IUCN Criteria Research Articles

Distribution update, conservation status and color in life of the rare Amazonian snake, Eutrachelophis papilio Zaher and Prudente 2019 (Serpentes: Xenodontini)

ABSTRACT The rare Amazonian snake Eutrachelophis papilio is known from only five individuals, from four localities, belonging to its type-series, the more recent collected over 10 years ago. Here, we expand its distribution and describe its color in life for the first time. We also provide an estimate of its distribution area using the minimum convex polygon method and identify the values of anthropic pressure within its known distribution range with the Human Footprint Index. The new occurrence is located 291 km from the nearest known locality and its distribution is associated with pristine forests. Considering its rarity, and the absence of demographic and biological data, we suggest that the species should be classified as Data Deficient by IUCN criteria.

<p><strong>A taxonomic treatment of <em>Trisetopsis</em> (Poeae, Poaceae) in southern Africa</strong></p>

Trisetopsis, a genus of temperate C3 grasses, extends from the Arabian Peninsula southwards along the African mountains (temperate Afromontane Region) to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, with a centre of diversity in southern Africa. A taxonomic treatment of Trisetopsis in the Flora of southern Africa (FSA) region is presented. The proposed classification is based on existing and comparative evidence derived from macromorphology, micromorphology, leaf anatomy, DNA sequences and geographical distribution. Fourteen species of Trisetopsis are recognized in the FSA region, all of them endemic to the region. Five of the species are rare; based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, three species are considered “Vulnerable”, one as “Endangered, and one as “Critically Endangered” and probably “Extinct”. Improved and emended species descriptions, a key to the species, updated distribution maps and illustrations, especially of the spikelets, are provided. Lectotypes are designated for the names Avenastrum longum var. grande and Avena longa (basionym of Trisetopsis longa).

Diversity, distribution, endemism and conservation status of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) in SW Asia and adjacent countries

In order to evaluate the diversity, endemism, distribution and conservation of the genus Euphorbia in SW Asian countries, we generated an updated and annotated checklist of 249 taxa belonging to the current accepted four Euphorbia subgenera, 30 sections and five subsections, based on floristic compilations followed by extensive verification of nearly 24,000 herbarium vouchers from the region. We also provide updated distribution maps for 247 of the 249 taxa treated. The predominant group is Euphorbia subg. Esula, with 19 sections and 184 taxa (176 species), followed by subg. Chamaesyce (six sections, 32 species), subg. Euphorbia (two sections, 21 species) and subg. Athymalus (three sections, 12 species). Turkey, Iran and Syria are the most diverse countries, with 102, 92 and 50 species, respectively. The richest concentration of Euphorbia species in SW Asia are the eastern part of the Mediterranean region in Lebanon with 27–34 taxa; Alborz, Zagros (Iran), Lesser Caucasus, and Anti-Taurus (S Turkey) with 21–27 taxa each are the second richest areas. The highest number of endemics occurs in Iran (21 taxa), followed by Turkey (12 taxa) and Yemen (7 taxa). All 134 endemic and subendemic taxa were evaluated by the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Among the known Euphorbia species in the region, 10 of them (4.4%) are adventive. Life-form spectra show that the majority of species (80.7%) are hemicryptophytes, therophytes and chamaephytes. Twelve new records are reported here for Iran, Afghanistan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Turkey, six synonyms and three sectional transfers are suggested.

<p><strong>A new species of <em>Lophiaris</em> (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae) from Quiché, Guatemala, in the <em>L. straminea</em> complex</strong></p>

A new species of Lophiaris (Orchidaceae, Onciidinae), Lophiaris quichensis Coxic, Cetzal, Mó & Carnevali, from the department of Quiché, Guatemala, is herein described, illustrated, and characterized based on morphological features. It is here referred to the L. straminea complex (along with L. aurisasinorum, L. sierracaracolensis, and L. straminea) from which it is easily distinguished by the color of the flowers: sepals and petals yellow, and the whole surface covered with pale reddish-brown spots, the claws with a pale reddish-brown stain, the labellum yellow with a reddish-brown blotch covering the central portion of the central lobe, the disc and partially the teeth of the callus, the lateral lobes with a brown spot at the base of the same. The etymology, distribution, ecology, and comparative differences of the new species with respect to other species of L. straminea complex are discussed. We also provide a comprehensive key to identify the species of L. straminea complex. The conservation status of L. quichensis is assessed as CR by the IUCN criteria.

Role of wild mammals in traditional medicine and mystic practices in the province of Oubritenga, Burkina Faso

Local people use corpses and organs of wild animals for medical care and mystical practices. The study aims to inventory the mammal’s species which organs are used for the treatment of some diseases or the implementation of some mystical practices. It was an ethnozoological survey which took place from September to December 2018 in 11 markets with 18 traditional practitioners selling wild mammal products. In total, 24 species of wild mammals have been identified and 16 organs listed as medicine for cure 21 diseases. Some of these organs are also involved in 7 mystical practices of local people. Animal parts such as the skin (51.30%) and the bones / the horns (16.23%) are the most sought after on the markets. Traders sources are mainly from Burkina Faso (92.57%) and to a lesser extent from Niger (7.43%). Almost all the concerned species are protected (22 species) in Burkina Faso. Among these species, 4 are vulnerable according to the IUCN criteria. The obvious consequence of these traditional needs for corpses and parts of wild mammals collected by local communities is undoubtedly the depletion of biodiversity. Therefore, this requires the application of conservation rules which guarantee better exploitation of these biological resources.Keywords: Biodiversity, wildlife, traditional use, animal’s organ, ethnozoology

<p><strong><em>Magnolia ottoi</em> (Magnoliaceae) a new species from Purulhá, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala: conservation and Mayan Q’eqchi ‘ ethnotaxonomy</strong></p>

A new species of Magnolia subsect. Talauma (“jomcoj”), Magnolia ottoi, is described and illustrated. The conservation status of this new species is proposed as critically endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. An identification key and a map with the distribution of the new species and other species of Magnolia subsect. Talauma from Guatemala and neighboring areas (Honduras and Chiapas, México) is also presented. Our field research also unveiled the Mayan Q’eqchi’ ancestral taxonomic knowledge which differentiates magnolias of two different subsections, Magnolia and Talauma, based on wood quality and properties. They consistently distinguished them as “coj” and “jomcoj” respectively.

A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines

Abstract. Batuyong MAR, Calaramo MA, Alejandro GJD. 2020. A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 3969-3981. The Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve (MINWFR) is among the remaining intact limestone formations and a critical protected area in Northwestern Luzon. There have been few published floristic studies despite its undeniable rich biological importance. Therefore, this paper primarily aims to provide a preliminary checklist of vascular plants in MINWFR and their conservation status. Consequent field visits and surveys were made from April 2019 to March 2020. Results revealed a total of 173 species distributed in 140 genera belonging to 59 families. The most represented families are Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Orchidaceae, and Malvaceae. This forest supports 49% or 28.65 % local endemics, five of which are narrow endemics, namely Cyanometra warburgii, Pyrostria triflora, Syzygium ilocanum, Thrixspermum nicolasiorum, and Antirhea microphylla. The latter, however, extends up to Ilocos Sur. Based on IUCN criteria and DENR records, a total of 18 species are threatened, one species is recorded as critically endangered, five endangered, nine vulnerable, three other threatened, two near threatened, 55 as least concern, and the rest are not evaluated. Other noteworthy species present in the area are the two dominant endangered species, Podocarpus costalis, and Podocarpus polystachyus. An interesting spinescent Rubiaceae species were recorded and currently under examination to establish its identity. This checklist serves as a basis to effectively manage this vulnerable area surrounded by human-induced disturbances and threats.

Primulina titan sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from a Limestone Area in Northern Guangxi, China

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina titan, is described and photographed from northern Guangxi, China. It resembles P. hunanensis,but can be distinguished by combined morphological characters of leaf,bract, corolla, stamen and pistil. We found only one population with approx.800 mature individuals at the type locality. This species is provisionally assessed as vulnerable [VU D1] using IUCN criteria.

<p><strong><em>Eremitis limae</em></strong><strong> (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new species of herbaceous bamboo endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil</strong></p>

Eremitis limae, a new species of Parianinae (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Olyreae) endemic to the coastal forests of Bahia, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to species of Eremitis with characteristically narrow leaves: E. linearifolia, E. parviflora, and E. riodocensis. We discuss the morphological characters distinguishing the new species from its close relatives, and we also present illustrations, photos, and a distribution map. Eremitis limae is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

<p><strong><em>Magnolia poqomchi</em>, a new species of subsection <em>Magnolia </em>(Magnoliaceae) from San Cristóbal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala</strong></p>

In the last decade, several species of magnolias have been described for Guatemala, five of which are found in Alta Verapaz, where, during an exploratory survey, we found a specimen that did not correspond morphologically to any previously reported species. To obtain material and determine phenology, several individuals were monitored for a year. Here, we describe this as a new species of Magnolia subsection Magnolia (Magnoliaceae). It is distributed in the cloud forest of San Cristóbal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, and is culturally important for the local villagers. It differs from other similar species, M. montebelloensis and M. tribouillierana, in having an abruptly acuminate leaf apex (drip tip), larger flowers, purple staminophores and more stamens, among other traits. According to IUCN criteria, M. poqomchi is critically endangered [B1ab (iii), B2ab (iii)]. Additionally, we include a dichotomous key and distribution map for the genus in Guatemala. Taking this record into account, there are a total of ten native species reported for Guatemala, making it an important centre of species diversity for magnolias.

Population assessment of the endangered and valuable timber tree Torem (Manilkara kanosiensis) in Customary Forest of Lorulun, Yamdena Island, Indonesia

Torem (Manilkara kanosiensis) is a timber tree species endemic to Yamdena Island in Indonesia and the Bismarck Archipelago in Papua New Guinea. Due to its high-quality timber, the trees are harvested from its natural populations. These logging activities have put the species into the endangered category according to IUCN Red List since more than 20 years ago. In the present study, the population assessment of Torem will be conducted in the customary forest of Lorulun, Yamdena Island, Indonesia. Distance sampling using line-transect was used to assess the distribution of Torem, identify population size and structure, estimate population density, and update the conservation status of the species. The results showed Torem trees were mostly located at relatively flat areas (4.5±0.2°), with the elevation range of 81-134 m above sea level. A total of 228 individuals of Torem was located during the survey, with more than half of them (56.68%) were within 0-10 cm dbh class. The density estimate of the species was 14.8±4.4 individuals/ha. The assessment of conservation status against IUCN Red List Category and Criteria revealed that Torem was qualified for the status of Endangered A2cd, B2ab (i, ii, iv, v), C2a(i), D.

Two new species of Anomaloglossus (Anura: Aromobatidae) of the stepheni group from Suriname.

Anomaloglossus is a species-rich genus of frogs endemic to the Guiana Shield that still harbours several unnamed species. According to a recent integrative taxonomic survey, the A. stepheni species group includes five valid nominal species and at least four putatively unnamed species, two in Brazil and two in Suriname. In this paper, we describe the two species from Suriname based on adult and tadpole morphology as well as their calls and natural history. Both have exotrophic tadpoles transported by the male to small water bodies. These two new species differ from each other and from other congeners in body size, colouration pattern, call characteristics and breeding sites. Both have narrow distributions and should be considered Endangered according to IUCN criteria.

<p><strong><em>Epipogium taiwanense</em></strong><strong>, a detail morphological description and additional new record to mainland China</strong></p>

Epipogium taiwanense, is published in the book of Illustrated Flora of Taiwan in 2018. However, here only the specimen and simply descriptions were existed on which the protologue was based. Plant and flowers characteristics were not described in enough detail in the original description. Fortunately, it was rediscovered from Yunnan and Sichuan Province, China. It is morphological similar to E. aphyllum, but it can be easily distinguished from the latter by having large size flower bract (2.0 × 1.0 cm, significantly longer than pedicel and ovary), epichile of labellum concave with 1 longitudinal ridge on mid-lobe and the spur strongly recurve in the apex connecting with bottom of mid-lobe. A preliminary risk-of-ex­tinction assessment, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, is given for the newly recorded species.

Paraboea dolomitica (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China

Here we describe Paraboea dolomitica Z.Y. Li, X.G. Xiang & Z.Y. Guo, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Guizhou, China. Based on recent extensive observations, this new species is morphologically similar to Paraboea filipes (Hance) Burtt, in having obovate leaf blades, 1–4-flowered cymes and purplish corolla, but differs from that species by the combination of denticulate leathery leaves, sparsely brown haired peduncles, two woolly bracts, reniform anthers and two glabrous staminodes. Additionally, molecular data support this new species as a member of a clade that includes P. crassifolia, P. tetrabracteata, P. peltifolia, P. vetutina, P. dushanensis, P. dictyoneura, P xiangguiensis and P. guilinensis, but it is distinct from them in leaf position, inflorescence, penduncle, bract and capsule. The conservation status of this species is considered to be “Vulnerable” (VU) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Assessing biodiversity within the range of Heleobia chimbaensis (Caenogastropoda: Cochliopidae) on the Atacama Desert coast

Heleobia is the most specious genus in the family Cochliopidae, in which many species are morphologically similar. Here we used morphological, microstructural and phylogenetic criteria to investigate species delimitation within the Heleobia chimbaensis complex on the Atacama Desert coast. The range included subdivided populations of the species, the subspecies Heleobia chimbaensis conica, and the allopatric snails from Los Perales, first recognized as a population of H. chimbaensis and more recently considered a candidate species of the group. Traditional shell characters, morphometric analysis, operculum, and protoconch were either uninformative or ambiguous to separate taxa. However, the phylogenetic analysis identified H. chimbaensis, H. chimbaensis conica and four additional populations of the species as a monophyletic group while the population from Los Perales was recovered as a distantly evolutionary significant unit for which the name Heleobia peralensis sp. nov. is provided here. While the geographic isolation and limited dispersal seem to have influenced the diversification and current distribution of H. chimbaensis in Atacama, the origin of Heleobia peralensis sp. nov. remains unclear because of uncertain relationships. A conservation status assessment according to IUCN criteria and NatureServe methodology suggests that both H. chimbaensis and Heleobia peralensis sp. nov. face a high risk of extinction. http://www.zoobank.org:pub:91770DA4-B16F-46AD-A6D6-9638065ED899

<p><strong><em>Saussurea yilingii</em></strong><strong> (Asteraceae, Cardueae), a new species from Sichuan, China</strong></p>

Saussurea yilingii, a new species from Muli county, Sichuan province of China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to the species of snow lotus in habit, odour, and dark brown phyllaries but is lacking membranous colourful upper leaves which are typical for Saussurea subgen. Amphilaena. The new species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Global and Regional IUCN Red List Assessments: 9

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of three vascular plants according to IUCN categories and criteria are presented. It includes the assessment of Soldanella calabrella Kress at global level, and the regional assessment of Luzula pindica (Hausskn.) Chrtek & Křísa and Romulea variicolor Mifsud (Italy).

Is Battarrea phalloides really an endangered species?

Battarrea phalloides (Basidiomycota), a fungus included in many Red Lists worldwide, requires verification of its real conservation status. One of the main problems in the assessment of fungal species is that the categorization of some fungi does not properly reflect the current risk of extinction. For example, the IUCN risk category of B. phalloides is oscillating in England and unclear in Hungary. In this contribution, an additional and unpublished element of evaluation is provided. In Italy, the presence of B. phalloides in the soils that are sold in hypermarkets and nurseries determines its inclusion among the common fungi contaminating the substrates. The authors conclude that B. phalloides is therefore more common than records suggest and discuss its ranking under the IUCN criteria.

Reassessment and typification of Opuntia canterae (Opuntioideae, Cactaceae), an endemic prickly pear cactus of Uruguay

Background and aims – Opuntia is the most widespread genus of Cactaceae, naturally occurring throughout arid and semi-arid areas of the Americas. Many of the species have taxonomic problems resulting from incomplete original descriptions, lack of type designations, a paucity of taxonomic revisions and, in general, difficult species delimitation resulting from hybridization, morphological plasticity, and poor specimen preparation. However, efforts are being undertaken to fill the gaps in our distributional, morphological and phylogenetic knowledge of the group. Here, we reassess the name Opuntia canterae, providing an updated description, typification, photographs, distribution map, conservation assessment and additional notes. Material and methods – Extensive fieldwork was conducted, along with comprehensive herbarium and literature review. Morphological characters were assessed based on the commonly used characters used for prickly pears. Species delimitation is proposed based on our morphological studies, taxonomic and literature revision, as well as preliminary phylogenetic studies. The IUCN guidelines were followed to provide a conservation assessment of the species.Key results – Opuntia canterae is reassessed as a distinct species separated from its previous synonym (O. elata) by the elliptic to long-oblanceolate stem segments, acute to conical flower bud apex and long-obconic fruits. An epitype is here designated to further clarify the morphological features of the species, which, heretofore, were only represented by a photo. The species is considered endemic to Uruguay and is provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN) using IUCN criteria, but more fieldwork will be necessary to provide a further precise conservation status.

Antidesma jongkindii (Phyllanthaceae), a new species from Liberia

Background and aims – The botanical exploration of Liberia, notably by C.C.H. Jongkind, has yielded several new species. One of his recent collections proved to contain a new species of Antidesma.Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy were applied to study the relevant herbarium material available at BR, K, and WAG. The relevant collecting data are stored at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Section Botany. Map Maker was used to produce the distribution map.Key results – Antidesma jongkindii Breteler is described as a new species and illustrated. Its distinction from the other three species present in Liberia is presented in a key. The species is proposed to be listed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab (ii)] following IUCN criteria.