Nomenclature changes

There are a number of transformations of the taxonomic tree available for the CITES_EU taxonomy, which allow to perform nomenclature changes following decisions adopted at cops.

The operations are described using the following terms:

• input: an input represents an existing taxon concept that is subjected to change
• output: an output is a product of the change, and can be either an existing taxon concept or a newly created taxon concept

Split

Inputs: 1 input

• an accepted name

Outputs: 2 or more:

• existing accepted name
• new accepted name based on existing synonym
• new accepted species name based on existing subspecies name
• new accepted name unrelated to any existing taxa

Lump

Inputs: 2 or more:

• existing accepted names

Outputs: 1 output:

• existing accepted name
• new accepted name based on existing synonym
• new accepted species name based on existing subspecies name
• new accepted name unrelated to any existing taxa

Change into accepted name

Inputs: none Outputs: primary

• primary output is the name turning to accepted name

Change into synonym

Inputs: 1 (optional)

• in case of N -> S, the N name is the input (as well as primary output) Outputs: primary, secondary (optional)
• primary output is the name turning to synonym
• secondary output is an accepted name the name, to which any reassignments are made from input (only for N -> S)

Swap accepted name & synonym

Inputs: 1

• the A name turning S is the input (as well as primary output) Outputs: primary, secondary
• primary output is the A name turning S
• secondary output is the S name turning A, to which any reassignments are made from input

Common concerns

Auto-upgrade of non-accepted outputs

If an output is based on a synonym, it will be automatically turned into an accepted name. Trade records will be reconciled.

If an output is based on existing accepted subspecies name, it will be automatically turned into a synonym of the new accepted species.

Auto-downgrade of input

If input is not an output, the input will be automatically turned into a synonym of the output. Trade records will be reconciled.

Reassignments of children involving name change

In cases when children are being reassigned to new parents, and that change would involve a name change, there is a process in place to ensure old names continue to exist as synonyms of new names.

Example: Canis lupus split into Canis 1 and Canis 2, subspecies Canis lupus crassodon reassigned to Canis 1; Canis lupus crassodon becomes a synonym of Canis 1 crassodon