vanishing taxonomists

[Murray Fletcher]

Derek Sikes wrote:

> Although more about geographical location of taxonomists, the following
> reference shouldn't be overlooked:
>
> Gaston, K. J. and R. M. May.  1992. Taxonomy of taxonomists.  Nature 356:
> 281-282.
>
> near the end of the article they discuss 'trends in the workforce' and
> conclude with:
>
> "If we found these demographic trends in a newly discovered species of
> lemur, we would bring specimens into a zoo and start a programme of captive
> breeding.  But if these trends continue among taxonomists and systematists,
> how soon will it be before we cannot recognize a new species of lemur?"
>
> Derek

The best suggestion I have heard for a long long time.
Start a captive breeding program for taxonomists - when can we start?

Murray

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Dr Murray J. Fletcher
Senior Research Scientist
Agricultural Scientific Collections Unit
Orange Agricultural Institute
Orange NSW 2800
Australia

Phone: +61-2-63913943
Fax: +61-2-63913899
Email: murray.fletcher at agric.nsw.gov.au

ASCU Website: http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/Hort/ascu
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