Submitted date: 1 November 2023 Accepted date: 31 October 2024 Published date: 10 December 2024 Pp. 134–135.
A neustonic and pelagic sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus) on the shore of Chennai
F. Suganya, P. Sharma & S. Prabakaran *Corresponding author. E-mail: florencesuganya3@gmail.com
Due to the extensive work of Churchill et al. (2014), it has become evident that Glaucilla and Glaucus are different genera under the Family Glaucidae (Class: Gastropoda; Order: Nudibranchia) by the presence of a short posterior end of the body and by the arrangement of cerata in multiseriate groups. Molecular analyses indicate that the family Glaucidae is in fact, closely related to Facelinidae. Glaucus species can float on the surface of water due to their ability to maintain their buoyancy by swallowing air and holding it in gastric cavities. Their distribution is a function of the gyre systems, ocean currents driven by wind so they can become stranded. The specimens used for this study were collected along the shore of Chennai at Nochi Nagar (13.027854oN, 80.27793oE), Tamil Nadu, India on 6–7 March 2023. The specimens were preserved in 10% formaldehyde to observe morphological features. All identifications were based on Churchill et al. (2014).
Submitted date: 29 September 2024 Accepted date: 31 October 2024 Published date: 10 December 2024 Pp. 132–133.
On the systematics and distribution of Cyrtodactylus semiadii, Java - Indonesia
A. Riyanto*, H. Wiradarma, A. Hamidy & A. Abinawanto *Corresponding author. E-mail: awal003@brin.go.id
There are approximately 372 species of bent-toed geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 distributed throughout most of tropical Asia from India to the Philippines and south through the Indo-Australian Archipelago, northern Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Cyrtodactylus semiadii Riyanto, Bauer, Yudha, 2024 is a Javan endemic gecko listed as not threatened (of least concern, LC). It was described based on specimens from two localities: (i) Paliyan, Jogjakarta (Central Java), and Tuban (East Java) separated by ~200 km. Since its description, there has been only one study on this species by Damayanti (2017) on its habitat preferences in Paliyan, Jogjakarta. That study showed that this gecko is mostly encountered in litter on the forest floor. All other 21 records were obtained from photographs in the iNaturalist citizen science platform from Central Java between 2016–2023. The molecular data on this species were first included in a phylogenetic tree by Riyanto et al. (2020) sampled from a single locality.
Abstract Most lizard species reproduce sexually, with both males and females contributing genetic material to offspring. However, a subset, including certain gecko species, reproduces via parthenogenesis, wherein females produce offspring without fertilization. Hemidactylus garnotii Duméril & Bibron, 1836 sensu lato, a parthenogenetic species complex native to parts of Southeast Asia and India, was previously understood to consist solely of females. Despite earlier reports suggesting the possible existence of males, these were attributed to misidentification or incomplete verification. In this study, based on histological and gonadal examination, we report the first confirmed male individuals of H. garnotii from Mizoram, India. Specimens collected from Dampa Tiger Reserve and Palak National Wetland were analysed through morphological assessments, histology, and genetic sequencing (ND2 gene). Histological findings revealed spermatogenesis stages in males, establishing the presence of functional testes. Our results thus document a notable exception to the presumed all-female composition of H. garnotii, with implications for understanding reproductive strategies in this specie.
Key words : Fertilization, ND2 gene, histology, offspring, reproduction, spermatogenesis
Submitted date: 22 July 2024 Accepted date: 31 October 2024 Published date: 7 December 2024 Pp. 116–123, Pl. 26.
NEW SYSTEMATIC INSIGHTS INTO Micryletta erythropoda (TARKHNISHVILI, 1994) (ANURA: MICROHYLIDAE) WITH A FIRST REPORT FROM LAVA CAVES IN VIETNAM
Vu Dang Hoang Nguyen*, Thinh Gia Tran, Michael Laumanns, Minh Anh Nguyen, Huy Duc Hoang6, Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen* *Corresponding author. E-mails: nguyendanghoangvu888@gmail.com; hdhuy@hcmus.edu.vn
Abstract Field surveys conducted in 2020 and 2023 within the lava caves of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam, resulted in the collection of nine specimens of the genus Micryletta. Molecular and morphological analyses confirmed that these specimens belong to M. erythropoda. This study represents the second documented occurrence of M. erythropoda outside its type locality in Vietnam and the first known instance of the species inhabiting deep lava caves. Additionally, we provide the first detailed description of male M. erythropoda specimens, contributing new insights into the species’ morphology and habitat preferences.
Key words : Amphibians, lava cave, morphological analyses, new record, phylogenetics, systematics
Submitted date: 29 May 2024 Accepted date: 28 October 2024 Published date: 19 December 2024 Pp. 101–115.
MAMMALS OF THE RUNGAN–KAHAYAN LANDSCAPE, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA
Namrata B. Anirudh*, Nicolas J. Deere, Erik Estrada, Rahmad Hidayat, Matthew J. Struebig & Jatna Supriatna *Corresponding author. E-mail: namrata.b.anirudh@gmail.com
Abstract The Rungan – Kahayan landscape, covering ~4700 km2 in Central Kalimantan is a diverse mosaic of tropical heath (kerangas) and peat swamp forests. The mammal fauna of this region remains poorly documented, while the area has been subjected to rapid land cover changes threatening remaining forest areas. Here we describe the medium–large-sized mammal community in eight community-managed forest blocks and one forest area set aside for education purposes in this landscape. We deployed 86 camera traps across seven habitat types between April 2022 and October 2023, intending to set baselines on mammal presence and distribution within the landscape. The survey recorded 936 independent detections of 24 species, comprising six mammalian orders distributed across 14 families, including three taxa endemic to Borneo. Forest gaps and kerangas habitats recorded the highest independent detections per unit area, despite low-pole and mixed swamps being the most widespread habitat type. The presence of several protected species, including the first detection of otter-civet (Cynogale bennettii) in this area, emphasises the conservation significance of the remaining forests within the landscape. The lesser mouse deer (Tragulus kanchil) and the muntjac (Muntiacus artherodes) were frequently detected. The sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) and bearded pig (Sus barbatus)—common ungulates in lowlands, typically hunted—were rare. Our study represents the first large-scale baseline assessment of mammals in the Rungan-Kahayan landscape, highlighting its significance for animal conservation in Central Kalimantan.
Key words : Borneo, occupancy, relative abundance, sampling effort, species inventory, Southeast Asia