The naming of two new species of gecko in Sri Lanka has apparently become a political controversy in Sri Lanka:
There are currently 183 observations of gecko’s in Sri Lanka on iNaturalist. Maybe we’ll see the new species show up here soon:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=7077&taxon_id=371057
People can find ways to get offended by just about anything. I cannot see much of a political agenda by the naming of based on ancient heroes.
I could see issues based upon recent historical figures, but what type of statement does having an animal being named after you have? An honorific naming, or are they comparing traits? :)
Reminds me of when George W. Bush had a slime-mold beetle named after him:
http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2005/05/president-bush-calls-say-thanks-slime-mold-beetle
I suppose it’s all in the intent of those doing the naming. An attempt to honor or to mock.
This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.