Integrative Taxonomy in the Indian Subcontinent: Current Progress and Prospects

Abstract

The term “integrative taxonomy”, or the use of multiple lines of
evidence in the delimitation and naming of new species, was independently
introduced in two papers in 2005. This paper aims to provide a
brief review of integrative taxonomy and the growth of molecular tools in
systematics, with special reference to its prevalence and scope for biodiversity
research in India. We review the literature to understand the state
of progress in systematics from India since 2005 using both vertebrate
and invertebrate examples. We end by summarising best practises and
a workflow for integrative taxonomy, as well as emphasizing the need for
a national strategy for taxonomy and systematic research with an outline
on how to achieve this.