About The Horizon Scanning Tool
The Horizon Scanning Tool is a decision support aid that helps users identify potential invasive species threats to a geographic area.
Information from CABI Compendium datasheets is used to generate a list of species that are not recorded as present in the selected ‘area at risk’ but are reported from ‘source areas’ which may be chosen because they are neighbouring areas, are linked by trade, or share similar climates. The geographic areas in the tool include countries and territories, continents, trade blocs, regional plant protection organizations and the states and provinces used in Compendium data. The list of species can be filtered using various criteria (e.g. pathways, habitats, impact outcomes and organism type) to focus on sets of potential invasive species that may require more detailed risk assessment, surveillance, public awareness or direct action to prevent their introduction and spread. The results should be checked against other sources of information to remove species that are already present in the area at risk but have not yet been recorded as such by CABI and to add additional species that have not yet been recorded by CABI from the source areas. The editorial team is keen to receive referenced updates to improve the data for horizon scanning, please use the Feedback link.
A link is provided to access the corresponding datasheets. Where an enhanced datasheet is indicated, information is provided on detection and identification, means of entry, requirements for establishment and spread, and documented negative impacts (required for horizon scanning), and also methods for prevention and control (for response planning). The list can be output to a CSV or XLSX file for analysis and prioritization outside the Compendium. This contains all the results information seen on screen plus more taxonomic categories.
There are two versions of the Horizon Scanning Tool available; a premium version for subscribers to the CABI Compendium and a free version with open access to invasive species datasheets. All users can access the filters (for pathways, habitats, impact outcomes and organism type), view the full species results list, output a CSV or XLSX file of the results, and link out to open access datasheets for further information. The premium version provides two extra filters (for plant hosts and plant parts in trade) and links to additional pest datasheets that are only available to CABI Compendium subscribers.
Who will use the Horizon Scanning Tool?
Risk assessors, plant protection officers, quarantine officers, protected area managers and researchers will find that the Horizon Scanning Tool provides a quick and user-friendly means of accessing a large volume of relevant data for categorizing and prioritizing potential invasive species.
Distribution data disclaimer
The presentation of material therein does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CABI concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its borders. The depiction and use of boundaries, geographic names and related data shown on maps and included in lists, tables and datasheets on this website are not warranted to be error free nor do they necessarily imply official endorsement or acceptance by the CABI. The term “country” as used in the presentation of maps, lists, tables and texts also refers, as appropriate, to territories or areas.
Citation
Please cite the Horizon Scanning Tool as follows:
CABI, 2024. Horizon Scanning Tool. CABI Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. https://www.cabi.org/HorizonScanningTool.
Terms and Conditions
Please read CABI’s Terms and Conditions for accessing and using the Horizon Scanning Tool.
