PREVALIEN database: data for PREVention, early detection and management of ALIEN plant invasions

Résumé fourni par la source

Biological invasions are a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly in protected areas where conservation priorities are highest (Foxcroft et al. 2017). Here, we present PREVALIEN, an open-access database developed to support the prevention and early detection of invasive non-native plants of European Union concern in Italian protected areas. Built on a PostgreSQL framework, PREVALIEN integrates ecological and spatial information from authoritative European and global sources, covering 41 among vascular plant and algal species. The database includes harmonized data on taxonomy, functional traits, introduction pathways, ecological impacts, and management strategies. Verified presence–absence records were compiled for Italian National Parks using data from the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research and validated through expert consultation and cross-checking with risk assessments. PREVALIEN enables multi-scale ecological analyses and supports the development of spatially explicit risk models. By standardizing and integrating heterogeneous data sources, the database addresses critical gaps in invasive non-native species monitoring at the national level. At the same time, it highlights persistent limitations in the availability of robust and standardized impact data, underscoring the need for coordinated data collection efforts (Seebens et al. 2025). As an open-access resource, PREVALIEN provides a valuable foundation for evidence-based conservation policies and management actions, while promoting transparency, open science, and collaboration in biological invasion science.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.