Stoats in Orkney: records & sightings reported to SNH, 2010 - 2015
Citation
NatureScot (2023). Stoats in Orkney: records & sightings reported to SNH, 2010 - 2015. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/4d6k7m accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-26.Description
Stoats are native to mainland Britain, but were first recorded in Orkney in 2010 following an assumed accidental introduction. Initially records were reported directly to SNH, however, since the launch of the 'Stoats in Orkney' Facebook page in September 2014, more sightings have been reported via Facebook (these sightings are presented as a separate dataset).
Purpose
Sampling Description
Quality Control
The dataset is as reliable as the public's identification of stoats allows; all records are considered to be reliable or probable. In some cases specimens and/or images were provided, enabling identification to be confirmed. Reports assessed only as possible or inconclusive (often based on tracks/signs which could not be given a high probability of being attributed to stoat, or unclear sightings which may have been of other species such as feral ferrets) have been excluded from the dataset. The primary location information submitted for the majority of records was descriptive or an address. These locations have been assigned 6-figure OS grid references, but some sightings may not have been at the precise grid reference shown. In some cases the recorder provided a grid reference.Method steps
- 'Citizen science' records were reported by the public to the SNH Orkney Area office. In a few cases specimens and/or images were provided to confirm identification. The primary location information submitted for the majority of records was descriptive.
Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
The recording covered the Orkney Islands
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
originatorNatureScot
metadata author
NatureScot
distributor
NBN Atlas
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Colin McLeod
administrative point of contact
email: Colin.McLeod@nature.scot