Volume 83, Issue 4

We respond to recent criticisms of supposed “taxonomic anarchy” which is said to hamper conservation efforts. Using examples from African small mammals, we document recent increases of 13% (rodents) and 18% (bats) over the past three decades in the number of recognized species of Afro-Malagasy rodents and bats. By reference to a number of case studies involving Afro-Malagasy taxa (predominantly from montane habitats), and a suggested four-criterion approach to delimiting species accurately, we show that these increases are a genuine reflection of speciation in cryptic species complexes. Moreover, we show that some of these cryptic species are subject to increased extinction risks due to small population size and anthropogenic changes (habitat degradation and climate change). These changes were captured accurately in a recent Mammal Red List of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, indicating that taxonomists and conservationists can work together to assess the Red List status of cryptic species based on robust taxonomic revisions.

Nelsonia goldmani is an uncommon rodent, endemic to highland microhabitats in central Mexico. Few individuals have been reported in scarce localities after being discovered in 1903 resulting in a lack of knowledge about its geographic distribution and actual presence in its habitat; such situation makes this species of national interest priority for conservation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize collecting records, confirm the presence of this species in the field and estimate its ecological niche. We searched specimens in biological collections, carried out an ecological niche modeling (ENM) analysis and looked for individuals of N. goldmani in the field over a 2-year period. Our results identified only 43 specimens in biological collections, whose collecting localities had not been reported previously. The ENM analysis showed that the environmental suitability areas for this species are restricted and isolated with an apparent lack of environmental connectivity. Regarding fieldwork, we collected only five individuals in two localities. The possible environmental specificity and the lack of sampling focused on specific microhabitats could explain the low detection of the species thus far. Further research is needed to plan conservation actions to protect its populations.

The whereabouts of the Balaenoptera borealis holotype, the skeleton of a 1819 stranded specimen, have been unknown since the World War II (WWII). Due to nomenclatural confusion, deficient documentation, and finally WWII bombing, which destroyed predominantly cetacean material in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), the type skeleton of the sei whale sank into oblivion. Construction activities enabled a recent search and study on the remaining whale material. Here, we provide evidence that the type specimen was not destroyed. On the basis of species-wide and individual characters of the type material such as the shape of cranial elements and the pattern of the maxillary foramina, we show that the skull and mandibles, the vertebral column (except the atlas), and the ribs of the holotype remain intact. Further evidence that these skeletal remains belong to the previously missing holotype is provided by the characteristics of the spine. In addition, we analyzed ancient DNA from bone samples and confirm they are B. borealis , and the occurrence of same mitochondrial haplotypes indicate that the bones belong to the same individual. Additionally, a blue inscription was discovered at the caudal epiphysis of a thoracic vertebra; historical research matched this inscription with the material belonging to the former Anatomical-Zootomical Museum, from which the holotype was once bought.

Furipterus horrens is a small insectivorous bat with distinct clawless tiny thumbs, and with a patchy geographic distribution in the Neotropics. We report the rediscovery of F. horrens in Costa Rica 44 years after it was first recorded. A colony of 100–130 individuals, each one with the distinctive external and morphological characteristics of the species, was found roosting in the lower parts of the floor of bungalows located in the Sarapiquí area. The rediscovery of this species validates the protection of several rainforest fragments through ecotourism, a modern way to balance human development and biodiversity conservation.

The endangered Chacoan peccary ( Catagonus wagneri Rusconi, 1930) has been recorded in western Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia and northern Argentina, reaching the north of Santiago del Estero province. Recently, however, this species was found much further south in central Argentina, ca. 650 km away from the southern limit of its known distribution. In this report we provide new records in previously unsurveyed areas linking the core range with the southern population, suggesting a continuous distribution. Due to synergistic effects of hunting pressure and deforestation, we are almost certain that the Chacoan peccary is as threatened in central Argentina as in the rest of its distribution range.

The spotted paca Cuniculus paca (Linnaeus, 1766) is a medium-sized caviomorph rodent of the Cuniculidae family that mainly inhabits tropical forests, but may occur in other habitat types, often associated with water bodies. We aimed to verify which factors influence the spatial and temporal distribution of C. paca in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), Espírito Santo, Brazil. We used 39 camera traps to model occupancy and detectability and to estimate the species activity period. The spotted paca showed high occupancy at low distances from water resources and high densities of palm species. The species avoided areas with high poaching intensity, and activity frequency was reduced by extreme temperature and by a higher intensity of poaching. We conclude that in the VNR, the C. paca is a nocturnal species and that it is necessary to assess other elements that could potentially affect the spatial and temporal distribution of the spotted paca in the Atlantic Forest.

Endangered species management is typically informed by an ecological knowledge of a species. Currently, little is known about the distribution and ecology of the Japanese flying squirrel ( Pteromys momonga ). To provide an effective rapid survey technique for flying squirrels, we used camera trap surveys and determined what methodology (i.e. camera placement, survey length) was most efficient. We placed 154 cameras in trees for 30 days. We detected flying squirrels at 12% of the camera points. The average suitable distance between camera and targeted tree (DCT) was 130 cm (SE: 15.4, range: 90–220). Moreover, flying squirrels were frequently detected on the trunks of taller trees. We found camera trap surveys were an efficient technique for detecting flying squirrels. Approximately 11% of camera points detected flying squirrels within one survey night. Initial detection of flying squirrels at a site occurred within 10 days at 58% of the points. To efficiently detect flying squirrels, we suggest that it is better to aim the camera towards taller trees at a suitable DCT and to conduct surveys for a minimum of 10 days at each site.

Giant armadillo ( Priodontes maximus ) has a wide, and sometimes unknown, distribution across the South American continent. Giant armadillos are found in several types of well-preserved habitat. In the Amazon, the presence of P. maximus was fully confirmed through direct evidence only in a handful of occasions and it remains a poorly known species with considerable gaps and uncertainty concerning its distribution. This sensitive species is highly vulnerable to hunting. Data on P. maximus are usually obtained through indirect observations. Using camera-traps, we bring to sight the first direct observations of this species near Manaus (Brazil). Its presence points out the ecological relevance of the forests in this location and fills a gap where its distribution was still uncertain. More information on the movement patterns, habitat use and population density of this species is therefore needed to carry out appropriate conservation measures in these areas.

The great fruit-eating bat ( Artibeus lituratus ) is a large-sized bat in the New World family Phyllostomidae. It is widely distributed and sometimes very abundant in different Brazilian biomes, in natural and anthropic environments. Studies in the tropics have found evidence of a decrease in A. lituratus captures during the winter, a dry and cold season with low fruit availability, especially in higher latitudes. However, the causes for the decrease in captures are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to test the influence of temperature and fruit availability on capture rates of A. lituratus in a fragmented Atlantic Forest landscape. Results indicate that temperature is the main variable that explains the changes in the number of captures of A. lituratus throughout the year, and that fruit availability plays only an adjacent role. In addition, we highlight possible negative consequences of climate change on the survival of this species.

Owls are efficient predators and are widely distributed around the globe. Remains of undigested prey is regurgitated by these birds in the form of pellets, and these are a valuable source of information about prey communities and the diet of owls. In this study, the composition of mammals present in the diet of owls that inhabit different caves was evaluated through the analysis of their pellets. We found 373 pellets from seven caves, and small mammals composed at least 80% of the diet of these birds in all caves. The mammal composition found in the pellets showed a richness of 26 distinct taxa including 12 rodents, three marsupials and 11 bats. In this work, we highlight the richness of small mammals in a poorly known Caatinga area. We also highlight the importance of morphology and taxonomy in supporting this kind of research, which relies upon vertebrate parts as its source of information for identification. Finally, we reiterate the efficiency of the study of owl pellets as a rapid approach for assessing local mammal richness and as a complementary method in studies of diversity and conservation.

The South Indian hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris (Horsfield, 1851) is one of the least studied, small mammals endemic to India. Although it is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its distribution is still unknown due to the paucity of data. This study reports the distribution data of the South Indian hedgehogs from 16 districts in Tamil Nadu, India. The distribution records were retrieved from field surveys, published records, interviews, trade survey, local newspaper reports and museum specimens. From 2012 to 2017, there were 103 localities and 18 live sightings recorded. Its major habitats are grassland, shrubs around urban landscapes, small hillocks and thorny shrubs. In Tamil Nadu, it is found at low elevations; in sandy patches, dry areas and on scrub dominated plains. Hunting, habitat loss, roadkill and local trade were found to be the main threats responsible for the species’ declining population. This study discusses details such as distribution, habitat and ongoing threats, with a view to contributing to future species conservation and legislative decision-making.

The woolly flying squirrel ( Eupetaurus cinereus Thomas, 1888) is one of the least-known endangered mammals of the Himalayas and recorded only from few localities at 2400–3600 m in Hindu Kush and North-Western Himalayas. We report first confirmed record of this species from Upper Bhagirathi Basin, Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. The squirrel was photo-captured twice in camera traps placed in temperate and alpine habitats. The photo-capture at 4800 m is higher than the described upper elevation range limit of any other flying squirrels. Continuous monitoring would reveal the extent of threats to this rare species in its newly described range.