Speaker
Description
In response to the global biodiversity crisis and the need for reliable, integrative taxonomic resources, the World Flora Online (WFO) initiative provides a collaborative platform for compiling a global plant species checklist. Central to this are Taxonomic Expert Networks (TENs), which unite specialists to curate family-level data. This presentation introduces the newly established Meliaceae TEN, aiming to deliver an up-to-date, authoritative taxonomic framework for this pantropical family.
Meliaceae, comprising over 750 accepted species in 58 genera, includes ecologically and economically important (sub)tropical trees and shrubs. Many of the genera lack recent integrative revisions, and a 2023 expert assessment revealed inconsistencies across major taxonomic checklists. Together, these issues highlight the need for harmonised, expert-led curation.
The Meliaceae TEN brings together experts in systematics, ecology, and palaeobotany. Through the Rhakhis data storage and management system, members can collaboratively create and update taxonomic records similar to, e.g., Wikipedia. This system promotes real-time data stewardship, potentially reducing the lag between publication and integration into global databases.
Improving taxonomic consistency, the TEN supports broader scientific and conservation objectives: A robust taxonomy underpins accurate species inventories, informs assessments of species distributions and extinction risks, and supports ecological and ethnobotanical research. All data created by the TEN, aligned with WFO standards, are openly accessible through biannual releases on the WFO website and Zenodo and interoperable following FAIR principles.
This presentation outlines the structure, objectives, and early progress of the Meliaceae TEN, addressing specific challenges such as unresolved generic boundaries and underexplored tropical regions. It also draws on experiences from other TENs to inform strategy and invites broader collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Meliaceae TEN exemplifies how expert networks can revitalise taxonomy in the digital age, transforming dispersed expertise into coordinated action essential for understanding and preserving plant diversity.
| Status Group | Senior Scientist |
|---|---|
| Poster Presentation Option | Yes, I’m willing to present as a poster. |
