Testicular histology of the dusky leaf monkey (presbytis obscura) as it relates to birth pattern in Peninsular Malaysia

The testicular histology of the dusky leaf monkey, Presbytis obscura,is described following a study of material from 16 adult males collected over a 13-month period in Peninsular Malaysia. The histological appearances were similar to those of the other cercopithecines studied so far. No seasonal variation in the height of the seminiferous epithelium was observed, and spermatogenesis was seen in all the adult testes. These findings suggest that males of this species are capable of breeding throughout the year. These results are discussed in relation to field observations of births of this species and to the birth patterns exhibited by other species of langur.     

Anadromy and heterogenous population of a tropical shad Tenualosa ilisha in Malaysia,as revealed by otolith microchemistry and molecular evidence

Tenualosa ilisha was found recently in the Perak River in western Peninsular Malaysia. Molecular phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses suggest that T. ilisha has two genetically distinct populations/groups: (i) Peninsular Malaysia (Malaysia population), and (ii) Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, India and Bangladesh (Indian Ocean population). The results also suggest that the T ilisha population in Peninsular Malaysia is genetically heterogeneous with a typical anadromous migration pattern.     

Molecular characterisation of Sargassum polycystum and S. siliquosum (Phaeophyta) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers

Genomic DNA was extracted from 13 samples of Sargassum polycystum and S. siliquosum collected from various localities around Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore by using four different extraction methods. The yields and the suitability of the DNA to be used as template for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was compared. DNA samples were subjected to PCR analysis by using random primers. Only DNA samples that were extracted using the CTAB method were successfully amplified by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR. Five of 31 random primers (OPA02, OPA03, OPA04, OPA13 and OPM10) tested amplified sequences of DNA from the DNA samples. Reproducible, amplified products were obtained using these primers and showed some potential to be useful in discriminating individual samples within the genus, in determining relationships between species within a genus and in developing individual fingerprints for individual samples.     

Hoya somadeeae sp. nov. (Apocynaceae,Asclepiadoideae) Thailand and lectotypification of Hoya wrayi

A new species from evergreen montane forests of Thailand, Hoya somadeeae Rodda & Simonsson is here described and illustrated. The new species may be superficially confused with the Peninsular Malaysia endemic H. wrayi King & Gamble, but is clearly separated from it by the very elongated peduncles, up to 20 cm long, the revolute corollas, and outer processes of corona lobes with a membranaceous basal appendage. Morphological affinities between the new species and other Hoya species from Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia are discussed.     

To lump,to split or to maintain? Molecular taxonomy of the spotted barb Barbodes binotatus (Cyprinidae) and closely related species in Peninsular Malaysia

The taxonomic status of the Southeast Asian spotted barb, Barbodes binotatus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), has puzzled researchers because of large but inconsistent geographic variation of its body melanin marking pattern. In this study, the authors appraise the differentiation of B. binotatus and two closely related species, Barbodes rhombeus and saddle barb, Barbodes banksi, in Peninsular Malaysia using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The results of this study reveal that the Peninsular Malaysia populations of each of the three species form largely reciprocal monophyletic lineages that differ from each other by a minimum of 2.3% p-genetic distance using COI gene. Nonetheless, specimens of B. binotatus in Peninsular Malaysia are only distantly related to specimens of B. binotatus in Java (type locality). The monophyly of B. banksi is not refuted although specimens of Peninsular Malaysia are genetically distinct from those of Sarawak (type locality). The authors discuss alternative hypotheses whether each of these three valid species is a single species or each of the main five genetic lineages revealed in this study represents a distinct species. Preliminary investigations reveal a mito-nuclear discordance at one locality in Peninsular Malaysia where B. binotatus and B. banksi co-occur. Further studies should inform on the extent of reproductive porousness between these two lineages and others.     

Climatic correlates of temporal demographic variation in the tropical hover wasp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liostenogaster flavolineata</Emphasis>

Environmental factors, and particularly climate, play an important role in influencing behaviour in many insects. In social species, climate is known to have a strong influence on social traits, but how this manifests itself in tropical ecosystems is poorly understood. In Peninsular Malaysia, the climate is characterised by relatively consistent annual temperatures with wet/dry cycles, and the tropical hover-wasp Liostenogaster flavolineata Cameron is active year-round. Newly emerged females can choose to remain at the natal nest and help, or disperse and found their own nest depending on a balance of ecological and demographic factors. We collated long-term adult and brood census data for populations of L. flavolineata in Peninsular Malaysia in three different years to investigate temporal variation in demographics (brood and adult numbers) and how this might be related to climatic factors. Our data indicate that there are multiple, temporally distinct peaks of brood production in this population. The number of newly eclosing females and number of mature brood were positively associated with temperature and negatively associated with the number of rain-days during the observation period. Furthermore, larger females were produced during the peaks of brood production. We speculate how these patterns may influence the staying or leaving decisions of newly emerged females in a primitively eusocial species such as L. flavolineata.     

Reproductive characteristics of free-livingCalomys venustus (Rodentia, Muridae)

Calomys venustus showed a cyclic seasonal pattern of reproductive activity characterized by a period of repose and a variable length of the period of sexual activity between August—September to May—June. The study was done from 1983 to 1999. During this time the population density increased from October—November to the end of autumn and sharply decreased in winter. Three peaks in rate of pregnancy were recognized in the breeding period: spring, summer and late summer. The average litter size was different among the three peaks in rate of pregnancy. The reproductive pattern had a peak at the beginning of the spring produced by overwintering animals, and another peak in summer-autumn caused by the reproductive activity of young born in the same period in which they breed. The spring cohort exhibited the greatest breeding contribution suggesting that this cohort is principally responsible for the yearly peak in abundance.     

Phylogeographic Pattern of the Striped Snakehead,Channa striata in Sundaland: Ancient River Connectivity,Geographical and Anthropogenic Singnatures

A phylogeographic study of an economically important freshwater fish, the striped snakehead, Channa striata in Sundaland was carried out using data from mtDNA ND5 gene target to elucidate genetic patterning. Templates obtained from a total of 280 individuals representing 24 sampling sites revealed 27 putative haplotypes. Three distinct genetic lineages were apparent; 1)northwest Peninsular Malaysia, 2)southern Peninsular, east Peninsular, Sumatra and SW (western Sarawak) and 3) central west Peninsular and Malaysian Borneo (except SW). Genetic structuring between lineages showed a significant signature of natural geographical barriers that have been acting as effective dividers between these populations. However, genetic propinquity between the SW and southern Peninsular and east Peninsular Malaysia populations was taken as evidence of ancient river connectivity between these regions during the Pleistocene epoch. Alternatively, close genetic relationship between central west Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo populations implied anthropogenic activities. Further, haplotype sharing between the east Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra populations revealed extraordinary migration ability of C. striata (>500 km) through ancient connectivity. These results provide interesting insights into the historical and contemporary landscape arrangement in shaping genetic patterns of freshwater species in Sundaland.     

The breeding season of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. in Lake Awassa (Ethiopian rift valley)

The breeding season of Oreochromis niloticus in Lake Awassa was studied from fish caught monthly from December 1987 to November 1988 in relation to a number of environmental factors. Fish at various stages of gonad development and spawning were caught in almost all months, but breeding fish were more frequent twice a year: main peak occurred during January–March and a secondary one occurred during July–September. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) values peaked twice in the study year, a major peak being during January–March and a less pronounced one during July–September. Thus, it was concluded that O. niloticus in Lake Awassa breeds intensively in the former and less intensively during the latter period, and that some breeding occurs at any time of the year. Intensive breeding activity during January–March appeared associated with increase in solar radiation and sunshine hours d^–1 whereas that during July–September appeared associated with heavy rainfall. However, intensive breeding in both periods coincided with increase in phytoplankton biomass. Previously, phytoplankton biomass in this lake is shown to increase following increase in nutrients due to mixing- and rainfall-associated changes in the hydrography and hydrology of the lake. Thus, although further studies are required, increase in phytoplankton may be one of the environmental cues to stimulate spawning in O. niloticus in Lake Awassa whereas other factors such as sunshine and rainfall may have indirect roles through their effects on the hydrology and hydrography of the lake ultimately resulting in changes in phytoplankton biomass.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nepenthes</Emphasis> group <Emphasis Type="Italic">Montanae</Emphasis> (Nepenthaceae) in Indo-China,with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N. thai</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">N. bokor</Emphasis> described as new

Summary  A key is presented to the Nepenthes group Montanae in Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. Nepenthes bokor Cheek is described from Cambodia and Nepenthes thai Cheek from peninsular Thailand. The affinities of both taxa are discussed and their conservation status assessed.     

Genetic Diversity of a Tropical Tree Species,Shorea leprosula Miq. (Dipterocarpaceae), in Malaysia: Implications for Conservation of Genetic Resources and Tree Improvement1

Genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Shorea leprosula was investigated using seven natural populations distributed throughout Peninsular Malaysia and one natural population from Borneo. The mean population and species level genetic diversity were exceptionally high (H_e= 0.369 ± 0.025 and 0.406 ± 0.070, respectively). Heterozygosity varied among populations, ranging from 0.326 to 0.400, with the highest values found in the populations from central Peninsular Malaysia. Correlations among ecological factors (longitude, latitude, and annual rainfall) were not significant (P > 0.05), indicating that these ecological variables were not responsible for the observed genetic differences among populations. The Bangi adult population exhibited a higher level of observed heterozygosity but lower fixation indices in comparison to its seedling population. All other seedling populations also showed positive fixation indices (f), indicating a general excess of homozygotes. This also may suggest selection against homozygotes between the seedling and adult stages. A low level of population differentiation was detected (G_ST= 0.117 with the Lambir population and GST= 0.085 without the Lambir population). Furthermore, gene flow (N_m) between populations was not significantly correlated with geographical distances for the populations within Peninsular Malaysia. Cluster analysis also did not reflect geographical proximity and gave little insight into the genetic relatedness of the populations. This may indicate that the populations sampled are part of a continuous population with fragmentation having occurred in the recent past.     

Are social media reports useful for assessing small ape occurrence? A pilot study from Peninsular Malaysia

Citizen science-based research has been used effectively to estimate animal abundance and breeding patterns, to monitor animal movement, and for biodiversity conservation and education. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using social media observations to assess the distribution of small apes in Peninsular Malaysia. We searched for reports of small ape observations in Peninsular Malaysia on social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, iNaturalist, etc.), and also used online, radio, print messaging, and word of mouth to invite citizen scientists such as birders, amateur naturalists, hikers, and other members of the public to provide information about small ape observations made during their activities. These reports provided new information about the occurrence of all three species of small apes (Hylobates agilis, Hylobates lar, and Symphalangus syndactylus) in Peninsular Malaysia. Social media users reported observations of small apes in almost every state. Despite the fact that small apes are believed to occur primarily in the interior of large forested areas, most observations were from fairly small (<100 km²) forests near areas of high traffic and high human population (roads and urban areas). This suggests that most outdoor enthusiasts primarily visit well-traveled and easily accessible areas, which results in biased sampling if only incidental observations reported on social media are used. A more targeted approach specifically soliciting reports from citizen scientists visiting large, less-accessible forests may result in better sampling in these habitats. Social media reports indicated the presence of small apes in at least six habitats where they had not been previously reported. We verified the reported data based on whether reports included a date, location, and uploaded photographs, videos and/or audio recordings. Well-publicized citizen science programs may also build awareness and enthusiasm about the conservation of vulnerable wildlife species.     

Progress report: Results of a long-range captive breeding program for the bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops truncatus gilli

There have been 36 bottlenose dolphins born in breeding colonies at Sea World, California, and Sea World, Florida, from 1978–1985. Significant features of this successful reproductive program are construction of a compatible breeding colony, early hormonal detection of pregnancy, pre- and postnatal association of inexperienced mothers with experienced females and their calves, and minimized handling of the mothers and calves until the calves are over 1 year of age. Inclusion in the breeding colonies of males old enough to be effective breeders is stressed. Females in the colonies have successfully bred from 8–9 years of age to 23–24 years of age. Calving intervals in the colonies vary from 2 to over 3 years. Calves are born all year round, with some peaking in calving activity in the spring and fall months. Serum progesterone levels greater than 6,000 pg/ml, maintained over a 4–6-week period, are considered indicative of pregnancy. Progesterone levels vary from less than 10,000 to over 50,000 pg/ml during gestation, averaging 25,000 pg/ml. The need for further study of variation in the pattern of progesterone levels during pregnancy is emphasized. A gestation period for Tursiops of 11.5 to 12 months is consistent with our cumulative progesterone data.     

BREEDING SEASONS OF BIRDS IN DECIDUOUS WOODLAND AT ZIMBABWE,RHODESIA, FROM 1970 TO 1974

Vernon, C. J. 1978. Breeding seasons of birds in deciduous woodland at Zimbabwe, Rhodesia, from 1970 to 1974. Ostrich 49:102-115.

The birds in Brachystegia woodland bred in the spring and 98% of 1645 breeding records occurred between September and November. 90% of the records, and 43 of the 71 breeding species, were of insectivorous passerines. The breeding seasons of individual species lasted for between less than two months to more than three months, and their peak breeding periods varied between early September and the middle of October. The breeding season started earliest in 1974 and latest in 1973, and the start of two species was related to the timing of leaf emergence of the dominant tree in the woodland and to rainfall the previous rainy season. Food supply may be the proximal factor influencing the onset of breeding.     

Hoya peninsularis (Apocynaceae,Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Peninsular Malaysia,and notes on Hoya maingayi and Gongronema wrayi

A new species of Hoya from the western part of Peninsular Malaysia is described and illustrated as H. peninsularis. It has long been confused with Hoya finlaysonii because both have leaves with prominent darker venation, but can be distinguished on the corona lobe size and corolla pubescence. In addition, Hoya maingayi, a species earlier considered ‘doubtful and excluded' is typified and illustrated for the first time, and its distribution is shown to extend to Thailand. Gongronema wrayi is recognised as an earlier name and a new synonym for Hoya omlorii, a species previously considered to occur only in Borneo and Sumatra. The name is typified. An updated checklist of Hoya of Peninsular Malaysia is provided.     

First Record of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infecting Four Frog Families from Peninsular Malaysia

The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infects amphibians on every continent where they occur and is linked to the decline of over 200 amphibian species worldwide. At present, only three published Bd surveys exist for mainland Asia, and Bd has been detected in South Korea alone. In this article, we report the first survey for Bd in Peninsular Malaysia. We swabbed 127 individuals from the six amphibian families that occur on Peninsular Malaysia, including two orders, 27 genera, and 47 species. We detected Bd on 10 out of 127 individuals from four of five states and five of 11 localities, placing the 95% confidence interval for overall prevalence at 4–14%. We detected no variation in Bd prevalence among regions, elevations, or taxonomic groups. The infection intensity ranged from 1 to 157,000 genome equivalents. The presence of Bd infections in native species without clinical signs of disease suggests that Bd may be endemic to the region. Alternately, Bd may have been introduced from non-native amphibians because of the substantial amphibian food trade in Peninsular Malaysia. Under both scenarios, management efforts should be implemented to limit the spread of non-native Bd and protect the tremendous amphibian diversity in Peninsular Malaysia.     

Two new species ofPhyllagathis related toP. tuberculata (Melastomataceae) from Peninsular Malaysia

Phyllagathis tuberculata King and two closely allied new species,P. magnifica A. Weber andP. stonei A. Weber, are described and illustrated. Within the genus, these species form a distinct and isolated group which is restricted to Peninsular Malaysia.P. tuberculata occurs in Perak (probably confined to G. Bujang Melaka),P. magnifica andP. stonei are found in the mountains on the Pahang/Selangor border (Genting Highlands, Gombak valley). The distinctive characters of the three species are listed and some general information relating to inflorescence morphology, tubercle anatomy, fruit structure and seed dispersal is provided.     

First report of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) caused by Alexandrium tamiyavanichii in Kuantan Port,Pahang, East Coast of Malaysia

Harmful algal bloom (HAB) is a proliferation of algae, which naturally produce biotoxins and cause harmful effects to humans, the environment and organisms associated with it. Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) was reported for the first time in Kuantan Port, Pahang, Malaysia, in November 2013, followed by a second episode in August 2014. The toxicity level reported during the second event was as high as 3500 μg of STX equiv./100 g shellfish. Ten people were hospitalized with PSP symptoms after consuming contaminated shellfish. This study was conducted at Kuantan Port to identify the organisms responsible for these events. Water samples were collected monthly for a period of 12 months beginning in September 2014. HAB species were identified based on their morphology using light and fluorescence microscopes, and their classification was supported by molecular evidence based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Monthly cell abundance of Alexandrium tamiyavanichii was measured at four sampling stations. Toxin production by three strains isolated from the area was determined using HPLC. Our results revealed the presence of several HAB species, including the PSP‐producing species A . tamiyavanichii . The highest cell density of A . tamiyavanichii was 840 cells L^?1. The presence of GTX components was detected in these strains. However, other toxin components could not be determined. This study reported, for the first time, the presence of PSP‐producing A . tamiyavanichii on the Pahang coast of east Peninsular Malaysia and confirmed that the PSP events in Kuantan Port were attributable to this species. The presence of this species further indicates that several safety measures need to be considered to safeguard public health, particularly in Pahang coastal waters.     

Breeding biology of Tenagomysis tasmaniae Fenton,Anisomysis mixta australis (Zimmer) and Paramesopodopsis rufa Fenton from south-eastern Tasmania (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

The number, size and developmental stage of young in the brood pouch of female Tenagomysis tasmaniae, Anisomysis mixta australis and Paramesopodopsis rufa was recorded throughout the year. Breeding was intensive from spring till the end of autumn for the three species. Calculation of the egg ratio for each species showed that their major reproductive peaks occurred during spring and summer. A winter depression in the breeding cycle was observed for T. tasmaniae and P. rufa, but A. mixta australis ceased breeding during winter. Seasonal variation in the length of gravid females and number of young carried was evident for these three species. Females were longer in spring and summer and carried more young than in autumn and winter. A linear relationship between female length and brood size was demonstrated for each species; annual and seasonal equations were calculated for females carrying each developmental stage. The seasonal equations showed that for a female of given length fecundity was greater during spring than any other season. Natality was estimated to be highest during late spring, summer and early autumn for the three species. No seasonal variation in the size of eggs was evident for the three species. The reproduction pattern of T. tasmaniae, A. mixta australis and P. rufa appears to be very similar to that reported for the majority of iteroparous coastal temperate mysids throughout the world.     

Differential abundance and core members of the bacterial community associated with wild male Zeugodacus cucurbitae fruit flies (Insecta: Tephritidae) from three geographical regions of Southeast Asia

Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillet) is one of the most significant and widespread tephritid pest species of agricultural crops. This study reports the bacterial communities associated with Z. cucurbitae from three geographical regions in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sarawak). The bacterial microbiota were investigated by targeted 16S rRNA gene (V3–V4 region) sequencing using the Illumina Mi-Seq platform. At 97% similarity and filtering at 0.001%, there were seven bacterial phyla and unassigned bacteria, comprising 11 classes, 23 orders, 39 families and 67 genera. The bacterial diversity and richness varied within and among the samples from the three geographical regions. Five phyla were detected for the Sarawak sample, and six each for the Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia samples. Four phyla—Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria—were represented in all the fruit fly specimens, forming the core members of the bacterial community. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Fifty-three genera were represented in the Thailand sample, 56 in the Peninsular Malaysia sample, and 55 in the Sarawak sample. Forty-two genera were present in all the three geographical regions. The predominant core members were order Enterobacteriales (Proeteobacteria), and family Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacteriales). Klebsiella (Enterobacteriaceae) was the predominant genus and K. oxytoca the predominant species with all specimens having?>?10% relative abundance. The results indicate the presence of a great diversity as well as core members of the bacterial community associated with different populations of Z. cucurbitae.