Rules for new species from live specimens
In: Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science. Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 0028-0836; e-ISSN 1476-4687, more
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| Abstract |
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has always permitted descriptions of new species without a preserved type specimen, but only under strict conditions (see ICZN Bull. Zool. Nomen. 73, 96–97; 2017). Now that this is more common, the taxonomic community must safeguard the system from abuse. If researchers plan to release a captive specimen that might be a new species, they should take high-definition photographs from all angles, concentrating on possible diagnostic characters. They must compile video, audio and geographical reference data, take blood or tissue samples and make precise measurements. Ideally, they should also analyse the specimen's DNA and compare it with that of putative sister taxa. |
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