What
we do
ICZN
was founded in 1895. Its task is to create, publish and,
periodically, to revise the International Code of Zoological
Nomenclature. The Commission also considers and rules
on specific cases of nomenclatural uncertainty. These
rulings are published as 'Opinions' in the Bulletin
of Zoological Nomenclature.
ICZN provides and regulates a uniform system of zoological nomenclature
ensuring that every animal has a unique and universally accepted
scientific name.
The
maintenance of international standards in animal nomenclature
is the unique role of the Commission. It is not the role of the
Commission to become involved in taxonomic issues except where
they have nomenclatural implications.
The Commission currently comprises 28 members from 19 countries.
The work of the Commission is supported by a small Secretariat based
at the Natural History Museum in
London.
The
Commission operates in two main ways:
•
ICZN publishes the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
containing the rules universally accepted as governing the
application of scientific names to all organisms which are
treated as animals.
•
ICZN provides rulings on individual nomenclatural problems brought
to its attention, in order to achieve internationally acceptable
solutions and stability.
Several
million species of animals are recognised, and more than 2000
new genus names and 15000 new species names are added to the
zoological literature every year. With so many names, problems
are bound to occur. The Commission operates through its quarterly
journal, the Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature,
in which problems needing a formal decision by the Commission
are published for discussion by the zoological community.
The
Commission is mandated by its scientific membership of the International
Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), and members are elected
by zoologists attending General Assemblies of IUBS or other International
Congresses. Casual vacancies may be filled between Congresses.
Nominations for membership may be sent to the Commission Secretariat at
any time.
The
Centenary History of the Commission - Towards
Stability in the Names of Animals - was published in
1995 and is obtainable from the Secretariat.
The
Commission's work directly affects:
ICZN
is supported by the International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature
(ITZN): UK Registered Charity No. 211944, Limited Company No.
429091
& VAT No. GB 240018319
