1

Topic: Whales and Dolphin - Common Name

Hello,

I would like to request the common name "Whales and Dolphins" is associated with the Order Cetartiodactyla (NHMSYS0021053569), which (I have recently learned!) is the new name for the order marine mammals.

We are running Sea watch (public participation/citizen science) surveys and collecting the data on an INDICIA site (therefore using the UK Master list for species names).  Many of the participants want to record their data, but are unable to confirm whales and dolphin to species level.  However to collect information on marine mammals is still useful data and it engages new recorders.

At the moment unless you happen to know the new scientific name for the order (& can spell it) there is no easy way for people to record (generic) Whales/Dolphin & this is putting them off adding other sightings.

Thanks

2

Re: Whales and Dolphin - Common Name

Hi Martin - that has been done now and it precipitated a few other changes as well :)

Chris Raper, Manager of the UK Species Inventory, Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity,
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD.  (tel: 020 7942 5894)
also Tachinid Recording Scheme (http://tachinidae.org.uk/)