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Vegetation
Current status of the data in BioConnect: 2005
Data source
Field data capture
Most vegetation data was extracted from Protected Natural Area Programme (PNAP) surveys conducted by the former Department of Lands and Survey, the Department of Conservation and local District and Regional Councils.
PNAP survey methodology: Varied approaches were used for conducting PNA surveys in each of the ecological districts. The time available for survey work and the remaining number of hectares of remnant vegetation influenced the choice of survey techniques. If the district had a high proportion of native vegetation remaining, a two step process was used. The first step was to identify sites with the best examples of each vegetation class. This was done by rapid reconnaissance survey, involving identifying all remaining native vegetation patches from topographic maps and/or aerial photographs. Visits were then made to each of these sites and vegetation canopy type determined with binoculars or spotting scope. The best examples of each vegetation type were then selected for a comprehensive ground visit by botanists and all vegetation tiers were described. These areas were mapped and included in the PNAP reports.
Data reports
Ecological Districts (ED) are used as the framework for collecting and compiling vegetation survey information to produce PNAP reports. Reports have been published for Hunua, Waitakere, Rodney and Kaipara/Otamatea. Comprehensive survey reports have also been published for Manukau and Awhitu.
Where PNAP surveys have not been undertaken, District Council vegetation information (Tamaki, Hapuakohe, Hauraki, Meremere, Inner Gulf Islands), published articles and paper maps (Little Barrier Island, Great Barrier Island) and national datasets (Topographical Map NZMS 260, Landcare Research’s Land Cover Database 2 and the Wetland Resource Inventory), were used. View data sources here.Wetland information was also taken from aerial photo interpretation undertaken by the Auckland Regional Council.
Vegetation classes
Each survey, whether undertaken for the PNA Programme or not, was found to have used different vegetation classifications. For the purpose of producing a consistent, region-wide vegetation classification, these have been rationalised into broad vegetation classes. While some of the PNAP surveys included quite detailed vegetation information and numerous vegetation classes, vegetation classes for other areas, such as Great Barrier Island Ecological District, were very broad. The regional classification was, therefore, summarized to coarsest level of its composite data sets. Vegetation types contained in each class can be seen here.
