Discovering species-level homonyms in mammals using the Hesperomys database

Abstract I review unresolved cases of homonymy affecting extant mammals, where the name of a valid species has previously been used for a different species in the same genus. In 12 cases, I designate a senior homonym as a nomen oblitum to protect the stability of a currently recognized species. Four other cases require either action by the International Commission for Zoological Nomenclature or the introduction of a replacement name. I also discuss several cases where a potential homonym exists, but the older name is unavailable or spelled differently.