Paper Resources
Pre-visit worksheets, field guide cards, and map activities for offline use.
These resources are designed to be printed and distributed before the site visit. The pre-visit worksheet ensures students understand the protocols before entering the field. The Design Your Survey activity develops spatial thinking and planning skills.
Pre-Visit Worksheet
Booklet comprehension + Taranaki context questions
What does 'RTC%' stand for, and what is the formula used to calculate it?
List three pest plant species that are commonly found in Taranaki reserves.
In the 5-Minute Bird Count, what is the difference between recording a bird as 'H' and 'S'?
What does 'E' mean in the species status column, and name two endemic birds you might hear near Taranaki Maunga.
The Composite Biodiversity Health Score has five components. Which component has the highest weighting, and why do you think that is?
What is the ideal seedling height class distribution according to the NWR Protocol? (Hint: Page 3)
If a trap line of 10 traps catches 6 possums over 3 nights, calculate the RTC%. What category does this fall into?
Design Your Survey Activity
Map-based planning exercise using the BMS protocols
Using the printed map of the reserve, mark where you would place your 5-minute bird count station. Justify your choice (e.g., habitat type, distance from noise).
Draw a cruciform on the map for the seedling survey. Label the four arms (N/E/S/W) and mark the spacing you would use.
Identify the stream section on the map where you would conduct the Stream Habitat assessment. Mark the start and end GPS points.
Mark two photo point locations on the map. Explain why you chose these positions (e.g., view of the maunga, representative vegetation).
Where would you expect to find the highest concentration of pest plants on this map? Mark the area and explain your reasoning.
Field Booklet Quick Reference Card
A single-page summary of all 10 survey methods
Survey 1: General Observations — weather, access, land use.
Survey 2: DOC 5-Min Bird Count — tally H/S for each species.
Survey 3: Seedling Cruciform — height classes 0–15, 15–45, 45–75, 75–135, 135+ cm.
Survey 4: Pellet Counts — possum, deer, goat, pig, hare (fresh/old).
Survey 5: RTC Residual Trap Catch — 10 traps, 3 nights.
Survey 6: Stream Habitat — substrate, bank stability, riparian veg.
Survey 7: Fish Survey — night spotlighting, species, size, conservation status.
Survey 8: Frog Survey — 50m transect, 5m radius, 6 points.
Survey 9: Pest Plants & Animals — species, abundance, GPS.
Survey 10: FAMS Fence Segments — type, condition, priority, issues.
Key Palatable Species — Seedling ID Reference
From Page 3 of the BMS booklet. Palatable species are those most likely to be browsed by pest animals — their presence and height class distribution indicates forest regeneration health.
HIGH Palatability
MODERATE Palatability
LOW Palatability