Indian monsoon drove the dispersal of the thoracica group of Scytodes spitting spiders

We examined the global biogeography of the Scytodes thoracica group of spitting spiders based on 23 years of sampling at the species level(61 species in the thoracica group and 84 species of Scytodes)using DNA data from six loci.Our results indicated that the thoracica group initially dispersed from Southeast Asia to East Africa between 46.5 and 33.0 million years ago,and dispersal events intensified between Southeast/South Asia and East/South Africa from the early to late Miocene.The timing of these events indicates that Asian-African faunal exchange of the thoracica group was driven by the Indian monsoon,and the pattern of dispersal suggests that colonialization took root when the Indian monsoon shifted from a North-South direction to an East-West direction from the middle Eocene.

Plastid phylogenomics provides new insights into the systematics,diversification,and biogeography of Cymbidium(Orchidaceae)

Cymbidium(Orchidaceae:Epidendroideae),with around 60 species,is widely-distributed across Southeast Asia,providing a nice system for studying the processes that underlie patterns of biodiversity in the region.However,phylogenetic relationships of Cymbidium have not been well resolved,hampering investigations of species diversification and the biogeographical history of this genus.In this study,we construct a plastome phylogeny of 56 Cymbidium species,with four well-resolved major clades,which provides a framework for biogeographical and diversification rate analyses.Molecular dating and biogeographical analyses show that Cymbidium likely originated in the region spanning northern IndoBurma to the eastern Himalayas during the early Miocene(~21.10 Ma).It then rapidly diversified into four major clades in East Asia within approximately a million years during the middle Miocene.Cymbidium spp.migration to the adjacent regions(Borneo,Philippines,and Sulawesi)primarily occurred during the Pliocene-Pleistocene period.Our analyses indicate that the net diversification rate of Cymbidium has decreased since its origin,and is positively associated with changes in temperature and monsoon intensity.Favorable hydrothermal conditions brought by monsoon intensification in the early Miocene possibly contributed to the initial rapid diversification,after which the net diversification rate was reduced with the cooling climate after the middle Miocene.The transition from epiphytic to terrestrial habits may have enabled adaptation to cooler environments and colonization of northern niches,yet without a significant effect on diversification rates.This study provides new insights into how monsoon activity and temperature changes affected the diversification dynamics of plants in Southeast Asia.

Elevation transition of aquatic insects closely matches a thermal feature in the Yungas of Northwestern Argentina

Temperature is a key factor that shapes the distribution of organisms.Having knowledge about how species respond to temperature is relevant to devise strategies for addressing the impacts of climate change.Aquatic insects are particularly vulnerable to climate change,yet there is still much to learn about their ecology and distribution.In the Yungas ecoregion of Northwestern Argentina,cold-and warm-adapted species of the orders Ephemeroptera,Plecoptera,and Trichoptera(EPT)are segregated by elevation.We modeled the ecological niche of South American EPT species in this region using available data and projected their potential distribution in geographic space.Species were grouped based on their ecogeographic similarity,and we analyzed their replacement pattern along elevation gradients,focusing on the ecotone where opposing thermal preferences converge.Along this interface,we identified critical points where the combined incidence of cold and warm assemblages maximizes,indicating a significant transition zone.We found that the Montane Cloud Forest holds the interface,with a particularly greater suitability at its lower boundary.The main axis of the interface runs in a N-S direction and falls between 14°C-16°C mean annual isotherms.The probability of a particular location within a basin being classified as part of the interface increases as Kira’s warmth index approaches a score around 150.Understanding the interface is critical for defining the thermal limits of species distribution and designing biomonitoring programs.Changes in the location of thermal constants related to mountainous ecotones may cause vertical displacement of aquatic insects and vegetation communities.We have recognized significant temperature thresholds that serve as indicators of suitability for the interface.As global warming is anticipated to shift these indicators,we suggest using them to monitor the imprints of climate change on mountain ecosystems.

基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱自建库鉴定临床常见致病丝状真菌的研究

目的:评估基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF MS)技术鉴定临床常见致病丝状真菌的准确性。方法:采用AUTOF MS1000质谱系统,在原有商业参考库的基础上,增补构建自建数据库,采用125株临床分离菌株对自建库进行验证。结果:自建库新增菌株包括:皮肤癣菌3个属15种菌种,共76株;曲霉属30个菌种,共75株。以已有商业数据库加自建数据库为比对标准,125株临床分离菌株属水平鉴定率100%,种水平鉴定率达80.8%;以分子鉴定结果为金标准,正确鉴定率94.1%。其中,69株皮肤癣菌的种水平鉴定率为79.7%,正确鉴定率92.7%;56株曲霉菌种水平鉴定率为82.1%,正确鉴定率95.6%;错误鉴定6株,集中在须癣毛癣菌复合体(T.mentagrophytes series)菌种趾间毛癣菌/须癣毛癣菌/昆可努发癣菌(T.interdigitale/T.mentagrophytes/T.quinckeanum)交叉识别及Sect.Nigri中黑曲霉(A.niger)与塔宾曲霉(A.tubingensis)交叉识别。结论:通过补充完善自建库可提高MALDI-TOF MS鉴定丝状真菌的准确率;同时,参考数据库及时扩展和更新,以确保MALDI-TOF MS准确鉴定真菌菌种的能力。

Comparative analyses of mitogenomes in the social bees with insights into evolution of long inverted repeats in the Meliponini

The insect mitogenome is typically a compact circular molecule with highly conserved gene contents.Nonetheless,mitogenome structural variations have been reported in specific taxa,and gene rearrangements,usually the tRNAs,occur in different lineages.Because synapomorphies of mitogenome organizations can provide information for phylogenetic inferences,comparative analyses of mitogenomes have been given increasing attention.However,most studies use a very few species to represent the whole genus,tribe,family,or even order,overlooking potential variations at lower taxonomic levels,which might lead to some incorrect inferences.To provide new insights into mitogenome organizations and their implications for phylogenetic inference,this study conducted comparative analyses for mitogenomes of three social bee tribes(Meliponini,Bombini,and Apini)based on the phylogenetic framework with denser taxonomic sampling at the species and population levels.Comparative analyses revealed that mitogenomes of Apini and Bombini are the typical type,while those of Meliponini show diverse variations in mitogenome sizes and organizations.Large inverted repeats(IRs)cause significant gene rearrangements of protein coding genes(PCGs)and rRNAs in Indo-Malay/Australian stingless bee species.Molecular evolution analyses showed that the lineage with IRs have lower dN/dS ratios for PCGs than lineages without IRs,indicating potential effects of IRs on the evolution of mitochondrial genes.The finding of IRs and different patterns of gene rearrangements suggested that Meliponini is a hotspot in mitogenome evolution.Unlike conserved PCGs and rRNAs whose rearrangements were found only in the mentioned lineages within Meliponini,tRNA rearrangements are common across all three tribes of social bees,and are significant even at the species level,indicating that comprehensive sampling is needed to fully understand the patterns of tRNA rearrangements,and their implications for phylogenetic inference.

Taxonomy is the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation SEABRI reports on biological surveys in Southeast Asia

The Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute （SEABRI） is an international scientific research and education organization affiliated directly to the Chinese Academy of Sciences （CAS） and managed by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden （XTBG）. By harnessing its connections with all CAS institutes, local institutes and international agencies and leveraging on their resources, it seeks to make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia.

Structure and Natural Regeneration Status of Woody Plants of Berbere Afromontane Moist Forest, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia;Implication to Biodiversity Conservation

The study was conducted on Berbere Forest in Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State, south east of Ethiopia with the objective of determining the structural analysis and natural regeneration status of the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. Seventy two nest quadrat sizes of 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) for trees and shrubs were used. Within the main quadrat, two opposite side of each sub-quadrat of 25 m2 (5 m × 5 m) for sapling, 4 m2 (2 m × 2 m) for seedling of woody plants. The diameter and height were measured for all individual trees and shrubs having DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) ≥ 10 cm thick and ≥2 m height by using a diameter tape or caliper and clinometer respectively. For description and analysis of vegetation structure Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, tree density, height, frequency and important value index were used. Structural analysis of some selected tree species was revealed four different population patterns (bell shaped, inverted J-shaped, irregular and U-shaped). The total basal area of Berbere forest was 87.49 m2/ha, but most of the basal area was contributed by few large sized Moraceae family (Ficus vasta, Ficus ovate and Ficus thonningii) plant species. Analysis of regeneration status of woody plants in the forest showed 37.09% trees/shrubs species exhibited “good”, 19.35% showed “fair”, 6.45% showed “poor” and 25.81% trees/shrubs species were “not regenerating” at all and 11.29% trees/shrubs species were available only in sapling or seedling stage. Studies on the structure and regeneration of the forest indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, based on the results of this study, we recommended detail regenerating studies of seed bank in relation to various environmental factors such as soil type and properties.

Biodiversity arks in the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene proposal suggested that the Earth may have entered a new geological epoch,in which human activity and climate change are influencing the environment at global scale.Arrival of the Anthropocene is bringing an unprecedented challenge to the biodiversity that is essential to humans,and enhancing many benefits of nature to human being.However,biodiversity loss is aggravating in the rhythm of inevitable change in the Anthropocene,and the adaptation of biodiversity to the anthropogenic disturbance seems unable to keep pace with the human activity and climate change.Therefore,re-examination of the assumptions and practices upon the current conservation endeavor are needed.We suggested that biodiversity conservation should be paid more attention to the response from biodiversity to the human activity and climate change in the Anthropocene.Thus,the concept of biodiversity arks in the Anthropocene is proposed,that is,biodiversity arks in the Anthropocene are the areas where vulnerable biodiversity is sheltered to alleviate human activity and buffered from climate change under the anthropogenic disturbance.The concept should be implemented for biodiversity conservation to fill gaps between our knowledge and build on successful conservation and sustainability in the Anthropocene.It will be certainly important to conservation policy instruction and management under climate change,especially the implementation of climate buffering zones preserving biodiversity in the face of warming climate.

Climate Change and Biodiversity Threats on Pachypodium Species in South Africa

The genus Pachypodium are succulent shrubs and small trees found in Southern Africa. Climate change is identified as one the most important threat impacting plant and animal species in the South Africa today, and in this case study, we examined the Pachypodium bispinosum and Pachypodium succulentum species in South Africa, which are becoming more vulnerable due to climate change impacts as well as human threats. This study investigates the climate change impacts on the two Pachypodium species, as well as the biodiversity threats facing the Pachypodium species today, and provides evidence regarding the importance of the study to understanding the climate change impacts on the Pachypodium species by showing the underlying variables affecting the changes.

TRACKING TIGERS IN MYANMAR A fruitful joint biodiversity field survey

Compared to the rest of the global biodiversity conservation system,the tiger has undoubtedly attracted considerable attention.The National Tiger Action Plan for Myanmar has emphasized the key position of Htamanthi in northern Myanmar as a tiger migration corridor.However,local research on biodiversity has been meager,which has been a huge obstacle for conservation management and community sustainable development.Against this backdrop,the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS-SEABRI)worked with the Ministry of Resources and Environmental Conservation of Myanmar to carry out the eighth China-Myanmar Biodiversity Field Survey from May to June 2019.

Asymmetric migration dynamics of the tropical Asian and Australasian floras

The tropical Asian and Australasian floras have a close relationship,and is a vital distribution pattern of seed plants worldwide.As estimated,more than 81 families and 225 genera of seed plants distributed between tropical Asia and Australasia.However,the evolutionary dynamics of two floras were still vague.Here,a total of 29 plant lineages,represented the main clades of seed plants and different habits,were selected to investigate the biotic interchange between tropical Asia and Australasia by integrated dated phylogenies,biogeography,and ancestral state reconstructions.Our statistics indicated that 68 migrations have occurred between tropical Asia and Australasia since the middle Eocene except terminal migrations,and the migration events from tropical Asia to Australasia is more than 2 times of the reverse.Only 12 migrations occurred before 15 Ma,whereas the remaining56 migrations occurred after 15 Ma.Maximal number of potential dispersal events(MDE) analysis also shows obvious asymmetry,with southward migration as the main feature,and indicates the climax of bi-directional migrations occurred after 15 Ma.We speculate that the formation of island chains after the Australian-Sundaland collision and climate changes have driven seed plant migrations since the middle Miocene.Furthermore,biotic dispersal and stable habitat may be crucial for floristic interchange between tropical Asia and Australasia.

Phylogenetic diversity of eastern Asia-eastern North America disjunct plants is mainly associated with divergence time

The underlying causes of biodiversity disparities among geographic regions have long been a fundamental theme in ecology and evolution.However,the patterns of phylogenetic diversity(PD) and phylogenetic beta diversity(PBD) of congeners that are disjunctly distributed between eastern Asia-eastern North America(EA-ENA disjuncts) and their associated factors remain unknown.Here we investigated the standardized effect size of PD(SES-PD),PBD,and potentially associated factors in 11natural mixed forest sites(five in EA and six in ENA) where abundant EA-ENA disjuncts occur.We found that the disjuncts in ENA possessed higher SES-PD than those in EA at the continental scale(1.96vs-1.12),even though the number of disjunct species in ENA is much lower than in EA(128 vs 263).SESPD of the EA-ENA disjuncts tended to decrease with increasing latitude in 11 sites.The latitudinal diversity gradient of SES-PD was stronger in EA sites than in ENA sites.Based on the unweighted unique fraction metric(UniFrac) distance and the phylogenetic community dissimilarity,PBD showed that the two northern sites in EA were more similar to the six-site ENA group than to the remaining southern EA sites.Based on the standardized effect size of mean pairwise distances(SES-MPD),nine of eleven studied sites showed a neutral community structure(-1.96 ≤SES-MPD ≤1.96).Both Pearson’s r and structural equation modeling suggested that SES-PD of the EA-ENA disjuncts was mostly associated with mean divergence time.Moreover,SES-PD of the EA-ENA disjuncts was positively correlated with temperaturerelated climatic factors,although negatively correlated with mean diversification rate and community structure.By applying approaches from phylogenetics and community ecology,our work sheds light on historical patterns of the EA-ENA disjunction and paves the way for further research.

Hiding on jagged karst pinnacles:A new microendemic genus and species of a limestone-dwelling agamid lizard(Squamata:Agamidae:Draconinae)from Khammouan Province,Laos

We describe a unique new species and genus of agamid lizard from the karstic massifs of Khammouan Province,central Laos.Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is an elusive medium-sized lizard(maximum snout-vent length101 mm)specifically adapted to life on limestone rocks and pinnacles.To assess the phylogenetic position of the new genus amongst other agamids,we generated DNA sequences from two mitochondrial gene fragments(16S rRNA and ND2)and three nuclear loci(BDNF,RAG1 and c-mos),with a final alignment comprising 7418 base pairs for 64 agamid species.Phylogenetic analyses unambiguously place the new genus in the mainland Asia subfamily Draconinae,where it forms a clade sister to the genus Diploderma from East Asia and the northern part of Southeast Asia.Morphologically,the new genus is distinguished from all other genera in Draconinae by possessing a notably swollen tail base with enlarged scales on its dorsal and ventral surfaces.Our work provides further evidence that limestone regions of Indochina represent unique“arks of biodiversity”and harbor numerous relict lineages.To date,Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is known from only two adult male specimens and its distribution seems to be restricted to a narrow limestone massif on the border of Khammouan and Bolikhamxai provinces of Laos.Additional studies are required to understand its life history,distribution,and conservation status.

On the Validity of the Generic Nomen Liuixalus Li, Che, Bain, Zhao, and Zhang, 2008 (Anura: Rhacophoridae)

Dear Editor,The genus Liuixalus Li,Che,Bain,Zhao,and Zhang,2008 is a group of small-bodied Asian rhacophorid tree frogs and currently includes six species distributed in southern China and northern Vietnam(AmphibiaChina,2022;Pham et al.,2018;Qin et al.,2015).The type species of Liuixalus,L.romeri(Smith,1953),was originally assigned to the genus Chiromantis by Smith(1953)based on morphology.However,using molecular phylogenetic analysis,Li et al.(2008)found that C.romeri formed its own clade with an unidentified tree frog species,which was a sister group of the remaining taxa of the subfamily Rhacophorinae.

Leveraging off higher plant phylogenetic insights for antiplasmodial drug discovery

The antimalarial drug-resistance conundrum which threatens to reverse the great strides taken to curb the malaria scourge warrants an urgent need to find novel chemical scaffolds to serve as templates for the development of new antimalarial drugs.Plants represent a viable alternative source for the discovery of unique potential antiplasmodial chemical scaffolds.To expedite the discovery of new antiplasmodial compounds from plants,the aim of this study was to use phylogenetic analysis to identify higher plant orders and families that can be rationally prioritised for antimalarial drug discovery.We queried the PubMed database for publications documenting antiplasmodial properties of natural compounds isolated from higher plants.Thereafter,we manually collated compounds reported along with plant species of origin and relevant pharmacological data.We systematically assigned antiplasmodial-associated plant species into recognised families and orders,and then computed the resistance index,selectivity index and physicochemical properties of the compounds from each taxonomic group.Correlating the generated phylogenetic trees and the biological data of each clade allowed for the identification of 3‘hot’plant orders and families.The top 3 ranked plant orders were the(i)Caryophyllales,(ii)Buxales,and(iii)Chloranthales.The top 3 ranked plant families were the(i)Ancistrocladaceae,(ii)Simaroubaceae,and(iii)Buxaceae.The highly active natural compounds(IC_(50)≤1μM)isolated from these plant orders and families are structurally unique to the‘legacy’antimalarial drugs.Our study was able to identify the most prolific taxa at order and family rank that we propose be prioritised in the search for potent,safe and drug-like antimalarial molecules.

Prioritised identification of structural classes of natural products from higher plants in the expedition of antimalarial drug discovery

The emergence and spread of drug-recalcitrant Plasmodium falciparum parasites threaten to reverse the gains made in the fight against malaria.Urgent measures need to be taken to curb this impending challenge.The higher plant-derived sesquiterpene,quinoline alkaloids,and naphthoquinone natural product classes of compounds have previously served as phenomenal chemical scaffolds from which integral antimalarial drugs were developed.Historical successes serve as an inspiration for the continued investigation of plant-derived natural products compounds in search of novel molecular templates from which new antimalarial drugs could be developed.The aim of this study was to identify potential chemical scaffolds for malaria drug discovery following analysis of historical data on phytochemicals screened in vitro against P.falciparum.To identify these novel scaffolds,we queried an in-house manually curated database of plant-derived natural product compounds and their in vitro biological data.Natural products were assigned to different structural classes using NPClassifier.To identify the most promising chemical scaffolds,we then correlated natural compound class with bioactivity and other data,namely(i)potency,(ii)resistance index,(iii)selectivity index and(iv)physicochemical properties.We used an unbiased scoring system to rank the different natural product classes based on the assessment of their bioactivity data.From this analysis we identified the top-ranked natural product pathway as the alkaloids.The top three ranked super classes identified were(i)pseudoalkaloids,(ii)naphthalenes and(iii)tyrosine alkaloids and the top five ranked classes(i)quassinoids(of super class triterpenoids),(ii)steroidal alkaloids(of super class pseudoalkaloids)(iii)cycloeudesmane sesquiterpenoids(of super class triterpenoids)(iv)isoquinoline alkaloids(of super class tyrosine alkaloids)and(v)naphthoquinones(of super class naphthalenes).Launched chemical space of these identified classes of compounds was,by and large,distinct from that of‘legacy’antimalarial drugs.Our study was able to identify chemical scaffolds with acceptable biological properties that are structurally different from current and previously used antimalarial drugs.These molecules have the potential to be developed into new antimalarial drugs.

Two new species of Polyalthiopsis(Annonaceae) based on morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence,with a supplementary description of P.chinensis from China

Two new species of Polyalthiopsis(Annonaceae),P.nigra Y.H.Tan & Bin Yang from Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces and P.xui Y.H.Tan & Bin Yang from Yunnan Province,are described and illustrated.P.nigra is morphologically similar to P.chinensis in having narrowly elliptic-oblong,lemon to yellowish green petals,but differs by having obovoid monocarps,a higher number of leaf secondary veins,leaf blades usually widest above the middle,and a lower ratio of leaf blade length to width.P.xui is morphologically similar to P.floribunda in having axillary inflorescences,1-3(-4) flowers,elliptic leaves,and ellipticovate petals,but differs in the numbers of carpels per flower and ovules per carpel.The molecular phylogenetic analysis using five plastid markers confirm that the two new species belong to the genus Polyalthiopsis and show clear interspecific divergences between P.nigra and P.xui and between them and other species in the genus.Detailed descriptions,colored photographs,and habitat and distribution data for the two new species are provided.In addition,the fruit morphology of P.chinensis is described for the first time,based on living collections.Geographical distributions and a diagnostic key for all Polyalthiopsis species are also presented.

Vicariance and monsoon as drivers of diversification of nemacheilid loaches(Teleostei:Cypriniformes)around the Hengduan Mountains of China

DEAR EDITOR,High mountainous terrains facilitate the diversification of biota by providing a variety of opportunities for isolation(Favre et al.,2015).Within the Nemacheilidae family of loaches,the highly diverse Nemacheilini tribe is a polyphyletic group,with extensive distribution across the Indian and Eurasian plates(Chen et al.,2019;Sgouros et al.,2019).

First Record of the Genus Wijayarana (Anura, Ranidae) from Yunnan, China

Dear Editor,e family Ranidae is one of the largest and most families of amphibians(Che et al.,2007),with 64 recognized genera and429 species(Frost,2022).However,the systematics and natural history of some ranid groups have not been well-studied.One such example is the taxonomic relationship between Sylvirana,H ylarana and other closely-related taxa(Che et al.,2007;Pyron and Wiens,2011;Oliver et al.,2015).China has a large diversity of ranid frogs,with 146 speciesbelonging to 7 genera,and48 species belonging to 7 genera in the southern province of Yunnan(AmphibiaChina,2022).

The effects of climate and land use change on the potential distribution and nesting habitat of the Lesser Adjutant in Nepal

Climate change and land use change pose a threat to the world’s biodiversity and have significant impacts on the geographic distribution and composition of many bird species,but little is known about how they affect threatened large-sized waterbird species that rely on agricultural landscapes.To address this gap,we investigated how climate and land use changes influence the distribution and nesting habitats of the globally vulnerable Lesser Adjutant(Leptoptilos javanicus) in Nepal.Between 2012 and 2023,we collected distribution data from 24 districts and nesting site information from 18 districts.In a nation-wide breeding survey conducted in 2020,we documented a total of 581 fledglings from 346 nests in 109 colonies.The ensemble model predicted a current potential distribution of 15%(21,637 km2) and a potential nesting habitat of 13%(19,651 km2) for the species in Nepal.The highest predicted current suitable distribution and nesting habitat was in Madhesh Province,while none was predicted in Karnali Province.The majority of this predicted distributional and nesting habitat falls on agricultural landscapes(>70%).Our model showed a likely range expansion of up to 15%(21,573 km2) for the distribution and up to 12%(17,482 km2) for the nesting habitat under SSP5-8.5 scenarios for the 2070s.The range expansion is expected to occur mainly within the current distribution and breeding range(Tarai and some regions of Siwalk),particularly in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces,and extend to the northern portions(Siwalik and Mid-hill regions) in other provinces.However,the current Protected Areas and Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas are inadequate for providing optimal habitats for the species.Although the model suggests range expansion,the use of such novel habitats is primarily contingent on the availability and protection of large-sized trees(particularly Bombax ceiba,observed in 65% of colonies) in agricultural regions where nesting occurs.Therefore,our research suggests that agricultural landscapes should be prioritized in management plans for the conservation of the Lesser Adjutant in Nepal.