eelista

Eelista is a fictional open-source database project used to catalog and study eel species (order Anguilliformes) and their habitats. The project envisions a structured, community-curated resource that integrates taxonomy, geographic distribution, specimen records, genetic data, and scholarly literature. The name combines 'eel' with a suffix suggesting a list or catalog, echoing similar biology databases.

Originating in a hypothetical near-future collaborative initiative among marine biologists, educators, and data scientists, eelista was proposed to address fragmented eel data and inconsistent identifiers. Proponents describe it as an openly licensed platform designed to support reproducible research and education.

Its data model includes taxonomic hierarchies, synonymy, distribution polygons, habitat notes, life stage information, and references. It offers an API, data export options, version control, and contribution workflows with editors who curate entries. Data sources would include museum records, field surveys, the literature, and genetic sequence databases. Licensing is commonly CC BY or CC0 to maximize reuse.

Potential users include researchers, students, educators, and citizen scientists. The platform would promote transparency, data reuse, and cross-study comparisons, though it would require ongoing governance to manage quality and coverage.

Challenges include geographical and taxonomic gaps, potential misidentifications, and the need for sustained funding and community engagement.

Related topics include Anguilliformes, biological databases, open data platforms, and taxonomic curation.