Pensoft has been awarded the Seal of Recognition for the FAO AGRIS Active Data Provider of the Year for 2027. The seal is granted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations through its AGRIS initiative, and it recognises institutions that consistently share open-access agricultural research with the global community.
Notably, Pensoft joined the FAO AGRIS network back in 2024, and the organisation has renewed our seal every year since, a recognition we’re proud to have kept.
What has changed is the scale of our contribution. In 2024, Pensoft’s records on AGRIS numbered just under 15,000. Today, that figure has doubled to nearly 30,000, drawn from all 51 of our journals that fall within the scope of FAO AGRIS. The subjects covered are wide-ranging, spanning taxonomy, biodiversity, conservation and biogeography – these are all areas that feed directly into sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
Through AGRIS, this research travels well beyond our own journals to researchers, policymakers and practitioners worldwide, adding to the shared pool of open knowledge that supports global food security and environmental sustainability. We’re glad to keep contributing to that effort, and look forward to continuing our work with FAO AGRIS in the years to come.
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all, ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 194 members, 193 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
About Pensoft
Founded in 1992 “by scientists, for scientists,” Pensoft is an academic open-access publishing company well known worldwide for its cutting-edge publishing tools, workflows and methods for text and data publishing of journals, books and conference materials. In 2010, Pensoft became the first scientific publisher to introduce semantic enrichments in scholarly publications. Through its Research and Technical Development department, the company is involved in a range of research and technology projects.
Between 6-10 July, more than 850 participants from 25 countries gathered in Leiden, the Netherlands, for the 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) 2026.
The congress was organised by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and hosted at Leiden University (FWN/CML), in partnership with Hortus botanicus, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and NIOO-KNAW, with support from the Leiden Biodiversity Network.
Opening ceremony of ECCB 2026
Head of PR and Journal Development representing Pensoft at ECCB 2026.
Exhibitor and poster hall at ECCB 2026.
Effective Biodiversity Conservation
Under the theme “Effective Biodiversity Conservation,” the congress brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how biodiversity can be safeguarded over the long term. Its core message was that effective conservation cannot rest on the efforts of conservationists alone. It requires coordinated, multidisciplinary, science-based action across society.
Opening ceremony of ECCB 2026.
Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo and his “1% of GDP for safeguarding nature!” presentation
Dr. Laura Bosco, President of SCB Europe, opened the congress and set the scene for the week ahead. Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo, one of the congress’s co-organisers, followed with the presentation: “1% of GDP for safeguarding nature!” – a call to set aside 1% of global GDP to help close the biodiversity funding gap, given that half of the world’s GDP depends on natural ecosystem services, and to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030.
From there, the programme ran packed with symposia, roundtables, and workshops covering policymaking and effectiveness, conservation planning, new methods for measuring and quantifying biodiversity, eDNA for conservation, citizen science, and remote sensing, alongside a poster session held each day.
Pensoft at he 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) 2026.
Our stand stood out with professionally designed booth walls and enjoyed a strong flow of visitors throughout the congress. Delegates met Pensoft’s Head of Journal Development and PR, Iva Boyadzhieva, who answered questions about publishing opportunities and scholarly resources, including Advanced Books, Pensoft’s platform for publishing open-access monographs, edited volumes, and other book-length scholarly works.
People spinning Pensoft’s Fortune Wheel to win prizes.
People signing up to Pensoft’s newsletter and spinning the wheel.
For the first time, our booth also ran an interactive game, where visitors could spin a wheel to win some prizes. The game rules were simple: visitors filled out a subscription form for one or more journals, spun a wheel featuring the names of journals relevant to the congress, and won a sticker matching the journal they landed on.
Visitor at Pensoft’s booth at the 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology, interacting with the wheel.
Curiously, the illustrations on the vivid stickers are not coincidental: each features a scientific illustration by Denitsa Peneva of a species discussed in a publication from across Pensoft’s scholarly portfolio – a nod to the authors who chose one of our journals to share their research.
Individual-Based Ecology and Agricultural and Environmental Modelling on focus at ECCB 2026.
A particular highlight was our trio of diamond open-access journals, free to publish in and free to read, that drew considerable interest from attendees:
Individual-Based Ecologypromotes a distinctive individual-based perspective on ecology, aiming to bridge individual behaviour and broader ecological patterns.
Advances in Pollinator Research covers the full spectrum of pollinator science, from pollination ecology to conservation, designed as an innovative platform for the full spectrum of pollinator science, from pollination ecology and pollinator-plant interactions to molecular ecology, conservation and more.
Agricultural and Environmental Modelling, meanwhile, offers an innovative approach to publishing, dedicated to advancing both the science and practice of modelling across Agriculture, Food Systems, Natural Resources, and Environmental Sciences.
Familiar faces at the stand
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nature Conservation, Dr. Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, at Pensoft’s booth at ECCB 2026.
Prof. Davy McCracken, Subject Editor at Nature Conservation.
Dr. Niels Raes, project coordinator of Biodiversity Meets Data at ECCB 2026.
Martina Viti and Annika Zuleger, authors that have published across Pensoft’s journal at ECCB 2026.
Our booth was visited by Nature Conservation’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth. Earlier that week, she also co-organised a symposium, “How can Wildlife Detection Dogs contribute to effective biodiversity conservation in Europe?” As well as one of Nature Conservation’s Subject Editor, Prof. Davy McCracken and Dr. Niels Raes, the project coordinator of Biodiversity Meets Data.
We also met one of our authors, Andra Neagu, in person. We recently ran a PR campaign on her and her team’s research analysing more than 1,100 media reports from 2007 to 2024 to uncover patterns in wildlife poaching across Romania, which you can read here.
Andra Neagu, an author at Nature Conservation at Pensoft’s booth at ECCB 2026.
Andra Neagu next to her scientific poster at ECCB 2026.
Looking ahead
Closing ceremony of ECCB 2026.
Closing ceremony of ECCB 2026.
It was a pleasure to be part of ECCB 2026 and to connect with so many researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working toward effective biodiversity conservation.
Save the date: SCB’s 33rd International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2027) will be held in Puebla, Mexico, at the end of June or beginning of July 2027.
Tropical rainforest patches perched on isolated granite mountains in northern Mozambique have yielded four new species of Sylvan Chameleons, according to a new study by Prof. Krystal A. Tolley and Dr. Werner Conradie, recently published in Vertebrate Zoology.
The new species have been named after the animal behavior scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall, the chemist Rosalind Franklin, and the concept of “vanishing”, honouring scientific pioneers while sounding an alarm about disappearing habitats. The research reveals that each “sky island” harbours its own, previously unknown chameleon species, and highlights the urgent need to conserve these fragile forest habitats.
These mountains rise sharply from the surrounding savanna, trapping clouds and rain and creating cool, moist refuges in an otherwise dry landscape This results in each forest being isolated, making them true ‘sky islands’, and because of this isolation, many of their species occur nowhere else on Earth.
says Prof. Tolley.
Why search these mountains?
Localities for the sky islands where Nadzikambia chameleons were sampled, superimposed over digital elevation layer, with the six species of Nadzikambia, including the newly described species. Credit to Tolley and Conradie, 2026.
Until the 2000s, most of northern Mozambique’s sky islands had been poorly surveyed, even compared with other remote parts of Africa. The team set out to investigate whether the isolated forests on each mountain hold unique reptile and amphibian species that evolved there in isolation. With tropical forests across Africa being rapidly cleared in favour of agriculture, the researchers were heavily motivated by a race against time – species could go extinct before they are even discovered.
How were the new species identified?
The team had to first carry out several different surveys of the remote mountains to assess and catalogue the different reptile and amphibian species present. Noting that there were populations of chameleons on each mountain, measurements and samples were taken. Back at the lab, the team used an approach called the General Lineage Species Concept.
This combines different lines of evidence to identify species. In this case, they sequenced four genes (DNA sequences) from Sylvan Chameleon populations from different mountains and compared the genetic data among these. This was then combined with another type of evidence, body features, to come up with a ‘balance of evidence’ as to whether each mountain has its own species.
Network of nuclear (RAG-1) alleles for Nadzikambia based on phased sequences. Alleles are colour coded according to the proportion of individuals per species having that allele. The sizes of the circles represent the frequency of that allele in the dataset (scaling of circles to left). All branches represent one mutation. Credit to Tolley and Conradie, 2026
Although the chameleons look very similar between different mountains, the DNA told a different story. A phylogeny – a type of family tree built from the genetic data – showed that individuals clustered strictly by mountain. This indicates that each sky island population has been separated for millions of years and does not interbreed with populations on neighbouring peaks.
The similar body shape across species reflects their shared adaptation to life in forest habitats, rather than them being the same species. According to Dr. Conradie “In the same way, African and Asian elephants both look like ‘elephants’ but are distinct species that have evolved similar body forms for similar lifestyles.”
Honouring scientists and a warning about loss
Nadzikambia goodallae male species from Mount Ribáuè. Photo credit to Prof. Krystal Tolley,
Behind each of the three names lies a deliberate choice. Nadzikambia goodallae, from Mount Ribáuè, honours Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering work on African chimpanzees that has transformed our understanding of animal behaviour and inspired global conservation efforts. This chameleon is endemic to the region.
Before Dr. Jane Goodall became a conservation icon, she spent decades in the forest observing how every species has a role to play in maintaining our fragile ecosystems. Naming this wonderfully unique Sylvan Chameleon for Jane is a fitting tribute to her advocacy and a reminder of the importance of protecting forest landscapes for all animals, including people.
The newly described Nadzikambia franklinae from Mount Namuli. Photo credit to Werner Conradie.
Nadzikambia franklinae, from Mount Namuli, recognises Rosalind Franklin, whose foundational work on DNA structure underpins the very genetic tools used to identify these species.
Nadzikambia evanescens from Mount Inago. Photo credit to Prof. Krystall Tolley.
The third species from Mount Inago is named Nadzikambia evanescens, meaning “vanishing”, to draw attention to its disappearing habitat and the many species worldwide that may be lost before they can be described.
The Chiperone sylvan chameleon (Nadzikambia nubila) from Mount Chiperone. Photo credit to Prof. Krystall Tolley.
The fourth species, The Chiperone sylvan chameleon (Nadzikambia nubila), was collected by a stream on Mount Chiperone and takes its name from the “Ciperoni” – the local term for the heavy, cloud-laden weather that brings orographic rainfall to the area. This persistent cloud cover sustains the mountain’s mid-elevation wet forest, and the epithet nubila derives from the Latin nubilus, meaning “cloudy”.
Community-led conservation is key
Intact forest habitat (top), and areas of forest destroyed by slash and burn (middle, bottom) on Mount Inago. Credit to Tolley and Conradie
The discoveries come at a time when tropical forests, especially in Africa, are being cleared at alarming rates. The small, isolated forests on Mozambique’s sky islands are particularly vulnerable. The study highlights that local community involvement can make a decisive difference.
On Mount Chiperone, the forest is considered sacred, and cultural values have helped protect both the habitat and its wildlife. Mount Mabu has benefited from more than a decade of community-based conservation.
Together, these two mountains hold the most intact forests surveyed in the study, showing that forest clearance is not an inevitable trade-off for local livelihoods when communities are empowered and supported, and their beliefs are in sync with conservation.
Original source:
Tolley K, Conradie W (2026) Sky Islands of Mozambique harbour cryptic species of chameleons: Description of four new species of sylvan chameleons (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae: Nadzikambia Tilbury, Tolley & Branch, 2006). Vertebrate Zoology 76: 207-246. https://doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e178403
After 20 years without any visual proof, photos now published in the Neotropical Biology and Conservation journal confirm the survival of the cryptic Cozumel dwarf fox.
We at Pensoft Publishers, asked Travis Bayer, the founder of Pathos Wildlife, several questions about his work with one of the world’s most mysterious carnivores, namely the Cozumel Dwarf Fox from Cozumel Island, Mexico.
In this Q&A, Travis takes us behind the scenes of his study to discuss what first motivated him to track this cryptic species, what they currently know of its fragile conservation status, and the urgent measures needed to protect it from extinction.
Pensoft (P): What motivated your and your team to conduct research?
Travis Bayer (TB): Cozumel sits along the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system on Earth and one of the world’s most renowned scuba diving destinations. I first visited the island back in early 2023 to experience it for myself. At the core of my career as a biologist and conservationist is a lifelong love and fascination for animals, which is why I always look up the native wildlife and try to see them wherever I go.
That is when I had found out about Cozumel’s incredible level of endemism, higher than any other island in Mexico. Above its biodiverse waters lie terrestrial ecosystems hosting dozens of species and subspecies found nowhere else on Earth. Even more fascinating is three of them being dwarfed mammalian carnivores: the pygmy raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus), dwarf coati (Nasua nelsoni), and Cozumel fox (Urocyon sp.).
This is quite unusual given carnivores are generally less likely to become dwarfed or persist on small, resource-limited islands because of their space and energy requirements. Yet on Cozumel, this pattern occurs across multiple species.
I naively thought I might encounter the fox if I searched hard enough, but I ultimately returned home without seeing one. However, the question of whether they still persisted never really left my mind.
I turned my curiosity into an investigation, scouring scientific literature for every recorded mention of the Cozumel fox. The only physical evidence of its existence came from subfossil bones excavated from Mayan archaeological sites. These 500-to-1,500-year-old adult bones were 60-80% smaller than mainland foxes, suggesting they have been evolving in isolation for at least 5,000 to 13,000 years. This warrants a distinct species designation, yet without modern evidence, the Cozumel fox remains scientifically undescribed and legally unprotected.
The consensus of their critically endangered or possibly extinct status comes from generalized surveys documenting the other carnivores, which failed to detect the fox. While no field study has everdetected the fox, I found that none have ever targeted them specifically.
Previous camera trap studies used general baits like sardines and cat food, which heavily attract a broad range of species such as the omnivorous raccoons and coatis. Extremely rare animals also often require broader coverage, longer deployment times, and targeted placement in remote habitat, making study design crucially important. This is when I decided to turn my interest into action, and began planning the first-ever systematic, targeted survey in search of the Cozumel fox.
A scenic view of Laguna Colombia State Reserve, one of the largest remaining protected natural areas on Cozumel. The reserve is the site of historical Cozumel fox sightings recorded in 1995 and 2001, as well as the area where the first photographic evidence of the species was captured by author Rafael Chacón. As a result, it is currently considered some of the most likely remaining habitat for the Cozumel fox.
Shortly after, the ultimate driving force for our motivation surfaced: in September 2023, the first-ever photographs of a living Cozumel fox were uploaded to iNaturalist by Rafael Chacón, Director of Conservation and Environmental Education for La Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel (FPMC). For a species many believed extinct, seeing those images was surreal. It proved the fox was still out there, and the urgency to protect it skyrocketed.
The first photograph ever captured of a Cozumel fox (Urocyon sp.), uploaded to iNaturalist in September, 2023. For a species long thought to be possibly extinct or at best extremely rare, this record provided the first visual confirmation that the fox was still persisting on the island. Credit to Rafael Chacón.
We established a partnership to launch a dedicated camera trap survey. When I asked Rafael what motivated him, he told me:
“Photographing the Cozumel gray fox was a very special moment because it represents one of the island’s unique endemic species. Capturing these images helps create awareness about its presence and the importance of protecting its habitat. What motivates me to continue is the responsibility to help future generations understand and value Cozumel’s biodiversity.”
Formally publishing these photographs in Neotropical Biology and Conservation changed this from an anecdotal sighting into a permanent scientific record. Species cannot be protected if their existence remains contested or overlooked. We hope this work lays the foundation for future research, conservation planning, and official taxonomic recognition.
Full-body photograph of adult male Cozumel fox following release in Laguna Colombia State Reserve. Photo credit to Rafael Chacón.
Side profile of the Cozumel fox. Photo credit to Rafael Chacón.
Full-body photograph of adult male Cozumel fox following release in Laguna Colombia State Reserve. Photo credit to Rafael Chacón.
P: You describe the species’ conservation status as “likely critical.” What are the biggest threats to the Cozumel fox today?
TB: The biggest challenge is that we still know almost nothing about its population size, distribution, or ecology. That uncertainty makes effective conservation incredibly difficult, and the lack of a formal taxonomic description limits our ability to implement legal protections.
Spatial distribution of dwarf fox records across land use and vegetation types on Cozumel. The red dot outlined in black indicates the location where the fox was photographed in September 2023. White stars denote historical dwarf fox sightings from 1984 and 1985 (Cuarón et al. 2004), and the black stars indicate recent sightings observed by the authors (R. Chacón, unpublished data 2025; Bayer and McGreal, unpublished data 2026). Credit to Bayer et al., 2026.
However, based on what we know about island ecosystems, several major threats stand out:
Habitat Loss & Fragmentation: Rapid development driven by tourism, cruise ship infrastructure, and expanding hotels places immense pressure on remaining natural habitats.
The Coastal Highway: Cozumel has one major highway looping the island that cuts directly through critical transition zones between coastal and interior habitats. Wildlife-vehicle collisions occur at alarming rates. This poses a massive threat to carnivores who need to move freely to maintain genetic connectivity, find resources, and adapt to seasonal water availability.
Introduced & Invasive Species: Free-ranging domestic dogs compete for resources and introduce deadly disease risks to a small, isolated population. Concurrently, invasive predators like boa constrictors, margays, and ocelots create intense pressure through competition and direct predation. The growing abundance of introduced margays and ocelots is a relatively recent, alarming concern.
Climate Change & Rarity: As a low-lying Caribbean island, Cozumel is highly vulnerable to intensifying hurricanes and storm surges. Because the fox population is already so small, they are inherently vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks and random catastrophic events.
P: What conservation measures could be undertaken to help protect the species?
TB: The most urgent priority is establishing a long-term research and monitoring program focused specifically on the fox. Before we can implement meaningful protections, we must understand exactly where they survive, how many are left, and what habitats they depend on.
A deceased dwarf coati (Nasua nelsoni), one of Cozumel’s three endemic carnivores, found along the coastal highway after a vehicle collision. As this road cuts through critical habitat transitions, wildlife-vehicle collisions remain a major conservation concern, particularly for species that depend on landscape connectivity between coastal and interior ecosystems.
To achieve these goals, we must prioritize mitigating road mortality by installing dynamic speed feedback signs to slow highway traffic and improve habitat connectivity. Additionally, we need to manage invasive and domestic animals through responsible pet ownership, sterilization programs, and the removal or relocation of invasive predators like margays to minimize disease and predation risks. Finally, because conservation is a collective responsibility, we must foster robust community involvement and public awareness to educate residents and visitors about the Cozumel fox, thereby securing the local support and cooperation vital for these measures to succeed.
Captured during the most recent camera trap deployment on Cozumel, this image documents a Margay (Leopardus wiedii), an introduced carnivore on the island. Its presence adds to growing concerns about non-native and expanding predator populations, and their potential to intensify competition and predate on Cozumel’s endemic wildlife.
P: Are there any other comments or insights from this research that you think might be of particular importance to the broader public?
TB: One of the most important takeaways from this research is that species can quietly disappear without the world even realizing they are gone. It had been over 20 years since the last anecdotal report of the fox, and almost 30 years since the last confirmed sighting. The Cozumel fox likely represents an ancient island lineage that has evolved in isolation for thousands of years, yet until recently there was no photographic evidence that it was even still alive.
“Their life depends on you. Drive with caution.” A message displayed on author Rafael Chacón’s vehicle, serving as a reminder that Cozumel’s wildlife shares the same roads. Vehicle collisions remain a significant source of mortality on the island, making public awareness a key part of conservation efforts.
We often think extinction is something dramatic and obvious, but in reality it can happen gradually and silently, especially for rare species living in remote or understudied habitats. By the time enough data exists to confirm a severe decline, it may already be too late. That is part of what makes documentation like Rafael’s photos so important. It should serve as a reminder of how much biodiversity can still remain overlooked, even in places visited by millions of people every year.
Close up photo of the Cozumel fox. Photo credit to Rafael Chacón.
The rediscovery of the fox isn’t a conservation success story yet, but it is a second chance.
In collaboration with Pathos Wildlife and the FPMC, we are currently conducting one of the largest camera trap surveys ever done on the island. Ultimately, we hope this work moves the Cozumel fox from a little-known, uncertain presence to a protected, well-understood key part of Cozumel’s ecosystems. This project demonstrates that conservation is often most urgent when certainty is lowest, and that uncertainty itself should be our call to action.
We are incredibly grateful to Travis Bayer for giving us a closer look at his and his team’s vital conservation work on the island. To read the formal scientific record and documentation of these historic sightings, check out the recently published paper in Neotropical Biology and Conservation.
Citation:
Bayer TD, McGreal MA, Chacón D. AR (2026) First photographic evidence of an insular dwarf fox (Urocyon sp.) on the island of Cozumel, Mexico. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 21(2): 123-129. https://doi.org/10.3897/neotropical.21.e187967
At Pensoft Publishers, we are proud to support the open-access dissemination of botanical knowledge through our journal PhytoKeys. On International Tea Day, we invite you to spill the tea on the captivating world of the genus Camellia. While most people recognise these plants as the source of their morning brew, the genus is incredibly diverse and economically significant.
Camellia species are famous for their tea properties, providing the leaf buds and young branches used to manufacture black, green, and oolong tea. Beyond the teapot, these evergreen shrubs and trees are valued for their oil-producing seeds and their stunning ornamental flowers in horticulture. Despite their global fame, we are still discovering new members of this family, often in the remote forests of East and Southeast Asia.
One of the most dramatic stories recently published in PhytoKeys concerns Camellia hekouensis, a tree native to Hekou in Yunnan, China. For a time, the botanical community feared the species was lost forever after the last known living tree died at the end of 2024 due to bark destruction.
However, a dedicated effort by the staff of the Dawei Mountain National Nature Reserve saved the species from the brink. They successfully protected 11 wild trees and propagated 32 others ex-situ. This species is particularly interesting because its chemical profile challenged previous scientific claims. While earlier researchers suggested it lacked certain purine alkaloids, new analysis shows the leaves actually contain 1.18 mg/g of theobromine.
Camelliahekouensis. Image credit: Dongwei Zhao et al.
Read more: Zhao D, Zhang G, Yang S (2025) Phylogenetic position, supplementary description and phytochemical analysis of Camellia hekouensis (Theaceae), a critically endangered tree native to Hekou, Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys 256: 185-195. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.149481
Further research in Yunnan has revealed another unique relative of the common tea plant named Camellia yangii. Discovered in the forests of Malipo County, this species is a true member of the tea section, yet it stands out for being remarkably hairy. It bears a red or purplish red terminal bud that is densely pubescent, making it a rare and visually striking germplasm resource.
Lead researcher Dongwei Zhao of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, found that while most Camellia species have five sepals, Camellia yangii typically bears only three. It also follows its own schedule, flowering about a month later than other tea plants in the vicinity. This late flowering phase is a natural barrier that prevents it from hybridising with other species, keeping its genetic line distinct. With fewer than ten individuals known in the wild, its discovery is a call to action for urgent protection.
Botanical science sometimes involves correcting the records of the past, as seen in the reinstatement of Camellia angustifolia. This species from Guangxi, China, was originally described in 1981 but was later dismissed as a mere synonym of another variety in 1992.
Recent field investigations proved that this was a mistake. Researchers from the Guangxi Research Institute of Tea Science discovered that the original type specimen was actually a misidentified bellflower from a completely different family. Once the correct specimens were examined, the differences became clear – unlike its shrubby relatives that grow only a few meters tall, Camellia angustifolia is a majestic tree that can reach heights of 20 meters.
Read more: Deng H, Liao X, Yu X, Liu Z, Yang S (2025) Reinstatement of the independent specific status of Camellia angustifolia, a tea plant (Camellia sect. Thea, Theaceae) from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys 267: 1-8. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.174664
Our journey through recent tea-related discoveries concludes in the striking Danxia landscape of Guangdong Province. Here, researchers identified Camellia shangshii, a new species endemic to the red sandstone formations of Danxiashan Mountain. This species bears smaller leaves and flowers than its closest relatives. One of its most defining features is that its white petals are fused together at the base for several millimeters.
This tree notably thrives in a unique microclimate where specialised soils and environmental contrasts drive the evolution of distinct species. It is named in honour of Dr. Shangshi Wu, a scientist who pioneered the study of these geological landscapes.
Camelliashangshii. Image credit: Shiyang Wang, Yinyu Wu and Xiaowei Yi.
Read more: Wang S, Liu H, Tan S, Shen L, Chen Z, Chen F, Fan Q (2026) Camellia shangshii (Theaceae), a new species endemic to danxia landscape from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys 270: 13-23. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.172597
As we celebrate International Tea Day, these discoveries remind us that our knowledge of the natural world is still growing. Every new species found and every historical error improves our understanding of the biological heritage of our favorite beverages. At Pensoft, we will never stop be-leafing in the power of new species to inspire conservation and science!
May 7th marks Deep Day, a global day of awareness and action dedicated to the deep sea. Founded by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, it aims to raise awareness of the deep sea’s immense ecological importance and call for its protection against threats like deep-sea mining and destructive fishing.
To celebrate the wonders of our oceans and raise awareness of the incredible biodiversity of the deep sea, we at Pensoft Publishers would like to highlight some of the remarkable marine studies that have recently been published in our scientific journals.
A Global Collaboration to Uncover Deep-Sea Amphipods
The 24 newly described deep-sea amphipod species. Image credit to: Eleanor Frost, National Oceanography Centre
Demonstrating the power of global teamwork, an international group of experts recently discovered 24 new deep-sea amphipod species in the central Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). Researchers from institutions worldwide, including the University of Lodz and the National Oceanography Centre, came together for a coordinated taxonomy workshop to achieve this. Their work revealed a completely new evolutionary branch with the discovery of a new superfamily, Mirabestioidea.
Crucially, their findings form part of the International Seabed Authority’s Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) and its ‘One Thousand Reasons’ project, which aims to formally describe 1,000 new species by the end of the decade.
Highlighting the importance of this joint effort, Dr. Anna Jażdżewska from the University of Lodz shared:
This was a truly collaborative process that allowed us to achieve the ambitious goal of describing more than 20 species new to science within a year – something that would not have been possible if each of us worked independently. The team’s findings provide information that is crucial for future conservation and policy decisions.
😯Fascinating new #study recorded 108 morphotaxa from 4,500m down to the #hadal depths of 9,775m, revealing the hidden life of the NW Pacific trenches. 🎥They analyzed 460 hours of video from landers & submersibles across the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches. 👇Full study here: https://doi.org/10.3897 /BDJ.14.e182172 📗You can read all about it on Pensoft’s blog 👇 https://blog.pensoft.net/2026/04/06/what-lives-10-km-below-the-surface-a-new-look-at-life-in-japans-deepest-ocean-trenches/ Research center: Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre. Main funders of the expedition: Inkfish, Caladan Oceanic #deepsea#sciencetok#research
Photo and video credit to Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, Inkfish, Caladan Oceanic, Jamieson et al., 2026
Another recent expedition provided a profound look at life up to nearly 10 kilometers below the surface in the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches, cataloging at least 108 distinct organism groups. The research captured rare footage of species interactions at extreme depths – and one baffling, unidentified animal that has left taxonomists worldwide perplexed.
The unknown organism or Animalia incerta sedis. Credit to Jamieson et al., 2026, o Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, Inkfish and Caladan Oceanic.
Rather than using traditional trawls that can damage fragile organisms, the team utilized crewed submersibles and free-fall baited landers. Explaining the value of this non-destructive method, the research team noted:
This combination enabled us to build the most comprehensive visual baseline yet for abyssal and hadal megafauna in the Northwest Pacific to date.
They added that the study aims to establish a foundation for the future, emphasizing that:
More than anything, the hadal zone remains one of Earth’s least-explored and most intriguing frontiers.
Learn more: Jamieson AJ, Swanborn DJB, Bond T, Cundy MC, Fujiwara Y, Lindsay D, Stott MS, Kitazato H (2026) Faunal biodiversity of the lower abyssal and hadal zones of the Japan, Ryukyu and Izu-Ogasawara trenches (NW Pacific Ocean; 4534-9775 m). Biodiversity Data Journal 14: e182172. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e182172
Finally, highlighting a unique way the public can engage with science and taxonomy, a recently found deep-sea chiton was named by the internet after science YouTuber Ze Frank featured it in an episode of his “True Facts” series. Originally discovered in 2024 within the Izu-Ogasawara Trench at a depth of 5,500 meters, this new species belongs to the genus Ferreiraella, a rare and specialized group of mollusks that live exclusively on sunken wood in the deep sea.
From over 8,000 suggestions submitted across social media, the research team selected the name Ferreiraella populi. The epithet populi is a Latin singular noun in the genitive case meaning “of the people”.
Prof. Dr. Julia Sigwart, co-chair of the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA), emphasized the broader significance of this public discovery:
Ferreiraella populi exemplifies the overwhelming biodiversity of the oceans, the vast majority of which remains unexplored. Many species go extinct before we even know they exist – this is especially true for marine invertebrates.
Learn more: (SOSA) SOSA, Chen C, Frank H, Kraniotis L, Nakadera Y, Schwabe E, Sigwart JD, Trautwein B, Vončina K (2026) Ocean Species Discoveries 28–30 — new species of chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) and a public naming competition. Biodiversity Data Journal 14: e180491. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e180491
These studies highlight the vastness of the unexplored frontier that our deep seas and oceans offer. Revealing this hidden life – from entirely new evolutionary branches of amphipods to records of unknown organisms – requires global collaboration, cutting-edge exploration technologies, and the involvement of the general public.
Ultimately, this shared pursuit of discovery provides the fundamental knowledge crucial for conservation and policy decisions. As Deep Day reminds us of the encroaching threats from deep-sea mining, human-derived debris, and destructive fishing, we must work together to understand these fragile habitats so that we can effectively protect them and #DefendtheDeep.
Distinguished by its striking colors and a name that carries the weight of a high ecclesiastical office, a new species of moth has been discovered in the rugged terrain of Greece. When researchers from the Tyrolean State Museum, the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology identified this unique insect in the White Mountains of Crete, they chose a name that reflects both its noble appearance and a message of environmental hope: Pyralis papaleonei – derived from “Papa Leone” (Pope Leo).
The discovery, published in the open-access journal Nota Lepidopterologica on 28 April 2026, highlights that even among such conspicuous European moths, overlooked species remain to be discovered. The new species is currently only known from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the western part of Crete, where it appears to be an endemic treasure of the island.
Type-locality of Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov. (Greece, Crete, Omalos plateau). Image credit: Peter Huemer.
Striking purple forewings
The so-called Pope Leo Moth has a wingspan of around two centimeters, placing it among the medium-sized representatives of its group. Its most distinctive features are its purple forewings with an orange-golden patch and prominent white bands. The moths were recorded at artificial light sources and appear to be mainly active in June. So far, little is known about the biology and lifestyle of the new species. It was distinguished from related species based on classical morphological characteristics – such as wing pattern, coloration, and genital morphology – as well as genetic fingerprinting. Molecular analyses revealed a divergence of around six percent from its closest relative, clearly indicating that it represents a distinct species.
Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov., holotype. Image credit: Peter Huemer.
A tradition of remarkable species names
Butterflies and moths are often named after physical characteristics, geographic origins, or in honor of distinguished individuals. Within the genus Pyralis, however, a particular tradition can be observed: as early as 1775, Austrian naturalists Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller described the first species of the group as Pyralis regalis (“royal”), inspired by its splendid coloration. This was followed by sonorous names such as Pyralis princeps and Pyralis cardinalis, also referring to the remarkable beauty of these moths.
All these species belong to the diverse superfamily Pyraloidea, which comprises around 16,000 described species worldwide and represents one of the largest groups among micro-moths.
Specimen of Pyralis regalis. Image credit: Peter Huemer.
Taxonomy as the “first profession” of humankind
The naming of living organisms also has a cultural-historical dimension: in the Old Testament (Genesis 2), Adam is firstly tasked with naming all animals. In this sense, taxonomy – the science of classifying, naming, and organising organisms – can be regarded as one of humanity’s earliest endeavors.
For study leader Peter Huemer of the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum, naming a species is therefore more than a formal scientific act: it also serves as a symbolic appeal to the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, to highlight humanity’s central responsibility in safeguarding creation. This is particularly fitting as butterflies and moths are regarded in Christianity as symbols of resurrection, transformation (metamorphosis), and the immortal soul.
Specimens of Pyralis papaleonei. Image credit: Peter Huemer.
Only a fraction of global biodiversity documented
Peter Huemer, former head of the Natural Science Collections at the Tyrolean State Museums and now a volunteer researcher, explains:
“We are facing a global biodiversity crisis, yet only a fraction of the world’s species has been scientifically documented. Effective conservation of biodiversity requires that species are first recognised, described, and named.”
Around 700 new moth species are described each year, primarily in the tropics. However, fundamental research in Europe is far from complete: in the Alps alone, approximately 200 previously unknown species have been identified in recent decades.
With their internationally significant scientific collections, the Tyrolean State Museums make an important contribution to this work. The discovery of the Pope Leo Moth, Pyralis papaleonei, highlights how much remains to be discovered even in well-studied regions of Europe—and underscores the urgent need to protect sensitive habitats.
A new study published in Nature Conservation shows that not all acoustic deterrent devices may be effective in protecting the Black Sea porpoise, Europe’s smallest marine mammal.
The endangered Black Sea harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) is facing a critical fight for survival. As Europe’s smallest marine mammal, this isolated population is being pushed toward extinction by bycatch – the unintentional entanglement in fishing gear. The crisis is most acute in the Black Sea turbot fishery, where recent estimates reveal that more than 10,000 porpoises die annually.
Led by a strong motivation to address threats to this iconic species, a team of Bulgarian researchers has carried out a four-year trial study of 57 hauls seeking effective solutions to reduce porpoise mortality. The study, now published in Nature Conservation, found bycatch in 61% of all hauls, accounting for 189 cetaceans: 182 harbour porpoises, five bottlenose dolphins, and two common dolphins.
Bycaught Black Sea harbour porpoises. Photo credit to Dimitar Popov.
The trials did not begin promisingly, as the first two models of acoustic deterrent devices (pingers) tested, proved ineffective at reducing bycatch.
the researchers noted
This initial setback prompted the team to search for an alternative solution, eventually leading to a breakthrough with the PAL Wideband pinger, an acoustic deterrent device developed in Germany.
PAL Wideband pinger attached to a fishing net. Photo credit to Dimitar Popov.
Field trials demonstrated that this device can reduce harbour porpoise bycatch in the Black Sea by approximately 74%. Researchers believe the specific acoustic signals, namely the wider frequency band (between 10 and 150 kHz) emitted by the PAL Wideband model, contributed to its effectiveness, as it was the only one of the three pingers tested, that successfully deterred porpoises from approaching fishing nets.
Map of the conducted trials involving PAL Wideband pingers in 2020 and 2021. Credit to Popov et al., 2026
“Other recent studies have highlighted significant shortcomings in the conservation of harbour porpoise populations in European waters,” the researchers stated. This underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to reduce bycatch, the leading human-induced cause of mortality for the species.
Mitigation measures could include spatio-temporal closures of high-risk fisheries in areas where harbour porpoises are most abundant, as well as the adoption of alternative or modified fishing gear, including the use of acoustic deterrent devices.
the experts noted
Bycaught Black Sea harbour porpoise. Photo credit to Dimitar Popov.
Among the available options, the use of effective pingers, supported by appropriate financing mechanisms, is increasingly seen as one of the most practical and widely accepted approaches to reducing bycatch while maintaining profitable fishing operations.
Not all acoustic deterrent devices are equally effective in reducing the bycatch of the harbour porpoise in the Black Sea.
the researchers concluded
Their findings demonstrate that certain pinger models fail to mitigate porpoise bycatch in the bottom-set gillnets specifically used to target turbot.
The study underscores the importance of careful selection and testing of deterrent devices and emphasizes that this distinction must be explicitly taken into account in the development of targeted and effective strategies to reduce bycatch in Black Sea fisheries.
If you are interested in other marine research from Bulgaria, take a look at the topical collection “Black Sea ecosystem in the spotlight” which includes this study.
Original source:
Popov D, Meshkova G, Dimitrov H, Panayotova M (2026) Can pingers mitigate the bycatch of the endangered Black Sea Harbour Porpoise? Nature Conservation 63: 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.63.183768
The misty forests of the Giant Panda National Park in western Sichuan have long been a focus for biodiversity conservation. While the park is synonymous with its namesake bear, recent research has highlighted a different kind of resident. A team of scientists from the Chengdu Institute of Biology and other regional institutions recently identified a new species of pitviper that had been overlooked for decades. The results are published in the open-access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
Trimeresuruslii in life. (Image credit: Bo Cai).
Named Trimeresurus lii, or the Huaxi Green Pitviper, the snake was previously confused with the more common bamboo pitviper. Through a combination of genetic sequencing and detailed physical analysis, researchers determined that these populations represent a distinct lineage. The species name honours Li Er, the philosopher known as Laozi, whose teachings emphasise the balance between humanity and the natural world.
Fresh specimen of the holotype of Trimeresurus lii. (Image credit: Bo Cai).
Visually, the Huaxi Green Pitviper is defined by its vibrant grass-green body and distinct eye colors that range from amber to orange-yellow. There are clear physical differences between the sexes. Males feature a tricolor stripe of red and white along their sides, while females possess a simpler yellow stripe. One of the technical features that helped researchers distinguish this snake from its relatives is its smooth head scales, a trait not found in similar species within the region.
Habitat of Trimeresurus lii. (Image credit: Bo Cai).
The discovery took place in the West China Rain Zone, specifically around Mt. Emei and Xiling Snow Mountain. This area is a known biodiversity hotspot, yet many of its smaller or less charismatic species remain understudied. The identification of Trimeresurus lii as the 58th species in its genus serves as a reminder that even well-documented regions still hold biological secrets.
Map showing the type localities of Trimeresurus species and the localities of Trimeresurus lii. (Image credit: Cai et al.).
This find underscores the broader value of the Giant Panda National Park. By protecting large swaths of habitat for flagship species, the park inadvertently preserves a complex ecosystem of specialised reptiles and amphibians. Documenting these animals is a necessary step toward understanding the full scope of life within China’s protected wilderness.
Original source:
Cai B, Gou Y, Wang G, Liu F, Liang D, Gu X, Gu H, Fang H, Liu Y, Li Q, Ding L (2026) A new species of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata, Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution 102(1): 285-302. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601
In May 2022, we went on our first expedition to Serranía de Las Quinchas. To reach the Serranía, we turned west in the municipality of Chiquinquirá (known by its beautiful Cathedral, dated 1796), Boyacá department.
Little by little, we left behind the farmland and paved roads, reaching the deep green forest patches a few miles after the town of Otanche (one of the main sites of Emerald commerce).
Serranía de las Quinchas, a well-conserved forest in the middle of emerald production. Photo by Juan Pablo Alarcón.
Leydi Galvis and her parents, Don Lucindo y Doña Edilsa, greeted us with kind smiles and hot coffee, and we subsequently set up the camp to prepare for the next day’s expedition. We spent three days walking up and down the slopes, finding beautiful plants wherever we looked.
Accompanying our group of students from Universidad Militar was Dayro Rodriguez, a young botanist with an incredible eye for plants and a perceptive photographer. It was like visiting the Chocó Region – very humid, green, and diverse!
In our first expedition, we collected most of our plants, including a new species of peltate leaves belong to pepper family (Piperaceae); “caipe” (Orphanodendron gradiflorum C. Cast. & G.P. Lewis), and Romeroa verticillata Dugand.
Interestingly, our Piper quinchasense M. A. Jaram., has now been spotted in several localities in the middle Magdalena Valley. The enigmatic legume Orphanodendron, meanwhile, derives its generic name from its classification within a subfamily of the Fabaceae. However, “caipe” is a locally common tree used for timber.
Romeroa, on the other hand,is a monospecific genus of trees in the Bignoniaceae with unifoliolate leaves. It is a Colombian endemic taxon, known exclusively in wet forests, such as the Las Quinchas region, located in the Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Santander departments. The genus has been collected only a few times after its description 70 years ago.
Thus, the flora at Las Quinchas is an exciting combination of species with affinities to the Andes, Chocó Region, and the North West Amazon, with many endemics that make the area a deep, green paradise.
Left, flower of “caipe”, Orphanodendron grandiflorum (Leguminosae). On the right, Romeroa verticillata (Bignoniaceae). Photos by Dayro Rodriguez.
Subsequent expeditions to the site have consistently yielded discoveries of new and rare plant species. These efforts are supported by a close collaboration with Gerardo Aymard, an expert botanist whose unrivaled ability to review collections and identify new taxa is essential to our work.
Gerardo’s botanical expertise has allowed him to identify two new species to science: Grias lucindoae Aymard & M. A. Jaram. (Lecythidaceae) and Schlegelia longirachis Aymard & M. A. Jaram. (Schlegeliaceae). Both rare genera are often missed by collectors or remain untouched in Herbaria.
Sarcaulus paujuliensis M. A. Jaram & T. D. Penn. Photo by Andres Majin-Ladino.
The Lowlands
In 2024, we had the opportunity to visit the lowlands in the same region. A team of faculty and students from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada visited Reserva “El Paujil”.
Lizette Sierra, Paula Lara, and Luisa Suarez came across a tree species with a unique flower that, no doubt, turned out to be a new taxon. Again, by the joint efforts of the young and inquisitive Andres F. Majin-Ladino, and the expert eye of Gerardo Aymard, we decided it was a rare Sapotaceae – this is one of those families for which indeterminate specimens pile up in herbaria around the world, as botanists just do not find flowers or the courage to identify species.
We consulted the world expert in Sapotaceae, Terrance D. Pennington (The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew), who was puzzled by the flowers he did not recall. Andres F. Majin-Ladino, with support from Fundación Proaves, visited the locality several times to collect additional samples. We conducted molecular sequence analyses, and the four of us henceforth described a new species of Sarcaulus, S. paujilensis M. A. Jaram. & T. D. Penn, now published in the open-access journal PhytoKeys.
Local naturalist Lucindo Galvis with botanist M. Alejandra Jaramillo. Photo by Juan Pablo Alarcón.
The Bigger Picture
It is noteworthy that the Serranía de las Quinchas is at the heart of Emerald’s business in Colombia. Mining has been the fundamental activity in the region for very long time, not only of emeralds but also coal. We ought to thank the locals for conserving the remaining beautiful forests. More exploration is needed in the region to uncover its diversity, and efforts should be made to provide alternative economic activities for the community if we want to curb deforestation.
Currently, Las Quinchas region represents a complex and fragile spot of biodiversity that remains largely uncharted, even after centuries of exploration. Humans have long modified the environment and examples of overexploitation and associated species eradication are well-documented.
Forest ecosystems, such as the Magdalena River valley, are the most important global repository of terrestrial biodiversity, with more than half of tree species at risk of extinction. Quantifying the current global forest biodiversity is therefore an essential step towards mitigating global biodiversity loss and restoring biodiversity in severely affected areas.
Tree species diversity underpins forest ecosystem functionality and services, as well as the diversity of assemblages of flora, fauna, and microbes. Therefore, characterising and describing tree species diversity (i.e., Sarcaulus paujilensis), as well as its spatial patterns, is also crucial for safeguarding global ecosystem functioning, food, water, energy security, and our well-being.
Sarcauluspaujilensis. A. Flowering branch; B. Seed; C. Fruiting branch; D. Immature fruit; E. Mature fruit; F, G. Transversal section of fresh fruit. Photos by A. Lizette Sierra, Paula Lara, and Luisa Suarez; B–G. Andrés F. Majín-Ladino.
We are confident that many new plant species of the common families (i.e., Burseraceae, Lecythidaceae, Leguminosae, Meliaceae) of these wet forests will reveal themselves as we visit the locality and walk along the ridges with our eyes open.
Key to our discoveries is our passion for exploring the forest. Indeed, we have young students like Andrés Majin, and young botanists like Dayro Rodriguez on our side. Don Lucindo is equally attentive to let us know about flowering and fruiting periods and rare plants to examine. The contribution of young botanists and local experts has been key to our discoveries!
Original source:
Jaramillo MA, Pennington TD, Aymard-Corredor GA, Majin-Ladino AF (2026) Morphological and genetic evidence for the Sarcaulus brasiliensis complex (Sapotaceae, Chyrsophylloideae) reveals a new species from the rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. PhytoKeys 273: 37-54. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.175192
