Types and type localities of ungulates named from southern Africa

Abstract

Sixty names given to southern African ungulates are critically reviewed. All original descriptions have been examined. An attempt is made to resolve apparently contradictory statements in the literature relating to authorship, dates of publication, localities from which types were obtained, and the nature of the types themselves. Where they do not appear to be generally known, syntypes, holotypes, lectotypes and type localities are identified as far as possible. Specimens regarded as types after the original description was published are designated as lectotypes where their status is not entirely clear. In some cases lectotypes are chosen from among syntypes where these belong to more than one biological species, so as to ensure stability in nomenclature. Type localities for 22 nominal species have been identified, clarified, corrected or restricted with respect to those cited by Meester et al. (1986). Type material applying to about 22 names probably survives. Some types may still exist unnoticed in the Paris museum and other insti-tutions.