The Scottish Squirrel Database

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Description

Recent and historical records of red and grey squirrels submitted to the Scottish Squirrel Database, an ongoing system of monitoring squirrels throughout Scotland currently administered by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The dataset brings together historical records from the Scottish Squirrel Survey, data generated by the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project (including web recording forms), and recent and historical records submitted to the database by squirrel groups, local record centres and other organisations. The dataset is updated annually.



Geographic Description

The geographical coverage is Scotland; a few casual sightings from other parts of the UK may be included.

Recording effort is not standardised spatially. Coverage will reflect the many casual sightings, which are biased towards populated areas. Records generated through Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project, such as through surveys and project based grey squirrel control, will be concentrated in the areas of project activity: Argyll & Trossachs, Tayside and North East and South Scotland. Coverage may also be influenced by the presence of other organisations involved in data collation who submit records to the Scottish Squirrel Database (such as Local Records Centres), reflecting increased resource available in these areas to mobilise data, for example.

The majority of the records are recorded at 100m grid references. Where the records have been generated from trapping results they have been given 1000m grid references as the locations may be sensitive.

Purpose

The Scottish Squirrel Database is an ongoing system of survey and monitoring of red and grey squirrels throughout Scotland.

Methods

Multiple methodologies, including: sightings (public and casual, including web recording forms); grey squirrel control; transects (sightings and cones); feeding signs; hair-trap boxes; museum records. Records were submitted directly to the Scottish Squirrel Database, or supplied via Local Record Centres, squirrel groups or other bodies.

Citation

Scottish Wildlife Trust ([Insert year of download]). The Scottish Squirrel Database. Occurrence dataset accessed through the NBNAtlas

Rights

CC-BY

Digitised records