Outcomes from the survey
The first Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey
The Irish Stoat Citizen Science Survey (2023-2025) invited the public to report Irish stoat sightings to help establish baseline data for future research. 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.
The project was 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.
