A critically endangered species of killifish, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, has been discovered in the Gongoni Forest of Kenya, marking a significant find in biodiversity research. The species was recognized through advanced analytical methods and is indicative of the ancient ecological history of the region, which is critically at risk due to its restricted habitat.
A new species of critically endangered killifish, called Nothobranchius sylvaticus, has been discovered in an ancient forest in Kenya, first sampled during expeditions in 2017 and 2018. The term “sylvaticus” is derived from Latin, meaning “pertaining to the forest.” This species is noteworthy as it represents the first endemic killifish known to exist within a forest environment.
The research team, led by Prof. Dirk Bellstedt, an emeritus professor at Stellenbosch University, conducted sampling in ephemeral swamps located in Gongoni Forest, a region characterized by its unique biodiversity. These explorations were part of an “Off the beaten track” project, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation in Germany.
To confirm the classification of Nothobranchius sylvaticus as a new species, the scientists utilized both principal component analysis based on physical traits and comprehensive DNA sequencing. Their dated phylogenetic analysis revealed that this lineage diverged from its closest relatives approximately 7.09 million years ago, suggesting that the forest itself is similarly ancient.
Gongoni Forest, which spans an area of merely 8.2 square kilometers, exemplifies the East African Mosaic, a distinctive landscape combining savannah and forest patches extending from South Africa to southern coastal Somalia. The discovery of this killifish aligns with the ongoing research concerning tectonic events and the evolution of central Africa, dating back 20 million years.
Since 2015, the team has sought to integrate next-generation DNA sequencing with geological dating to reconstruct the region’s tectonic development and its impact on the fauna, particularly the cichlid fishes endemic to Africa. The findings regarding Nothobranchius sylvaticus highlight the interplay between evolutionary changes within the genus and the paleo-drainage dynamics driven by tectonic activity.
However, the unique habitat of the newly discovered species renders it vulnerable to conservation threats. The type specimen has been preserved at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi while comparative specimens are held at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Belgium.
The article detailing this significant discovery, titled “The description of a critically endangered new species of seasonal killifish, Nothobranchius sylvaticus (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae), a relict species from an East African forest refugium in south-eastern Kenya,” was published in the journal Zootaxa and includes contributions from a diverse team of international researchers.
The discovery of Nothobranchius sylvaticus underscores the significant biodiversity present in the Gongoni Forest and the importance of its conservation. The findings also highlight the long evolutionary history of this region, shaped by complex tectonic events. However, the critically endangered status of this killifish necessitates immediate conservation efforts to protect its limited habitat and ensure its survival.
Original Source: www.sun.ac.za
