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?
Once the sightings have been verified and the findings analysed, we will follow the recommendations of the survey's final report and continue our efforts to assess the Irish stoat's conservation status and needs throughout its entire range.
Vincent Wildlife Trust is also working with the Manx Wildlife Trust to explore the possibility of a similar Citizen Science project on the Isle of Man. As the only area within the Irish Stoat's range where the species is not legally protected, baseline data are urgently needed to better understand its conservation status on the Isle of Man.
