| The HBRG taxon records database |
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HBRG holds a large database of taxon records built up over many years. Most of our data have been placed on NBN Atlas with full public access. With the exception of some confidential records, these data are available to all, although a fee may be charged for searching the database (terms and conditions, .pdf, 37KB, and a request form .docx, 38KB, to be completed and returned). The fee will be waived for non-commercial searches. Enquiries may be addressed to the . |
| Known errors are listed in this Excel workbook. |
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Deleted bat records on NBN Atlas and other problems NBN Atlas has unilaterally and without consultation deleted 276 of our Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. records (TVK NHMSYS0020001355). We have tried repeatedly over months to get this reversed without success, but will continue to press for a proper solution to what is a simple coding problem. This is completely out of the control of HBRG. The records are provided in this Excel file, OSGRs smudged to monad level as required by the NatureScot Sensitive Species List. Anyone requiring capture resolution should contact the Database Manager (above). *** Further, because of what is clearly a major fault in the atlas, the display of 170 records from our Fungus, Lichens and Lower Plants Dataset has been corrupted, losing the taxon name from the records. Again, this is completely out of the control of HBRG. UPDATE 3 April. NBN has said that this problem has been resolved, though it is apparent that other problems remain to be fixed. Only when we are assured that the errors of which NBN has been notified have been resolved and will not recur will we update all our datasets to NBN Atlas. *** |
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HBRG Verification Status on NBN Atlas NBN Atlas has revised the verification status categories used on the Atlas, effectively downgrading the reliability of our records as presented to users. HBRG records on the Atlas are all 'Considered correct' as used in the primary database Recorder 6, and easily understood in simple English. All such records are subject to demanding quality checks, all due diligence being applied. Each is literally 'Considered correct' in the context of current taxonomy, local flora and fauna, and with knowledge of the skills of the determiner. We do not use 'Correct' as a) taxonomy changes; b) composition of our flora and fauna changes; and c) all determiners are human and therefore - however experienced - can make errors. There are many examples where these factors have applied to make 'Correct' inappropriate. However, the current NBNA definition of 'Considered correct' is completely inappropriate for our records as it states that 'The partner/verifier has not seen photo/s or specimen/s'. All our records are subject to the highest data quality standards, and the idea that verifiers would never have seen a photo or specimen is bizarre. Please ignore the NBNA definition, and be assured that HBRG records are subject to the highest quality control. Any records which are suspect will be flagged and corrected at the earliest opportunity, and until they are corrected they are listed in this Excel workbook. *** |
| This project is supported by NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage). |
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| with contributions from RSPB, The Highland Council, National Trust for Scotland, Trees for Life. |
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