Latest news with #Sinovas
Miami Herald
15-04-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Mysterious' long-toed creature missing for a century found sunbathing in jungle
On a two-day trek through the jungle in North Sumatra, researcher Pablo Sinovas was stopped in his tracks by a 'vibrant' creature sitting on the trail, basking in a beam of sunlight that broke through the rainforest canopy. It flicked its pale 'snake-like' tongue at him before running off in short bursts on its 'inordinately long' toes, taking refuge under a boulder, according to an April 10 study published in the journal Zootaxa. Unsure in the moment of what he found, Sinovas showed a picture of the animal to local guides and residents. Only a few people had ever seen it before. Sinovas then sent photos of the 'mysterious' creature to Dr. Lee Grismer whom he calls 'Southeast Asia's leading herpetologist,' according to an April 12 Instagram post. 'Holy (expletive)! Did you find it?' Grismer responded, according to Sinovas' post. 'That species has not been seen in well over a century. I have looked for it for 20 years.' It turns out Sinovas had photographed Sphenomorphus anomalopus, also known as the long-toed forest skink — sightings of which had not been confirmed in 109 years, according to the study. 'It was described in 1890 and, shortly after, it vanished,' Sinovas said. 'All that remained were some old, faded museum specimens.' The skink, listed as data deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, had never officially been documented alive and in its natural habitat. Dead specimens were recorded in Sumatra in 1915, then there was no mention of the species until a few unconfirmed images appeared on iNaturalist in 2023 and 2024, according to the study. Sinovas' observations have helped verify the skink in these photos as Sphenomorphus anomalopus, according to the study. The species is recognized by 'its unmistakably long fourth toe,' according to the study. Scientists initially believed the species lived in the trees and that this digit provided grip for their arboreal lifestyle. New observations show the skink actually lives on the ground among leaf litter, and its long toes may provide additional traction on slippery surfaces, according to Sinovas. The long-toed forest skink, never before described alive, has a 'vibrant and contrasting' coloration, with a 'lemon-yellow' throat and chest and 'orange, reddish, and greyish pattern configuration,' according to the study. The skink was rediscovered in Gunung Leuser National Park, a world heritage site and biosphere reserve, according to the study. The park is 'renowned for its biodiversity and serves as a critical habitat for numerous endemic and threatened species,' including the Sumatran orangutan and the Sumatran elephant, according to the study. Researchers include Pablo Sinovas and L. Lee Grismer.
The Independent
13-03-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Study says endangered Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought
A genetic study of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia published Thursday reveals a larger and more robust population than previously thought, raising hopes the endangered species could slowly recover. Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group collected samples from elephant dung in Cambodia's northern plains and extracted DNA. From the DNA they were able to identify individual elephants, estimate population size, and determine the sex of the animals and the overall genetic diversity of the population. From their work they estimated that there are 51 elephants in the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries, with greater genetic diversity — a 'critical factor for long-term viability,' the researchers said — than in two other areas of the country in which they live. 'With sufficient suitable habitat remaining in the region, the population has the potential to grow if properly protected,' the report concludes. Overall, some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study's findings underscore the potential of the northern area studied to become a 'national stronghold' for them, contributing to Cambodia's biodiversity conservation goals. 'Habitat degradation, especially when it leads to fragmentation, continues to be a serious concern,' Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, told The Associated Press. 'This study provides a robust basis on which to base conservation efforts and landscape management.' The study, supported by USAID funds and Britain's People's Postcode Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Environment Ministry. The genetic testing was done at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The research was carried out in the 2020-21 dry season, but Sinovas said since elephants reproduce slowly it is not thought that the population size would have changed significantly since then. Researchers want to replicate the study elsewhere in Cambodia and in other countries, such as neighboring Vietnam where the Asian elephants live in fragmented populations. 'We were very pleasantly surprised by the results of the project,' said Alex Ball, conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. "We now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond, helping to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers, which will inform how best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals.' ____
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Study says endangered Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A genetic study of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia published Thursday reveals a larger and more robust population than previously thought, raising hopes the endangered species could slowly recover. Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group collected samples from elephant dung in Cambodia's northern plains and extracted DNA. From the DNA they were able to identify individual elephants, estimate population size, and determine the sex of the animals and the overall genetic diversity of the population. From their work they estimated that there are 51 elephants in the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries, with greater genetic diversity — a 'critical factor for long-term viability,' the researchers said — than in two other areas of the country in which they live. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'With sufficient suitable habitat remaining in the region, the population has the potential to grow if properly protected,' the report concludes. Overall, some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study's findings underscore the potential of the northern area studied to become a 'national stronghold' for them, contributing to Cambodia's biodiversity conservation goals. 'Habitat degradation, especially when it leads to fragmentation, continues to be a serious concern,' Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, told The Associated Press. 'This study provides a robust basis on which to base conservation efforts and landscape management.' The study, supported by USAID funds and Britain's People's Postcode Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Environment Ministry. The genetic testing was done at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The research was carried out in the 2020-21 dry season, but Sinovas said since elephants reproduce slowly it is not thought that the population size would have changed significantly since then. Researchers want to replicate the study elsewhere in Cambodia and in other countries, such as neighboring Vietnam where the Asian elephants live in fragmented populations. 'We were very pleasantly surprised by the results of the project,' said Alex Ball, conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. "We now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond, helping to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers, which will inform how best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals.' ____ Rising reported from Bangkok
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Study says endangered Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A genetic study of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia published Thursday reveals a larger and more robust population than previously thought, raising hopes the endangered species could slowly recover. Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group collected samples from elephant dung in Cambodia's northern plains and extracted DNA. From the DNA they were able to identify individual elephants, estimate population size, and determine the sex of the animals and the overall genetic diversity of the population. From their work they estimated that there are 51 elephants in the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries, with greater genetic diversity — a 'critical factor for long-term viability,' the researchers said — than in two other areas of the country in which they live. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'With sufficient suitable habitat remaining in the region, the population has the potential to grow if properly protected,' the report concludes. Overall, some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study's findings underscore the potential of the northern area studied to become a 'national stronghold' for them, contributing to Cambodia's biodiversity conservation goals. 'Habitat degradation, especially when it leads to fragmentation, continues to be a serious concern,' Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, told The Associated Press. 'This study provides a robust basis on which to base conservation efforts and landscape management.' The study, supported by USAID funds and Britain's People's Postcode Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Environment Ministry. The genetic testing was done at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The research was carried out in the 2020-21 dry season, but Sinovas said since elephants reproduce slowly it is not thought that the population size would have changed significantly since then. Researchers want to replicate the study elsewhere in Cambodia and in other countries, such as neighboring Vietnam where the Asian elephants live in fragmented populations. 'We were very pleasantly surprised by the results of the project,' said Alex Ball, conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. "We now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond, helping to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers, which will inform how best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals.' ____ Rising reported from Bangkok
Associated Press
13-03-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Study says endangered Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A genetic study of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia published Thursday reveals a larger and more robust population than previously thought, raising hopes the endangered species could slowly recover. Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group collected samples from elephant dung in Cambodia's northern plains and extracted DNA. From the DNA they were able to identify individual elephants, estimate population size, and determine the sex of the animals and the overall genetic diversity of the population. From their work they estimated that there are 51 elephants in the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries, with greater genetic diversity — a 'critical factor for long-term viability,' the researchers said — than in two other areas of the country in which they live. 'With sufficient suitable habitat remaining in the region, the population has the potential to grow if properly protected,' the report concludes. Overall, some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study's findings underscore the potential of the northern area studied to become a 'national stronghold' for them, contributing to Cambodia's biodiversity conservation goals. 'Habitat degradation, especially when it leads to fragmentation, continues to be a serious concern,' Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, told The Associated Press. 'This study provides a robust basis on which to base conservation efforts and landscape management.' The study, supported by USAID funds and Britain's People's Postcode Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Environment Ministry. The genetic testing was done at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The research was carried out in the 2020-21 dry season, but Sinovas said since elephants reproduce slowly it is not thought that the population size would have changed significantly since then. Researchers want to replicate the study elsewhere in Cambodia and in other countries, such as neighboring Vietnam where the Asian elephants live in fragmented populations. 'We were very pleasantly surprised by the results of the project,' said Alex Ball, conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. 'We now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond, helping to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers, which will inform how best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals.' ____
