About Biology.ie

Biology.ie is an independent resource dedicated to people in Ireland interested in wildlife, biodiversity and habitats.

Biology.ie was founded in August 2005 by Paul Whelan as an interactive tool for the collection of Nature's Calendar or phenology observations. It grew from a simple flash based map (which is still with us) to using Google maps to collect data from the public. The Nature's Calendar includes a Spring Watch and Autumn Watch each year.

The site currently runs 'public' biodiversity surveys on a wide variety of topics of interest to the wildlife community from species specific (Kerry Slug) to community/habitat specific (Bantry Biodiversity Survey).

These fulfill the primary aim of the website: to increase awareness of Ireland's biodiversity. I repeatedly get emails asking if it is true that lizards live in Ireland, or 'are lichens alive?'.

Biology.ie does more than just 'collect' or 'ask' for sightings. It 'gives back' to users by allowing them to View other people's sightings. In 2009 a new My sightings feature was added to allow users to filter out their own sightings from the maps, again 'giving back' to the user.

One of the keys to the success of Biology.ie is the number of people that Bookmark it and return at regular intervals to 'look in' or add new sightings. The number of users is not dramatically high, but the percentage of return users is over 80%. In other words it has a consistent and dedicated user base, something that is of more benefit to the collection of sightings than a high number of new hits. It was due to these dedicated users that I developed the My sightings feature.

Data verification

• Sightings entered on the maps which fall within the normal 'experience' of a species and with a valid email address are accepted.
• Sightings with an invalid email address are deleted from the maps.
• Sightings with a valid email address and which are 'unusual' will be followed up to 'verify' the sighting.

So the verification procedure is the same as for current paper-based surveys run by wildlife groups.

Contact us

Send an email to info biology dot ie

Who owns the data?

Data collected on the site is owned by either (i) Biology.ie or (ii) by the organisation or group that makes a contribution to Biology.ie to run and maintain the survey.

Data must not be taken down from the web site without written consent from Biology.ie

School students can use the data freely in school projects. Please email to tell us what your project is.

Biology.ie is not responsible for how the data is used or any conclusions made from it.

Users of My sightings have a right to have their name associated with the data regardless of which group or organisation uses it. Please contact us at: info at biology dot ie.