Monthly Archives: November 2011

Alectroenas sp. ‘Farquhar Islands’

Farquhar Islands Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas sp.)

A population of some sort of blue pigeons, which are otherwise known from several islands and island groups within the Indian Ocean, may once have existed on the Farquhar Islands, a group of three smaller atolls that belong to the outer islands of the Seychelles; this can be taken from an old account.:

“Jean de Nova i. e. Farquhar and Providence … like the Amirates, Coetivy and Alphonse are the resort of Millions of Birds of which, the Frigate Bird, the Fou, a beautiful small white gull, a variety of various coloured Gannet, and the Tropic Bird are the principle: In S. Pierre and Providence a species of small blue pigeon are in great abundance, and so seldom disturbed that they do not fly at man’s approach, but are knock’d down with Sticks, we found them excessively good eating, these birds build and nest on the Mapou tree and other Dwarf trees which cover the surface of the islands …” [1]

***

These birds may have been identical to the Seychelles Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas pulcherrimus (Scopoli)) (see photo), or, probably more likely, might have represented a distinct taxon.

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References:

[1] D. R. Stoddart; C. W. Benson: An old record of a blue pigeon Alectroenas species and sea-birds on Farquhar and Providence. Atoll Research Bulletin 136: 35-36. 1970

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Seychelles Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas pulcherrimus)

Photo: Adrian Scottow

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

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edited: 10.08.2022

Helenoconcha sexdentata (Smith)

Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha sexdentata)  

The Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail was described in 1893, as its name implies, it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of saint Helena.

“This species agrees rather closely with P. pseustes, Smith, in respect of the dentition of the aperture. The palatal lamella, however, in that species is considerably stronger, and the form of the shell is very different. P. cutteri has two similar parietal lamellae, only two basal denticles, and no palatal lamella. In other respects it appears to be very similar, but a trifle larger. Watercresses (Nasturtium officinale) among which it is stated by M. Eudel [M. Emile Eudel, the collector of this species] that this species occurs, are said to be “very common in the ravines and along the mountain streams and ponds.”.” [1]

The shells reach sizes of about 0,3 cm in diameter. 

***

The Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail was apparently still found alive when it was described; it is nevertheless now considered extinct. [1]

***

The species of this genus, as well as basically all of the Saint Helena Gastropoda species, are in urgent need of a proper revision!

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References:

Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893

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Depiction from: ‘Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893’

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Columba melitensis Lydekker

Malta Pigeon (Columba melitensis)

The Malta Pigeon was described in 1891, it is known exclusively from fossil bones that were excavated from depostits in the Ghar Dalam Cave (and probably other caves) on the island of Malta.

The species was obviously somewhat similar to the extant Rock Dove (Columba livia Gmelin), but apparently slightly smaller.

The bones can be dated to an age of about 10000 years, making this species a case of a Pleistocene/Holocene borderline extinction. 

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edited: 13.01.2019

Cyclura sp. ‘Barbuda’

Barbuda Iguana (Cyclura sp.)

This form, which might have been a distinct species, is currently known only from a single bone, a braincase, found on the island of Barbuda.

The species apparently disappeared as early as shortly after the occupation of the island by Amerindian settlers.

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References:

[1] Gregory K. Pregill; David W. Steadman; David R. Watters: Late Quaternary vertebrate faunas of the Lesser Antilles: historical components of Caribbean biogeography. Bulletin of Carnegie Museum of Natural History 30: 1-51. 1994

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edited: 16.05.2021

Amastra extincta (Pfeiffer)

Extinct Amastra Snail (Amastra extincta)

The Extinct Amastra Snail was scientifically named for the fact that it was already extinct for a long time when it was described in 1855.

The species is known exclusively from subfossil specimen collected somewhere on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

… from the original description.:

“Shell perforate, ovate-turrite, solid, striatulate, chalky. Spire long, tapering upwards, acute. Whorls 7, scarcely convex, the last less than one-third the total length, somewhat compressed around the perforation. Aperture slightly oblique, rhombic-oval, angular at the base. Columellar fold compressed, ascending almost from the base. Peristome simple, unexpanded, the margins joined by a thick, somewhat nodiferous callus, columellar margin dilated, free.” [1]

The shells reached sizes of about 1,6 cm in length. [1]

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References:

[1] George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata. Vol 21: Achatinellidae (Amastrinae). 1911

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Depiction from: ‘W. D. Hartman: A bibliographic and synonymic catalogue of the genus Achatinella. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 40: 16-56. 1888’

(public domain)

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edited: 27.09.2020

Chaetocarpus pubescens (Thwaites) Hook. f.

Pubescent Hedoke Tree (Chaetocarpus pubescens)

This tree species was described in 1887, it is endemic to Sri Lanka.

The species is officially listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ but might in fact already be extinct.

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edited: 01.11.2020

Naesiotus adelphus Dall

Adelphus’ Galapagos Snail (Naesiotus adelphus)

Adelphus’ Galapagos Snail, described in 1917, is endemic to the Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, where it inhabited the island’s arid zones. [1]  

***

Robert P. Smith, a gastropod specialist, investigated the snail populations on six of the larger islands of the Galápagos archipelago in 1970, including Isla Santa Cruz. By 2005 and 2005, when exactly the same areas were investigated again, many populations had disappeared.  

The touristic industry is booming on the islands, particularly on Isla Santa Cruz, and many of the former habitats are destroyed today, not only by development but also by the introduction of foreign species (animals and plants).  

The highlands, formerly home to endemic species like the Galapagos Miconia (Miconia robinsoniana Cogn.) and the Santa Cruz Scalesia (Scalesia pedunculata Hook. F.) are now overrun by introduced plant species, just like the lower regions of the island are.  

The snails are also killed by introduced ants, especially by the Little Fire Ant, also known as Electric Ant, (Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger)). [2][3]

***

Adelphus’ Galapagos Snail was not found in recent years, despite specific searches, and is considered most likely extinct.  

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References:  

[1] William Healey Dall; Washington Henry Ochsner: Landshells of the Galapagos Islands. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. Ser. 4. Vol. 17.: 141-185. 1928 
[2] Christine E. Parent; Robert P. Smith: Galápagos bulimulids: status report on a devastated fauna. Tentacle 14. 2006
[3] Christine E. Parent; Bernard J. Crepsi: Sequential colonization and diversification of Galapágos endemic land snail genus Bulimulus (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora). Evolution 60(11): 2311-2328. 2006  

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Photo from: ‘William Healey Dall; Washington Henry Ochsner: Landshells of the Galapagos Islands. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. Ser. 4. Vol. 17.: 141-185. 1928’

(under creative commons license (3.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

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edited: 01.06.2021

Cyrtandra funkii Reinecke

Funk’s Cyrtandra (Cyrtandra funkii)

Funk’s Cyrtandra was restricted to the rainforests of the island of ‘Upolu, Samoa.

The species was last seen in 1893 and is now extinct. [1] 

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Referenzen:  

[1] Art Whistler: The Rare Plants of Samoa. Biodiversity Conservation Lessons Learned Technical Series 2. Conservation International, Apia, Samoa 2011

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edited: 10.09.2019

Palaopartula leucothoe (Semper)

Leucothoe Tree-Snail (Palaopartula leucothoe)  

The Palau Islands, as far as it is known, are home to three endemic tree-snail species, the Calypso Tree-Snail (Palaopartula calypso (Semper)), the Leucothoe Tree-Snail, and the Thetis Tree-Snail (Palaopartula thetis (Semper)), all of which seem to have originally been collected on the island of Peleliu.  

These three species are most closely related to the species that live in Melanesia, yet form their own subgenus (Palaopartula), which has now been elevated to full genus status. [3]  

***

During field surveys in the year 2005, only one species, the Calypso Tree-Snail, could be relocated.  

The notorious ‘snail killers’ (Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea (Férussac)), Snail-eating Flatworm (Platydemus monokwari (De Beauchamp)) et al.), that have been introduced to so many islands, seem to haven’t yet reached the Palau Islands.  

The Leucothoe Tree-Snail is, however, nevertheless, most likely extinct.  

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References:  

[1] Rebecca J. Rundell: The land snails of Belau: Survey of the 16 States. Report. Distributed to Federal, State and Local Governments and NGOs, Republic of Palau. 2005 
[2] Ric Brewer; Jesse Czekanski-Moir; Rebecca J. Rundell: Partula Programme Consortium and Belau Partulidae update. Tentacle 15: 19-20. 2007 
[3] Justin Gerlach: Icons of Evolution: Pacific Island Tree-Snails of the Family Partulidae. Phelsuma Press 2016 
[4] John Slapcinsky; Fred Kraus: Revision of Partulidae (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora) of Palau, with description of a new genus for an unusual ground-dwelling species. ZooKeys 614: 27-49. 2016  

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Photo from: ‘John Slapcinsky; Fred Kraus: Revision of Partulidae (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora) of Palau, with description of a new genus for an unusual ground-dwelling species. ZooKeys 614: 27-49. 2016’ 

(under creative commons license (4.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0

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edited: 18.10.2017

Pteropus aruensis Peters

Aru Flying Fox (Pteropus aruensis)

The Aru Flying Fox was described in 1867; it is known at least from the islands of Kobror and Wokam, Aru Islands, Indonesia; it hasn’t been seen since the 19th century and is believed to be extinct.

The species is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of the Black-bearded Flying Fox (Pteropous melanopogon Peters).

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edited: 08.08.2022

Bembidion sublimbatus Wollaston

Bordered Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion sublimbatus)  

The Bordered Bembidion Ground Beetle, described in 1877, was obviously restricted to a very small area at the Central High Ridge in the center of Saint Helena, where the species appears to have already been rare when it was first discovered.  

Thomas Vernon Wollaston wrote about it in 1877 (Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae).:  

“The only spot in which I have met with this extremely rare Bembidium is towards the western extremity of the great central ridge, immediately above the house known as West Lodge, – where, early in February, I took it, on two or three occasions, at the very edge of the tremendous precipice which overlooks the Sandy-Bay crater. It was found beneath damp wood, leaves, and sticks, amongst shrubs of the Aster gummiferus [Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk] and common gorse; and, although it may perhaps be more plentiful on the perfectly inaccessible Aster-clothed slopes below (extending from thence to High Peak), my utmost endeavours enabled me to secure only eight or nine specimens; though as both sexes are well represented, this is more than sufficient for all practical purposes.”  

***

The most recent field searches in 2008 found the type locality of the species being more or less completely eroded, yet did not produce any trace of the beetle itself, which is thus feared to be extinct.  

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References:  

[1] T. V. Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] H. Mendel; P. Ashmole; M. Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008

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Photo: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Myadestes lanaiensis ssp. rutha (Bryan)

Molokai Thrush (Myadestes lanaiensis ssp. rutha)

The Molokai Thrush, described in 1891, was restricted to the island of Moloka’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The thrush was considered very common in the 19th century but its populations began to collapse due to deforestation and the unintentional introduction of avian malaria onto the islands and it is now extinct.

***

syn. Phaeornis rutha Brya

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edited: 17.11.2021

Telespiza sp. ‘Owl Cave’

Owl Cave Finch (Telespiza sp.)

This species has not been described so far, it is known from at least a partial associated skeleton found in a cave named Owl Cave on the island of Hawai’i in the Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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References:

[1] Helen F. James: The osteology and phylogeny of the Hawaiian finch radiation (Fringillidae: Drepanidini), including extinct taxa. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 141: 207-255. 2004

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edited: 17.06.2020

Pieris napi ssp. atlantis (Oberthür)

Moroccan Green-veined White (Pieris napi ssp. atlantis)

The Moroccan Green-veined White is a subspecies of the widespread Green-veined White (Pieris napi (L.)); it was described in 1925 and was restricted to the Middle Atlas Mountains in north-eastern Morocco.

This subspecies is now considered extinct; however, I cannot find any additional information so far.

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Green-veined White (Pieris napi ssp. napi (L.)); nominate race

Photo: Alexander Lang

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edited: 09.08.2022

Autoplusia olivacea (Skinner)

Olive-colored Owlet Moth (Autoplusia olivacea)

The Olive-colored Owlet Moth is only known from eight specimens, some of which were collected in 1916 in Los Angeles and some a little later in Pasadena, California.  

The species reached a wingspan of 3.9 cm.  

As far as is known, the caterpillars fed on Large-leaved Ragwort (Senecio grandifolius Less.), but probably also on other species.  

The species has not been recorded since the beginning of the 20th century and is believed to be probably extinct – but its name is apparently still incorrectly used for another, common species of the same genus, the real name of which is Autoplusia egenoides Franclemont & Todd.

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edited: 02.05.2021

Ciconia sp. ‘Cuba’

Cuban Stork (Ciconia sp.)

This form is known from fossil bones only that were found in the Las Breas de San Felipe tar pits in the Matanzas Province of Cuba in the Caribbean.

The Cuban Stork lived in sympatry with another now extinct congeneric species, the La Brea Stork (Ciconia maltha Miller), which, however, was not restricted to the island of Cuba but also inhabited large parts of what today is the USA.

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edited: 19.8.2022

Calyptranthes boldinghii Urb.

Sint Maarten-Myrtle (Calyptranthes boldinghii)  

The small, shrubby Sint Maarten-Myrtle was described in 1909, it is known only by the type material which was collected somewhere in the Dutch southern part of the island of Sint Maarten/St. Martin.

The species was not found again since, it is very likely extinct. 

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edited: 07.10.2020

Zaumia sanctizaumi (Radoman)

Ohrid Freshwater Snail (Zaumia sanctizaumi)

This species was described in 1964, it was a freshwater snail restricted to a very small area in the southeast part of Lake Ohrid in Albania. 

The quality of the lake’s water has declined due to pollution and, because the species was not recorded during rescent surveys, it is believed to be very probably extinct.

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edited: 15.04.2019

Corvus viriosus Olson & James

Robust Crow (Corvus viriosus)

The Robust Crow, described in 1991, is known exclusively from subfossil remains, these were found on the islands of Moloka’i and O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

This species was apparently an inhabitant of the lowlands and might have fed on fruits, thus might have been somewhat an Hawaiian equivalent to the pigeons and doves on other Polynesian islands – a seed disperser of large-fruited plant species.

The bird disappeared quite shortly after the arrival of the first human settlers.

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References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

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edited: 10.01.2024

Partula garretti Pease

Garrett’s Tree-Snail (Partula garretti)  

Garrett’s Tree-Snail was described in 1865, it includes three subspecies of which the nominate, discussed here, was restricted to the central range of northeastern Ra’iatea, Society Islands.

The species, like all Raiatean partulid species, is extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Justin Gerlach: Icons of Evolution: Pacific Island Tree-Snails of the Family Partulidae. Phelsuma Press 2016

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 20, Caecilioides, Clessula and Partulidae. Index to Vols. 16-20. 1909-1910’ 

(public domain)

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edited: 30.04.2019

Tropodiaptomus ctenopus Kiefer

Comb-footed Pelagic Copepod (Tropodiaptomus ctenopus)  

This species was described in 1930 from the region of Antananarivo, Madagascar.  

The Comb-footed Pelagic Copepod, whose biology is completely unknown, was never found again and is believed to be extinct.  

***

Another species, the Malagasy Pelagic Copepod (Tropodiaptomus madagascariensis (Rylov)), is a planktonic species that appears to be endemic to some of the lakes at the Central Highlands region.  

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edited: 07.11.2017

Neochen barbadiana (Brodkorb)

Barbados Goose (Neochen barbadiana)

The Barbados Goose was described in 1965 based on fossil remains that had been found on the island of Barbados in the Lesser Antilles.

The remains were dated to Late Pleistocene age, but the form might well have survived into the early Holocene and is thus mentioned here for the sake of completness. [1][2]

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References:

[1] P. Brodkorb: Fossil birds from Barbados, West Indies. The Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society 31(1): 3-10. 1965
[2] Samuel T. Turvey: Holocene Extinctions. Oxford University Press, USA 2009

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edited: 17.02.2020

Corvus sp. ‘Hawai’i’ 2

Slender-billed Crow (Corvus sp.)  

The subfossil remains of this form were recovered from the lava tubes at the Pu’u Wa’awa’a cinder cone in the northern Kona district, Hawai’i.  

This species was characterized by its long slender bill adapted for probing. [1]  

***

The Slender-billed Crow was very likely a distinct species, closely related to – but not identical with the likewise extirpated Robust Crow (Corvus viriosus Olson & James).  

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References:  

[1] Jon G. Griffin: Pu’u Wa’awa’a Biological Assessment. Pu’u Wa’awa’a, North Kona, Hawaii 2003 
[2] Susan Culliney; Liba Pechar; Richard Switzer; Viviana Ruiz-Gutierrez: Seed dispersal by a captive corvid: the role of the ‘Alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) in shaping Hawai’i’s plant communities. Ecological Applications 22(6): 1718-1732. 2012  

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edited: 19.05.2019