Formulaic Unpublished Names: The need for a TDWG standard and for the inclusion of such names in apps such as iNaturalist

Names are essential for communication. In biodiversity we have a nomenclature system that has stood the test of time (around 270 years) and, despite some shortcomings, it works. However, world changed. Extinction rates increased rapidly in recent times and rising at ever increasing due to climate change human neglect. As result, need do everything can protect species remain that, be able communicate about those species. The publishing process is slow, there dearth taxonomists, so formal publication many these species, especially tropics New World, cannot keep up with ever-increasing known unpublished It estimated (Chapman 2009) only 16% world’s been described. plants figure around 65% described, 35% still undescribed. Many known, threatened, but unless give them names, adequately them, exchange data on or add into conservation legislation. This includes being identify photos, etc. citizen science apps such as iNaturalist, which important determining ranges, identifying new taxa, taxonomists other researchers. 1980s, Australia developed formulaic naming undescribed plant 2005). name follows format: "<Genus> sp. <colloquial name, location description> (<Voucher>)" e.g., " Prostanthera Somersbey (B.J.Conn 4024)". was universally adopted 1990s, allowed, from 1999, inclusion taxa legislated National State threatened lists. May 2022, were 41 listed Australian Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Such names synonymised formally A more detailed discussion method given pages 20-21 Chapman (2005). Some said this trivial issue, not trivial, will evidence by looking just one small part – Western where currently 987 accepted out an flora 13,000 use (https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/). That 7.5% all state. Of over 50% Priority (calculated florabase reference). problem, thus formalised TDWG standard. would allow consistency across globe life kingdoms transfer through aggregators Global Information Facility (GBIF). We also iNaturalist their taxonomies, otherwise lose lot information most valuable world. While benefits, must look drawbacks physical piracy rare taxonomic piracy. suggested groups, tying formula voucher, link photo could encourage taxon pirates describe publish self-published journals without having examined any material. These issues discussed, believe they reasons deny support concept even if different formats needed groups.