Revisiting ‘<i>A monograph on the Polychaeta of southern Africa</i>’: establishing taxonomic research priorities in southern Africa

Originally published in 1967, John H Day’s work ‘A monograph on the Polychaeta of southern Africa’ is still used widely to identify polychaetes. However, ongoing taxonomic revisions have revealed that several putative cosmopolitan or locally widespread taxa contained are complexes species with discrete distributions, globally and locally. This study therefore aimed develop lists taxa, including unresolved indigenous species, should be prioritised for revision unlock their hidden diversity. A total 609 (56 families 316 genera) were scored according time since description, global local distribution, availability genetic data vouchers, alien status economic importance, then ranked. At least half reported complexes, a quarter wide probably hiding cryptic Accordingly, we estimate approximately 500 polychaete undescribed Africa. The four highest-scoring (Syllidae, Nereididae, Spionidae Eunicidae) comprise 25% 53–85% cosmopolitans, while multiple considered pests, as bait possible aliens. Prioritised genera (e.g. Eunice, Syllis, Nereis, Prionospio, Dipolydora) Pseudonereis variegata) usually members families, but some not Sabella cf. pavonina, Fimbriosthenelais zetlandica, Paleanotus chrysolepis, Gunnarea gaimardi, Capitella capitata). All taxon levels ensure all most need identified. Ways facilitate discussed.