Three new species discovered in South Africa
Dr Dylan Clarke
In the ongoing journey to uncover and document new marine life, polychaetes, commonly known as marine bristle worms have proven to be a treasure trove of scientific discovery. Recently, our team of dedicated scientists at the Iziko South African Museum (Dr Dylan Clarke and Dr Jyothi Kara) and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales (Dr Teresa Darbyshire and Kate Mortimer Jones) have made significant strides in this fascinating field, culminating in the publication of two peer-reviewed publications detailing the discovery of three new species of slimy segmented monsters across two families of polychaetes. The two newly published papers, now available in African Zoology, provide detailed descriptions of these new species, highlighting their unique morphological features and ecological roles. These discoveries are not just about adding names to the list of known species; they significantly enhance our understanding of the biodiversity and biogeography of polychaetes in this region.
Understanding and documenting the diversity of polychaetes is not just an academic exercise; it has profound implications for marine ecology and conservation. These worms play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, sediment stability, and as a food source for other marine organisms. As our knowledge of these incredible creatures grows, so too does our ability to protect and preserve the delicate balance of our oceanic environments.
Building on the foundational work started in the mid-20th century, our researchers Dr Clarke and Dr Kara, alongside Dr Darbyshire and Kate Mortimer, from Wales, have continued to explore the diverse and often overlooked world of marine bristle worms. The identification of these new species was made possible through meticulous analysis and examination of specimens collected during various surveys, including those from the 1950s and 1960s by Professor John Day at the University of Cape Town. By comparing these specimens with those housed at the Natural History Museum in London and the National Museum in Wales and conducting genetic analyses, the team was able to distinguish these new species from their relatives. The collaboration between Iziko and Amgueddfa Cymru has been instrumental in this process, combining expertise and resources to achieve these groundbreaking results.
Naming and describing a new species are a crucial step in the scientific process. It involves detailed morphological analysis and often genetic sequencing to ensure the new species are distinctly different from known species. Taxonomists usually choose names that reflect either the physical characteristics of the particular species, the location of discovery, or in some cases, to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to marine biology or the science of taxonomy. The first new species described was called Magelona ekapa (Figure 1), which is from the Xhosa word eKapa, meaning ‘coming from the Cape’, referring to the type locality in the Western Cape.
The second new species was called Arabella ampulliformis (Figure 2 a) which is a Latinised adjective referring to the shape of the pygidial or anal lobes at the rear end of the animal. Then, finally the third new species was called Arabella umgazanae (Figure 2 b) which refers to the origin of the specimens, that were collected along the coast, south of the Mngazana (formerly known as the Umgazana) river in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
These exciting discoveries were partially presented at the 14th International Polychaete Conference in Stellenbosch, where they received considerable attention from the scientific community. The full findings are now accessible in the peer-reviewed journal African Zoology, providing a valuable resource for future research and conservation efforts. The work of our scientists at Iziko and our colleagues in Wales is a testament to the importance of international collaboration and the endless curiosity that drives scientific discovery.
