Biodiversity Monitoring
Survey Teaching Hub
A multi-channel teaching program for the BMS A5 Field Booklet — delivered via website, printed resources, and in-person site visits across the Taranaki region.
About This Program
The BMS (Biodiversity Monitoring Survey) A5 Field Booklet is a structured tool for assessing ecological health across 10 survey methods. This teaching hub contextualises that booklet for the Taranaki region, connecting learners to local species, waterways, and landscapes — from the slopes of Taranaki Maunga to the Waiwhakaiho catchment.
The program is designed to be delivered across three complementary channels, with a robust contingency for New Plymouth's unpredictable weather.
Delivery Methods & Features
Bird Call Library
Practice identifying Taranaki birds by sound before heading into the field. Audio recordings of all species in the BMS booklet.
Composite Score Calculator
Input field data and watch the Biodiversity Health Score update in real time — Green, Amber, or Red.
Site Visit Guide
Station-by-station field trip plan for a local Taranaki reserve, aligned to every section of the BMS booklet.
Paper Resources
Pre-visit worksheets, the 'Design Your Survey' map activity, and printable field guides for offline use.
Bad Weather Contingency
Indoor alternatives that deliver the same learning outcomes when Taranaki weather forces a change of plan.
Live Field Report Builder
Step-by-step guided form that mirrors the BMS booklet. A formatted report preview updates in real time as you type.
Site Health Dashboard
Animated radar and bar charts showing all 5 health components, benchmark comparison, and colour-coded overall score.
The Learning Loop
Pre-Visit (Website)
Learn protocols, practice bird calls, understand scoring.
In the Field (Paper + Visit)
Use the physical booklet at a local reserve to collect real data.
Post-Visit (Website)
Input field data into the calculator and generate a site health report.
If bad weather prevents the site visit, substitute Step 2 with the Indoor Virtual Reserve Simulation.
Session Checklist — All 10 Methods
Use this checklist during a session to track which methods have been covered. Click any item to mark it done, or click the link to navigate to that section.
BMS Survey Methods — Quick Reference
| Method | Protocol | Booklet Page | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Min Bird Count | Dawson & Bull 1975 | 2 | Website + Visit |
| Seedling Cruciform | NWR Protocol | 3 | Paper + Visit |
| Pellet Counts | Field observation | 3 | Paper + Visit |
| RTC Residual Trap Catch | NPCA 2020 | 3 | Paper + Visit |
| Stream Habitat | Clapcott et al. 2011 | 4 | Visit |
| Fish Survey (Night Spotlighting) | Field protocol | 4 | Visit |
| Frog Survey | Bell 2010 | 5 | Visit |
| Pest Plants | Field observation | 5 | Paper + Visit |
| Pest Animals | Field observation | 5 | Paper + Visit |
| FAMS Fence Segments | NWR | 5 | Visit |
| Photo Points | 4 bearings per point | 6 | Website + Visit |
| Composite Health Score | Weighted 5-component | 6 | Website |