Ophiocordyceps barnesii and its relationship to other melolonthid pathogens with dark stromata

A hypocrealean Coleoptera pathogen with characteristic part-spores, collected from Khao Yai National Park and Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand, is reported. The overall morphology was similar to Cordyceps barnesii, which is known from Sri Lanka, with ascospores disarticulating into four unusually long part-spores that were 30-40 μm long. This disarticulation and part-spore size is, so far, unique within Cordyceps sensu lato. The Thai material was identified with C. barnesii and its placement in the genus Ophiocordyceps was confirmed. Multigene analyses based on the ribosomal small subunit, RPB1 and RPB2 genes revealed the close relationship of the Thai material to Ophiocordyceps konnoana as well as O. ravenelii, O. superficialis, and O. nigrella (all of which have significantly smaller part-spores). However, Ophiocordyceps barnesii and these related species were all characterised by dark-brown to purplish stromata and an affinity for melolonthid larval hosts. No anamorph was seen in the field and was not produced in the slow-growing cultures.     

Trichoptera fauna from Nakhon Si Thammarat Range (southern Thailand), with the description of a new species of Rhyacophila Pictet, 1834 (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae)

Seventy-five species of caddisflies were found near eight waterfalls in the Tai Rom Yen National Park and the Khao Luang National Park, within Nakhon Si Thammarat Range, in southern Thailand. Rhyacophila suratthaniensis sp. n. is described and figured, based on adult males. Rhyacophila suratthaniensis sp. n. is distinguished from other species of the genus by the shape of its paramere: their basal part is broader than the apical one and is separated from it by a step; apex of the paramere bears many strong spines, which are arranged like in a toothbrush. Occurrence of Trichoptera species in the observed and neighbouring areas is discussed.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:336401B5-DAAA-4818-90EA-5DCB1944D1F0     

Liparis rubescens sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Thailand

In the context of an ongoing revision of the orchid genus Liparis in Thailand, we describe and illustrate a new species under the name L. rubescens Tetsana, H. A. Pedersen & Sridith. Morphologically, it is particularly similar to L. dumaguetensis Ames from the Philippines, but it differs in the shape of the lateral sepals and in several characters of the labellum. Among the Liparis species already known from Thailand, L. atrosanguinea Ridl. bears a certain resemblance to the new species, but not so much as to make misidentifications likely. So far, L. rubescens is only known from Khao Nan National Park in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, but we suggest that it should also be searched for in other parts of peninsular Thailand, southernmost Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia.     

Ranges of males of the Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis, Brown Hornbill Ptilolaemus tickelli and Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Ranges of individual males of three hornbill species were determined by radio telemetry during the breeding and non-breeding seasons in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Two Great Hornbills Buceros bicornis and two Brown Hornbills Ptilolaemus tickelli were studied in both 1988 and 1989, and two Wreathed Hornbills Rhyticeros undulatus were studied in 1989, 1990 and 1991.
In the breeding season, the home range of the Great Hornbill was 3.7 km², similar to that of the Brown Hornbill (4.3 km²), while the Wreathed Hornbill occupied the largest home range (10.0 km²). In the non-breeding season, the range size of the Wreathed Hornbill (28.0 km²) was greater than that of the Great Hornbill (14.7 km²). Differences in range sizes of different species may be related to differences in diet and breeding strategy. Ranges overlapped within and between the species, and this has implications for the estimation of the minimum area required for the conservation of hornbills within the Khao Yai National Park.     

Dinosaur footprints from the Sao Khua Formation (Early Cretaceous) of Phu Kao National Park,Northeast Thailand

The first documented dinosaur footprints from Southeast Asia were theropod footprints found in Thailand at Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary. Since then, Mesozoic vertebrate footprints have been discovered in twelve different localities in Thailand. In 2000, dinosaur footprints were found in Phu Kao National Park in Northeastern Thailand, however, they have never been studied in detail. The following study presents the first map, the complete measurements, the geology, and stratigraphy of the site and surrounding area. The study discusses the nature of the trackmaker and the digitigrade character of the footprints. This discovery represents the first documented occurrence of dinosaur footprints inside the Early Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation from Thailand.     

Aggregated seed dispersal by wreathed hornbills at a roost site in a moist evergreen forest of Thailand

Hornbills (Bucerotidae) are widely regarded as important seed dispersers in tropical forests in Africa and Asia. We investigated how the roosting behavior of wreathed hornbills (Aceros undulatus) influences seed deposition and seedling survival at a roost site in a moist evergreen forest of Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Fallen fruits and seeds were collected in traps that were placed around a roosting site for 14 months, and seedlings were monitored in adjacent quadrats for 3 years. Seedfall and seedlings of species represented in the hornbill diet occurred at significantly higher densities in the traps and quadrats located beneath the crown of the roosting tree than in those located beyond the crown. With the exception of Cinnamomum subavenium, the seeds and seedlings of most diet species rarely survived beyond the first year. The quality of hornbill dispersal to this roosting site may be poor due to the highly concentrated seedfall, which results in high seed and seedling mortality. However, the number of seeds deposited by each hornbill each day at roosting sites is relatively low. Wreathed hornbills are primarily scatter dispersers during the day and probably serve as agents of seed dispersal in the moist evergreen forest of Khao Yai.     

Influence of fruit on habitat selection of Asian bears in a tropical forest

Wild bear populations in Southeast Asia are threatened with extinction, but the ecology and distribution of the 2 species occurring in the region's protected areas is poorly known, so there is little scientific basis underlying conservation strategies. We used bear signs, primarily claw marks on climbed trees, to study habitat selection and distribution of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) across Khao Yai National Park, Thailand from March to December 2008. We found black bear claw marks in 24 of 30 random sample blocks (80%), indicating that this species was widely distributed across Khao Yai. Sun bear signs were much scarcer: their claw marks occurred in 11 blocks (37%); data were too sparse for sun bear so we limited our focus to Asiatic black bear. Using logistic regression, we found that fruit abundance best explained variation in presence of black bear, whereas human disturbance, distance to park edge, elevation, and ground cover had little influence. Fruits appear to be a key resource for Asiatic black bears, and factors affecting fruit abundance or shifts in seasonality (e.g., climate change) will impact bear populations. Knowledge of this relationship will allow managers to be more proactive in managing bears. We recommend using sign surveys for monitoring changes in black bear occupancy as they are inexpensive, efficient, and can be conducted by trained park rangers. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Sterile pyuria in a population of wild white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar)

Urinalysis is an emerging method for monitoring the health and energy balance of wild primates. Here, we report the first urinalysis of wild gibbons. We used multi‐reagent test strips to monitor the health status of 52 individual white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) inhabiting Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Most urinary reference values were within normal ranges; however, regardless of age‐ and sex‐class or monthly fruit productivity, we found unexpectedly high rates of urinary leukocytes (50% and 90% of individuals in 2001–2003 and 2006, respectively). In contrast to previous studies of African apes, this finding is coupled with the near absence of urinary nitrites, demonstrating pervasive levels of sterile pyuria. This result is the first reported case of sterile pyuria in a population of wild primates. The etiology of human sterile pyuria is diverse, but in all cases it is diagnostic of systemic inflammation. We discuss the potential causes of sterile pyuria in the gibbons of Khao Yai. Am. J. Primatol. 71:880–883, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Intragroup and Intergroup Social Interactions in White-Handed Gibbons

One of the least studied aspects of the Hylobatidae is their social behavior. In the past, researchers have attributed this to a general lack of affiliative social interactions due to small group size and the hostile nature of intergroup encounters. Data collected on white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, indicate that gibbons engage in higher rates of social behavior than had previously been appreciated. In addition to relatively high rates of intragroup social contact, gibbons engaged in social behavior, including play and grooming, with members of neighboring groups. These findings obligate a renewed consideration of the nature and function of territoriality in primates.     

Phu Din Daeng,a new Early Cretaceous vertebrate locality on the Khorat Plateau,NE Thailand

In this paper, we report on a new Early Cretaceous vertebrate locality, Phu Din Daeng, in Nakhon Phanom Province, NE Thailand. The Phu Din Daeng site has yielded a diverse vertebrate assemblage, including sharks (Heteroptychodus steinmanni), bony fishes (Pycnodontiformes; Sinamiidae cf. Siamamia and ?Vidalamiinae, and Ginglymodi), adocid turtles, indeterminate neosuchian crocodiles, pterosaurs and dinosaurs (spinosaurids and indeterminate theropods). A new adocid turtle, Protoshachemys rubra n. g. n. sp. is described on the basis of shell material. Field investigations on the geology and comparisons with other vertebrate faunas place Phu Din Daeng in the Sao Khua Formation (Barremian) of the Khorat Group.     

Interactions between lar gibbons and pig-tailed macaques at fruit sources

Interactions are reported between white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) and pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, in which gibbons selected ripe fruit from sources before macaques arrived on 4 occasions during June and July of 1989. The macaques foraged near gibbons or from shared fruit sources during 13% of gibbon observation time. Gibbons made their presence known in fruit trees when macaques approached on 3 occasions and macaques did not enter fruit trees occupied by gibbons. An aggressive interaction is reported in which a single white-handed gibbon vigorously excluded 22–28 macaques from a rare and valuable fruit tree (Sandoricum koetjape). The observations suggest that exploitative and interference competition may exist between these species.     

A botanical inventory of a tropical seasonal forest in Khao Yai National Park,Thailand: implications for fruit–frugivore interactions

The diversity of plants in tropical forests makes dietary studies of frugivores difficult. This paper provides a botanical inventory of a tropical seasonal forest community in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. The forest is valuable from a conservation perspective because it is one of the last remaining intact forests in northeastern Thailand, and is an important refuge for many animal and plant species. A 4-ha inventory plot measuring 200 × 200 m was established and all plants greater than or equal to 10 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) were measured and permanently labeled. We found 1610 stems belonging to 105 species, 76 genera and 35 families, with a combined basal area of 142.5 m². The community was dominated by species of Lauraceae, Cornaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Elaeocarpaceae. About one-third of the plant species (40 spp.) identified in this study were vulnerable to extinction because they were mostly dispersed by large frugivores, which were intolerant of human impact. If they disappear, these forests may become dominated by plant species that are dispersed by abiotic means and species with small-seeded fruits.     

Sympatry between white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) and pileated gibbons (H. pileatus) in Southeastern Thailand

White-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) are not known to occur to the east or southeast of Bangkok. The reliably documented localities ofH. lar nearest to this area are about 120 km northeast of Bangkok. There, in the Kao Yai National Park, is the only known zone of contact betweenH. lar and the pileated gibbon (H. pileatus), another species of the so-calledlar group. Unpublished documents dating from 1925 indicate, however, that sympatry between these two species may also have existed in the region of Sriracha, about 80 km southeast of Bangkok. Therefore, a large zone of overlap in the distribution of the two species may originally have existed. In most parts of this hypothetical zone, gibbon habitat appears to have been destroyed, with the Khao Yai Park possibly representing the last remnant of the once large contact zone.     

Study of endophytic Xylariaceae in Thailand: diversity and taxonomy inferred from rDNA sequence analyses with saprobes forming fruit bodies in the field

A study of the diversity, taxonomy, and ecology of endophytic Xylariaceae (Ascomycota) was carried out. In this study, we obtained isolates of Xylariaceae from healthy, attached leaves and teleomorphic stromata on decayed plant materials in a permanent plot at Khao Yai National Park (Thailand). In addition, strains deposited beforehand were selected in which both endophytic strains isolated from living plant tissues and saprobic strains from fruit bodies were included. Consequently, 405 strains of Xylariaceae (273 endophytic and 132 saprobic strains, including identified strains) were studied to reveal the diversity and taxonomy of endophytes and the relationships between those endophytes and saprobic Xylariaceae in Thailand that have been recorded according to fruit-body formation on decayed plant materials. Analysis of 28S rDNA D1/D2 sequences revealed 21 xylariaceous species inhabiting tropical foliage at the site, and several species that are already known as saprobes appear to be among those isolated from living leaves. Furthermore, several clades that consisted of only endophytic strains were found, and some of these have no known matches in public DNA sequence banks.     

The family Ctenobelbidae (Acari,Oribatida), with description of a new species and discussion on systematic placement and taxonomic status of the genus Berndamerus Mahunka, 1977

The oribatid mite genus Berndamerus Mahunka, 1977 is transferred into the family Ctenobelbidae as the subgenus Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) Mahunka, 1977, stat. n. from the family Amerobelbidae. The known species of Berndamerus combined: C. (B.) bicostata (Berlese, 1910), comb. n., C. (B.) eremuloides (Berlese, 1910), comb. n., C. (B.) hellenica (Mahunka, 1977), comb. n. A new species, Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) bugiamapensis sp. n., is described from soil, Bu Gia Map National Park, southern Vietnam. It differs from the other species of the subgenus by the heterotrichy of notogastral setae, presence of adanal neotrichy and localization of adanal lyrifissures. Ctenobelbidae is recorded in Vietnam for the first time. A new diagnosis of the family Ctenobelbidae and the identification keys to the known subgenera of the genus Ctenobelba and species of the subgenus Ctenobelba (Berndamerus) are provided.     

Sexual swellings in wild white-handed gibbon females (Hylobates lar) indicate the probability of ovulation

Conspicuous sexual swellings in the females of some primate species have been a focus of scientific interest since Darwin first wrote about them in 1871. To understand these visual signals, research focused on exaggerated sexual swellings of Old World primates. However, some primate species develop much smaller sexual swellings and it is as yet unclear if these smaller swellings can serve similar functions as those proposed for exaggerated swellings, i.e. advertising fertility to attract mates. We studied the temporal patterns of sexual swellings, timing of ovulation and female reproductive status in wild white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, where this species has a variable social organization. We established fecal progestogen profiles in fifteen cycles of eight cycling females and, to detect swellings outside the menstrual cycle, five pregnant and six lactating females. In 80% of menstrual cycles, ovulation and maximum swelling phase (duration: ? 9.3 days; 42.8% of cycle length), overlapped tightly. The probability of ovulation peaked on day 3 of the maximum swelling period. Nevertheless, the temporal relationship between maximum swelling and probability of ovulation varied from day -1 to day 13 of the swelling period and three times ovulations fell outside the maximum swelling phase. The different swellings phases occurred in similar proportions in cycling and pregnant, but not lactating females, which were rarely swollen. Despite their smaller size, gibbons' sexual swellings probably serve functions similar to those suggested for exaggerated swellings by the graded-signal hypothesis, which predicts that sexual swellings indicate the probability of ovulation, without allowing males to pinpoint its exact time.     

New earthworm species of the genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 from Thailand (Clitellata, Oligochaeta, Megascolecidae)

Four new species of terrestrial earthworms from the zebrus-group in the genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867, are described from Nan province, north Thailand: Amynthas phatubensissp. n., from Tham Pha Tub Arboretum, Amynthas tontongsp. n., from Tontong Waterfall, Amynthas borealissp. n., from Chaloemprakiat district, and Amynthas srinansp. n., from Srinan National Park.After comparing with the two closely related Laos species Amynthas chandyi Hong, 2008 and Amynthas namphouinensis Hong, 2008, the four new species show clear morphological differences, and also it is confirmed that there are no previous records of the species described here. Amynthas phatubensissp. n. is the largest (longest) sized of these earthworms and is the only species that lives in limestone habitats. The genital characters are different among them and also from the two Laotian species. Molecular systematics would be a good method for further analysis of the diversity and species boundaries in SE Asian Amynthas.     

Infection density,diversity, and distribution of Wolbachia bacteria in moths (Order Lepidoptera): First systematic report from Thailand

Members of the genus Wolbachia are a group of Rickettsia-like, intracellular, maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that infect a diverse range of insects and cause reproductive changes in their hosts. Although Wolbachia’s role in many insects has been extensively studied, only a little of their effects on host’s reproduction and their infection frequencies were reported in Lepidopteran which is one of the most diverse insects. Here, we present the first systematic survey of the Wolbachia infection status in different species of moths from three different geographic regions of Thailand, which was carried out during January to December in 2019 with the screening of 1,235 specimens in total of 58 moth species from 13 families. Specimens were collected from Khao Yai National Park (the Central and the Northeast regions), and Kaeng Krachan National Park (the West region). Infections of Wolbachia were screened by using polymerase chain reaction with 16S rRNA, ftsZ and wsp gene primers which the results indicated high rates of Wolbachia infection in moth populations from Thailand. Wolbachia was found in all different geographically populations in total of 625 individuals in total of 28 moth species from 9 families, including 144 individuals (46 males and 98 females) from the Central, 156 individuals (49 males and 107 females) from the Northeast, and 325 individuals (114 males and 211 females) from the West. The highest infection rate was 90.47% in the West populations and the average infection rate was 61.90%. The detection of Wolbachia in different moth populations from all regions was identical when all primers were used to screen for Wolbachia. The relative densities of Wolbachia within each individual were determined using quantitative real-time PCR and the result showed that there was a low Wolbachia infection density in these moth populations. These findings indicated that Wolbachia are distributed throughout the moth populations from Thailand.     

Bed site selection of red muntjac (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Muntiacus muntjak</Emphasis>) and sambar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rusa unicolor</Emphasis>) in a tropical seasonal forest

The selection of bedding sites is important for the ecology of ruminants, but has mainly been described for temperate species. Here we assessed the bed site selection of two Southeast Asian tropical deer, red muntjac and sambar, in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. We surveyed transects weekly for 10 weeks each in 2003 and 2004 to locate bed sites, and compared the slope, aspect, and forest canopy cover of bed site locations between the two species and with available habitat. As with most temperate deer, muntjac and sambar both avoided sites with low levels of cover for their bed site locations; this could be for concealment or thermoregulation. Sambar also selected flatter sites than would be expected by the availability of topographic slopes; this could be to reduce the energy associated with getting to and from bed sites, or to increase long-range visibility from sites. Muntjac and sambar differed in their choice of aspects for bed sites; muntjac disproportionately chose west-facing areas, while sambar chose east-facing locations. This could represent a strategy by which one species avoids the other, or else differential resource requirements between the two species.