Odonata records from RSPB Reserves 1970-2009

Quality Control

Data comes from a sources ranging from trained ecologists to members of the public and is likely to be of variable quality. The data have been verified to remove obviously incorrect records and to confirm records of scarce species. Where the identity of a species could not be confirmed, the record was removed from the dataset. Please contact the dataset administrator if you find a record you believe to be potentially incorrect.

Method steps

1. Methods of data capture are numerous, in most cases records are simple field observations, others may be part of a targeted survey or regular transect. The count indicates the number of individuals seen.
   In order to verify records and validate the dataset, the data have been mapped and thoroughly checked. Geographical checks have included comparing the distribution with that shown in the literature and ensuring that records with the same area name are located close to each other.

Records come from across the RSPB’s reserve network. As described above survey effort varies widely between reserves. Records are provided at 1km resolution where possible. For many of these records no grid reference was given, the location being marked instead by a site boundary. Where possible these have been converted to 1km or 10km grid squares, however in cases where a site overlaps multiple 10km squares the central 10km grid reference is given.