Vast amounts of biodiversity survey data have been collected in New Zealand.
This data is primarily managed by government agencies and/or Crown Research
Institutes. Some is available on-line, while other databases continue
to be stored in less accessible forms.
This section is a reference to significant databases and on-line report
forms that record field observations of biodiversity in New Zealand. Links
to metadata reports on environmental databases in New Zealand are also
provided.
PLANT SURVEY DATA
National
Vegetation Survey Databank (NVS)
The NVS is a physical archive and computer databank containing records
from approximately 45,000 vegetation survey plots, spanning more than
50 years, of indigenous and exotic plants in New Zealand's terrestrial
ecosystems, from Northland to Stewart Island and the Kermadec and Chatham
islands. A broad range of habitats are covered, with special emphasis
on indigenous forests and grasslands. The databank is maintained by Landcare
Research.
Bioweb Threatened Plants
A computer database developed and maintained by the Department
of Conservation (DOC), as part of the overall Bioweb database. Bioweb
Threatened Plants comprises plant species information and observation
information. Further details are included in an overall summary
report about DOC databases.
Bioweb Weeds
A computer database developed and maintained by the Department
of Conservation (DOC), as part of the overall Bioweb database. Bioweb
Weeds comprises weed survey data, and descriptions of weeds and how to
control them. Further details are included in an overall summay
report about DOC databases.
ANIMAL SURVEY DATA
Atlas
of New Zealand Freshwater Fishes
Provided by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA),
this Atlas describes the distinguishing characteristics of each fish family
in New Zealand fresh waters and the species in that family that occur
here.
New Zealand
Freshwater Fish Database (NFFD)
The NFFD records the occurrence of fish in New Zealand’s fresh waters,
including major offshore islands. It is managed by the National
Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and provides for
data contribution. Access to the database requires registration.
Bioweb Blue Duck
A computer database developed and maintained by the Department
of Conservation (DOC), as part of the overall Bioweb database. Bioweb
Blue Duck comprises blue duck record data including numbers, age, sex,
location, river catchment and tributary. Further details are included
in an overall summary
report about DOC databases.
Bioweb Casual Observations
A computer database developed and maintained by the Department
of Conservation, as part of the overall Bioweb database. Bioweb Casual
Observations comprises an access point for the entry of casual observations
of birds and animals - e.g. falcon sightings. Further details are included
in an overall summary
report about DOC databases.
National Aquatic
Biodiversity Information System (NABIS)
NABIS has been established by the Ministry
of Fisheries to improve access to information about New Zealand’s
marine biodiversity. The system is to be developed in stages. Current
resources include topographical details, biological information for some
species, some fisheries management and catch information and metadata
and attribute data.
OSNZ Bird Atlases:
The Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand 1985
A joint project by Ecology Division Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research (D.S.I.R.), New Zealand Wildlife Service and the Ornithological
Society of New Zealand Inc., P.C. Bull, P.D. Gaze and C.J.R. Robertson.
Published in 1985 by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc (OSNZ).
Copies available via OSNZ.
Bird Distribution Atlas 1999-2004
The Ornithological Society (OSNZ) Atlas Scheme is designed to obtain information
on the distribution of birds in New Zealand from 1999 to 2005. The scheme
is based on 10km x 10km (10,000 metre) squares of the national grid. It
is open to anyone able to identify common birds accurately. More information
on the Atlas Record Sheets is available from the OSNZ.
REPORT FORMS
Bellbird/Korimako
- Canterbury
Landcare Research maintains a report form for bellbird/Korimako sightings
in and around the Canterbury region.
Bird Distribution Atlas
Record Sheets
The Ornithological Society (OSNZ) Atlas Scheme is designed to obtain information
on the distribution of birds in New Zealand from 1999 to 2005. The scheme
is based on 10km x 10km (10,000 metre) squares of the national grid. It
is open to anyone able to identify common birds accurately. More
information on the Atlas Record Sheets is available from the OSNZ.
Blue Duck Sighting Report
The Blue Duck Sighting Report form is administered by the Department of
Conservation. An associated
database contains only those sightings that have been submitted on-line.
All reported sightings are entered into the Department’s national Blue
Duck database (off-line).
Herpetofauna
ARDS card
The Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS) is administered by
the Department of Conservation as part of its development of the herpetofauna
database. This database will cover sightings of frogs, tuatara, lizards,
turtles and snakes in New Zealand.
Threatened
Plant Observation Record Form
Provided by the New Zealand Plant Conservation
Network to record sightings of nationally threatened or uncommon plants
and fungi.
Tui
in my backyard – Waikato
Landcare Research maintains a report form for sightings of tui, bellbirds
and kereru in the central Waikato.
METADATA
Metadata reports on environmental databases, classification systems and spatial frameworks 1999
A comprehensive review of New Zealand's environmental databases, classification systems and spatial frameworks for the Ministry for the Environment (Froude and Beanland 1999 with some entries updated), presented in four reports:
Review of Environmental Classification Systems and Spatial Frameworks
Review of New Zealand and a Selection of International Marine Environment Classification Systems and Spatial Frameworks
Review of National Databases Relating to the New Zealand Marine Environment
Review of National Databases Relating to Land, Water and Biodiversity
Last revised 25/10/2005
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