| description:
|
The ecosystem classification used to map potential ecosystems of the Bay of Plenty Region was developed by the Department of Conservation, as a tool for prioritising ecosystem management (Singers & Rogers 2014). This classification is a synthesis that amalgamates previous classifications and ecological studies aligned to an abiotic framework. It describes a full range of ecosystem types at a variety of scales in a natural or potential state as they potentially existed if people arrived today in New Zealand. The classification system has two tables that describe ecosystem drivers of the abiotic environment (Appendix 1) and biotic compositional description which further includes ecosystem distribution and relevant source references (Appendix 2). The data contained within these two tables have been used as the fundamental basis for mapping ecosystem types, supported by other readily available ecological descriptions, vegetation maps and relevant GIS layers such as soil maps of the region. Vegetation has been previously mapped for parts of the Bay of Plenty Region at a variety of scales and accuracy for multiple purposes. All of these examples have used various classification systems or methodologies for describing vegetation, some of which have a strong equivalency with Singers and Rogers (2014), while others less so. The process of creating the potential vegetation map was relatively straight forward in places where intact forest remains and have been described and mapped. In this situation, mapping involved identifying equivalencies, from one classification or vegetation type to the equivalent ecosystem unit of Singers and Rogers (2014). Mapping potential ecosystems in areas without indigenous vegetation used a variety of data sources to make informed decisions, and because of these assumptions should be seen as a working hypothesis.'Priority Level' field added and populated with valused according to the Potential Ecosystem Priority Levels spreadsheet from Shay Dean - Environmental Scientist BOPRC on 26/07/2017 |