<strong>Assessing biodiversity: a pain in the neck</strong>

Abstract

Though taxonomic studies provide basic information about the diversity of life, they are often impeded by unfounded beliefs, anthropomorphic feelings, inadequate information of decision holders, and threatened by the activities of some zoologists and conservationists. Two such threats are discussed. One is latent, derived from the provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The second is actual/effective, caused by technocratic restrictions limiting field work. The present trends lack a rational foundation, are counterproductive and risk producing negative impacts on efforts to extend conservation of natural sites.