Nomenclature of the dolphins, porpoises, and small whales: a review and guide to the early taxonomic literature

Abstract

The taxonomy of several genera of small cetaceans has been confused for decades or even centuries. At least 358 species of dolphins, porpoises, and small whales have been given names, yet only 50 of these are currently recognized as valid species; the vast majority of the rest are junior synonyms. Recent taxonomic revisions of some genera have clarified things, but there are others that await taxonomic revision, which will probably recommend generic recombinations and new or resurrected species. As new taxonomic studies are resurrecting old species and sometimes describing new ones, an understanding of the available names is crucial to this task. This monograph comprehensively reviews all 358 valid and invalid species of dolphins, porpoises, and small whales; documents their type specimens; summarizes the history of each name; and assigns a status to each. In addition, appendices discuss the early taxonomic literature, historical notes, and museum acronyms, and provide a glossary of relevant taxonomic terms. Ultimate goals are to help identify as many of the nomina dubia as possible, and to facilitate the inclusion of data and material (both morphological and molecular) from relevant type specimens into future taxonomic studies.

Nomenclature of the Larger Toothed Whales (Odontocetes): A Historical Review

“…This name first appeared in 1840 among plates prepared by Wiegmann for the volume of Die Saugethiere on marine mammals, which was authored by Wagner (1847). This set of plates was apparently distributed prior to the publication of the text volume in 1847 (see Jefferson, 2021). Plates 338 and 338b of Wiegmann (1840) and Wagner (1847), respectively, both contain good illustrations of the external appearance of Physeter gibbosus, clearly showing the name to apply to the sperm whale.…”

“…The current paper is the second in a planned series of four that are intended to summarize the state of taxonomic nomenclature for the main groups of marine mammals of the world. The first, covering the small cetaceans, was published in 2021 (Jefferson, 2021). The need for such a set of documents became apparent to the first author in 2017 or 2018.…”

“…The highly useful and informative Catalog of Living Whales (Hershkovitz, 1966) was becoming out of date and, in any event, covered only the cetaceans and not the pinnipeds. The nomenclature of the large odontocetes has not been as confused as has that of the small odontocetes (see Jefferson, 2021). Nonetheless, the large number of species described that are not considered valid, and the inaccessibility of much of the relevant literature, has made it at times confusing and challenging to sort out the taxonomy of these animals, especially when taxonomic revisions are required.…”

“…Delphinus? edentulus Wiegmann, 1842 This name was introduced in plate 347 by Wiegmann, whose plates were issued in batches at various times after they were completed (see Jefferson, 2021). The date of issue can not be determined reliably, but according to Poche (1911), was in the period from 1840 to 1842.…”

“…No type specimen was collected. Jefferson (2021) listed this species as a nomen dubium in his review of dolphin and small whale nomenclature, but indicated it seemed to have more in common with beaked whales. We believe that this species likely refers to the northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus).…”