PREVALIEN dataset

The PREVALIEN database, funded by the Italian Project of National Interest (PRIN 2022, Ministry of Universities and Research), is a relational database developed in PostgreSQL to support the monitoring, prevention, and early detection of Invasive Alien Plants of Union Concern (IAPUC) in Italy’s protected areas. It integrates ecological, spatial, and taxonomic data from authoritative European and global sources, covering 41 vascular plant and algal species. Key information includes species taxonomy, functional traits, introduction pathways, impacts on biodiversity, and management strategies at a global scale.
Occurrence data, including both presences and absences, are sourced from the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and limited to plots within National Park boundaries. All records have undergone expert verification through cross-checking with risk assessments and consultation with park authorities. PREVALIEN db is structured into 34 relational tables, organized to optimize data integrity and enable flexible queries. Main tables include:

1. taxonomy
2. PRA_RA_information
3. distribution
4. habitat_preference
5. pathways_of_introduction
6. pathways_of_entry
7. pathways_of_spread
8. impacts
9. management
10. traits

This relational structure facilitates multi-scale ecological analyses and the development of spatially explicit risk models. As an open-access resource, PREVALIEN fills critical data gaps, strengthens national IAS monitoring, and provides a foundation for evidence-based conservation policies, supporting the protection of Europe’s most vulnerable and biodiversity-rich landscapes.