Dear MARMAM,
I am pleased to
announce the publication of two new papers on the taxonomic nomenclature of
small cetaceans:
Jefferson, T. A. 2021. Proposal to retain the scientific names
of five species of small cetaceans (Delphinapterus leucas, Tursiops truncatus,
Lissodelphis borealis, Cephalorhynchus eutropia, and Inia geoffrensis) by
designating their unused senior synonyms as nomina oblita. Aquatic Mammals 47:257-267.
Abstract:
The purpose of this
note is to retain five names of small cetaceans [Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas,
1776) for the beluga whale, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) for the common
bottlenose dolphin, Lissodelphis borealis (Peale, 1849) for the northern right
whale dolphin, Cephalorhynchus eutropia (Gray, 1846) for the Chilean dolphin,
and Inia geoffrensis (Blainville in Desmarest, 1817) for the Amazon River
dolphin] that are each threatened by synonyms that antedate their
currently-used names. In each case, the
earlier name has rarely or never been used in the past 120 years, and its
resurrection, as the valid name for these species would threaten
stability. Prevailing usage must be
maintained to favor stability over priority, in accordance with Article 23.9 of
the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. I request that in each case listed, the
designated junior synonym be henceforth considered a nomen protectum (and
thereby continue to be used as the valid name for the relevant taxon), and that
each of the indicated senior synonyms be treated as a nomen oblitum (i.e.,
forgotten name).
Jefferson, T. A. 2021. Nomenclature of the dolphins,
porpoises, and small whales: A review and guide to the early taxonomic
literature. NOAA Professional Paper NMFS 21:107 pp.
Abstract:
The taxonomy of several
genera of small cetaceans has been confused for decades or even centuries. At
least 358 species of dolphins, porpoises, and small whales have been given
names, yet only 50 of these are currently recognized as valid species; the vast
majority of the rest are junior synonyms. Recent taxonomic revisions of some
genera have clarified things, but there are others that await taxonomic
revision, which will probably recommend generic recombinations and new or
resurrected species. As new taxonomic studies are resurrecting old species and
sometimes describing new ones, an understanding of the available names is
crucial to this task. This monograph comprehensively reviews all 358 valid and
invalid species of dolphins, porpoises, and small whales; documents their type
specimens; summarizes the history of each name; and assigns a status to each.
In addition, appendices discuss the early taxonomic literature, historical
notes, and museum acronyms, and provide a glossary of relevant taxonomic terms.
Ultimate goals are to help identify as many of the nomina dubia as possible, and to facilitate the inclusion of
data and material (both morphological and molecular) from relevant type specimens
into future taxonomic studies.
The paper is open-access
and can be downloaded from this link:
Best wishes,
Tom Jefferson
sclymene@aol.com