Deer Count - Deer Density
Deer group locations and sizes are used in assessing deer populations living on the ‘open range’. ‘Open range’ generally means open areas of habitat used mainly by red deer (for example, heather moorland). From the outset it is important to be clear that although the terms ‘count’ or ‘census’ are used, open range counting enables a population estimate to be made, but with associated error margins. Research has shown that, normally, estimates will vary by between 5 and 16%. In other words if you count 415 deer then the population estimate is at best between 348 and 481 (or at very best between 394 and 435). Open range population counts (and their resulting estimates) are therefore most likely to be useful for setting broad targets or giving an index of deer numbers as opposed to very precise population models. They are also useful for indicating trends in a series of counts. Count information can be obtained by joining table DEER_COUNT_INDEX based on COUNT_ID columns. Both Helicopter and ground counts are included in the data. The majority of the data were collected in ‘white ground’ conditions where the contrast between deer and the background of snow is maximised enabling deer to be more easily spotted. Summer counts of 'Priority' sites are also included where sites have been counted more intensively. Attribute Name / Item Name / Description DIGI_CALVS / Digital Calves / DIGI = counted from a digital photo SUM_STAGS / SUM Stags / DIGI + VIS combined SUM_HINDS / SUM Hinds / DIGI + VIS combined SUM_CALVES / SUM Calves / DIGI + VIS combined SUM_UNCL / SUM Unclassified / DIGI + VIS combined UNCL = unclassified – so generally hinds and calves combined. SUM_TOTAL / SUM Total / Overall total for that group (not necessarily for the 1km2 as there may be 3 or 4 groups in the 1km2 at that point in time. COUNT_ID / COUNT_ID / Provides link to accompanying csv file. DIGI_HINDS / Digital Hinds / DIGI = counted from a digital photo VIS_TOTAL / Visual Total / VIS = counted visually during the count DIGI_UNCL / Digital Unclassified / DIGI = counted from a digital photo UNCL = unclassified – so generally hinds and calves combined. DIGI_TOTAL / Digital Total / DIGI = counted from a digital photo VIS_STAG / Visual Stag / VIS = counted visually during the count VIS_HINDS / Visual Hinds / VIS = counted visually during the count VIS_CALVS / Visual Calves / VIS = counted visually during the count VIS_UNCL / Visual Unclassified / VIS = counted visually during the count UNCL = unclassified – so generally hinds and calves combined. DIGI_STAG / Digital Stag / DIGI = counted from a digital photo
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01DB019C-E62B-2919-E063-6B20C80AB042
eng
EPSG
27700
biota
environment
Habitats and biotopes
Species distribution
publication
2008-06-01
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creation
2010-10-29
revision
2021-11-23
asNeeded
Point dataset showing the location of deer groups recorded on counting operations undertaken by or with assistance from Scottish Natural Heritage (or the Deer Commission for Scotland as was). Count information can be obtained by joining table DEER_COUNT_INDEX based on COUNT_ID columns. Both Helicopter and ground counts are included in the data. The majority of the data were collected in ‘white ground’ conditions where the contrast between deer and the background of snow is maximised enabling deer to be more easily spotted. Summer counts of 'Priority' sites are also included where sites have been counted more intensively.
publication
2010-12-08
true
This data set is conformant with the INSPIRE Implementing Rules for the interoperability of spatial data sets and services
ESRI Shapefile
Available under the Open Government Licence (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence)
no usage limitation
Available under the Open Government Licence (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence)
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Data Supply
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2023-10-20T11:01:27