Andrew Polaszek - ZooBank: ICZN’s open-access web register of animal names and descriptions

ZooBankZooBank

ZooBank:ZooBank: ICZN’s open-access web registerICZN’s open-access web registerof animal names and descriptionsof animal names and descriptions

ZooBank:ZooBank: ICZN’s open-access web registerICZN’s open-access web registerof animal names and descriptionsof animal names and descriptions

ICZN, The Natural History Museum, London, [email protected] www.iczn.org

Andrew Polaszek, Executive Secretary, ICZN

ZooBank:ZooBank:

ZooBank:ZooBank:

•Why do we need it?Why do we need it?

ZooBank:ZooBank:

•Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•How will it work?How will it work?

ZooBank:ZooBank:

•Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•How will it work?How will it work?•Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?

ZooBank:ZooBank:

Past, present and future roles of ICZNPast, present and future roles of ICZN

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•““Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts

ZooBank


• Descriptions and nomenclatural acts “hidden” in 1,100 Descriptions and nomenclatural acts “hidden” in 1,100 journals as well as other publications (monographs, CDs)journals as well as other publications (monographs, CDs)

ZooBank


• Descriptions and nomenclatural acts “hidden” in 1,100 Descriptions and nomenclatural acts “hidden” in 1,100 journals as well as other publications (monographs, CDs)journals as well as other publications (monographs, CDs)

• Taxonomic data will not only be freely available, Taxonomic data will not only be freely available, an alerting service will also be provided for those taxa an alerting service will also be provided for those taxa of interest to the user of interest to the user

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•““Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts • Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?• Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?• Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database

Registration as an ICZN requirement for availability Registration as an ICZN requirement for availability of new names, coupled with retrospective registrationof new names, coupled with retrospective registrationof existing names, ensures completeness of the of existing names, ensures completeness of the resultant register/databaseresultant register/database

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•““Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts • Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database• Code-compliance of all names and actsCode-compliance of all names and acts

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?• Code-compliance of all names and actsCode-compliance of all names and acts

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?• Code-compliance of all names and actsCode-compliance of all names and acts

Opportunity to introduce unprecedented stabilityOpportunity to introduce unprecedented stabilityin zoological nomenclature;in zoological nomenclature;

• Automatic checking for Code-complianceAutomatic checking for Code-compliance• Prevention of homonymyPrevention of homonymy• Stabilisation of spellingStabilisation of spelling• Fixing of genders and stemsFixing of genders and stems• Stability in gender agreementStability in gender agreement

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•““Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts • Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database• Code-compliance of all names and actsCode-compliance of all names and acts• Quality controlQuality control

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•Quality controlQuality control

ZooBank


• Current Code permits certain descriptions or other Current Code permits certain descriptions or other taxonomic acts, e.g. absence of a type specimen, taxonomic acts, e.g. absence of a type specimen, offensive names. offensive names.

ZooBank


• Current Code permits certain descriptions or other Current Code permits certain descriptions or other taxonomic acts, e.g. absence of a type specimen, taxonomic acts, e.g. absence of a type specimen, offensive names. offensive names.

• Auctioning of names and other ethical issuesAuctioning of names and other ethical issues

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•““Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts • Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database• Code-compliance of all names and actsCode-compliance of all names and acts• Quality controlQuality control• Facilitation of “true” web taxonomyFacilitation of “true” web taxonomy

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•Facilitation of “true” web taxonomyFacilitation of “true” web taxonomy

ZooBank


•Web(-only) taxonomy in the absence of a registrationWeb(-only) taxonomy in the absence of a registration system is a recipe for increased chaos.system is a recipe for increased chaos.

ZooBank


•Web(-only) taxonomy in the absence of a registrationWeb(-only) taxonomy in the absence of a registration system is a recipe for increased chaos.system is a recipe for increased chaos.

•Peer-review for web taxonomy still needs addressingPeer-review for web taxonomy still needs addressing

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•““Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts Visibility” of animal names and nomenclatural acts • Completeness of the animal species databaseCompleteness of the animal species database• Code-compliance of all names and actsCode-compliance of all names and acts• Quality controlQuality control• Facilitation of “true” web taxonomyFacilitation of “true” web taxonomy• Universal availability of descriptionsUniversal availability of descriptions

ZooBank

Why do we need it?Why do we need it?•Universal availability of descriptionsUniversal availability of descriptions

ZooBank


• Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations).

ZooBank


• Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). • Voluntary initially (because of publishers / Voluntary initially (because of publishers / copyright restrictions)copyright restrictions)

ZooBank


• Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). • Voluntary initially (because of publishers / Voluntary initially (because of publishers / copyright restrictions)copyright restrictions)• Several publishers already signed upSeveral publishers already signed up

ZooBank


• Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf Field in register for original descriptions - i.e. pdf or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). or similar (no limit on numbers of illustrations). • Voluntary initially (because of publishers / Voluntary initially (because of publishers / copyright restrictions)copyright restrictions)• Several publishers already signed upSeveral publishers already signed up• Authors will want descriptions as widely available as Authors will want descriptions as widely available as possiblepossible

ZooBank

Demonstrably NOT simply anotherDemonstrably NOT simply anotherdatabasing initiative (Species 2000, databasing initiative (Species 2000, ITIS, uBIO, Zoo. Record / IoN, ITIS, uBIO, Zoo. Record / IoN, ECAT etc)ECAT etc)

ZooBank

We need it!We need it!

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form

ZooBank


• Author or third party will submit details online; all Author or third party will submit details online; all “ “usual” fields, but additional fields for: usual” fields, but additional fields for:

ZooBank


• Author or third party will submit details online; all Author or third party will submit details online; all “ “usual” fields, but additional fields for: usual” fields, but additional fields for: • Code-complianceCode-compliance

ZooBank


• Author or third party will submit details online; all Author or third party will submit details online; all “ “usual” fields, but additional fields for: usual” fields, but additional fields for: • Code-complianceCode-compliance• Type depositoriesType depositories

ZooBank


• Author or third party will submit details online; all Author or third party will submit details online; all “ “usual” fields, but additional fields for: usual” fields, but additional fields for: • Code-complianceCode-compliance• Type depositoriesType depositories• GenderGender

ZooBank


• Author or third party will submit details online; all Author or third party will submit details online; all “ “usual” fields, but additional fields for: usual” fields, but additional fields for: • Code-complianceCode-compliance• Type depositoriesType depositories• GenderGender• StemStem

ZooBank


• Author or third party will submit details online; all Author or third party will submit details online; all “ “usual” fields, but additional fields for: usual” fields, but additional fields for: • Code-complianceCode-compliance• Type depositoriesType depositories• GenderGender• StemStem• Type locality details (optional)Type locality details (optional)• Description & figs (optional but highly desirable)!Description & figs (optional but highly desirable)!

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system

ZooBank


•Role of GBIF (and TDWG)Role of GBIF (and TDWG)

ZooBank


•Role of GBIF (and TDWG) Role of GBIF (and TDWG) •(ICZN is an Associate Participant of GBIF as of 2005)(ICZN is an Associate Participant of GBIF as of 2005)

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system

ZooBank


• Publishers ask authors to register new taxa / acts Publishers ask authors to register new taxa / acts with ZooBankwith ZooBank

ZooBank


• Publishers ask authors to register new taxa / acts Publishers ask authors to register new taxa / acts with ZooBankwith ZooBank

• Publishers “waive copyright” on descriptive/nomenclaturalPublishers “waive copyright” on descriptive/nomenclatural sections of published worksections of published work

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system• Pre-publication “holding period” – names hiddenPre-publication “holding period” – names hidden

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Pre-publication “holding period” – names hiddenPre-publication “holding period” – names hidden

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system• Pre-publication “holding period” – names hiddenPre-publication “holding period” – names hidden• Checking for Code-complianceChecking for Code-compliance

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Checking for Code-complianceChecking for Code-compliance

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system• Pre-publication “holding period” – names hiddenPre-publication “holding period” – names hidden• Checking for Code-complianceChecking for Code-compliance• Registration freeRegistration free

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Registration freeRegistration free

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system• Pre-publication “holding period” – names hiddenPre-publication “holding period” – names hidden• Checking for Code-complianceChecking for Code-compliance• Registration freeRegistration free• Zoological RecordZoological Record to kick-start ZooBank with IoN to kick-start ZooBank with IoN

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Zoological RecordZoological Record to kick-start ZooBank with IoN to kick-start ZooBank with IoN

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Online registration formOnline registration form• Pre- and post-publication registrationPre- and post-publication registration• Primary and third-party registrationPrimary and third-party registration• GUID/DOI systemGUID/DOI system• Parallels with GenBank Acc. No. systemParallels with GenBank Acc. No. system• Pre-publication “holding period” – names hiddenPre-publication “holding period” – names hidden• Checking for Code-complianceChecking for Code-compliance• Registration freeRegistration free• Zoological RecordZoological Record to kick-start ZooBank with IoN to kick-start ZooBank with IoN• Initial prototype / proof of conceptInitial prototype / proof of concept

ZooBank

How will it work?How will it work?• Initial prototype / proof of conceptInitial prototype / proof of concept

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted? Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic• Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted? Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic• Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists• Extra resources neededExtra resources needed

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Extra resources neededExtra resources needed

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic• Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists• Extra resources neededExtra resources needed• Funding?Funding?

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Funding?Funding?

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic• Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists• Extra resources neededExtra resources needed• Funding?Funding?• PhyloCode / BioCode?PhyloCode / BioCode?

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• PhyloCode / BioCode?PhyloCode / BioCode?

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic• Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists• Extra resources neededExtra resources needed• Funding?Funding?• PhyloCode / BioCode?PhyloCode / BioCode?• Web taxonomy – Registration=PublicationWeb taxonomy – Registration=Publication

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Web taxonomy – Registration=PublicationWeb taxonomy – Registration=Publication

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• Botanical experienceBotanical experience• ZooBank discussion listZooBank discussion list• Mandatory = authoritarian / imperialisticMandatory = authoritarian / imperialistic• Extra work for taxonomistsExtra work for taxonomists• Extra resources neededExtra resources needed• Funding?Funding?• PhyloCode / BioCode?PhyloCode / BioCode?• Web taxonomy – Registration=PublicationWeb taxonomy – Registration=Publication• 2008: 250 years of Linnaean zoological nomenclature2008: 250 years of Linnaean zoological nomenclature

ZooBank

Will it be accepted?Will it be accepted?• 2008: 250 years of Linnaean zoological nomenclature2008: 250 years of Linnaean zoological nomenclature

ZooBank:ZooBank:

Past, present and future roles of ICZNPast, present and future roles of ICZN

The International Commissionon Zoological Nomenclature

Mission:

The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature is dedicated to achieving stability and sense in the scientific naming of animals

Vision:

The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, acting in the capacity of advisor and arbiter, assists the zoological community through generation and dissemination of information on the correct use of the scientific names of animals.


Vision:


This includes the publication of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature containing applications to, and rulings by, the Commission.


Vision:


This includes the publication of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature containing applications to, and rulings by, the Commission.

ICZN will distribute this information as widely as possible, working towards the provision of a free service.


Mandates:


Mandates:

Convention on Biological Diversity


Mandates:

• Decisions adopted by the 4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Bratislava, 4-15 May 1998)


Mandates:

• Decisions adopted by the 4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Bratislava, 4-15 May 1998)

• Decision IV/1: Report and recommendations of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, and instructions by the Conference of the Parties to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice


Mandates:

• Decision IV/1/8: “Institutions, supported by Parties and international donors, should coordinate their efforts to establish and maintain effective mechanisms for the stable naming of biological taxa”


Mandates:

• Each edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature is adopted by the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS)


Mandates:

• Each edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature is adopted by the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS)

• IUBS is itself a member of ICSU, the International Council for Science


The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature

Present Role:

• To revise and publish the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature

Present Role:



• To consider and rule on specific cases of nomenclatural uncertainty in zoology


Present Role:

“adopted by the International Union of Biological Sciences”

(IUBS - ICSU)

4th edition - 1999




Present Role:



Present Role:

• Where a problem is discovered concerning the naming of animals, applicants present an argument, a “Case” which is published in BZN


• Counter arguments or support (“Comments”) are published subsequently


• Counter arguments or support (“Comments”) are published subsequently

• The Commission votes on the application and a decision, called an “Opinion”, is then published

The INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONon ZOOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE

The Commission’s Work:

The Commission’s Work is essential wherever:



• Identification



• Identification

• Authentication



• Identification

• Authentication

• Verification


The Commission’s Work is essential wherever

• Identification

• Authentication

• Verification

• Quality control


The Commission’s Work is essential wherever

• Identification

• Authentication

• Verification

• Quality control

are required to a “legal” standard


The Commission’s Work directly affects:



• Biodiversity studies




• Farming, Fisheries and Horticulture





• Medical and Veterinary Research


http://piclib.nhm.ac.uk/piclib/www/comp.php?img=73578&frm=med&search=schistosomiasis&first=1




• Medical and Veterinary Research

• Palaeontology and Biostratigraphy

• Entomology

• Conservation


The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature

Future Role:

• Amend, revise and simplify the Code


Future Role:

• Amend, revise and simplify the Code• Provide web-based user-friendly guide to the Code – flow charts, FAQs


Future Role:

• Amend, revise and simplify the Code• Provide web-based user-friendly guide to the Code – flow charts, FAQs• All Cases, Comments and Opinions to move to web


Future Role:

• Amend, revise and simplify the Code• Provide web-based user-friendly guide to the Code – flow charts, FAQs• All Cases, Comments and Opinions to move to web• ICZN to act as custodian of ZooBank – populating it & adding data on Code-compliance


Future Role:

• Amend, revise and simplify the Code• Provide web-based user-friendly guide to the Code – flow charts, FAQs• All Cases, Comments and Opinions to move to web• ICZN to act as custodian of ZooBank – populating it & adding data on Code-compliance • ICZN to act as coordinator for peer review of web (zoo-) taxonomy


Future Role:

THANKS TO:

Coauthors of the Nature Commentary:

Donat Agosti Donat Agosti Shunsuke Mawatari Shunsuke Mawatari Miguel Alonso-ZarazagaMiguel Alonso-Zarazaga Scott Miller Scott MillerGeorge BeccaloniGeorge Beccaloni Sandro Minelli Sandro MinelliPer de Place BjørnPer de Place Bjørn Solene Morris Solene MorrisPhilippe BouchetPhilippe Bouchet Peter Ng Peter NgDenis BrothersDenis Brothers David Patterson David PattersonGathorne CranbrookGathorne Cranbrook Rich Pyle Rich PyleNeal EvenhuisNeal Evenhuis Nigel Robinson Nigel RobinsonCharles GodfrayCharles Godfray Lucie Rogo Lucie RogoNorm JohnsonNorm Johnson Janice Taverne Janice TaverneFrank KrellFrank Krell Chris Thompson Chris ThompsonDiana LipscombDiana Lipscomb Jan van Tol Jan van TolChris LyalChris Lyal Quentin Wheeler Quentin WheelerGeorgina MaceGeorgina Mace Ed Wilson Ed Wilson

ADDITIONAL THANKS TO:

• The Wellcome Trust

• Natural History Museum

• Taylor & Francis Ltd

• The Gatsby Charitable Foundation

• The John Spedan Lewis Trust

• The Commissioners & Trustees of ICZN / ITZN

Technology

Andrew Polaszek - ZooBank: ICZN’s open-access web register of animal names and descriptions