The world of botany is undergoing a significant transformation. Over a hundred scientists at the International Botanical Congress in Madrid have voted to eliminate racially offensive terms from the scientific names of plants, fungi, and algae.
This decision marks a crucial step towards promoting inclusivity and respect in the field of taxonomy. Here’s why this matters.
A New Era of Naming
Starting in 2026, approximately 200 species will undergo a name change, replacing the derogatory term “caffra” with “affra” to acknowledge their African roots. This alteration signifies a shift towards a more respectful and culturally sensitive approach to scientific nomenclature.
The term “caffra” is an Arabic word meaning “infidel” that was used as a racial slur against Black people, especially in southern Africa, during the Apartheid era.
The proposal to remove racially insensitive terms from species names was put forward by Prof. Gideon Smith and Prof. Estrela Figueiredo from Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. They have long advocated for changes to rectify past offensive labels in the scientific naming system.(ref)
Overseeing Future Discoveries
To ensure that future plant discoveries are named appropriately, a new committee will be established. This committee will have the authority to intervene if any proposed names are deemed offensive to any group or race.
Species names can now be rejected by the committee if considered derogatory, but this only applies to names given after 2026, not historical names.(ref)
While there was no unanimous agreement on addressing other historically controversial labels, this recent adjustment marks the first official amendment to the naming rules in the field of taxonomy. It’s a crucial recognition of the issue, even if further work is needed to address problematic historical names.
Challenges in Zoological Nomenclature
Despite the progress made in botany, challenges persist in the realm of zoological nomenclature. The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has been resistant to altering its regulations, citing potential disruptions and future sensitivities.
The ICZN maintains that it is not their mandate to regulate based on ethics and they cannot act as a “police force”. As a result, names honoring controversial figures like Hitler (the brown beetle Anophthalmus hitleri) and Mussolini (the moth Hypopta mussolinii) remain unchanged in the animal kingdom.
Broader Discussions
The momentum within the botanical community highlights the need for broader discussions and awareness regarding acceptable naming practices across all scientific disciplines. Many argue that the practice of using eponyms, or naming species after people, is inherently political and often favors white male Europeans from the colonial era.
Researchers offer potential solutions such as changing the codes that govern naming, implementing stricter interpretation of the codes, establishing an international ethics committee, or reforming the naming bodies.
While acknowledging that further revisions are undoubtedly necessary, the recent adjustments in botany serve as a crucial first step towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful scientific community.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.