Southwestern Thailand Research Articles

Diospyros phengklaii (Ebenaceae), a new species from south-western Thailand

Diospyros phengklaii (Ebenaceae), a new species from south-western Thailand

The bryozoan genus Arbocuspis (Cheilostomata, Electridae) from the Indian Ocean, with description of a new species from off southwestern Thailand, Andaman Sea

Arbocuspis is a bryozoan genus, so far lacking a fossil record. It includes a few, essentially intertropical, living species, all until recently considered as mere varieties of the genotype species Membranipora bellula Hincks, 1881. Scanning electron microscope images of type material are presented for the first time for Arbocuspis bicornis Hincks, 1881 from Ceylon and Arbocuspis multicornis Hincks, 1881 from Australian waters, together with a modern description for this latter species. A new species, Arbocuspis emanuelae n. sp., is erected for specimens from the Andaman Sea. Arbocuspis emanuelae is easily distinguishable from congeners because of its two symmetrically branching spines overarching the opesium, and the group of pointed unbranched spines between them. Species of Arbocuspis are especially adapted to colonise shallow-water habitats and ephemeral substrata, and their apparently wide distributions possibly result from natural and/or anthropogenic-mediated transport, and/or also point to complexes of cryptogenic species. The diagnosis of the genus is amended owing to the occurrence in A. emanuelae n. sp. of several kinds of kenozooids, which were unreported from previously known species.

FOUR NEW SPECIES OF BEGONIA (BEGONIACEAE) FROM THAILAND

Four new species of Begonia are described from Northern, Peninsular and Southwestern Thailand. Three belong to Begonia sect. Diploclinium (B. exposita Phutthai & M.Hughes, B. pengchingii Phutthai & M.Hughes and B. pseudosubperfoliata Phutthai & M.Hughes), and one (B. phutthaii M.Hughes) to Begonia sect. Apterobegonia. All four species are karst limestone endemics. The provisional IUCN status of all the new species is ‘Vulnerable’.

The effect of increasing seagrass root complexity and redox potential on the population of Pillucina vietnamica (Bivalvia: Lucinidae) in southwestern Thailand

ABSTRACTIt is well known that seagrasses provide habitat to many bivalves. Pillucina vietnamica is the dominant bivalve (> 4000 inds m−2) in seagrass beds at the Haad Chao Mai National Park, Thailand, where seagrasses are abundant and diverse. This study aimed to determine the relationship of root, rhizome and redox potential to the P. vietnamica population. The study was performed using patches of three seagrass species (Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii and Cymodocea rotundata), which have different root morphologies and occur in both mono- and multi-specific stands as well as adjacent to areas of bare sand. The results showed that, within the vegetated areas, the abundance of P. vietnamica increased with increased root complexity and redox potential. A high abundance of P. vietnamica was found in patches of the branched root species, C. rotundata, suggesting that the root mats of this species was a preferred habitat for bivalves by providing a complex habitat and sufficient oxygen levels. The size class frequency of the bivalves differed between seasons. They were smaller and distributed bimodally in the summer but were larger and distributed unimodally in the monsoon month, suggesting a shift from the juvenile stage to the mature stage.

A New Species of the Genus <i>Ehlersileanira</i> (Polychaeta: Sigalionidae) from the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Ehlersileanira andamanensis n. sp. is described from southwestern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, based on specimens collected during the Thai-Danish BIOSHELF Project in 1996–2000. The new species differs from E. incisa ( Grube, 1877 ) by having auricles and ctenidia on the ceratophore of the median antenna and dorsal tubercles on segment 3, whereas in the latter species the ceratophore of the median antenna only has auricles and there are no dorsal tubercles on segment 3.

Morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of Burmese long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis aurea).

Macaca fascicularis aurea (Mfa) is the only macaque which has been recorded to use stone tools to access encased foods. They live in close contact with M. fascicularis fascicularis (Mff) in southwestern Thailand and the hybrids were reported [Fooden, 1995]. Although Mff and Mfa can be seen in the same habitat types, tool-use behavior has never been reported in Mff. Thus, comparing the morphological characteristics and genetics between Mfa and Mff should help elucidate not only the morphological differences and genetic divergence between these subspecies but also potentially the relationship between genetics and their tool use behavior. We surveyed Mfa and Mff in Myanmar and Thailand, ranging from 16° 58' to 7° 12' N. Fecal or blood samples were collected from eight, five, and four populations of Mfa, Mff, and Mff × Mfa morphological hybrids along with three individuals of captive Chinese M. mulatta (Mm), respectively, for mtDNA and Y-chromosome (TSPY and SRY genes) DNA sequence analyses. In addition, eight populations were captured and measured for 38 somatometric dimensions. Comparison of the somatic measurements revealed that Mfa had a statistically significantly shorter tail than Mff (P < 0.05). Based on the mtDNA sequences, Mfa was separated from the Mm/Mff clade. Within the Mfa clade, the mainland Myanmar population was separate from the Mergui Archipelago and Thailand Andaman seacoast populations. All the morphological hybrids had the Mff mtDNA haplotype. Based on the Y-chromosome sequences, the three major clades of Mm/Indochinese Mff, Sundaic Mff, and Mfa were constructed. The hybrid populations grouped either with the Mm/Indochinese Mff or with the Mfa. Regarding the genetic analysis, one subspecies hybrid population in Thailand (KRI) elicited tool use behavior, thus the potential role of genetics in tool use behavior is raised in addition to the environmental force, morphological suitability, and cognitive capability. Am. J. Primatol. 78:441-455, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Acanthosaura phuketensis (Squamata: Agamidae), a new long-horned tree agamid from southwestern Thailand.

We describe a new lowland forest-dwelling species of the genus Acanthosaura from Phuket Island and the Phuket mountain range in southwestern Thailand. Acanthosaura phuketensis sp. nov., the 11^th species in the genus, seems most closely related to A. crucigera from Myanmar and western Thailand and A. cardamomensis from the Cardamom Mountains, but can be differentiated from them by a combination of morphological and coloration characteristics. This new discovery stresses the importance of preserving the last forest patches remaining on Phuket Island, home to three other squamate endemics.

Aristolochia phuphathanaphongiana sp. nov. from southwestern Thailand

Aristolochia phuphathanaphongiana Do sp. nov. from southwestern Thailand is described here. The new species is most similar to A. acuminata and A. kongkandae, but it is distinguished by having a broad‐ovate to cordate bracteole that is sessile and 8–15 × 6–12 mm, the entire perianth being dark purple to maroon black, with lanceolate limb and abaxial surface densely covered with long grey hairs, as well as by non‐winged seeds. In addition to the description, a key to the species of Aristolochia subsect. Podanthemum from the Himalayan region and Indochina is provided.

A new species of Ovabunda (Octocorallia, Xeniidae) from the Andaman Sea, Thailand with notes on the biogeography of this genus.

A survey of xeniid octocorals was carried out in the waters off Southwestern Thailand in September, 2007. Microscopic investigation of the colonies revealed that three specimens belonged to the genus Ovabunda. Gross morphological examination is presented here accompanied by scanning electron micrographs of the sclerites. Molecular phylogenetic analysis showed identical genotypes at mtMutS, COI, and 28S rDNA for all three specimens and supports their generic assignment. Colony size and shape, sclerite size, and pinnule arrangement differ from nominal species of Ovabunda and thus a new species, O. andamanensis is introduced here. This work also presents a new eastern geographical record for the genus Ovabunda.

A new species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Southwestern Thailand

Impatiens suksathanii Ruchis. &amp; Triboun, a new species from a limestone area in Kanchanaburi Province in Southwestern Thailand, is described and illustrated. This endemic new species is clearly distinguished from the most similar I. namkatensis T.Shimizu by having sessile to very short petioles, linear, narrowly lanceolate to narrowly oblanceolate laminas, and pale pink flowers. Its conservation status is also assessed as Critically Endangered.

Two New Species ofPiper(Piperaceae) from Thailand

Two new species, Piper durionoides Suwanph. & Chantar. and P. kongkandanum Suwanph. & Chantar. (Piperaceae), are described from southwestern Thailand. Piper durionoides is characterized by a persistent stylelike spine or echinate and glabrous infructescence. The distinguishing characters of P. kongkandanum combine vegetative and reproductive organs. This species has pilose or velutinous branchlets with uniseriate hairs. The floral bracts are hairy at the base and ciliate at the margin, and fruits are connate for 3/4 length on rachis. The description and illustration are presented. The IUCN conservation status of both species is assessed as VU, or Vulnerable.

New species and new record of Megatyrus Hlaváč & Nomura (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Asia.

A new species, Megatyrus femoralis sp. n., is described from the Koshi Zone, East Nepal, with major diagnostic features illustrated. Megatyrus masumotoi Nomura, Sakchoowong & Chanpaisaeng, originally described from southwestern Thailand, is recorded from the Noring Timur Mountain, West Malaysia. The above data extends the known range of Megatyrus about 1,200 km to the west, and 870 km to the south.

Will tourists pay for a healthy environment? Assessing visitors' perceptions and willingness to pay for conservation and preservation in the island of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

This paper seeks to profile the views and characteristics of travellers to Koh Phi Phi, an island in southwestern Thailand. The island is facing many issues of environmental and social degradation as a result of tourism related over-development. Using individual surveys, visitors were probed to determine their attitudes towards sustainability in Koh Phi Phi and their potential willingness to pay to preserve its environment. The study concludes that travellers are prepared to take responsibility and to pay to help prevent further degradation of the island. The majority of visitors believe tourists should be a key stakeholder in the preservation and protection and are willing to pay an additional tax for this purpose. It is also noteworthy that visitors' willingness to pay for environmental improvements varied only marginally based on travellers' income levels, although the average amount that travellers were willing to pay increased for those with higher income.

Redescription of Schistura myrmekia (Fowler 1935) (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

Schistura myrmekia (Fowler 1935) was originally described from a single specimen collected from Keng Sok,southwestern Thailand. It was differentiated from a similar species, S. desmotes (Fowler 1934), by having four—ratherthan three—dark bands behind the dorsal fin, and the presence of a wart-like suborbital flap. Although S. myrmekia hassince been placed in the synonymy of S. desmotes, it is distinguishable by the size and orientation of the suborbital flap,a much shorter maxillary barbel, and a more slender appearance. The holotype, the only known specimen of S. myrmekia,is redescribed and contrasted with other species of Schistura in southern Thailand. Schistura myrmekia is known onlyfrom the holotype, collected in an area that recently has been highly modified by human activities. Recent efforts to find the species have failed, and it is probably extinct.

Schistura (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) in the Mae Khlong basin in southwestern Thailand with description of a new species

Recent fieldwork has revealed the presence of six species of Schistura McClelland 1838 in the Mae Khlong basin in south-western Thailand. These include S. sexcauda (Fowler 1937), S. balteata (Rendahl 1948), S. mahnerti Kottelat 1990, therecently described S. aurantiaca Plongsesthee et al. 2011 and S. tenebrosa Kangrang et al. 2012, and a newly discoveredspecies described herein. Schistura sexcauda previously was the only Schistura species known in the Mae Khlong, andit was mis-identified as S. desmotes (Fowler 1934). Schistura pantherina, n. sp., is easily distinguished from all other species of Schistura by its distinctive color pattern. It appears to be endemic to the Mae Nam Kwai Noi system.

A phylogeny and taxonomy of the Thai-Malay Peninsula Bent-toed Geckos of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae): combined morphological and molecular analyses with descriptions of seven new species

An integrative taxonomic analysis using color pattern, morphology and 1497 base pairs of the ND2 mitochondrial geneand its five flanking tRNAs demonstrated that nine monophyletic species-level lineages occur within the Cyrtodactyluspulchellus complex (Cyrtodactylus pulchellus sensu strictu and C. macrotuberculatus) of the Thai-Malay Peninsula thathave a sequence divergence between them ranging from 5.9–16.8%. Additionally, each lineage is discretely diagnosablefrom one another based on morphology and color pattern and most occur in specific geographic regions (upland areas orislands) that prevent or greatly restrict interpopulation gene flow. Six of these lineages were masquerading under thenomen C. pulchellus and are described as the following: Cyrtodactylus astrum sp. nov. from northwestern PeninsularMalaysia and southwestern Thailand; C. langkawiensis sp. nov., at this point endemic to Langkawi Island, Malaysia; C.bintangrendah sp. nov., a lowland species surrounding the Banjaran (=mountain range) Bintang of northwesternPeninsular Malaysia; C. bintangtinggi sp. nov., endemic to the upland regions of the Banjaran Bintang of northwesternPeninsular Malaysia; C. trilatofasciatus sp. nov., endemic to upland regions of Cameron Highlands in the central portionof the Banjaran Titiwangsa in Peninsular Malaysia; and C. australotitiwangsaensis sp. nov. from the more southerlyupland regions of the Banjaran Titiwangsa. An additional species, Cyrtodactylus lekaguli sp. nov. from Satun, Trang, SuratThani, and Phang-nga provinces in southern Thailand, was identified on the basis of morphology and color pattern and is hypothesized to be part of a clade containing C. astrum sp. nov. and C. langkawiensis sp. nov.

Marine prey processed with stone tools by burmese long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis aurea) in intertidal habitats

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) feed opportunistically in many habitats. The Burmese subspecies (M. f. aurea) inhabits coastal areas in southwestern Thailand and Myanmar, and some of their populations have adapted lithic customs for processing encased foods in intertidal habitats. We investigated the diet of such macaques in Laemson National Park, Thailand, and identified the variety of foods they processed with stones. We conducted 36 shore surveys to study tool sites following feeding activity, during which we counted the minimum number of individual (MNI) food items found at each site. We identified 47 food species (43 animals and four plants), from 37 genera. We counted 1,991 food items during surveys. Nearly all were mollusks (n = 1,924), with the small remainder primarily consisting of crustaceans and nuts. The two most common foods, rock oysters (Saccostrea cucullata; n = 1,062) and nerite snails (Nerita spp.; n = 538), composed 80.2% of our sample. Four prey species comprised 83.2% of the sample (MNI = 1,656), S. cucullata (n = 1,062), Nerita chamaeleon (n = 419), Thais bitubercularis (n = 95), and Monodonta labio (n = 80). Macaques selected a wide variety of foods. However, they heavily concentrated on those that were abundant, easy to access, and sufficiently sized. The Burmese long-tailed macaque stone-processed diet, which focuses on intertidal marine prey, differs from Sapajus and Pan, who use stones primarily for encased nuts and fruits. In terms of diversity of foods exploited, coastal stone-based predation by macaques resembles the diet of coastal-foraging humans (Homo sapiens sapiens).

Variations in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami deposits thickness and their preservation potential, southwestern Thailand

Field surveys were conducted in March 2005 and December 2008 in southwestern Thailand to investigate local variation in the thickness and preservation potential of onshore deposits formed by the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The 2008 survey results revealed that the thickness of deposits varies by a few centimeters in pits located less than 10 m apart because of local undulation of the topography and possible bioturbation. At 13 among all 24 sites, the difference in thickness during 2005 and 2008 surveys was within the range of local variation. In fact, very thin tsunami deposits with 1 cm thickness in the 2005 survey were well preserved during the 2008 survey. Furthermore, tsunami deposits near the maximum inundation limit were found in the 2008 survey, with thicknesses that are consistent with those reported from the 2005 survey. At no site was a tsunami deposit eliminated completely. Based on these observations, we infer that the tsunami deposit thickness is well preserved, even in a tropical climate with heavy rains such as that of Thailand.

Revision of the rare centipede genus Sterropristes Attems, 1934, with description of a new species from Thailand (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)

The genus Sterropristes Attems, 1934, currently classified in the scolopendrid subfamily Otostigminae and tribe Sterropristini, is revised. The monotypic genus Malaccolabis Verhoeff, 1937, is synonymized with Sterropristes. Sterropristes sarasinorum Attems, 1934 from Tomohon, Celebes, Indonesia (type species of Sterropristes) and S. metallicus (Verhoeff, 1937) from Penang Hill, Penang, Malaysia (type species of Malaccolabis) are redescribed based on their type material, together with newly collected topotypes of S. metallicus. Sterropristes violaceus Muadsub and Panha n. sp., found under leaves on islands in the Andaman Sea, south-western Thailand, is described.

Review of Wanni W. Anderson, Mapping Thai Muslims: Community Dynamics and Change on the Andaman Coast

Anthropologists who continue to revisit areas where they have conducted fieldwork sometimes produce ethnographic memoirs about the changes that they have seen evolve over time in a community. If decades have gone by, they can write about people they once knew as children and provide a longue duree, or longitudinal analysis. This book is one such type of memoir, although it is written with a number of scholarly goals in mind and with numerous (if very short) references to a range of perspectives about globalization and Islam. The author’s stated goal is to present a non-monolithic portrait of Muslims in Thailand by focusing on the lesser-known Thai Muslims of the southern Andaman coast. Overall, this short book highlights how the Thai Muslim community in this region has responded to new occupational opportunities associated with tourism and increased economic interconnectedness, how a more globalized Islamic consciousness has affected their beliefs and practices, and how they view the ongoing violence that has engulfed the Muslim area on the other side of the country. Set on the island of Nipa, across the water from Krabi town in southwestern Thailand, the area was first visited by the author in 1979. She returned in 1981 to investigate Muslim children’s play culture in order to compare with her earlier work on Buddhist children’s play culture in central Thailand (e.g., p. 5). She returned for a longer stay in 1982 as a member of one of Harvard University’s research teams on cross-cultural studies of adolescents in a changing world. She also investigated local villagers’ notions of ethnic and religious consciousness. Subsequent revisits in 1984, Cont Islam (2013) 7:245–247 DOI 10.1007/s11562-011-0170-y