IUCN - Global Invasive Species Database
The Global Invasive Species Database is a free, online searchable source of information about alien and invasive species that negatively impact biodiversity. The GISD aims to increase public awareness about invasive species and to facilitate effective prevention and management activities by disseminating specialist’s knowledge and experience to a broad global audience. It focuses on invasive alien species that threaten native biodiversity and natural areas and covers all taxonomic groups from micro-organisms to animals and plants.
The Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed between 1998 and 2000 as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the erstwhile Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP).
GISD development
The GISD database structure including the GISD interface and presentation of information underwent an update in 2004/2005 supported by the NBII of the USGS. In 2013/2014 the GISD underwent a major redesign with support from the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, the Italian Ministry of Environment and ISPRA - the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Italy. This redesign was aimed at better presentation of data and information, enhanced search and download function, inclusion of information components focused on key areas such as Threatened species, Islands and Protected Areas. Crucially the redesign facilitated the inclusion of key identifiers such as IUCN Red List species codes, WDPA (World Database of Protected Areas) codes, ISO country codes etc. that allow seamless integration with allied databases such as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the WDPA, as well as other invasive species resources.
Future Plans
The ISSG is currently working with partners on a global initiative developing the
Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS) (site is under development) which is aimed at developing country-wise validated, verified and annotated inventories of introduced and invasive species. The results of this study will provide the ISSG with a global inventory of known invasive species. Once these results are available the GISD will feature at least basic information on each of these species.
ISSG with partners is developing the Island Biodiversity and Invasive Species Database (IBIS). A prototype had been developed with support from the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) Polynesia-Micronesia Biodiversity Hotspot and currently the database structure is being enhanced and web services are being developed (within the framework of the
BIOPAMA (Biodiversity and Protected Area Management Programme) by the Joint Research Centre of the EU) on the database to facilitate integration of data and information into the planned BIOPAMA Regional Information Systems in the Pacific, Caribbean and Africa regions. IBIS is focused on island ecosystems and presents data and information on the impacts of invasive alien species on native and endemic species at the country, island and site level.
ISSG is working with partners on a prototype online resource that is focused on ‘Pathways of introduction and spread of invasive alien species’.
The Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource is under development and includes information on species pathways and any legal information related to the management of specific pathways.
The ISSG plan to upgrade the back-end database into a composite one that will serve all four online resources.