Lost species, neglected taxonomy, and the role of natural history collections and synonymization in the identification of the World’s forgotten biodiversity

By

Gippoliti, Spartaco
Farina, Simone
Andreone, Franco

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

Nature conservation

Volume

56

Pages

119--126

Subjects

Conservation , long-lost synonymized species , Natural history museums , taxonomy , Vertebrates

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers 2012-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.56.132036

 

Abstract

A recent paper highlighted the need for increased attention towards species that have vanished from scientific literature and proposed a new nomenclature in view of needed conservation actions, based on the time interval since their disappearance. Here, we propose to implement this concept by showcasing a taxonomic perspective that is often overlooked in conservation studies. In recent decades, research on vertebrates showed that, in several cases, species considered as undescribed were, in fact, first discovered and already named a long time ago. Quite often they fell into oblivion while being considered synonyms of other taxa until they were re-evaluated in subsequent taxonomic revisions. In this context, we are proposing the concept of “long-lost synonymized” species, asking for greater attention to the discipline of taxonomy, the relevance of specimen-based taxonomy and the value of natural history collections within conservation and academic communities.