A Forum for Taxonomists: amendments to be done in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature

Abstract. Below we re-publish a paper from Zootaxa which is permitted to be made freely available online for everyone to read, download, copy, distribute, and use (with attribution to Zhang, 2008: 68). Zoosystematica Rossica will also help to publicise the important novelties by ICZN so that it reaches the widest readership possible. The ICZN (2008) has responded in a timely manner by proposing the following amendment of the fourth edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999) to allow electronic publishing of new zoological names and nomenclatural acts coupled with (1) proper archiving of works to ensure permanent conservation and access and (2) registration of new scientifi c names in open access ICZN registry (i.e. ZooBank) to ensure that they are made widely known. The ICZN proposal also addresses methods of publication in general, discusses the reasoning behind the proposal, and provides explanations of the procedure for amendment and adoption of the proposal (Zhang, 2008). The ICZN encourages comments from the community of zoologists as to whether they oppose, support, or can suggest improvements and alternatives to the various parts of the proposal. To facilitate the discussion on this important topic for zoological taxonomy, Zoosystematica rossica also welcomes comments on the ICZN proposal. Zoosystematica Rossica will publish manuscripts devoted to the matter.