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GBIF

GBIF provides free and open access to biodiversity data

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  • Species Match Actions
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Species Match → Get

AI-generated

Overview

The node integrates with the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) API to perform a "Species Match" operation. Specifically, it allows users to query the GBIF species match endpoint to find the best matching taxonomic name for a given species name and optional classification filters. This is useful in biodiversity data workflows where verifying or standardizing species names against a global taxonomy backbone is required.

Common scenarios include:

  • Validating scientific names in datasets.
  • Matching fuzzy or partial species names to accepted taxonomic concepts.
  • Retrieving taxonomic details filtered by rank or classification hierarchy.

Example use case:
You have a list of species names from field observations and want to confirm their correct taxonomic identity using GBIF's authoritative species match service. You can input a species name and optionally specify taxonomic ranks or classifications to narrow down the match.

Properties

Name Meaning
Additional Fields A collection of optional parameters to refine the species match query:
- Name Filters by a specific name string to match.
- Rank Filters by taxonomic rank. Options include Aberration, Biovar, Chemoform, Chemovar, Class, Cohort, Convariety, Cultivar, Cultivar Group, Domain, Family, Form, Forma Specialis, Genus, Grandorder, Grex, Infraclass, etc.
- Strict Boolean flag; if true, matches only the given name exactly (no fuzzy matching or upper classification matches).
- Verbose Boolean flag; if true, shows alternative matches that were considered but rejected.
- Kingdom Optional kingdom classification filter (canonical name).
- Phylum Optional phylum classification filter (canonical name).
- Class Optional class classification filter (canonical name).
- Order Optional order classification filter (canonical name).
- Family Optional family classification filter (canonical name).
- Genus Optional genus classification filter (canonical name).

Output

The node outputs an array of JSON objects representing the response from the GBIF species match API endpoint. The structure typically includes fields such as matched scientific name, taxon key, status, rank, classification details, and possibly alternative matches if verbose mode is enabled.

No binary data output is produced by this node.

Dependencies

  • Requires internet access to call the public GBIF API at https://api.gbif.org/v1.
  • No authentication or API keys are needed as the GBIF API is open access.
  • Uses n8n's built-in HTTP request helper to perform GET requests.

Troubleshooting

  • Empty or no match results: Ensure the "Name" field is correctly spelled and consider adjusting filters like rank or classification to broaden the search.
  • Strict mode filtering out results: If strict is set to true, only exact matches will be returned. Disable strict mode to allow fuzzy matching.
  • API rate limits or connectivity issues: Although GBIF API is public, heavy usage might trigger rate limiting or temporary failures. Retry after some time or check network connectivity.
  • Invalid rank or classification values: Use only valid options for rank and classification fields as per the provided list to avoid errors or empty responses.

Links and References

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