Field Expeditions Research Articles

Assessing Pantanal fauna through environmental DNA metabarcoding after the 2020 megafire

The environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a methodology that, from environmental samples such as soil, water, air, and others, enables the simultaneous identification of multiple species, thus allowing for large-scale mapping of biological diversity in a specific study area. Due to its non-invasive sampling approach, where species are detected from the traces they leave in the environment, eliminating the need to isolate and capture organisms, eDNA metabarcoding emerges as a valuable tool in conservation strategies. This study aims to explore the use of eDNA methodology for biodiversity monitoring and environmental impact assessment caused by the 2020 megafire in the Pantanal of Brazil, focusing on vertebrates. Environmental samples were collected at two protected areas and their surrounding areas, Taiamã Ecological Station (TES) and Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (PMNP), Mato Grosso, Brazil. We identified in TES, 27 mammals, 56 fishes, 12 birds, 4 amphibians, and 4 reptiles, while in PMNP, 43 mammals, 45 fishes, 126 birds, 19 amphibians, and 11 reptiles. Soil sampling proved to be more efficient compared to water sampling: 26 species were exclusively identified in soil samples, while 9 were attributed to water samples. Here, we demonstrated that the primer 12SV5 only a superior efficacy in identifying mammal and herpetofauna species compared to the other markers used (16Smam and MiBird). Moreover, we confirmed the complementary role of eDNA alongside camera trapping, and its advantage to estimate species richness with a single field expedition. We stress the need to optimize sample collection methods for the target group and to reduce the influence of contamination and water flow. This study highlights the importance of eDNA methodology as a crucial tool for biodiversity monitoring and environmental impact assessment, enabling rapid access to biodiversity and long-term monitoring.

Distribution and Dynamics of Icings in the Selenga Middle Mountains

The paper presents the results of the study on icings in the Selenga middle mountains (Western Transbaikalia). Current and retrospective maps of their distribution have been drawn up, relevant data on the main morphometric characteristics, interannual spatial dynamics, and area variability have been obtained. Comparison of vector data on the location of the icings in different years, together with the materials obtained during field expedition studies, allowed us to preliminary assess their belonging to different genetic types. It has been established that in the Selenga Middle Mountains, the predominant icings are formed as a result of groundwater rise to the surface during the seasonal freezing of rocks. About 30% of the icings are associated with groundwater sources coming from deep aquifers (key icings), river water icings are very rare. The interannual variability of the size of icings is in sync with the hydration cycles, at the same time, there is a tendency for an increase in the total number of icings. At the same time, the number of very large icings has decreased 2 times as compared to 1990, while the number of medium and small icings has increased. These trends are a consequence of changes in the state of the natural environment under the influence of climatic processes (increase in air temperature) and anthropogenic factors, which influence on the intensity of the icing formation processes in the Selenga Middle Mountains is significant.

From Northern Abundance to Crises Resistance: Strategies and Survival Practices in the Russian North in the Crisis of the 1990s

The paper focuses on the analysis of survival practices in northern Russian settlements that developed in the 1990s. Most of the northern settlements were in a state of decline: changes in the socio‑demographic composition and population size, transformation of the local economy, degradation of transport infrastructure, deterioration in the quality of life. The reason for the decline was the decentralization of the northern regions of the country – the destruction of established economic and social ties and supply problems. It was in the 1990s that northern settlements began to notice their isolation from the central regions of the country and develop their own survival strategies and practices in difficult climatic conditions. For comparison, two cases were chosen: the agglomeration of Kirovsk-Apatity (Murmansk region) and Ust’-Kamchatsk (Kamchatka Peninsula); materials collected in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District, Murmansk region, and Sakhalin are also used. The concept of resilience is used as a methodological basis. The basics for the analysis were the materials of field expeditions in a number of regions of the Russian North conducted in 2017‑2022.

Zingiber baumii Chatan & Promprom: A New Species of Zingiberaceae From Thailand.

Zingiber baumii Chatan & Promprom, a new species from the Zingiberaceae family, is described from Sakon Nakhon Province in northeastern Thailand. This species was identified during field expeditions conducted between 2018 and 2024 in Phu Pha Yol National Park. The morphological characteristics of Z. baumii, such as red or pinkish-red leaf sheaths, leaf blades (1.5-) 2.0-3.0 cm wide, pink petioles, and bright yellow corolla with a red patch, distinguish it from closely related species such as Z. isanense Triboun & K. Larsen. Zingiber baumii grows in slightly shaded dry dipterocarp forests at elevations of 300-380 m. The preliminary conservation assessment indicates that this species should be classified as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria due to its limited distribution and small population size. Detailed morphological comparisons with related species are provided, along with illustrations and habitat descriptions.

New record of Cyanallagma demoiselle Denck, Ehlert & Pinto, 2023 (Odonata, Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) in southern Brazil

During a field expedition in the municipality of Araquari, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, adults of the damselfly Cyanallagma demoiselle Denck, Ehlert & Pinto 2023 (Odonata, Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae) were collected. This species was recently described and reported to date for the southeastern Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Here, we recorded this species as well as its respective genus for the first time for the state of Santa Catarina, increasing its distribution range of the species to southwards and raising the number of Odonata species recorded for this state to 151.

A high-altitude population of Hyperboreomyzon polaris (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) in Altai Mountains, South Siberia, Russia.

Hyperboreomyzon polaris Bolotov, Eliseeva, Klass & Kondakov, 2022 (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) is an enigmatic freshwater leech that was recently described based on three specimens from two remote regions of the Eurasian Arctic, that is, the Kolguev Island and Putorana Plateau, Russia. Later on, misidentified historical samples of this species were discovered in the Hirudinea collection of Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg, Russia). These samples were collected by Pavel G. Ignatov, a prominent Russian geographer and traveler, from a remote high-altitude area of the Altai Mountains (South Siberia) in 1901. To collect new samples from this population, we organized a field expedition to the same area (Lake Dzhulukul) in 2023. Molecular genetic data (COI and 18S rRNA) obtained from newly collected specimens revealed that they belong to H. polaris. Hence, this leech could be considered an Arctic-alpine species, the disjunctive range of which covers Arctic areas of Eurasia and Central Asian (South Siberian) mountains. We describe and illustrate living individuals of H. polaris for the first time, update its morphological diagnosis, present a life cycle reconstruction based on the frequency of four size classes in available samples. It is shown that this species prefers small lentic water bodies such as small lakes and lakelets. The crop content of a well-fed specimen from Altai contains DNA of the northern pintail Anas acuta Linnaeus (Aves: Anatidae), indicating that H. polaris feeds on blood of waterfowl. Our results indicate that Hyperboreomyzon may be considered a species adapted to cold high-latitude areas and mountain refugia.

Expansion of the distribution range of angiosperm species for the states of Maranhão and Tocantins, Brazil, through a territorial action plan

We expand the geographical distribution of 10 angiosperm species in Maranhão and Tocantins states. The species were collected during two field expeditions carried out by the Territorial Action Plan for the conservation of endangered species of the Meio Norte Territory between September 20 and 30, 2022 and between July 24 and 30, 2023, in both states. Photographs, comments on morphology and distribution-al data are provided for species of Acanthaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidace-ae, Plantaginaceae, Pontederiaceae and Turneraceae.

TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF BOTANICAL RECORDS: LEGUMINOSAE TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN A BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST HOTSPOT

The Reserva Biológica do Tinguá (REBIO Tinguá) is a protected area in the state of Rio de Janeiro comprising around 26,000 ha of Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We present an updated floristic inventory of Leguminosae tree species in the REBIO Tinguá. Pre-existing herbarium collections and field expeditions carried out in 2021 and 2022 were used as the basis for (i) assembling a comprehensive taxonomically verified checklist of the legumes, (ii) revealing species distribution patterns across the Submontane (‘tingua_s’) and Montane/High Montane Dense Ombrophilous (‘tingua_ma’) Forest physiognomies of the REBIO Tinguá, and (iii) an UPGMA-based floristic similarity analysis to compare the REBIO Tinguá with 28 other areas of Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state. Of the total 67 legume tree species identified, 35 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, six are new occurrences for the area, and seven are listed under different threat categories. The legume-based similarity analysis showed clusters that largely reflect the environmental heterogeneity of the region, where ‘tingua_ma’ is grouped with Macaé de Cima, Mendanha and Santo Aleixo, while ‘tingua_s’ is grouped with Paraty Mirim, Pedra Branca, Poço das Antas, Tijuca and REBIO Union. Our study shows that new records can be made for the REBIO Tinguá, despite it being one of the most thoroughly inventoried areas in the state. Our results reinforce the importance of the REBIO Tinguá for biodiversity conservation, because of its great extent, altitudinal amplitude, and above all, its central position in the state, integrating the Mosaico Central Fluminense and the Tinguá–Bocaina biodiversity corridor.

Advancing geological image segmentation: Deep learning approaches for rock type identification and classification

This study aims to tackle the obstacles linked with geological image segmentation by employing sophisticated deep learning techniques. Geological formations, characterized by diverse forms, sizes, textures, and colors, present a complex landscape for traditional image processing techniques. Drawing inspiration from recent advancements in image segmentation, particularly in medical imaging and object recognition, this research proposed a comprehensive methodology tailored to the specific requirements of geological image datasets. To establish the dataset, a minimum of 50 images per rock type was deemed essential, with the majority captured at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and during a field expedition to La Isla de La Palma, Spain. This dual-source approach ensures diversity in geological formations, enriching the dataset with a comprehensive range of visual characteristics. The study involves the identification of 19 distinct rock types, each documented with 50 samples, resulting in a comprehensive database containing 950 images. The methodology involves two crucial phases: initial preprocessing of the dataset, focusing on formatting and optimization, and subsequent application of deep learning models—ResNets, Inception V3, DenseNets, MobileNets V3, and EfficientNet V2 large. Preparing the dataset is crucial for improving both the quality and relevance, thereby to ensure the optimal performance of deep learning models, the dataset was preprocessed. Following this, transfer learning or more specifically fine-tuning is applied in the subsequent phase with ResNets, Inception V3, DenseNets, MobileNets V3, and EfficientNet V2 large, leveraging pre-trained models to enhance classification task performance. After fine-tuning eight deep learning models with optimal hyperparameters, including ResNet101, ResNet152, Inception-v3, DenseNet169, DenseNet201, MobileNet-v3-small, MobileNet-v3-large, and EfficientNet-v2-large, comprehensive evaluation revealed exceptional performance metrics. DenseNet201 and InceptionV3 attained the highest accuracy of 98.49% when tested on the original dataset, leading in precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F-score. Incorporating preprocessing steps further improved results, with all models exceeding 97.5% accuracy on the preprocessed dataset. In K-Fold cross-validation (k = 5), MobileNet V3 large excelled with the highest accuracy of 99.15%, followed by ResNet101 at 99.08%. Despite varying training times, models on the preprocessed dataset showed faster convergence without overfitting. Minimal misclassifications were observed, mainly among specific classes. Overall, the study's methodologies yielded remarkable results, surpassing 99% accuracy on the preprocessed dataset and in K-Fold cross-validation, affirming the efficacy in advancing rock type understanding.

Species richness, composition, distribution and conservation status of herpetofauna in a global hotspot: The Mountains of Southwest China

Herpetofauna have attracted considerable global attention due to their high risk of extinction. The Mountains of Southwest China are among the 36 global biodiversity hotspots due to their high biodiversity and irreplaceability, and the Shaluli Mountains are the core area of this region. However, the diversity and conservation status of herpetofauna in the Shaluli Mountains remain unclear. In this study, we updated the species richness and composition information of herpetofauna in the Shaluli Mountains based on extensive field expeditions, published literature, and museum specimens. In addition, we identified the local hotspots and key environmental factors limiting species distribution using environmental niche models (ENMs). Furthermore, we evaluated the conservation status of the key species via the Red List Index and gap analysis. Our results revealed a total of 68 herpetofauna species, representing 30 amphibians (21 genera in nine families) and 38 reptiles (19 genera in six families). The amphibian richness showed a hump-shaped pattern along the elevational gradient, while the reptile richness showed a monotonically decreasing pattern. The dry-hot river valley was identified as a local hotspot, and the key environmental factors limiting the richness of herpetofauna species differed. Moreover, the regional Red List indices for amphibians and reptiles were 0.87 and 0.8, respectively, showing that the overall threat level of this region was low. However, there are large conservation gaps in the protection of key species. Our study indicated that new protected areas should be established and the existing protected areas should be upgraded to protect herpetofauna with a large conservation gap.

Isolated, neglected, and likely threatened: a new species of Magoniella (Polygonaceae) from the seasonally dry tropical forests of Northern Colombia and Venezuela revealed from nuclear, plastid, and morphological data.

Seasonally tropical dry forests (SDTFs) in the American tropics are a highly diverse yet poorly understood and endangered ecosystem scattered from Northern Mexico to Southern Argentina. One floristic element of the STDFs is the genus Magoniella (Polygonaceae), which includes two liana species, M. laurifolia and M. obidensis, which have winged fruits and are distributed from Costa Rica to Southern Brazil. In a field expedition to the SDTFs of the Colombian Caribbean in 2015, morphologically distinctive individuals of Magoniella were found. In this study, we investigated the species boundaries within Magoniella and determined the phylogenetic position of these morphologically distinctive individuals in the tribe Triplaridae. We compiled morphological trait data across 19 specimens of both species and produced newly sequenced nuclear-plastid DNA data for M. obidensis. Morphometric analyses revealed significant differences in fruit length and perianth size among individuals from the Colombian Caribbean compared to M. obidensis and bract length when compared to M. laurifolia. Maximum likelihood analysis of non-conflicting nuclear and plastid datasets placed the Colombian Caribbean individuals as sister to M. obidensis with maximum statistical support. Additionally, pairwise sequence comparisons of the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the lfy2i loci consistently showed 15-point mutations (10 transitions, five transversions) and six 2 bp-long substitutions that differ between M. obidensis and the Colombian Caribbean individuals. Our morphological and molecular evidence thus suggests that the Colombian Caribbean individuals of Magoniella represent a divergent population from M. laurifolia and M. obidensis, which we describe and illustrate as a new species, M. chersina. Additionally, we provide nomenclatural updates for M. laurifolia and M. obidensis. This study highlights the power of combining morphological and molecular evidence in documenting and naming plant diversity.

Эколого-биологические методы формирования устойчивых лесомелиоративных комплексов в степных и полупустынных ландшафтах европейской территории России

The arid region of the European territory of Russia includes a zone of dry steppe (dark chestnut soils) and a semi-desert zone (light chestnut and brown soils). There is practically no woody natural vegetation in the region on elevations and plains, and on the prevailing complexes of zonal soils, forest plantations are characterized by low durability. Materials and methods. The work used the results of field (expedition) and laboratory studies of the growth, condition, durability, productivity of protective forest plantations of tree and shrub species in various soil and hydrological conditions of the dry-steppe and semi desert zones. Results and discussion. The author’s developments made it possible to recommend a reliable range of trees and shrubs for the creation of forest-reclamation plantations in each agroforestry area and soil ecological niche. It was revealed that when selecting the assortment, a significant role should be given to selection and genetic methods of using seed and planting material well adapted to local conditions (drought-, salt- and frost-resistant and healthy genotypes). The main reason for the early drying of protective plantations on complex light chestnut soils of the dry-steppe and semi-desert zones has been established. Taking into account the extremely arid conditions and the main causes of their drying, the concept of increasing their stability and effectiveness in adverse growing conditions is given. Agroforestry zoning and groups of soil forest suitability by type and classification, as well as groups of longevity of the main tree species are given. Conclusion. The large diversity of soils contributes to the formation of a stepped profile in adult cereals. Woody species shrink when their root system comes into contact with salt horizons. Ecological techniques are reduced to the correct selection of tree species that correspond to a specific ecological background. The technological use of differentiated agricultural cultivation techniques involves the use of moisture-saving technologies. Biological measures include biological reclamation of unsuitable soils and methods of breeding and genetic improvement of the qualitative composition of forest reclamation plantations. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The results of the work can be used by managers and specialists of forestry enterprises, researchers, graduate students, students of educational institutions. The assortment of trees and shrubs can be used in the design of plantings of various types on different soils.

RESULTS OF DEEP MAGNETOTELLURIC SURVEYS ALONG THE PUSHKINSKIYE GORY - ANDREAPOL PROFILE

In january-february of 2022 deep magnetotelluric soundings (DMTS) were carried out along the regional (300 km) profile Pushkinskie Gory - Andreapol. The field expedition included professors, graduates and students of the Geophysical department of the Geological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University, as well as scientists from the Laboratory of Magnetotelluric Soundings of the Center of Geoelectromagnetic Research IPE RAS. The article presents an analysis of the results, as well as geoelectric two-dimensional models obtained during the inversion of magnetotelluric data in the ZONDMT2D program.

Ambient Radiological Condition around an Operating Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal Facility at Turamdih, India

Large quantity of the feed forms part of the solid waste (tailings) slurry in the low grade uranium ore processing plant at Turamdih in Singhbhum region of Jharkhand, India. Coarser size fraction of this waste is used for backfilling of the underground uranium mines and fine fraction is discharged into an engineered impoundment system or tailings pond. Since inception of the discharges, field expeditions have been performed as part of the comprehensive radiological monitoring program for the facility. The monitoring program broadly consists of ambient gamma dose rate, atmospheric 222Rn and long lived alpha activity measurement around the facility and the estimation of radionuclide in diverse environmental matrices collected from the adjoining sites. Findings reflect that the radiological conditions are comparable to the pre-existing background level adjoining the tailings pond impoundment. Further, measurements for more than a decade confirm that the atmospheric radon concentration profile just a few meters beyond the embankment is indistinguishable from the background.

The environment as the first victim: The impacts of the war on the preservation areas in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the environment. Military actions have caused the release of hazardous substances into the environment, such as pollutants and toxic chemicals, that have contaminated the water, soil, and air, posing a threat to both human health and the environment. This has resulted in widespread destruction and contamination of natural habitats and resources and has disrupted wildlife populations and ecosystems. The impacts of military activity on the soils of protected areas are particularly critical, as they are the basis of biotic and landscape diversity and require special management and scientifically based monitoring measures even in peaceful conditions. In this context, this communication paper aims to provide an overview of the impacts of the war on the soils in four Ukrainian protected areas, namely Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve; Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Nature Park; Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, and Hetmanskyi National Nature Park. To address these aspects, this paper combined GIS analysis and secondary data including soil samples obtained during field expeditions, to provide evidence of how ground battles, occupation, terrestrial land mines, and explosions can severely impact the soils. Practical and theoretical implications of the military actions are also discussed.

Hyperparasitism in bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae): new records and interaction networks in the Neotropics

Hyperparasitism is defined as the interaction where one parasite is infected by another parasite. In bat flies (Streblidae and Nycteribiidae), both hyperparasites and microparasites (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and arthropods such as mites) have been documented. Fungi belonging to the order Laboulbeniales are microscopic parasites of a wide diversity of arthropod hosts. Three genera exclusively target bat flies: Arthrorhynchus, which parasitizes species within Nycteribiidae in the Eastern Hemisphere, while genus Gloeandromyces and Nycteromyces parasitize Streblidae in the Western Hemisphere. Among the hyperparasitic arthropods, mites of family Neothrombidiidae, particularly the monospecific genus Monunguis, are known to parasitize bat flies. Here we present the first records of the hyperparasites Monunguis streblida and Gloeandromyces pageanus f. polymorphus parasitizing Streblidae bat flies in Colombia and a summary of these hyperparasitic interactions in the Neotropics. We detected fungi and mites parasitizing bat flies that were collected in the Magdalena River Basin, Colombia, in field expeditions in 2018, 2022, and 2023. We identified 17 bat flies and two species of hyperparasites, specifically M. streblida and the fungi Gloeandromyces. Our search for reports of these interactions in the Neotropics revealed that seven species of Trichobius (Streblidae) are parasitized by M. streblida, whereas Paratrichobius longicrus (Streblidae) is parasitized by Gloeandromyces pageanus f. polymorphus. These interactions have been reported in 11 countries, but our records are the first of M. streblida and Laboulbeniales fungi parasitizing bat flies in Colombia. So far, a total of 14 species of fungi and one species of mite have been associated with 19 species of bat flies, which in turn, are linked to 15 species of Neotropical bats.

The Contemporary Ethno-Confessional Situation Among the Udmurts of Perm Territory

Abstract The article, which is based on both published sources and field expedition materials from recent decades, sets out to examine the confessional processes taking place in a small area in the south of Perm Territory that is settled by Udmurts, the foundation of whose religious tradition was the preservation of traditional beliefs. The author has conducted an analysis of the historical prerequisites for the formation of a multi-confessional community, characterised by both the preservation of traditional religion and the active spread of Islam and Christianity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The historical experience of this period has influenced the modern ethno-confessional situation. Today, each of the religious traditions observed by the community being studied has a different potential for development. Following the restoration of the system of prayers and institutions, traditional religion has played a vital role, both in the modern ethnic identity of the group as a whole, and in the local identity of the inhabitants of specific villages and hamlets. In their capacity as significant and major social events of the year, prayers occupy an important place in the contemporary ethno-cultural life of the Kuyeda Udmurts. At the same time, the symbolic nature of prayers, the loss of a developed system of ideas, along with the absence of outstanding confessional leaders are often the reasons for the absence of public religious life in some Udmurt villages, and for the lack of involvement of a significant part of the local community in contemporary confessional events. Christianity currently has significant potential to spread within the group individual strategies, as well as missionary work, are the main reasons for its active spread in recent decades. Islam has maintained its position in the same period.

Subterranean river captures in siliciclastic rocks in a semiarid climate: the case of the Poti River Canyon, Brazilian Northeast

This research investigates a possible subterranean river capture responsible for the morphogenesis of the Poti RiverCanyon, which crosses the uplifted edge of the Parnaíba Basin, in the northern Northeast of Brazil. Morphological andlithostructural evidence of river captures was analysed using remote sensing products (e.g., drainage network, topography,paleotopography, structural framework) and field expeditions. The results indicated a sudden inflexion of the upper courseof the Poti River, low and anomalous divides in the local geomorphological context, canyon with valley segments exhibitingasynchronous morphologies, and block collapse controlled by dissolution along fracture networks. Given this set of data, wepropose an evolutionary model of subterranean river capture for the formation of the Poti River canyon, which, throughpaleotopographic modelling, was linked to the Pleistocene epoch. This drainage rearrangement would have been influencedby a Neogene-Quaternary morphogenetic framework of structural reactivations, regional uplift, and climatic oscillations. Onthis basis, it was concluded that epigenetic processes were significant for a drainage rearrangement of approximately 10,540km² of areas in a semiarid region with sandstone substrate.

Explorational analysis of the abundance and prevalence of chigger and gamasid mites parasitic on small mammals in Vietnam.

We studied chigger and gamasid mite loads on small mammals during the dry season in Vietnam and used both our field data and museum collections to estimate the influence of environmental factors on mite abundance and prevalence. Generalized linear (mixed effect) models were used to analyze the data. We examined 1,239 small mammal individuals, which were obtained from field expeditions and museum collections belonging to 59 species. In different localities, Rattus Fischer (Rodentia: Muridae), Niviventer Marshall (Rodentia: Muridae), and Maxomys Sody (Rodentia: Muridae) were the most common animals captured. The prevalence of chigger and gamasid mites in our expedition data was high: 72% and 62%, respectively. We found differences in the abundance of chigger mites between different populations of the same species of small mammals. Season and locality were the main factors that influenced chigger mite abundance and prevalence. The best model that predicted the abundance and prevalence of chigger mites included geography (province) as a predictor and host species and season as random effects. For the first time, we analyzed factors connected with climate and weather affecting chigger mites of small mammals in Vietnam.

New record of Joffre's pipistrelle, Mirostrellusjoffrei (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), in China.

Mirostrellusjoffrei Thomas, 1915 is the sole species within the genus Mirostrellus and its occurrence is notably rare in China. Despite the recent discovery of four previously unreported specimens from western Yunnan, China (Zaoteng River, 25.31°N, 98.80°E, altitude 1451 m) at the National Museum of Prague in the Czech Republic, comprehensive descriptions or detailed accounts of this species within China have yet to be published. During a field expedition within the Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yuanyang, Yunnan, China, a bat was captured using a mist net. The specimen was of moderate size, with its ventral surface presenting a golden-brown hue and its dorsal surface ranging from dark brown to obsidian. The forearm measured 37.31 mm, while the fifth digit was conspicuously diminished in comparison to the others. The snout was robust, featuring prominent buccal glands. It was characterised by a well-developed upper frame and a barely visible low sagittal crest. The upper canines possessed well-developed posterior cusps. The dentition comprised two upper and two lower premolars, with the first upper premolar being notably small and the lower molars being distinctly myotodont. These attributes correspond with the known traits of Mirostrellusjoffrei. Phylogenetically, the sequence of this specimen clustered with that of M.joffrei, forming an independent clade. Through an examination of its morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and recombination activating gene 2 (RAG2) sequences, we identified the specimen as M.joffrei, thus confirming the presence of Joffre's pipistrelle in China.