Minimal Taxonomic Standards for Declaration of New Microbial Species

Modern-day microbial taxonomists are embracing the inclusion of microbial genomic taxonomy in the declaration of new microbial species. With the advancement of molecular techniques and the development of new bioinformatic tools, the current shift in thought and application of taxonomic methods is inevitable. Unlike nomenclature, which is guided by a set of rules and recommendation, there is no formal regulation for methods to be used in microbial systematics, and hence, no clear set of characteristics are defined to propose a novel species. Over the years, scientists have adapted to the evolving trends of microbial taxonomic methods. In this chapter, we as practicing microbial taxonomists try to give our perspectives on the key features that may be considered for the declaration of new microbial species.