10.3 Bio Web - Weeds

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Database Title	10.3 BioWeb - Weeds
Keywords Type1. Type 11.	Weeds; distribution, naturalised plants, protected area Weed attributes
Abstract	This database is designed to be used by Department of Conservation weed managers. It includes for each weed species in the database: attribute information, the control techniques available, distribution, references and contact people.
Geographical Coverage	New Zealand
Dataset start date.	January 2000
Dataset end date.	Current
Status/currency.	In progress
Update frequency.	New entries continually added by authorised staff
Maintenance.	There is a data administrator to maintain data quality.

Technical Evaluation
Parameters- what is measured	The following parameters are recorded for each weed species: scientific and other names family biostatus category whether a DOC weed area of origin approximate year naturalised reason for introduction areas where it is known to be weedy growth form classification habitat flowering and fruiting times life cycle environmental tolerances growth rates distinguishing features pollinators age of reproduction associated species seed production dispersal agents method of reproduction weediness score The following is recorded for each weed observation: ecological district place names date, observer location description, grid references vegetation class land tenure weed species size of area infested number of plants way plant is distributed (e.g. scattered) threat of spread current and potential impact arrival mechanism The following are recorded for each weed control techniques for each species: species description of control method non-target effects optimal control conditions ranking and justification effectiveness resource consents required. The following are recorded in relation to weed management: status of all weed species in each Regional Pest Management Strategy weed control operations surveillance efforts for each weed species. Searches can be by strategy area, conservation unit, ecological district; Searches for surveillance efforts can be by area office or weed species.
Parameters- what is calculated	N/A
Methods used to measure parameters	Species data is from Landcare Research. Other staff will enter weed distribution information and records on weed control operations and their effectiveness. Data entries will be verified to maintain quality.
Secondary sources of data	Published and unpublished material
Scale of use.	N/A
Number of records	Initially the database will address the existing 2067 naturalised plant species in New Zealand. In future it will also include potential weed species. There are likely to be many observation records per species.
GIS compatibility.	Yes
Available formats for users.	Electronic database. Ad hoc reports can be prepared using a variety of data.
Access constraints.	Initially the database is for Department of Conservation use only. In future aspects of the database will be available to other users under specific arrangements.
Measurement Accuracy	To be completed by database manager.
Completeness of dataset	To be completed by database manager.
Positional accuracy	To be completed by database manager.
Database steward	Department of Conservation
Database custodian	Department of Conservation
Database custodian contact person	Clayson Howell
Database custodian Contact Address Phone Fax Email	P.O. Box 10 420 Wellington +64 4 471 0726 +64 4 471 3279 chowell@doc.govt.nz
References
Date metadata record prepared.	October 1999. Updated December 2001
Author of metadata record.	Victoria Froude

Management Evaluation
Original purpose.	To support the Department of Conservation's weed management activities.
Relationships with classification systems.	Apart from the use of species taxonomic classification the main classification system used is Atkinson's vegetation classification system to classify vegetation communities in sites where weed observations are made.
Relationships with other databases	The database links to and shares a common format with other subapplications in the Department of Conservation BioWeb database.
Known relationships with proposed EPIP indicators.	N/A
Who uses this database?	Department of Conservation staff involved with weed management.
Public awareness of the database	Low
Database strengths.	The database is designed to answer the key questions of what, where and how to control/eradicate problem weeds. The database will assist Departmental staff to plan and implement their weed management work.
Database limitations.	The database relies heavily on data that staff elect to enter into the database. This means that distribution data may be patchy because there is no systematic survey of weed distribution. Historical observation in the database is limited at this time. This can give an inaccurate picture of current distribution for many species (especially well established weed species).

What are the Current and Emerging Uses of the Database for:
Assisting with determining historic state/baseline.	It is intended that historic data will be entered into the database (e.g. information from Herbarium records and old species lists).
Assisting with determining current state/baseline.	The database will provide information on current weed extent and condition. This data will not necessarily be comprehensive as there has been no systematic survey to collect such data.
Assisting with modeling possible future outcomes.	The database may assist with predicting future spread of some weed species.
Risk assessment.	The database is likely to include a weediness scoring system that will provide an identification of risk. It is likely that weed control techniques will be ranked based on their efficacy and environmental friendliness
Monitoring site selection and sample design.	The database could assist to identify sites for monitoring particular weed species.
Aggregating and reporting data locally, regionally or nationally.	The database can be queried in a number of ways to provide different reporting options.