Production of identification
keys and field guides
5.7. We have already referred to the importance
of identification keys and field guides (paragraphs 4.15 and 4.16
above). Although their production is critical (p 313), it
is the non-availability of taxon specialists willing to produce
guides that is the limiting factor (see paragraph 4.16 above).
In addition to the general decrease in numbers of available specialists,
it seems likely to us that the "effective invisibility"
of such works in the Research Assessment Exercise process (see
paragraphs 6.10 to 6.14 below) is a significant factor in the
lack of willingness to generate new identification guides amongst
those remaining specialists.
5.8. We recommend the establishment of a new
process for commissioning the production of identification keys
and field guides, involving joint actions between users setting
priorities, funders supporting fixed-term appointments, host institutions
providing access to collections and literature resources, and
established series publishers producing the volumes. We also recommend
that UK BRAG should explore the options for commissioning the
production of new and updated identification guides for the UK
fauna and flora.
CABI fungi collection
5.9. The RBG Kew has taken on responsibility
for curation of the CABI collection of fungi in order to ensure
that this important collection remains secure and accessible to
researchers (p 22 and Q 14). This is a valuable scientific
asset which is held nationally but is of global scientific significance.
RBG Kew has requested Defra to provide additional funding of £750,000
for housing and curating the collection (Q 303). Lord Rooker
indicated that there was an issue concerning the departmental
responsibility for funding of CABI and stated that there was "very
little likelihood of funding" by Defra (QQ 303-304).
5.10. Whilst we understand that there are
always many pressures on Government funds, we are concerned about
the future of the CABI fungal reference collection given its significance
to the stability of fungal systematics. Its loss would
deepen the crisis in fungal taxonomy. We urge the Government
to acknowledge this significance and to take steps to secure the
CABI fungal reference collection into the future.