Global Invasive Species Database

The Global Invasive Species Database is a free, online database managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature http://www.iucn.org/ . The site emphasizes "invasive alien species that threaten native biodiversity and covers all taxonomic groups from micro-organisms to animals and plants in all ecosystems." The goal is to increase public awareness and to facilitate prevention and management activities of invasive species for a broad audience. The database covers 800-plus species in over 250 countries, with content continually added by expert contributors.

Each record contains ecology, distribution, management, and impact information with references, links, and expert contacts for further information. A Standard Search option allows users to search by Species Name, Country or Location, and, via drop-down menus, Habitat, and Organism. The species name field also searches the common name and synonym fields. Taxonomic search allows users to search by Taxonomic Level and Taxonomic Name. The site features browsable alphabetic lists of species and countries. There are other online resources for obtaining invasive species information, for example, the website of the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health http://www.bugwood.org/ (CH, Dec'10, 48-2053) and its Invasive.org database http://www.invasive.org/ (CH, Aug'09, 46-6787) and the USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ (CH, Jan'12, 49-2649). But this site is noteworthy for its global focus and simple interface with basic credible information that leads to additional content, offering a useful starting point for undergraduates as well as anyone doing research on invasive species. ACRL Choice, Feb 2012:  Summing Up: Recommended. Academic and general audiences, all levels. -- B. M. Weston, formerly, University of Idaho


And be sure to check the TCC Library collection for books, ebooks, dvds and online videos:
Alien Plants - United States
Biological Invasions
Introduced Organisms
Invasive Plants - United States
Invasive Species

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