Notes on Aphyllorchis gollanii and Aphyllorchis alpina (Orchidaceae) and lectotypification of both names
Morphological characters of Aphyllorchis gollanii Duthie have been studied and compared to those of Aphyllorchis alpina King & Pantling based on protologues, type specimens of both species and other specimens and fresh collections from Indian Himalayan Region. Both species proved to present identical or overlapping characters. Therefore, they are treated as conspecific. Lectotypes are designated […]
Akaniaceae, a new family record for Laos
A collection from Phou Chom Voy Provincial Protected Area, Bolikhamxai, represents the first records for the family Akaniaceae as well as the genus Bretschneidera and the species Bretschneidera sinensis in Laos. Here we report the new and extended distributional range. A detailed description and photographs are provided for easy identification.
Molecular phylogeny reveals a new genus of freshwater mussels from the Mekong River Basin (Bivalvia: Unionidae)
A new genus of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) is described from the Mekong River Basin as Namkongnaia gen. nov. The validity of the new genus is supported by its unique conchological characteristics, namely the lack of hinge dentition and elongated shells, together with its evolutionary distinctiveness as estimated by multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (mitochondrial COI and […]
Cymbilabia sourioudongii (Orchidaceae), a new species from Lao PDR
Cymbilabia sourioudongii, a new species of epiphytic orchid is described and illustrated from Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area of Laos PDR. Keywords: Illegal orchid trade, New species, Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Vandopsis.
Field Guide to Fishes of the Mekong Basin of Laos
Laos is a part of Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot that is known as one of the Earth’s 34 threatened biodiversity hotspots. The Mekong River Basin in Laos is topographically characterized in having a lot of rapids and mountainous tributaries, encompasses 202,000 kilomatter squars occupying abourt 25% of total area and 35% of total annual flow of […]
Lao Biodiversity: A Priority for Resilient Green Growth
The biodiversity endowment is crucial to the Lao economy, as the goods and ecosystem services it provides are essential to reduce poverty, secure livelihoods, and drive a greener economic growth model. Over 840,000 people in over 1,200 villages are situated within or on the boundary of 23 national reserves. The majority of these villagers, from […]
Prevalence and distribution of chytridiomycosis throughout Asia
Prevalence and distribution of chytridiomycosis throughout Asia News from the herpetological community September 2011 Vol. 98 FrogLog FrogLog Vol. 98 | September 2011 | 33 The fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the greatest known disease threat to vertebrate biodiversity (Skerrat et al 2007; Wake and Vredenburg 2008). Most […]
A taxonomic revision of the genus Phrynoglossus in Indochina with the description of a new species and comments on the classification within Occidozyginae (Amphibia, Anura, Dicroglossidae)
We revise the frogs of the genus Phrynoglossus from Indochina based on data of external morphology, bioacoustics, and molecular genetics. The results of this integrative study provide evidence for the recognition of three distinct species, one of which we describe as new. Phrynoglossus martensii has a vast geographic distribution from central and southern Thailand across […]
A New Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Laos allied to P. abditus from central Vietnam
The small rhacophorid frog Philautus abditus is geographically restricted to central Vietnam and adjacent Cambodia. Our fieldwork in northern Laos resulted in the discovery of a Philautus species that very closely resembles P. abditus, but is at least 330 km from the nearest known locality of that species. The Laos population differs from P. abditus […]
Hidden species diversity in Sylvirana nigrovittata (Amphibia: Ranidae) highlights the importance of taxonomic revisions in biodiversity conservation
Accurately delimiting species and their geographic ranges are imperative for conservation, especially in areas experiencing rapid habitat loss. Southeast Asia currently has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, is home to multiple biodiversity hotspots, and the majority of its countries have developing economies with limited resources for biodiversity conservation. Thus, accurately […]
