okt 2008
Biohistorical notes (6): J.J. Bravo
31-10-2008 15:16
Valentín Mogollón was kind enough to draw my
attention to a hitherto unknown malacologist from
Peru, José Julián Bravo (1874-1927).
With a professional career in geology and geography, Bravo was one of those malacologists (like A.A. Olsson) who collected shells ‘on the fly’ when working in the field for other purposes. So far, little is known about him other than the fact that he had contacts with collectors in Europe and USA, e.g. J.L. Staid-Staadt and W.F. Webb.
With a professional career in geology and geography, Bravo was one of those malacologists (like A.A. Olsson) who collected shells ‘on the fly’ when working in the field for other purposes. So far, little is known about him other than the fact that he had contacts with collectors in Europe and USA, e.g. J.L. Staid-Staadt and W.F. Webb.
New species (3): Bostryx from Peru
28-10-2008 07:50
In the Gittenberger issue of Basteria there was
finally a third contribution about Neotropical land
snails, viz. a paper by Neubert and me about Bostryx.
It is a preliminary report on
Weyrauch’s MS. names.
There are three new species mentioned in this paper.
The first one is Bostryx cajacayensis spec.nov. from Dept. Ancash, near Cajacay, Caracayoc (holotype SMF 156395). As we were unable to locate the precise locality of the latter name, we have chosen this epithet which was also used by Weyrauch.
The second species is Bostryx granulatus spec.nov. and the reason for this name will be evident from the figure above. The type locality is Yauyos, in the Río Cañete valley, Dept. Lima. Holotype SMF 162178.
Finally we described Bostryx edmundi spec.nov. for another species from the Río Cañete valley, which is somewhat variable but the morphometrics showed to be into one range.
Reference:
Breure, A.S.H. & Neubert, E., 2008. A preliminary revision of Weyrauch’s unpublished names: taxa of the genus Bostryx Troschel, 1847 (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Orthalicidae). - Basteria 72: 319-330.
The first one is Bostryx cajacayensis spec.nov. from Dept. Ancash, near Cajacay, Caracayoc (holotype SMF 156395). As we were unable to locate the precise locality of the latter name, we have chosen this epithet which was also used by Weyrauch.
The second species is Bostryx granulatus spec.nov. and the reason for this name will be evident from the figure above. The type locality is Yauyos, in the Río Cañete valley, Dept. Lima. Holotype SMF 162178.
Finally we described Bostryx edmundi spec.nov. for another species from the Río Cañete valley, which is somewhat variable but the morphometrics showed to be into one range.
Reference:
Breure, A.S.H. & Neubert, E., 2008. A preliminary revision of Weyrauch’s unpublished names: taxa of the genus Bostryx Troschel, 1847 (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Orthalicidae). - Basteria 72: 319-330.
Biohistorical notes (5): P.J. Bermúdez
26-10-2008 13:38
When I looked up some literature on the geology of
Hispaniola, I came across a brief note on Pedro J.
Bermúdez (1905-1979). He is known for his studies on
benthic and planktonic foraminifera, but I learned
that as a student he has collected many land snails
for his Ph.D. with Carlos de la Torre at Cuba. As
there was a picture included that is more recent than
the only one cited in the ‘bible of malacological
biohistory (Coan et al., 2007), I copy it here.
References:
Coan, E.V., Kabat, A.R. & Petit, R.E., 2007. 2400 years of malacology (4th ed., rev.). American Malacological Society.
Mann, P., Draper, G. & Lewis, J.F., 1991. Dedication. In: Mann, P., Draper, G. & Lewis, J.F. (eds.), Gelogical and tectonic development of the North America-Caribbean Plate boundary in Hispaniola. - Geological Society of America, Special Paper 262: xix-xx.
Update:
Modesto Correoso kindly sent me a link to a biography of Pedro J. Bermudez with additional photographs.
References:
Coan, E.V., Kabat, A.R. & Petit, R.E., 2007. 2400 years of malacology (4th ed., rev.). American Malacological Society.
Mann, P., Draper, G. & Lewis, J.F., 1991. Dedication. In: Mann, P., Draper, G. & Lewis, J.F. (eds.), Gelogical and tectonic development of the North America-Caribbean Plate boundary in Hispaniola. - Geological Society of America, Special Paper 262: xix-xx.
Update:
Modesto Correoso kindly sent me a link to a biography of Pedro J. Bermudez with additional photographs.
New species (2): Clausiliidae
25-10-2008 20:06
In the same issue of Basteria (the ‘Festschrift
Gittenberger’) two new taxa were described by Jozef
Grego and Miklós Szekeres from southern Colombia and
central Peru.
The first is Columbiana riedeli spec.nov. (holotype UF 410895) from Colombia, Dept. Huila, between Timaná and Elias, 1010 m.
The second is Temesa parcecostata dulacki subspec.nov. (holotype MUSM 4048), originating from Peru, Dept. Huanuco, Shogosh bridge near Huancapallac, 3000 m.
Reference:
Grego, J. & Szekeres, M., 2008. Two new clausiliids from South America (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Clausiliidae). - Basteria 72: 281-286.
The first is Columbiana riedeli spec.nov. (holotype UF 410895) from Colombia, Dept. Huila, between Timaná and Elias, 1010 m.
The second is Temesa parcecostata dulacki subspec.nov. (holotype MUSM 4048), originating from Peru, Dept. Huanuco, Shogosh bridge near Huancapallac, 3000 m.
Reference:
Grego, J. & Szekeres, M., 2008. Two new clausiliids from South America (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Clausiliidae). - Basteria 72: 281-286.
I have a dream...
24-10-2008 07:34
The European malacofauna is well known, although
still from time to time some cryptic new species are
discovered or new faunal elements reported. But
still, for a Palaearctic malacologist taxonomy is not
the most exciting field. Still there remains enough
to do, e.g. compiling faunal overviews.
The Dutch Malacological Society recently had the initiative to publish very practical overviews that even can be carried into the field for rapid identification of snails. These so called ‘search cards’ cover the whole malacofauna of the Netherlands: marine, freshwater and land snails. They have been adapted from a similar issue for Germany. I depict only the land version, issued on a two-sided plastic coated A4-sheet. There has been substantial media coverage, e.g. here (link to TV programme ‘Vroege Vogels’ 21.10.2008)
More information on the NMV website
Now you may ask: what is my dream?
One day, I hope, there will be similar issues for Neotropical countries. Perhaps in adapted form to allow for the multitude of species (less than 200 species in Holland), but still suitable for the general public. Perhaps a field book or a poster or any other educational form that brings malacology to the attention of children and adults. Besides, if you don’t know what is in your fauna, you will never be motivated to protect it. And there is much more than those attractive mammals or those beautiful birds!
For some regions the basic material is already available, e.g. the recent checklist for Central America and the book of Simone for Brazil. Perhaps a topic to be discussed on the next CLAMA meeting?
The Dutch Malacological Society recently had the initiative to publish very practical overviews that even can be carried into the field for rapid identification of snails. These so called ‘search cards’ cover the whole malacofauna of the Netherlands: marine, freshwater and land snails. They have been adapted from a similar issue for Germany. I depict only the land version, issued on a two-sided plastic coated A4-sheet. There has been substantial media coverage, e.g. here (link to TV programme ‘Vroege Vogels’ 21.10.2008)
More information on the NMV website
Now you may ask: what is my dream?
One day, I hope, there will be similar issues for Neotropical countries. Perhaps in adapted form to allow for the multitude of species (less than 200 species in Holland), but still suitable for the general public. Perhaps a field book or a poster or any other educational form that brings malacology to the attention of children and adults. Besides, if you don’t know what is in your fauna, you will never be motivated to protect it. And there is much more than those attractive mammals or those beautiful birds!
For some regions the basic material is already available, e.g. the recent checklist for Central America and the book of Simone for Brazil. Perhaps a topic to be discussed on the next CLAMA meeting?
New species (1): Sterkia gittenbergeri
24-10-2008 07:31
The first species in this new series is a tribute
both to the author and to the honoured person:
Sterkia gittenbergeri Hausdorf, 2008.
It was described from Peru, Dept. Amazonas, 20 km from Balsas on the road to Leymebamba. Type material ZMH 37952.
There is a third person in play which I want to give credit, viz. Jens Hemmen, who collected the specimens.
Reference:
Hausdorf, B., 2008. Sterkia gittenbergeri new species from Northern Peru (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Vertiginidae). - Basteria 72: 183-185.
It was described from Peru, Dept. Amazonas, 20 km from Balsas on the road to Leymebamba. Type material ZMH 37952.
There is a third person in play which I want to give credit, viz. Jens Hemmen, who collected the specimens.
Reference:
Hausdorf, B., 2008. Sterkia gittenbergeri new species from Northern Peru (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Vertiginidae). - Basteria 72: 183-185.
New species, new series
23-10-2008 19:22
It is well-known: despite the fact that probably many
species are condemned to extinction due to the
‘biodiversity crisis’, new species are described with
great regularity. Hence I will draw attention to any
new species of land snail from the Neotropics, not
only to highlight the increase of our knowledge but
also as a commemoration of those species who have
gone extinct, are endangered or are vulnerable.
Thanks to human’s never lasting greediness. See the
Red List and
my
post
on that topic.
More on rare snails
23-10-2008 18:45
An extension of my post from yesterday.
There are three hypotheses formulated by Harrison et al. which I will repeat here for the sake of clarity. The question is how ‘naturally rare species’ () have persisted through evolutionary time, and whether particular characteristics have enabled them to avoid extinction in spite of their small ranges, low abundances and narrow habitat requirements.
The first hypothesis, called favorable-environment hypothesis, states that naturally species live in benign environments, e.g. less-extreme climates or in largeer or less-fragmented habitats. In the (Neo)tropics the climate may be more stable indeed, although some situations come to mind where naturally rare species live under extreme conditions, e.g. high in the páramos in the eastern Cordillera of Colombia. But perhaps it are these exceptions which confirm the rule...!?
Stenostylus nigrolimbatus (Pfeiffer), at 4300 m in Páramo de Almorzadero, Colombia. Photo courtesy of Antoine M. Cleef.
The second, intrinsic-trait, hypothesis is that naturally rare species tend to have life history traits that confer extinction resistance. When I think of snails, it doesn’t instantly ring a bell with me...
The third, rapid-speciation, hypothesis supposes that naturally rare species do go extinct more frequently over evolutionary time than non rare species. This would imply that they should be younger on average and more likely to belong to rapidly speciating lineages.
Especially the first and third hypothesis seem to me to be testable with snails.
There are three hypotheses formulated by Harrison et al. which I will repeat here for the sake of clarity. The question is how ‘naturally rare species’ () have persisted through evolutionary time, and whether particular characteristics have enabled them to avoid extinction in spite of their small ranges, low abundances and narrow habitat requirements.
The first hypothesis, called favorable-environment hypothesis, states that naturally species live in benign environments, e.g. less-extreme climates or in largeer or less-fragmented habitats. In the (Neo)tropics the climate may be more stable indeed, although some situations come to mind where naturally rare species live under extreme conditions, e.g. high in the páramos in the eastern Cordillera of Colombia. But perhaps it are these exceptions which confirm the rule...!?
Stenostylus nigrolimbatus (Pfeiffer), at 4300 m in Páramo de Almorzadero, Colombia. Photo courtesy of Antoine M. Cleef.
The second, intrinsic-trait, hypothesis is that naturally rare species tend to have life history traits that confer extinction resistance. When I think of snails, it doesn’t instantly ring a bell with me...
The third, rapid-speciation, hypothesis supposes that naturally rare species do go extinct more frequently over evolutionary time than non rare species. This would imply that they should be younger on average and more likely to belong to rapidly speciating lineages.
Especially the first and third hypothesis seem to me to be testable with snails.
Rare snails and climate
22-10-2008 14:29
In a new journal, I found a paper (Harrison et al.,
2008) on rare species and favourable environments.
The paper deals with plants but highlights some
interesting topics which might be applicable for
snails too.
Understanding the association of rare species with their habitats (flora, fauna and climatic requirements) is important for regions with a high biodiversity and endemism, especially if these are vulnerable for climatic change and other, more direct, human impacts. Rare species are then defined as range-restricted, habitat specialists which have a low local abundance. Although these three aspects may vary independently, depending on the biota, available studies have found that often a high proportion of species in rare in all aspects. However, data is scarce and either regional (McCoy & Mushinsky, 1992) or for mammals only (Yu & Dobson, 2000).
Two aspects need more consideration when it comes to land snails, viz. habitats specialism and local abundance. The former may be expressed both in biotic and abiotic terms, e.g. the availability of associated plant species and climatic variables. According to Pfenninger (2004) the most relevant variables for the climatic tolerance of land snails are: minimum avaerage monthly precipitation, maximum annual temperature range between hottest and coldest month; minimum number of months with average daily temperatures above 10 degrees, maximum monthly average daily temperature and minimum monthly average daily temperature. His data were derived from a study on Western Palaearctic land molluscs and I currently don’t know of any comparable data for tropical snails. Local abundancy may be influenced primarily by substrate, viz. the presence or absence of calcareous soils. A quote from my upcoming paper on the Guayana Highlands as illustration:
It has been observed elsewhere in the tropics that in lowlands often snails occur in low abundance, due to nutrient(Calcium)-poor and acidic soils. The malacofauna that can survive under such conditions consists often of (larger) snails living on (tree-like) vegetation off the ground (J.J. Vermeulen, personal communication). In uplands the weathering of rocks may leach more minerals and thus explain the relatively higher—but in absolute terms still low—numbers of specimens found.
Is the frequency of rarity also (relatively) high in landsnails as was found in other studies, especially in tropical regions (Yu & Dobson, 2000)? If so, it would be interesting to know their distribution characteristics in the (Neo)tropics. The results could be important for conservation policies and management, especially in biodiversity hotspots, although there is a vast literature base and the biodiversity field has received much attention.
References:
Harrison, S., Viers, J.H., Thorne, J.H. & Grace, J.B., 2008. Favorable environments and the persistance of naturally rare species. -- Conservation Letters 1: 65-74.
McCoy, E.D. & Mushinsky, H.R., 1992. Rarity of organisms in the sand pine shrub habitat of Florida. -- Conservation Biology 6: 537-548.
Pfenninger, M., 2004. Comparative analysis of range sizes in Helicidae s.l. (Pulmonata, Gastropoda). -- Evolutionary Ecology Research 6: 359-376.
Yu, J. & Dobson, F.S., 2000. Seven forms of rarity in mammals. -- Journal of Biogeography 27: 131-139.
Understanding the association of rare species with their habitats (flora, fauna and climatic requirements) is important for regions with a high biodiversity and endemism, especially if these are vulnerable for climatic change and other, more direct, human impacts. Rare species are then defined as range-restricted, habitat specialists which have a low local abundance. Although these three aspects may vary independently, depending on the biota, available studies have found that often a high proportion of species in rare in all aspects. However, data is scarce and either regional (McCoy & Mushinsky, 1992) or for mammals only (Yu & Dobson, 2000).
Two aspects need more consideration when it comes to land snails, viz. habitats specialism and local abundance. The former may be expressed both in biotic and abiotic terms, e.g. the availability of associated plant species and climatic variables. According to Pfenninger (2004) the most relevant variables for the climatic tolerance of land snails are: minimum avaerage monthly precipitation, maximum annual temperature range between hottest and coldest month; minimum number of months with average daily temperatures above 10 degrees, maximum monthly average daily temperature and minimum monthly average daily temperature. His data were derived from a study on Western Palaearctic land molluscs and I currently don’t know of any comparable data for tropical snails. Local abundancy may be influenced primarily by substrate, viz. the presence or absence of calcareous soils. A quote from my upcoming paper on the Guayana Highlands as illustration:
It has been observed elsewhere in the tropics that in lowlands often snails occur in low abundance, due to nutrient(Calcium)-poor and acidic soils. The malacofauna that can survive under such conditions consists often of (larger) snails living on (tree-like) vegetation off the ground (J.J. Vermeulen, personal communication). In uplands the weathering of rocks may leach more minerals and thus explain the relatively higher—but in absolute terms still low—numbers of specimens found.
Is the frequency of rarity also (relatively) high in landsnails as was found in other studies, especially in tropical regions (Yu & Dobson, 2000)? If so, it would be interesting to know their distribution characteristics in the (Neo)tropics. The results could be important for conservation policies and management, especially in biodiversity hotspots, although there is a vast literature base and the biodiversity field has received much attention.
References:
Harrison, S., Viers, J.H., Thorne, J.H. & Grace, J.B., 2008. Favorable environments and the persistance of naturally rare species. -- Conservation Letters 1: 65-74.
McCoy, E.D. & Mushinsky, H.R., 1992. Rarity of organisms in the sand pine shrub habitat of Florida. -- Conservation Biology 6: 537-548.
Pfenninger, M., 2004. Comparative analysis of range sizes in Helicidae s.l. (Pulmonata, Gastropoda). -- Evolutionary Ecology Research 6: 359-376.
Yu, J. & Dobson, F.S., 2000. Seven forms of rarity in mammals. -- Journal of Biogeography 27: 131-139.
Priority = time, but place matters
21-10-2008 08:41
The rule is simple. He who publishes a taxon first
has priority with his name (provided that the
ICZN-rules are followed). This rule can effect the
choice of the outlet. There is a vast array of
journals, often with their own target groups, but
only a limited number of them will publish taxonomic
works. One could expect a ‘natural selection’ towards
the more well-known, international journals.
Especially since many scientists are longing to have
their papers published in ISI-rated journals (the
dream of many taxonomists is to have once a paper in
Nature or Science, few are lucky enough to reach
their goal). However, there are always exceptions for
whatever reasons. But even then the importance of the
outlet can matter. An (non-Neotropical) example may
illustrate this.
In 2006 Christian Altaba described a fossil helicodontid from Mallorca as Darderia bellverica, and submitted his paper to a journal which was published early 2007. The same taxon has been described as Oestophora cuerdai by Quintana, Vicens & Pons, 2007. The result was a discussion about the publication date*, largely due to the fact that both journals were published later than the year in which the volume was due. This highlights the role of the editor and his sense for precision, viz. to clearly and correctly state the actual date of publication on the cover. High-standards journals are then clearly in advantage. But ultimately it is the author who chooses in which journal he wants to publish his paper. Especially when describing new taxa, this example tells us how the place can matter.
References:
Altaba, C.R., 2006 [2007]. A new land snail from the Quartenary of Mallora (Belearic Islands, Western Medeiterranean): Darderia bellverica n.gen n.sp. (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Helicondontidae). - Anim. Biod. Cons. 29: 195-200.
*Altaba, C.R., 2007. Reply to Quintana et al. (2007): Darderia bellverica Altaba, 2007 is the correct name for the Mallorcan fossil helicondontid. - Spira 2: 191-196.
Quintana, J., Vicens, D. & Pons, G.X., 2006 [2007]. A new species of the genus Oestrophora Hesse, 1907 (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Trissexodontidae) from the Upper Pleistocene of Mallorca (Belearic Islands, Western Mediterranean). - Bol. Soc. Hist. Nat. Bal. 49: 51-58.
*Quintana, J., Pons, G.X. & Vicens, D., 2007. Algunas anotaciones criticas sobre Oestrophora cuerdai Quintana, Vicens et Pons, 2006 (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Helicodontidae). - Spira 2: 157-162.
Update:
Christian Altaba (pers. comm.) suggested that ZooBank could solve this kind of situations once it is fully operational. I think he is right.
In 2006 Christian Altaba described a fossil helicodontid from Mallorca as Darderia bellverica, and submitted his paper to a journal which was published early 2007. The same taxon has been described as Oestophora cuerdai by Quintana, Vicens & Pons, 2007. The result was a discussion about the publication date*, largely due to the fact that both journals were published later than the year in which the volume was due. This highlights the role of the editor and his sense for precision, viz. to clearly and correctly state the actual date of publication on the cover. High-standards journals are then clearly in advantage. But ultimately it is the author who chooses in which journal he wants to publish his paper. Especially when describing new taxa, this example tells us how the place can matter.
References:
Altaba, C.R., 2006 [2007]. A new land snail from the Quartenary of Mallora (Belearic Islands, Western Medeiterranean): Darderia bellverica n.gen n.sp. (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Helicondontidae). - Anim. Biod. Cons. 29: 195-200.
*Altaba, C.R., 2007. Reply to Quintana et al. (2007): Darderia bellverica Altaba, 2007 is the correct name for the Mallorcan fossil helicondontid. - Spira 2: 191-196.
Quintana, J., Vicens, D. & Pons, G.X., 2006 [2007]. A new species of the genus Oestrophora Hesse, 1907 (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Trissexodontidae) from the Upper Pleistocene of Mallorca (Belearic Islands, Western Mediterranean). - Bol. Soc. Hist. Nat. Bal. 49: 51-58.
*Quintana, J., Pons, G.X. & Vicens, D., 2007. Algunas anotaciones criticas sobre Oestrophora cuerdai Quintana, Vicens et Pons, 2006 (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Helicodontidae). - Spira 2: 157-162.
Update:
Christian Altaba (pers. comm.) suggested that ZooBank could solve this kind of situations once it is fully operational. I think he is right.
Red List and snails
19-10-2008 16:13
The IUCN publishes each year a Red List of species
that are threatened. They are rated from Least
Concern (LC), Near Threatened (NT), Vulnerable (VU),
Endangered (EN), Critically Endangered (CR), Extinct
in the Wild (EW) or Extinct (EX). When you search for
‘land snails’ the 2008 version of the List will turn
up 143 species.
The site also provides some statistics. I found the following numbers for molluscs:
The last row of the table mentions a substantially higher number than one would expect from the initial search. Apparently there is a distinction made between Stylommatophora and land snails... Curious...
A quick scan of these stylommatophorans revealed the following number of Neotropical taxa, arranged according to families:
Cerionidae: 1 (CE)
Charopidae: 8 (DD-2, VU-1, EN-4, CE-1)
Helicodiscidae: 1 (CE)
Megalobulimidae: 6 (EN-3, CE-2, EX-1)
Orthalicidae: 80 [see below]
Sagdidae: 1 (DD)
Streptaxidae: 2 (VU-1, CE-1)
Strophocheilidae: 3 (VU-1, CE-2)
When we exclude the Orthalicidae, most of the species are from Brazil. What about the other countries?? I suspect the ‘cry effect’ (those which raise there voice are heard) leads here to some skewedness.
When I split out the Orthalicidae (sensu lato) to generic level and include the non-Neotropical taxa (*), the following picture arises:
Bothriembryon*: 8 (VU-6, EN-2)
Drymaeus: 2 (VU-2)
Leucocharis*: 3 (CE-1, EX-3)
Naesiotus: 57 (DD-10, VU-14, EN-7, CE-26), still outdated classified as Bulimulus, all from Galápagos
Placostylus*: 8 (VU-6, CE-1, EX-1)
Tomigerus: 2 (EX-2)
My conclusion are:
1) the Neotropical malacofauna is underrepresented with ‘only’ 102 out of 1174 taxa.
2) although the Orthalicidae seem skewed in the Neotropical families, the endangered malacofauna of the Galápagos weighs in heavily because of the ‘Darwin effect’ (the well known receive more attention).
3) many species - especially those confined to montane forests - are unjustified missing. The rates of deforestation are alarming and many species will probably never be recollected after their initial description in the 19th or early 20th century. It is not without reason that I quote here Jens Hemmen, who confessed after a trip to Ecuador: “This was the worst trip we ever made. Many species could be found because the old localities have been destroyed, also at the higher altitudes”.
The Red List presents seemingly facts, but is actually a fallacy. Many species are left out.
The site also provides some statistics. I found the following numbers for molluscs:
The last row of the table mentions a substantially higher number than one would expect from the initial search. Apparently there is a distinction made between Stylommatophora and land snails... Curious...
A quick scan of these stylommatophorans revealed the following number of Neotropical taxa, arranged according to families:
Cerionidae: 1 (CE)
Charopidae: 8 (DD-2, VU-1, EN-4, CE-1)
Helicodiscidae: 1 (CE)
Megalobulimidae: 6 (EN-3, CE-2, EX-1)
Orthalicidae: 80 [see below]
Sagdidae: 1 (DD)
Streptaxidae: 2 (VU-1, CE-1)
Strophocheilidae: 3 (VU-1, CE-2)
When we exclude the Orthalicidae, most of the species are from Brazil. What about the other countries?? I suspect the ‘cry effect’ (those which raise there voice are heard) leads here to some skewedness.
When I split out the Orthalicidae (sensu lato) to generic level and include the non-Neotropical taxa (*), the following picture arises:
Bothriembryon*: 8 (VU-6, EN-2)
Drymaeus: 2 (VU-2)
Leucocharis*: 3 (CE-1, EX-3)
Naesiotus: 57 (DD-10, VU-14, EN-7, CE-26), still outdated classified as Bulimulus, all from Galápagos
Placostylus*: 8 (VU-6, CE-1, EX-1)
Tomigerus: 2 (EX-2)
My conclusion are:
1) the Neotropical malacofauna is underrepresented with ‘only’ 102 out of 1174 taxa.
2) although the Orthalicidae seem skewed in the Neotropical families, the endangered malacofauna of the Galápagos weighs in heavily because of the ‘Darwin effect’ (the well known receive more attention).
3) many species - especially those confined to montane forests - are unjustified missing. The rates of deforestation are alarming and many species will probably never be recollected after their initial description in the 19th or early 20th century. It is not without reason that I quote here Jens Hemmen, who confessed after a trip to Ecuador: “This was the worst trip we ever made. Many species could be found because the old localities have been destroyed, also at the higher altitudes”.
The Red List presents seemingly facts, but is actually a fallacy. Many species are left out.
Photo of the day (22): Plagiodontes
18-10-2008 09:19
This one happened to creep on my way as a blogger.
More details later, but this is a (new) species of
Plagiodontes from western Argentina. These beautiful
creature had his bad luck day, because after being
photographed he was put in boiling water. Ough! Never
do that to snails. Not only it destroys DNA, you
won’t get the first prize from the Animal Rights
Movement either... Besides, it’s too old fashioned
:-)
All joking aside, this photo shows how curious snails are. See it’s little eyes inspecting the world. Little could it know that the malacologist would inspect and dissect it. Only a small sacrifice for the advancement of science.
All joking aside, this photo shows how curious snails are. See it’s little eyes inspecting the world. Little could it know that the malacologist would inspect and dissect it. Only a small sacrifice for the advancement of science.
Photo of the day (21): Drymaeus
13-10-2008 09:12
On the same Flickr site I found two pictures of
Drymaeus, which according to the information
supplied, had been taken near Guatemala City.
Drymaeus of Central America are very variable and many taxa have been described which may prove to be only colour forms. An overview of all taxa has been published by Fred Thompson earlier this year.
Drymaeus of Central America are very variable and many taxa have been described which may prove to be only colour forms. An overview of all taxa has been published by Fred Thompson earlier this year.
Photo of the day (20): Liguus
12-10-2008 18:10
While browsing through Flickr’s nearly infinite
database I saw a lot of snails. They seem to
stimulate people’s creativeness, judging from the
weird ‘species’ you may encounter. Besides that, the
number of helices is overwhelming. That said, I still
found some gems and this is one of them: Liguus
virgineus (L.)
New journal
11-10-2008 09:42
Taxonomy is an old science, but seemingly still
expanding: recently a new journal was
announced,
ZooKeys.
ZooKeys is an open-access journal, which so far didn’t exist entirely focussed on systematic zoology. They do charge a little page charge (smaller than competitors), which however may be discounted or waived.
Discounts and waivers will be offered to private and retired zoologists, as well as to scientists from low- and middle-level income developing countries (according to the World Bank classification).
Papers containing identification keys will be published with priority (the names says it all). So far I see only papers on insects, which leaves ample room for malacologists. But unlike some other journals ZooKeys is not yet indexed due to its infancy (3 issues have been published till now), so if you need an impact factor to accelerate your career you have to look somewhere else until the journal have reached maturity. Private and retired zoologists have thus a double bonus here :-)
ZooKeys is an open-access journal, which so far didn’t exist entirely focussed on systematic zoology. They do charge a little page charge (smaller than competitors), which however may be discounted or waived.
Discounts and waivers will be offered to private and retired zoologists, as well as to scientists from low- and middle-level income developing countries (according to the World Bank classification).
Papers containing identification keys will be published with priority (the names says it all). So far I see only papers on insects, which leaves ample room for malacologists. But unlike some other journals ZooKeys is not yet indexed due to its infancy (3 issues have been published till now), so if you need an impact factor to accelerate your career you have to look somewhere else until the journal have reached maturity. Private and retired zoologists have thus a double bonus here :-)
A new book on Cuban land snails
08-10-2008 17:03
Cuba is known for its diversity in land snails, but
until now no comprehensive book was available. This
seems to have changed recently, since I received
notice of the new publication by Alejandro G.
Guillén, Cuba - the landshells paradise, 305 pp., 25
colour plates. It is published by
Conchbooks.
Just a few pictures of Liguus from the brochure that was sent out today.
More on it later, when I’ve seen the actual book.
Just a few pictures of Liguus from the brochure that was sent out today.
More on it later, when I’ve seen the actual book.
Photo of the day (19): Gaeotis
05-10-2008 13:28
Working on a paper on semi-slugs, I found two
pictures in my archive of Gaeotis flavolineata
Shuttleworth, 1854 from Puerto Rico. They were kindly
provided by Jozef Grego.
