Article
Ecology
Chloe A. Fouilloux, Carola A. M. Yovanovich, Bibiana Rojas
Summary: Larvae of amphibians inhabit diverse freshwater environments, and the structure of these habitats plays a key role in their locomotion, feeding, and visual abilities. However, there is limited understanding of how habitat structure affects the visual systems of different species and the possible behavioral and phenotypic responses of larvae to environments with low visibility. This Perspective article identifies knowledge gaps in this area and proposes the use of phytotelmata as a research model.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Chloe A. Fouilloux, Shirley Jennifer Serrano-Rojas, Juan David Carvajal-Castro, Janne K. Valkonen, Philippe Gaucher, Marie-Therese Fischer, Andrius Pasukonis, Bibiana Rojas
Summary: The study found that tadpoles of Dendrobates tinctorius have high flexibility in adapting to a wide range of chemical and vertical gradients in pools. On the other hand, Allobates femoralis and Osteocephalus oophagus have more restricted deposition options, influenced primarily by factors such as pool height, water capacity, alkalinity, and salinity.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Syazwan Omar, Elena Ifandi, Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri, Stavros Kalaitzidis, Kimon Christanis, Daphne Teck Ching Lai, Shariq Bashir, Basilios Tsikouras
Summary: Peatlands are important carbon sinks but their degradation and wildfires have adverse effects on the carbon cycle. Geological characteristics and evolution of Southeast Asian peatlands have been understudied despite their global significance. Currently available geological data from the region is incomplete and non-comparable, lacking systematic reporting of key parameters. However, with better reporting, it is possible to gain a more accurate understanding of peatland characteristics and their relationships.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathan C. Dadap, Alexander R. Cobb, Alison M. Hoyt, Charles F. Harvey, Andrew F. Feldman, Eun-Soon Im, Alexandra G. Konings
Summary: When organic peat soils in Southeast Asian peatlands become dry, they become flammable and can lead to catastrophic fire events. This study used neural networks to model soil moisture and found that future climate change, including reduced precipitation and increased evaporative demand, will decrease soil moisture. This may accelerate peat carbon emissions and suggest that degraded areas with less tree cover are more vulnerable to climate change, highlighting the need for urgent peatland restoration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fei Lai, Jinzhi Zhou, Lin Lu, M. Hasanuzzaman, Yanping Yuan
Summary: The development of green building in Southeast Asia has progressed rapidly due to limited land and increasing population. The buildings in Southeast Asia, influenced by tropical monsoon climate, have high cooling demand and easy access to renewable energy resources. To meet the special demand of local buildings, numerous green building technologies have been developed. This study reviews the characteristics and potential application of different green building technologies in Southeast Asia, particularly considering the climate and resources. It provides essential insights for future research and development of green building in Southeast Asia.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tasya Vadya Sarira, Yiwen Zeng, Rachel Neugarten, Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, Lian Pin Koh
Summary: This study provides a quantitative assessment of the multiple benefits from forest carbon projects across Southeast Asia, demonstrating that forest conservation can mitigate climate change and provide various other social benefits.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Franziska E. Fuchs, Maude Pauly, Antony P. Black, Judith M. Huebschen
Summary: ToRCH refers to pathogens associated with pregnancy complications and sequelae in unborn or newborn children. Seroprevalence data are crucial for estimating immunity, vaccination levels, and infection risk during pregnancy, warranting well-designed area-wide surveys.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iravati Ray, Reshmi Das
Summary: Recent reports have shown that 1 in 3 children globally have blood lead levels >= 5microgram decilitre-1. This highlights the importance of understanding the sources of lead (Pb) in the present century as well as the fate of legacy lead from the use of leaded gasoline in the past. South and Southeast Asia are currently experiencing high levels of pollution. A study investigating this issue compiled Pb isotopic compositions of aerosols from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and India and used a Bayesian 3D isotope mixing model simulation. The study found that leaded gasoline is the largest contributor of lead in Southeast Asia, while coal/fuelwood combustion and ore processing dominate in India. The findings suggest that there is a legacy of lead in soil from the historic use of leaded gasoline, which is remobilised into the atmosphere after more than two decades of its phase-out.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tristan Salles, Claire Mallard, Laurent Husson, Sabin Zahirovic, Anta-Clarisse Sarr, Pierre Sepulchre
Summary: Physiographic changes, such as river catchment drainage reorganisations, played an important role in Quaternary species diversification in Sundaland, Southeast Asia, according to simulations using combined landscape evolution and connectivity models. The changes have fragmented the environment into multiple habitats connected by migratory corridors. These results support the theory that rapidly evolving physiography could foster Quaternary biodiversification across Southeast Asia.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Deirdre A. Prischmann-Voldseth, Stephanie J. Swenson, Robert Brenner
Summary: The research showed that adult northern and western corn rootworm beetles are commonly found on different plants, primarily consuming sunflower and corn pollen. Their dietary habits can impact the predation rate and feeding time of soil-dwelling predatory mites on pest eggs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anne-Marie Bacon, Nicolas Bourgon, Elise Dufour, Fabrice Demeter, Clement Zanolli, Kira E. Westaway, Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Philippe Duringer, Jean-Luc Ponche, Mike W. Morley, Eric Suzzoni, Sebastien Frangeul, Quentin Boesch, Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Souliphane Boualaphane, Phonephanh Sichanthongtip, Daovee Sihanam, Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Denis Fiorillo, Olivier Tombret, Elise Patole-Edoumba, Alexandra Zachwieja, Thonglith Luangkhoth, Viengkeo Souksavatdy, Tyler E. Dunn, Laura Shackelford, Jean-Jacques Hublin
Summary: Secure environmental contexts play a crucial role in interpreting and comparing findings regarding hominins. The discovery of a Denisovan individual and associated fauna at Cobra Cave in Laos offers an opportunity to compare the environmental conditions of this (sub)tropical cave with Denisova Cave in Russia and Baishiya Karst Cave in China. Analysis of stable isotope values suggests that the Denisovan individual from Cobra Cave primarily relied on plants and/or animals from open forests and savannah, despite the nearby canopy forests. Furthermore, the expansion of rainforest around 130,000 years ago raises questions about the Denisovans' response to local climate change. A comparison between the diet and habitat of the archaic hominin from Cobra Cave and early Homo sapiens from Tam Pa Ling Cave in Laos suggests that only our species was able to exploit rainforest resources.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Janaina da Costa de Noronha, Cynthia P. A. Prado, Jean-Marc Hero, Guy Castley, Domingos de Jesus Rodrigues
Summary: The research focused on the ecology and reproductive habits of the Amazonian hylid species Trachycephalus cunauaru, revealing that artificial phytotelmata and digital camera traps can serve as satisfactory alternatives for observing the behavior of this species.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuejun Wang, Xianghong Lu, Xin Qian, Sainan Wu, Yuzhi Zhang, Yang Wang
Summary: This paper summarizes and analyzes the Early Paleozoic geological records in the Sibumasu and Indochina blocks, the eastern South China and SW Japan, and proposes the existence of a giant Ordo-Silurian igneous belt along the Gondwana northern margin. It also reconstructs the Early Paleozoic locations of the Sibumasu and Indochina fragments, as well as SW Japan and South China continent, and discusses the far-field effect on the South China Kwangsian intra-continental orogenesis from the subduction of the Early Paleozoic Prototethyan southern branch.
SCIENCE CHINA-EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yuanyuan Hua, Dapeng Zhao, Yi-Gang Xu
Summary: A detailed 3-D model of P wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy beneath SE Asia is obtained through joint inversion of local earthquake arrival times and teleseismic relative travel-time residuals. The results reveal the penetration of the high-velocity subducting Australian slab through the mantle transition zone (MTZ), the existence of the Hainan mantle plume as a low-velocity anomaly beneath the MTZ, and the interaction between the Hainan plume and the stagnant slab in the MTZ. The findings provide important new insights into the complex mantle structure and dynamics of the SE Asian region.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Zafar Iqbal, Shamsuddin Shahid, Kamal Ahmed, Tarmizi Ismail, Ghaith Falah Ziarh, Eun-Sung Chung, Xiaojun Wang
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of 35 GCMs of CMIP6 in replicating rainfall in Mainland South-East Asia. Most models were able to capture the rainfall climatology of the region, but their performance varied in terms of different metrics. The study identified MRI-ESM2-0, EC-Earth3 and EC-Earth3-Veg as the most suitable subset of GCMs for rainfall projections in MSEA.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor Spangenberg, Marine Arakelyan, Eduard Galoyan, Irena Martirosyan, Alexandra Bogomazova, Elena Martynova, Marcelo de Bello Cioffi, Thomas Liehr, Ahmed Al-Rikabi, Fedor Osipov, Varos Petrosyan, Oxana Kolomiets
Summary: The study reported the cytogenetic characteristics and meiotic process of the diploid parthenogenetic species Darevskia unisexualis from the new population Keti in Armenia. The species was found to have 37 pairs of chromosomes, including 36 acrocentric chromosomes and a single metacentric autosomal chromosome. The study also revealed chromosome fusion occurred between two chromosomes inherited from the maternal species, providing insight into the mechanisms of meiotic recombination between homeologous chromosomes.
MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sengvilay Lorphengsy, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay Poyarkov, Yun-He Wu, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Supaporn Passorn, Jing Che, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom
Summary: In this study, two new species records, G. quangi and G. yunnanensis, of the bushfrog genus Gracixalus were reported in northern Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence. The identification of a female specimen of G. yunnanensis was also documented for the first time, along with morphological data and natural history notes of the species in Thailand. Additionally, updated distribution locations for both species were provided.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Ke Jiang, Yun-He Wu, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Sengvilay Lorphengsy, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Jing Che
Summary: Taxonomic status of the Thai populations belonging to Limnonectes kuhlii species complex is controversial due to phenotypic similarity. Recent studies in Thailand discovered four new species, but the diversity of this group is still incomplete. Utilizing genetic and morphological analyses, it was found that Limnonectes populations from northern and southern Thailand are conspecific with previously known species. This study highlights the importance of combining DNA sequence data with morphological data for accurately documenting species identity and diversity, especially in cryptic species complexes.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, L. Lee Grismer, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Mali Naiduangchan, Platon Yushchenko, Dmitriy Arkhipov, Jeffery A. Wilkinson, Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Summary: The integrated results of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses confirmed the new species status of Ansonia karen sp. nov. discovered in Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. This new species is distinct from others in the Ansonia genus by unique characteristics and fills a 350 km geographic gap. It is the latest addition to a list of restricted endemics discovered in the northern Tenasserim Mountain region of western Thailand, highlighting the unexplored nature of the region and the need for conservation efforts.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
L. Lee Grismer, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Roman A. Nazarov, Platon Yushchenko, Mali Naiduangchan, Minh Duc Le, Vinh Quang Luu, Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Summary: The study identified a new species, Cyrtodactylus rukhadeva, from the Tenasserim Mountains in Thailand, and provided a comprehensive taxonomic analysis of the brevipalmatus group, revealing the evolutionary relationships among the species. It highlights the potential for discovering more herpetological diversity in the upland forests of the Tenasserim Mountains in the future.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Tan Van Nguyen, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Platon Yushchenko, Peter Brakels, Linh Hoang Nguyen, Hung Ngoc Nguyen, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Nikolai Orlov, Gernot Vogel
Summary: Slug-eating snakes of the subfamily Pareinae, specialized in feeding on terrestrial mollusks, encompass three genera with 34 species in the Oriental biogeographic region. Despite recent progress in understanding their diversity, taxonomically, Pareinae remain challenging. The updated phylogeny includes comprehensive taxon sampling of 30 recognized species and newly discovered candidates, revealing hidden diversity and a complex diversification pattern.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zeeshan A. Mirza, Andrey M. Bragin, Harshal Bhosale, Gaurang G. Gowande, Harshil Patel, Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Summary: The Himalayas have significant biogeographic importance in the origin and diversification of various taxa. A recent study discovered a unique lineage of skinks in the eastern Himalayas, providing insights into the biogeographic significance of the region. The integrated taxonomic approach and molecular phylogeny presented in the study contribute to the understanding of this unique lineage.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Yun-He Wu, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Sengvilay Lorphengsy, Jing Che
Summary: The Spiny Frog Quasipaa is a relatively poorly known genus of frogs, with most species distribution recorded in China and a few in the eastern part of Indochina. A recent fieldwork in northern Thailand has revealed a new record of Quasipaa verrucospinosa, indicating paraphyletic populations and deep genetic differences in this species. A comprehensive study is recommended to clarify the taxonomic and geographic distribution for suitable protection and conservation.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Platon Yushchenko, Justin L. Lee, Hieu Minh Pham, Peter Geissler, Elena Syromyatnikova, Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Summary: We investigated the taxonomic status of two morphologically similar species, Oligodon arenarius and Oligodon macrurus, endemic to the southern coast of Vietnam. Phylogenetic analyses and genetic distances suggested that O. arenarius is paraphyletic and should be synonymized with O. macrurus. Despite little difference in color pattern, hemipenial morphology, and osteological features, there were significant differences in tail length and scale counts between the two species. We formally redescribe O. macrurus and propose its Vulnerable status based on the ongoing threats to its coastal and forest habitats.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Platon V. Yushchenko, Justin L. Lee, Thy Neang, Hun Seiha, Nguyen Van Tan, Gernot Vogel, Nikolay A. Poyarkov Jr
Summary: This paper re-assessed the taxonomic status of the ashy kukri snake Oligodon cinereus populations found in southern Indochina, including the recently described Cat Tien kukri snake. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Cat Tien kukri snake is embedded in a clade with samples of another subspecies of O. cinereus, and the genetic divergence between these two clades is very low. The morphological characters used to distinguish the two taxa overlap and the supposed differences in hemipenial morphology are due to outdated terminologies. Both the Cat Tien kukri snake and O. cinereus pallidocinctus are considered junior synonyms of O. cinereus.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Anna B. Vassilieva, Thi Van Nguyen
Summary: In this study, we compared reproductive features, development, and larval morphology of three closely related species of sticky frogs in Vietnam. We found different reproductive modes and trophic specializations among the species. The tadpoles also differed in egg and clutch sizes, duration of embryonal period and hatching stage, and the structure of the larval digestive tract and skeleton. Based on these findings, we discuss the significance of the revealed adaptations to different habitats and larval life modes.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Suranjan Karunarathna, Kanishka D. B. Ukuwela, Anslem De Silva, Aaron M. Bauer, Majintha Madawala, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Madhava Botejue, Dinesh Gabadage, L. Lee Grismer, Vladislav A. Gorin
Summary: Sri Lanka is a hotspot for Cnemaspis day geckos, harboring 40 known species with complete endemism. This paper examines the phylogenetic relationships of Cnemaspis species from the alwisi group of the podihuna clade and describes two newly discovered species from Sri Lanka. These species inhabit granite caves within forested areas in isolated mountains within the dry bioclimatic zone and have specialized microhabitats. Both species are medium-sized, with distinct morphological characteristics, and are classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List criteria. The main threats to these species are habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, encroachment on forests, and forest fires. Immediate conservation action is recommended to protect these forest areas and their buffer zones.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christophe Dufresnes, Nikolay Poyarkov, Daniel Jablonski
Summary: Delimiting and naming biodiversity is crucial for wildlife conservation and research. We propose a standardized workflow for species delimitation based on genomic data, which encourages formal taxonomic naming and description to promote biodiversity awareness.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Tanapong Tawan, Thanawut Worranuch, Bunyarit Dechochai, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Tan Van Nguyen, Lawan Chanhome, Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Summary: This article describes a new species of pitvipers, Trimeresurus ciliaris sp. nov., discovered near the Thailand-Malaysian border. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by its unique morphological characters and forms a distinct clade on the phylogenetic tree. The study also makes suggestions for the taxonomy of the T. kanburiensis species complex.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Roman A. Nazarov, Timur V. Abduraupov, Evgeniya Yu. Shepelya, Mariya A. Gritsina, Daniel A. Melnikov, Matthew D. Buehler, Jack D. Lapin, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Jesse L. Grismer
Summary: This study was conducted in the Fergana Valley, one of the most densely populated and geographically isolated regions in Uzbekistan. The main goal was to obtain up-to-date data on the distribution and abundance of endemic reptile species in the remaining habitats. The study resulted in the discovery of two new species, highlighting the urgent need for habitat protection.
