mexico. We collected 918 specimens to determine their Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Relative Condition Factor (Kr), sex ratio, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), fecundity, and size at first sexual maturity. Both sexes of all species had positive allometric growth, except for T. candalarius females (isometric). Mean Kr and sex ratio values differed significantly among species. Females’ GSI values differed significantly among species but were highest during the dry season in all three species. Absolute fecundity was positively correlated with standard length and weight. Sexual maturity was reached at different lengths among species. Based on these results, we suggest that all three species present an opportunistic life strategy, which is very common in fish of the order Cyprinodontiformes. These results represent a first contribution on the life-history of this group of fish and provide basic information that is fundamental to ensuring their conservation.

Biogeography of the Iranian snakes.

The events of the Cenozoic era such as mountain formation caused Iran to become one of the most amazing biodiversity hotspots in the world today. This pioneering study on Iranian snake biogeography integrates historical and ecological analyses. A phylogeographic review traces speciation and dispersal, while cluster analysis with a new snake checklist assesses faunistic similarities within Iran and its surroundings. Jaccard and Sorenson indices generate similarity dendrograms, Indicator Species Analysis pinpoints regional key species, and Endemism index calculates regional endemism rates, enriching our knowledge of Iran's species diversity. Phylogeographic analyses identify four biogeographical corridors for snake ingress into Iran: the Arabian region through southwestern Iran, the Western Asian mountainous transition zone via northwestern Iran, the Turanian region into northeastern Iran, and the Indus River Valley into southeastern and eastern Iran. Dendrogram analysis divides snake fauna into three groups. The first group associates western Zagros and Khuzestan fauna with the Sahara and Arabian regions. The second group links Kopet Dagh and Turkmen Steppe fauna with the Turanian region, and Central Plateau and Baluchistan fauna with the Iranian region. The third group connects northwest highlands, Alborz and Zagros mountains, and Caspian Sea coasts with the Western Asian Mountain transition zone. The study validates broad biogeographic patterns via ecoregional associations and indicator species analysis, providing finer resolution. Species like Platyceps najadum in Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests exemplify ecoregional alignment, while Zagros and Alborz mountains exhibit unique faunal indicators, indicating species-level divergence. Shared indicators among widespread ecoregions reflect habitat continuity; exclusive indicators emphasize regional distinctiveness. Despite endemic species prevalence, they seldom act as significant indicators due to various factors. Our research confirms the Zagros Mountains, Khuzestan Plain, Alborz Mountains, and Persian Gulf coasts as snake diversity hotspots, marked by higher species richness compared to other Iranian regions.

The endemic plant species of Ebo Forest, Littoral Region, Cameroon, with a new Critically Endangered cloud forest shrub, Memecylon ebo (Melastomataceae-Olisbeoideae)

SummaryWe emphasise the urgent need to conserve the Ebo forest (Littoral Region, Cameroon), which holds 10 strict endemic plant species and 15 near endemics for a total of 25, a very high number far exceeding the threshold for its recent status as an Important Plant Area (IPA). We describe a further strict endemic species from the Ebo Forest, Memecylon ebo sp. nov. (Melastomataceae-Olisbeoideae), placed in sect. Afzeliana due to its ellipsoid, blue-green fruits. The yellow petals and jade green anther-connectives of M. ebo are unique in the genus Memecylon, which has >400 species ranging overall from Africa to the western Pacific. Memecylon ebo is assessed as Critically Endangered [CR], using the 2012 IUCN standard, due to its small range size and the extremely high and ongoing threats of logging at Ebo and also due to subsequent threats of potential oil palm plantation and mining projects. With the addition of Memecylon ebo, the tally of Critically Endangered plant species recorded from Ebo forest is now the highest of any IPA in Cameroon, equalling that of Ngovayang with 24 CR species.

Palaeodrainages of the Sunda Shelf detailed in new maps

The Sunda Shelf is a prime biodiversity hotspot where some of the planet's most endemic species can be found. Much of the diversity in this important bioregion has been shaped by sea-level fluctuations that took place during the Pleistocene. Using depth contours obtained from the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans Grid 2023, we provide high-resolution reconstruction of land areas and palaeo-drainages on the Sunda Shelf at the 50, 75, 100, and 120 m isobaths, as well as palaeo-catchments at the 120 m isobath, in order to elucidate the history of this region. The maps presented here aim to reconstruct the connection between palaeo-rivers in the Sunda Shelf and contemporary rivers and identify possible dispersal routes and barriers for the floras and faunas/biotas associated with riverine systems found here.

Diversidad y conservación de los murciélagos de Cusco, Perú

In this work, we present an updated list of bats from the Cusco department, based on the review of scientific collections, databases, and published research. Our data show that Cusco is one of the regions with the highest bat diversity in the country, recording seven families, 55 genera, and 114 species, nearly 60% of those recorded for Peru. This diversity includes two of the nine endemic species registered in Peru: Mormopterus phrudus and Anoura javieri. According to Peruvian legislation, five species are categorized as threatened, while six species are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, 10 species are considered common, and 27 are classified as rare. The density map of records indicates that the highest concentration of records is in the La Convención province and identifies four areas with information gaps: 1) Southeast of Cusco, 2) Southwest, encompassing the provinces of Chumbivilcas and Espinar, 3) Northwest of La Convención, and 4) Northeast of La Convención. The list provides species data at the provincial level, highlighting information gaps and updates on species distribution across ecoregions, besides is included the distribution maps of all species.

Population Genomics of Adaptive Radiations: Exceptionally High Levels of Genetic Diversity and Recombination in an Endemic Spider From the Canary Islands.

The spider genus Dysdera has undergone a remarkable diversification in the oceanic archipelago of the Canary Islands, with ~60 endemic species having originated during the 20 million years since the origin of the archipelago. This evolutionary radiation has been accompanied by substantial dietary shifts, often characterised by phenotypic modifications encompassing morphological, metabolic and behavioural changes. Hence, these endemic spiders represent an excellent model for understanding the evolutionary drivers and to pinpoint the genomic determinants underlying adaptive radiations. Recently, we achieved the first chromosome-level genome assembly of one of the endemic species, D. silvatica, providing a high-quality reference sequence for evolutionary genomics studies. Here, we conducted a low coverage-based resequencing study of a natural population of D. silvatica from La Gomera island. Taking advantage of the new high-quality genome, we characterised genome-wide levels of nucleotide polymorphism, divergence and linkage disequilibrium, and inferred the demographic history of this population. We also performed comprehensive genome-wide scans for recent positive selection. Our findings uncovered exceptionally high levels of nucleotide diversity and recombination in this geographically restricted endemic species, indicative of large historical effective population sizes. We also identified several candidate genomic regions that are potentially under positive selection, highlighting relevant biological processes, such as vision and nitrogen extraction as potential adaptation targets. These processes may ultimately drive species diversification in this genus. This pioneering study of spiders that are endemic to an oceanic archipelago lays the groundwork for broader population genomics analyses aimed at understanding the genetic mechanisms driving adaptive radiation in island ecosystems.

An overview of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest species of Pachythone Bates (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), with the description of a new species and an updated checklist of Pachythonina

The taxonomy of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest endemic species belonging to the Neotropical metalmark genus Pachythone Bates, 1868 is revised. A new endemic species is described, Pachythone gagarini Dolibaina & Dias, sp. nov., based on historical specimens from a single locality in Rio de Janeiro state. Adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated and described in detail. Pachythone palades Hewitson, (1873) and P. pasicles Hewitson, (1873), described from females and males, respectively, and regarded as two distinct species since their descriptions, are here recognized as a single species, the former being considered a junior subjective synonym of the latter (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for both P. palades and P. pasicles. Pachythone sumare Callaghan, 1999, so far known from its type locality in Rio de Janeiro state, is here reported from Joinville, Santa Catarina, which extends its occurrence 700 km southwards. Lastly, an updated checklist for the recently proposed subtribe Pachythonina is given.

Resource stock, age structure, and seed prediction of ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen

Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen (FS) is an endemic species in Xinjiang, China. It has extremely high economic and medicinal value but is on the brink of extinction. A comprehensive survey of the distribution area of FS was conducted to study its resource stock, age structure and yielding capacity of seeds. Results show that there is one existing distribution area of FS with an area of 322.84 hm2 and a total plant quantity of 907,100. The age structure of FS population is reasonable showing a growing type of population. After low-temperature treatment and indoor germination of the seeds of FS, the utilization efficiency of seeds was increased by 15.45 times and 1165.81 times respectively. The establishment of the original habitat protection zone has played a huge role in promoting the recovery of the population of FS and the indoor germination of seeds would greatly alleviate the problem of seeds shortage of FS. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 765-772, 2024 (September) Special

Centaurea dimorpha Viv. (Asteraceae) growing in Algeria extracts as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient: Broad-spectrum photoprotection and antioxidant efficacy

Recently, plants have been considered as a valuable natural source of cosmetic active ingredientsowing to their sustainability and weak toxicity. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the cosmetic efficacy of Centaurea dimorpha Viv (Asteraceae), an endemic species of North Africa, as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient. In the present study, Ethyl acetate and Butanolic extracts obtained from powdered Centaurea dimorpha aerial parts were investigated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were evaluatedvia Folin-ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods, the in vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging,phosphomolybdenum and phenanthroline assays, the UVB and broad spectrum protective efficacy was spectrophotometrically assessed by measuring SPF, UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength (CW) indices. The highest levels of TPC and TFCwere recorded by the ethyl-acetate extract (119.20 ± 0.32 µg GAE mg-1, 50.65 ± 0.43 µg QEmg-1, respectively). Similarly, this extract displayed a significant antioxidant effect, particularly in the phenanthroline assay (152.63 ± 0.49 µg AAEmg-1). Ethyl acetate extract also showed UVB and broad-spectrum (UVB-UVA) protective efficacy (SPF=12.30 ± 0.001, UVA/UVB ratio=0.63 ± 0.001, λc= 371). The results obtained show the possibility to use Ethyl acetate extract as a promising active ingredient for sunscreen formulations.

Setting the record straight: a re-examination of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus deposited at the Museum of Zoology of Athens

Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is a biodiversity hotspot hosting an important number of endemic species. In recent years, its myrmecofauna has been increasingly enriched with the detection of both new alien and native species as well as the description of new endemic taxa. Nevertheless, earlier reports of dubious taxa remaining in scientific literature constitute an impediment towards the study of the island’s biodiversity. This article summarizes the results of re-examination of a collection of ants deposited in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Athens, which was a source of some faunistic records recently published as a conference poster. Specimens have been re-identified, and their metadata have been digitalised, supplementing our knowledge of the species’ distribution and correcting previous misidentifications. Tapinoma festae Emery, 1925, Tapinoma glabrella (Nylander, 1849) (Dolichoderinae), Plagiolepis perperamus Salata, Borowiec & Radchenko, 2018, Plagiolepis xene Stärcke, 1936 (Formicinae), Crematogaster lorteti Forel, 1910, and Tetramorium indocile Santschi, 1927 (Myrmicinae) are reported for the first time for the island. Adiitionally, a new distributional record is also provided for Camponotus cf. vitiosus, an enigmatic alien species on Cyprus. Lastly, a number of dubious records are removed from the checklist of Cypriot ants with notes on further taxa that could be removed in the future.