|
|
|
|
| |
| Location: |
World |
| Subject: |
Taxonomy |
| Species: |
Sumatran Rhino |
 |
|
In this case, the name Didermocerus was published before Dicerorhinus, but the latter was universally used until 1951. In that year Ellerman and Morrison-Scott rehabilitatedthe older, but almost forgotten Didermocerus and a number of zoologists followed their example. On the other hand, many others refused to change the name that had been common usage for so many years. Doubt was also expressed about the validity of the publication of Didermocerus, since this name first appeared in a sales catalogue of a zoological collection. From then on, both names were used in the literature.
In 1967, Boylan brought this confusing and impractical situation under the attention of the International Commission and asked it to decide in this matter. A survey of the recent usage of both names was made, the comments of specialists were heard and in 1974 a final advice to the Commission was published. It was concluded that Didermocerus was indeed validly published, but that this name has to be suppressed in favour of Dicerorhinus because of the prevailing usage. So the right name for the Sumatran rhinoceros is Dicerohinus sumatrensis (Fischer), 1814. It is hoped that the other name will become extinct before the Sumatran rhino itself.
|
|
|
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis or Didermocerus sumatrensis?
File available
details
Original text on this topic: