# GBIF Species & Taxonomy Scraper (`scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper`) Actor
Scrape GBIF species and taxonomy records by name with scientific and canonical name, rank, full classification (kingdom to genus), taxonomic status, dataset key and descendant counts. Export to JSON, CSV or Excel.
- **URL**: https://apify.com/scrapers\_lat/gbif-species-scraper.md
- **Developed by:** [Scrapers Lat](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat) (community)
- **Categories:** Developer tools, AI
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 71.4% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet
## Pricing
from $2.55 / 1,000 results
This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.
Since this Actor supports Apify Store discounts, the price gets lower the higher subscription plan you have.
Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-event
## What's an Apify Actor?
Actors are a software tools running on the Apify platform, for all kinds of web data extraction and automation use cases.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.
Actors are written with capital "A".
## How to integrate an Actor?
If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.
The best way to integrate Actors is as follows.
In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md):
```bash
npm install apify-client
```
In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md):
```bash
pip install apify-client
```
In shell scripts, use [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md):
````bash
# MacOS / Linux
curl -fsSL https://apify.com/install-cli.sh | bash
# Windows
irm https://apify.com/install-cli.ps1 | iex
```bash
In AI frameworks, you might use the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/integrations/mcp.md).
If your project is in a different language, use the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md).
For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below.
For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt).
# README
## GBIF Species & Taxonomy Scraper
> Search the global biodiversity backbone and export clean, structured taxonomy: scientific and canonical names, rank, full higher classification from kingdom to genus, taxonomic status, descendant counts and dataset keys. Ideal for biodiversity research, data enrichment and reference lists.
**๐ฅ [Input](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/input-schema) ยท ๐ค [Output](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/output-schema) ยท ๐ฐ [Pricing](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/pricing) ยท โถ๏ธ [Examples](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples)**
Full classification kingdom to genus
Names & status with descendant counts
JSON / CSV / Excel output formats
### What you get
Each record is one taxon, ready for a research dataset, an app or a spreadsheet:
- **key** and **nubKey**: GBIF taxon identifiers
- **scientificName**, **canonicalName**, **authorship**: the names
- **rank**: taxonomic rank (kingdom, family, genus, species and so on)
- **taxonomicStatus**, **synonym**, **nomenclaturalStatus**: name status
- **kingdom**, **phylum**, **class**, **order**, **family**, **genus**, **species**: the full classification, each with its matching key
- **numDescendants** and **numOccurrences**: size and record counts
- **vernacularNames**: common names with language codes
- **threatStatuses** and **habitats**: conservation and habitat tags when present
- **datasetKey** and **url**: the source checklist and a direct link
- **observedAt**: when the record was collected
### Who is it for
| Use case | Who benefits |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity research | Ecologists and taxonomists building species lists |
| Data enrichment | Teams standardising species names against a global backbone |
| Education and apps | Builders adding taxonomy and common names to their products |
| Reference lists | Analysts mapping a genus or family to all its members |
### How to use it
1. Enter a **search query** (a scientific name like `Panthera`, a binomial like `Quercus robur`, or a common name).
2. Optionally filter by **rank** (for example only species), by **taxonomic status**, or by a specific **dataset key**.
3. Set **Max Items** and run. Export as JSON, CSV or Excel, or pull it through the Apify API.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Does it return the full higher classification?**
Yes. Each record includes kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species where known, each with its GBIF key so you can traverse the tree.
**Can I get common names?**
Yes. When available, vernacular names are included with their language codes.
**How do I list every species in a genus?**
Search for the genus name and set the rank filter to Species; increase Max Items to cover all members.
**What is the difference between an accepted name and a synonym?**
The taxonomic status field tells you. Set the status filter to Accepted to keep only currently accepted names, or Synonym to study alternative names.
### Example use cases
Ready-to-run example tasks, each preconfigured for a common scenario. Open one and press run, or use it as a template:
- [Panthera leo species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-panthera-leo): Get Panthera leo taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Quercus robur species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-quercus-robur): Get Quercus robur taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Apis mellifera species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-apis-mellifera): Get Apis mellifera taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Homo sapiens species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-homo-sapiens): Get Homo sapiens taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Canis lupus species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-canis-lupus): Get Canis lupus taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Rosa species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-rosa): Get Rosa taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Escherichia coli species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-escherichia-coli): Get Escherichia coli taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Danaus plexippus species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-danaus-plexippus): Get Danaus plexippus taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Salmo salar species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-salmo-salar): Get Salmo salar taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
- [Puma concolor species & taxonomy from GBIF](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper/examples/gbif-puma-concolor): Get Puma concolor taxonomy and species records from GBIF: scientific name, rank, kingdom, status and dataset keys.
### Related scrapers
- [Crossref Works Scraper](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/crossref-scraper)
- [arXiv Research Papers & Abstracts Scraper](https://apify.com/scrapers_lat/arxiv-papers-scraper)
### More scrapers at scrapers.lat
This actor is built and maintained by [scrapers.lat](https://scrapers.lat), where we publish scrapers for public platforms: finance, news, real estate, jobs, e-commerce and government data. Browse the full catalog or ask us for a custom scraper at [scrapers.lat](https://scrapers.lat).
---
> This actor is an independent tool and has no affiliation with GBIF. It only accesses publicly available biodiversity data. Use the results in accordance with the source's terms.
# Actor input Schema
## `maxSpecies` (type: `integer`):
Maximum number of species / taxa to collect. Optional.
## `q` (type: `string`):
Species or taxon name to search for (for example 'Panthera', 'Quercus robur', 'butterfly'). Matches scientific and common names.
## `rank` (type: `string`):
Optional. Keep only records at a given rank.
## `status` (type: `string`):
Optional. Filter by taxonomic status.
## `datasetKey` (type: `string`):
Optional. Restrict results to a single GBIF checklist dataset by its UUID.
## Actor input object example
```json
{
"maxSpecies": 50,
"q": "Panthera",
"rank": "",
"status": ""
}
````
# Actor output Schema
## `results` (type: `string`):
No description
# API
You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.
## JavaScript example
```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';
// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
token: '',
});
// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
"maxSpecies": 50,
"q": "Panthera"
};
// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper").call(input);
// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`๐พ Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
console.dir(item);
});
// ๐ Want to learn more ๐? Go to โ https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs
```
## Python example
```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient
# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("")
# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = {
"maxSpecies": 50,
"q": "Panthera",
}
# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper").call(run_input=run_input)
# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print("๐พ Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"])
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items():
print(item)
# ๐ Want to learn more ๐? Go to โ https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start
```
## CLI example
```bash
echo '{
"maxSpecies": 50,
"q": "Panthera"
}' |
apify call scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper --silent --output-dataset
```
## MCP server setup
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"apify": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"mcp-remote",
"https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=scrapers_lat/gbif-species-scraper",
"--header",
"Authorization: Bearer "
]
}
}
}
```
## OpenAPI specification
```json
{
"openapi": "3.0.1",
"info": {
"title": "GBIF Species & Taxonomy Scraper",
"description": "Scrape GBIF species and taxonomy records by name with scientific and canonical name, rank, full classification (kingdom to genus), taxonomic status, dataset key and descendant counts. Export to JSON, CSV or Excel.",
"version": "0.1",
"x-build-id": "ictkqvfjh86bQoLtg"
},
"servers": [
{
"url": "https://api.apify.com/v2"
}
],
"paths": {
"/acts/scrapers_lat~gbif-species-scraper/run-sync-get-dataset-items": {
"post": {
"operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-scrapers_lat-gbif-species-scraper",
"x-openai-isConsequential": false,
"summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for its completion, and returns Actor's dataset items in response.",
"tags": [
"Run Actor"
],
"requestBody": {
"required": true,
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
}
}
}
},
"parameters": [
{
"name": "token",
"in": "query",
"required": true,
"schema": {
"type": "string"
},
"description": "Enter your Apify token here"
}
],
"responses": {
"200": {
"description": "OK"
}
}
}
},
"/acts/scrapers_lat~gbif-species-scraper/runs": {
"post": {
"operationId": "runs-sync-scrapers_lat-gbif-species-scraper",
"x-openai-isConsequential": false,
"summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.",
"tags": [
"Run Actor"
],
"requestBody": {
"required": true,
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
}
}
}
},
"parameters": [
{
"name": "token",
"in": "query",
"required": true,
"schema": {
"type": "string"
},
"description": "Enter your Apify token here"
}
],
"responses": {
"200": {
"description": "OK",
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema"
}
}
}
}
}
}
},
"/acts/scrapers_lat~gbif-species-scraper/run-sync": {
"post": {
"operationId": "run-sync-scrapers_lat-gbif-species-scraper",
"x-openai-isConsequential": false,
"summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.",
"tags": [
"Run Actor"
],
"requestBody": {
"required": true,
"content": {
"application/json": {
"schema": {
"$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
}
}
}
},
"parameters": [
{
"name": "token",
"in": "query",
"required": true,
"schema": {
"type": "string"
},
"description": "Enter your Apify token here"
}
],
"responses": {
"200": {
"description": "OK"
}
}
}
}
},
"components": {
"schemas": {
"inputSchema": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"maxSpecies": {
"title": "Max species",
"minimum": 1,
"maximum": 1000000,
"type": "integer",
"description": "Maximum number of species / taxa to collect. Optional."
},
"q": {
"title": "Search query",
"type": "string",
"description": "Species or taxon name to search for (for example 'Panthera', 'Quercus robur', 'butterfly'). Matches scientific and common names."
},
"rank": {
"title": "Taxonomic rank",
"enum": [
"",
"KINGDOM",
"PHYLUM",
"CLASS",
"ORDER",
"FAMILY",
"GENUS",
"SPECIES",
"SUBSPECIES"
],
"type": "string",
"description": "Optional. Keep only records at a given rank.",
"default": ""
},
"status": {
"title": "Taxonomic status",
"enum": [
"",
"ACCEPTED",
"SYNONYM",
"DOUBTFUL"
],
"type": "string",
"description": "Optional. Filter by taxonomic status.",
"default": ""
},
"datasetKey": {
"title": "Dataset key",
"type": "string",
"description": "Optional. Restrict results to a single GBIF checklist dataset by its UUID."
}
}
},
"runsResponseSchema": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"data": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"id": {
"type": "string"
},
"actId": {
"type": "string"
},
"userId": {
"type": "string"
},
"startedAt": {
"type": "string",
"format": "date-time",
"example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z"
},
"finishedAt": {
"type": "string",
"format": "date-time",
"example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z"
},
"status": {
"type": "string",
"example": "READY"
},
"meta": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"origin": {
"type": "string",
"example": "API"
},
"userAgent": {
"type": "string"
}
}
},
"stats": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"inputBodyLen": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 2000
},
"rebootCount": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"restartCount": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"resurrectCount": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"computeUnits": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
}
}
},
"options": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"build": {
"type": "string",
"example": "latest"
},
"timeoutSecs": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 300
},
"memoryMbytes": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 1024
},
"diskMbytes": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 2048
}
}
},
"buildId": {
"type": "string"
},
"defaultKeyValueStoreId": {
"type": "string"
},
"defaultDatasetId": {
"type": "string"
},
"defaultRequestQueueId": {
"type": "string"
},
"buildNumber": {
"type": "string",
"example": "1.0.0"
},
"containerUrl": {
"type": "string"
},
"usage": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 1
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_SERPS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
}
}
},
"usageTotalUsd": {
"type": "number",
"example": 0.00005
},
"usageUsd": {
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATASET_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": {
"type": "number",
"example": 0.00005
},
"KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
},
"PROXY_SERPS": {
"type": "integer",
"example": 0
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
```