Implementing integrated measurements of Essential Biodiversity Variables at a national scale

Peter J Bellingham,David M Forsyth,Elaine F Wright,Philippa N Crisp,Catriona J Macleod,Paul Van Dam‐Bates,Robert B Allen,Meredith Mckay,Sarah J Richardson,Andrew M Gormley,Matt S Mcglone,Asher Cook

doi:10.1002/2688-8319.12025

Abstract

Abstract1. There is a global need for observation systems that deliver regular, timely data on state and trends in biodiversity, but few have been implemented, and fewer still at national scales. We describe the implementation of measurement of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) on an 8 km × 8 km grid throughout New Zealand, with multiple components of biodiversity (vegetation, birds, and some introduced mammals) measured simultaneously at each sample point.2. Between 2011 and 2017, all public land was sampled nationally (ca. 1,350 points) and some private land (ca. 500 points). Synthetic appraisals of the state of New Zealand's biodiversity, not possible previously, can be derived from the first measurement of species distribution, population abundance, and taxonomic diversity EBVs.3. Native bird counts (all species combined) were about 2.5 times greater per sample point in natural forests and shrublands than in non‐woody ecosystems, and native bird counts exceeded those of non‐native birds across all natural forests and shrublands.4. Non‐native plants, birds, and mammals are invasive throughout, but high‐rainfall forested regions are least invaded, and historically deforested rain shadow regions are most invaded.5. National reporting of terrestrial biodiversity across New Zealand's public land is established and becoming normalised, in the same manner as national and international reporting of human health and education statistics. The challenge is extending coverage across all private land. Repeated measurements of these EBVs, which began in 2017, will allow defensible estimates of biodiversity trends.

Highlights

Biodiversity is being lost globally at an increasing rate (Tittensor et al, 2014), caused by habitat destruction, land-use intensification, pollution, overharvesting, climate change, and biological invasions (Dornelas et al, 2014; Gossner et al, 2016)
Native bird counts were nearly four times greater per sample point than non-native birds in forests and shrublands on public land in three elevational classes (Figure 4a; mean count per sample point of native birds across all elevational classes = 9.4; of non-native birds = 2.4; analyses assume no differences in detection probabilities between native and non-native birds)
In non-woody ecosystems, there were no differences between counts of native and non-native birds (3.1) at all elevations

Summary

Introduction

Biodiversity is being lost globally at an increasing rate (Tittensor et al, 2014), caused by habitat destruction, land-use intensification, pollution, overharvesting, climate change, and biological invasions (Dornelas et al, 2014; Gossner et al, 2016). Repeated measures of permanent sample points allow assessment of trends in species populations and community composition (Pereira et al, 2013), enabling global meta-analyses Systematic national monitoring allows evaluation of regional or local variation, because trends in biodiversity are scale dependent (McGill et al, 2015). It can provide baselines for ecosystem-based management, without which poor decision-making and environmental policies can result (Seargeant, Moynahan, & Johnson, 2012; Yaffee, 1997)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion