ZooBank and the next edition of the Code – challenges and new developments in the 250^th year of zoological nomenclature

Abstract

With electronic communication rapidly changing the scientific working environment, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature works on three major initiatives to adapt the current Code while, at the same time, safeguarding the stability of nomenclature. An Amendment to the Code has been proposed to allow electronic-only publications as available outlets for nomenclatural information. Such names would need to be registered in ZooBank, the proposed official registry of zoological nomenclature. For names and nomenclatural acts published through traditional, paper-based works, registration would be voluntary but encouraged. A new, more user-friendly edition of the zoological Code is in preparation. For the development of ZooBank and the new edition of the Code, the Commission encourages broad involvement of the taxonomic community.

Keywords:

• nomenclature
• electronic publication
• registration

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Richard Pyle, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, for his critical review that helped to clarify the argument, and, above all, for his invaluable engagement in the development of ZooBank.

Notes

1. Phaconeura capricornia Hoch (Hemiptera); Syrrhoites capricornia Bellan Santini (Amphipoda); Theclinesthes onycha capricornia Sibatani & Grund (Malacostraca); Namea capricornia Raven (Araneae); Austropurcellia capricornia (Todd Davies) (Opiliones); Temnohaswellia capricornia Sewell, Cannon & Blair (Turbellaria); Pterotrigonia (Pisotrigonia) capricornia (Skwarko) (Bivalvia); Baicalia capricornia Walter (stromatolite); Crouania capricornia Saenger & Wollaston (Rhodophyta); Zostera capricornia Aschers. (Zosteraceae; seagrass); Corymbia capricornia (D. Carr & S. Carr) Jill & Johnson (Myrtaceae); Micromyrtus capricornia A.R. Bean (Myrtaceae); Chamaecrista comosa (E. Mey.) Vogel var. capricornia (Steyaert) Lock (Leguminosae).