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Database Title

8.2 Ornithological Society of New Zealand Atlas of Bird Distribution
Keywords
Type1.
Type 11.		 Terrestrial, freshwater, coastal environment, islands, birds, distribution, maps
Abstract This database records the presence of bird species in grid squares. The existing Atlas was compiled using data collected by society members between 1973 and 1983. A repeat of this programme will be run between December 1999 to 2004/2005. It is intended that more information will be collected in the second edition. For example it is intended that it will be possible to identify which species are present in each of the key habitats.
Geographical Coverage New Zealand excluding sub Antarctic islands and the Kermadecs.
Dataset start date. First set of data was collected 1973-1983.
Dataset end date. Second set of data will be collected 1999-2004/5.
Status/currency. In progress
Update frequency. Every 10-12 years?
Maintenance. The database is maintained by Society members.

 

Technical Evaluation

  
Parameters- what is measured The presence or absence of each species of bird in 10km2 grid squares (second edition) or 10,000 yard grid squares (first edition).
Parameters- what is calculated
  • Seasonal distribution of bird species.
  • Presence of each bird species in key habitats.
Methods used to measure parameters
  • Society members randomly choose locations to visit and identify the species present in time intervals ranging from a few minutes to a three-month seasonal block (December to February; March to June etc.)
  • Records will be summarized every three months and reported in the Society's newsletter. Grid squares that have not been surveyed will be identified
  • After two - three years there will be a special effort to target survey work to those grid squares which have not been surveyed.
Scale of use. Distribution is measured in 10km2 grid squares.
Number of records N/A
GIS compatibility. Possible
Available formats for users. Published maps.
It is likely that the second edition will have a computer database. The form of this is yet to be determined.
Access constraints. Unknown.
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 OSNZ
Database custodian OSNZ
Database custodian contact person Graeme Taylor
Database custodian Contact
Address
Phone
Fax
Email		 C/- Biodiversity Recovery Unit
Department of Conservation
Box 10 420
Wellington
+64 4 471 0726
+64 4 471 3279
gtaylor@doc.govt.nz
References Bull, P.C.; Gaze,P.D.; Robertson, C.J.R. 1985. The Atlas of bird distribution in New Zealand. Ecology Division, DSIR; New Zealand Wildlife Service; and Ornithological Society of New Zealand.
Date metadata record prepared. October 1999
Author of metadata record. Victoria Froude

 

Management Evaluation

  
Original purpose. The initial purpose of the Atlas (first edition) was to provide data on bird distribution in New Zealand.

The purpose of the second edition is to identify changes in bird distribution since the last survey 

Relationships with classification systems. Species taxonomy.
Relationships with other databases N/A
Known relationships with proposed EPIP indicators. N/A
Database uses?
  • Researchers
  • Department of Conservation
  • Conservation groups
  • OSNZ
Public awareness of the database The database is well-known to those with an interest in birds.
Database strengths.
  • Uses community naturalists and so is relatively cheap to compile.
  • Nationwide
  • The last survey identified significant declines in distribution of some species (e.g. yellowhead).
Database limitations.
  • The use of amateurs limits the type of data that can be collected (compared to a dedicated taskforce).
  • The burden of organisation, data collection and analysis lies with an amateur organization.

 

What are the Current and Emerging Uses of the Database for:

  
Assisting with determining historic state/baseline. The first edition identifies the distribution during 1973-1983.
Assisting with determining current state/baseline. The second edition will identify current distribution.
Assisting with modeling possible future outcomes. N/A
Risk assessment. The Atlas may identify native species whose distribution is (dramatically) decreasing.
Monitoring site selection and sample design. N/A
Aggregating and reporting data locally, regionally or nationally. The data is recorded in 10km² grid squares, and so can be aggregated in grid square clusters.