Geographical Distribution Range Research Articles

Updated Distribution Range of Toadfishes (Sanopus Smith 1952, Batrachoididae) in the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Caribbean

Worldwide, toadfishes (Batrachoididae) comprise 83 species belonging to 23 genera. In the western Atlantic, there are seven genera and 23 species, and the genus Sanopus Smith 1952 has six species with limited geographic distribution range in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Caribbean Sea (CS). This work compiled and reviewed information from scientific literature and database revisions on distribution range of Sanopus species, with emphasis in the southern GOM and Mexican CS. Sanopus astrifer, S. reticulatus, and S. splendidus showed updated records from their type locality, while S. barbatus, S. greenfieldorum, and S. johnsoni had no change in distribution. We recommend improving sampling effort for recording Sanopus based on direct underwater visual census and sample collections to expand opportunities to update species distribution range, increase biological data, and provide information to assess conservation status of these species in the region.

Emergency medicine response to the COVID-19 pandemic in England: a phenomenological study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has stretched EDs globally, with many regions in England challenged by the number of COVID-19 presentations. In order to rapidly share learning to inform future practice, we...

Studies on Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr: An endemic & economically important tree species of north east India

Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. is highly underutilized leguminous tree with multidimensional utility and benefits. It is found in northeastern Indian states having tremendous ethno-botanical and economic potential for ethnic people of the region. Right from flowers and tender pods to mature seeds every part of the plant are edible, provide a good source of nutrients and fetch high market price during growing seasons. Despite the fact that, it has high commercial importance, the research and knowledge on this wonder plant is scanty and its distribution and utilization for human consumption has not yet been fully exploited. Thus, present study examined the geographical distribution range of the P. timoriana (DC.) Merr. in North-east India and highlights its botany, reproductive biology, propagation through alternative means, physiochemical and ethno botanical utility & exploring its economical potential during Covid-19 pandemic period among the native tribes of northeast India.

Modulation of physiological performance by temperature and salinity in the sugar kelp Saccharina latissima

SUMMARYThe sugar kelp Saccharina latissima experiences a wide range of environmental conditions along its geographical and vertical distribution range. Temperature and salinity are two critical drivers influencing growth, photosynthesis and biochemical composition. Moreover, interactive effects might modify the results described for single effects. In shallow water coastal systems, exposure to rising temperatures and low salinity are expected as consequence of global warming, increased precipitation and coastal run‐off. To understand the acclimation mechanisms of S. latissima to changes in temperature and salinity and their interactions, we performed a mechanistic laboratory experiment in which juvenile sporophytes from Brittany, France were exposed to a combination of three temperatures (0, 8 and 15°C) and two salinity levels (20 and 30 psu (practical salinity units)). After a temperature acclimation of 7 days, sporophytes were exposed to low salinity (20 psu) for a period of 11 days. Growth, and maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), pigments, mannitol content and C:N ratio were measured over time. We report for the first time in S. latissima a fivefold increase in the osmolyte mannitol in response to low temperature (0°C) compared to 8 and 15°C that may have ecological and economic implications. Low temperatures significantly affected all parameters, mostly in a negative way. Chlorophyll a, the accessory pigment pool, growth and Fv/Fm were significantly lower at 0°C, while the de‐epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle was increased at both 0 and 8°C compared to 15°C. Mannitol content and growth decreased with decreased salinity; in contrast, pigment content and Fv/Fm were to a large extent irresponsive to salinity. In comparison to S. latissima originating from an Arctic population, despite some reported differences, this study reveals a remarkably similar impact of temperature and salinity variation, reflecting the large degree of adaptability in this species.

First Record of the Mimic Octopus Thaumoctopus mimicus (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) from the Arabian Sea: Range Extension and Genotyping

Two specimens of the mimic octopus Thaumoctopus mimicus were documented for the first time in the Arabian Sea during September 2018 off southern Kerala, India, from 15 m depth. The specimens had dorsal mantle lengths (DML) of 44 and 48 mm. Description and morphological measurements of the specimens are provided. The identity of the specimens was genetically supported by using cytochrome C oxidase I gene sequencing. This finding represents the first record of the species in the Arabian Sea, which signifies an extension of its known geographic distribution range.

Molecular Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Analysis of Dove and Pigeon Species (Aves: Columbidae) of Pakistan, Based on COI Region of Mitochondrial DNA

Doves and Pigeons are the members of living family Columbidae (Order: Columbiformes) having a wide range of taxonomic diversity and geographic distribution. Seven species with one sample each of family Columbidae were collected via random sampling from different districts of Pakistan to carry out this study. The targeted gene region was sequenced and identified by using BLAST tool at National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). CLUSTALW was used for sequence alignment and MEGA6 for reconstruction of phylogenetic trees to predict the effective ancestry of different Columbidae species. The following phylogenetic trees were obtained i.e. Maximum Likelihood tree, Neighborhood joining tree, Maximum parsimony tree and UPGMA tree. In the current study, COI gene barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of family Columbidae gave results of multiple alignment which showed that Columba livia livia and Columba eversmanni, closely resembled as well as Spilopelia senegalensis and Streptopelia decaocta. While Streptopelia tranquebarica and Spilopelia chinensis have great affinity due to small clade difference and Treron phoenicoptera was distinctly related to other species due to large clade difference.

New record and range expansion of a rare spatangoid species, Metalia persica (Mortensen, 1940) (Echinoidea, Brissidae) from the Oman Sea

This paper presents the first record of Metalia persica, (Mortensen, 1940) from the Gulf of Oman. The new record extends geographical distribution range of this spatangoid species to the eastward. Morphological and ecological notes as well as the distribution range of M. persica are also provided.

Phenotypic divergence in large sized cricket frog species that crossed the geographical barriers within peninsular India.

A good number of new species are being described and included in the genus Fejervarya / Minervarya from South Asia and Southeast Asia in the recent past. But, the classification or consideration of the genus Fejervarya / Minervarya is only phylogenetic, where it is difficult to morphologically identify the genus in the overlapping range of geographical distribution. Recently a large sized new species of cricket frog Fejervarya kalinga has been described, which is thought to be endemic to the Eastern Ghats (a unique geographical landscape running parallel to the East Coast of India). Here we report a morphologically variable and distinct population of F. kalinga from the Western Ghats (an amphibian diversity hotspot running parallel to the West Coast of India). We discuss the importance of genetic studies in handling such morphologically highly variable populations of the species and their adaptation to different habitats and their implications in taxonomic identity.

Catalogue, distribution, taxonomic notes, and conservation of the Western Palearctic endemic hunchback beetles (Tenebrionidae, Misolampus).

Hunchback darkling beetles of the Ibero-Maghrebian genus Misolampus Latreille, 1807 (Tenebrionidae, Stenochiinae) encompass six species: M. gibbulus (Herbst, 1799), M. goudotii Guérin-Méneville, 1834, M. lusitanicus Brême, 1842, M. ramburii Brême, 1842, M. scabricollis Graells, 1849, and M. subglaber Rosenhauer, 1856. Previously known distribution ranges of the species were delineated using many old records, the persistence of such populations being questionable under the current situation of global biodiversity loss. Additionally, the status of geographically isolated populations of the genus have been the subject of taxonomic controversy. An exhaustive bibliographical revision and field search was undertaken, and the Misolampus collection of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC) was revised. The aims are to (i) provide an updated geographic distribution range for the species of Misolampus; (ii) to determine the taxonomic status of controversial populations; (iii) to provide a catalogue for Misolampus; and (iv) to discuss the conservation status of these saproxylic beetles. As a result, a catalogue including synonymies and type localities, geographical records, diagnoses, and information on natural history for all species of Misolampus is presented. The results reveal that the distribution ranges of the species of Misolampus have not undergone a reduction in the last century, and indicate the presence of the genus in areas where it had never been recorded before. The morphological variability of M. goudotii drove the proposal of different taxa that are here formally synonymised as follows: M. goudotii Guérin-Méneville, 1834 = M. erichsoni Vauloger de Beaupré, 1900, syn. nov. = M. peyerimhoffi Antoine, 1926, syn. nov.

Pattern of climate connectivity and equivalent niche of Triatominae species of the Phyllosoma complex.

The Phyllosoma complex is a Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) group of medical importance involved in Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) transmission. Most of the members of this group are endemic and sympatric species with distribution in Mexico and the southern U.S.A. We employed MaxEnt to construct ecological niche models of nine species of Triatominae to test three hypothesis: (a) whether species with a broad climatic niche breadth occupy a broader geographical range than species with a narrow climatic breadth, (b) whether species with broad distribution present high degree of climatic fragmentation/isolation, which was tested through landscape metrics; and (c) whether the species share the same climatic niche space (niche conservatism) considered through an equivalence test implemented in ENMtools. Overall, our results suggest that the geographical distribution of this complex is influenced mainly by temperature seasonality where all suitable areas are places of current and potential transmission of T. cruzi. Niche breadth in the Phyllosoma complex is associated with the geographical distribution range, and the geographical range affects the climatic connectivity. We found no strong evidence of niche climatic divergence in members of this complex. We discuss the epidemiological implications of these results.

Phylogenetic analysis and molecular signatures specific to the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex

Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is a highly destructive bacterial plant pathogen recognized as a group of genotypically-diverse strains with broad geographic distribution and wide host range. Strains are divided into four phylotypes (I, II, III and IV) relating to their geographical origins. Based on the polyphasic approach, phylotypes I and III have been reclassified as R. pseudosolanacearum, phylotype IV as R. syzygii species and phylotype II as R. solanacearum. The large data sets of whole genome sequences for the members of R. solanacearum allow us to discover novel molecular markers to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships within this species. In the phylogenetic tree based on concatenated amino acid sequences of 57 housekeeping genes, members of R. solanacearum species complex formed strongly supported clades that clearly distinguished as R. solanacearum, R. pseudosolanacearum and R. syzygii species. In this study, the conserved signature indels (CSIs) which are specifically present in protein sequences and can be used to differentiate various groups of Ralstonia species are reported. Comparative analysis of whole protein sequences from the three species has identified seven CSIs that are specific to R. solanacearum (phylotype II), 6 CSIs specific to R. pseudosolanacearum strains (phylotype I and III) and five CSIs that are specifically shared by members of R. syzygii (phylotype IV). These CSIs are flanked by conserved sequence regions, providing highly specific tools for identification of previously known or novel strains of these species.

Parapharyngodon sanjuanensis (Nematoda, Pharyngodonidae) in the lizard Phymaturus extrilidus (Iguania, Liolaemidae) from Puna region, Argentina

Studies about nematodes in lizards from Argentina are scarce. Here we report the finding in the province of San Juan, Argentina, of Parapharyngodon sanjuanensis from the large intestine of Phymaturus extrilidus (Squamata, Liolaemidae). This finding extends the geographical distribution and host range of this parasitic nematode.

New Distributional Record of Hasselt’s Bamboo Shark Chiloscyllium hasseltii (Orectolobiformes: Hemiscylliidae) from Bangladesh Waters

A new record of Hasselt’s bamboo shark Chiloscyllium hasseltii (Orectolobiformes: Hemiscylliidae) has been confirmed from the St. Martin’s Island, the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh. Two male specimens were collected on 19th December 2018 from the coast of St. Martin’s Island as a bycatch of the local fishermen. The traditional morphometric method was applied for taxonomic identification which was further validated by a molecular approach based on partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences (DNA barcodes). The key characteristics of this species are the distance from first to second dorsal fin less than 9.3% of TL; first dorsal fin height less than 6.6% of TL and second dorsal fin height less than 5.8% of TL. The morphometric, meristic and DNA barcoding data thus confirmed the presence of C. hasseltii in Bangladesh. With this report a new shark species has been added in the treasure of the marine ichthyofaunal diversity of Bangladesh and also updates the geographical distribution range of this species.

Checklist of Indian Pterostichinae Bonelli, 1810 (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

ABSTRACT An up to date checklist of Indian Pterostichinae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) with taxonomic data including type species, literature details and distribution patterns of the 159 species belonging to five tribes namely,\\ Abacetini (58 species), Cratocerini (11 species), Morionini (2 species), Pterostichini (52 species) and Zabrini (36 species) are provided. Out of the 159 species, 87 are exclusively Indian and 72 species (excluding the eighty-seven exclusively Indian species) have wider range of geographic distribution. Among 87 exclusively Indian species (54.71%), 46 species (28.9%) are recorded from the Oriental region in India, 32 species (20%) from the Palaearctic and seven species from both Oriental and Palaearctic regions. Sixty species (37.7%) are endemic to the three global hotspots of biodiversity (the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka-12 species; the Himalaya-38 species and the Indo Burma-10 species) in India. First report of Abacetus guttula Chaudoir, 1869 from south India and the erroneous status of exclusively Indian genus Stomonaxellus Tschitscherine, 1901 as a subgenus of Caelostomus MacLeay, 1825 are reported.

Global Geographic Distribution and Host Range of Fusarium circinatum, the Causal Agent of Pine Pitch Canker

Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), is currently one of the most important threats of Pinus spp. globally. This pathogen is known in many pine-growing regions, including natural and planted forests, and can affect all life stages of trees, from emerging seedlings to mature trees. Despite the importance of PPC, the global distribution of F. circinatum is poorly documented, and this problem is also true of the hosts within countries that are affected. The aim of this study was to review the global distribution of F. circinatum, with a particular focus on Europe. We considered (1) the current and historical pathogen records, both positive and negative, based on confirmed reports from Europe and globally; (2) the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen; (3) the current distribution of PPC in Europe, comparing published models of predicted disease distribution; and (4) host susceptibility by reviewing literature and generating a comprehensive list of known hosts for the fungus. These data were collated from 41 countries and used to compile a specially constructed geo-database. A review of 6297 observation records showed that F. circinatum and the symptoms it causes on conifers occurred in 14 countries, including four in Europe, and is absent in 28 countries. Field observations and experimental data from 138 host species revealed 106 susceptible host species including 85 Pinus species, 6 non-pine tree species and 15 grass and herb species. Our data confirm that susceptibility to F. circinatum varies between different host species, tree ages and environmental characteristics. Knowledge on the geographic distribution, host range and the relative susceptibility of different hosts is essential for disease management, mitigation and containment strategies. The findings reported in this review will support countries that are currently free of F. circinatum in implementing effective procedures and restrictions and prevent further spread of the pathogen.

Discovery of Two Novel Negeviruses in a Dungfly Collected from the Arctic.

Negeviruses are a proposed group of insect-specific viruses that can be separated into two distinct phylogenetic clades, Nelorpivirus and Sandewavirus. Negeviruses are well-known for their wide geographic distribution and broad host range among hematophagous insects. In this study, the full genomes of two novel negeviruses from each of these clades were identified by RNA extraction and sequencing from a single dungfly (Scathophaga furcata) collected from the Arctic Yellow River Station, where these genomes are the first negeviruses from cold zone regions to be discovered. Nelorpivirus dungfly1 (NVD1) and Sandewavirus dungfly1 (SVD1) have the typical negevirus genome organization and there was a very high coverage of viral transcripts. Small interfering RNAs derived from both viruses were readily detected in S. furcata, clearly showing that negeviruses are targeted by the host antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. These results and subsequent in silico analysis (studies) of public database and published virome data showed that the hosts of nege-like viruses include insects belonging to many orders as well as various non-insects in addition to the hematophagous insects previously reported. Phylogenetic analysis reveals at least three further groups of negeviruses, as well as several poorly resolved solitary branches, filling in the gaps within the two sub-groups of negeviruses and plant-associated viruses in the Kitaviridae. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the geographic distribution, host range, evolution and host antiviral immune responses of negeviruses.

Fusarium fujikuroi species complex in Brazilian rice: Unveiling increased phylogenetic diversity and toxigenic potential

Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) species are commonly encountered infecting rice, but knowledge of the diversity and toxigenic potential of the species is lacking in Brazil, the largest rice-producing country outside Asia. One hundred FFSC isolates obtained from national rice were identified using morphology and phylogeny of TEF, CAL and TUB genes. Eight previously known and one novel Fusarium species were identified. Three species accounted for around 60% of the strains: F. fujikuroi (n = 23), F. proliferatum (n = 22) and F. verticillioides (n = 16). The less frequent species were F. volatile (n = 8), F. anthophilum (n = 6), F. pseudocircinatum (n = 4), F. sterilihyphosum (n = 2) and F. begoniae (n = 1). The novel Fusarium species was represented by 18 isolates. All species produced at least one of the analyzed mycotoxins [beauvericin (BEA), fumonisins (FBs), moniliformin (MON) and enniatins (ENNs)]. BEA was produced by all species but F. verticillioides. The FBs (mainly FB1) were produced mostly by F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides. F. begoniae and F. verticillioides did not produce ENNs and F. sterilihyphosum and F. begoniae did not produce MON, while the other species produced MON and ENNs. Our results add new knowledge of the diversity, geographical distribution and host range of FFSC species.

First record of Pseudaeginella arraialensis (Amphipoda: Caprellidea) from the Gulf of Mexico

During a sampling campaign in Puerto Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico, several specimens of the caprellid Pseudaeginella arraialensis were collected. They were attached to buoys as part of fouling communities between 0.5-12 m depth. The present study represents the first record of P. arraialensis for the Gulf of Mexico, increasing its geographical distribution range 7,500 km northwards, from Arraial do Cabo, Brazil to Puerto Progreso, Mexico, SW Gulf of Mexico.

Prevalence of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the Causative Agent of Snake Fungal Disease, in the Interior Plateau Ecoregion of Tennessee, USA.

The fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease, has been implicated in declines of North American snake populations since 2006 and the geographic range of this pathogen is still not fully known. In Tennessee, US, O. ophiodiicola has been detected since 2012, but large portions of the state have not been surveyed for this pathogen. Our primary objective was to monitor the prevalence of O. ophiodiicola in the Interior Plateau ecoregion of Tennessee by swabbing all snakes that were encountered during road cruising survey efforts in 2017 and 2018. Eleven snakes of four species, copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), common water snake (Nerodia sipedon), black kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra), and smooth earthsnake (Virginia valeriae), tested positive for the presence of O. ophiodiicola. Overall, 9.2% (11/120) of snakes sampled tested positive for the presence of O. ophiodiiola, and we further observed a seasonal trend in detections with summer months having the greatest frequency of detections. Our results extend the known geographic range of O. ophiodiicola in Tennessee by adding four previously unconfirmed O. ophiodiicola-positive counties. Further sampling will need to be conducted across west Tennessee because this is the most data-deficient region of the state. Our results offer additional evidence of the presence of this pathogen in Tennessee and will help researchers further understand the geographic distribution and host range.

Predicting range shifts of the Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) under climate change: Implications for long-term conservation

Abtract Climate change drives remarkable shifts in species’ geographical distribution range, representing one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. Alpine ecosystems haves been experiencing a faster climate warming rate than the global average, but knowledge regarding range shifts of alpine species under climate change is limited. Taking the Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii), a vulnerable Galliform species inhabiting high elevations, as a representative, this study gathered available presence records of the Chinese monal and predicted its distribution range at present and in the 2050s and 2080s under different climate scenarios using MaxEnt models. The results revealed that the current distribution range of the Chinese monal is quite limited (19,371.51 km2) and will shift toward both higher elevation and higher latitude under future climate change. The range was predicted to decrease extensively and become more fragmented under RCP 4.5 and 8.5, and its habitat quality will degenerate under all scenarios. Over 50% of the current distribution range is outside of existing nature reserves and the conservation gaps will also shift gradually. To cope with the threats of climate change, we propose some suggestions for long-term conservation of the Chinese monal, including an expansion and adjustment of the nature reserve network to fill current and future gaps in protection, the establishment of corridors to facilitate population dispersal and colonization, a call for more attention to marginal populations distributed at lower elevations, and the development of captive populations for assisted colonization and reintroduction in future.