gisd_isinvasive(x, simplify = FALSE)
A data.frame with species names and invasiveness.
This function check which species (both plants and animals) are considered "invaders" somewhere in the world.
For that end, it checks GISD (http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/) and returns a value, either "Not in GISD" or the brief description presented in GISD.
Note that the webpage contains more information. Also note that the function won't tell you if it's exotic in your area, a lot of exotic species are not considered invaders (yet).
As expected, the function is as good as the database is, which I find quite reliable and well maintained. The database is also able to recognize a lot (but not all) of the species synonyms.
sp <- c("Carpobrotus edulis", "Rosmarinus officinalis") ## first species is invasive, second one is not. gisd_isinvasive(sp)Checking species 1 Checking species 2 Donespecies 1 Carpobrotus edulis 2 Rosmarinus officinalis status 1 You searched for invasive species named Carpobrotus edulis: 1. Carpobrotus edulis (succulent) Carpobrotus edulis is a mat-forming succulent native to South Africa which is invasive primarily in coastal habitats in many parts of the world. It was often introduced as an ornamental plant or used for planting along roadsides, from which it has spread to become invasive. Its main impacts are smothering, reduced regeneration of native flora and changes to soil pH and nutrient regimes.\r\nCommon Names: balsamo, Cape fig, figue marine, freeway iceplant, ghaukum, ghoenavy, highway ice plant, higo del Cabo, higo marino, Hottentosvy, hottentot fig, Hottentottenfeige, iceplant, ikhambi-lamabulawo, Kaapsevy, patata frita, perdevy, pigface, rankvy, sea fig, sour fig, suurvy, umgongozi, vyerank\r\nSynonyms: Mesembryanthemum edule L., Mesembryanthemum edulis 2 Not in GISDChecking species 1 Checking species 2 Donespecies status 1 Carpobrotus edulis Invasive 2 Rosmarinus officinalis Not in GISD