The XVIIIth (New) International Congress of Zoology
Le XVIIIème (Nouveau) Congrès International de Zoologie
ATHENS, GREECE
28 August - 2 September 2000
The recently published Fourth Edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature came into force on January 1, 2000. The new code introduces updated provisions affecting many aspects of zoological nomenclature such as proposals of new names, lectotype designations and neotype fixations. The most important changes, however, are (a) those affecting the criteria for publication in our current electronic era, (b) those permitting, under strict and well-circumscribed conditions, that established usage may be preserved despite contrary priority, without the need to apply to the Commission, and (c) the introduction of a List of Available Names.
It has not be possible, however, to introduce in the new code other provisions a sizeable part of the zoological community was waiting for: in particular, provisions for the registration of works and/or names. Prospects for implementing registration procedures will be one of the hot topics presented for discussion in Athens. But there will be also the opportunity to discuss, on a broader perspective, how far the traditional Linnaean nomenclature can answer all current requirements for zoological (biological names), e.g. from the perspective of a consequent phylogenetic systematics, or in the case of huge collections whose management cannot always wait for the formal description and christening of all taxa involved.
Information about the new International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the ICZN may be obtained from the Commission's Website (www.iczn.org) or Secretariat (e-mail iczn@nhm.ac.uk).
Still Desiderata: Scientific Names for Domestic Animals and their Feral Derivates
Dr. Thomas. W. Wyrwoll
Johann Wolfgang Goethe - Universität