Outcomes from the survey
The first Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey
Launched in 2023 and concluding in February 2025, the Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey invited the public to report Irish stoat sightings to help establish baseline data for future research. While data collection has been completed, the 1,081 public submissions are undergoing analysis. The findings, expected to be published in May 2025, will reveal the current distribution of Irish stoats across the island of Ireland, summarise findings, and make recommendations for the future conservation of the Irish stoat.
The project is led by Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the University of Galway, and the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording. This work and other work carried out by VWT is supported by funding from the Irish Environmental Network, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council.
Photo: ©Ruth Hanniffy
Why carry out this survey?
Although legally protected, the Irish stoat remains one of Ireland’s lesser-known species. Its small size, speed, and elusive behaviour make monitoring difficult. Unlike its relatives, which include otters and pine martens, stoats leave few obvious field signs such as footprints, fur or scats (carnivore droppings), resulting in it being understudied.
With the help of citizen scientists, we hope to better understand and protect this charismatic species.
Photo: ©Carl Morrow
What happens next?
Of the 1,080 public sightings submitted during the survey, 816 have been confirmed as Irish stoats. We have completed our analysis of the findings and are now finalising the report, which will be available for free download on our website. Once published, we will act on the report’s recommendations and continue working to assess the conservation status and needs of the Irish stoat across its full range.
Even though the survey has finished, it is still important to report your sightings. Please submit via the National Biodiversity Data Centre website. By participating in this Citizen Science survey, you’ll help to fill in critical knowledge gaps.
Isle of Man
Vincent Wildlife Trust is also collaborating with the Manx Wildlife Trust to launch a similar Citizen Science project on the Isle of Man in 2026 — the Irish stoat is referred to as the Manx stoat on the island. As the only part of the Irish/Manx stoat’s range where the species lacks full legal protection, there is an urgent need for baseline data to better understand its conservation status on the island.
