Sunda Islands Research Articles

Taxonomic revision of the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah (Cantor, 1836) species complex (Reptilia: Serpentes: Elapidae), with the description of two new species

The taxonomy of king cobras (Ophiophagus) was reevaluated using qualitative, mensural and meristic characters, based on 148 entire and five skeletal specimens, and supported by a recent molecular phylogenetic analysis. We provide nomenclatural synopses of both the genus and species-series nomina. We restrict the concept of Ophiophagus hannah s. str. to populations from eastern Pakistan, northern and eastern India, the Andaman Islands, Indo-Burma and Indo-China, south to central Thailand. The nomen Ophiophagus bungarus (Schlegel, 1837) comb. nov. is revived for the populations inhabiting the Sunda Shelf area, including the Malay Peninsula, the Greater Sunda Islands and parts of the southern Philippines. We describe two new species, Ophiophagus kaalinga Gowri Shankar, Das & Ganesh sp. nov. endemic to the Western Ghats of south-western India and Ophiophagus salvatana Gowri Shankar, Das & Wüster sp. nov., inhabiting the island of Luzon in northern Philippines. For the purpose of nomenclatural stability, we designate a neotype for Hamadryas hannah Cantor, 1836. A dichotomous identification key to the four species recognized here is provided.

Paleotectonic setting of basaltoid volcano-plutonic belts with porphyry copper deposits

The article considers geotectonic position and geological features of basaltoid volcano-plutonic belts (VPBs) associated with porphyry copper and gold-copper deposits. Three types of the belts, the oceanic, perioceanic, and riftogenic ones, are distinguished among these VPBs. The oceanic and peri-oceanic belts were incorporated into the composition of ensimatic island arcs and formed at a late stage of their development, after inversion of the basaltoid troughs. The riftogenic belts appeared in island-arc oceanic settings at a late stage of filling the spreading zones. VPBs of the first two types with porphyry gold-copper deposits are located over the convergent boundaries of tectonic plates in an above-subduction position, while belts of the third type form extended linear zones within individual rift structures and contain smallscale porphyry copper objects with poor gold and molybdenum contents. As examples of the structures, the Sunda, Philippine archipelago, New British, Solomon, Alaska, and Antilles ensimatic island arcs and the Irendyk and Novoalekseevsky belts of rift zones of the Southern Urals are described. Volcanic-plutonic associations participating in the structure of these VPBs (including those productive for porphyry copper mineralization), as well as structural-lithological complexes of their basement, are characterized. It is noted that repeated magmatism manifestations during the long-term development of the ensimatic island arcs lead to appearance of several basaltoid VPBs with porphyry gold-copper deposits, while basaltoid belts with porphyry copper objects in the rift settings are formed only once.

Two new species of Austrelatus diving beetles from continental Southeast Asia, linking the distribution area of the genus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Copelatinae)

Two new species of predominantly Australasian genus Austrelatus Shaverdo et al., 2023 are described and illustrated: Austrelatus mirai sp. nov. from Selangor State in Peninsular Malaysia is similar in habitus to the South Indian species A. boukali (Hendrich & Balke, 1998) and A. davidi (Wewalka, 2017); however, the shape of the male genitalia suggests that it is closely related to Austrelatus species from Kalimantan. Austrelatus riberai sp. nov. from Shan State in Myanmar is most similar to Sino-Japanese A. parallelus (Zimmermann, 1920). Findings of Austrelatus species in continental Southeast Asia fill the gap in the distribution area of the genus between India, China and Japan on one side, and the Sunda Islands on the other side.

Mapping Asia Plants: Plant Diversity and a Checklist of Vascular Plants in Indonesia.

Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia, is the world's largest tropical island country. It is globally recognized as a unique center of biodiversity in the Asian-Australian transitional zone. To date, however, no national plant checklist of Indonesia has been published. Here, we collected botanical information on the flora of Indonesia and presented for the first time a checklist of known native species of vascular plants in the country. Our checklist included 30,466 species belonging to 2968 genera and 317 families, representing 8.7% of the 351,180 vascular plant species worldwide. Among the seven regions, Sumatra had the highest number of species at 10,902, followed by Indonesian New Guinea (9935), Java (9289), Kalimantan (9191), Sulawesi (7048), Maluku (5294), and Lesser Sunda Islands (4514). In contrast, Indonesian New Guinea had a much higher proportion of locally endemic species than other regions (59%). The seven regions were divided into three phytogeographical areas: the Sunda Shelf, the Sahul Shelf, and the Wallacea, based on similarities in floristic composition. Our checklist for Indonesia provides basic information for biodiversity conservation and associated research.

Expansion of grasslands across glacial Sundaland caused by enhanced precipitation seasonality

The distribution of vegetation across glacial Sundaland and the underlying mechanisms have long been debated. We address this issue by comparing a compilation of vegetation reconstructions with climate simulations from the Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2). A new n-alkane δ13C record derived from higher plants, covering the period from 21 to 5 cal ka BP in the southern South China Sea, is presented. This record, combined with previous pollen-based reconstructions, indicates that C3 forests dominated the outer-to-mid shelf regions of the northern Sundaland between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Heinrich Stadial 1, while open grasslands occupied the inner shelf region. A compilation of vegetation reconstructions shows a glacial contraction of lowland rainforests in longitudinal extent compared to the Holocene, especially in southern Sundaland. Furthermore, the previously proposed “savannah corridor” or “dry tropical forests” existed in the interior of Sundaland during the LGM, extending from the Malay Peninsula to the Lesser Sunda Islands. Modelling studies suggest that changes in the seasonality of precipitation, rather than mean annual rainfall, are more relevant to vegetation changes between the LGM and the Holocene. The glacial emergence of Sundaland caused an eastward shift of the ascending branch of the Walker Circulation and a substantial reduction in atmospheric convection activity over Southeast Asia, leading to a decrease in water availability during the dry season in both hemispheres. The enhanced water stress thus favors the expansion of open environments.

A new species of nightjar (Caprimulgus) from Timor and Wetar, Lesser Sunda Islands, Wallacea

The nightjars of the Caprimulgus macrurus complex are distributed from Pakistan to Australia and comprise six morphologically similar but vocally distinct species. Fieldwork on Timor and Wetar, Lesser Sunda Islands, has resulted in the discovery of a seventh species in the complex, which we describe as a new species. This species has previously been confused with Caprimulgus macrurus, Caprimulgus celebensis and Caprimulgus manillensis but it differs from these and all other species in the complex by at least 13 vocal characters. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified all recordings in the complex to species. Caprimulgus ritae is known from five adult museum specimens, which are the smallest in the complex and which differ from other species in the complex in several morphological characters. A molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. ritae is sister to C. meesi from Flores and Sumba, and that these species together are sister to C. macrurus. C. ritae is a tropical forest specialist occurring from sea level to at least 1500 m (probably mostly below 1000 m). Lowland and montane forests on Timor are threatened. Wetar is one of the least developed islands in Indonesia, and retains >95% natural vegetation, dominated by Eucalyptus woodlands, with tropical forests in river gorges and slopes in upland areas. Pressure for development is accelerating throughout the range of C. ritae, and a detailed assessment of its conservation status is urgently needed.

A New Species of Chigger (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Indonesia and Current Differentiation of Trombicula Berlese, 1905 Sensu Stricto Group.

Two new species of chiggers in the two genera (Chiroptella Vercammen-Grandjean, 1960 and Rudnicula Vercammen-Grandjean, 1964) have been described in Indonesia since 2020. The checklist of all known bat-infesting chiggers has also been compiled for Indonesia. It summarizes 16 species in 9 genera of chiggers parasitizing 12 bat species belonging to 5 families collected on 8 Indonesian islands. Nine specimens collected in 2020 on Nusa Penida Island were not included in the checklist because of their uncertain taxonomy. In the current paper, we resolve the taxonomy of these specimens belonging to Trombicula sensu stricto group. We also revise the existing characters of this group and provide new characters helping with the clear definition of this taxa. Hosts and chiggers were captured in February 2020 in Nusa Penida Islands in Indonesia using standard bat-capturing and parasite-collecting methods. For the specimens examined in this study were provided drawings, measurements, and microscopy images. This type material is deposited in the Slovak and Czech National museums. In the paper, we describe anew species parasitizing diadem leaf-nosed batin the Goa Peteng cave on Nusa Penida Island (Lesser Sunda Islands, East Indonesia). This new species differs from all related species by the presence of avery long tarsala I (S1). A key to the larvae of all seven known Trombicula s. s. species is provided. The differentiation of Trombicula s. s. group is based on leg segmentation fsp = 6.6.6, rugose scutum with complete AM, AL and PL setation, and fT = 5B, 5BN or 4B2N. Anew species within the genus Trombicula, group minor has been described. The new species also increases the number of known chiggers in Indonesia and the number of species parasitizing the host species Hipposideros diadema. Trombicula s. s. has also been revised and more clearly defined.

Earliest known funerary rites in Wallacea after the last glacial maximum

The insular region of Wallacea has become a focal point for studying Pleistocene human ecological and cultural adaptations in island environments, however, little is understood about early burial traditions during the Pleistocene. Here we investigate maritime interactions and burial practices at Ratu Mali 2, an elevated coastal cave site on the small island of Kisar in the Lesser Sunda Islands of eastern Indonesia dated to 15,500–3700 cal. BP. This multidisciplinary study demonstrates extreme marine dietary adaptations, engagement with an extensive exchange network across open seas, and early mortuary practices. A flexed male and a female, interred in a single grave with abundant shellfish and obsidian at Ratu Mali 2 by 14.7 ka are the oldest known human burials in Wallacea with established funerary rites. These findings highlight the impressive flexibility of our species in marginal environments and provide insight into the earliest known ritualised treatment of the dead in Wallacea.

Genetic differentiation of Hippa adactyla based on CO1 gene sequence in Sundaland

The Hippidae is a family of sand crabs that inhabit intertidal ecosystems, specifically in sandy areas scattered throughout the coast. Differences in habitat conditions cause variations in Hippidae members. Hippa adactyla is a member of the genus Hippa. This study aimed to map the genetic differentiation between Hippa adactyla populations in the Greater Sunda Islands. The sand crab (Hippa adactyla) samples were taken from Sumatra (Pariaman, Bengkulu, Lampung) and Java (Pangandaran, Pelabuhan Ratu, Banyuwangi) by handcatching then stored in alcohol 96%. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the muscle tissue of the samples using a commercial DNA Extraction KIT. The upper part of the COI gene (5' end) (±750 bp) was amplified using specific primers. Based on the K2P substitution model, the genetic distance of the Pangandaran population to the Bali Strait population is the same as that of the Sumatran population (0.062). Genetic diversity ranges from 0.000 to 0.123. Haplotype diversity was 0.928, consisting of 18 haplotypes.

Complete Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Children in Indonesia and Factors Associated: A Community-Based Study

Hepatitis B vaccination is widely recognized as the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection, yet the rate of complete vaccination among Indonesian children remains low. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of hepatitis B vaccination coverage among children and identify potential associated factors in Indonesia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The study involved 7,860 Indonesian mothers of children aged 12-59 months, providing data on their children's hepatitis B vaccination status and other relevant factors from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey. Overall, the rate of complete hepatitis B vaccination among children was relatively high (89.8%). Several factors were found to be associated with complete hepatitis B vaccination among children: living in Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi compared to Sumatra; having an older mother; having parents with secondary or higher education compared to no education; having an employed mother; belonging to middle or high economic status compared to low economic status; having mothers using media irregularly or regularly, as opposed to never using media; having health insurance; and having a larger family size. These findings highlight the need for further interventions to optimize childhood hepatic vaccination coverage, which health policymakers should support.

Herpetofauna Diversity at Eaglewood Gyrinops vesteegii Conservation Area in Pusuk Protected Forest, Lombok

Pusuk Protected Forest at Lembah Sari Village, Batu Layar District, western Lombok is Gyrinops vesteegii conservation area, the one of eaglewood trees in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Studying diversity and distribution of herpetofauna in conservation area to understanding how this fauna could be stabilized the community structure of organisms in the ecosystems with their act as secondary and tertiary consumers in food web organization. Herpetofauna in this area was captured by visual encounter surveys (VES) method. Eleven species of herpetofauna have been collected from eaglewood conservation area in protected forest of Pusuk, is comprised by four species of amphibians (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Ingerophrynus biporcatus, Limnonectes dammarmani and Limnonectes kadarsani) and seven species of reptiles (Ahaetulla prasina, Cyrtodactylus petani, Dendrelaphis pictus, Draco volans, Eutropis multifasciata, Gekko gecko, Sphenomorpus melanopogon and Sibynopis geminatus). This animal group plays as a role in maintaining the stability of eaglewood ecosystems by controlling its pest populations such as moth larvae of Heortia vitessodes and white lice of Dysmicoccus brevipes. Based on this research, higher diversity of herpetofauna with varying types of their habitats could be control the varying types of forest tree pests

Evaluation of Station Performance of the Indonesian Seismic Network Using the Primary Location Parameter

Abstract Indonesia’s tectonic setting has resulted in a high level of seismic activity, which makes seismic networks and early warning systems vital for this country. Indonesia’s seismic stations, a total of 411 stations in 2021, are maintained by the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). This study attempts to evaluate station performance, because these are crucial in monitoring seismic activity. We utilized information from the BMKG 2020 and 2019 seismic catalogs to analyze the performance of the stations. A total of 13,798 events were reported in 2019 with magnitudes (MLv) of up to 8, whereas 10,163 events with similar magnitudes were reported in 2020. Stations in the eastern part of Indonesia (Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, the Moluccas, and Papua) detected more events compared to stations in the western part of Indonesia (Borneo, Sumatra, and Java). Up to 1651 events were detected by a single station in eastern Indonesia, compared to 847 events in western Indonesia. BMKG stations in eastern Indonesia have recorded ample amounts of events, which is consistent with the high seismic activity found there. In terms of station coverage, events in the eastern part have better station coverage due to smaller azimuthal gaps, considering the geographic location. We also analyzed station performance and the number of recorded stations in terms of a function of time for each event in the Sumatra, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, and Papua regions. Although the number of recordings obtained by stations was high after 15 s since the origin time, the azimuthal gap progression in Sumatra and Java remained large. Therefore, an additional ocean-bottom seismometer needs to be installed in the Sumatra–Java trench.

Annotated checklist of Indonesian Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)

Impatiens is a genus of flowering plants widely distributed in Indonesia, with a high level of endemism. Some studies about on Impatiens have been conducted in Indonesia and several new species have recently been proposed, however, a list of all Indonesian Impatiens species has never been provided. Here, such a checklist of the Indonesian Impatiens species is presented to provide a comprehensive and up‐to‐date inventory of this genus in the region. There are 52 species, plus 3 subspecies and 7 varieties, of Impatiens in Indonesia. Most of the species are distributed in Sumatra, some in Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan (Borneo), Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku and Papua. Sumatra has the highest number of Impatiens species in Indonesia (45 species), while the Maluku region has the least (two species). Most of the species are native (50 species) and endemic (46 species), with Sumatra being the endemic hotspot (39 species). Some Impatiens species, such as I. dewildeana, have expanded their distribution to new areas. The conservation status of Impatiens species in Indonesia has not been assessed previously, therefore, we follow IUCN, as a reference for determining the status of Impatiens in Indonesia, especially those endemic to Sumatra. It is concluded that a majority of the species is threatened, and several may already be extinct.

Beetle evolution illuminates the geological history of the World's most diverse tropical archipelago

The geologically‐complex Indo–Australian–Melanesian archipelago (IAMA) hosts extraordinarily high levels of species richness and endemism and has long served as a natural laboratory for studying biogeography and evolution. Nonetheless, its geological history and the provenance and evolution of its biodiversity remain poorly understood. Here, we provide a geological scenario for the IAMA informed by a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny of 1006 species of Trigonopterus weevils – an exceptionally diverse radiation of regionally‐endemic flightless beetles. Moreover, we performed a statistical biogeographic analysis and examined timing and patterns in the accumulation of lineages residing in a priori‐defined geographic units comprising the IAMA. We estimate that Trigonopterus originated in Australia during the early Paleogene. Subsequent rapid diversification in the area of the present‐day Papuan Peninsula suggests the presence of proto‐Papuan islands by the middle Eocene; the New Guinea North Coast Ranges were colonized in the late Eocene, followed by the New Guinea Highlands and the Bird's Head Peninsula. We inferred the presence of terrestrial habitat in the North Moluccas and Sulawesi in the late Oligocene and the subsequent rapid colonization of Sundaland and the Lesser Sunda Islands. New Caledonia and Samoa were colonized from the Papuan Peninsula, and their faunas also diverged in the late Oligocene. These biota‐informed time estimates are compatible with geological data from the region and shed new light on IAMA paleogeography, even where geological evidence has been lost to erosion. Beetle evolution thus appears to have closely tracked the geological evolution of the IAMA, revealing a uniquely well‐resolved view of regional biogeography.

VOICE SYSTEMS IN MANGGARAI: HOW SEMANTIC ROLES BEHAVE IN THE CLAUSES

This research evaluates Klamer's statement that says several languages in the Lesser Sunda Islands (and some languages in Sulawesi) do not have passive constructions. Therefore, this study aims to prove whether the Manggarai language has passive construction forms with different semantic roles. The data used in this study are clauses in the Manggarai language that contain five semantic role arguments: actor, patient, benefactive, instrumental, and locative. This is done by examining the semantic role argument to be positioned as the subject. The results show that the Manggarai language is indeed a language that has two voices, which means that active and passive constructions exist. However, Manggarai does not experience morphological changes in the verbs but is marked by the emergence of prepositions when changed into passive constructions. In the Kempo dialect of the Manggarai language, the preposition le ‘by’ not only introduces actors in passive constructions but also serves to introduce instrumental roles in active sentences. The preposition latang 'for' introduces a benefactive argument in both active and passive constructions. Preposition one ‘in/on’ serves to introduce a locative argument in active and passive clauses.

A Statistical review of the dates and patterns of volcanic activity of Lewotolo Volcano, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Lewotolo is a stratovolcano located on the Lembata Island, East Nusa Tenggara (Lesser Sunda Islands), Indonesia. The first geohistory of the Lewotolo volcanic eruption was recorded in 1660 (Volcanic Eruption Index (VEI) 3). Since November 11, 2020, Lewotolo has been included in the list of Indonesian volcanoes with the necessary precautions, comparable to the Anak Krakatau, Merapi, and Semeru volcanoes. We investigated Lewotolo volcanic activity by analyzing the height of the ash column data, maximum seismograph amplitude, and recorded seismic duration from November 29, 2020, to September 23, 2022, which are provided in magma.esdm.go.id. The results showed 191 records of eruption activity data, which formed three clusters for each variable using the Elbow Method in the Non-Hierarchical K-means clustering analysis. These data were plotted on the solar and Hijri lunar calendars. The data plot shows anomalies in the volcanic activity frequency and a significant pattern of activity at specific times. The data plot illustrates that the value of the activity frequency pattern tends to increase at Earth orbital events such as the December-January perihelion (up to 0.124) and June-July aphelion (up to 0.262) and at the new moon phases (up to 0.168). This phenomenon appears as solar and lunar tidal anomalies that commonly occur as gravitational sea tides. Along with the need for more comprehensive data, the results of this study may provide new perspectives for further research on the possible role of gravitational tide phenomena in volcanic activity, at least to explain the volcanic activity in Lewotolo.

Big questions for small animals. Taphonomic analysis of small vertebrates in Matja Kuru 2 (Timor-Leste) during the late pleistocene

The analysis of subsistence practices in the Lesser Sunda Islands (from Bali in the west to Wetar and Timor to the east) provides data to interpret anatomically modern humans’ subsistence adaptation in insular environments. Most previous analyses of small vertebrate assemblages in these islands have focused on sites with evidence of intensive coastal subsistence, where the fish and other marine faunal remains can be assigned unequivocally to human predation. Inland sites, however, contain large quantities of murids, reptiles and bats of varying sizes, which could have been accumulated by different predators.Here we present the first detailed taphonomic analysis of the faunal assemblage recovered from the Pleistocene levels of the inland cave site Matja Kuru 2 (Timor-Leste), dominated by small murids, followed by large and giant murids, reptiles, birds, bats and fish bones. Through the study of skeletal representation, fragmentation and bone surface modifications in the large and giant murids, turtle and fish remains, we aim to determine whether humans were responsible for their presence in the older units of the site, whether they comprise natural deaths, or were prey of non-human predators such as raptors.Our analyses indicate differences in predator actions according to age of prey and taxa, with adult large and giant murids, freshwater turtles and fish showing evidence of human predation. The results presented here contribute significantly to understanding human behaviour in insular environments and deposition dynamics in karstic taphosystems in Island Southeast Asia, as well as providing a framework for future taphonomic studies in the region.

Endemic Bamboo (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) of the Lesser Sunda Islands

More than 40 species of bamboo were known from the Lesser Sunda Islands (LSI), including several endemic species. Endemic species are often highly specialized, found in limited geographical areas, and vulnerable to extinction if their habitat is destroyed. This study aimed to provide an account of endemic bamboo species on the LSI. Fieldwork involved collecting samples of bamboo in the LSI. Herbarium specimens of bamboo deposited in the Herbarium Bogoriense (BO), collected from the LSI were examined, and endemic LSI species were recorded. The conservation status followed the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list categories and criteria. The conservation status of unassessed species was evaluated using IUCN red list categories and criteria. A spatial analysis was also conducted. Data were analyzed and presented descriptively. There are 10 endemic bamboo species in the LSI, namely Bambusa ooh Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (conservation status: endangered), Chloothamnus reholttumianus (Soenarko) Widjaja from Sumba (vulnerable), C. schmutzii (S.Dransf.) Widjaja from Sumbawa and Flores (near threatened), Dinochloa kostermansiana S.Dransf. from Sumba and Flores (near threatened), D. sepang Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), Fimbribambusa rifaiana Widjaja from Alor (near threatened), Gigantochloa aya Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), G. baliana Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), G. taluh Widjaja & Astuti from Bali (vulnerable), and Schizostachyum purpureum Damayanto & Widjaja from Sumba (data deficient). They can be found at an altitude of 20–1700 m in various habitats, including forests, bamboo forests, villages, botanical gardens, along a road, slopes, valleys, riverbanks, and around a lake.

An historical reassessment of the maritime Southeast Asian forest and marine commodities trade and its implications for archaeological investigations of Asian contact in northern Australia

This paper reassesses the maritime Southeast Asian forest and marine commodities trade from the sixteenth century to World War I. The ‘Macassan’ traders who visited northern Australia were primarily from Makassar and southern Sulawesi (including Bugis, or Bajau and Sumbawan immigrants) and the Lesser Sunda Islands (to where these ethnic groups had migrated) but also included the Indigenous Australians who accompanied them on their voyages. Research into other ethnic groups (Chinese, Makassar-Malay, Seram Laut Islanders, Solorese and Timorese mariners) also associated with both northern Australia and the maritime Southeast Asian forest and marine trade suggests that they be included in the ‘Macassan’ group. Analysis of historical sources for the late nineteenth–early twentieth century Macassan trepang (sea cucumber) industry in north Australia demonstrates that perahu spare cargo capacity was filled with additional commodities when the trepang harvest was low, ensuring voyage profitability. Comparison of the maritime Southeast Asian trade with ethnographic, archaeological, historical, and linguistic evidence in northern Australia, suggests that 20 commodities were likely to have been exported from the latter, seven of which have never before been mentioned in the literature. Mapping of the Macassan routes transporting the 20 commodities shows that northern Australia was connected to a vast network of maritime Southeast and East Asian trade with global reach. The importance of these findings for Asian contact archaeology in northern Australia is threefold: (1) archaeologists should look beyond ceramic provenance, metal, and glass to seek material and chronological evidence for the extraction and processing of a wider range of forest and marine commodities; (2) evidence for the extraction of particular commodities might be a proxy for age estimation of a site; and (3) the origins of introduced material culture will reflect its East, South, and Southeast Asian and, ultimately, global connectivity.

Hymenasplenium hovenkampii (Aspleniaceae), a new bipinnatisect fern species from Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia

A new species of Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae), H. hovenkampii, from the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia is described. This species was preliminarily identified as H. unilaterale, but can be easily distinguished by its bipinnatisect laminae (vs. 1-pinnate lamina) and reddish brown (vs. dark brown to black) stipes and rachises. In fact, all species known so far in the genus have simple or 1-pinnate laminae, whereas the new species is the only one in the genus with bipinnatisect laminae.