Distribution, comportement migratoire et conservation du Synallaxe de Hudson Asthenes hudsoni (Furnariidae): un spécialiste des prairies de la pampa humide

Hudson’s Canastero, Asthenes hudsoni (Furnariidae) is a secretive passerine from the Rio de la Plata grasslands of South America. It is considered near threatened, but little is known about its distribution and seasonal movements. We performed a thorough revision of historical and recent records of the species and estimated its original and current geographic distribution using niche modeling based on climatic and land cover information. We found that A. hudsoni is not widespread across the Río de la Plata grasslands but mostly restricted to the humid pampas in Argentina, with isolated populations in central Argentina and SE Brazil. Most records north of the humid pampas in Argentina and Uruguay correspond to wintering individuals, revealing that the species is a partial seasonal migrant. Our distribution models indicate that its original area of occupancy may have been reduced by 65% to a current ~50,000 km², with a stronghold in the flooding Pampas in eastern Buenos Aires province. However, because of the specific microhabitat requirements of the species, we suspect that this figure underestimates the extent of appropriate habitat available, and that A. hudsoni could be very close to the threshold of area of occupancy for vulnerable species under IUCN criteria. Further research on habitat requirements, distribution, and population trends are urgently needed.Le Synallaxe de Hudson, Asthenes hudsoni (Furnariidae) est un passereau discret des prairies du Rio de la Plata en Amérique du Sud. Il est considéré comme quasi menacé, mais on sait peu de choses sur sa répartition et ses mouvements saisonniers. Nous avons effectué une révision complète des enregistrements historiques et récents de l'espèce et estimé sa distribution géographique originale et actuelle en utilisant un modèle de niche basé sur des informations climatiques et de couverture terrestre. Nous avons constaté que A. hudsoni n'est pas répandu dans les prairies du Río de la Plata, mais qu'il est surtout limité à la pampa humide en Argentine, avec des populations isolées dans le centre de l'Argentine et le sud-est du Brésil. La plupart des enregistrements au nord de la pampa humide en Argentine et en Uruguay correspondent à des individus hivernants, ce qui révèle que l'espèce est un migrateur saisonnier partiel. Nos modèles de distribution indiquent que sa zone d'occupation initiale pourrait avoir été réduite de 65% pour atteindre actuellement ~50 000 km², avec un bastion dans les pampas inondées de l'est de la province de Buenos Aires. Cependant, en raison des exigences spécifiques de l'espèce en matière de microhabitat, nous soupçonnons que ce chiffre sous-estime l'étendue de l'habitat approprié disponible et que A. hudsoni pourrait être très proche du seuil de la zone d'occupation des espèces vulnérables selon les critères de l'UICN. Il est urgent de poursuivre les recherches sur les exigences en matière d'habitat, la distribution et les tendances de la population.Fil: Claramunt, Santiago. University of Toronto; Canadá. Royal Ontario Museum; CanadáFil: Aldabe, Joaquín. Manomet Center For Conservation Sciences; Uruguay. Universidad de la Republica; UruguayFil: Etchevers, Ismael. Universidad de la Republica; UruguayFil: Di Giacomo, Adrian Santiago. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral; ArgentinaFil: Kopuchian, Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral; ArgentinaFil: Milensky, Christopher M.. National Museum of Natural History; Estados Unido

Chemical effects of diceCT staining protocols on fluid-preserved avian specimens

Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) techniques allow visualization of soft tissues of fluid-preserved specimens in three dimensions without dissection or histology. Two popular diceCT stains, iodine-potassium iodide (I2KI) dissolved in water and elemental iodine (I2) dissolved in 100% ethanol (EtOH), yield striking results. Despite the widespread use of these stains in clinical and biological fields, the molecular mechanisms that result in color change and radiopacity attributed to iodine staining are poorly understood. Requests to apply these stains to anatomical specimens preserved in natural history museums are increasing, yet curators have little information about the potential for degradation of treated specimens. To assess the molecular effects of iodine staining on typical museum specimens, we compared the two popular stains and two relatively unexplored stains (I2KI in 70% EtOH, I2 in 70% EtOH). House sparrows (Passer domesticus) were collected and preserved under uniform conditions following standard museum protocols, and each was then subjected to one of the stains. Results show that the three ethanol-based stains worked equally well (producing fully stained, life-like, publication quality scans) but in different timeframes (five, six, or eight weeks). The specimen in I2KI in water became degraded in physical condition, including developing flexible, demineralized bones. The ethanol-based methods also resulted in some demineralization but less than the water-based stain. The pH of the water-based stain was notably acidic compared to the water used as solvent in the stain. Our molecular analyses indicate that whereas none of the stains resulted in unacceptable levels of protein degradation, the bones of a specimen stained with I2KI in water demineralized throughout the staining process. We conclude that staining with I2KI or elemental I2 in 70% EtOH can yield high-quality soft-tissue visualization in a timeframe that is similar to that of better-known iodine-based stains, with lower risk of negative impacts on specimen condition

Does solar irradiation drive community assembly of vulture plumage microbiotas?

Abstract Background Stereotyped sunning behaviour in birds has been hypothesized to inhibit keratin-degrading bacteria but there is little evidence that solar irradiation affects community assembly and abundance of plumage microbiota. The monophyletic New World vultures (Cathartiformes) are renowned for scavenging vertebrate carrion, spread-wing sunning at roosts, and thermal soaring. Few avian species experience greater exposure to solar irradiation. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate the plumage microbiota of wild individuals of five sympatric species of vultures in Guyana. Results The exceptionally diverse plumage microbiotas (631 genera of Bacteria and Archaea) were numerically dominated by bacterial genera resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light, desiccation, and high ambient temperatures, and genera known for forming desiccation-resistant endospores (phylum Firmicutes, order Clostridiales). The extremophile genera Deinococcus (phylum Deinococcus-Thermus) and Hymenobacter (phylum, Bacteroidetes), rare in vertebrate gut microbiotas, accounted for 9.1% of 2.7 million sequences (CSS normalized and log2 transformed). Five bacterial genera known to exhibit strong keratinolytic capacities in vitro (Bacillus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Streptomyces) were less abundant (totaling 4%) in vulture plumage. Conclusions Bacterial rank-abundance profiles from melanized vulture plumage have no known analog in the integumentary systems of terrestrial vertebrates. The prominence of UV-resistant extremophiles suggests that solar irradiation may play a significant role in the assembly of vulture plumage microbiotas. Our results highlight the need for controlled in vivo experiments to test the effects of UV on microbial communities of avian plumage

Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Hematozoan Parasites in Asia: A Regional Study

Tissue samples from 699 birds from three regions of Asia (Myanmar, India, and South Korea) were screened for evidence of infection by avian parasites in the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Samples were collected from November 1994 to October 2004. We identified 241 infected birds (34.0%). Base-on-sequence data for the cytochrome b gene from 221 positive samples, 34 distinct lineages of Plasmodium, and 41 of Haemoproteus were detected. Parasite diversity was highest in Myanmar followed by India and South Korea. Parasite prevalence differed among regions but not among host families. There were four lineages of Plasmodium and one of Haemoproteus shared between Myanmar and India and only one lineage of Plasmodium shared between Myanmar and South Korea. No lineages were shared between India and South Korea, although an equal number of distinct lineages were recovered from each region. Migratory birds in South Korea and India originate from two different migratory flyways; therefore cross-transmission of parasite lineages may be less likely. India and Myanmar shared more host species and habitat types compared to South Korea. Comparison between low-elevation habitat in India and Myanmar showed a difference in prevalence of haematozoans

New species of the genus Picobia (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae)

Glowska, Eliza, Milensky, Christopher M. (2014): New species of the genus Picobia (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae). Zootaxa 3821 (3): 373-383, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3821.3.

Picobia myiopagi Glowska & Milensky, 2014, sp. nov.

Picobia myiopagi sp. nov. (Figs. 13 –16, 20, 24) PHYSOGASTRIC FEMALE (holotype). Total body length 755 (665–715 in 6 paratypes). Gnathosoma. Hypostomal apex tapering (Fig. 15). Infracapitulum punctate. Each medial branch of peritremes with ca. 7 chambers, borders between chambers in lateral branches invisible. Stylophore rounded posteriorly, 150 (145) long, punctate in anterior part. Idiosoma. Propodonotal shield represented by 2 narrow sclerites bearing bases of setae ve and si, punctate. Setae ve bases situated anterior to vi. Length ratio of setae vi: ve: si 1: 1.2–2: 6–12. Bases of setae c 1 and se situated at same transverse level. Hysteronotal shield absent. Setae d 1 bases situated closer to setae d 2 than e 2 bases. Length ratio of setae d 1: d 2: e 2 1.4 –1.6: 1.6–1.7: 1. Pygidial shield strongly sclerotized, double-leaf, covered with pygidial lobes provided with spike-shaped outgrowth, densely punctate. Bases of setae f 1 beneath lobes, f 2 situated beyond lobes (Figs. 20, 24). Lengths ratios of setae f 1: f 2 1: 1.2–1.9, h 1: h 2 1: 8.8, f 1: h 1 1.5–1.7: 1, f 2: h 2 1: 3.8. Aggenital setae ag 1 situated anterior to ag 2, ag 2 anterior to ag 3. Length ratio of ag 1: ag 2: ag 3 1.4: 1: 1.8–2.4. Pseudanal setae ps 1: ps 2 subequal in length or ps 2 1.5 times longer than ps 1. Setae g filiform, situated on triangular outgrowths of genital lobes. Legs. All coxal fields strongly sclerotized, punctate. Setae 3 c 1.9 times longer than 3 b. Antaxial and paraxial members of claws pair III and IV unequal in size and shape. Setae tc” III–IV 1.2 times longer than tc’. Lengths of setae: vi 25 (15–20), ve 30 (25–35), si 150 (145–180), c 2 180 (160–180), se 160 (170–185), c 1 155 (165–190), d 2 170 (160–170), d 1 160 (145–160), e 2 100 (95–100), f 1 50 (35–45), f 2 60 (65–80), h 1 30 (30), h 2 (265), ag 1 80 (65–70), ag 2 55 (55–70), ag 3 115 (115–150), g 1 55 (55–65), ps 1 20 (20), ps 2 20 (20–30), tc’ 60, tc” 70, lR’III 30, lR’IV 25, 3b 35, 3c 65, 4c 90. MALE: Unknown. Type material. Female holotype and 6 female paratypes (physogastric forms) from quills of body feathers of Myiopagis gaimardii (Orbigny) (USNM 637120) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), GUYANA: Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo, Upper Rewa River, 12 August 2006, coll. C. M. Milensky (mites sampled by E. Glowska). Additional material. Four females (physogastric forms) from Elaenia ruficeps Pelzeln (USNM 639133), GUYANA, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Paruima, ca. 19 km N, at Mt. Holitipu, 16 February 2007, coll. C. M. Milensky and 6 females (physogastric forms) from quills of body feathers of Myiopagis subplacens (Sclater) (USNM 643882) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), PERU: Tumbes, El Caucho Biological Station, 10 June 2009, coll. B. K. Schmidt (mites sampled by E. Glowska). Material deposition. Holotype female and 3 female paratypes, 2 females from Elaenia ruficeps and 3 females from Myiopagis subplacens are deposited in the USNM, 3 female paratypes, 2 females from E. ruficeps and 3 females from M. subplacens in the AMU. Etymology. The specific epithet derives from the generic name of the host. Differential diagnosis. Picobia myiopagi sp. nov. is most similar to P. sayornis Glowska, 2014 described from the Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) from Peru (Glowska 2014). In females of both species the propodonotal shield is represented by two punctate, saber-like lateral sclerites, bearing bases of setae ve and si, the peritremes median branches are with ca. 7 chambers and borders between chambers in the lateral branches are invisible, the hysteronotal shield is absent, the pygidial shield is double-leaf and covered by lobes, agenital setae ag 1 are situated anterior to ag 2 and ag 2 anterior to ag 3, the genital setae are filiform and situated on the genital lobes and the antaxial and paraxial members of claw pairs III–IV are unequal. Picobia myiopagi sp. nov. is distinguishable from P. sayornis by the shape of the pygidial lobes provided with a large strongly sclerotized spike-shaped outgrowth (Figs. 20, 24) and by the length of setae vi 15–25, ve 25–35, d 1 145–160, d 2 160–170, e 2 95 –100, f 1 35–50, f 2 60–80, ag 1 65–80. Females of P. sayornis have the pygidial lobes with 2–4 small, blunt-ended protuberances (Figs. 17, 21) and the length of setae are vi 30–35, ve 40–45, d 1 185–195, d 2 180–190, e 2 130–135, f 1 65, f 2 105, ag 1 100.Published as part of Glowska, Eliza & Milensky, Christopher M., 2014, New species of the genus Picobia (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), pp. 373-383 in Zootaxa 3821 (3) on pages 378-382, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3821.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/22494

Picobia schmidti Glowska & Milensky, 2014, sp. nov.

Picobia schmidti sp. nov. (Figs. 9 –12, 19, 23) PHYSOGASTRIC FEMALE (holotype). Total body length 670 (500–670 in 5 paratypes). Gnathosoma. Hypostomal apex tapering. Infracapitulum punctate. Each medial branch of peritremes with 5–6 chambers, each lateral branch with about 5 chambers (borders between chambers poorly visible). Stylophore rounded posteriorly, 115 (115–130) long, punctate in anterior part. Idiosoma. Propodonotal shield represented by 2 narrow apunctate sclerites bearing bases of setae ve and si. Setae ve bases situated anterior to vi. Length ratio of setae vi: ve: si 1–1.3: 1: 4. Bases of setae c 1 and se situated at same transverse level. Hysteronotal shield absent. Setae d 1 bases situated closer to setae d 2 than e 2 bases. Length ratio of setae d 1: d 2: e 2 1.3 –1.5: 1.5: 1. Pygidial shield strongly sclerotized, double-leaf, covered with pygidial lobes provided with 1 small spike-like outgrowth, punctate. Bases of setae f 1 covered by lobes, f 2 situated beyond lobes (Figs. 19, 23). Lengths ratios of setae f 1: f 2 1: 1.8–2.3, h 1: h 2 1: 6, f 1: h 1 1: 1–1.5, f 2: h 2 1: 2.9. Aggenital setae ag 1 situated anterior to ag 2, ag 2 anterior to ag 3. Length ratio of ag 1: ag 2: ag 3 1.2–1.8: 1: 1.7–2.1. Pseudanal setae ps 1 and ps 2 subequal in length. Setae g filiform, situated on triangular outgrowths of genital lobes. Legs. All coxal fields strongly sclerotized, punctate. Antaxial and paraxial members of claws pair III and IV unequal in size and shape. Setae tc’ and tc” III–IV subequal in length. Lengths of setae: vi 35 (35–45), ve 30 (25–35), si 120 (115), c 2 135 (130), se (130–145), c 1 135 (160), d 2 135 (125–145), d 1 120 (145), e 2 90 (80–95), f 1 35 (30–40), f 2 80 (65–70), h 1 (30–45), h 2 (185–205), ag 1 80 (55–75), ag 2 45 (45–70), ag 3 95 (85–105), g 1 (45–60), ps 1 (20–25), ps 2 (20–25), tc’ (45–55), tc” (45–55), lR’III 20 (25), lR’IV 20 (25), 3 c 65 (60), 4 b 20, 4c 70 (70). MALE: Unknown. Type material. Female holotype and 5 female paratypes (physogastric forms) from quills of body feathers of Lophotriccus pileatus (Tschudi) (USNM 643873) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), PERU: Tumbes, El Caucho Biological Station, 8 June 2009, coll. B. K. Schmidt (mites sampled by E. Glowska). Additional material. Five females (physogastric forms) from quills of body feathers of Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer (Orbigny and Lafresnaye) (USNM 639393) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), GUYANA: Cuyuni- Mazaruni, Paruima, ca. 19 km N, at Mt. Holitipu, 19 February 2007, coll. B. K. Schmidt (mites sampled by E. Glowska). Material deposition. Female holotype, 2 female paratypes and 3 females from L. pileatus are deposited in the USNM, 2 female paratypes and 2 females from H. margaritaceiventer - in the AMU. Etymology. This species is named in honor of the collector of the host specimens, Brian K. Schmidt. Differential diagnosis. Picobia schmidti sp. nov. is most similar to P. myiopagi sp. nov. In females of both species the stylophore is rounded posteriorly and punctated in the anterior part, the propodonotal shield is represented by two punctate narrow sclerites bearing bases of setae ve and si, setae ve bases are situated anterior to vi, the pygidial shield is double-leaf, covered with lobes. Females of P. schmidti are distinguishable from P. myiopagi by the distal part of the pygidial lobes provided with one tiny, sharp spine (Figs. 19, 23) and by the length of setae vi 30–45, si 115–120, c 2 130–135, se 130–145 and ag 3 85–105. In females of P. myiopagi the pygidial lobes are provided with one large strongly sclerotized spike-shaped outgrowth (Figs. 20, 24) and the lengths of setae are vi 15–25, si 145–180, c 2 160–180, se 160–185 and ag 3 120–150.Published as part of Glowska, Eliza & Milensky, Christopher M., 2014, New species of the genus Picobia (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), pp. 373-383 in Zootaxa 3821 (3) on page 378, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3821.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/22494

Picobia ochoi Glowska & Milensky, 2014, sp. nov.

Picobia ochoi sp. nov. (Figs. 1 –8, 18, 22) NON-PHYSOGASTRIC FEMALE (holotype, Figs. 1 –4, 18). Total body length 570 (605–630 in 3 paratypes). Gnathosoma. Hypostomal apex tapering (Fig. 3). Infracapitulum punctate. Each medial branch of peritremes with 6–7 chambers, each lateral branch with about 5 chambers (borders between chambers poorly visible) (Fig. 4). Stylophore rounded posteriorly, 170 (165–170) long, punctate in anterior part. Idiosoma. Propodonotal shield represented by 2 narrow punctate sclerites bearing bases of setae ve and si. Setae ve bases situated anterior to bases of setae vi. Length ratio of setae vi: ve: si 1: 1–1.2: 6.8–10. Bases of setae c 1 and se situated at same transverse level. Hysteronotal shield absent. Setae d 1 bases situated closer to setae d 2 than e 2 bases. Length ratio of setae d 1: d 2: e 2 1: 1: 1.2–1.4. Pygidial shield strongly sclerotized, double-leaf, covered with pygidial lobes ended flounce-like outgrowths, densely punctate. Bases of setae f 1 covered by lobes, f 2 situated beyond lobes (Figs. 18, 22). Lengths ratios of setae f 1: f 2 1: 1–1.2, h 1: h 2 1: 4.8–6.5, f 1: h 1 1.8: 1, f 2: h 2 1: 2.2–2.4. Aggenital setae ag 1 situated anterior to ag 2, ag 2 anterior to ag 3. Length ratio of ag 1: ag 2: ag 3 1.6–1.9: 1: 1.4–1.8. Pseudanal setae ps 1: ps 2 subequal in length. Setae g filiform, situated on triangular outgrowths of genital lobes. Legs. All coxal fields strongly sclerotized, punctate. Setae 3 c 7.2 times longer than 3 b. Antaxial and paraxial members of claws pair III and IV unequal in size and shape. Setae tc’ and tc” III–IV subequal in length. Lengths of setae: vi 20 (20–25), ve 20 (20–30), si 180 (170–195), c 2 (215–220), se 220 (230–250), c 1 220 (230), d 2 (205–235), d 1 205 (235), e 2 170 (170), f 1 90 (95), f 2 110 (95–115), h 1 50 (40), h 2 240 (260–280), ag 1 160 (170), ag 2 85 (70–105), ag 3 155 (145–175), g 1 70 (75), ps 1 30, ps 2 30, tc’ 70, tc” 70, lR’III 30 (30), lR’IV 35 (30), 3 b 20, 3c 145, 4b 45, 4c 170. PHYSOGASTRIC FEMALE (Figs. 5 –8, 1 paratype). Body worm-shaped, 980 long, other characters of body and legs as in non-physogastric form. MALE: Unknown. Type material. Female holotype and 3 female paratypes (2 non-physogastric and 1 physogastric) from quills of body feathers of Tolmomyias sulphurescens (Spix) (USNM 639149) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), GUYANA: Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Paruima, ca. 19 km N, at Mt. Holitipu, 18 February 2007, coll. C.M. Milensky (mites sampled by E. Glowska). Material deposition. Holotype female and 1 female paratype are deposited in the USNM, 2 female paratypes in the Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland (AMU). Etymology. This new species is named in honor of the prominent acarologist, Dr. Ronald Ochoa. Differential diagnosis. Picobia ochoi sp. nov. is most similar to P. s ay o r n i s Glowska, 2014 described from the Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans (Swainson) (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) from Peru (Glowska 2014). In females of both species, each medial branch of the peritremes has 6–7 chambers and the borders between chambers of the lateral branches are poorly visible, the stylophore is rounded posteriorly, and punctate in anterior part, the propodonotal shield is represented by two punctate, narrow sclerites bearing bases of setae ve and si, setae ve bases are situated anterior to vi, and the pygidial shield is double-leaf covered with lobes. Females of P. ochoi differ from P. s a y or ni s by the distal edge of the pygidial lobes flounce-like (Figs. 18, 22) and by the lengths of setae vi 20–25, ve 20–30, c 2 215–220, se 220–250, e 2 170, f 1 90–95, ag 1 160 –170, 3c 145, 4c 170. Females of P. sayor ni s have the pygidial lobes bearing 2-4 small, blunt-ended protuberances (Figs. 17, 21) and the setal lengths: vi 30–35, ve 40–45, c 2 165–180, se 185–190, e 2 130–135, f 1 65, ag 1 100, 3c 90 –95, 4c 105. TABLE. 1. Quill mites species (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae). Mite species Host species Distribution References Picobia myiopagi sp. nov. Myiopagis gaimardii (Orbigny) Guyana present paper M. subplacens (Sclater) Peru p. p. Elaenia ruficeps Pelzeln Guyana p. p. ochoi sp. nov. Tolmomyias sulphurescens (Spix) Guyana p. p. sayornis Glowska, 2014 Sayornis nigricans (Swainson) Peru Glowska 2014 schmidti sp. nov. Lophotriccus pileatus (Tschudi) Peru p. p. Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer (Orbigny & Lafresnaye) Guyana p. p. Syringophilopsis empidonax Skoracki, Empidonax hammondii (Xantus de Vesey) USA Skoracki et al. 2008 Flannery and Spicer, 2008 E. wrightii Baird USA Skoracki et al. 2008 tyranni Bochkov and Galloway, 2004 Tyrannus tyrannus (L.) Canada Bochkov & Galloway 2004 T. verticalis Say USA Skoracki et al. 2008 Myiarchus cinerascens (Lawrence) USA Skoracki et al. 2008 M. crinitus (L.) USA Skoracki et al. 2008 Myiopagis subplacens (Sclater) Peru Glowska 2014 szeffleri Glowska, 2014 Lophotriccus pileatus (Tschudi) Peru Glowska 2014Published as part of Glowska, Eliza & Milensky, Christopher M., 2014, New species of the genus Picobia (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae), pp. 373-383 in Zootaxa 3821 (3) on pages 374-377, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3821.3.6, http://zenodo.org/record/22494

Avifauna of the Southeastern Himalayan Mountains and neighboring Myanmar hill country

The northern Myanmar hill jungle and neighboring highlands found along the southeastern slopes of the Himalayas (Hkakabo Razi region, northern Kachin State, northernmost Myanmar) is almost untouched by humans, and can be considered as primary forest in the literal sense. Until the efforts reported on in this monograph, no ornithologist had the opportunity to visit this remote area since the late 1940s. Beginning in 1997, we made several visits to this extraordinary, species-rich area, and compiled an inventory of the regional avifauna while also studying the ecology, behavior, systematics, taxonomy, biogeography, and origin of the region’s birds. We report on these aspects for the 441 species found in the area and add data on species new to the area and those for which there are only a few representatives in the world’s specimen collections. In addition, we provide information on taxa that are likely endemic (Jabouilleia naungmungensis), suggest splits or revisions of subspecies and species, and describe two new subspecies from the area, Alcippe cinereiceps hkakaboraziensis ssp. nov. and Malacocincla abbotti kachinensis ssp. nov., based on plumage and morphometric differentiation. Last but not least, we analyze the species affinities (i.e. the biogeographic origin of the species occurring in Hkakabo Razi and surrounding areas). We found a lack of data in general for bird species in Southeast Asia, India and Tibet/China, but especially in the northern hill mountains of Kachin State around Hkakabo Razi National Park. Efforts by conservation organizations and ourselves has improved the situation, but much more work, particularly on ecology and global change effects, is warranted. We have added considerable information on the distribution, systematics, ecology, and biogeography of a number of species. Although much work remains to be done, our research provides significant new insights into the biology and biogeography of the region’s birds, and in particular, on delineation of major zoogeographic regions. We conclude that Ernst Mayr was correct in essence when he stated that the eastern border between the Oriental and Southeast Asian regions is roughly equivalent to the political boundary between Myanmar (Burma) and China. However, our work provides new understanding of the reasons, and challenges some of the fundamental assumptions on which the ‘zoogeographic region’ concept is based. In particular, such delineations often fail to take into account the geological and ecological history of a region. By evaluating in detail the subspecific relationships of the Hkakabo Razi rainforest avifauna, we were able to determine that the avifauna most similar is found in the temperate rainforests of northeastern India. We conclude that the likely reason for this similarity is that these two avifaunas shared the same refugium during the maximum of the last glacial period (18,000 years ago), and that other south and southeast Asian rainforest species shared different refugia during this time period, and probably during previous glacial events as well.Other parts of this work have been funded through six SYNTEHSYS grants (visits to BMNH, NMN, NMW, ZMUC, NRM, and Museo de la Historia Natural de Madrid: ES-TAF-2501; AT-TAF-2481; GB-TAF-108, SE-TAF-1312; NL-TAF-4369, AT-TAF-7), under the European Community’s 7th Framework Program (www.synthesys.info).Peer reviewe

Distribution, migratory behavior, and conservation of Hudson’s Canastero Asthenes hudsoni (Furnariidae): a grassland specialist from the humid Pampas

Hudson’s Canastero, Asthenes hudsoni (Furnariidae) is a secretive passerine from the Rio de la Plata grasslands of South America. It is considered near threatened, but little is known about its distribution and seasonal movements. We performed a thorough revision of historical and recent records of the species and estimated its original and current geographic distribution using niche modeling based on climatic and land cover information. We found that A. hudsoni is not widespread across the Río de la Plata grasslands but mostly restricted to the humid pampas in Argentina, with isolated populations in central Argentina and SE Brazil. Most records north of the humid pampas in Argentina and Uruguay correspond to wintering individuals, revealing that the species is a partial seasonal migrant. Our distribution models indicate that its original area of occupancy may have been reduced by 65% to a current ~50,000 km², with a stronghold in the flooding Pampas in eastern Buenos Aires province. However, because of the specific microhabitat requirements of the species, we suspect that this figure underestimates the extent of appropriate habitat available, and that A. hudsoni could be very close to the threshold of area of occupancy for vulnerable species under IUCN criteria. Further research on habitat requirements, distribution, and population trends are urgently needed