Materials for developing databases in taxonomic research – a review

Abstract

The essentiality of databases in taxonomic research and in taxonomists’ perspective is emphasized. Specimens, illustrations and little known catalogues, besides consolidated floras are considered subjects for databases in taxonomic research. The present communication analyses the holdings in Indian herbaria, the problems that confront them and suggests ways for their greater exposition. It is felt that a consortium is to be evolved linking them to pool up the holdings and to facilitate greater accessibility of specimens. Images though not entirely substitute specimens, expedite in tracing specimens in specific herbaria, their prompt borrowing for study thereby taking appropriate taxonomic decisions and updating of nomenclature. This centralization accelerates revisionary studies and makes Indian taxonomists less dependent on European herbaria. Illustrations and less known catalogues, which too are crucially linked to literature, should find a place in databases. Images of live collections with names authenticated empower forestry personnel to collect locality specific information of various species in monitoring exercises. Problems associated with names and their inherent dynamism due to the flexibility given in the provisions of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature in databases on consolidated floras of a state/ region are also addressed. The paper reviews the efforts put in by various institutions towards digitalization. It is suggested that the database on consolidated National Flora should be carefully phased initially building fully referenced species checklists for various families followed by appending additional data sets for value addition. This gives the needed stability to the developed database. Our approach should be gradual and graded and involving taxonomists as they are principle data generators. As the old databases are customized in configuration and utility and day by day the new ones getting added, this review cannot be claimed exhaustive. But it gives a broader perception with reference to the diverse resources on hand to be digitized and emphasizes how effective a database could be built upon. A thematic proposal is presented as a guideline with a submission for consideration/debate.