MNW - Small and medium-sized carnivores’ observations in Flanders, Belgium

This dataset compiles validated and de-duplicated records of small and medium-sized carnivores, especially mustelids, in Flanders, collected through the Marter Network (MNW) since 1998.
The network aims to document species distribution by integrating diverse observation sources while avoiding duplicate records. Because intentional killing of native species is prohibited, the collection of roadkill and other found-dead specimens is essential for obtaining reliable biological and ecological information.
Since 2008, online reporting platforms and the use of camera traps have improved monitoring of common species, leading to a shift in focus toward rare and expanding species. For these species, systematic validation of observations and autopsies of collected specimens remain key to assessing population trends and supporting further research. For common species, the continued annual collection of a limited number of specimens represents a valuable continuation and enrichment of existing collections, which can be used for further research into, among other topics, ecotoxicology, wildlife diseases, and genetics.
Generalized and/or withheld information: as this dataset includes sensitive priority species, location information is generalized for Pine marten, Otter and Wildcat to 1 km Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid cells and for Badger to 5 km UTM grid cells. Besides, camera trap coordinates are also generalized. Original locations are available upon request.
We have released this dataset to the public domain under a Creative Commons Zero waiver. We would appreciate it if you follow the INBO norms for data use (https://www.inbo.be/en/norms-data-use) when using the data.
If you have any questions regarding this dataset, don't hesitate to contact us via the contact information provided in the metadata or via [email protected].
For the data management plan (DMP) of the MNW project, see Veltjen et al. (2025).

Version 2026-01-21