Recording

A wildlife record may be part of a survey of an area or site being monitored as it changes over time, or it may be just one sighting made of an interesting flower, insect or bird while you are out for a walk one afternoon. Each individual record has four key components:

What?
The name of the species. Go here for more information on naming things. Just want to know what something is? Can you describe it? Did you take a photo? You can get lots of help online with identification.

Where?
We need the precise location for your record to be useful. To locate on a map we need a grid reference, GPS co-ordinate, site name or a description of your location. Please use the grid reference finder web page or the IOM Govt mapping. See here for how grid references work: link to another website.

When?
The date of your record. Easy to write down but so often forgotten. Its important because many species are only around or flowering at a particular time of year, so this may help with identification. If we get loads of records on a particular day, say of a mammal or bird we may get an idea of abundance.

Who?
You saw something so you are the ‘recorder’. Someone else might have identified it, they are the ‘determiner’. We certainly need a name and contact details. But we are very concerned about data protection and we comply with GDPR. See here for more on your data protection and your rights.

What am I looking at? Identification.
This depends on your skill level. If you are an absolute beginner it is probably best to get help from the Manx Biodiversity Facebook Group. If you have a photo that will help.

Where to go to report a sighting?
If you want to record sightings we recommend that you use iRecord for all your casual sightings. You will need to register online for this. A useful guide to using iRecord is here. It is easier to use on your computer first before trying the iRecord App on your smartphone.

Can I join a local group and advance my skills?
Yes, there are several local groups as well as individuals who specialise in particular species groups and may be able to help you.

How is my record validated and verified?
It is vital that the identification is correct because the information is used to further our understanding and aid conservation.
Validation checks are made on the data, for example to check the grid reference is correct and the data was entered correctly.
Verification is the process of checking that we are happy with the identification of the species. This may take several stages. For rare species an independent specialist may check the identification. For some groups there is a local referee who will verify identifications. This is why it is important for recorders to provide a contact email so we can get back to you.

What is the Manx Biodiversity Recording Partnership? Who organises recording?
The Manx Biological Recording Partnership works towards gathering data, ensuring data flows function and information is shared. The three main partners are Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), the Isle of Man Government Department of Environment and Manx National Heritage. They work together through a steering group to manage biological data and make it available for use. The Biological Recorder works in MWT and manages the data flows, she can be contacted via email.