This dataset comprises raster model outputs from a Bayesian additive regression tree model predicting habitable area for snow algae on the Antarctic Peninsula. The dataset shows the likelihood that snow is habitable for snow algae growth and is presented for red snow algae (RSA) and green snow algae (GSA) for 2021 climatic conditions as well as for predicted 2100 climate conditions under the RCP8.5 warming scenario. The purpose of this model was to predict the potential coverage of snow algae under different temperatures, as well as to explore the climatic and environmental factors influencing their distribution. This work was carried out by researchers as part of the NERC-funded research project NE/V000764/1 investigating the historical, present and future snow algae distribution in Antarctica.

This dataset curates over 200 records of known non-native species introductions to Antarctica, where introductions are considered to include inadvertent and deliberate introductions to the environment where the specimen/s were not immediately removed. Each record contains information on occurrence status, location coordinates, observation year, estimated survival time and more. The dataset was compiled by Theme 2 of the SCAR Scientific Research Programme Ant-ICON (Integrated Science to inform Antarctic and Southern Ocean Conservation). This project was supported by NERC core funding to the BAS Environment Office and Biodiversity, Evolution, and Adaptation Team, and by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.