Effects of climate and land-cover change on the conservation status of gibbons.

Species shift their distribution in response to climate and land-cover change, which may result in a spatial mismatch between currently protected areas (PAs) and priority conservation areas (PCAs). We examined the effects of climate and land-cover change on potential range of gibbons and sought to identify PCAs that would conserve them effectively. We collected global gibbon occurrence points and modeled (ecological niche model) their current and potential 2050s ranges under climate-change and different land-cover-change scenarios. We examined change in range and PA coverage between the current and future ranges of each gibbon species. We applied spatial conservation prioritization to identify the top 30% PCAs for each species. We then determined how much of the PCAs are conserved in each country within the global range of gibbons. On average, 31% (SD 22) of each species' current range was covered in PAs. PA coverage of the current range of 9 species was <30%. Nine species lost on average 46% (SD 29) of their potential range due to climate change. Under climate-change with an optimistic land-cover-change scenario (B1), 12 species lost 39% (SD 28) of their range. In a pessimistic land-cover-change scenario (A2), 15 species lost 36% (SD 28) of their range. Five species lost significantly more range under the A2 scenario than the B1 scenario (p = 0.01, SD 0.01), suggesting that gibbons will benefit from effective management of land cover. PA coverage of future range was <30% for 11 species. On average, 32% (SD 25) of PCAs were covered by PAs. Indonesia contained more species and PCAs and thus has the greatest responsibility for gibbon conservation. Indonesia, India, and Myanmar need to expand their PAs to fulfill their responsibility to gibbon conservation. Our results provide a baseline for global gibbon conservation, particularly for countries lacking gibbon research capacity.

Las especies modifican su distribución como respuesta a los cambios en el clima y el uso de suelo, lo que puede derivar en una disparidad espacial entre las áreas protegidas (AP) y las áreas de conservación prioritarias (ACP). Analizamos los efectos del cambio en el clima y el uso de suelo sobre la distribución potencial de los gibones para identificar las ACP que lograrían su conservación exitosa. Recopilamos puntos globales de presencia de gibones y modelamos (modelo de nicho ecológico) su distribución actual y potencial para la década de 2050 bajo diferentes escenarios de cambio climático y de uso de suelo. Después exploramos los cambios en la distribución y la cobertura de las AP entre la distribución actual y a futuro de cada especie de gibón y aplicamos la priorización de la conservación espacial para identificar el mejor 30% de ACP para cada especie. Posteriormente determinamos la extensión conservada de las ACP en cada país dentro de la distribución mundial de gibones. En promedio, el 31% (DS 22) de la distribución actual de cada especie está cubierta en las AP. La distribución actual de nueve especies tiene una cobertura de áreas protegidas menor al 30%. Como promedio, nueve especies perdieron el 46% (DS 29) de su rango potencial debido al cambio climático. Bajo un escenario de cambio climático con un cambio de suelo optimista (B1), doce especies perdieron el 39% (DS 28) de su distribución. Con un escenario pesimista (A2), 15 especies perdieron el 36% (DS 28) de su distribución. Cinco especies perdieron considerablemente más distribución bajo el escenario A2 en relación con el B1 (p = 0.01, SD 0.01), lo que sugiere que los gibones se beneficiarán con la gestión efectiva de la cobertura terrestre. La cobertura dentro de las AP de la distribución futura fue < 30% para once especies. En promedio, el 32% (DS 25) de las ACP estuvo cubierto dentro de las AP. Indonesia albergó más especies y más ACP, por lo que tuvo la mayor responsabilidad en la conservación de los gibones. Indonesia, India y Myanmar necesitan expandir sus AP para cumplir con su responsabilidad en la conservación de los gibones. Nuestros resultados proporcionan una línea base para la conservación mundial de los gibones, particularmente para aquellos países que carecen de los recursos para investigarlos.

The 10th anniversary of the scientific description of the black snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri): It is time to initiate a set of new management strategies to save this critically endangered primate from extinction.

Traditionally, the genus Rhinopithecus (Milne-Edwards, 1872, Primates, Colobinae) included four allopatric species, restricted in their distributions to China and Vietnam. In 2010, a fifth species, the black snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri) was discovered in the Gaoligong Mountains located on the border between China and Myanmar. Despite the remoteness, complex mountainous terrain, dense fog, and armed conflict that characterizes this region, over this past decade Chinese and Myanmar scientists have begun to collect quantitative data on the ecology, behavior and conservation requirements of R. strykeri. In this article, we review the existing data and present new information on the life history, ecology, and population size of R. strykeri. We discuss these data in the context of past and current conservation challenges faced by R. strykeri, and propose a series of both short-term and long-term management actions to ensure the survival of this Critically Endangered primate species. Specifically, we recommend that the governments and stakeholders in China and Myanmar formulate a transboundary conservation agreement that includes a consensus on bilateral exchange mechanisms, scientific research and monitoring goals, local community development, cooperation to prevent the hunting of endangered species and cross-border forest fires. These actions will contribute to the long-term conservation and survival of this Critically Endangered species.

Contributions on a small collection of the former Subulinidae Fischer & Crosse, 1877 (Eupulmonata, Achatinoidea) with catalogue of the Glessula and Rishetia species recorded from Myanmar.

The taxonomy of subulinid snails in Myanmar has been evaluated, resulting in the recognition of 40 species and subspecies across nine genera: Allopeas, Bacillum, Curvella, Glessula, Opeas, Paropeas, Rishetia, Tortaxis, and Zootecus. Nine species are re-described based on recently collected specimens, and two new species, Glessulamandalayensis Man & Panha, sp. nov. from Mandalay Region and Tortaxiscylindropsis Man & Panha, sp. nov. from Shan State are introduced. The genitalia and radula of Zootecuspullus was studied for the first time. This study also presents a comprehensive list of all subulinid species recorded to date from Myanmar. The type specimens and authenticated museum specimens have been illustrated with accompanying taxonomic remarks and nine species formerly assigned in Glessula are now placed in Rishetia: R.akouktoungensis, R.baculina, R.basseinensis, R.burrailensismaxwelli, R.kentungensis, R.limborgi, R.nathiana, R.pertenuis, and R.pertenuismajor.

Contributions of a small collection of terrestrial microsnails (Pupilloidea, Hypselostomatidae) from Myanmar with description of three new species.

Land snails were collected for the project 'Conserving Myanmar's Karst Biodiversity' from the limestone karsts in Mon, Kayin, and Shan states and in the regions of Tanintharyi and Mandalay between 2015 and 2017, through cooperation with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) and the Forestry Department of Myanmar. Here, we report on a portion of the collection, and list 17 species from seven genera of the Hypselostomatidae microsnails. Three new species from two genera are described as Bensonellataiyaiorum Tongkerd & Panha, sp. nov., B.lophiodera Tongkerd & Panha, sp. nov., and Gyliotrachelaaunglini Tongkerd & Panha, sp. nov. All new species are known only from the type locality in Shan State (Bensonella) and Kayin State (Gyliotrachela). A new combination of Acinolaemusdayanum and three newly recorded species, namely A.cryptidentatus, B.anguloobtusa and G.hungerfordiana are discussed. The low morphological variability of the widely distributed G.hungerfordiana is discussed, and two species are proposed for formal synonymisation. Constituting the first records for Myanmar, five species of Bensonella and two species of Acinolaemus were collected.

A model for the noninvasive, habitat-inclusive estimation of upper limit abundance for synanthropes, exemplified by M. fascicularis.

Accurately estimating population sizes for free-ranging animals through noninvasive methods, such as camera trap images, remains particularly limited by small datasets. To overcome this, we developed a flexible model for estimating upper limit populations and exemplified it by studying a group-living synanthrope, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Habitat preference maps, based on environmental and GPS data, were generated with a maximum entropy model and combined with data obtained from camera traps, line transect distance sampling, and direct sightings to produce an expected number of individuals. The mapping between habitat preference and number of individuals was optimized through a tunable parameter ρ (inquisitiveness) that accounts for repeated observations of individuals. Benchmarking against published data highlights the high accuracy of the model. Overall, this approach combines citizen science with scientific observations and reveals the long-tailed macaque populations to be (up to 80%) smaller than expected. The model's flexibility makes it suitable for many species, providing a scalable, noninvasive tool for wildlife conservation.

Further notes on the taxonomy of the land snail family Clausiliidae Gray, 1855 (Stylommatophora, Helicina) from Myanmar with description of two new species.

This study presents a complete species list of the door snails inhabiting Myanmar, updated to now include 33 taxa, and provides taxonomic notes together with a re-description of the shell, radula, and genitalia for 13 species and subspecies, including Oospiraphilippiana, the type species of the genus Oospira. The snails previously treated as subspecies or synonyms of Oospiragracilior and Oospiramagna are reclassified and recognized as distinct species. The lectotype of Oospirainsignis has been clarified and an illustration of the original type specimen provided. A long-overlooked species, Oospiraandersoniana, has been collected and redescribed herein. Two new species from the limestone karsts in the Salween River Basin are introduced: Oospiraluneainopsis Man & Panha, sp. nov. and Oospirazediopsis Man & Panha, sp. nov. A synoptic view of all clausiliid taxa known from Myanmar is presented along with taxonomic information and distributional records. Photographs of the type materials for all taxa are provided for further comparison or, if unavailable, photographs of the examined specimens or the original figure from the literature.

A new species of snub-nosed monkey, genus Rhinopithecus Milne-Edwards, 1872 (Primates, Colobinae), from northern Kachin state, northeastern Myanmar.

We describe a snub-nosed monkey that is new to science from the high altitudes of northeastern Kachin state, northeastern Myanmar, the Burmese snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus strykeri sp. nov. Descriptions are based on a skin and skulls of four specimens obtained from local hunters. The new species is geographically isolated from other snub-nosed monkeys and separated from them by two major barriers--the Mekong and the Salween (Thanlwin) rivers. The species is chiefly diagnosed by its almost entirely blackish fur coloration with white fur only on ear tufts, chin beard, and perineal area, and its relatively long tail (140% of head and body length in the adult male). Preliminary surveys and interviews with hunters indicate that the new species is limited in distribution to the Maw River area, a small region of the Salween-N'mai Hka divide in northeastern Kachin state, northeastern Myanmar. The distribution area appears to cover about 270 km(2), and the species may consist of only three groups with a total population of approximately 260-330 individuals. Our data on hunting pressure suggest that the species is Critically Endangered.

Mitogenomic phylogeny of the Asian colobine genus Trachypithecus with special focus on Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) and description of a new species.

Trachypithecus, which currently contains 20 species divided into four groups, is the most speciose and geographically dispersed genus among Asian colobines. Despite several morphological and molecular studies, however, its evolutionary history and phylogeography remain poorly understood. Phayre's langur ( Trachypithecus phayrei) is one of the most widespread members of the genus, but details on its actual distribution and intraspecific taxonomy are limited and controversial. Thus, to elucidate the evolutionary history of Trachypithecus and to clarify the intraspecific taxonomy and distribution of T. phayrei, we sequenced 41 mitochondrial genomes from georeferenced fecal samples and museum specimens, including two holotypes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a robustly supported phylogeny of Trachypithecus, suggesting that the T. pileatus group branched first, followed by the T. francoisi group, and the T. cristatus and T. obscurus groups most recently. The four species groups diverged from each other 4.5-3.1 million years ago (Ma), while speciation events within these groups occurred much more recently (1.6-0.3 Ma). Within T. phayrei, we found three clades that diverged 1.0-0.9 Ma, indicating the existence of three rather than two taxa. Following the phylogenetic species concept and based on genetic, morphological, and ecological differences, we elevate the T. phayrei subspecies to species level, describe a new species from central Myanmar, and refine the distribution of the three taxa. Overall, our study highlights the importance of museum specimens and provides new insights not only into the evolutionary history of T. phayrei but the entire Trachypithecus genus as well.

COVID-19 Highlights the Need for More Effective Wildlife Trade Legislation.

Zoonosis-based epidemics are inevitable unless we revisit our relationship with the natural world, protect habitats, and regulate wildlife trade, including live animals and non-sustenance products. To prevent future zoonoses, governments must establish effective legislation addressing wildlife trade, protection of habitats, and reduction of the wildlife-livestock-human interface.

A new species of Mud Snake (Serpentes, Homalopsidae, Gyiophis Murphy & Voris, 2014) from Myanmar with a first molecular phylogenetic assessment of the genus.

A newly discovered species of homalopsid snake from the genus Gyiophis Murphy & Voris is described from the lowlands of Mawlamyine District in Mon state, southeastern Myanmar. Gyiophis salweenensis sp. nov. is presumed to be closely related to G. maculosa Blanford and G. vorisi Murphy based on the similarities in pholidosis and patterning but can be separated from G. maculosa by the shape of its first three dorsal scale rows that are square, ventral scale pattern that lacks a central spot, and a faint stripe on dorsal scale rows 1-4. It can be further distinguished from G. vorisi by its lower number of ventral scales (129 vs. 142-152), lower number of subcaudals (30/29 vs. 41-58), narrow rostral scale, and having more rows of spots on the dorsum (four vs. three). A preliminary molecular analysis using 1050 base pairs of cytochrome b (cytb) recovered G. salweenensis sp. nov. as the sister species to the Chinese Mud Snake (Myrrophis chinensis). G. maculosa and G. vorisi were unavailable for the analysis. The discovery of G. salweenensis sp. nov. highlights the need for more surveys into the herpetological diversity of eastern Myanmar which remains very much underestimated.

Evolutionary history of the odd-nosed monkeys and the phylogenetic position of the newly described Myanmar snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus strykeri.

Odd-nosed monkeys represent one of the two major groups of Asian colobines. Our knowledge about this primate group is still limited as it is highlighted by the recent discovery of a new species in Northern Myanmar. Although a common origin of the group is now widely accepted, the phylogenetic relationships among its genera and species, and the biogeographic processes leading to their current distribution are largely unknown. To address these issues, we have analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes and 12 nuclear loci, including one X chromosomal, six Y chromosomal and five autosomal loci, from all ten odd-nosed monkey species. The gene tree topologies and divergence age estimates derived from different markers were highly similar, but differed in placing various species or haplogroups within the genera Rhinopithecus and Pygathrix. Based on our data, Rhinopithecus represent the most basal lineage, and Nasalis and Simias form closely related sister taxa, suggesting a Northern origin of odd-nosed monkeys and a later invasion into Indochina and Sundaland. According to our divergence age estimates, the lineages leading to the genera Rhinopithecus, Pygathrix and Nasalis+Simias originated in the late Miocene, while differentiation events within these genera and also the split between Nasalis and Simias occurred in the Pleistocene. Observed gene tree discordances between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets, and paraphylies in the mitochondrial dataset for some species of the genera Rhinopithecus and Pygathrix suggest secondary gene flow after the taxa initially diverged. Most likely such events were triggered by dramatic changes in geology and climate within the region. Overall, our study provides the most comprehensive view on odd-nosed monkey evolution and emphasizes that data from differentially inherited markers are crucial to better understand evolutionary relationships and to trace secondary gene flow.