somaliensis

Somaliensis is a Latin-derived epithet used in the scientific names of organisms to indicate an association with Somalia. In binomial nomenclature, the second part of the name—the specific epithet—somaliensis conveys that the species was described from Somali territory or is characteristic of that region.

The form is built from the country name Somalia with the Latin suffix -ensis, meaning “belonging to” or “originating from.” It is used across various biological groups, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, whenever the author who describes the species chooses to mark Somali origin. The epithet typically refers to the type locality or a broader geographic distribution related to Somalia.

Nomenclatural practice adheres to the relevant codes governing naming, such as the ICZN for animals and the ICN for plants. The epithet must be published with a proper description and a designated type specimen. In many genera, the ending somaliensis is treated as an invariant geographic adjective, though it is adapted to align with the genus’ gender where required by specific nomenclatural rules.

Geographically, Somalia refers to a region in the Horn of Africa, though historical and political changes can influence how geographic names are assigned in taxonomy. As with other geographic epithets, somaliensis reflects origin or association rather than a precise current political boundary.

See also: Geographic epithets, Somali region.