RHS Slugs Count

doi:10.15468/qr5d26

RHS Slugs Count

Citation

Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Slugs Count. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/qr5d26 accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-12.

Description

Records of slug species collected from gardens during the RHS 'Slugs Count' project by citizen scientists October 2020 - November 2021, as part of Imogen Cavadino's PhD studies with the RHS, Newcastle University and UK CEH. 60 sites were sampled once every 4 weeks by torchlight for 30 minutes over a one year period. Physical specimens were sent to I. Cavadino to be verified. This data set contains only verified records. Phsyical specimens associated with this data set are stored in 70-80% ethanol at RHS Garden Wisley. For futher information on this project see: www.rhs.org.uk/slugscount

Purpose

The purpose of this data set was to investigate which species of slug are present in gardens on mainland Britain, and investigate whether any environmental factors, habitat characteristics or features within gardens influence slug abundance and diversity. Data on garden characteristics and weather conditions are not included within this data set.

Sampling Description

Quality Control

Data has been verified using external characters as defined in Rowson et al (2014) Slugs of Britain and Ireland. The majority of identifications within this data set have not been checked using examination of internal genitalia or DNA techniques, therefore there is potential some of these identifications may be reconsidered in future if the physical material is re-examined. A minority of identifications have been confirmed by dissection, with notes on indivual species records indicating where this is the case.

Method steps

Slugs were collected during 30 minute searches by torchlight once every four weeks, with participants surveying in a staggered pattern to cover a broad range of the year and various weather conditions.

Taxonomic Coverages

Geographic Coverages

Covers 60 private garden sites across mainland Britain. Locality data is provided through grid references.

Bibliographic Citations

Contacts

originator
Royal Horticultural Society

metadata author
Royal Horticultural Society

distributor
NBN Atlas
27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
London
WC1N 3AX
London
GB
email: admin@nbnatlas.org

Hayley Jones
administrative point of contact
position: editor
email: hayleyjones@rhs.org.uk