The inequity of species names: The flora of New Caledonia as a case study

Since Linnaeus popularized the system of binomial nomenclature to describe living organisms, it has been common practice to name species after people (eponyms). Trends in species naming were analyzed in the endemic flora of New Caledonia, a biodiversity hotspot in the South-West Pacific. It was found that eponyms were predominantly from France and other European countries, and to a lesser extent from neighboring countries in Oceania or North America. Today, just 7% of these eponyms were born in New Caledonia, and 6% were women. Most of the corresponding species were described in the past five decades. Although the evidence is still preliminary, the name of a species appears to have a significant impact on how people relate to it, and this may be especially important for threatened endemic species and the willingness of local populations to preserve them. Because newly described species are often rare and endangered, adopting a more balanced approach to species naming may help to secure their future, particularly given the current extinction crisis.

Automated summary

The naming of species after people, known as eponyms, in the endemic flora of New Caledonia mainly comes from France and Europe, with a smaller number from neighboring countries in Oceania or North America. Only 7% of these eponyms were born in New Caledonia, with 6% being women, and most corresponding species were described in the past five decades. While still preliminary, evidence suggests that a species' name can significantly affect how people relate to it, especially important for threatened endemic species and local populations' willingness to preserve them. Adopting a more balanced approach to species naming, especially for newly described rare and endangered species, may help secure their future in the current extinction crisis.