Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz

Origin and hidden diversity within the poorly known Galápagos snake radiation (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)

Galápagos snakes are among the least studied terrestrial vertebrates of the Archipelago. Here, we provide a phylogenetic analysis and a time calibrated tree for the group, based on a sampling of the major populations known to occur in the Archipelago. Our study revealed the presence of two previously unknown species from Santiago and Rábida Islands, and one from Tortuga, Isabela, and Fernandina. We also recognize six additional species of Pseudalsophis in the Galápagos Archipelago (Pseudalsophis biserialis from San Cristobal, Floreana and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis hoodensis from Española and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis dorsalis from Santa Cruz, Baltra, Santa Fé, and adjacent islets; Pseudalsophis occidentalis from Fernandina, Isabela, and Tortuga; Pseudalsophis slevini from Pinzon, and Pseudalsophis steindachneri from Baltra, Santa Cruz and adjacent islets). Our time calibrated tree suggests that the genus Pseudalsophis colonized the Galápagos Archipelago through a single event of oceanic dispersion from the coast of South America that occurred at approximately between 6.9 Ma and 4.4 Ma, near the Miocene/Pliocene boundary.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2679FD19-01E5-48FE-A0DA-A88FF145DE56

Sistemática de los saurios Anadia Gray, 1845 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) de Ecuador: límite de especies, distribución geográfica y descripción de una especie nueva

ABSTRACT We performed a systematic review of the genus Anadia in Ecuador to delimit species based on several lines of evidence: external morphology, hemipenes, coloration, DNA sequences and geographical distribution. We describe a new species, Anadia buenaventura sp. nov., which is distinguished from other species of Anadia by presenting a pattern of coloration with light dorsolateral bands and paravertebral rows of dark spots, as well as fewer scales around the body. We also present new data on the distribution of Anadia petersi Oftedal and a molecular phylogeny that suggests that Anadia rhombifera (Günther) is a complex of species that requires further taxonomic work that should include material from Colombia.

Ranas terrestres Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) de los bosques montanos del río Upano, Ecuador: Lista anotada, patrones de diversidad y descripción de cuatro especies nuevas

We provide information about the composition of the terrestrial frogs of the genus Pristimantis in the upper basin of the Upano River, located on the Eastern slope of the Andes Mountain range in the Morona Santiago province, south-east of Ecuador. The compendium of the 37 species comes from collections conducted on an altitudinal gradient of between 1170 to 3750 meters. Four species are described as new: Pristimantis albujai sp. nov, P. churuwiai sp. nov, P. sambalan sp. nov and P. saturtinoi sp. nov. Two species are reported for the first time in Morona Santiago, expanding their known distribution. Eight species have an undetermined taxonomic status, which could represent new additions to Ecuador’s fauna. Of the 28 species formally described, 16 are endemic to the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorean Andes, and eight are restricted to the upper sub-basin of the Upano River. The highest concentration of diversity occurs between 1200 to 1600 meters of elevation, diminishing as the altitude increases. Our survey represents 45.5% of the Pristimantis frogs reported for the upper basin of the Napo, Pastaza and Santiago rivers.