Historical notes on the taxonomy and nomenclature of the recent Rhinocerotidae (Mammalia, Perissodactyla)

The historical background of sixteen taxa in the family Rhinocerotidae is examined in order to assess their types and present status unequivocally. Various taxonomic or nomenclatorial aspects are treated of the following specific names: africanus, annamiticus, asiaticus, brucii, camperi, camperii, camperis, capensis, cucullatus, gordoni, inermis, jamrachi, javanicus, javanus, sondaicus and sumatrensis. A short discussion on the definition of “iconotype” is added.