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- Antonelli, Alexandre, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity : Evolution, distribution, and use
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623, s. 962-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar's biota is hyperdiverse and includes exceptional levels of endemicity. We review the current state of knowledge on Madagascar's past and current terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by compiling and presenting comprehensive data on species diversity, endemism, and rates of species description and human uses, in addition to presenting an updated and simplified map of vegetation types. We report a substantial increase of records and species new to science in recent years; however, the diversity and evolution of many groups remain practically unknown (e.g., fungi and most invertebrates). Digitization efforts are increasing the resolution of species richness patterns and we highlight the crucial role of field- and collections-based research for advancing biodiversity knowledge and identifying gaps in our understanding, particularly as species richness corresponds closely to collection effort. Phylogenetic diversity patterns mirror that of species richness and endemism in most of the analyzed groups. We highlight humid forests as centers of diversity and endemism because of their role as refugia and centers of recent and rapid radiations. However, the distinct endemism of other areas, such as the grassland-woodland mosaic of the Central Highlands and the spiny forest of the southwest, is also biologically important despite lower species richness. The documented uses of Malagasy biodiversity are manifold, with much potential for the uncovering of new useful traits for food, medicine, and climate mitigation. The data presented here showcase Madagascar as a unique " living laboratory" for our understanding of evolution and the complex interactions between people and nature. The gathering and analysis of biodiversity data must continue and accelerate if we are to fully understand and safeguard this unique subset of Earth's biodiversity.
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| 2. |
- Atalahy, Anselme M., et al.
(author)
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Nouvelles espèces du genre Pyrostria (Rubiaceae, Vanguerieae) de Madagascar
- 2021
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In: Candollea. - : Society of Conservatoire at Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Geneve. - 0373-2967 .- 2235-3658. ; 76:1, s. 1-12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the course of a taxonomic revision of the genus Pyrostria Comm. ex Juss. (Rubiaceae, Vanguerieae) in Madagascar, we describe five new species endemic from the Island: Pyrostria ambohitantelensis Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim., Pyrostria ambrensis Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim., Pyrostria betsomangensis Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim., Pyrostria coriacea Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim. and Pyrostria longicorollata Atalahy, Rakotonas. & Razafim. Each new species is provided with line drawings, a discussion on its morphological affinities and a risk of extinction assessment based on the IUCN Red List criteria.
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| 3. |
- Atalahy, Anselme, et al.
(author)
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Un nouveau nom dans la tribu des Vanguerieae (Rubiaceae) de Madagascar
- 2020
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In: Candollea. - 0373-2967 .- 2235-3658. ; 75:1, s. 71-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A variety of the Malagasy genus Canthium Lam. (Rubiaceae, Vanguerieae), Canthium perrieri var. louvelii Cavaco, is transferred to the genus Pyrostria Comm. ex Juss. because, like the typical variety already transferred in this genus, it shares its distinctive characters (inflorescences or solitary flowers involucrate). This taxon is further raised to species level, as it is morphologically distinct from Pyrostria perrieri (Cavaco) Razafim. et al. We provide the necessary new replacement name: Pyrostria orientalis A. Atalahy, Rakotanas. & Razafim., since the epithet louvelii is already occupied in Pyrostria.
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