Case 3742 - Galago demidoff Fischer, 1806 (currently Galagoides ; Mammalia, Primates, Galagidae ): proposed conservation of the specific name and designation of a neotype. Lemur minutus Cuvier, 1797: proposed designation of a neotype.
Abstract
The purpose of this application, under Articles 11, 23, 31 and 32 of the
Code, is to confirm the availability of and to maintain the usage of the name Galago
demidoff Fischer, 1806 for Demidoff ’s Dwarf Galago from western and central Africa
and its priority over the objective junior synonym Macropus (Galago) demidovii
Fischer, 1808, and to suppress subsequent incorrect spellings, under Articles 19 and
33 of the Code. The original specimen of Galago demidoff Fischer, 1806 has been
destroyed so a further purpose of this application is to designate a neotype, under
Article 75.3 of the Code. A name of dubious identity, Lemur minutus Cuvier, 1797,
has been confused with that of Galago demidoff and Galago senegalensis Geoffroy,
1796. This name has had no valid usage for well over a century and is here regarded
as a nomen oblitum, under Article 23 of the Code. In order to clarify taxonomic
status, it is also proposed to designate a neotype for Lemur minutus Cuvier, 1797,
under Article 75.3 of the Code. It is proposed that G. demidoff should be maintained
as the prior name for the taxon and that all subsequent incorrect spellings of the
name be suppressed.