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TAXONOMY IN ACTIONTAXONOMY IN ACTION
www.bionet-intl.org [email protected]
Taxonomy is the science and practice of discovering, describing, classifying and naming species.
Taxonomy in Action is a world wide campaign to highlight the relevance of taxonomy for all aspects of biodiversity conservation, management and sustainable use.
Led by BioNET – the global network for taxonomy – this activity is part of the celebrations for the
2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
Biodiversity is Life.Biodiversity is Our Life.
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This new frog species differs from all congeners by the colour of its light blue iris. Morphological and DNA analysis shows that this species is more closely related to Bornean than to other Sumatran species. It is the fourth species of Leptobrachium recorded from Sumatra and its discovery illustrates the underestimated diversity of amphibians in Sumatra.
© Author of image | affiliation
Taxonomy is essential to determine the number of species living on Earth and to discover new species. It provides the baseline data for the prioritization of protected species and conservation areas and for other management decisions.
Contributors: A. Hamidy & M. MatsuiMZB-LIPI and Kyoto University | [email protected]
High resolution digital image of the species (jpg or other)
Leptobrachium waysepuntienseLeptobrachium waysepuntiense Hamidy & Matsui, 2010 – a new species of Hamidy & Matsui, 2010 – a new species of litter frog from Sumatra (Indonesia)litter frog from Sumatra (Indonesia)
© A. Hamidy|Zoologicum Bogoriense Museum (MZB), Research Center
for Biology, LIPI.
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Pachypodium namaquanum Pachypodium namaquanum (Wyley ex Harv.) Welwitsch 1869 (Wyley ex Harv.) Welwitsch 1869 – seeking refuge in a changing world – seeking refuge in a changing world
© S.P. Bester| SANBI
Collections of specimens housed in herbaria are invaluable to taxonomists for their research. For example, these archival records become relevant in discussions on climate change as they can indicate changes in species distribution over time.
Contributor: S.P. Bester | South African National Biodiversity Institute | [email protected]
This CITES-listed icon of the Richtersveld (South Africa) and southern Namibia belongs to the oleander family (Apocynaceae). It grows up to 1.5 m and has spiny, unusually branched stems. The branches are tipped with rosettes of leaves and the flowers are nested inside the head of leaves and spines. It inhabits extremely dry, rocky slopes with its roots wedged between large boulders and in rock crevices.
© J. Swart | SANBI
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The giant East African snail (A. fulica), giant Ghana tiger snail (A. achatina), and giant West African snail (A. marginata) are collectively known as “Giant African Snails (GAS)". They grow up to 20cm in size and are one of the world's largest and most damaging land snail pests. They feed on more than 500 different plant species, carry pathogens, and are a major biosecurity risk in the tropics and sub-tropics.
© Arthur D. Chapman | Australian Biodiversity Information Services
Taxonomists have helped to compile pest alerts and identification guides with descriptions and photographs to help officials and the general public to identify the giant snails as a first step towards early detection, eradication and control.
Contributor: Posa A. Skelton BioNET-PACINET | [email protected]
Achatina fulica Achatina fulica Bowditch Bowditch East African Land Snail – a giant pestEast African Land Snail – a giant pest
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Water mites display very contrasting morphology and astounding colours. This newly discovered species is conspicuous because of its extremely flat body. It lives in the interstitial waters of the river Escondido on the island of Coiba (Panama).
The river harbors a very diverse fauna of minute water mites of less than 1 mm in length. Their abundance and diversification are excellent indicators of ecological quality and health.
Taxonomy opens the door to the world of discovery for the general public. It employs state of the art technology, like 3D visualization software, to provide vivid images of life forms that live on people's doorsteps, but are often unknown.
Contributor: Antonio G. Valdecasas |Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC)| [email protected] © Antonio G. Valdecasas |MNCN, CSIC | Spain
Transitia carlosiTransitia carlosi Valdecasas, 2010 Valdecasas, 2010Interstitial water mite – a colorful midgetInterstitial water mite – a colorful midget
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Haliaeetus vocifer Haliaeetus vocifer Daudin, 1800Daudin, 1800African Fish Eagle in Amboseli National Park, KenyaAfrican Fish Eagle in Amboseli National Park, Kenya The African Fish Eagle is a
common bird inhabiting the lakes and shore lines of East Africa. Weighing over 3 kg and with a 2 m wing span it is a very impressive species.
Birds attract thousands of people to East Africa and bird watching is an important economic factor, contributing to the livelihoods of many local communities.
© Fabian Haas | icipe
Extensive taxonomic knowledge and the availability of field guides makes birds perfect indicators for conservation areas. Several ‘Important Bird Areas’ in East Africa have been developed into ‘Key Biodiversity Areas’ – places of international importance for biodiversity conservation.
Contributor: Fabian Haasicipe | [email protected]
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This “hairy” crab was discovered in the South Pacific in 2005 by a group from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in Monterey, California, and a ‘Census of Marine Life’ scientist using the submarine DSV Alvin. The 15 cm long species is notable for the quantity of silky blond setae covering its legs.
There is great public interest in species discoveries. Most popular press releases from the ‘Census of Marine Life’ - a large scale global marine biodiversity research programme - derive from such taxonomic work.
Contributor: Mark Costello| Census of Marine Life (CoML) & University of Auckland | [email protected]© Philippe Bouchet | CoML & Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle | [email protected]
Kiwa hirsuta Kiwa hirsuta Macpherson, Jones & Segonzac, 2005 – the Macpherson, Jones & Segonzac, 2005 – the Yeti Yeti crabcrab
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This attractive perennial occurs in the grasslands of South Africa. The bright yellow flesh from the large tuber has a bitter taste.
The plant has been known and used by traditional healers for centuries past. Today there is some controversy involving conflicting opinions about its ‘miracle’ medical properties especially with regard to HIV/Aids. Still, it is one of the most-traded plants at muti markets in the Eastern Cape.
© B. Hölscher | South African National Biodiversity Institute
Star flowers and related species are frequently dug up and sold for medicinal purposes, though in raw form they can be toxic. Taxonomists need to be consulted to identify the correct species and to ensure conservation of the populations in the wild.
Contributor: Beate HölscherSANBI| [email protected]
Hypoxis hemerocallidea Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch, Mey & Avé-Lall – The Star Flower, Fisch, Mey & Avé-Lall – The Star Flower, a ‘wonder potato’ for healinga ‘wonder potato’ for healing
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Hippocampus satomiaeHippocampus satomiaeLourie & Kuiter, 2008 - a miniature seahorseLourie & Kuiter, 2008 - a miniature seahorse This pygmy seahorse
species – first described in 2008 – belongs to the smallest known familiy of seahorses on Earth with an average length of 13.8 mm and an approxi-mate height of 1.5 mm.
H. satomiae was named in honour of Miss Satomi Onishi, the dive guide who collected the type specimens.
Our planet holds many wonders and treasures. Each day taxonomists discover new species – yet these finds often get little attention from Homo sapiens. To date we know the names of only 1.8 million of an estimated 18 million different species.
© John Sear | [email protected] © Rudie Kuiter | [email protected]
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This new duiker species inhabits the Dahomey Gap in West Africa. It is closely related to two other species targeted by the bushmeat trade: the blue duiker (P. monticola) and maxwells' duiker (P. maxwelli). Walter’s duiker was recently described based on craniometric analyses (skull measurements) and DNA data.
The impact of bushmeat practices affects nearly all larger mammals in the African rainforests. The taxonomic description of this newly discovered antelope species should facilitate research into its ecology and behaviour, as well as its conservation.
Contributor: Erik Verheyen | University of Antwerp, Belgium | [email protected]© Marc Colyn | University of Rennes, France
Philantomba walteriPhilantomba walteri Colyn et al. 2010Colyn et al. 2010Walters’ Duiker – a newly discovered mammalWalters’ Duiker – a newly discovered mammal
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Bactrocera invadens Bactrocera invadens Drews et al. 2005 – Invasive fruit flyDrews et al. 2005 – Invasive fruit fly This tiny fuit fly species
entered East Africa in 2004 and quickly spread all over the whole continent. On its way it devastated mango crops to a degree that the fruits became unusable even for juice production. The species is considered a quarantine pest, destroying export opportunities for small scale farmers.
© Fabian Haas | icipe
It was only through detailed taxonomic research and surveys that this species was identified as a problem and targeted management measures could be developed. Correct identification is paramount for border controls and export.
Contributor: Fabian Haasicipe | [email protected]
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This plant is a rare legume and a key indicator of the health of the endangered wetlands in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where it grows. Scarcely recognizable when not in flower, this cryptic species would have escaped the attention of scientists were it not for the explorations and persistence of a local amateur botanist - Tony Abbott - after whom the plant is named.
Many rare and localized species owe their scientific recognition to dedicated amateurs. They live locally, can visit habitats throughout the year and can collect comprehensive species information. Their role in taxonomy should be applauded and recognised.
Contributor: Charles Stirton | University of Cape Town | [email protected]© Charles Stirton | University of Cape Town
Psoralea abbottiiPsoralea abbottii C.H. Stirton, C.H. Stirton, 19951995Abbott’s Fountain BushAbbott’s Fountain Bush
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Varanus palawanensisVaranus palawanensisKoch, Gaulke & Böhme, 2010 - Koch, Gaulke & Böhme, 2010 - Underestimated Underestimated diversity of Southeast Asian giant monitor lizardsdiversity of Southeast Asian giant monitor lizards
The distinctness of the Palawan water monitor lizard has long been disregarded. What was formerly considered one widespread Philippine species (i.e., V. mar-moratus) was described as three locally endemic species in 2010.
This demonstrates the need for taxonomic expertise as currently not even the more conspicuous vertebrates on our planet are all known to us.
© Ingo Langlotz
Taxonomy helped to resolve the underestimated diversity of CITES-relevant giant lizards, which are highly exploited for the international reptile leather trade. Only recognition and protection of distinct species can ensure their persistence.
Contributor: André KochZoological Research Museum A. Koenig (ZFMK) | [email protected]
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Ancyronyx punkti Ancyronyx punkti Freitag & Jäch, 2007 Freitag & Jäch, 2007
A Philippine spider water beetleA Philippine spider water beetle The genus Ancyronyx was known for a long time only from a single species in North America. In the last decades, several new species have been discovered in South East Asia e.g. by the AQUA Palawana Taxonomic Initiative in the Philippines. The endemic A. punkti from Palawan is used as the mascot of Punkt e.V. – a German NGO for environ-mental education.
Taxonomic knowledge of freshwater macroinvertebrates enables the development of indicator systems to evaluate the water quality of streams. Such standardized biological indices are used in many countries as they are very precise.
Contributor: Hendrik Freitag|Senckenberg Museum of Zoology Dresden| [email protected] © Hendrik Freitag | AQUA Palawana | Austria
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Named the ‘Bob Marley sponge’ due to the dreadlock-style growth form, this new species of a new genus is one of the most widely-distributed sponge species on the Great Barrier Reef, extending into PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, at a depth of 10 to 20 m.
Finding such a common animal widely spread across the Great Barrier Reef belonging to a new genus clearly tells us how little we still know of the taxonomy of even our shallow coastal waters.
© John Hooper | Queensland Museum
Following the taxonomic description of this species, new tripeptide chemicals - hemiasterlins (milnamide and geodiamolides) - were discovered showing high bio-active cytotoxicity. These are now in
preclinical development for cancer treatment.
Contributors: John Hooper & Belinda Alvarez | Queensland Museum & Northern Territory Museum | [email protected]
Logo author of text
Logo author of image
Pipestela candelabraPipestela candelabraAlvarez, Hooper & Van Soest, 2008 Alvarez, Hooper & Van Soest, 2008 the the ‘Bob Marley Sponge’‘Bob Marley Sponge’
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Molecular taxonomy (e.g. DNA barcoding) - the identification of species using a short, homologous and ubiquitous stretch of nucleotides – can identify introduced species and assist the reconstruction of routes and origins of species invasions.
High resolution digital image of the species (jpg or other)
Carychium minimum Carychium minimum Müller, 1774 Müller, 1774 Microsnail hitchhikes across the AtlanticMicrosnail hitchhikes across the Atlantic
© Adrienne Jochum | Biodiversity & Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)
Originally, the microsnail C. minimum was a common species of the European main-land, inhabiting permanently moist environments like meadows, swamps or riparian zones.
As a result of the post-Columbian globalization, populations of this species have been recorded on the islands of the Azores and on the East and West coast of North America.
Contributor: Alexander M. WeigandBiK-F| [email protected]
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Hyperolius veithi Hyperolius veithi Schick, Kielgast, Rödder, Schick, Kielgast, Rödder, Muchai, Burger & Lötters, 2010 Muchai, Burger & Lötters, 2010
- Veith’s reed frog - Veith’s reed frog This species was only recently discovered in primary forest in the Salonga National Park, DRC, in the Central Congo River Basin.
Unlike many other reed frog species, males and females of this species do not differ in their colour pattern.
Their life history is next to unknown, except that eggs are deposited on leaves and larvae drop into water below for development.
© Jos Kielgast | Zoological Museum Copenhagen
The description of this reed frog helped to clarify the confusing taxonomy of other Central African reed frog species. Their relationship also gives insights into the colonization of the poorly understood Congo Basin and its periphery.
Contributors: Susanne Schick, Jos Kielgast and Stefan Lötters | Trier University |[email protected]
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Aiteng ater Aiteng ater Swennen & Buatip, 2009 Swennen & Buatip, 2009 – an insect eating slug – an insect eating slug
This sea slug was discovered in mangrove forests of Thailand and described in 2009. Its unique morpho-logical characters suggest that it is a distinct family (Aitengidae). The slug is atypical because it preys on insect larvae and pupae.
The discovery of Aiteng ater has been widely covered by the Thai media, in part because its genus and species names are derived from the Thai words for a popular form of shadow puppetry.
© Cornelis Swennen | Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
The attention on this taxonomic work has led to informative signage at the slug's mangrove habitat and efforts from the government and local institutions to educate the public about the need to protect Thailand's mangrove forests.
Contributor: Jann Elizabeth Vendetti | California State University, Los Angeles| [email protected]
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C. fenyesi sensu lato (Strepsiptera) was thought to be a single species until morphological and molecular studies revealed it to be a complex of several lineages found from Southern USA to Argentina.
The males are free-living and parasitize ants; the females are totally endoparasitic and parasitize crickets. In southern USA, the species may become relevant as a bio-control agent for the red imported fire ant.
DNA sequencing has given taxonomists a tool for detecting cryptic species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically. The identification of target species in cryptic parasitoid complexes is vital for biocontrol purposes.
Contributor: Jeyaraney Kathirithamby |University of Oxford | [email protected]
Caenocholax fenyesi texensis Caenocholax fenyesi texensis
Kathirithamby & Johnston, 2004Kathirithamby & Johnston, 2004
© Jeyaraney Kathirithamby | University of Oxford
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© Andreas Hartl
The discovery of a new vertebrate species in Central Europe shows that taxonomic inventories with relevance to conservation issues are still incomplete and that even geologically young (postglacial) lakes may contain endemic species.
Contributors: Matthias Geiger & Ulrich Schliewen, Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, [email protected]
This newly discovered ruffe species differs from related species (Gymnocephalus: Percidae) by its distinct body shape and molecular cha-racters. It is potentially endangered since the common ruffe (G. cernua) has been accidentally intro-duced into Lake Ammersee and might outcompete the newly discovered endemic species. Unfortunately, sufficient information to assess its conservation status is not yet available.
Gymnocephalus ambriaelacusGymnocephalus ambriaelacus Geiger & Schliewen, 2010 Geiger & Schliewen, 2010 - a new endemic - a new endemic ruffe species from Lake Ammersee (Germany)ruffe species from Lake Ammersee (Germany)
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Brachylophus bulabula Brachylophus bulabula Fisher, Harlow, Edwards & Keogh, 2008 Fisher, Harlow, Edwards & Keogh, 2008 a new endemic iguana of Fijia new endemic iguana of Fiji
This newly discovered iguana species is closely related to the two other iguanas endemic to Fiji and Tonga: the crested iguana (B. vitiensis) and the banded iguana (B. fasciatus). This species was described after morphological and DNA analyses showed that B. bulabula was physically and genetically different from the two other species.
© Posa A. Skelton | BioNET-PACINET
Taxonomy is the knowledge base for conserving and sharing the benefits of bio-diversity. For example, numerous nature reserves have been established because of the discovery of a rare species, or rediscovery of a species thought to be extinct.
Contributor: Posa A. Skelton |BioNET-PACINET | [email protected]
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AphelocheirusAphelocheirus freitagi freitagi Zettel & Pangantihon, 2010Zettel & Pangantihon, 2010a newly discovered Water Ground Buga newly discovered Water Ground Bug
This bug was recently detected in Lake Naujan National Park on Mindoro Island, Philippines, during field sampling with the ecology & entomology courses of the De La Salle University, Manila.
It became the 11th known species of the genus in the Philippines. All are endemic to particular regions of the archipelago.
Taxonomic research is fundamental for the identification of the high number of endemic species in the world’s biodiversity hotspots such as the Philippines. Training of local junior scientists is essential to establish domestic expertise in this area.
Contributor: Clister V. Pangantihon | De La Salle University Manila | [email protected]
© NHMW Hemiptera Image Collection| Natural History Museum Vienna| Austria
Read more on the importance of taxonomy, species & biodiversity BioNET case studies |GTI case study on taxonomy & climate change | Convention on Biological Diversity – 2010 International Year of Biodiversity
BioNET is a global network for taxonomy with ten government-endorsed regional partnerships encompassing institutions in over 100 countries, and a Secretariat in the UK hosted by CABI, an international not-for-profit organisation.
BioNET’s mission is to enhance human well-being and biodiversity conservation by building capacity to discover, name and classify the world’s living organisms.
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For more information please contact the BioNET Secretariat
Biodiversity is Life.
Biodiversity is Our Life.