The ARC Rare Species Database

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) holds 35 years of rare species records and has created a Rare Species Database. An increasing amount of this data is collected by volunteers, and ARC greatly values their support. The dataset currently uploaded to the Gateway contains 30-35 years of rare species data plus ad-hoc records of widespread and non-native species. We advise you use the BRC dataset or contact local record centres/groups for the fullest distribution for widespread amphibian and reptile species. The ARC database uploaded to the NBN Gateway in January 2015 comprises the following datasets: 1) ARC rare reptile monitoring data c.1990-2012. 2) Summarised annual data from the Natterjack Site Register 1970 onwards. 3) All natterjack, sand lizard and smooth snake monitoring records. 4) Rare/exotic species records from BHS database (up to c.1984-1998). 5) Various third-party datasets are also included. 6) Various ad hoc records dating from 1900 onwards. 7) The Surrey and Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG) reptile dataset, dating from 2007 to 2014 (www.surrey-arg.org.uk). 8) Batched Living Record amphibian and reptile records dating from 2010 to 2014 (www.LivingRecord.net). 9) Also included are negative records (e.g. refugia checked or sites/ponds visited with no results), as this helps distinguish places that have been surveyed, from those that have not been surveyed. We remind you that a spatial gap on a map can be due to a lack of recording effort, a probable absence or a real absence. Please note that species introduction records have not been included in the dataset.