ecological & wetland baseline & impact report for … documents/wre nkunzana... · michael...

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ECOLOGICAL & WETLAND BASELINE &

IMPACT REPORT FOR THE NKUNZANA

PROSPECTING RIGHT APPLICATION

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

June 2018

CLIENT

Prepared by:

The Biodiversity Company

420 Vale Ave. Ferndale, 2194

Cell: +27 81 319 1225

Fax: +27 86 527 1965

[email protected]

www.thebiodiversitycompanycom

mailto:[email protected]

Ecological Baseline & Impact Assessment

Prospecting Right Application

www.thebiodiversitycompany.com

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Report Name ECOLOGICAL & WETLAND BASELINE & IMPACT REPORT FOR

THE NKUNZANA PROSPECTING RIGHT APPLICATION

Submitted to Shango Solutions

Report Reviewer

Andrew Husted

Andrew Husted is Pr Sci Nat registered (400213/11) in the following fields of practice: Ecological Science, Environmental Science and Aquatic Science. Andrew is an Aquatic, Wetland and Biodiversity Specialist with more than 12 years‘ experience in the environmental consulting field. Andrew has completed numerous wetland training courses, and is an accredited wetland practitioner, recognised by the DWS, and also the Mondi Wetlands programme as a competent wetland consultant.

Report Writer (Herpetofauna &

Fauna)

Michael Adams

Michael Adams is Cert Sci Nat registered (118544) and is an experienced natural scientist with a specialisation in herpetofauna. He has over 10 years of experience working with reptiles and amphibians as a consultant and through various conservation initiatives.

Report Writer (Botany and Fauna)

Martinus Erasmus

Martinus Erasmus (Cand Sci Nat) obtained his B-Tech degree in Nature Conservation in 2016 at the Tshwane University of Technology. Martinus has been conducting basic assessments and assisting specialists in field during his studies since 2015.

Report Writer (Wetlands)

Wayne Jackson

Wayne Jackson is a Soils Scientist and Hydrologist and has 10 years‘ experience in the classification of soils, both nationally and internationally. Wayne completed a B.Sc. degree (Soil Science and Hydrology) from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and has 10 years of consulting experience.

Declaration

The Biodiversity Company and its associates operate as independent consultants under the auspice of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. We declare that we have no affiliation with or vested financial interests in the proponent, other than for work performed under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2017. We have no conflicting interests in the undertaking of this activity and have no interests in secondary developments resulting from the authorisation of this project. We have no vested interest in the project, other than to provide a professional service within the constraints of the project (timing, time and budget) based on the principals of science.




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DECLARATION

I, Martinus Erasmus, declare that:

I act as the independent specialist in this application;

I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this

results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant;

I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in

performing such work;

I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application,

including knowledge of the Act, regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to

the proposed activity;

I will comply with the Act, regulations and all other applicable legislation;

I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity;

I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material

information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of

influencing any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent

authority; and the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself

for submission to the competent authority;

All the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct; and

I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 71 and is

punishable in terms of Section 24F of the Act.

Martinus Erasmus

Terrestrial Ecologist


June 2018




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DECLARATION

I, Michael Adams, declare that:



















Michael Adams

Terrestrial Ecologist


June 2018




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DECLARATION

I, Wayne Jackson, declare that:



















Wayne Jackson

Wetland Specialist


June 2018




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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The completion of this study, in conjunction with the detailed results from the survey means

that there is a high confidence in the information provided. The survey which was completed,

and the corresponding studies resulted in good site coverage, within the prospecting footprint

area, assessing the major habitats and ecosystems, obtaining a general species (fauna and

flora) overview and observing the major current impacts.

It is clear from the regional ecological overview, as well as the baseline data collected to date

that the project area is in a fairly pristine condition and has only been minimally altered both

historically and presently. Current impacts include secondary roads, the proximity of rural

developments and associated human activity, including: dumping of rubble, livestock, litter and

infringement by people and livestock into natural areas via footpaths and roads.

However, despite these impacts, the remaining natural habitats, which cover the majority of

the project area, exhibit healthy ecological functionality, integrity and an appropriate balance

between various herbaceous plants and associated fauna. This diversity is indicative of the

importance of these systems to collectively provide refugia, food and corridors for dispersal in

and through the surrounding area.

The proposed prospecting area is situated entirely within an identified Irreplaceable CBA and

is on the borders of the Nkandla Forest Reserve complex (a vulnerable forest type). Field

surveys confirmed the ecological integrity of this CBA, as well as the presence of multiple

threatened species. The development also falls within the 5 km buffer which is recommended

around protected areas. Due to these sensitivities, it is unlikely that even stringent mitigation

measures will sufficiently reduce the associated impacts to within acceptable levels for the

environmental authorisation to be approved.

One wetland unit was identified and upon investigation it was found that it has a sufficient

buffer to have moderate to low impacts. The ecological impacts far outweigh the wetland

impacts.

Careful consideration must be afforded each of the mitigation measures provided in this

report. In the event that environmental authorisation is issued for this project, proven

ecological (or environmental) controls and mitigation measures must be entrenched in the

management framework.

The following further conclusions were reached based on the results of this assessment:

According to the KZN BPS it can be concluded that the proposed prospecting is likely

to impact on a CBA: Irreplaceable and CBA: Optimal. The prospecting footprint occurs

almost entirely within a CBA: Irreplaceable;

According to the NBA (2011) terrestrial ecosystem threat status‘, the project area falls

across two ecosystems, which are listed as Vulnerable (VU) and Least Threatened

(LT), the former making up the majority of the project area;

Based on the SANBI (2010) Protected Areas Map and the National Protected Areas

Expansion Strategy (NPAES) the project area does overlap with a formally protected

area, namely a portion of the Mome Nature Reserve (which forms part of the Nkandla

Forest Complex).




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o The northern boundary of the project area is situated directly adjacent to the

Nkandla Forest Reserve;

o The Dhlabe Nature Reserve also intersects with the north-western portion of

the project area. Based on the above information and the location of the

proposed development, the project is highly likely to have an impact on various

formally protected areas;

One FEPA river occurs within the 500m WULA buffer around the project area, namely

the Nsuze River which is defined as a FEPA Code 4 (Upstream Management Area).

These are areas which are demarcated as sub-quaternary catchments in which human

activities need to be managed in order to prevent degradation of downstream river

FEPAs and Fish Support Areas;

The project area is situated across several different vegetation types; Moist Coast

Hinterland Grassland (Gs20) (which constitutes the majority of the area) listed as

Vulnerable, Eastern Valley Bushveld (SVs 6), Scarp Forest (FOz 5) and Midlands

Mistbelt Grassland (Gs9) (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006);

Eight (8) Category 1b invasive plant species were recorded within the project area and

must therefore be removed by implementing an alien invasive plant management

programme; and

Sixty-three (63) bird species were recorded in the project area during the May 2018

survey. Three avifaunal SCC were recorded during the survey, namely African

Crowned Eagle, Spotted Ground-thrush and Martial Eagle, and based on the presence

of pristine, suitable habitat, and the nearby Nkandla Forest, there is a high probability

that other bird SCC occur within the project area and may be affected by the proposed

development.

IMPACT STATEMENT

An impact statement is required as per the NEMA regulations with regards to the proposed

development.

The proposed prospecting area is situated in close proximity to the Nkandla Forest Reserve

complex (a vulnerable forest type), falls within a CBA: Irreplaceable and within the buffer zone

recommended for protected areas. Field surveys confirmed the ecological integrity of this

CBA, as well as the presence of multiple threatened species. Furthermore, the ecosystems

present showed the potential to host a number of reptile, mammal, amphibian and bird

species of conservation concern, most of which are regarded as sensitive (based on the

various spatial datasets analysed for this report).

Considering the above-mentioned conclusions, it is the opinion of the specialists that due to

these sensitivities, it is unlikely that even the stringent mitigation measures recommended will

sufficiently reduce the associated impacts to within acceptable levels for environmental

authorisation to be approved and that these sensitivities may represent a fatal flaw for the

project.




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DOCUMENT GUIDE

The table below provides the NEMA (2014) Requirements for Ecological Assessments, and

also the relevant sections in the reports where these requirements are addressed:

GNR 326

April 2017 Description

Section in the Report

Specialist Report

Appendix 6 (a)

A specialist report prepared in terms of these Regulations must contain— details of—

i. the specialist who prepared the report; and ii. the expertise of that specialist to compile a specialist report including a

curriculum vitae;

Page i

Appendix 6 (b)

A declaration that the specialist is independent in a form as may be specified by the competent authority;

Page ii, iii, iv

Appendix 6 (c)

An indication of the scope of, and the purpose for which, the report was prepared; Section 3

Appendix 6 (cA)

An indication of the quality and age of base data used for the specialist report; Section 6

Appendix 6 (cB)

A description of existing impacts on the site, cumulative impacts of the proposed development and levels of acceptable change; Section 9.3

Appendix 6 (d)

The duration, date and season of the site investigation and the relevance of the season to the outcome of the assessment; Section 5.6

Appendix 6

(e)

A description of the methodology adopted in preparing the report or carrying out the specialised process inclusive of equipment and modelling used; Section 5

Appendix 6 (f)

Details of an assessment of the specific identified sensitivity of the site related to the proposed activity or activities and its associated structures and infrastructure, inclusive of a, site plan identifying site alternatives;

Section 8

Appendix 6

(g) An identification of any areas to be avoided, including buffers; Section 8

Appendix 6

(h)

A map superimposing the activity including the associated structures and infrastructure on the environmental sensitivities of the site including areas to be avoided, including buffers;

Section 8

Appendix 6 (i) A description of any assumptions made and any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge; Section 4

Appendix 6 (j) A description of the findings and potential implications of such findings on the impact of the proposed activity [including identified alternatives on the environment] or activities;

Section 10

Appendix 6

(k) Any mitigation measures for inclusion in the EMPr; Section 10.5

Appendix 6 (l) Any conditions for inclusion in the environmental authorisation; Section 11

Appendix 6

(m)

Any monitoring requirements for inclusion in the EMPr or environmental authorisation;

Section 10.5 and Section 11

Appendix 6

(n)

A reasoned opinion— i. [as to] whether the proposed activity, activities or portions thereof

should be authorised; (iA) regarding the acceptability of the proposed activity or activities; and

Section 11




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GNR 326

April 2017 Description

Section in the Report

ii. if the opinion is that the proposed activity, activities or portions thereof should be authorised, any avoidance, management and mitigation measures that should be included in the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan;

Appendix 6

(o)

A description of any consultation process that was undertaken during the course of preparing the specialist report; Section 3

Appendix 6

(p)

A summary and copies of any comments received during any consultation

process and where applicable all responses thereto; and N/A

Appendix 6

(q) Any other information requested by the competent authority. None




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Table of Contents

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 15

2 Project Area .................................................................................................................... 15

3 Scope of Work ................................................................................................................ 18

4 Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 18

5 Methodologies ................................................................................................................ 19

5.1 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping ..................................................... 19

5.2 Botanical Assessment ............................................................................................. 19

5.3 Literature Study ....................................................................................................... 19

5.4 Faunal Assessment (Mammals & Avifauna) ............................................................ 20

5.5 Herpetology (Reptiles & Amphibians) ...................................................................... 21

5.6 Late-Wet Season Fieldwork ..................................................................................... 22

5.7 Key Legislative Requirements ................................................................................. 22

5.8 Protected Area‘s Buffer............................................................................................ 25

5.9 Wetland Desktop Assessment ................................................................................. 26

5.10 Wetland Assessment ............................................................................................... 27

5.2.1 Delineation ....................................................................................................... 27

5.2.2 Present Ecological Status (PES) ...................................................................... 28

5.2.3 Ecosystem Services ......................................................................................... 28

5.2.4 Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) ...................................................... 29

5.11 Buffer Determination ................................................................................................ 29

6 Project Area .................................................................................................................... 29

6.1 General Land Use and Cover .................................................................................. 29

6.2 Project Area in Relation to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Biodiversity Sector Plan ........ 30

Aim and Objectives of the KZN Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) ........................ 30 6.2.1

6.3 National Biodiversity Assessment ............................................................................ 32

Ecosystem Threat Status .................................................................................. 32 6.3.1

Ecosystem Protection Level ............................................................................. 33 6.3.2

6.4 Project Area in Relation to Protected Areas ............................................................. 34

Nkandla Forest Reserve ................................................................................... 35 6.4.1

6.5 National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) Status ................................ 36




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6.6 Desktop Soils .......................................................................................................... 38

7 Results & Discussion ...................................................................................................... 40

7.1 Desktop Assessment ............................................................................................... 40

Vegetation Assessment .................................................................................... 40 7.1.1

Faunal Assessment .......................................................................................... 44 7.1.2

7.2 Field Survey ............................................................................................................ 52

Vegetation Assessment .................................................................................... 52 7.2.1

Fauna ............................................................................................................... 57 7.2.2

Invertebrates .................................................................................................... 62 7.2.3

7.3 Wetland Assessment ............................................................................................... 62

Present Ecological State (PES) ........................................................................ 66 7.3.1

Ecosystem Services Assessment ..................................................................... 67 7.3.2

Ecological Importance & Sensitivity (EIS) ......................................................... 68 7.3.3

Buffer Zones ..................................................................................................... 68 7.3.4

8 Habitat Sensitivity Mapping............................................................................................. 72

8.1 Prospecting Footprint Area ...................................................................................... 72

8.2 Forest Buffers and Sensitivity Mapping .................................................................... 73

9 Impact Assessment ........................................................................................................ 75

9.1 Methodology ............................................................................................................ 75

9.2 Purpose and Scope ................................................................................................. 75

9.3 Current Impacts ....................................................................................................... 75

9.4 Identification of Additional Impacts .......................................................................... 76

Construction Phase .......................................................................................... 77 9.4.1

Operational Phase ............................................................................................ 77 9.4.2

Decommissioning ............................................................................................. 77 9.4.3

Rehab and Closure ........................................................................................... 78 9.4.4

10 Assessment of Significance ........................................................................................ 78

10.1 Construction Phase ................................................................................................. 78

10.2 Operational Phase ................................................................................................... 81

10.3 Decommissioning .................................................................................................... 86

10.4 Rehab and Closure .................................................................................................. 88




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10.5 Mitigation Measure Objectives ................................................................................. 91

Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Vegetation Communities & CBAs ............. 92 10.5.1

Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Faunal Communities ................................. 93 10.5.2

Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Wetland Systems ...................................... 95 10.5.3

Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................... 95 10.5.4

11 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 96

12 Impact Statement ........................................................................................................ 98

13 References ................................................................................................................. 98

Tables

Table 1: A list of key legislative requirements relevant to biodiversity and conservation in

KwaZulu-Natal ....................................................................................................................... 22

Table 2: The PES categories (Macfarlane, et al., 2009) ......................................................... 28

Table 3: Classes for determining the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied (Kotze et

al., 2009) ............................................................................................................................... 28

Table 4: Description of EIS categories. .................................................................................. 29

Table 5: Plant Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) expected to occur in the project area

(BODATSA-POSA, 2016) ...................................................................................................... 43

Table 6: List of bird species of regional or global conservation importance that are expected to

occur in pentads 2840_3100; 2840_3105; 2840_3110, 2845_3100, 2845_3105, 2845_3110,

2850_3100, 2850_3105, 2850_3110 (SABAP2, 2018, ESKOM, 2014; IUCN, 2018) ............. 44

Table 7: List of mammal species of conservation concern that may occur in the project area as

well as their global and regional conservation statuses (IUCN, 2017; SANBI, 2016).............. 49

Table 8: Expected reptile species of conservation concern that may occur in the project area

.............................................................................................................................................. 51

Table 9: Amphibian species of conservation concern which may occur in the project area .... 52

Table 10:Trees, shrubs and weeds recorded at the proposed project area (species name in

red are listed species) ............................................................................................................ 53

Table 11: A list of avifaunal species recorded for the project area ......................................... 57

Table 12: Mammal species recorded in the project area during the May 2018 survey ........... 59

Table 13: List of all herpetofauna recorded within the project area ........................................ 60

Table 14: Wetland classification as per SANBI guideline (Ollis et al., 2013) .......................... 65

Table 15: Summary of the wetland PES ................................................................................ 66

Table 16: The EcoServices being provided by the wetland unit ............................................. 67




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Table 17: The direct and indirect benefits provided by the wetland unit ................................. 67

Table 18: The EcoService diagram for the wetland ................................................................ 68

Table 19: The EIS results for the identified wetland ............................................................... 68

Table 20: Pre-mitigation buffer requirement ........................................................................... 69

Table 21: Post-mitigation buffer requirement ......................................................................... 69

Table 22: The risk results from the wetland buffer model for the proposed Nkunzana

prospecting project ................................................................................................................ 70

Table 23: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for

vegetation. ............................................................................................................................. 78


fauna. .................................................................................................................................... 79


Wetlands. .............................................................................................................................. 80

Table 26: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for

vegetation. ............................................................................................................................. 82


vegetation and potential leaks, discharges, pollutant from development into the surrounding

environment. .......................................................................................................................... 83


fauna. .................................................................................................................................... 84


Wetlands. .............................................................................................................................. 85

Table 30: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning

phase for vegetation. ............................................................................................................. 86


phase for fauna. ..................................................................................................................... 87

Table 32: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure

phase for vegetation. ............................................................................................................. 88

Table 33: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure

phase for fauna. ..................................................................................................................... 89


phase for Wetlands. ............................................................................................................... 90

Figures

Figure 1:The general location of the project area ................................................................... 16

Figure 2: The specific footprint of the proposed infrastructure within the context of the overall

project area ........................................................................................................................... 17




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Figure 3: Cross section through a wetland, indicating how the soil wetness and vegetation

indicators change (Ollis, Snaddon, Job, & Mbona, 2013) ....................................................... 27

Figure 4: Figure showing the Land Cover in the project area ................................................. 30

Figure 5: The project area superimposed on the KZN BSP (2014) ........................................ 32

Figure 6: The project area showing the ecosystem threat status of the associated terrestrial

ecosystems (NBA, 2012) ....................................................................................................... 33

Figure 7: The project area showing the level of protection of terrestrial ecosystems (NBA,

2012) ..................................................................................................................................... 34

Figure 8: The project area in relation to the formally protected areas (NPAES, 2011) ............ 35

Figure 9: Photographs of the Nkandla Forest Reserve taken during field surveys ................. 36

Figure 10: The project area in relation to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas

(2011) .................................................................................................................................... 37

Figure 11: Project area in relation to the watercourses and inland water (Driver et al. 2011) . 38

Figure 12: Land type classes associated with the project area .............................................. 39

Figure 13: The project area showing the vegetation type based on the Vegetation Map of

South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (BGIS,2017) ................................................................... 41

Figure 14: Map showing the grid drawn to compile an expected species list (BODATSA-

POSA, 2016) ......................................................................................................................... 43

Figure 15: The project area in relation to defined IBAs (Birdlife, 2017) .................................. 48

Figure 16: The various vegetation areas identified during the fieldwork ................................. 53

Figure 17: Protected tress recorded during the survey ........................................................... 55

Figure 18: Some of the avifauna recorded within the project area: A) Common Fiscal (Lanius

collaris); B) Purple-crested Turaco (Gallirex porphyreolophus); C) Chin Spot Batis (Batis

molitor); D) Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator); E) Spotted ground-thrush (Zoothera

guttata); F) Saw-wing, Black (Psalidoprocne holomelaena); G) Little Bee-eater (Merops

pusillus); H) Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) and I) Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus

coronatus) ............................................................................................................................. 59

Figure 19: Some of the mammal species recorded during the survey: A) Single-striped

mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia); B) Namaqua Rock Rat (Aethomys namaquensis); C) Rusty-

Spotted Genet (Genetta maculata); D) Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia); E) Water

Mongoose (Atilax paludinosus); and F) Rusty-Spotted Genet (Genetta maculate) droppings 60

Figure 20: Some of the herpetofauna recorded within the project area: A) Short Snouted

Grass Snake (Psammophis brevirostris); B) Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii); C)

Bushveld Rain frog (Breviceps adspersus); D) Bush Squeaker (Arthroleptis wahlbergi) ; E)

Variable skink (Trachylepis varia); and F) Southern Tree Agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) .. 61

Figure 21: Some of the invertebrates identified within the project area: A) Red leg centipede

(Cormocephalus nitidus); B) Creeping scorpion (Opisthacanthus sp.); C) Soldier pansy

(Junonia terea elgiva) and D) Turf burrowing scorpion (Cheloctonus sp.) .............................. 62




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Figure 22: The wetland delineation for the Nkunzana prospecting project ............................. 63

Figure 23: Channelled valley bottom features for the wetland on site A) Valley bottom

topography; B) Defined channel with bank overflow features; and C) Riparian vegetation within

channel area (May 2018) ....................................................................................................... 64

Figure 24: Identified wetland indicators A) Valley floor topography; B) Katspruit soil form; and

C) Setaria spp. (May 2018) .................................................................................................... 65

Figure 25: The erosional impacts within the landscape .......................................................... 66

Figure 26: 25 m Wetland Buffer Zone for the Nkunzana prospecting project ......................... 71

Figure 27: Habitat sensitivity map of the project area ............................................................. 73

Figure 28: Some of the current impacts identified within the project area (May 2018). A & F)

Extensive erosion; B) Secondary Road and power lines; C) Cattle; D) Goats and E) Buildings

and water reservoirs .............................................................................................................. 76

Figure 29: Radar indicting the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for

vegetation .............................................................................................................................. 79

Figure 30: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for

fauna ..................................................................................................................................... 80

Figure 31: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for

Wetlands ............................................................................................................................... 81

Figure 32: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for

vegetation .............................................................................................................................. 82

Figure 33: Radar indicating vegetation and potential leaks, discharges, pollutant from

development into the surrounding environment operational phase ....................................... 83

Figure 34: Radar indicating pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for fauna. ..... 84

Figure 35: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for

Wetlands ............................................................................................................................... 85

Figure 36: Radar indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning

phase for vegetation .............................................................................................................. 87

Figure 37: Radar indicating pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for fauna

.............................................................................................................................................. 88

Figure 38: Radar indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure

phase for vegetation .............................................................................................................. 89

Figure 39: Radar indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure

phase for fauna ...................................................................................................................... 90

Figure 40: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning

phase for Wetlands. ............................................................................................................... 91




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1 Introduction

The Biodiversity Company was appointed to conduct a terrestrial and wetland ecology

baseline and impact (risk) assessment for the Basic Assessment (BA) process in support of

the Prospecting Right Application (PRA). The total application area is approximately 2 069.06

hectares in extent. It is situated 92 kilometres west of Richards Bay and 14,5 kilometres south

of the town of Nkandla in the KwaZulu-Natal Province and it covers the farm Reserve No. 19

15839. The application is for the development of six prospecting drill sites, six trenches and

one access road. In addition, the application area is located adjacent to the protected Nkandla

Forest Complex.

Late-wet season wetland and terrestrial biodiversity surveys were conducted on the 30th April

2018,2 to 3rd May 2018 and 6th, 9th, 10th and 11th of May 2018 by four (4) ecologists. The

survey primarily focussed on the development footprint area, referred to as the project area

herein. Furthermore, the identification and description of any sensitive receptors were

recorded across the project area, and the manner in which these sensitive receptors may be

affected by the activity was also investigated.

This report, after taking into consideration the findings and recommendations provided by the

specialist herein, should inform and guide the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP),

enabling informed decision making as to the ecological viability of the proposed development

and to provide an opinion on the whether any environmental authorisation process or licensing

is required for the proposed development.

2 Project Area

The proposed development is situated 14,5 kilometres south of the town of Nkandla, near the

Nkandla Forest Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The land uses surrounding

the project area consist mainly of rural land with associated houses and livestock.

Infrastructure such as secondary tar roads, gravel roads and homesteads, occur within the

proximity of the project area (Figure 1).

The infrastructure for the proposed development will only impact on a small portion of the

overall PRA area. Figure 2 shows the layout of the proposed access road, six prospecting drill

sites and five trenches relative to the overall project area.




16

Figure 1:The general location of the project area




17

Figure 2: The specific footprint of the proposed infrastructure within the context of the overall project area




[email protected]

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3 Scope of Work

The Terms of Reference (ToR) included the following:

Desktop description of the baseline receiving environment specific to the field of

expertise (general surrounding area as well as site specific environment);

Identification and description of any sensitive receptors in terms of relevant specialist

disciplines (biodiversity) that occur in the study area, and the manner in which these

sensitive receptors may be affected by the activity;

Identify ‗significant‘ ecological, botanical and faunal features within the proposed

development areas;

Identification of conservation significant habitats around the project area which might

be impacted by the proposed development;

Site visit to verify desktop information;

Screening to identify any critical issues (potential fatal flaws) that may result in

project delays or rejection of the application; and

Provide a map to identifying sensitive receptors in the study area, based on available

maps, database information & site visit verification.

4 Limitations

The following limitations should be noted for the study:

As per the scope of work, the fieldwork component of the assessment comprised of

one assessment only, which was conducted during the late-wet season. This study

has not assessed any temporal trends for the respective seasons;

The proposed PRA and environmental authorisation, if successful, is only applicable

to the areas and impacts outlined in this report. If the prospecting finds economically

feasible and mineable resources, a mining right application will need to be applied for

and a full environmental impact assessment will need to be conducted;

The assessment was based on the results of a single wetland survey only, and

information provided should be interpreted accordingly;

The SoW does not include a rehabilitation plan, biodiversity management plan, nor a

storm water management plan;

Field assessments were completed to assess as much of the site as possible with

focus on the proposed directly impacted and downstream areas;

Many wetland plants had shed their flowering portions and could not be identified;

The GPS used for water resource delineations is accurate to within five meters.

Therefore, the wetland delineation plotted digitally may be offset by at least five

meters to either side;




19

Despite these limitations, a comprehensive desktop study was conducted, in

conjunction with the detailed results from the surveys, and as such there is a high

confidence in the information provided.

5 Methodologies

5.1 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping

Existing data layers were incorporated into GIS software to establish how the proposed

prospecting operation might interact with any ecologically important entities. Emphasis was

placed around the following spatial datasets:

Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina et al., 2007);

Important Bird Areas 2015 – BirdLife South Africa (vector geospatial dataset); and

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) National Landcover 2015 (DEA, 2015).

Field surveys were conducted to confirm (or refute) the presence of species identified in the

desktop assessment. The specialist disciplines completed for this study included:

Botanical;

Fauna (mammals and avifauna);

Herpetology (reptiles and amphibians); and

Wetlands.

Brief descriptions of the standardised methodologies applied in each of the specialist

disciplines are provided below. More detailed descriptions of survey methodologies are

available upon request.

5.2 Botanical Assessment

The botanical study encompassed an assessment of all the vegetation units and habitat

types within the project area. The focus was on an ecological assessment of habitat types as

well as identification of any Red Data species within the known distribution of the project

area. The methodology included the following survey techniques:

Timed meanders;

Sensitivity analysis based on structural and species diversity; and

Identification of floral red-data species.

5.3 Literature Study

A literature review was conducted as part of the desktop study to identify the potential

habitats present within the project area. The SANBI provides an electronic database system,

namely the Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), to access distribution

records on southern African plants. This is a new database which replaces the old Plants of

Southern Africa (POSA) database. The POSA database provided distribution data of flora at

the quarter degree square (QDS) resolution.




20

The Red List of South African Plants website (SANBI, 2016) was utilized to provide the most

current account of the national status of flora. Relevant field guides and texts consulted for

identification purposes in the field during the surveys included the following:

Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of the Highveld (Van Wyk & Malan, 1997);

A Field Guide to Wild Flowers (Pooley, 1998);

Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa (Van Oudtshoorn, 1999);

Orchids of South Africa (Johnson & Bytebier, 2015);

Guide to the Aloes of South Africa (Van Wyk & Smith, 2014);

Medicinal Plants of South Africa (Van Wyk et al., 2013);

Freshwater Life: A field guide to the plants and animals of southern Africa (Griffiths &

Day, 2016); and

Identification Guide to Southern African Grasses. An identification manual with keys,

descriptions and distributions. (Fish et al., 2015).

Additional information regarding ecosystems, vegetation types, and species of conservation

concern (SCC) included the following sources:

The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina & Rutherford, 2012);

Grassland Ecosystem Guidelines: landscape interpretation for planners and

managers (SANBI, 2013); and

Red List of South African Plants (Raimondo et al., 2009; SANBI, 2016).

5.4 Faunal Assessment (Mammals & Avifauna)

The faunal desktop assessment included the following:

Compilation of expected species lists;

Compilation of identified species lists;

Identification of any Red Data or species of conservation concern (SCC) present or

potentially occurring in the area; and

Emphasis was placed on the probability of occurrence of species of provincial,

national and international conservation importance.

The field survey component of the study utilised a variety of sampling techniques including,

but not limited to, the following:

Visual observations;

Identification of tracks and signs; and

Utilization of local knowledge.

Habitat types sampled included pristine, disturbed and semi-disturbed zones, drainage lines

and wetlands.




21

Mammal distribution data were obtained from the following information sources:

The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005);

Bats of Southern and Central Africa (Monadjem et al., 2010);

The 2016 Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland

(www.ewt.org.za);

Animal Demography Unit (ADU) - MammalMap Category (mammalmap.adu.org.za);

A Field Guide to the Tracks and Signs of Southern, Central and East African Wildlife

(Stuart & Stuart, 2013); and

The Smaller Mammals of KwaZulu-Natal (Taylor, 1998).

5.5 Herpetology (Reptiles & Amphibians)

A herpetofauna assessment of the project area was also conducted. The herpetological field

survey comprised the following techniques:

Diurnal hand searches - are used for reptile species that shelter in or under particular

microhabitats (typically rocks, exfoliating rock outcrops, fallen timber, leaf litter, bark

etc.);

Visual searches - typically undertaken for species whose behaviour involves surface

activity or for species that are difficult to detect by hand-searches or pitfall trapping.

May include walking transects or using binoculars to view the species from a

distance without the animal being disturbed;

Amphibians – many of the survey techniques listed above will be able to detect

species of amphibians. Over and above these techniques, vocalisation sampling

techniques are often the best to detect the presence of amphibians as each species

has a distinct call;

Opportunistic sampling - reptiles, especially snakes, are incredibly illusive and

difficult to observe. Consequently, all possible opportunities to observe reptiles are

taken in order to augment the standard sampling procedures described above. This

will include talking to local people and staff at the site and reviewing photographs of

reptiles and amphibians that the other biodiversity specialists may come across while

on site.

Herpetofauna distributional data was obtained from the following information sources:

South African Reptile Conservation Assessment (SARCA) (sarca.adu.org);

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa (Alexander & Marais, 2007);

Field guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa (Branch, 1998);

Atlas and Red list of Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Bates et al.,

2014);

A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa (du Preez & Carruthers, 2009);




22

Animal Demography Unit (ADU) - FrogMAP (frogmap.adu.org.za);

Atlas and Red Data Book of Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mintner

et al., 2004); and

Ensuring a future for South Africa‘s frogs (Measey, 2011).

5.6 Late-Wet Season Fieldwork

The late-wet season fieldwork and sample sites were placed within targeted areas (i.e. target

sites) perceived as ecologically sensitive based on the preliminary interpretation of satellite

imagery and GIS analysis (which included the latest applicable biodiversity datasets)

available prior to the fieldwork.

The focus of the fieldwork was therefore to maximise coverage and navigate to each target

site in the field in order to perform a vegetation and ecological habitat assessment at each

sample site. Emphasis was placed on sensitive habitats, especially those overlapping with

proposed development areas. Due to the timing of the survey, morphological structures used

to identify flora, such as inflorescences and flowers, are either limited or absent, thus

affecting the floral species identified.

At each sample site notes were made regarding current impacts (e.g. livestock grazing,

erosion etc.), subjective recording of dominant vegetation species and any sensitive features

(e.g. wetlands, outcrops etc.) present. In addition, opportunistic observations were made

while navigating through the project area. Effort was made to cover all the different habitat

types within the limits of time and access. The geographic location of sample sites and site

coverage are shown under the Results section.

5.7 Key Legislative Requirements

The legislation, policies and guidelines listed below are applicable to the current project in

terms of biodiversity and ecological support systems (Table 1). The list below, although

extensive, may not be exhaustive and other legislation, policies and guidelines may apply in

addition to those listed below.

Explanation of certain documents, organisations or legislation is provided (below Table 1)

where these have a high degree of relevance to the project and/or are referred to in this

assessment.

Table 1: A list of key legislative requirements relevant to biodiversity and conservation in KwaZulu-Natal

INT

ER

NA

TIO

NA

L Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1993)

The Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR Convention, 1971)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC,1994)

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES

1973)

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention,

1979)

NA

TIO

NA

L Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 2006)

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998)

The National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003)




23

International Legislation and Policy

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora (CITES). CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is

to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not

threaten their survival; and

The IUCN (World Conservation Union). The IUCN‘s mission is to influence,

encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and

diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and

ecologically sustainable.

National Level

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). The Bill of Rights, in

the Constitution of South Africa states that everyone has a right to a nonthreatening

environment and requires that reasonable measures be applied to protect the

environment. This protection encompasses preventing pollution and promoting

conservation and environmentally sustainable development;

The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008);

The Environment Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1989) and associated EIA Regulations

National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004)

National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES)

Environmental Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1983)

Natural Scientific Professions Act (Act No. 27 of 2003)

National Biodiversity Framework (NBF, 2009)

National Forest Act (Act No. 84 of 1998)

National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998)

National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998)

National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA‘s)

National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA)

World Heritage Convention Act (Act No. 49 of 1999)

National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)

Municipal Systems Act (Act No. 32 of 2000)

Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2014

South Africa‘s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act 43 of 1983)

Sustainable Utilisation of Agricultural Resources (Draft Legislation).

White Paper on Biodiversity

PR

OV

INC

IAL

KwaZulu-Natal Environmental, Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Bill, 2014

KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act (No. 9 of 1997)

KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Amendment Act (No. 5 of 1999)

KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act (No. 6 of 2008)

Local Government Municipal System‘s Act (No 32 of 2000)




24

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) No. 10 of 2004:

specifically, the management and conservation of biological diversity within the RSA

and of the components of such biological diversity;

National Forests Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998), specifically with reference to Protected

Tree species;

National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA): The National Biodiversity Assessment

(NBA) was completed as a collaboration between the South African National

Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and

other stakeholders, including scientists and biodiversity management experts

throughout the country over a three-year period (Driver at al., 2012). The purpose of

the NBA is to assess the state of South Africa‘s biodiversity with a view to

understanding trends over time and informing policy and decision-making across a

range of sectors (Driver at al., 2012).

Provincial and Municipal Level

In addition to national legislation, South Africa's nine provinces have their own provincial

biodiversity legislation, as nature conservation is a concurrent function of national and

provincial government in terms of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996).

The KwaZulu-Natal Environmental, Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Bill

(2014)

The KwaZulu-Natal Environmental, Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Bill

(2014) hereafter referred to as KZNEBPA, was used to evaluate species conservation status

on a Provincial scale.

The KZNEBPA (2014) defines which species are to be protected and managed in terms of

human use such as collecting, fishing, hunting, capture, transport and trade. It deals with

rare and endangered species within the KZN Province and the powers needed to protect

them from exploitation and damage.

KZNEBPA Categories:

Schedule 3 – KwaZulu-Natal Protected Animal Species: A list of protected animal

species, including a listing of certain prohibited and restricted activities with respect

to such species;

Schedule 4 – Restricted Use of Protected Animal Species: Schedule 4 lists the

restricted use of protected animal species and provides for certain prohibited and

restricted activities in such respect;

Schedule 7 – KwaZulu-Natal Threatened Plant Species: Schedule 7 lists the

threatened plant species and provides for certain prohibited and restricted activities

with respect to such species; and

Schedule 8 – KwaZulu-Natal Protected Plant Species: Schedule 8 lists the protected

plant species and provides for certain prohibited and restricted activities with respect

to such species.




25

In addition to the legal requirements, the following National and Regional reviews, reports

and guidelines were taken into consideration:

Guidelines for Biodiversity Impact Assessments in KZN (2013);

Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (Driver et al., 2011);

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Strategy (2009 – 2014);

KwaZulu-Natal Systematic Conservation Plan (KZNSCP, 2012); and

UThungulu District Municipality: Biodiversity Sector Plan (KZNBSP, 2014).

5.8 Protected Area’s Buffer

As defined under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003,

approximately 7.2 million hectares or 5.9% of the surface area of South Africa is recognized

as protected areas. Fifty six percent of this total area is made up by 21 national parks. These

range in size from 1 915 671 ha (Kruger National Park) to 2 662 ha (Wilderness National

Park), with a total area (excluding marine areas) of approximately 3.8 million hectares.

In terms of section 20(2) of the Act a national park may be declared to:

Protect:

o Areas of national or international importance for their biodiversity;

o Areas which contain viable, representative samples of South Africa's natural

systems, scenic areas or cultural heritage sites; or

o The ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems;

Prevent exploitation or occupation inconsistent with the protection of the ecological

integrity of the area;

Provide spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and tourism opportunities which

are environmentally compatible; and

Contribute to economic development, where feasible.

Unfortunately, due to the rate and extent of development in the country, these national parks

are becoming increasingly isolated from the wider natural areas. This is leading to the values

of the many of the national parks being impacted negatively from activities outside the

national parks;

Extinction of populations of animals outside of a national park due to their isolation

from the national park population;

Excessive disturbance in a national park due to a development on its border; and

where the national park is used for access to that development. In addition to

affecting national park values some developments may have negative regional

economic impacts including;

Excessive development which negates the primary attraction of the national park;

and




26

Development clustered round a national park which success is due to the intrinsic

value of the national park, but which has negative effects on the national park (e.g.

ribbon development along the Crocodile River on the border of the Kruger National

Park).

Therefore, the concept of a buffer zone around national parks has been established. This

buffer's function is to reduce or mitigate the negative influences of activities taking place

outside the parks on the parks and, to better integrate parks into their surrounding

landscapes. This concept has been widely recommended, including in the operational

guidelines of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention.

Therefore, the purpose of a buffer zone is to: Protect the purpose and values of the national

park, which is to be explicitly defined in the management plan submitted in terms of section

39(2) of the Act;

Protect important areas of high value for biodiversity and/or to society where these

extend beyond the boundary of the Protected Area;

Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,

1972; and

Assist adjacent and affected communities to secure appropriate and sustainable

benefits from the national park and buffer zone area itself by promoting a

conservation economy, ecotourism and its supporting infrastructure and services,

and sustainability through properly planned harvesting.

A buffer zone may be established around a national park when considered necessary for the

proper conservation and effective protection of the national park in achieving its objectives.

The buffer zone is an area surrounding a national park which has complementary legal and

management restrictions placed on its use and development, aimed at providing an extra

layer of protection to the integrity of the national park. This should include the immediate

setting of the national park, important views and other areas or attributes that are functionally

important as a support to the national park and its protection.

A special case is made in the Biodiversity Policy for paying attention to areas adjacent to

national parks, given that activities occurring in such areas may be critical to the protected

area's success. Furthermore, the ecological landscape is often a continuum between

designated protected areas and surrounding regions. The viability of protected areas is thus

dependent upon the extent to which such areas are socially, economically, and ecologically

integrated into the surrounding region. This fact is also recognised by the Convention on

Biological Diversity, which has a specific provision aimed at promoting sustainable

development in areas adjacent to protected areas.

5.9 Wetland Desktop Assessment

The following information sources were considered for the desktop assessment;

Aerial imagery (Google Earth Pro);

Land Type Data (Land Type Survey Staff, 1972 - 2006);

The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (Nel et al., 2011); and




27

Contour data (5m).

5.10 Wetland Assessment

The National Wetland Classification Systems (NWCS) developed by the South African

National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) will be considered for this study. This system

comprises a hierarchical classification process of defining a wetland based on the principles

of the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach at higher levels, and also then includes structural

features at the lower levels of classification (Ollis et al., 2013).

5.2.1 Delineation

The wetland areas are delineated in accordance with the DWAF (2005) guidelines, a cross

section is presented in Figure 3. The outer edges of the wetland areas were identified by

considering the following four specific indicators:

The Terrain Unit Indicator helps to identify those parts of the landscape where

wetlands are more likely to occur;

The Soil Form Indicator identifies the soil forms, as defined by the Soil Classification

Working Group (1991), which are associated with prolonged and frequent saturation.

o The soil forms (types of soil) found in the landscape were identified using

the South African soil classification system namely; Soil Classification: A

Taxonomic System for South Africa (Soil Classification Working Group,

1991);

The Soil Wetness Indicator identifies the morphological "signatures" developed in the

soil profile as a result of prolonged and frequent saturation; and

The Vegetation Indicator identifies hydrophilic vegetation associated with frequently

saturated soils.

Vegetation is used as the primary wetland indicator. However, in practise the soil wetness

indicator tends to be the most important, and the other three indicators are used in a

confirmatory role.

Figure 3: Cross section through a wetland, indicating how the soil wetness and vegetation indicators change (Ollis, Snaddon, Job, & Mbona, 2013)




28

5.2.2 Present Ecological Status (PES)

The overall approach is to quantify the impacts of human activity or clearly visible impacts on

wetland health, and then to convert the impact scores to a Present Ecological Status (PES)

score. This takes the form of assessing the spatial extent of impact of individual

activities/occurrences and then separately assessing the intensity of impact of each activity

in the affected area. The extent and intensity are then combined to determine an overall

magnitude of impact. The Present State categories are provided in Table 2.

Table 2: The PES categories (Macfarlane, et al., 2009)

Impact

Category Description

Impact Score

Range

Present State

Category

None Unmodified, natural 0 to 0.9 A

Small

Largely Natural with few modifications. A slight change in

ecosystem processes is discernible and a small loss of natural

habitats and biota may have taken place.

1.0 to 1.9 B

Moderate

Moderately Modified. A moderate change in ecosystem

processes and loss of natural habitats has taken place, but the

natural habitat remains predominantly intact.

2.0 to 3.9 C

Large Largely Modified. A large change in ecosystem processes and

loss of natural habitat and biota has occurred. 4.0 to 5.9 D

Serious

Seriously Modified. The change in ecosystem processes and

loss of natural habitat and biota is great, but some remaining

natural habitat features are still recognizable.

6.0 to 7.9 E

Critical

Critical Modification. The modifications have reached a critical

level and the ecosystem processes have been modified

completely with an almost complete loss of natural habitat and

biota.

8.0 to 10 F

5.2.3 Ecosystem Services

The assessment of the ecosystem services supplied by the identified wetlands was

conducted per the guidelines as described in WET-EcoServices (Kotze et al., 2009). An

assessment was undertaken that examines and rates the following services according to

their degree of importance and the degree to which the services are provided (Table 3).

Table 3: Classes for determining the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied (Kotze et al., 2009)

Score Rating of likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied

< 0.5 Low

0.6 - 1.2 Moderately Low

1.3 - 2.0 Intermediate

2.1 - 3.0 Moderately High

> 3.0 High




29

5.2.4 Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS)

The method used for the EIS determination was adapted from the method as provided by

DWS (1999) for floodplains. The method takes into consideration PES scores obtained for

WET-Health as well as function and service provision to enable the assessor to determine

the most representative EIS category for the wetland feature or group being assessed. A

series of determinants for EIS are assessed on a scale of 0 to 4, where 0 indicates no

importance and 4 indicates very high importance. The mean of the determinants is used to

assign the EIS category as listed in Table 4.

Table 4: Description of EIS categories.

EIS Category Range of Mean Recommended Ecological Management

Class

Very High 3.1 to 4.0 A

High 2.1 to 3.0 B

Moderate 1.1 to 2.0 C

Low Marginal < 1.0 D

5.11 Buffer Determination

The ―Preliminary Guideline for the Determination of Buffer Zones for Rivers, Wetlands and

Estuaries‖ (Macfarlane, et al., 2014) was used to determine the appropriate buffer zone for

the proposed activity.

6 Project Area

6.1 General Land Use and Cover

The land uses surrounding the project area consist mainly of cultural land with associated

rural houses and livestock. The overall project area is predominantly natural and

mountainous with the only impacts being access roads, erosion, human dwellings and

livestock. Some areas of cultivated land are evident in the southern portion of the project

area, however, overall the level of cultivation is low due to the steep topography. The

landcover according to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife / SANBI can be seen in Figure 4.

The following infrastructure exists within the project area and surroundings:

Rural housing / dwellings

Various secondary roads;

Electrical infrastructure; and

The Nkandla Forest Reserve.




30

Figure 4: Figure showing the Land Cover in the project area

6.2 Project Area in Relation to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Biodiversity Sector

Plan

Aim and Objectives of the KZN Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) 6.2.1

The aim of a Biodiversity Sector Plan is to:

Identify and map critical biodiversity assets in KwaZulu-Natal District Municipalities;

and

Provide associated management guidelines which aim to maintain the integrity of

these biodiversity features.

The objectives of the Biodiversity Sector Plan are to:

Ensure aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity targets are met at the District level;

Conserve representative samples of biodiversity pattern;

Conserve the ecological and evolutionary processes that allow biodiversity to persist

over time; and

Serve as a first step towards the development of a Bioregional Plan.




31

The Purpose of the BSP:

The key purpose of this BSP is to assist and guide land use planners and managers within

various district and local municipalities, to account for biodiversity conservation priorities in

all land use planning and management decisions, thereby promoting sustainable

development and the protection of biodiversity, and in turn the protection of ecological

infrastructure and associated ecosystem services.

Critical Biodiversity Areas

The KZN BSP also provides a spatial representation of land and coastal marine areas

required to ensure the persistence and conservation of biodiversity and biodiversity targets

within KZN, reflected as Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and Ecological Support Areas

(ESA).

A CBA is considered a significant and ecologically sensitive area and needs to be kept in a

pristine or near-natural state to ensure the continued functioning of ecosystems. A CBA

represents the best choice for achieving biodiversity targets. ESAs are not essential for

achieving targets, but they play a vital role in the continued functioning of ecosystems.

Based on this assessment it can be concluded that the proposed development is likely to

impact on: CBA: Irreplaceable (or CBA1), CBA Optimal (or CBA2) as well as being situated

in very close proximity to a protected area (Figure 5). The intended infrastructure footprint,

including the access road, falls entirely within an area defined as a CBA: Irreplaceable.

According to the conservation plan, ‗local corridors‘ have also been identified to ensure

uninhibited movement of wildlife between landscapes and important biodiversity areas

(including PAs, CBAs and stewardship sites). Based on the spatial file for the KZN C-Plan it

can be concluded that the proposed development will not impact on a ‗local corridor‘.




32

Figure 5: The project area superimposed on the KZN BSP (2014)

6.3 National Biodiversity Assessment

The two headline indicators assessed in the NBA are ecosystem threat status and

ecosystem protection level (Driver at al., 2012).

Ecosystem Threat Status 6.3.1

Ecosystem threat status outlines the degree to which ecosystems are still intact or

alternatively losing vital aspects of their structure, function and composition, on which their

ability to provide ecosystem services ultimately depends (Driver at al., 2012).

Ecosystem types are categorised as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN),

Vulnerable (VU) or Least Threatened (LT), based on the proportion of each ecosystem type

that remains in good ecological condition (Driver at al., 2012).

The proposed project was superimposed on the terrestrial ecosystem threat status (Figure

6). As seen in Figure 6 the project area falls across two ecosystems, which are listed as

Vulnerable (VU) and Least Threatened (LT), the former making up the majority of the project

area.




33

Figure 6: The project area showing the ecosystem threat status of the associated terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2012)

Ecosystem Protection Level 6.3.2

Ecosystem protection level tells us whether ecosystems are adequately protected or under-

protected. Ecosystem types are categorised as not protected, poorly protected, moderately

protected or well protected, based on the proportion of each ecosystem type that occurs

within a protected area recognised in the Protected Areas Act (Driver at al., 2012).

The project area was superimposed on the ecosystem protection level map to assess the

protection status of terrestrial ecosystems associated with the development (Figure 7).

Based on Figure 7 the terrestrial ecosystems associated with the proposed road and project

area are rated mainly as not protected, with a small area in the project area rated as either

moderately protected or poorly protected.




34

Figure 7: The project area showing the level of protection of terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2012)

6.4 Project Area in Relation to Protected Areas

Figure 8 shows the location of formally protected areas in relation to the project area.

Formally protected areas refer to areas protected either by national or provincial legislation.


Expansion Strategy (NPAES) the project area does overlap with a formally protected area,

namely a portion of the Mome Nature Reserve (which forms part of the Nkandla Forest

Complex) (Figure 8). Furthermore, the northern boundary of the project area is situated

directly adjacent to the Nkandla Forest Reserve. The Dhlabe Nature Reserve also intersects

with the north-western portion of the project area.

Based on the above information and the location of the proposed development, the project is

likely to have an impact on various formally protected areas.




35

Figure 8: The project area in relation to the formally protected areas (NPAES, 2011)

Nkandla Forest Reserve 6.4.1

Only 0.25 % of South Africa is indigenous forest (Bennet & Kruger, 2015). The Nkandla

Forest Reserve comprises of 1600 ha of mist belt forest, making it an important and rare

forest (Figure 9). It covers the crown and south-western slope of the ridge which lies above

the Umhlathuze and Thukela rivers at an altitude of between 1100 and 1300m above sea

level (Nkandla municipality, 2014). Streams arising in the forest form deep gorges leading

into the Nsuze River, which runs southeast along the base of the ridge and falls within the

project area.

The forest has a very high species diversity and is home to more than 150 different bird

species, as well as a large number of rare plant species (Bennet & Kruger, 2015). It is also

one of the few places in South Africa where the threatened and endemic Karkloof blue

butterfly, Orachrysops ariadne can be found (Lu, 2002). Various endangered mammal

species occur in this forest such as Blue Duiker as well as two threatened chameleon

species, one of which, the Qudeni Dwarf Chameleon is only found in the Nkandla Forest and

the nearby Qudeni Forest. This combined with the restricted habitat type warrants enough

reason for the protection of this rare forest type.




36

Figure 9: Photographs of the Nkandla Forest Reserve taken during field surveys

6.5 National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) Status

In an attempt to better conserve aquatic ecosystems, South Africa has recently categorised

its river systems according to set ecological criteria (i.e. ecosystem representation, water

yield, connectivity, unique features, and threatened taxa) to identify Freshwater Ecosystem

Priority Areas (FEPAs) (Driver et al. 2011). The FEPAs are intended to be conservation

support tools and envisioned to guide the effective implementation of measures to achieve

the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) biodiversity goals (Nel et

al. 2011). The NFEPA status mapping is depicted in Figure 10.




37

Figure 10: The project area in relation to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (2011)

Figure 10 shows the location of the project area in relation to wetland and river FEPAs.

Based on this information the project boundary area does not overlap with any true FEPA

wetland areas. One FEPA river occurs within the 500m WULA buffer around the project

area, namely the Nsuze River which is defined as a FEPA Code 4 (Upstream Management

Area). These are areas which are demarcated as sub-quaternary catchments in which

human activities need to be managed in order to prevent degradation of downstream river

FEPAs and Fish Support Areas. Upstream Management Areas do not include management

areas for wetland FEPAs, which need to be determined at a finer scale.

Figure 11 shows the watercourses adjacent to the project area and various non-perennial

water courses which occur within the 500m WULA buffer and ultimately feed into the Nsuze

River.




38

Figure 11: Project area in relation to the watercourses and inland water (Driver et al. 2011)

6.6 Desktop Soils

The dominant geology for the project area is serpentinite, metagabbro, amphibolite and

granite gneiss of the Tugela Complex.

According to the land type database (Land Type Survey Staff, 1972 - 2006) the project falls

within the Fa108 land type. The land type is dominated by the mid-slope landscape unit with

steep slopes in excess of 20%. The dominant soils in the mid-slope positions are expected

to be shallow Mispahs and Glenrosa soil forms, with some Huttons and Shortlands in places.

The Valley bottom wetlands are expected to be dominated by Dundee, Katspruit, and

Oakleaf soil forms.The land type is shown in Figure 12.




[email protected]

39

Figure 12: Land type classes associated with the project area.




[email protected]

40

7 Results & Discussion

7.1 Desktop Assessment

Vegetation Assessment 7.1.1

The project area is situated within the grassland biome. This biome is centrally located in

southern Africa, and adjoins all except the desert, fynbos and succulent Karoo biomes

(Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). Major macroclimatic traits that characterise the grassland

biome include:

a) Seasonal precipitation; and

b) The minimum temperatures in winter (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

The grassland biome is found chiefly on the high central plateau of South Africa, and the

inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The topography is mainly flat and

rolling but includes the escarpment itself. Altitude varies from near sea level to 2 850 m

above sea level.

Grasslands are dominated by a single layer of grasses. The amount of cover depends on

rainfall and the degree of grazing. The grassland biome experiences summer rainfall and dry

winters with frost (and fire), which are unfavourable for tree growth. Thus, trees are typically

absent, except in a few localized habitats. Geophytes (bulbs) are often abundant. Frosts, fire

and grazing maintain the grass dominance and prevent the establishment of trees.

7.1.1.1 Vegetation Types

The grassland biome comprises many different vegetation types. The project area is situated

across several different vegetation types; Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland (Gs20) (which

constitutes the majority of the area), Eastern Valley Bushveld (SVs 6), Scarp Forest (FOz 5)

and Midlands Mistbelt Grassland (Gs9) vegetation types, according to Mucina & Rutherford

(2006) (Figure 13). The proposed infrastructure footprint is situated completely within the

Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland vegetation type.




41

Figure 13: The project area showing the vegetation type based on the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (BGIS,2017)

7.1.1.2 Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland

Mucina and Rutherford (2006) describe the properties of Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland

and Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland under a combined single vegetation type, SVs 4 –

Ngongoni Veld, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife have refined the description and separated it into the

two further vegetation types, one being Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland.

KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: From near Melmoth in the north to near Libode

in the south (including Eshowe, New Hanover, Thornville, Richmond, Harding, Lusikisiki)

generally occurring below Gs 9 Midlands Mistbelt Grassland at altitudes between 450 - 900

m.

This vegetation type typically occurs across rolling and hilly landscapes and is a dense, tall

grassland that is overwhelmingly dominated by unpalatable, wiry Ngongoni grass (Aristida

junciformis), with this monodominance, associated with low species diversity. Termitaria

support bush clumps with Vachellia/Senegalia species, Cussonia spicata, Ziziphus

mucronata, Coddia rudis and Ehretia rigida (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

7.1.1.2.1 Important Plant Taxa

Important plant taxa are those species that have a high abundance, a frequent occurrence or

are prominent in the landscape within a particular vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford,

2006).




42

The following species are important in the Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland vegetation

type:

Small Trees: Vachellia natalitia, V. nilotica, V. sieberiana var. woodii.

Low Shrubs: Agathisanthemum bojeri, Euryops laxus, Gnidia anthylloides

Graminoids: Aristida junciformis subsp. junciformis, Bothriochloa insculpta, Eragrostis

curvula, Hyparrhenia hirta, Panicum maximum, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Sporobolus

africanus, S. pyramidalis, Themeda triandra.

Herbs: Chamaecrista mimosoides, Conostomium natalense, Gerbera ambigua, Helichrysum

allioides, Hermannia grandistipula, Pentanisia prunelloides, Selago tarachodes, Senecio

exuberans, Vernonia galpinii.

Geophytic Herbs Hypoxis argentea, Watsonia densiflora.

Succulent Herb: Aloe minima.

7.1.1.2.2 Conservation Status of the Vegetation Type

The vegetation type is listed as Vulnerable (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). The conservation

target is at 25%. However, less than 1% of the unit is statutorily conserved in the Ophathe

and Vernon Crookes Nature Reserves. Some 39% has been transformed for cultivation,

plantations and urban development (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

7.1.1.3 Plant Species of Conservation Concern

Based on the Plants of Southern Africa (BODATSA-POSA, 2016) database, 775 plant

species are expected to occur in the project area. Figure 14 shows the extent of the grid that

was used to compile the expected species list based on the Plants of Southern Africa

(BODATSA-POSA, 2016) database. The list of expected plant species is provided in

Appendix A.

Of the 755-plant species, ten (10) species are listed as being Species of Conservation

Concern (SCC) (Table 5).




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Figure 14: Map showing the grid drawn to compile an expected species list (BODATSA-POSA, 2016)

Table 5: Plant Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) expected to occur in the project area (BODATSA-POSA, 2016)

Family Taxon Author IUCN

status Habitat preference

Likelihood

of

Occurrence

Apocynaceae Pachycarpus rostratus N.E.Br. CR Unknown, probably

grassland. Moderate

Apocynaceae Schizoglossum

ingomense N.E.Br. EN

Grasslands near streams

and on forest margins. Moderate

Asteraceae Helichrysum pannosum DC. EN

Grassland, often on hill

slopes near forest

patches.

Moderate

Asteraceae Senecio ngoyanus Hilliard VU

Coastal grassland, marshy

depressions, sometimes

on granite domes.

Moderate

Apocynaceae Brachystelma

christianeae Peckover VU

Poor, greyish, sandy soil

between sandstone rocks. Moderate

Asteraceae Cineraria atriplicifolia DC. VU

Grassland, open dry

thornveld, or sometimes at

the edges of thicket or

forest or below steep cliffs

in river valleys, 30-800 m.

Moderate

Rubiaceae Alberta magna E.Mey. NT

Evergreen bush and forest

margins, and wooded

ravines, usually near

Moderate

Site Location




44

streams or on moist soils

in drainage lines, from the

coast up to 1300 m.

Apocynaceae Brachystelma

modestum R.A.Dyer NT

Grassland grows in

shallow soils among

rocks, Natal Group

Sandstone, 900-1 200 m.

Moderate

Asphodelaceae Aloe dominella Reynolds NT

In grassland or thornveld,

in hilly or gently undulating

areas, often in rocky

outcrops but can also

occur in open grasslands

and along road reserves.

Moderate

Asphodelaceae Gasteria batesiana var.

batesiana

G.D.Rowle

y NT

Dry places on rock

outcrops and cliffs, 600-

900 m.

Moderate

Faunal Assessment 7.1.2

7.1.2.1 Avifauna

Based on the South African Bird Atlas Project, Version 2 (SABAP2) database, 269 bird

species are expected to occur in the vicinity of the project area (pentads 2840_3100;

2840_3105; 2840_3110, 2845_3100, 2845_3105, 2845_3110, 2850_3100, 2850_3105,

2850_3110). The full list of potential bird species is provided in Appendix B.

Of the expected bird species, seventeen (17) species are listed as SCC either on a regional

scale (Table 6).

The SCC include the following:

Seven (7) species that are listed as Endangered (EN) on a regional basis;

Six (6) species that are listed as Vulnerable (VU) on a regional basis; and

Two (2) species that are listed as Near Threatened (NT) on a regional basis.

Table 6: List of bird species of regional or global conservation importance that are expected to occur in pentads 2840_3100; 2840_3105; 2840_3110, 2845_3100, 2845_3105,

2845_3110, 2850_3100, 2850_3105, 2850_3110 (SABAP2, 2018, ESKOM, 2014; IUCN, 2018)

Species Common Name

Conservation Status Likelihood

of Occurrence

Regional (SANBI,

2016)

IUCN (2017)

Gyps coprotheres Vulture, Cape EN EN High

Aquila rapax Eagle, Tawny EN LC High

Bucorvus leadbeateri Ground-hornbill, Southern EN VU High

Circus ranivorus Marsh-harrier, African EN LC Moderate

Columba delegorguei Pigeon, Eastern Bronze-naped EN LC High

Zoothera guttata Ground-thrush, Spotted EN EN High

Polemaetus bellicosus Eagle, Martial EN VU High

Poicephalus robustus Parrot, Cape EN VU High

Eupodotis senegalensis Korhaan, White-bellied VU LC Moderate




45

Falco biarmicus Falcon, Lanner VU LC High

Geronticus calvus Ibis, Southern Bald VU VU High

Lioptilus nigricapillus Blackcap, Bush VU VU High

Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird VU VU Moderate

Smithornis capensis Broadbill, African VU LC Moderate

Stephanoaetus coronatus Crowned Eagle VU NT High

Zoothera gurneyi Ground-thrush, Orange NT LC High

Anthropoides paradiseus Crane, Blue NT VU Low

Some of the expected bird SCC from Table 6 are discussed below.

Anthropoides paradiseus (Blue Crane) is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on a regional scale.

The species is near-endemic to South Africa and although populations have increased in the

south and south-western Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces, the national

population has decreased by half since the 1970s, with dramatic declines in many former

strongholds (IUCN, 2017). Due to the lack of suitable habitat and the mountainous terrain

the likelihood of occurrence for this species is rated as low.

Aquila rapax (Tawny Eagle) is listed as Endangered (EN) on a regional scale and occupies

dry open habitats from sea level to 3000 m. It will occupy both woodland and wooded

savannah (IUCN, 2017). Due to its large distributional range, and due the presence of

extensive suitable habitat, the likelihood of occurrence of this species is rated as high.

Bucorvus leadbeateri (Southern Ground Hornbill) can be found in eastern South Africa as

well as several other African countries. The species inhabits woodland and savanna and is

frequently found in grassland adjoining patches of forest at altitudes of up to 3,000 m in parts

of its range. The species fares well in protected areas where human threats are excluded

and rural areas where cattle assist in maintaining their preferred short grass habitat (IUCN,

2017). The likelihood of occurrence is rated as high due to the presence of extensive

suitable foraging and breeding habitat for this species within the project area.

Circus ranivorus (African Marsh Harrier) is listed as EN in South Africa (ESKOM, 2014). This

species has an extremely large distributional range in sub-equatorial Africa. South African

populations of this species are declining due to the degradation of wetland habitats, loss of

habitat through over-grazing and human disturbance and possibly, poisoning owing to over-

use of pesticides (IUCN, 2017). This species breeds in wetlands and forages primarily over

reeds and lake margins. The likelihood of occurrence is regarded as moderate for this

species within the project area.

Columba delegorguei (Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon) is listed as Endangered (EN) on a

regional basis. The species has two separate populations one of which occurs in in central

Mozambique and the east of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. It prefers the canopy of

lowland and riverine forest and dense woodland, also moving into thick bush, alien pine

(Pinus) plantations and gardens (IUCN, 2017). There is suitable habitat for this species in

the valley bottoms and Nkandla forest and therefore the likelihood of occurrence is rated as

high.

Falco biarmicus (Lanner Falcon) is native to South Africa and inhabits a wide variety of

habitats, from lowland deserts to forested mountains (IUCN, 2017). They may occur in

groups up to 20 individuals but have also been observed solitary. Their diet is mainly




46

composed of small birds such as pigeons and francolins. The likelihood of occurrence for

this species in the project area is rated as high due to the presence suitable habitat and

various bird species on which Lanner Falcons may predate.

Geronticus calvus (Southern Bald Ibis) is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on a regional and global

basis. The species is known to prefer high rainfall, sour and alpine grasslands, characterised

by an absence of trees and a short, dense grass sward. Foraging occurs preferentially on

recently burned ground, also using unburnt natural grassland, cultivated pastures, reaped

maize fields and ploughed areas. It has a varied diet, mainly consisting of insects and other

terrestrial invertebrates. It has high nesting success on safe, undisturbed cliffs (IUCN, 2017).

This species is likely to roost and forage in the project area due to the potential occurrence

of suitable rocky cliffs and open grassland respectively, and therefore it‘s likelihood of

occurrence is high.

Gyps coprotheres (Cape Vulture) is listed as Endangered (EN) on both a regional and global

scale. Cape Vultures are long-lived carrion-feeders specialising on large carcasses, they fly

long distances over open country, although they are usually found near steep terrain, where

they breed and roost on cliffs (IUCN, 2017). Due to the close proximity of the mountainous

habitat, individuals may be seen foraging within the area and the likelihood of occurrence is

therefore rated as high.

Polemaetus bellicosus (Martial Eagle) is listed as EN on a regional scale and VU on a global

scale. This species has an extensive range across much of sub-Saharan Africa, but

populations are declining due to deliberate and incidental poisoning, habitat loss, reduction

in available prey, pollution and collisions with power lines (IUCN, 2017). It inhabits open

woodland, wooded savanna, bushy grassland, thorn bush and in southern Africa, more open

country and even sub-desert (IUCN, 2017). Based on the required habitat the likelihood of

occurrence of this species is rated as high within the project area.

Poicephalus robustus (Cape Parrot) is restricted to eastern South Africa, where it occurs in

KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, with a small, isolated northern subpopulation of

60-80 individuals in Limpopo. The species occupies montane mist-belt evergreen

Podocarpus forest in the temperate zone from 1,000-1,400 m. The species takes three

different types of excursion into lower areas: daily flights, short visits with overnight stops,

and more extensive periodic wanderings, all largely prompted by the availability of

Podocarpus fruits. Based on the required habitat the likelihood of occurrence of this species

is rated as high in the project area due to the presence of forest and previous records of the

species occurring there.

Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretary Bird) occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and inhabits

grasslands, open plains, and lightly wooded savanna. It is also found in agricultural areas

and sub-desert (IUCN, 2017). Although natural savanna vegetation is present on the site,

the lack of extensive flat grassland areas limits the likelihood of occurrence to moderate.

Stephanoaetus coronatus (African Crowned Eagle) inhabits forest, woodland, savanna and

shrubland, as well as some modified habitats, such as plantations and secondary growth,

and can persist in small forest fragments including urban greenspace forests (IUCN, 2017).

The species has shown high resilience to heavy deforestation and degradation in some

areas. This species is known to occur in the Nkandla Forest Reserve and there is extensive

suitable habitat in the project area, therefore the likelihood of occurrence is rated as high.




47

Zoothera gurneyi (Orange Ground-thrush) occurs in fragmented populations from Kenya

through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique to southern Africa. It is generally

uncommon, in moist Afromontane evergreen forest along the escarpment of eastern and

southern South Africa (also in Zimbabwe's eastern highlands), especially along perennial

streams in deeply incised drainage lines. Due to the presence of suitable habitat for this

species in the project area, the likelihood of occurrence is rated as high.

Zoothera guttata (Spotted Ground-thrush) is rare and has a scattered distribution across the

coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. It only occurs in coastal dune forest, scarp or

lowland forest and any adjacent thickets; within these habitats is most easily found in

partially open areas with scattered saplings and a dense canopy. The likelihood of

occurrence for this species in the project area is rated as high.

7.1.2.1.1 Important Bird Areas

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are the sites of international significance for the conservation of

the world's birds and other conservation significant species as identified by BirdLife

International. These sites are also all Key Biodiversity Areas; sites that contribute

significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity (Birdlife, 2017).

According to Birdlife International (2017), the selection of Important Bird and Biodiversity

Areas (IBAs) is achieved through the application of quantitative ornithological criteria,

grounded in up-to-date knowledge of the sizes and trends of bird populations. The criteria

ensure that the sites selected as IBAs have true significance for the international

conservation of bird populations and provide a common currency that all IBAs adhere to,

thus creating consistency among, and enabling comparability between, sites at national,

continental and global levels.

No IBAs occur within, or adjacent to, the proposed project area. The closest IBA is the

Entumeni Nature Reserve which is situated approximately 42 kms south-east of the project

area (Figure 15).




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Figure 15: The project area in relation to defined IBAs (Birdlife, 2017)

7.1.2.2 Mammals

The IUCN Red List Spatial Data (IUCN, 2018) lists 99 mammal species that could be

expected to occur within the project area (Appendix C). Of these species, 3 are medium to

large conservation dependant species, such Ceratotherium simum (Southern White

Rhinoceros) and Equus quagga (Plains Zebra) that, in South Africa, are generally restricted

to protected areas such as game reserves. These species are not expected to occur in the

project area and are removed from the expected SCC list. They are however still included in

Appendix C.

Of the remaining 96 small to medium sized mammal species, fifteen (15) are listed as being

of conservation concern on a regional or global basis (Table 7).

The list of potential species includes:

One (1) that is listed as Endangered (EN) on a regional basis;

Six (6) that are listed as Vulnerable (VU) on a regional basis; and

Eight (8) that are listed as Near Threatened (NT) on a regional scale




49

Table 7: List of mammal species of conservation concern that may occur in the project area as well as their global and regional conservation statuses (IUCN, 2017; SANBI, 2016)

Species Common Name

Conservation Status

Likelihood of Occurrence

Regional (SANBI,

2016)

IUCN (2017)

Redunca fulvorufula Mountain Reedbuck EN LC High

Cercopithecus mitis Samango monkey VU LC High

Crocidura maquassiensis Makwassie musk shrew VU LC Moderate

Myosorex sclateri Sclater's Shrew VU NT Low-Moderate

Panthera pardus Leopard VU VU Moderate

Philantomba monticola Blue Duiker VU LC High

Rhinolophus swinnyi Swinny's horseshoe bat VU LC Moderate

Aonyx capensis Cape Clawless Otter NT NT High

Dasymys incomtus African marsh rat NT LC Moderate

Leptailurus serval Serval NT LC High

Otomys laminatus Laminate Vlei Rat NT LC Low

Poecilogale albinucha African Striped Weasel NT LC Moderate

Rhinolophus blasii Blasius's horseshoe bat NT LC Low

Scotoecus albofuscus Thomas' House Bat NT DD Low

Crocidura mariquensis Swamp Musk Shrew NT LC Moderate

Eidolon helvum African Straw-colored Fruit Bat LC NT Moderate

Some of the expected mammal SCC are discussed below.

Aonyx capensis (Cape Clawless Otter) is the most widely distributed otter species in Africa

(IUCN, 2017). This species is predominantly aquatic, and it is seldom found far from water.

The likelihood of occurrence of this species occurring in the project area is considered to be

high due to the presence of the nearby river and suitable habitat.

Crocidura maquassiensis (Maquassie Musk Shrew) is a rare species and seldom caught in

traps during sampling. Its rarity is also corroborated through recent field studies in Mkhuze

and Phinda Game Reserves, KwaZulu-Natal where, despite being within the range of the

species it was not sampled (Rautenbach et al., 2014). The main threats to these shrews are

the loss or degradation of wetland areas and rank grasslands with suitable habitat as a result

of industrial and residential expansion. Currently there are not direct conservation measures

in place for this species. Due to the presence of some suitable habitat for this species, it‘s

likelihood of occurrence is moderate.

Crocidura mariquensis (Swamp Musk Shrew) has very specific habitat requirements. It

occurs in close proximity to open water with a distinct preference for marshy ponds, and

riverine and semi-aquatic vegetation such as reed beds (IUCN, 2017). It is considered to be

common in suitable habitats. Due to the presence of some of this habitat type in the project

area, the likelihood of occurrence of this species was rated as moderate.

Eidolon helvum (African Straw-coloured Fruit Bat) is listed as LC on a regional scale and NT

on a global scale (Table 3). This species has been recorded from a very wide range of

habitats across the lowland rainforest and savanna zones of Africa (IUCN, 2017). Although

considered to be widespread and abundant across its range, certain populations are




50

decreasing due to severe deforestation, hunting for food and medicinal use (IUCN, 2017).

This species is known to form large roosts and colonies numbering in the thousands to even

millions of individuals (IUCN, 2017). The likelihood of occurrence for this species is

considered moderate.

Leptailurus serval (Serval) occurs widely through sub-Saharan Africa and is commonly

recorded from most major national parks and reserves (IUCN, 2017). The Serval‘s status

outside reserves is not certain, but they are inconspicuous and may be common in suitable

habitat as they are tolerant of farming practices provided there is cover and food available. In

sub-Saharan Africa, they are found in habitat with well-watered savanna long-grass

environments and are particularly associated with reedbeds and other riparian vegetation

types. Due to the presence of natural grassland areas in the project area, the likelihood of

occurrence for this species is rated as high.

Panthera pardus (Leopard) has a wide distributional range across Africa and Asia, but

populations have become reduced and isolated, and they are now extirpated from large

portions of their historic range (IUCN, 2017). Impacts that have contributed to the decline in

populations of this species include continued persecution by farmers, habitat fragmentation,

increased illegal wildlife trade, excessive harvesting for ceremonial use of skins, prey base

declines and poorly managed trophy hunting (IUCN, 2017). Although known to occur and

persist outside of formally protected areas, the densities in these areas are considered to be

low. The likelihood of occurrence in the project area is regarded as moderate.

In South Africa, Philantomba monticola (Blue Duiker) is mainly confined to the evergreen

forest and thickets along the coast from northern KwaZulu-Natal to the eastern Western

Cape province (IUCN, 2017). Due to the presence of forest and thicket habitat within the

project area and known records from the area, the likelihood of occurrence for this species is

high.

Poecilogale albinucha (African Striped Weasel) is usually associated with savanna habitats,

although it probably has a wider habitat tolerance (IUCN, 2017). Due to its secretive nature,

it is often overlooked in many areas where it does occur. Due to the presence of some

preferred habitat for this species, the likelihood of occurrence of this species is considered to

be moderate in the project area.

Redunca fulvorufula (Mountain Reedbuck) is listed as EN both regionally and globally. The

South African population has undergone a decline of 61-73% in the last three generations

(15 years) (IUCN, 2017). Mountain Reedbuck live on ridges and hillsides in broken rocky

country and high-altitude grasslands (often with some tree or bush cover). Due to the

presence of this habitat at the project area, the likelihood of occurrence of this species is

rated as high.

7.1.2.3 KZNEBPA Mammals

Certain mammal species may not be protected under NEMBA or IUCN regulations but

KZNEBPA has specific provincial regulations relating to some of these species which need

to be adhered to.

Vervet Monkeys are protected under Schedule 3 of the KZNEBPA and appear in Appendix II

of CITES. Vervet monkeys are being forced into smaller pockets of vegetation as a direct

result of the destruction of their natural habitat, resulting in conflict with humans.




51

African Wild Cats, Banded Mongooses, Chacma Baboons, Greater Galago‘s, Natal Red

Rock Rabbit and Striped Polecats are provincially protected species (Schedule 3 of the

KZNEBPA, 2014). Hunting, and the possession, breeding, selling, making available for sale

or otherwise trade in, buying, receiving, giving or donating, or accepting as a gift, or in any

way acquiring or disposing of, capturing, collecting, immobilizing, killing, translocating,

releasing, displaying, importing or keep in captivity or exporting is prohibited.

Similarly, Geoffroy‘s Horseshoe bat, the Lesser Long-fingered bat, Sundevall‘s Leaf-nosed

bat and Temminck‘s myotis are provincially protected (Schedule 3, KZNEBPA, 2014) from

hunting and killing by fumigation, damaging communal breeding or roosting sites;

possession, breeding, selling, making available for sale or otherwise trade in, buying,

receiving, giving, donating or accepting as a gift, or in any way acquiring or disposing of,

capturing, collecting, immobilizing, killing, translocating, releasing, displaying, importing or

keep in captivity or exporting.

7.1.2.4 Herpetofauna (Reptiles & Amphibians)

7.1.2.4.1 Reptiles

Based on the IUCN Red List Spatial Data (IUCN, 2017) and the ReptileMap database

provided by the Animal Demography Unit (ADU, 2017) 43 reptile species are expected to

occur in the project area (Appendix D). Four (4) reptile species of conservation concern are

expected to be present in the project area (Table 8).

Table 8: Expected reptile species of conservation concern that may occur in the project area

Species Common Name

Conservation Status

Likelihood of Occurrence

Regional (SANBI,

2016)

IUCN (2017)

Bradypodion thamnobates Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon VU VU High

Pelusios rhodesianus Variable Hinged Terrapin VU LC Moderate

Bradypodion nemorale Qudeni Dwarf Chameleon NT NT High

Chamaesaura macrolepis Large-scaled Grass Lizard NT NT High

There are recent records for two of these threatened reptile species (Bradypodion

thamnobates and Bradypodion nemorale) occurring in, or adjacent to, the project area and

both species have a high likelihood of occurrence. Bradypodion nemorale occurs only in the

Nkandla forest and the nearby Qudeni Forest, making this area one of the last strongholds

for this species. Chamaesaura macrolepis is a species of grass lizard that prefers higher

altitude open grasslands and ridges. This species has a high likelihood of occurrence within

the project area.

Pelusios rhodesianus (Variable Hinged Terrapin) has not been recorded on this section of

the Nsuze River and prefers open pans and coastal sands, and therefore has a low

likelihood of occurrence.

7.1.2.4.2 KZNEBPA Reptiles

Rock Monitor Lizards (Varanus exanthematicus) and Water Monitor Lizards (Varanus

niloticus) are listed as ‗Least Concern‘, but they are protected under Schedule 3 of the

KZNEPBA and appear on Appendix II of CITES. Water Monitors are found usually close to,




52

or in water, but they can also be found some distance away from water when foraging. Both

these species have a high likelihood of occurrence throughout the project area.

7.1.2.4.3 Amphibians

Based on the IUCN Red List Spatial Data (IUCN, 2017) and the AmphibianMap database

provided by the Animal Demography Unit (ADU, 2018) 41 amphibian species are expected

to occur in the project area (Appendix E).

Three (3) amphibian species of conservation concern could be present in the project area

according to the above-mentioned sources (Table 9). There are recent records for all three

species occurring within, or adjacent to, the project area and therefore all three species have

a high likelihood of occurrence.

Table 9: Amphibian species of conservation concern which may occur in the project area

Species Common Name

Conservation Status

Likelihood of Occurrence Regional

(SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017)

Afrixalus spinifrons Natal Leaf-folding Frog VU LC High

Hemisus guttatus Spotted Shovel Snout NT NT High

Strongylopus wageri Plain Stream Frog NT LC High

7.2 Field Survey

The field survey for the project area (flora and fauna (mammals, avifauna, amphibians and

reptiles)) was conducted on the 6th, 9th, 10th and 11th of May 2018 by two terrestrial

ecologists. During the surveys the floral and faunal communities within the project

development footprint, within the project area, were assessed (Figure 16). The project area

was ground-truthed on foot, which included spot checks in pre-selected areas to validate

desktop data. Photographs were recorded during the site visits and some are provided under

the Results section in this report. All site photographs are available on request.

Vegetation Assessment 7.2.1

The vegetation assessment was conducted throughout the extent of the project prospecting

footprint and the following areas were identified based on the results of the fieldwork (Figure

16):

The ‗Riparian‘ area (green) is characterized by the presence of a perennial river with

associated pristine natural woodland. There is minor disturbance to this vegetation area due

to the presence of cattle, but the impact is minimal at this stage. The overall state of the area

is mainly undisturbed, the function of the area is still considered intact and critical as it is

defined in the biodiversity sector plan. If left undisturbed it will continue to function as an

important habitat for various faunal and floral forest species including multiple species of

conservation concern.

The ‗Mountain Grassland‘ area (brown) comprised of the expected dominant grass species,

namely Aristida junciformis subsp. junciformis, which is known to dominate this vegetation




53

type, along with trees such as Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii and Sclerocarya birrea subsp.

caffra. The ecological state of the area is primary, although somewhat disturbed by cattle.

Ground cover and phytomass was very good resulting in almost pristine habitat for fauna.

The ‗Altered‘ area (purple) are the areas which have been transformed, mainly due to

anthropogenic impacts. Roads, homesteads, livestock and informal settlements associated

with human presence have had a negative effect on the ecological state of the area. Weeds

such as Lantana camara, Bidens pilosa, Cirsium vulgare and Tagetes minuta occurred on

the site and are most likely to dominate areas of bare soil, most of the alien invader plants

occurred within this area. Even though the area has been altered, it is minimal in regard to

the overall size of the area and corridors and natural patches still occur which fauna will

utilise.

Figure 16: The various vegetation areas identified during the fieldwork

A total of 55 tree, shrub and herbaceous plant species were recorded in the project area

during the field assessment (Table 10). Alien/Exotic/Invader plant species appear in blue

text, NEMBA Category 1 Plants in green text.

Table 10:Trees, shrubs and weeds recorded at the proposed project area (species name in red are listed species)

Species Threat status (SANBI, 2017)

SA Endemic NEMBA Category

Aristida junciformis subsp. junciformis (Dominated)

LC No

Bidens pilosa Not Indigenous;

Naturalised

Ceratotheca triloba LC No




54

Cheilanthes sp LC No

Chloris pycnothrix LC No

Christella dentata LC No

Cirsium vulgare NEMBA Category 1b.

Cussonia spicata LC No

Cynodon dactylon NEMBA Category 2

Dichrostachys cinerea LC No

Diospyros lycioides LC No

Eriosema preptum LC Yes

Erythrina lysistemon LC Yes

Eucalyptus sp NEMBA Category 1b

Euphorbia tirucalli LC No

Gomphocarpus fruticosus LC No

Helichrysum confertifolium LC Yes

Heteropogon contortus LC No

Heteropyxis natalensis LC No

Hypoestes aristata LC No

Hypoxis argentea LC No

Imperata cylindrica LC No

Lantana camara

NEMBA Category 1b

Lantana camara NEMBA Category 1b

Lantana rugosa LC No

Leonotis leonurus LC No

Leucas lavandulifolia LC No

Melia azedarach NEMBA Category 1b

Melinis repens LC No

Mohria vestita LC No

Panicum maximum LC No

Polygala hottentotta LC No

Psidium guajava Category 3

Pteris vittata LC No

Rubus rosifolius cf LC No

Scabiosa columbaria LC No

Schkuhria pinnata Not Indigenous;

Naturalised

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra LC (Protected) No

Searsia chirindensis LC No

Searsia lucida LC No

Senna didymobotrya

NEMBA Category 1b.

Solanum mauritianum

NEMBA Category 1b

Solanum panduriforme LC No

Sporobolus africanus LC No




55

Sporobolus pyramidalis LC No

Strychnos sp LC No

Tagetes minuta Not Indigenous;

Naturalised

Themeda triandra LC No

Trichilia emetica LC No

Urochloa mosambicensis LC No

Vachellia sieberiana LC No

Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii LC No

Vangueria infausta LC No

Verbena bonariensis NEMBA Category 1b

Zinnia peruviana Not Indigenous;

Naturalised

7.2.1.1 Protected Tree

One (1) protected tree species was recorded in the project area, namely Sclerocarya birrea

subsp. caffra (Marula Tree). This tree species is protected by law and if any of the planned

development, or any other future development, may infringe on the abovementioned Act, an

application for a permit of removal or translocation will be necessary. Four (4) individual

trees, and several saplings, from the list of protected species were observed, and marked

via GPS during the field study and the location can be seen in Figure 17. It is expected that

more individuals of this species occur within the proposed prospecting area.

Figure 17: Protected tress recorded during the survey




56

7.2.1.2 Alien and Invasive Plants

Declared weeds and invader plant species have the tendency to dominate or replace the

canopy or herbaceous layer of natural ecosystems, thereby transforming the structure,

composition and function of these systems. Therefore, it is important that these plants are

controlled and eradicated by means of an eradication and monitoring programme. Some

invader plants may also degrade ecosystems through superior competitive capabilities to

exclude native plant species.

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) is the most recent

legislation pertaining to alien invasive plant species. In August 2014, the list of Alien Invasive

Species was published in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act

(Act 10 of 2004) (Government Gazette No 78 of 2014). The Alien and Invasive Species

Regulations were published in the Government Gazette No. 37886, 1 August 2014. The

legislation calls for the removal and / or control of alien invasive plant species (Category 1

species). In addition, unless authorised thereto in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act

No. 36 of 1998), no land user shall allow Category 2 plants to occur within 30 meters of the

1:50 year flood line of a river, stream, spring, natural channel in which water flows regularly

or intermittently, lake, dam or wetland. Category 3 plants are also prohibited from occurring

within proximity to a watercourse.

Below is a brief explanation of the three categories in terms of the National Environmental

Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA):

Category 1a: Invasive species requiring compulsory control. Remove and destroy.

Any specimens of Category 1a listed species need, by law, to be eradicated from the

environment. No permits will be issued.

Category 1b: Invasive species requiring compulsory control as part of an invasive

species control programme. Remove and destroy. These plants are deemed to have

such a high invasive potential that infestations can qualify to be placed under a

government sponsored invasive species management programme. No permits will be

issued.

Category 2: Invasive species regulated by area. A demarcation permit is required to

import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift any plants listed as

Category 2 plants. No permits will be issued for Category 2 plants to exist in riparian

zones.

Category 3: Invasive species regulated by activity. An individual plant permit is

required to undertake any of the following restricted activities (import, possess, grow,

breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift) involving a Category 3 species. No permits

will be issued for Category 3 plants to exist in riparian zones.

Note that according to the regulations, a person who has under his or her control a category

1b listed invasive species must immediately:

Notify the competent authority in writing

Take steps to manage the listed invasive species in compliance with:

o Section 75 of the Act;




57

o The relevant invasive species management programme developed in terms of

regulation 4; and

o Any directive issued in terms of section 73(3) of the Act.

Eight (8) Category 1b invasive plant species were recorded within the project area and must

therefore be removed by implementing an alien invasive plant management programme in

compliance of section 75 of the Act as stated above. The NEMBA listed species identified

within the project area are marked in green (Table 10).

Fauna 7.2.2

7.2.2.1 Avifauna

Sixty-three (63) bird species were recorded in the project area during the May 2018 survey

based on either direct observations, vocalisations, or the presence of visual tracks & signs

(Table 11) (Figure 18).

Three avifaunal SCC were recorded during the survey, namely African Crowned Eagle,

Spotted Ground-thrush and Martial Eagle, and based on the presence of pristine, suitable

habitat, and the nearby Nkandla forest, there is a high probability that many other bird SCC

occur within the project area.

Table 11: A list of avifaunal species recorded for the project area

Species Common Name

Conservation Status

Regional (SANBI, 2016)

IUCN (2017)

Acridotheres tristis Myna, Common Unlisted LC

Alopochen aegyptiacus Goose, Egyptian Unlisted LC

Anas undulata Duck, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC

Anhinga rufa Darter, African Unlisted LC

Apalis thoracica Apalis, Bar-throated Unlisted LC

Apus affinis Swift, Little Unlisted LC

Ardea melanocephala Heron, Black-headed Unlisted LC

Bostrychia hagedash Ibis, Hadeda Unlisted LC

Bubulcus ibis Egret, Cattle Unlisted LC

Bycanistes bucinator Hornbill, Trumpeter Unlisted LC

Camaroptera brachyura Camaroptera, Green-backed Unlisted LC

Centropus burchellii Coucal, Burchell's Unlisted Unlisted

Cercomela familiaris Chat, Familiar Unlisted LC

Cercotrichas leucophrys Scrub-robin, White-browed Unlisted LC

Cisticola tinniens Cisticola, Levaillant's Unlisted LC

Colius striatus Mousebird, Speckled Unlisted LC

Columba arquatrix Olive-pigeon, African Unlisted LC

Columba livia Dove, Rock Unlisted LC

Corvus albus Crow, Pied Unlisted LC

Cossypha caffra Robin-chat, Cape Unlisted LC

Dicrurus adsimilis Drongo, Fork-tailed Unlisted LC

Dryoscopus cubla Puffback, Black-backed Unlisted LC




58

Gallirex porphyreolophus Turaco, Purple-crested Unlisted LC

Hirundo fuligula Martin, Rock Unlisted Unlisted

Indicator minor Honeyguide, Lesser Unlisted LC

Lagonosticta rubricata Firefinch, African Unlisted LC

Lamprotornis australis Starling, Burchell's Unlisted LC

Laniarius ferrugineus Boubou, Southern Unlisted LC

Lanius collaris Fiscal, Common (Southern) Unlisted LC

Lonchura cucullatus Mannikin, Bronze Unlisted Unlisted

Lybius torquatus Barbet, Black-collared Unlisted LC

Macronyx capensis Longclaw, Cape Unlisted LC

Melaenornis pammelaina Flycatcher, Southern Black Unlisted LC

Merops pusillus Bee-eater, Little Unlisted LC

Milvus aegyptius Kite, Yellow-billed Unlisted Unlisted

Motacilla aguimp Wagtail, African Pied Unlisted LC

Motacilla capensis Wagtail, Cape Unlisted LC

Myrmecocichla formicivora Chat, Anteating Unlisted Unlisted

Numida meleagris Guineafowl, Helmeted Unlisted LC

Onychognathus morio Starling, Red-winged Unlisted LC

Oriolus larvatus Oriole, Black-headed Unlisted LC

Passer diffusus Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed Unlisted LC

Passer domesticus Sparrow, House Unlisted LC

Phoeniculus purpureus Wood-hoopoe, Green Unlisted LC

Plectropterus gambensis Goose, Spur-winged Unlisted LC

Ploceus cucullatus Weaver, Village Unlisted LC

Polemaetus bellicosus Eagle, Martial EN VU

Prinia subflava Prinia, Tawny-flanked Unlisted LC

Psalidoprocne holomelaena Saw-wing, Black (Southern race) Unlisted LC

Psophocichla litsipsirupa Thrush, Groundscraper Unlisted Unlisted

Pycnonotus tricolor Bulbul, Dark-capped Unlisted Unlisted

Saxicola torquatus Stonechat, African Unlisted LC

Sphenoeacus afer Grassbird, Cape Unlisted LC

Stephanoaetus coronatus African Crowned Eagle VU NT

Streptopelia capicola Turtle-dove, Cape Unlisted LC

Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Laughing Unlisted LC

Terpsiphone viridis Paradise-flycatcher, African Unlisted LC

Threskiornis aethiopicus Ibis, African Sacred Unlisted LC

Tockus alboterminatus Hornbill, Crowned Unlisted LC

Trachyphonus vaillantii Barbet, Crested Unlisted LC

Treron calvus Green-pigeon, African Unlisted LC

Turtur chalcospilos Wood-dove, Emerald-spotted Unlisted LC

Uraeginthus angolensis Waxbill, Blue Unlisted LC

Zoothera guttata Ground-thrush, Spotted EN EN




59

Figure 18: Some of the avifauna recorded within the project area: A) Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris); B) Purple-crested Turaco (Gallirex porphyreolophus); C) Chin Spot Batis (Batis

molitor); D) Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator); E) Spotted ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata); F) Saw-wing, Black (Psalidoprocne holomelaena); G) Little Bee-eater (Merops

pusillus); H) Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) and I) Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)

7.2.2.2 Mammals

Overall, mammal diversity in the project area was moderate, with eight (8) mammal species

being recorded during the May 2018 survey based on direct observations, camera trap

photographs and/or the presence of visual tracks & signs (Table 12).

Table 12: Mammal species recorded in the project area during the May 2018 survey

Species Common name

Conservation Status


IUCN (2017)

Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua Rock Rat LC LC

Atilax paludinosus Water Mongoose LC LC

Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal LC LC

Genetta maculata Rusty-spotted Genet LC LC

Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine LC LC

Lemniscomys rosalia Single-striped Mouse LC LC

Lepus victoriae African Savanna Hare LC LC

Sylvicapra grimmia Common Duiker LC LC




60

Figure 19: Some of the mammal species recorded during the survey: A) Single-striped mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia); B) Namaqua Rock Rat (Aethomys namaquensis); C) Rusty-

Spotted Genet (Genetta maculata); D) Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia); E) Water Mongoose (Atilax paludinosus); and F) Rusty-Spotted Genet (Genetta maculate) droppings

7.2.2.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles & Amphibians)

Herpetofauna diversity was considered to be high with four (4) reptile species and six (6)

amphibian species bring observed or recorded in the project area during the Mei 2018

survey (Table 13). Figure 20 shows some of the reptile and amphibian species which were

recorded in the project area.

Table 13: List of all herpetofauna recorded within the project area

Species Common name

Conservation Status

Regional (Bates et al., 2014)

Global (IUCN, 2017)

Reptiles

Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis Southern Tree Agama LC Unlisted

Hemidactylus mabouia Common Tropical House Gecko LC Unlisted

Psammophis brevirostris Short-snouted Grass Snake LC Unlisted

Trachylepis punctatissima Speckled Rock Skink LC Unlisted

Amphibians

Arthroleptis wahlbergi Bush Squeaker LC LC

Breviceps adspersus Bushveld Rain Frog LC LC

Cacosternum boettgeri Boettger's Caco LC LC

Sclerophrys gutturalis Guttural Toad LC LC




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Sclerophrys rangeri Raucous Toad LC Unlisted

Strongylopus grayii Clicking Stream Frog LC LC

Figure 20: Some of the herpetofauna recorded within the project area: A) Short Snouted Grass Snake (Psammophis brevirostris); B) Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii); C) Bushveld Rain frog (Breviceps adspersus); D) Bush Squeaker (Arthroleptis wahlbergi) ; E) Variable skink (Trachylepis varia); and F) Southern Tree Agama (Acanthocercus atricollis)




62

Invertebrates 7.2.3

Although not part of the original scope of work, a number of invertebrates were encountered

during the field survey (Figure 21). The invertebrates were encountered at random whilst

surveying for reptile and amphibian species.

Figure 21: Some of the invertebrates identified within the project area: A) Red leg centipede (Cormocephalus nitidus); B) Creeping scorpion (Opisthacanthus sp.); C) Soldier pansy

(Junonia terea elgiva) and D) Turf burrowing scorpion (Cheloctonus sp.)

7.3 Wetland Assessment

The wetland assessment focused on the infrastructure location points and the 500m

assessment boundary requirement. Figure 22 presents the identified wetland within the

assessment area. The classification of the wetlands according to (Ollis et al, 2013) is

presented in Table 14. One (1) wetland type was identified, namely the channelled valley

bottom (HGM 1). The wetland drains from the edge of the assessment area towards the

west. The channelled valley bottom was defined as being narrow, with slight damming

occurring at the low-level crossings on the existing roads outside of the assessment area.

The slopes in the project area are steep with the dominant hydrological process being runoff.

Some of the identified wetland features are shown in Figure 23. Soil wetness was present

but is limited to the very edge of the channelled valley bottom. The soils dominating within

the wetland areas were the Dundee and Katspruit soil forms (Figure 24). Wetland vegetation

was lacking with only small areas of Setaria spp. found (Figure 24).




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63

Figure 22: The wetland delineation for the Nkunzana prospecting project

Ecological Baseline & Impact Assessment Prospecting Right Application


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64

Figure 23: Channelled valley bottom features for the wetland on site A) Valley bottom topography; B) Defined channel with bank overflow features; and C) Riparian vegetation

within channel area (May 2018)




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Figure 24: Identified wetland indicators A) Valley floor topography; B) Katspruit soil form; and C) Setaria spp. (May 2018)

Table 14: Wetland classification as per SANBI guideline (Ollis et al., 2013)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

System DWS

Ecoregion/s NFEPA Wet Veg

Group/s Landscape

Unit 4A (HGM) 4B 4C

Inland North Eastern

Uplands Sub-Escarpment

Savanna Valley Floor

Channelled Valley Bottom

N/A N/A




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Present Ecological State (PES) 7.3.1

The PES for the assessed wetland is presented in Table 15. The overall wetland health was

determined to be Moderately Modified (C).

Table 15: Summary of the wetland PES

Wetland Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation

Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score

HGM 1 C: Moderately

Modified 3.5

C: Moderately Modified

2.1 D: Largely Modified

4.7

Overall PES Score 3.4 Overall PES Class C: Moderately Modified

A summary for the respective modules is as follows:

The hydrological component for the wetland was rated as Moderately Modified (Class

C) and has been altered by the development of roads and houses on the upper

catchment. The slopes are steep with large erosion gullies already present.

The geomorphology component for the wetlands assessed was Moderately Modified

(Class C) with the hydrological impacts altering the rating. Erosion is a significant risk

for the wetland as result of steep slopes.

The vegetation component for wetlands was rated to be a Largely Modified (Class D)

as a result of the decreased vegetation cover on the slopes, erosion, and

sedimentation within the wetlands. There is also encroachment of alien vegetation

into the wetland areas.

The erosion impacts are presented in Figure 25.

Figure 25: The erosional impacts within the landscape




67

Ecosystem Services Assessment 7.3.2

The Ecosystem services provided by the wetland identified within the project area was

assessed and rated using the WET-EcoServices method (Kotze, et al. 2009). The

summarised results for the wetland is shown in Table 16, with the direct, indirect benefits

being summarised in Table 17.

The wetland showed an overall Intermediate level of service with flood attenuation, sediment

control, and biodiversity maintenance showing moderately high levels of service. The indirect

benefits related to water quality enhancement was rate as Intermediate with the direct

benefits related to the community being rated as Moderately Low. The maintenance of

biodiversity is rated as Moderately high as this area is in a protected area and the valley

bottom areas provide cover for animals.

Table 16: The EcoServices being provided by the wetland unit

Wetland Unit HGM 1

Ec

os

ys

tem

Se

rvic

es S

up

plied

by

We

tla

nd

s

Ind

irec

t B

en

efi

ts

Reg

ula

tin

g a

nd

su

pp

ort

ing

be

ne

fits

Flood attenuation 2.3

Streamflow regulation 1.2

Wa

ter

Qualit

y

en

ha

ncem

en

t b

ene

fits

Sediment trapping 2.2

Phosphate assimilation 1.5

Nitrate assimilation 1.1

Toxicant assimilation 1.5

Erosion control 2.0

Carbon storage 1.7

Dir

ec

t B

en

efi

ts

Biodiversity maintenance 2.1

Pro

vis

ion

ing

be

ne

fits

Provisioning of water for human use 1.7

Provisioning of harvestable resources 1.2

Provisioning of cultivated foods 1.2

Cu

ltu

ral

be

ne

fits

Cultural heritage 1.0

Tourism and recreation 1.7

Education and research 0.3

Overall 22.6

Average 1.5

Table 17: The direct and indirect benefits provided by the wetland unit

Direct & Indirect Benefits Summary HGM 1

Indirect Benefits 1.7

Direct Benefits 1.2

Biodiversity Maintenance 2.1




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Table 18: The EcoService diagram for the wetland

Ecological Importance & Sensitivity (EIS) 7.3.3

The EIS assessment was applied to the wetland in order to assess the levels of sensitivity

and ecological importance of the wetland. The results of the assessment are shown in Table

19.

The Ecological Importance of the area was rate as High (Class B), the ecological findings

show the sensitivity within this area. The Hydrological Importance was rated as Moderate

(Class C). The Human Importance was rated as Low (Class D).

Table 19: The EIS results for the identified wetland

Wetland Importance and Sensitivity

HGM 1

Importance

Ecological Importance & Sensitivity 3.0

Hydrological/Functional Importance 1.7

Direct Human Benefits 0.5

Buffer Zones 7.3.4

The wetland buffer zone tool was used to calculate the appropriate buffer required for

prospecting. The model shows that the largest risk (High) posed by the project during the

construction phase is that of ―increased sediment inputs and turbidity‖. During the

operational phase, the Moderate risks identified for the project is the ―altered flow patterns‖

and ―increased sediment inputs and turbidity‖ (Table 22). These risks are calculated with no

prescribed mitigation and presented in

Table 20.

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0Flood attenuation

Streamflow regulation

Sediment trapping

Phospahte trapping

Nitrate removal

Toxicant removal

Erosion control

Carbon storageMaintenance of

biodiversity

Water supply for humanuse

Natural resources

Cultivated foods

Cultural significance

Tourism and recreation

Education and research

HGM 1




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Table 20: Pre-mitigation buffer requirement

Required Buffer before mitigation measures have been applied

Construction Phase 47 m

Operational Phase 25 m

According to the buffer guideline (Macfarlane, et al. 2015) a high-risk activity would require a

buffer that is 95% effective to reduce the risk of the impact to a low-level threat.

The risks were then reduced with the prescribed mitigation measures and therefor the

recommended buffer was calculated to be 25 m and 15m for the construction and

operational phases respectively (Table 21).

Table 21: Post-mitigation buffer requirement

Required Buffer after mitigation measures have been applied

Construction Phase 25 m

Operational Phase 15 m



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Table 22: The risk results from the wetland buffer model for the proposed Nkunzana prospecting project

Threat Posed by the proposed land use / activity Specialist

Threat Rating

Threat Rating after

Mitigation

Recommended Mitigation

Co

ns

tru

cti

on

Ph

ase

1. Alteration to flow volumes N/A N/A

2. Alteration of patterns of flows (increased flood peaks)

Very Low Very Low

3. Increase in sediment inputs & turbidity High Low Stay clear of the recommended buffer. Dry season construction phase, silt traps, managed stockpiles, storm water management will reduce the risk of sedimentation during the construction.

4. Increased nutrient inputs N/A N/A

5. Inputs of toxic organic contaminants N/A N/A

6. Inputs of toxic heavy metal contaminants Low Low Off-site equipment vehicle fuelling and maintenance, storage in bunded area, no on-site fabrication, oil spill kits, equipment & vehicle inspections.

7. Alteration of acidity (pH) N/A N/A

8. Increased inputs of salts (salinization) N/A N/A

9. Change (elevation) of water temperature Very Low Very Low

10. Pathogen inputs (i.e. disease-causing organisms) Very Low Very Low

Op

era

tio

nal P

ha

se

1. Alteration to flow volumes Low Low

2. Alteration of patterns of flows (increased flood peaks)

Medium Low Stay clear of the buffer zone. Prospecting platforms must be rehabilitated and revegetated to reduce increased runoff and erosion.

3. Increase in sediment inputs & turbidity Medium Low

4. Increased nutrient inputs Low Low

5. Inputs of toxic organic contaminants Low Low

6. Inputs of toxic heavy metal contaminants Low Low

7. Alteration of acidity (pH) Low Low

8. Increased inputs of salts (salinization) Low Low

9. Change (elevation) of water temperature Low Low

10. Pathogen inputs (i.e. disease-causing organisms) Very Low Very Low




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Figure 26: 25 m Wetland Buffer Zone for the Nkunzana prospecting project



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8 Habitat Sensitivity Mapping

8.1 Prospecting Footprint Area

As per the terms of reference for the project, a GIS sensitivity map is required in order to

identify sensitive features in terms of the relevant specialist discipline/s within the project

area, especially in reference to the defined prospecting footprint and access road. The

sensitivity scores identified during the field survey for each habitat were then visually

mapped (Figure 27).

Areas that were classified as having low or moderate sensitivities are those areas which

were deemed by the specialists to have been most impacted upon and/or were modified

from their original condition due to factors such as over-grazing, human activity and/or

presence of alien invasive species.

The areas given a very high sensitivity rating are those areas with existing natural

vegetation, are classified as a functional CBA or areas that have the capacity to serve as

habitat or important corridors for various species (especially potential SCC).

For this project, the southern portions of the project area, although altered, were given a

moderate-high sensitivity rating due to the important role this area functions as from an

ecological point (corridor and an ESA).

It is important to note that this map does not replace any local, provincial or government

legislation relating to these areas or the land use capabilities or sensitivities of these

environments.




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Figure 27: Habitat sensitivity map of the project area

8.2 Forest Buffers and Sensitivity Mapping

Relevant guideline: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife: Guideline: Biodiversity Impact Assessment in

KwaZulu Natal (2013)

This guideline was developed to provide developers, applicants, environmental consultants,

specialists and authorities charged with reviewing/making decisions on applications with

guidance to ensure that: (i) project investigation timeframes can be more accurately

determined; (ii) feasibility studies could accurately determine biodiversity related fatal flaws;

and (iii) the terms of references for specialist studies and the summary reports would allow

for informed and sustainable biodiversity decisions.

Sensitivity Mapping Rules for Biodiversity Assessments

The objective of the sensitivity mapping component of the study is to determine the location

and extent of all ecologically sensitive areas. The outcome is the sensitivity mapping will

allow for accurate and comparative analyses of impacts of the proposed activities on

sensitive areas and the proposed activity and inform decisions regarding proposed land-use

layout or route alignment.

Requirements for all Sensitivity Mapping

Ecological linkages / corridors and their associated buffers, at both the site and land

scape scale, must be delineated and designated sensitive;




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Levels of sensitivity must be determined by the specialist and must be based on the

following categories; low, medium or high. The methodology for determining levels of

sensitivity must be included with the map.

Forest Sensitivity Mapping

Areas to be designated as sensitive:

All indigenous forest regardless of condition.

The corridors (site and survey areas) that allow for optimum connectivity between

forests patches.

Buffers as determined in (b) below.

Buffer determination

While a buffer zone of 40 (forty) metres from the edge of the forest has been applied, this

standard buffer may not always take the forest and development type into account and has

been inappropriate in some instances.

The determination of an appropriate and site-specific buffer depends on a number of factors,

and the final buffer needs to be determined utilising the guide provided in the document. It

should be noted that the guideline is iterative and uses a scaled approach, with the criterion

motivating the greatest buffer prevailing.

Relevance to Nkunzana

Due to the natural nature of the Nkandla Forest, certain buffer scaling criteria are required as

per the guidelines below:

Buffer scaling Minimum distance from ecotone

1. Critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable forest types.

Minimum 100 m buffer from proposed impact.

2. Old growth forests. Minimum 100 m buffer from proposed impact.

3. Activities creating ecological risk by storing or discharging pollutants or contaminants, or possibly accidentally discharging the same. Use of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, bulk storage of fuels and hazardous chemicals; discharge into atmosphere of pollutants including particulate matter which attaches to surrounding vegetation.

Minimum 200 m buffer, but with increase if these impacts cannot be adequately mitigated at this distance.

4. Activities likely to cause long term permanent or irreversible severe impacts.

Minimum 200 m buffer, but with increase if these impacts cannot be adequately mitigated at this distance.

5. Erosion: Forests are particularly vulnerable to erosion due to sparse ground cover caused by high shade conditions. Buffers should be large enough to prevent increased overland flows into forest and its ecotone, due to surrounding land transformation.

Increased runoff to percolate to groundwater outside buffer. Engineered storm water solutions to remain outside buffer. Slopes and less permeable soils will tend to increase buffer.

Conclusion (Forest Buffer)

Based on the above information and given the sensitivity of the Nkandla Forest as well as a

severe risk of erosion, it is the specialists recommendation that a minimum buffer of 200m

be applied from the edge of any indigenous forest as outlined in this report (Figure 13 -

Scarp Forest).




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9 Impact Assessment

9.1 Methodology

Potential impacts were evaluated against the data captured during the fieldwork to identify

relevance to the project area, specifically the proposed prospecting footprint. The relevant

impacts were then subjected to a prescribed impact assessment methodology (as provided

by the client, Shango). The details of this methodology can be provided on request.

Impacts were assessed in terms of the construction, operational, decommissioning,

rehabilitation and closure phases. The operational phase refers to that phase of the project

where the prospecting is being conducted and once complete, the decommissioning phase

will begin.

It should be noted that the impacts described are not exhaustive, and more impacts may be

identified at a later stage as more project specific information becomes available. Mitigation

measures were only applied to impacts deemed relevant based on the impact analysis.

9.2 Purpose and Scope

The standard impact assessment methodology may be used in the capture of generic

anticipated impacts and potential mitigation measures for Basic Assessment Reports and

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports. The methodology described herein

complies with the requirements of the EIA Regulations (2014), promulgated in terms of the

National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998). The methodology of

impact assessment described herein must be used in relation to the Impact Assessment

Rating Matrix Tool (as provided by the client).

9.3 Current Impacts

During the field survey, the current impacts that are having a negative impact on the area

were identified, and are listed below and can be seen in Figure 28;

Extensive erosion;

Presence of alien and invasive plant species;

Secondary road with the associated noise disturbance, road mortalities and litter;

Power lines within the vicinity of the project area; and

Livestock (predominantly free ranging cattle and goats).




76

Figure 28: Some of the current impacts identified within the project area (May 2018). A & F) Extensive erosion; B) Secondary Road and power lines; C) Cattle; D) Goats and E)

Buildings and water reservoirs

9.4 Identification of Additional Impacts

The proposed development is associated with the prospecting activities, namely the

construction of an access road, digging of trenches and boreholes. The proposed

construction may result in loss and disturbance of habitats and displacement of fauna and

flora.

The removal of natural vegetation to accommodate prospecting will reduce the habitat

available for fauna species and may reduce animal populations and species compositions

within the area. Furthermore, due to the sensitivity of soil layers on steep topography and in

areas adjacent to sensitive forest ecotones, the threat of erosion is severe. Evidence of

existing erosion in the surrounding landscape is testament to this and shows the sensitivity

of these soils to erosion.

Land clearing destroys local wildlife habitat and can lead to the loss of local breeding

grounds, nesting sites and wildlife movement corridors such as rivers, streams and drainage

lines, or other locally important features.




77

The project area provides possible habitat and shelter to several endemic and protected

mammal, reptile and bird species. Although it is assumed that the majority of fauna species

will move to different areas as a result of disturbance, many protected and endemic fauna

species have very specific habitat requirements, and the complete destruction of their

habitats will result in displacement to less optimal habitats, or ultimately lead to their

complete demise. This will result in a decline in species numbers which may ultimately affect

the conservation status of specific species on global, national and provincial scales.

The potential impacts associated with the various project stages are discussed below.

Construction Phase 9.4.1

The following potential impacts were considered on terrestrial vegetation communities:

Further loss and fragmentation of the vegetation community (including portions of a

Vulnerable vegetation type and area classified as a CBA: Irreplaceable). Possibility of

extensive erosion - due to the sensitivity of soil layers on steep topography and in

areas adjacent to sensitive forest ecotones, the threat of erosion is severe.

Potential impacts on faunal communities include:

Displacement of faunal community (including threatened or protected species) due to

habitat loss, disturbance and/or direct mortalities.

Potential impacts on wetland health include:

Increased runoff and sedimentation.

Operational Phase 9.4.2


Continued encroachment and displacement of an indigenous and Vulnerable

vegetation community by alien invasive plant species and on-going erosion; and

Potential leaks, discharges, pollutant from development into the surrounding

environment.


Continued displacement and fragmentation of the faunal community (including

threatened or protected species) due to ongoing anthropogenic disturbances and

habitat degradation (litter, road mortalities and/or poaching).



Decommissioning 9.4.3


Continued encroachment and displacement of an indigenous and Vulnerable

vegetation community by alien invasive plant species;





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Continued displacement of the faunal community (including threatened or protected

species) due to ongoing anthropogenic disturbances and habitat degradation (litter,

road mortalities and/or poaching).



Rehab and Closure 9.4.4


Encroachment and displacement of an indigenous and Vulnerable vegetation

community by alien invasive plant species and potential re-establishment of natural

species that were removed. The nature of the erosion will depend on the amount of

successful vegetation establishment.


Displacement of the faunal community (including threatened or protected species)

due to rehabilitation of the anthropogenic disturbances and habitat degradation,

rehab resulting in the faunal species potentially re-establishing within the area.

10 Assessment of Significance

10.1 Construction Phase

Assessment of significance on the potential impacts were considered on terrestrial

vegetation communities pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for vegetation

can be seen in Table 23 and Figure 29.

Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for fauna can

be seen in Table 24 and Figure 30.

Table 23: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for vegetation.

Impact Name Further loss and fragmentation of the vegetation community

Alternative 0

Phase Construction

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-

mitigation Attribute

Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation

Nature of Impact -1 1 Magnitude of Impact 5 3

Extent of Impact 3 2 Reversibility of Impact

4 3

Duration of Impact

4 3 Probability 4 4

Environmental Risk (Pre-mitigation) -16.00

Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.1

Environmental Risk (Post-mitigation) 11.00

Degree of confidence in impact prediction: High

Impact Prioritisation

Public Response 1




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Low: Issue not raised in public responses

Cumulative Impacts 3

Considering the potential incremental, interactive, sequential, and synergistic cumulative impacts, it is highly probable/definite that the impact will result in spatial and temporal cumulative change.

Degree of potential irreplaceable loss of resources 3

The impact may result in the irreplaceable loss of resources of high value (services and/or functions).

Prioritisation Factor 1.67

Final Significance 18.33

Figure 29: Radar indicting the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for vegetation

Table 24: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for fauna.

Impact Name Displacement of faunal community (including threatened or protected species) due to

habitat loss, disturbance and/or direct mortalities

Alternative 0

Phase Construction

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



4 2

Duration of Impact

3 2 Probability 4 4


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.2




Public Response 1




80





The impact may result in the irreplaceable loss of resources of high value (services and/or functions).



Figure 30: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for fauna

Table 25: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for Wetlands.

Impact Name Increased runoff and sedimentation

Alternative 0

Phase Construction

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation

Nature of Impact -1 -1 Magnitude of Impact 3 2


3 3

Duration of Impact

2 2 Probability 3 1


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5

Environmental Risk (Post-mitigation) -2.25



Public Response 2




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Issue has received a meaningful and justifiable public response


Considering the potential incremental, interactive, sequential, and synergistic cumulative impacts, it is probable that the impact will result in spatial and temporal cumulative change.


The impact is unlikely to result in irreplaceable loss of resources.


Final Significance -3.00

Figure 31: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the construction phase for Wetlands

10.2 Operational Phase

Assessment of significance on the potential impacts were considered on terrestrial vegetation communities pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for vegetation can

be seen in Table 26,, Table 27, Figure 32 and Figure 33.

Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for fauna can

be seen in Table 28 and Figure 34.




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Table 26: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for vegetation.

Impact Name Continued encroachment and displacement of an indigenous and Vulnerable

vegetation community by alien invasive plant species.

Alternative 0

Phase Operation

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



4 3

Duration of Impact

4 2 Probability 4 3


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.1




Public Response 1





The impact may result in the irreplaceable loss (cannot be replaced or substituted) of resources but the value (services and/or functions) of these resources is limited.



Figure 32: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for vegetation




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Table 27: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for vegetation and potential leaks, discharges, pollutant from development into the surrounding

environment.

Impact Name Vegetation communities: Potential leaks, discharges, pollutant from development into

the surrounding environment.

Alternative 0

Phase Operation

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



3 2

Duration of Impact

3 2 Probability 3 3


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.1


Degree of confidence in impact prediction: Medium


Public Response 1








Figure 33: Radar indicating vegetation and potential leaks, discharges, pollutant from development into the surrounding environment operational phase




84

Table 28: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for fauna.

Impact Name Continued displacement and fragmentation of the faunal community (including

threatened or protected species) due to ongoing anthropogenic disturbances and habitat degradation (litter, road mortalities, poaching).

Alternative 0

Phase Operation

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



3 2

Duration of Impact

3 2 Probability 4 3


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.2




Public Response 1








Figure 34: Radar indicating pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for fauna.




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Table 29: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for Wetlands.


Alternative 0

Phase Operational

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



3 3

Duration of Impact

2 2 Probability 3 1


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5




Public Response 2








Figure 35: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the operational phase for Wetlands




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10.3 Decommissioning


vegetation communities pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for

vegetation can be seen in Table 30 and Figure 36.

Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for

fauna can be seen in Table 31 and Figure 37.

Table 30: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for vegetation.

Impact Name Continued encroachment and displacement of an indigenous and Vulnerable

vegetation community by alien invasive plant species;

Alternative 0

Phase Decommissioning

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



4 2

Duration of Impact

4 3 Probability 3 2


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.1




Public Response 1











87

Figure 36: Radar indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for vegetation

Table 31: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for fauna.

Impact Name Continued displacement of the faunal community (including threatened or protected species) due to ongoing anthropogenic disturbances and habitat degradation (litter,

road mortalities, poaching).

Alternative 0


Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



3 2

Duration of Impact

3 2 Probability 3 2


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.2




Public Response 1











88

Figure 37: Radar indicating pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for fauna

10.4 Rehab and Closure


vegetation communities pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure phase for

vegetation can be seen in Table 32 and Figure 38 .

Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure phase for

fauna can be seen in Table 33 and Figure 39.

Table 32: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure phase for vegetation.

Impact Name

Encroachment and displacement of an indigenous and Vulnerable vegetation community by alien invasive plant species, potential re-establishment of natural

species that were removed, the nature of the erosion will depend on the amount of successful vegetation establishment.

Alternative 0

Phase Rehab and closure

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



4 2

Duration of Impact

4 2 Probability 4 3


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.1







89

Public Response 1








Figure 38: Radar indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure phase for vegetation

Table 33: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure phase for fauna.

Impact Name Displacement of the faunal community (including threatened or protected species) due to rehabilitation of the anthropogenic disturbances and habitat degradation, rehab resulting in the faunal species potentially re-establishing within the area.

Alternative 0

Phase Rehab and closure

Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



3 2

Duration of Impact

3 2 Probability 4 2


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5.2







90

Public Response 1








Figure 39: Radar indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the rehab and closure phase for fauna

Table 34: Assessment of significance pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning phase for Wetlands.


Alternative 0


Environmental Risk

Attribute Pre-

mitigation Post-


Pre-mitigation

Post-mitigation



3 3

Duration of Impact

2 2 Probability 3 1


Mitigation Measures

See section 10.5




Public Response 2




91








Figure 40: Radar Indicating the impact pre-and post-mitigation for the decommissioning

phase for Wetlands.

10.5 Mitigation Measure Objectives

The mitigation measures mentioned below are based upon a situation where authorisation to

prospect (with the associated road, trenches and boreholes) is approved by a competent

authority.

The focus of mitigation measures should be to reduce the significance of potential impacts

associated with the prospecting and thereby to:

Further loss and fragmentation of the vegetation community (including portions of a

Vulnerable vegetation type and an area classified as Irreplaceable CBA). Extensive

erosion due to the loss of the vegetation layer is included. Due to the sensitivity of

soil layers on steep topography and in areas adjacent to sensitive forest ecotones,

the threat of erosion is severe.

Prevent the loss of the faunal community (including potentially occurring species of

conservation concern) associated with this vegetation community.




92

Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Vegetation Communities & CBAs 10.5.1

The project area is situated in extremely close proximity to the Nkandla Forest Reserve and

a number of smaller nature reserves, most of which are regarded as very sensitive (based

on the various spatial datasets analysed for this report, the results from the field survey and

the likelihood of faunal SCC occurring).

From an ecologically perspective the development is situated extremely close to, and within,

various natural habitats. Although somewhat disturbed, it has been shown that these areas

support various faunal species, including SCC and there is a strong likelihood that other

SCC may occur here.

Due to these sensitivities, it is unlikely that even stringent mitigation measures will

sufficiently reduce the associated impacts to within acceptable levels for authorisations.

Therefore, the mitigation measures proposed below should only come in to effect if

environmental authorisation is approved for this project.

It is recommended that an extensive alien plant management plan be compiled to remove all

alien vegetation from within the project area, should the project receive authorisation.

Recommended mitigation and rehabilitation measures include the following:

As far as possible, the proposed prospecting should be placed in areas that have

already been disturbed, and no further loss of primary or secondary vegetation

should be permitted (this is not plausible given the current, pristine ecological

condition). It is recommended that areas to be developed be specifically demarcated

so that during the construction phase, only the demarcated areas be impacted upon

(including fencing off the defined project area) and preventing movement of workers

into sensitive forest ecotones;

The duration of the prospecting should be minimized to as short term as possible, in

order to reduce the period of disturbance on fauna and flora;

Areas of indigenous vegetation, even secondary communities, should under no

circumstances be fragmented or disturbed further or used as an area for dumping of

waste;

Due to the sensitivity of the soil layer, the steep topography and the associated high

risk of erosion, the access road should be constructed during the dry season and

ideally all prospecting should occur only in this season in order to prevent all run-off

and erosion;

All necessary road mitigation measures must be put in place to slow (or stop) run-off

from the proposed access road. This is a vital mitigation measure to prevent erosion;

Appropriate speed humps and mitre drains must be constructed along the road for

every three metres of elevation in order to slow the flow of water run-off from the road

surface. All methods to slow the flow of water off the road surface must be

implemented and the feasibility of building an attenuation system to hold surface

water and release it slowly into the surrounding environment must be investigated;

Borehole drilling areas and dumping areas should completely avoid any trees, where

possible (especially any protected tree species);




93

An experienced road engineer must be consulted during the planning, construction

and closure phases for the development of the access road;

The areas rated as highly sensitive in the project area (Figure 27) as defined in this

report should be declared a ‗no-go‘ area during the construction and operational

phases and all efforts must be made to prevent access to this area from construction

workers, machinery, domestic animals and the general public;

Where possible, existing access routes and walking paths must be made use of, and

new routes limited;

All laydown, storage areas etc should be restricted to within the project area;

A qualified environmental control officer must be on site when construction begins to

identify species that will be directly disturbed and to relocate fauna/flora that is found

during construction (including all reptiles and amphibians);

All livestock (including cattle, pigs, goats, domestic dogs and cats) must be kept out

of the project area at all times;

All staff and visitors to the site must undergo and extensive induction process and

must be made aware of the sensitive nature of the environment and floral species

which occur there;

Rehabilitation of the trenches and access road must be made a priority (and be

concurrent). Due to the sensitive nature of the soil layer and extreme risk of erosion,

rehabilitation must include re-filling of the open trenches with appropriate rock and

soils and suitably compacted. Top soils must also be utilised, and the area must be

re-vegetated with plant and grass species which are endemic to this exact vegetation

type;

o Rehabilitation measures that are implemented must be continually monitored

for a minimum period of four years to ensure that proper succession has

occurred and that there is no erosion occurring;

Areas that are denuded during construction need to be re-vegetated with indigenous

vegetation to prevent erosion during flood events. This will also reduce the likelihood

of encroachment by alien invasive plant species; and

Compilation of and implementation of an alien vegetation management plan for the

entire site.

Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Faunal Communities 10.5.2

Recommended mitigation and rehabilitation measures for faunal community‘s hinge largely

on protecting their habitats and ensuring it remains intact.

Specific mitigation measures for birds and amphibians

No more than two weeks in advance of any vegetation clearance that will commence

during the breeding season (1 September – 1 March) a qualified Zoologist must

conduct a pre-construction survey of all potential special-status birds nesting habitat

in the vicinity of the project area, and within the project area;




94

o If active nests are found, avoidance procedures must be implemented on a

case-by-case basis. Avoidance procedures may include the implementation

of buffer zones, relocation of birds, or seasonal avoidance. If buffers are

created, a no disturbance zone must be created around active nests during

the breeding season by a suitably qualified Zoologist;

Similarly, regarding amphibians, no more than two weeks in advance of vegetation

clearance that will commence during the breeding season (1 September – 1 March) a

qualified Zoologist must conduct a pre-construction survey of all potential special-

status amphibians that may be calling within the project area. This person should

have specialist knowledge of the Plain Stream Frog, Spotted Shovel Snout and

Natal Leaf Folding Frog;

o Any individuals found should be relocated to a suitable area that is

undisturbed, such as the nearby Nkandla Forest Reserve.

In additional to this the following measures are recommended:

If any faunal species are recorded during construction, activities should temporarily

cease, and an appropriate specialist should be consulted to identify the correct

course of action;

The duration of the prospecting should be minimized to as short term as possible, in

order to reduce the period of disturbance on fauna and flora;

During vegetation clearance, methods should be employed to minimize potential

harm to fauna species. Clearing has to take place in a phased and slow manner,

commencing from the interior of the site progressing outwards towards the boundary

to maximize potential for mobile species to move to adjacent areas;

Prior and during vegetation clearance any larger fauna species noted should be

given the opportunity to move away from the construction machinery;

Fauna species such as frogs and reptiles that have not moved away should be

carefully and safely removed to a suitable location beyond the extent of the

development footprint by a suitably qualified ECO trained in the handling and

relocation of animals;

Fencing should be erected around the project area to prevent workers and members

of the public from entering the surrounding farm portions and environments. This

fence should have small openings to allow wildlife to pass through;

Waste management must be a priority and all waste must be collected and stored

adequately. It is recommended that all waste be removed from site on a weekly basis

to prevent rodents and pests entering the site;

No trapping, killing or poisoning of any wildlife is to be allowed on site, including

snakes, birds, lizards, frogs, insects or mammals;

During the construction phase noise must be kept to an absolute minimum to reduce

the impact of the development on the fauna residing on the site;




95

o Furthermore, during the operational phase, noise must be kept to an absolute

minimum during the evenings and at night to minimise all possible

disturbances to amphibian species and nocturnal mammals;

Staff should be educated about the sensitivity of faunal species and measures should

be put in place to deal with any species that are encountered during the construction

process;

o The avoidance and protection of the river and forest areas must be included

into a site induction. Contractors and employees must all undergo the

induction and made aware of the sensitive areas to be avoided;

o The induction must include a focus on amphibian, bird and reptile species,

especially known SCC that may occur within the project area; and

Construction activities and vehicles could cause spillages of lubricants, fuels and

construction material which could then be transported to river, impacting on the water

quality and potentially the functioning of the systems. All vehicles and equipment

must be maintained, and all re-fuelling and servicing of equipment is to take place in

demarcated areas outside of the project area.

Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Wetland Systems 10.5.3

The following mitigation measures apply to the wetland ecosystems:

The recommended buffer zones should be strictly adhered to. Buffer areas must be

visibly demarcated and managed as No-Go areas;

Construction areas should be demarcated, and wetland areas marked as ―restricted‖

in order to prevent the unnecessary impact to and loss of these systems;

Careful separation of soil types / strata as identified;

No vegetation should be cleared prior to stripping of topsoil, and vegetation must be

stripped with the topsoil to retain a seedbank;

Topsoil must be stripped to a depth of at least 300mm and managed for rehabilitation

of impacted areas;

If any spoil is generated this must be transported to another location and re-used if it

is required, or removed correctly to a licensed facility, or offered to the landowner;

and

Mitigation Measures 10.5.4

The following general mitigation measures must apply:

Following the removal of these materials, the compacted areas can be ripped to an

appropriate depth (at least 300 mm) to remove any minor compaction.

During the construction phase vehicles and machinery must make use of existing

access routes, before adjacent areas are considered for access;

Laydown yards, camps and storage areas must be beyond the buffer areas;




96

The contractors used for the project should have spill kits available to ensure that any

fuel or oil spills are cleaned up and discarded correctly;

It is preferable that construction takes place during the dry season to reduce the

erosion potential of the exposed surfaces;

All chemicals and toxicants to be used for the construction must be stored outside

the wetland system and in a bunded area;

All machinery and equipment should be inspected regularly for faults and possible

leaks, these should be serviced off-site;

All contractors and employees should undergo induction which is to include a

component of environmental awareness. The induction is to include aspects such as

the need to avoid littering, the reporting and cleaning of spills and leaks and general

good ―housekeeping‖;

Adequate sanitary facilities and ablutions on the servitude must be provided for all

personnel throughout the project area. Use of these facilities must be enforced (these

facilities must be kept clean so that they are a desired alternative to the surrounding

vegetation);

Have action plans on site, and training for contactors and employees in the event of

spills, leaks and other impacts to the aquatic systems;

All removed soil and material must not be stockpiled within the system. Stockpiling

should take place outside of the watercourse. All stockpiles must be protected from

erosion, stored on flat areas where run-off will be minimised, and be surrounded by

bunds;

Any exposed earth should be rehabilitated promptly by planting suitable vegetation

(vigorous indigenous grasses) to protect the exposed soil;

No dumping of construction material on-site may take place;

All machinery and equipment must be inspected regularly for faults and possible

leaks, these should be serviced off-site; and

All waste generated on-site during construction must be adequately managed.

Separation and recycling of different waste materials should be supported.

11 Conclusion

The completion of a study, in conjunction with the detailed results from the survey means

that there is a high confidence in the information provided. The survey which was completed,

and the corresponding studies resulted in good site coverage, within the prospecting

footprint area, assessing the major habitats and ecosystems, obtaining a general species

(fauna and flora) overview and observing the major current impacts.

It is clear from the regional ecological overview, as well as the baseline data collected to

date that the project area is in a fairly pristine condition and has only been minimally altered

both historically and presently. Current impacts include secondary roads, the proximity of




97

rural developments and associated human activity, including: dumping of rubble, livestock,

litter and infringement by people and livestock into natural areas via footpaths and roads.

However, despite these impacts, the remaining natural habitats, which cover the majority of

the project area, exhibit healthy ecological functionality, integrity and an appropriate balance

between various herbaceous plants and associated fauna. This diversity is indicative of the

importance of these systems to collectively provide refugia, food and corridors for dispersal

in and through the surrounding area.

The proposed prospecting area is situated entirely within an identified Irreplaceable CBA and

is on the borders of the Nkandla Forest Reserve complex (a vulnerable forest type). Field

surveys confirmed the ecological integrity of this CBA, as well as the presence of multiple

threatened species. The development also falls within the 5 km buffer which is

recommended around protected areas. Due to these sensitivities, it is unlikely that even

stringent mitigation measures will sufficiently reduce the associated impacts to within

acceptable levels for the environmental authorisation to be approved.

One wetland unit was identified and upon investigation it was found that it has a sufficient

buffer to have moderate to low impacts. The ecological impacts far outweigh the wetland

impacts.

Careful consideration must be afforded each of the mitigation measures provided in this

report. In the event that environmental authorisation is issued for this project, proven

ecological (or environmental) controls and mitigation measures must be entrenched in the

management framework.

The following further conclusions were reached based on the results of this assessment:

According to the KZN BPS it can be concluded that the proposed prospecting is likely

to impact on a CBA: Irreplaceable and CBA: Optimal. The prospecting footprint

occurs almost entirely within a CBA: Irreplaceable;

According to the NBA (2011) terrestrial ecosystem threat status‘, the project area

falls across two ecosystems, which are listed as Vulnerable (VU) and Least

Threatened (LT), the former making up the majority of the project area;


Expansion Strategy (NPAES) the project area does overlap with a formally protected

area, namely a portion of the Mome Nature Reserve (which forms part of the Nkandla

Forest Complex).

o The northern boundary of the project area is situated directly adjacent to the

Nkandla Forest Reserve;

o The Dhlabe Nature Reserve also intersects with the north-western portion of

the project area. Based on the above information and the location of the

proposed development, the project is highly likely to have an impact on

various formally protected areas;

One FEPA river occurs within the 500m WULA buffer around the project area,

namely the Nsuze River which is defined as a FEPA Code 4 (Upstream Management

Area). These are areas which are demarcated as sub-quaternary catchments in




98

which human activities need to be managed in order to prevent degradation of

downstream river FEPAs and Fish Support Areas;

The project area is situated across several different vegetation types; Moist Coast

Hinterland Grassland (Gs20) (which constitutes the majority of the area) listed as

Vulnerable, Eastern Valley Bushveld (SVs 6), Scarp Forest (FOz 5) and Midlands

Mistbelt Grassland (Gs9) (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006);

Eight (8) Category 1b invasive plant species were recorded within the project area

and must therefore be removed by implementing an alien invasive plant management

programme; and

Sixty-three (63) bird species were recorded in the project area during the May 2018

survey. Three avifaunal SCC were recorded during the survey, namely African

Crowned Eagle, Spotted Ground-thrush and Martial Eagle, and based on the

presence of pristine, suitable habitat, and the nearby Nkandla Forest, there is a high

probability that other bird SCC occur within the project area and may be affected by

the proposed development.

12 Impact Statement

An impact statement is required as per the NEMA regulations with regards to the proposed

development.

The proposed prospecting area is situated in close proximity to the Nkandla Forest Reserve

complex (a vulnerable forest type), falls within a CBA: Irreplaceable and within the buffer

zone recommended for protected areas. Field surveys confirmed the ecological integrity of

this CBA, as well as the presence of multiple threatened species. Furthermore, the

ecosystems present showed the potential to host a number of reptile, mammal, amphibian

and bird species of conservation concern, most of which are regarded as sensitive (based

on the various spatial datasets analysed for this report).

Considering the above-mentioned conclusions, it is the opinion of the specialists that due to

these sensitivities, it is unlikely that even the stringent mitigation measures recommended

will sufficiently reduce the associated impacts to within acceptable levels for environmental

authorisation to be approved and that these sensitivities may represent a fatal flaw for the

project.

13 References

Animal Demography Unit (2017). Virtual Museum. Accessed on the following date: 2018-02-

15.

Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J & de Villiers,

M.S. (eds).(2014). Atlas and Red List of Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Suricata 1. South African Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Bennet, B. & Kruger, F., 2015. Forestry and Water Conservation in South Africa: History,

Science and Policy. ANU Press.




99

Bibby, C., Jones, M. & Marsden, S. (1998) Expedition Field Techniques: Bird Surveys.

Expedition Advisory Centre, Royal Geographical Society, London.

Branch, W.R. (1998) Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik,

Cape Town.

Bromilow, C. (2010). Problem plants and alien weeds of South Africa. Briza Publications,

Pretoria, RSA.

Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2). 2012. http://vmus.adu.org.za/.

BirdLife International (2017) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Steenkampsberg. Downloaded

from http://www.birdlife.org on 11/12/2017.

Driver, A., Nel, J.L., Snaddon, K., Murray, K., Roux, D.J., Hill, L., Swartz, E.R., Manuel, J.,

Funke, N. (2011) Implementation Manual for Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas. Report to

the Water Research Commission. Pretoria. South Africa.

Driver, M., Raimondo, D., Maze, K., Pfab, M.F., Helme, N.A. (2009). Applications of the Red

List for conservation practitioners. In: D. Raimondo, L. Von Staden, W. Foden, J.E. Victor,

N.A. Helme, R.C. Turner, D.A. Kamundi & P.A. Manyama (eds). Red List of South African

Plants. Strelitzia 25:41-52. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Du Preez, & Carruthers, V. (2009) A complete guide to the frogs of southern Africa. Struik

Nature. Cape Town.

eKZNw (2010) Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan: Minimum Selection Surface

(MINSET). Unpublished GIS Coverage [tscp_minset_dist_2010_wll.zip], Biodiversity

Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades,

Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust). 2017. Threatened Amphibian Programme. Available at

FrogMap 2015. The Southern African Frog Atlas Project

https://www.ewt.org.za/TAP/refrence.html (SAFAP, now FrogMAP). http://vmus.adu.org.za

(Visited on the 3rd May 2017).

Goodman, P.S. (2007) KwaZulu-Natal Terrestrial Conservation Plan (C-Plan), Version 4.

Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Hockey, PAR, Dean, WRJ, Ryan, PG (eds) 2005 – Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa, VIIth

ed. The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.

FrogMap 2017. The Southern African Frog Atlas Project (SAFAP, now FrogMAP).

http://vmus.adu.org.za (Accessed in May 2016).

GDARD (2014): Technical Report for the Gauteng Conservation Plan (Gauteng C-Plan

v3.3). Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: Nature Conservation

Directorate. 60 pages.

GDARD. Requirements for biodiversity assessments: Version 3. Johannesburg: Gauteng

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; 2014.

Hockey, P.A.R., Dean, W.R.J. & Ryna, P.G. (eds.) 2005. Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa,

VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.

http://vmus.adu.org.za/

http://www.birdlife.org/




100

IUCN, 2017. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at www.iucnredlist.org

(Accessed in November 2017).

Lu, S., 2002. Biology and conservation of the threatened Karkloof blue butterfly Orachrysops

ariadne (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). University of Natal.

Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (Eds.) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and

Swaziland. Strelizia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria South African.

Nkandla municipality, 2014. http://www.nkandla.org.za/index.php/natural-sites/nkandla-forest

POSA, 2017. Plants of South Africa - an online checklist. POSA ver. 3.0. Available at:

http://posa.sanbi.org.

SANBI. 2017. Technical guidelines for CBA Maps: Guidelines for developing a map of

Critical Biodiversity Areas & Ecological Support Areas using systematic biodiversity

planning. First Edition (Beta Version), June 2017. Compiled by Driver, A., Holness, S. &

Daniels, F. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 2017. NBA 2011 Terrestrial Formal

Protected Areas 2012. Available from the Biodiversity GIS website, downloaded on 03

August 2017.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 2017. Red List of South African Plants

version 2017.1. Downloaded from Redlist.sanbi.org on 2017/08/24.

South African National Biodiversity Institute(SANBI). NBA 2011 Terrestrial Ecosystem Threat

Status 2012. Available from the Biodiversity GIS website, downloaded on 14 September

2017

Skinner J.D. & Chimimba, C.T. 2005. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (New

Edition). Cambridge University Press. South Africa.

South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2). 2017. Available at http://vmus.adu.org.za/

Skinner J.D. & Chimimba, C.T. 2005. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (New

Edition). Cambridge University Press. South Africa.

Styles, D. & von Staden, L. 2007. Gymnosporia woodii Szyszyl. National Assessment: Red

List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Accessed on 2018/05/17

Stuart, C & T. (1994) A field guide to the tracks and signs of Southern, Central East African

Wildlife. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Taylor MR, Peacock F, Wanless RM (eds) 2015. The 2015 Eskom Red Data Book of birds of

South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

Van Oudtshoorn F. 2004. Gids tot die grasse van Suider-Afrika. Second Edition. Pretoria.

Briza Publikasies.

Van Wyk, B and Van Wyk, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of Southern Africa. Cape Town.

Struik Publishers.




101

APPENDIX A: Floral species expected to occur in the Project area

Family Scientific Name Author Conservation

Status Ecology

Fabaceae Acacia sp.

Euphorbiaceae Acalypha glandulifolia Buchinger ex Meisn.

LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Acalypha peduncularis E.Mey. ex Meisn.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Acanthospermum australe (Loefl.) Kuntze

Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Amaranthaceae Achyranthes sp.

Malpighiaceae Acridocarpus natalitius var. natalitius

A.Juss. NE Indigenous

Fabaceae Adenopodia spicata (E.Mey.) C.Presl

LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Aeollanthus parvifolius Benth. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Aerangis mystacidii (Rchb.f.) Schltr.

LC Indigenous

Meteoriaceae Aerobryopsis capensis (Müll.Hal.) M.Fleisch.

Indigenous

Asteraceae Afroaster serrulatus

(Harv.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt

LC Indigenous

Agapanthaceae Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus

F.M.Leight.

LC Indigenous

Agapanthaceae Agapanthus sp.

Loranthaceae Agelanthus natalitius subsp. zeyheri

(Meisn.) Polhill & Wiens

Indigenous

Rosaceae Agrimonia procera Wallr. LC Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Rubiaceae Alberta magna E.Mey. NT Indigenous; Endemic

Hyacinthaceae Albuca setosa Jacq.

Indigenous

Apiaceae Alepidea peduncularis Steud. ex A.Rich.

DD Indigenous

Sapindaceae Allophylus africanus var. africanus

P.Beauv.

Indigenous

Sapindaceae Allophylus dregeanus (Sond.) De Winter

Indigenous; Endemic

Poaceae Alloteropsis semialata subsp. eckloniana

(R.Br.) Hitchc.

LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Aloe arborescens Mill. LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Aloe dominella Reynolds NT Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Aloe minima Baker LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Aloe sp.

Cyatheaceae Alsophila dregei (Kunze) R.M.Tryon

LC Indigenous

Stilbaceae Anastrabe integerrima E.Mey. ex Benth.

LC Indigenous; Endemic

Poaceae Andropogon appendiculatus Nees LC Indigenous

Ranunculaceae Anemone brevistylis

(Szyszyl.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt


Ranunculaceae Anemone caffra (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Harv.





102

Asteraceae Anisopappus smutsii Hutch. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Anthospermum galpinii Schltr. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Rubiaceae Anthospermum hispidulum E.Mey. ex Sond.

LC Indigenous

Icacinaceae Apodytes dimidiata subsp. dimidiata

E.Mey. ex Arn.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Argyrolobium marginatum Bolus LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Argyrolobium speciosum Eckl. & Zeyh.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Argyrolobium tomentosum (Andrews) Druce

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Aristea abyssinica Pax LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Aristea ecklonii Baker LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Aristea torulosa Klatt LC Indigenous

Poaceae Aristida junciformis subsp. galpinii

Trin. & Rupr.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Aristida junciformis subsp. junciformis

Trin. & Rupr.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Asclepias aurea (Schltr.) Schltr.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Asclepias cultriformis (Harv. ex Schltr.) Schltr.

LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Asparagus africanus Lam. LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Asparagus buchananii Baker LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Asparagus concinnus (Baker) Kies

LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Asparagus falcatus L. LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Asparagus plumosus Baker LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Aspidoglossum carinatum (Schltr.) Kupicha

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium aethiopicum (Burm.f.) Bech.

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium anisophyllum Kunze LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium boltonii Hook. ex Brause & Hieron.

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium dregeanum Kunze LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium erectum var. erectum Bory ex Willd.

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium friesiorum C.Chr. LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium inaequilaterale Bory ex Willd.

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium lobatum Pappe & Rawson

Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium lobatum var. lobatum Pappe & Rawson

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium preussii Hieron. ex Brause

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium prionitis Kunze LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium rutifolium (P.J.Bergius) Kunze

LC Indigenous

Aspleniaceae Asplenium sp.

Aspleniaceae Asplenium splendens subsp. splendens

Kunze LC Indigenous; Endemic

Acanthaceae Asystasia varia N.E.Br.

Indigenous;




103

Endemic

Asteraceae Athanasia sp.

Asteraceae Athrixia phylicoides DC. LC Indigenous

Polytrichaceae Atrichum androgynum (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger

Indigenous

Capparaceae Bachmannia woodii (Oliv.) Gilg LC Indigenous; Endemic

Acanthaceae Barleria meyeriana Nees

Indigenous

Passifloraceae Basananthe sandersonii (Harv.) W.J.de Wilde

LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Becium sp.

Begoniaceae Begonia sutherlandii subsp. sutherlandii

Hook.f. LC Indigenous

Asparagaceae Behnia reticulata (Thunb.) Didr.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Berkheya bipinnatifida (Harv.) Roessler

Indigenous

Asteraceae Berkheya bipinnatifida subsp. bipinnatifida

(Harv.) Roessler


Asteraceae Berkheya echinacea subsp. echinacea

(Harv.) O.Hoffm. ex Burtt Davy

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Berkheya setifera DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Berkheya speciosa subsp. ovata (DC.) O.Hoffm.


Melianthaceae Bersama lucens (Hochst.) Szyszyl.

LC Indigenous

Melianthaceae Bersama tysoniana Oliv. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Blechnaceae Blechnum attenuatum (Sw.) Mett. Indigenous

Blechnaceae Blechnum sp.

Blechnaceae Blechnum tabulare (Thunb.) Kuhn

Indigenous

Dennstaedtiaceae Blotiella glabra (Bory) R.M.Tryon

Indigenous

Stilbaceae Bowkeria verticillata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schinz

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Brachiaria nigropedata (Ficalho & Hiern) Stapf

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Brachylaena discolor DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Brachylaena transvaalensis E.Phillips & Schweick.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Brachylaena uniflora Harv. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Bryaceae Brachymenium pulchrum Hook. Indigenous

Apocynaceae Brachystelma christianeae Peckover VU Indigenous; Endemic

Apocynaceae Brachystelma circinatum E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Brachystelma modestum R.A.Dyer NT Indigenous; Endemic

Apocynaceae Brachystelma rubellum (E.Mey.) Peckover

LC Indigenous

Brachytheciaceae Brachythecium ruderale (Brid.) W.R.Buck

Indigenous




104

Phyllanthaceae Bridelia cathartica subsp. cathartica

G.Bertol. LC Indigenous

Amaryllidaceae Brunsvigia grandiflora Lindl. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Amaryllidaceae Brunsvigia radulosa Herb. LC Indigenous

Bryaceae Bryum andicola Hook. Indigenous

Bryaceae Bryum aubertii (Schwägr.) Brid.

Indigenous

Orobanchaceae Buchnera dura Benth. LC Indigenous

Scrophulariaceae Buddleja pulchella N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Bulbine coetzeei Oberm. LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Bulbine frutescens (L.) Willd. LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Bulbostylis schoenoides (Kunth) C.B.Clarke

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Burchellia bubalina (L.f.) Sims LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Calanthe sylvatica (Thouars) Lindl.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Callilepis laureola DC. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Calpurnia aurea subsp. aurea (Aiton) Benth.

LC Indigenous

Leucobryaceae Campylopus pilifer var. pilifer Brid. Indigenous

Leucobryaceae Campylopus thwaitesii (Mitt.) A.Jaeger

Indigenous

Rubiaceae Canthium ciliatum (Klotzsch) Kuntze

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Canthium inerme (L.f.) Kuntze

LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Carex spartea Wahlenb. Indigenous

Cyperaceae Carex spicatopaniculata Boeck. ex C.B.Clarke

LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Carex uhligii K.Schum. ex C.B.Clarke

Indigenous

Apocynaceae Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC.

LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Casearia gladiiformis Mast. LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Casearia sp.

Celastraceae Cassine peragua subsp. peragua

L. LC Indigenous

Icacinaceae Cassinopsis tinifolia Harv. LC Indigenous

Rhizophoraceae Cassipourea malosana (Baker) Alston

LC Indigenous

Lauraceae Cassytha sp.

Celastraceae Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl.

LC Indigenous

Apiaceae Centella glabrata var. natalensis L. NE Indigenous

Rubiaceae Cephalanthus natalensis Oliv. LC Indigenous

Dipsacaceae Cephalaria oblongifolia (Kuntze) Szabó

LC Indigenous

Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophyllum demersum var. demersum

L. LC Indigenous

Pedaliaceae Ceratotheca triloba (Bernh.) Hook.f.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Ceropegia fortuita R.A.Dyer LC Indigenous




105

Scrophulariaceae Chaenostoma floribundum Benth. LC Indigenous

Pteridaceae Cheilanthes multifida (Sw.) Sw. Indigenous

Pteridaceae Cheilanthes viridis var. viridis (Forssk.) Sw.

LC Indigenous

Amaranthaceae Chenopodium carinatum R.Br. Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Oleaceae Chionanthus foveolatus subsp. tomentellus

(E.Mey.) Stearn


Oleaceae Chionanthus peglerae (C.H.Wright) Stearn


Oleaceae Chionanthus sp.

Agavaceae Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques

Indigenous

Agavaceae Chlorophytum cooperi (Baker) Nordal

Indigenous

Agavaceae Chlorophytum haygarthii J.M.Wood & M.S.Evans

Indigenous

Thelypteridaceae Christella gueinziana (Mett.) Holttum

Indigenous

Asteraceae Cineraria albicans N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Cineraria atriplicifolia DC. VU Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Cineraria deltoidea Sond. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Cineraria sp.

Lauraceae Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl NE Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Rutaceae Clausena anisata var. anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth.

LC Indigenous

Ranunculaceae Clematis brachiata Thunb. LC Indigenous

Rosaceae Cliffortia paucistaminea Weim. Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Clutia abyssinica var. abyssinica Jaub. & Spach

LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Clutia monticola var. monticola S.Moore LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Clutia pulchella var. pulchella L. LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Clutia sp.

Connaraceae Cnestis polyphylla Lam. LC Indigenous

Cucurbitaceae Coccinia mackenii Naudin ex C.Huber

LC Indigenous

Cucurbitaceae Coccinia rehmannii Cogn. LC Indigenous

Cucurbitaceae Coccinia sp.

Cucurbitaceae Coccinia variifolia A.Meeuse LC Indigenous; Endemic

Combretaceae Combretum apiculatum subsp. apiculatum

Sond. LC Indigenous

Combretaceae Combretum bracteosum (Hochst.) Engl. & Diels


Combretaceae Combretum edwardsii Exell LC Indigenous; Endemic

Combretaceae Combretum kraussii Hochst. LC Indigenous

Combretaceae Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don

LC Indigenous

Commelinaceae Commelina africana var. africana

L. LC Indigenous




106

Commelinaceae Commelina benghalensis L. LC Indigenous

Commelinaceae Commelina diffusa subsp. diffusa

Burm.f. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Conostomium natalense var. glabrum

(Hochst.) Bremek.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Conyza sumatrensis var. sumatrensis

(Retz.) E.Walker

Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Cyperaceae Costularia natalensis C.B.Clarke LC Indigenous

Acanthaceae Crabbea hirsuta Harv. Indigenous

Crassulaceae Crassula alba var. alba Forssk. Indigenous

Crassulaceae Crassula inanis Thunb. Indigenous; Endemic

Crassulaceae Crassula pellucida subsp. brachypetala

L. Indigenous

Crassulaceae Crassula vaginata subsp. vaginata

Eckl. & Zeyh.

LC Indigenous

Hymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes melanotrichum (Schltdl.) J.P.Roux

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Crocosmia aurea subsp. aurea (Pappe ex Hook.) Planch.

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Crocosmia paniculata (Klatt) Goldblatt

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Crotalaria globifera E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Croton sylvaticus Hochst. LC Indigenous

Lauraceae Cryptocarya liebertiana Engl. DD Indigenous

Poaceae Ctenium concinnum Nees LC Indigenous

Cucurbitaceae Cucumis zeyheri Sond. LC Indigenous

Cunoniaceae Cunonia capensis L. Indigenous; Endemic

Araliaceae Cussonia nicholsonii Strey Indigenous; Endemic

Araliaceae Cussonia sp.

Araliaceae Cussonia zuluensis Strey Indigenous

Commelinaceae Cyanotis lapidosa E.Phillips LC Indigenous




107

Commelinaceae Cyanotis speciosa (L.f.) Hassk.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Cyanthillium wollastonii

(S.Moore) H.Rob., Skvarla & V.A.Funk

Indigenous

Orobanchaceae Cycnium adonense E.Mey. ex Benth.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Cymbopogon caesius (Hook. & Arn.) Stapf

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle

LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Cyperus albostriatus Schrad. LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Cyperus dives Delile LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Cyperus fastigiatus Rottb. LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Cyperus latifolius Poir. LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Cyperus obtusiflorus var. obtusiflorus

Vahl LC Indigenous

Lobeliaceae Cyphia elata var. elata Harv. NE Indigenous

Lobeliaceae Cyphia sp.

Vitaceae Cyphostemma natalitium (Szyszyl.) J.J.M.van der Merwe

Indigenous; Endemic

Amaryllidaceae Cyrtanthus tuckii var. transvaalensis

Baker LC Indigenous

Thymelaeaceae Dais cotinifolia L. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Dalbergia armata E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Dalbergia obovata E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Solanaceae Datura ferox L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Solanaceae Datura stramonium L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Asteraceae Delairea odorata Lem. LC Indigenous

Aizoaceae Delosperma tradescantioides (A.Berger) L.Bolus

LC Indigenous




108

Fabaceae Derris trifoliata Lour. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Fabaceae Desmodium dregeanum Benth. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Desmodium incanum DC. NE Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Fabaceae Desmodium setigerum (E.Mey.) Benth. ex Harv.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. nyassana

(L.) Wight & Arn.

LC Indigenous

Scrophulariaceae Diclis reptans Benth. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Dicoma anomala subsp. anomala

Sond. LC Indigenous

Gleicheniaceae Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw.

LC Indigenous

Hypodematiaceae Didymochlaena truncatula (Sw.) J.Sm.

Indigenous

Hymenophyllaceae Didymoglossum reptans (Sw.) C.Presl

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Dierama floriferum Hilliard LC Indigenous; Endemic

Iridaceae Dierama galpinii N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Dierama trichorhizum (Baker) N.E.Br.

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Dietes iridioides (L.) Sweet ex Klatt

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler

NE Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Poaceae Digitaria diagonalis var. diagonalis

(Nees) Stapf

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Digitaria longiflora (Retz.) Pers.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Diheteropogon filifolius (Nees) Clayton

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Dimorphotheca jucunda E.Phillips LC Indigenous

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea cotinifolia Kunth LC Indigenous

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea dregeana (Kunth) T.Durand

LC Indigenous




109

& Schinz

Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides subsp. guerkei

Desf. Indigenous

Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea

Desf. Indigenous

Ebenaceae Diospyros simii (Kuntze) De Winter

Indigenous; Endemic

Ebenaceae Diospyros sp.

Ebenaceae Diospyros whyteana (Hiern) F.White

Indigenous

Orchidaceae Disa versicolor Rchb.f. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Disperis fanniniae Harv. LC Indigenous

Ditrichaceae Ditrichum difficile (Duby) M.Fleisch.

Indigenous

Malvaceae Dombeya tiliacea (Endl.) Planch.


Salicaceae Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. & Harv.) Warb.

LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Dovyalis rhamnoides

(Burch. ex DC.) Burch. & Harv.

LC Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Drimia calcarata (Baker) Stedje

Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Drimia depressa (Baker) Jessop

Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Drimia elata Jacq. Indigenous

Droseraceae Drosera natalensis Diels LC Indigenous

Caryophyllaceae Drymaria cordata subsp. diandra (L.) Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.

Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris inaequalis (Schltdl.) Kuntze

Indigenous; Endemic

Putranjivaceae Drypetes gerrardii var. gerrardii Hutch. LC Indigenous

Acanthaceae Dyschoriste setigera

(Pers.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt

Indigenous; Endemic




110

Amaranthaceae Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin

Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Poaceae Echinochloa crus-pavonis (Kunth) Schult.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Lam. LC Indigenous

Meliaceae Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. LC Indigenous

Meliaceae Ekebergia pterophylla (C.DC.) Hofmeyr

LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Elaeodendron croceum (Thunb.) DC.

LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Elaeodendron zeyheri Spreng. ex Turcz.

LC Indigenous

Dryopteridaceae Elaphoglossum acrostichoides (Hook. & Grev.) Schelpe

LC Indigenous

Dryopteridaceae Elaphoglossum aubertii (Desv.) T.Moore

LC Indigenous

Myrsinaceae Embelia ruminata (E.Mey. ex A.DC.) Mez


Sapotaceae Englerophytum natalense (Sond.) T.D.Penn.

LC Indigenous

Onagraceae Epilobium capense Buchinger ex Hochst.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees

LC Indigenous

Loranthaceae Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Tiegh.

LC Indigenous

Ericaceae Erica cerinthoides var. barbertona

L. NE Indigenous

Ericaceae Erica cubica L. Indigenous

Ericaceae Erica cubica var. cubica L. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Ericaceae Erica drakensbergensis Guthrie & Bolus

LC Indigenous




111

Ericaceae Erica natalitia var. natalitia Bolus LC Indigenous

Ericaceae Erica oatesii var. oatesii Rolfe LC Indigenous

Ericaceae Erica woodii var. woodii Bolus LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Eriosema distinctum N.E.Br. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Fabaceae Eriosema salignum E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Ruscaceae Eriospermum mackenii subsp. mackenii

(Hook.f.) Baker

NE Indigenous

Fabaceae Erythrina latissima E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Erythrina lysistemon Hutch. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Erythrina sp.

Erythroxylaceae Erythroxylum pictum E.Mey. ex Sond.


Hyacinthaceae Eucomis autumnalis subsp. clavata

(Mill.) Chitt.

NE Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Eucomis humilis Baker LC Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Eucomis sp.

Myrtaceae Eugenia capensis subsp. capensis

(Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond.

LC Indigenous

Myrtaceae Eugenia natalitia Sond. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Eulalia villosa (Thunb.) Nees

LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Eulophia hians var. nutans Spreng. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Euryops laxus (Harv.) Burtt Davy

LC Indigenous

Proteaceae Faurea macnaughtonii E.Phillips LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Felicia mossamedensis (Hiern) Mendonça

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Felicia muricata subsp. muricata (Thunb.) Nees

LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Ficinia stolonifera Boeck. LC Indigenous




112

Moraceae Ficus capreifolia Delile LC Indigenous

Moraceae Ficus craterostoma Warb. ex Mildbr. & Burret

LC Indigenous

Moraceae Ficus glumosa Delile LC Indigenous

Moraceae Ficus natalensis subsp. natalensis

Hochst. LC Indigenous

Moraceae Ficus sur Forssk. LC Indigenous

Moraceae Ficus sycomorus subsp. sycomorus

L. LC Indigenous

Moraceae Ficus thonningii Blume Indigenous

Fissidentaceae Fissidens borgenii Hampe Indigenous

Fissidentaceae Fissidens bryoides Hedw. Indigenous

Fissidentaceae Fissidens curvatus var. curvatus Hornsch. Indigenous

Fissidentaceae Fissidens erosulus (Müll.Hal.) Paris

Indigenous

Fissidentaceae Fissidens ovatus Brid. Indigenous

Fabaceae Flemingia grahamiana Wight & Arn.

LC Indigenous

Funariaceae Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. Indigenous

Rubiaceae Galopina circaeoides Thunb. LC Indigenous

Clusiaceae Garcinia gerrardii Harv. ex Sim

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Gardenia thunbergia L.f. LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Gasteria batesiana var. batesiana

G.D.Rowley

NT Indigenous; Endemic

Geraniaceae Geranium amatolicum Hilliard & B.L.Burtt


Asteraceae Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Gerbera natalensis Sch.Bip. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Gerbera piloselloides (L.) Cass. LC Indigenous

Gerrardinaceae Gerrardina foliosa Oliv. LC Indigenous; Endemic




113

Iridaceae Gladiolus densiflorus Baker LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Gladiolus ecklonii Lehm. LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Gladiolus woodii Baker LC Indigenous

Colchicaceae Gloriosa superba L. Indigenous

Thymelaeaceae Gnidia baurii C.H.Wright LC Indigenous; Endemic

Apocynaceae Gomphocarpus physocarpus E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Gonioma kamassi E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Orobanchaceae Graderia scabra (L.f.) Benth.

LC Indigenous

Malvaceae Grewia occidentalis var. occidentalis

L. LC Indigenous

Gunneraceae Gunnera perpensa L. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Gymnanthemum corymbosum (L.f.) H.Rob.

LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl.

LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Gymnosporia harveyana subsp. harveyana

Loes. LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Gymnosporia mossambicensis (Klotzsch) Loes.

LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Habenaria dregeana Lindl. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Habenaria nyikana Rchb.f. Indigenous

Orchidaceae Habenaria pseudociliosa

Schelpe ex J.C.Manning

LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Habenaria transvaalensis Schltr. LC Indigenous

Stilbaceae Halleria elliptica Thunb. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Stilbaceae Halleria lucida L. LC Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. ex Krauss

LC Indigenous

Orobanchaceae Harveya huttonii Hiern LC Indigenous; Endemic




114

Orobanchaceae Harveya pauciflora (Benth.) Hiern

LC Indigenous

Scrophulariaceae Hebenstretia oatesii subsp. oatesii

Rolfe LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum acutatum DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum adenocarpum subsp. adenocarpum

DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum argyrolepis MacOwan LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum aureonitens Sch.Bip. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum chionosphaerum DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum cooperi Harv. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum cymosum subsp. cymosum

(L.) D.Don LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Helichrysum ecklonis Sond. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum epapposum Bolus LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum herbaceum (Andrews) Sweet

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum hypoleucum Harv. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Helichrysum miconiifolium DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum obductum Bolus LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Helichrysum pallidum DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum pannosum DC. EN Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Helichrysum platypterum DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum rugulosum Less. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum sp.

Asteraceae Helichrysum spiralepis Hilliard & B.L.Burtt

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Helichrysum stenopterum DC. LC Indigenous

Rhamnaceae Helinus integrifolius (Lam.) Kuntze

LC Indigenous




115

Brassicaceae Heliophila rigidiuscula Sond. LC Indigenous

Loranthaceae Helixanthera woodii (Schltr. & K.Krause) Danser

LC Indigenous

Malvaceae Hermannia auricoma (Szyszyl.) K.Schum.

LC Indigenous

Malvaceae Hermannia cristata Bolus LC Indigenous

Malvaceae Hermannia grandistipula

(Buchinger ex Hochst.) K.Schum.

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Hesperantha baurii subsp. baurii Baker LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Hesperantha coccinea

(Backh. & Harv.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Hesperantha pulchra Baker LC Indigenous; Endemic

Iridaceae Hesperantha sp.

Apiaceae Heteromorpha arborescens var. abyssinica

(Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl.

LC Indigenous

Heteropyxidaceae Heteropyxis natalensis Harv. LC Indigenous

Malvaceae Hibiscus pedunculatus L.f. LC Indigenous

Malvaceae Hibiscus trionum L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Asteraceae Hilliardiella aristata (DC.) H.Rob.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Hilliardiella elaeagnoides

(DC.) Swelank. & J.C.Manning

Indigenous

Asteraceae Hilliardiella hirsuta (DC.) H.Rob.

LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Homalium dentatum (Harv.) Warb.

LC Indigenous

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia gnidioides (L.f.) Trevis.

LC Indigenous




116

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia verticillata (L.f.) Trevis.

LC Indigenous

Araliaceae Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Hyparrhenia cymbaria (L.) Stapf LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Hyperacanthus amoenus (Sims) Bridson

LC Indigenous

Hypericaceae Hypericum aethiopicum subsp. sonderi

Thunb. LC Indigenous

Hypericaceae Hypericum revolutum subsp. revolutum

Vahl LC Indigenous

Acanthaceae Hypoestes aristata var. aristata (Vahl) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult.

Indigenous

Acanthaceae Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br.

Indigenous

Acanthaceae Hypoestes triflora (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult.

Indigenous

Hypopterygiaceae Hypopterygium tamarisci (Sw.) Brid. ex Müll.Hal.

Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis acuminata Baker LC Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis argentea var. sericea Harv. ex Baker

LC Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis galpinii Baker LC Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.

LC Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis multiceps Buchinger ex Baker

LC Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis rigidula var. rigidula Baker LC Indigenous

Balsaminaceae Impatiens hochstetteri subsp. hochstetteri

Warb. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Indigastrum parviflorum subsp. parviflorum

(B.Heyne ex Wight & Arn.) Schrire

NE Indigenous

Fabaceae Indigofera arrecta Hochst. ex A.Rich.

LC Indigenous




117

Fabaceae Indigofera hilaris var. hilaris Eckl. & Zeyh.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Indigofera natalensis Bolus LC Indigenous; Endemic

Fabaceae Indigofera sp.

Asteraceae Inulanthera calva (Hutch.) Källersjö

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Inulanthera dregeana (DC.) Källersjö


Convolvulaceae Ipomoea pellita Hallier f. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Ischaemum fasciculatum Brongn. LC Indigenous

Pylaisiadelphaceae Isopterygium sp.

Oleaceae Jasminum abyssinicum Hochst. ex DC.

LC Indigenous

Acanthaceae Justicia adhatodoides

(E.Mey. ex Nees) V.A.W.Graham

Indigenous; Endemic

Acanthaceae Justicia campylostemon (Nees) T.Anderson

Indigenous

Acanthaceae Justicia nkandlaensis

(Immelman) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt

Indigenous; Endemic

Rubiaceae Keetia gueinzii (Sond.) Bridson

LC Indigenous

Achariaceae Kiggelaria africana L. LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Kniphofia buchananii Baker LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asphodelaceae Kniphofia gracilis Harv. ex Baker


Asphodelaceae Kniphofia laxiflora Kunth LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asphodelaceae Kniphofia linearifolia Baker LC Indigenous

Asphodelaceae Kniphofia sp.

Asphodelaceae Kniphofia tysonii subsp. tysonii Baker LC Indigenous; Endemic




118

Rubiaceae Kohautia amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh.

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Kraussia floribunda Harv. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Lactuca tysonii (E.Phillips) C.Jeffrey


Cucurbitaceae Lagenaria sphaerica (Sond.) Naudin

LC Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Lannea edulis var. edulis (Sond.) Engl.

LC Indigenous

Verbenaceae Lantana camara L.

Not Indigenous; Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive

Urticaceae Laportea peduncularis subsp. peduncularis

(Wedd.) Chew

Indigenous

Thymelaeaceae Lasiosiphon anthylloides (L.f.) Meisn.


Thymelaeaceae Lasiosiphon calocephalus (Meisn.) Domke

Indigenous; Endemic

Thymelaeaceae Lasiosiphon splendens (Meisn.) Endl.

LC Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria cooperi (Hook.f.) Jessop

Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria ovatifolia (Baker) Jessop

Indigenous; Endemic

Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria revoluta (L.f.) Jessop

LC Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria sp.

Euphorbiaceae Leidesia procumbens (L.) Prain LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Leobordea corymbosa

(E.Mey.) B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Leobordea grandis

(Dümmer) B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr.


Lamiaceae Leonotis ocymifolia (Burm.f.) Iwarsson

LC Indigenous

Pilotrichaceae Lepidopilidium hanningtonii (Mitt.) Indigenous




119

Broth.

Polypodiaceae Lepisorus schraderi (Mett.) Ching

LC Indigenous

Leptodontaceae Leptodon smithii (Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Mohr

Indigenous

Dicranaceae Leucoloma rehmannii (Müll.Hal.) Rehmann ex Paris

Indigenous

Verbenaceae Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng.

Indigenous

Fabaceae Listia heterophylla E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Lobeliaceae Lobelia erinus L. LC Indigenous

Lobeliaceae Lobelia eurypoda var. eurypoda E.Wimm. LC Indigenous

Lobeliaceae Lobelia malowensis E.Wimm. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Loudetia densispica (Rendle) C.E.Hubb.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Loudetia simplex (Nees) C.E.Hubb.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Loudetia sp.

Polypodiaceae Loxogramme abyssinica (Baker) M.G.Price

LC Indigenous

Lycopodiaceae Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic.Serm.

LC Indigenous

Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium clavatum L. LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Macaranga capensis (Baill.) Benth. ex Sim

Indigenous

Acanthaceae Mackaya bella Harv. Indigenous

Orthotrichaceae Macrocoma lycopodioides (Schwägr.) Vitt

Indigenous

Orthotrichaceae Macrocoma tenuis subsp. tenuis (Hook. & Grev.) Vitt

Indigenous

Orthotrichaceae Macromitrium serpens

(Bruch ex Hook. & Grev.) Brid.

Indigenous

Capparaceae Maerua racemulosa (A.DC.) Gilg &

LC Indigenous




120

Gilg-Ben.

Maesaceae Maesa lanceolata Forssk. LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Maytenus acuminata var. acuminata

(L.f.) Loes. LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Maytenus cordata (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Loes.


Celastraceae Maytenus peduncularis (Sond.) Loes.

LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Maytenus undata (Thunb.) Blakelock

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Melinis sp.

Hyacinthaceae Merwilla plumbea (Lindl.) Speta

Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Micrococca capensis (Baill.) Prain

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Microstegium nudum (Trin.) A.Camus

LC Indigenous

Mniaceae Mielichhoferia bryoides (Harv.) Wijk & Margad.

Indigenous

Sapotaceae Mimusops obovata Nees ex Sond.

LC Indigenous

Anemiaceae Mohria caffrorum (L.) Desv. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Anemiaceae Mohria vestita Baker LC Indigenous

Cucurbitaceae Momordica foetida Schumach.

LC Indigenous

Annonaceae Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc.

Indigenous

Lobeliaceae Monopsis stellarioides subsp. stellarioides

(C.Presl) Urb.

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Moraea inclinata Goldblatt LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Moraea moggii subsp. albescens N.E.Br. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Iridaceae Moraea sp.

Iridaceae Moraea spathulata (L.f.) Klatt LC Indigenous




121

Myricaceae Morella brevifolia (E.Mey. ex C.DC.) Killick

Indigenous; Endemic

Myricaceae Morella pilulifera (Rendle) Killick

Indigenous

Myricaceae Morella sp.

Myrsinaceae Myrsine africana L. LC Indigenous

Neckeraceae Neckera valentiniana Besch. Indigenous

Scrophulariaceae Nemesia umbonata (Hiern) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Nidorella auriculata DC. LC Indigenous

Geocalycaceae Notoscyphus lutescens (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Mitt.

Indigenous

Stilbaceae Nuxia congesta R.Br. ex Fresen.

LC Indigenous

Stilbaceae Nuxia floribunda Benth. LC Indigenous

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea lotus L. Indigenous

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea

Burm.f. Indigenous

Ochnaceae Ochna arborea var. arborea Burch. ex DC.

NE Indigenous

Ochnaceae Ochna holstii Engl. LC Indigenous

Ochnaceae Ochna natalitia (Meisn.) Walp.

LC Indigenous

Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata (Hochst.) Walp.

LC Indigenous

Ochnaceae Ochna sp.

Oleaceae Olea capensis subsp. enervis L. LC Indigenous

Oleaceae Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa

L. LC Indigenous

Oliniaceae Olinia radiata Hofmeyr & E.Phillips


Apocynaceae Oncinotis tenuiloba Stapf LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Oncoba spinosa Forssk. Indigenous




122

Ophioglossaceae Ophioglossum polyphyllum A.Braun Indigenous

Poaceae Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) Roem. & Schult.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Ormocarpum trichocarpum (Taub.) Engl.

LC Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Ornithogalum tenuifolium subsp. tenuifolium

F.Delaroche

Indigenous

Orchidaceae Orthochilus ensatus (Lindl.) Bytebier

Indigenous

Orchidaceae Orthochilus leontoglossus (Rchb.f.) Bytebier

Indigenous

Neckeraceae Orthostichella pandurifolia (Müll.Hal.) W.R.Buck

Indigenous

Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis L. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Othonna natalensis Sch.Bip. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Otiophora calycophylla subsp. calycophylla

(Sond.) Schltr. & K.Schum.


Oxalidaceae Oxalis obliquifolia Steud. ex A.Rich.

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Oxyanthus speciosus subsp. gerrardii

DC. LC Indigenous

Polygonaceae Oxygonum dregeanum subsp. dregeanum

Meisn. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Anacardiaceae Ozoroa paniculosa var. paniculosa

(Sond.) R.Fern. & A.Fern.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Pachycarpus campanulatus var. sutherlandii

(Harv.) N.E.Br.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Pachycarpus rostratus N.E.Br. CR Indigenous; Endemic

Apocynaceae Pachycarpus sp.

Rubiaceae Pachystigma macrocalyx (Sond.) Robyns

LC Indigenous

Brachytheciaceae Palamocladium leskeoides (Hook.) E.Britton

Indigenous

Poaceae Panicum aequinerve Nees LC Indigenous




123

Poaceae Panicum maximum Jacq. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Panicum natalense Hochst. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Panicum schinzii Hack. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Panicum sp.

Meteoriaceae Papillaria africana (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger

Indigenous

Poaceae Paspalum distichum L. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Pavetta inandensis Bremek. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Pavetta natalensis Sond. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Malvaceae Pavonia columella Cav. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Pearsonia sessilifolia subsp. filifolia

(Harv.) Dümmer

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Pearsonia sessilifolia subsp. sessilifolia

(Harv.) Dümmer

LC Indigenous

Thymelaeaceae Peddiea africana Harv. LC Indigenous

Geraniaceae Pelargonium alchemilloides (L.) L'Hér. LC Indigenous

Geraniaceae Pelargonium luridum (Andrews) Sweet

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Pentameris natalensis (Stapf) Galley & H.P.Linder

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Pentanisia angustifolia (Hochst.) Hochst.

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Pentanisia prunelloides

(Klotzsch ex Eckl. & Zeyh.) Walp.

Indigenous

Rubiaceae Pentanisia prunelloides subsp. latifolia

(Klotzsch ex Eckl. & Zeyh.) Walp.

LC Indigenous

Polygonaceae Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Asteraceae Phymaspermum acerosum (DC.) Källersjö


Solanaceae Physalis peruviana L. Not Indigenous; Cultivated;




124

Naturalised; Invasive

Solanaceae Physalis viscosa L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca heptandra Retz. LC Indigenous

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Piperaceae Piper capense var. capense L.f. Indigenous

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Platycarpha glomerata (Thunb.) Less.


Lamiaceae Plectranthus ciliatus E.Mey. ex Benth.

LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Plectranthus dolichopodus Briq. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Lamiaceae Plectranthus ecklonii Benth. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Lamiaceae Plectranthus fruticosus L'Hér. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Plectranthus grallatus Briq. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Plectranthus hadiensis var. hadiensis

(Forssk.) Schweinf. ex Spreng.

LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Plectranthus laxiflorus Benth. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Plectranthus saccatus var. saccatus

Benth. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Lamiaceae Plectranthus zuluensis T.Cooke LC Indigenous

Polypodiaceae Pleopeltis macrocarpa (Bory ex Willd.) Kaulf.

LC Indigenous

Polypodiaceae Pleopeltis polypodioides subsp. ecklonii

(L.) E.G.Andrews & Windham

LC Indigenous

Podocarpaceae Podocarpus latifolius (Thunb.) R.Br. ex Mirb.

Indigenous

Caryophyllaceae Pollichia campestris Aiton Indigenous




125

Polygalaceae Polygala hottentotta C.Presl LC Indigenous

Polypodiaceae Polypodium sp.

Orchidaceae Polystachya ottoniana Rchb.f. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Polystachya sandersonii Harv. LC Indigenous

Dryopteridaceae Polystichum transkeiense W.Jacobsen

Indigenous; Endemic

Polytrichaceae Polytrichum commune Hedw. Indigenous

Neckeraceae Porothamnium stipitatum

(Mitt.) Touw ex De Sloover

Indigenous

Neckeraceae Porotrichum madagassum Kiaer ex Besch.

Indigenous

Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton octandrus Poir. LC Indigenous

Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton schweinfurthii A.Benn. LC Indigenous

Proteaceae Protea gaguedi J.F.Gmel. LC Indigenous

Proteaceae Protea roupelliae subsp. roupelliae

Meisn. LC Indigenous

Proteaceae Protea welwitschii Engl. LC Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Protorhus longifolia (Bernh.) Engl.

LC Indigenous

Molluginaceae Psammotropha myriantha Sond. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Pseudarthria hookeri var. hookeri

Wight & Arn.

LC Indigenous

Leskeaceae Pseudoleskeopsis claviramea (Müll.Hal.) Thér.

Indigenous

Fabaceae Psoralea glabra E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Psoralea pinnata L. Indigenous

Rubiaceae Psychotria capensis subsp. capensis

(Eckl.) Vatke

NE Indigenous

Rubiaceae Psydrax locuples (K.Schum.) Bridson

LC Indigenous

Rutaceae Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Thunb.) Radlk.

LC Indigenous

Pterobryaceae Pterobryopsis hoehnelii (Müll.Hal.) Indigenous




126

Müll.Hal.

Pterobryaceae Pterobryopsis sp.

Celastraceae Pterocelastrus echinatus N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Pulicaria scabra (Thunb.) Druce

LC Indigenous

Cyperaceae Pycreus macranthus (Boeck.) C.B.Clarke

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae

Pygmaeothamnus chamaedendrum var. chamaedendrum

(Kuntze) Robyns


Rhizogoniaceae Pyrrhobryum spiniforme (Hedw.) Mitt.

Indigenous

Lamiaceae Rabdosiella calycina (Benth.) Codd

LC Indigenous

Myrsinaceae Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Raphionacme hirsuta (E.Mey.) R.A.Dyer

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Rauvolfia caffra Sond. LC Indigenous

Achariaceae Rawsonia lucida Harv. & Sond.

LC Indigenous

Bryaceae Rhodobryum commersonii (Schwägr.) Paris

Indigenous

Bryaceae Rhodobryum umbraculum

(Bruch ex Hook.) Schimp. ex Paris

Indigenous

Hypoxidaceae Rhodohypoxis baurii var. platypetala

(Baker) Nel


Vitaceae Rhoicissus rhomboidea (E.Mey. ex Harv.) Planch.

Indigenous

Vitaceae Rhoicissus tridentata subsp. cuneifolia

(L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm.

Indigenous

Fabaceae Rhynchosia crassifolia Benth. ex Harv.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Rhynchosia woodii Schinz LC Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Ricinus communis var. communis

L. NE Not Indigenous; Cultivated;




127

Naturalised; Invasive

Violaceae Rinorea angustifolia subsp. natalensis

(Thouars) Baill.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Riocreuxia torulosa Decne. Indigenous

Apocynaceae Riocreuxia torulosa var. torulosa (E.Mey.) Decne.

LC Indigenous

Celastraceae Robsonodendron eucleiforme

(Eckl. & Zeyh.) R.H.Archer

Indigenous

Lamiaceae Rotheca hirsuta (Hochst.) R.Fern.

Indigenous

Rubiaceae Rothmannia capensis Thunb. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Rothmannia globosa (Hochst.) Keay

LC Indigenous

Rosaceae Rubus cuneifolius Pursh Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Rosaceae Rubus pinnatus Willd. LC Indigenous

Rosaceae Rubus rigidus Sm. LC Indigenous

Polygonaceae Rumex sagittatus Thunb. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Satyrium longicauda var. longicauda

Lindl. NE Indigenous

Orchidaceae Satyrium macrophyllum Lindl. LC Indigenous

Dipsacaceae Scabiosa columbaria L. LC Indigenous

Araliaceae Schefflera umbellifera (Sond.) Baill.

Indigenous

Asteraceae Schistostephium crataegifolium (DC.) Fenzl ex Harv.

LC Indigenous

Poaceae Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston

LC Indigenous

Hyacinthaceae Schizocarphus nervosus (Burch.) Van der Merwe

Indigenous

Apocynaceae Schizoglossum bidens subsp. pachyglossum

E.Mey. LC Indigenous




128

Apocynaceae Schizoglossum ingomense N.E.Br. EN Indigenous; Endemic

Orthotrichaceae Schlotheimia ferruginea

(Bruch ex Hook. & Grev.) Brid.

Indigenous

Orthotrichaceae Schlotheimia percuspidata Müll.Hal. Indigenous

Orthotrichaceae Schlotheimia rufopallens Müll.Hal. Indigenous; Endemic

Orthotrichaceae Schlotheimia sp.

Cyperaceae Scleria natalensis Boeck. ex C.B.Clarke


Salicaceae Scolopia mundii (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Warb.

LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Scolopia zeyheri (Nees) Harv.

LC Indigenous

Rhamnaceae Scutia myrtina (Burm.f.) Kurz

LC Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Searsia chirindensis (Baker f.) Moffett

Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Searsia dentata (Thunb.) F.A.Barkley

Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Searsia discolor (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Moffett

Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Searsia pyroides var. gracilis (Burch.) Moffett

Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Searsia pyroides var. integrifolia (Burch.) Moffett

Indigenous

Gentianaceae Sebaea sedoides var. confertiflora

Gilg LC Indigenous

Gentianaceae Sebaea sedoides var. schoenlandii

Gilg LC Indigenous

Gentianaceae Sebaea sedoides var. sedoides Gilg LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Secamone gerrardii Harv. ex Benth.

LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Secamone parvifolia (Oliv.) Bullock

LC Indigenous




129

Selaginellaceae Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A.Braun

Indigenous

Scrophulariaceae Selago hyssopifolia subsp. retrotricha

E.Mey. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Scrophulariaceae Selago longipedicellata Rolfe LC Indigenous; Endemic

Sematophyllaceae Sematophyllum dregei (Müll.Hal.) Magill

Indigenous

Sematophyllaceae Sematophyllum gueinzii (Hampe) Magill

Indigenous

Sematophyllaceae Sematophyllum zuluense (Sim) Magill

Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Senecio deltoideus Less. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Senecio erubescens var. erubescens

Aiton NE Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Senecio gerrardii Harv. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Senecio glaberrimus DC. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Senecio macroglossoides Hilliard LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Senecio ngoyanus Hilliard VU Indigenous

Asteraceae Senecio panduriformis Hilliard LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Senecio parascitus Hilliard LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Senecio sp.

Asteraceae Senecio tamoides DC. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Senegalia ataxacantha (DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Senegalia caffra (Thunb.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Senegalia kraussiana

(Meisn. ex Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr.

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Seriphium plumosum L. Indigenous

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia L. Indigenous

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia subsp. L. LC Indigenous




130

rhombifolia

Caryophyllaceae Silene burchellii subsp. multiflora Otth Indigenous

Caryophyllaceae Silene burchellii subsp. pilosellifolia

Otth Indigenous

Smilacaceae Smilax anceps Willd. Indigenous

Fabaceae Smithia erubescens (E.Mey.) Baker f.

LC Indigenous

Anacardiaceae Smodingium argutum E.Mey. ex Sond.


Solanaceae Solanum aculeastrum var. aculeastrum

Dunal LC Indigenous

Solanaceae Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq. Indigenous

Solanaceae Solanum catombelense Peyr. LC Indigenous

Solanaceae Solanum chenopodioides Lam. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Solanaceae Solanum giganteum Jacq. LC Indigenous

Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum Scop. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Solanaceae Solanum sp.

Orobanchaceae Sopubia cana var. cana Harv. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Spermacoce natalensis Hochst. LC Indigenous

Sphagnaceae Sphagnum strictum subsp. pappeanum

Sull. Indigenous

Fabaceae Sphenostylis angustifolia Sond. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Sporobolus africanus (Poir.) Robyns & Tournay

LC Indigenous

Brachytheciaceae Squamidium brasiliense (Hornsch.) Broth.

Indigenous

Lamiaceae Stachys aethiopica L. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Stachys tubulosa MacOwan LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Stenoglottis fimbriata Lindl. Indigenous




131

Orchidaceae Stenoglottis fimbriata subsp. fimbriata

Lindl. LC Indigenous

Orchidaceae Stenoglottis longifolia Hook.f. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Poaceae Stiburus alopecuroides (Hack.) Stapf

LC Indigenous

Gleicheniaceae Sticherus umbraculiferus (Kunze) Ching

LC Indigenous

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus cooksonii B.L.Burtt LC Indigenous; Endemic

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus cooperi C.B.Clarke LC Indigenous; Endemic

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus daviesii N.E.Br. ex C.B.Clarke

LC Indigenous

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus fanniniae Harv. ex C.B.Clarke


Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus grandis subsp. grandis

N.E.Br. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus haygarthii N.E.Br. ex C.B.Clarke


Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus pentherianus Fritsch LC Indigenous

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus polyanthus subsp. comptonii

Hook. LC Indigenous

Gesneriaceae Streptocarpus sp.

Apocynaceae Strophanthus speciosus (Ward & Harv.) Reber

LC Indigenous

Loganiaceae Strychnos henningsii Gilg LC Indigenous

Loganiaceae Strychnos spinosa Lam. Indigenous

Euphorbiaceae Suregada zanzibariensis Baill. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Syncolostemon argenteus N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Syncolostemon densiflorus Benth. LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Syncolostemon teucriifolius (Hochst.) D.F.Otieno

LC Indigenous

Calymperaceae Syrrhopodon gaudichaudii Mont. Indigenous

Myrtaceae Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex Indigenous




132

C.Krauss

Myrtaceae Syzygium cordatum subsp. cordatum

Hochst. ex C.Krauss

LC Indigenous

Myrtaceae Syzygium gerrardii (Harv. ex Hook.f.) Burtt Davy

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Tarchonanthus trilobus var. galpinii

DC. LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Tarenna pavettoides subsp. pavettoides

(Harv.) Sim

LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Tenrhynea phylicifolia (DC.) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Tephrosia albissima subsp. zuluensis

H.M.L.Forbes


Fabaceae Tephrosia macropoda var. macropoda

(E.Mey.) Harv.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Tephrosia polystachya var. polystachya

E.Mey. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Tephrosia shiluwanensis Schinz LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Teramnus labialis subsp. labialis (L.f.) Spreng.

LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd

LC Indigenous

Scrophulariaceae Tetraselago natalensis (Rolfe) Junell

LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Teucrium kraussii Codd LC Indigenous

Pilotrichaceae Thamniopsis utacamundiana (Mont.) W.R.Buck

Indigenous

Santalaceae Thesium costatum var. costatum A.W.Hill LC Indigenous

Santalaceae Thesium sp.

Lamiaceae Thorncroftia sp.

Acanthaceae Thunbergia atriplicifolia E.Mey. ex Nees

LC Indigenous

Acanthaceae Thunbergia purpurata Harv. ex C.B.Clarke


Asphodelaceae Trachyandra saltii var. secunda (Baker) Oberm.

LC Indigenous




133

Euphorbiaceae Tragia capensis Thunb. Indigenous

Ulmaceae Trema orientalis (L.) Blume LC Indigenous

Bruchiaceae Trematodon divaricatus Bruch Indigenous

Rubiaceae Tricalysia capensis var. capensis (Meisn. ex Hochst.) Sim

LC Indigenous

Meliaceae Trichilia dregeana Sond. LC Indigenous

Poaceae Trichopteryx dregeana Nees LC Indigenous

Pottiaceae Trichostomum brachydontium Bruch Indigenous

Fabaceae Trifolium africanum var. africanum

Ser. NE Indigenous

Fabaceae Trifolium repens L. NE Not Indigenous; Naturalised

Salicaceae Trimeria grandifolia subsp. grandifolia

(Hochst.) Warb.

LC Indigenous

Salicaceae Trimeria trinervis Harv. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Malvaceae Triumfetta pilosa var. effusa Roth NE Indigenous

Alliaceae Tulbaghia cernua Avé-Lall. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Alliaceae Tulbaghia ludwigiana Harv. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Ursinia alpina N.E.Br. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Ursinia saxatilis N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Ursinia tenuifolia (L.) Poir. Indigenous

Asteraceae Ursinia tenuifolia subsp. ciliaris (L.) Poir. LC Indigenous; Endemic

Asteraceae Ursinia tenuiloba DC. LC Indigenous

Lentibulariaceae Utricularia stellaris L.f. LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Vachellia borleae

(Burtt Davy) Kyal. & Boatwr.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Vachellia davyi (N.E.Br.) Kyal. &

LC Indigenous




134

Boatwr.

Fabaceae Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Gallaso

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana

(L.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Vachellia robusta subsp. clavigera

(Burch.) Kyal. & Boatwr.

LC Indigenous

Fabaceae Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii (DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr.

LC Indigenous

Rubiaceae Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta

Burch. LC Indigenous

Rutaceae Vepris lanceolata (Lam.) G.Don

LC Indigenous

Rutaceae Vepris natalensis (Sond.) Mziray

Indigenous

Rutaceae Vepris reflexa I.Verd. LC Indigenous

Santalaceae Viscum triflorum DC. Indigenous

Pteridaceae Vittaria isoetifolia Bory LC Indigenous

Lamiaceae Volkameria glabra (E.Mey.) Mabb. & Y.W.Yuan

LC Indigenous

Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia epacridea Sond. LC Indigenous

Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia squamifolia Brehmer LC Indigenous

Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia undulata (L.f.) A.DC.

LC Indigenous

Iridaceae Watsonia confusa Goldblatt LC Indigenous; Endemic

Iridaceae Watsonia densiflora Baker LC Indigenous; Endemic

Iridaceae Watsonia sp.

Solanaceae Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal LC Indigenous

Asteraceae Xanthium strumarium L. Not Indigenous; Naturalised; Invasive

Velloziaceae Xerophyta retinervis Baker LC Indigenous




135

Monimiaceae Xymalos monospora (Harv.) Baill.

Indigenous

Xyridaceae Xyris capensis Thunb. Indigenous

Apocynaceae Xysmalobium asperum N.E.Br. LC Indigenous

Apocynaceae Xysmalobium involucratum (E.Mey.) Decne.

LC Indigenous

Rutaceae Zanthoxylum davyi (I.Verd.) P.G.Waterman

LC Indigenous

Rhamnaceae Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata

Willd. Indigenous

Fabaceae Zornia capensis subsp. capensis Pers. LC Indigenous




136

APPENDIX B: Avifaunal species expected to occur in the Project area

Species Common Name Regional

(SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017)

Accipiter melanoleucus Sparrowhawk, Black Unlisted LC

Accipiter rufiventris Sparrowhawk, Rufous-chested Unlisted LC

Accipiter tachiro Goshawk, African Unlisted LC

Acridotheres tristis Myna, Common Unlisted LC

Acrocephalus baeticatus Reed-warbler, African Unlisted Unlisted

Acrocephalus gracilirostris Swamp-warbler, Lesser Unlisted LC

Actitis hypoleucos Sandpiper, Common Unlisted LC

Alcedo cristata Kingfisher, Malachite Unlisted Unlisted

Alopochen aegyptiacus Goose, Egyptian Unlisted LC

Amandava subflava Waxbill, Orange-breasted Unlisted Unlisted

Amblyospiza albifrons Weaver, Thick-billed Unlisted LC

Anas sparsa Duck, African Black Unlisted LC

Anas undulata Duck, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC

Andropadus importunus Greenbul, Sombre Unlisted LC

Anhinga rufa Darter, African Unlisted LC

Anthoscopus caroli Penduline-tit, Grey Unlisted LC

Anthropoides paradiseus Crane, Blue NT VU

Anthus cinnamomeus Pipit, African Unlisted LC

Anthus leucophrys Pipit, Plain-backed Unlisted LC

Anthus lineiventris Pipit, Striped Unlisted LC

Anthus similis Pipit, Long-billed Unlisted LC

Apalis flavida Apalis, Yellow-breasted Unlisted LC

Apalis thoracica Apalis, Bar-throated Unlisted LC

Apaloderma narina Trogon, Narina Unlisted LC

Aplopelia larvata Dove, Lemon Unlisted LC

Apus affinis Swift, Little Unlisted LC

Apus apus Swift, Common Unlisted LC

Apus barbatus Swift, African Black Unlisted LC

Apus caffer Swift, White-rumped Unlisted LC

Apus horus Swift, Horus Unlisted LC

Aquila rapax Eagle, Tawny EN LC

Aquila wahlbergi Eagle, Wahlberg's Unlisted LC

Ardea cinerea Heron, Grey Unlisted LC

Ardea melanocephala Heron, Black-headed Unlisted LC

Batis capensis Batis, Cape Unlisted LC

Batis molitor Batis, Chinspot Unlisted LC

Bostrychia hagedash Ibis, Hadeda Unlisted LC

Bradypterus baboecala Rush-warbler, Little Unlisted LC

Bradypterus barratti Warbler, Barratt's Unlisted LC

Bubo africanus Eagle-owl, Spotted Unlisted LC

Bubulcus ibis Egret, Cattle Unlisted LC

Bucorvus leadbeateri Ground-hornbill, Southern EN VU




137

Buphagus erythrorhynchus Oxpecker, Red-billed Unlisted Unlisted

Burhinus capensis Thick-knee, Spotted Unlisted LC

Burhinus vermiculatus Thick-knee, Water Unlisted LC

Buteo rufofuscus Buzzard, Jackal Unlisted LC

Buteo trizonatus Buzzard, Forest Unlisted Unlisted

Buteo vulpinus Buzzard, Steppe Unlisted Unlisted

Bycanistes bucinator Hornbill, Trumpeter Unlisted LC

Calendulauda sabota Lark, Sabota Unlisted LC

Camaroptera brachyura Camaroptera, Green-backed Unlisted LC

Camaroptera brevicaudata Camaroptera, Grey-backed Unlisted Unlisted

Campephaga flava Cuckoo-shrike, Black Unlisted LC

Campethera abingoni Woodpecker, Golden-tailed Unlisted LC

Caprimulgus pectoralis Nightjar, Fiery-necked Unlisted LC

Centropus burchellii Coucal, Burchell's Unlisted Unlisted

Centropus superciliosus Coucal, White-browed Unlisted LC

Cercomela familiaris Chat, Familiar Unlisted LC

Cercotrichas leucophrys Scrub-robin, White-browed Unlisted LC

Cercotrichas signata Scrub-robin, Brown Unlisted Unlisted

Ceryle rudis Kingfisher, Pied Unlisted LC

Chalcomitra amethystina Sunbird, Amethyst Unlisted LC

Chalcomitra senegalensis Sunbird, Scarlet-chested Unlisted LC

Charadrius tricollaris Plover, Three-banded Unlisted LC

Chlorocichla flaviventris Greenbul, Yellow-bellied Unlisted LC

Chloropeta natalensis Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow Unlisted LC

Chrysococcyx caprius Cuckoo, Diderick Unlisted LC

Chrysococcyx cupreus Cuckoo, African Emerald Unlisted LC

Chrysococcyx klaas Cuckoo, Klaas's Unlisted LC

Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Starling, Violet-backed Unlisted LC

Cinnyris afer Sunbird, Greater Double-collared Unlisted LC

Cinnyris chalybeus Sunbird, Southern Double-collared Unlisted LC

Cinnyris talatala Sunbird, White-bellied Unlisted LC

Circaetus cinereus Snake-eagle, Brown Unlisted LC

Circaetus pectoralis Snake-eagle, Black-chested Unlisted LC

Circus ranivorus Marsh-harrier, African EN LC

Cisticola aberrans Cisticola, Lazy Unlisted LC

Cisticola ayresii Cisticola, Wing-snapping Unlisted LC

Cisticola chiniana Cisticola, Rattling Unlisted LC

Cisticola cinnamomeus Cisticola, Pale-crowned Unlisted Unlisted

Cisticola fulvicapilla Neddicky, Neddicky Unlisted LC

Cisticola juncidis Cisticola, Zitting Unlisted LC

Cisticola lais Cisticola, Wailing Unlisted Unlisted

Cisticola natalensis Cisticola, Croaking Unlisted LC

Cisticola textrix Cisticola, Cloud Unlisted Unlisted

Cisticola tinniens Cisticola, Levaillant's Unlisted LC




138

Coccopygia melanotis Waxbill, Swee Unlisted LC

Colius striatus Mousebird, Speckled Unlisted LC

Columba arquatrix Olive-pigeon, African Unlisted LC

Columba delegorguei Pigeon, Eastern Bronze-naped EN LC

Columba guinea Pigeon, Speckled Unlisted LC

Columba livia Dove, Rock Unlisted LC

Coracias caudatus Roller, Lilac-breasted Unlisted LC

Coracina caesia Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Unlisted LC

Corvus albicollis Raven, White-necked Unlisted LC

Corvus albus Crow, Pied Unlisted LC

Corvus capensis Crow, Cape Unlisted LC

Cossypha caffra Robin-chat, Cape Unlisted LC

Cossypha dichroa Robin-chat, Chorister Unlisted LC

Cossypha humeralis Robin-chat, White-throated Unlisted LC

Cossypha natalensis Robin-chat, Red-capped Unlisted LC

Coturnix coturnix Quail, Common Unlisted LC

Crithagra gularis Seedeater, Streaky-headed Unlisted LC

Crithagra mozambicus Canary, Yellow-fronted Unlisted LC

Crithagra scotops Canary, Forest Unlisted LC

Crithagra sulphuratus Canary, Brimstone Unlisted Unlisted

Cuculus clamosus Cuckoo, Black Unlisted LC

Cuculus solitarius Cuckoo, Red-chested Unlisted LC

Cyanomitra olivacea Sunbird, Olive Unlisted LC

Dendrocygna viduata Duck, White-faced Unlisted LC

Dendropicos fuscescens Woodpecker, Cardinal Unlisted LC

Dendropicos griseocephalus Woodpecker, Olive Unlisted LC

Dicrurus adsimilis Drongo, Fork-tailed Unlisted LC

Dryoscopus cubla Puffback, Black-backed Unlisted LC

Egretta garzetta Egret, Little Unlisted LC

Elanus caeruleus Kite, Black-shouldered Unlisted LC

Emberiza flaviventris Bunting, Golden-breasted Unlisted LC

Estrilda astrild Waxbill, Common Unlisted LC

Euplectes albonotatus Widowbird, White-winged Unlisted LC

Euplectes ardens Widowbird, Red-collared Unlisted LC

Euplectes axillaris Widowbird, Fan-tailed Unlisted LC

Euplectes capensis Bishop, Yellow Unlisted Unlisted

Euplectes orix Bishop, Southern Red Unlisted LC

Euplectes progne Widowbird, Long-tailed Unlisted LC

Eupodotis senegalensis Korhaan, White-bellied VU LC

Falco biarmicus Falcon, Lanner VU LC

Gallirex porphyreolophus Turaco, Purple-crested Unlisted LC

Geronticus calvus Ibis, Southern Bald VU VU

Gyps coprotheres Vulture, Cape EN EN

Halcyon albiventris Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Unlisted LC

Haliaeetus vocifer Fish-eagle, African Unlisted LC




139

Hedydipna collaris Sunbird, Collared Unlisted LC

Hippolais icterina Warbler, Icterine Unlisted LC

Hirundo abyssinica Swallow, Lesser Striped Unlisted LC

Hirundo albigularis Swallow, White-throated Unlisted LC

Hirundo cucullata Swallow, Greater Striped Unlisted LC

Hirundo fuligula Martin, Rock Unlisted Unlisted

Hirundo rustica Swallow, Barn Unlisted LC

Hirundo semirufa Swallow, Red-breasted Unlisted LC

Hirundo smithii Swallow, Wire-tailed Unlisted LC

Indicator indicator Honeyguide, Greater Unlisted LC

Indicator minor Honeyguide, Lesser Unlisted LC

Ispidina picta Pygmy-Kingfisher, African Unlisted LC

Jynx ruficollis Wryneck, Red-throated Unlisted LC

Lagonosticta rubricata Firefinch, African Unlisted LC

Lagonosticta senegala Firefinch, Red-billed Unlisted LC

Lamprotornis corruscus Starling, Black-bellied Unlisted LC

Lamprotornis nitens Starling, Cape Glossy Unlisted LC

Laniarius ferrugineus Boubou, Southern Unlisted LC

Lanius collaris Fiscal, Common (Southern) Unlisted LC

Lanius collurio Shrike, Red-backed Unlisted LC

Lioptilus nigricapillus Blackcap, Bush VU VU

Lonchura cucullatus Mannikin, Bronze Unlisted Unlisted

Lybius torquatus Barbet, Black-collared Unlisted LC

Macronyx capensis Longclaw, Cape Unlisted LC

Macronyx croceus Longclaw, Yellow-throated Unlisted LC

Malaconotus blanchoti Bush-shrike, Grey-headed Unlisted LC

Mandingoa nitidula Twinspot, Green Unlisted LC

Megaceryle maximus Kingfisher, Giant Unlisted Unlisted

Melaenornis pammelaina Flycatcher, Southern Black Unlisted LC

Merops bullockoides Bee-eater, White-fronted Unlisted Unlisted

Merops pusillus Bee-eater, Little Unlisted LC

Milvus aegyptius Kite, Yellow-billed Unlisted Unlisted

Mirafra africana Lark, Rufous-naped Unlisted LC

Monticola rupestris Rock-thrush, Cape Unlisted LC

Motacilla aguimp Wagtail, African Pied Unlisted LC

Motacilla capensis Wagtail, Cape Unlisted LC

Muscicapa adusta Flycatcher, African Dusky Unlisted LC

Muscicapa caerulescens Flycatcher, Ashy Unlisted LC

Muscicapa striata Flycatcher, Spotted Unlisted LC

Myrmecocichla formicivora Chat, Anteating Unlisted Unlisted

Nectarinia famosa Sunbird, Malachite Unlisted LC

Nilaus afer Brubru, Brubru Unlisted LC

Numida meleagris Guineafowl, Helmeted Unlisted LC

Oenanthe bifasciata Chat, Buff-streaked Unlisted Unlisted

Oenanthe monticola Wheatear, Mountain Unlisted Unlisted




140

Onychognathus morio Starling, Red-winged Unlisted LC

Oriolus larvatus Oriole, Black-headed Unlisted LC

Ortygospiza atricollis Quailfinch, African Unlisted LC

Parisoma subcaeruleum Tit-babbler, Chestnut-vented Unlisted Unlisted

Parus niger Tit, Southern Black Unlisted Unlisted

Passer diffusus Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed Unlisted LC

Passer domesticus Sparrow, House Unlisted LC

Passer melanurus Sparrow, Cape Unlisted LC

Petronia superciliaris Petronia, Yellow-throated Unlisted LC

Phalacrocorax africanus Cormorant, Reed Unlisted Unlisted

Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant, White-breasted Unlisted Unlisted

Phoeniculus purpureus Wood-hoopoe, Green Unlisted LC

Phyllastrephus terrestris Brownbul, Terrestrial Unlisted LC

Phylloscopus ruficapilla Woodland-warbler, Yellow-throated Unlisted LC

Phylloscopus trochilus Warbler, Willow Unlisted LC

Plectropterus gambensis Goose, Spur-winged Unlisted LC

Ploceus bicolor Weaver, Dark-backed Unlisted LC

Ploceus capensis Weaver, Cape Unlisted LC

Ploceus cucullatus Weaver, Village Unlisted LC

Ploceus ocularis Weaver, Spectacled Unlisted LC

Ploceus velatus Masked-weaver, Southern Unlisted LC

Pogoniulus bilineatus Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Unlisted Unlisted

Pogoniulus pusillus Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Unlisted LC

Pogonocichla stellata Robin, White-starred Unlisted LC

Poicephalus robustus Parrot, Cape EN VU

Polemaetus bellicosus Eagle, Martial EN VU

Polyboroides typus Harrier-Hawk, African Unlisted LC

Prinia hypoxantha Prinia, Drakensberg Unlisted Unlisted

Prinia maculosa Prinia, Karoo Unlisted Unlisted

Prinia subflava Prinia, Tawny-flanked Unlisted LC

Prionops plumatus Helmet-shrike, White-crested Unlisted LC

Psalidoprocne holomelaena Saw-wing, Black (Southern race) Unlisted LC

Psophocichla litsipsirupa Thrush, Groundscraper Unlisted Unlisted

Pternistis natalensis Spurfowl, Natal Unlisted LC

Pycnonotus tricolor Bulbul, Dark-capped Unlisted Unlisted

Quelea quelea Quelea, Red-billed Unlisted LC

Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Scimitarbill, Common Unlisted LC

Riparia cincta Martin, Banded Unlisted LC

Riparia paludicola Martin, Brown-throated Unlisted LC

Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird, Secretarybird VU VU

Sarothrura rufa Flufftail, Red-chested Unlisted LC

Saxicola torquatus Stonechat, African Unlisted LC

Scleroptila shelleyi Francolin, Shelley's Unlisted LC

Scopus umbretta Hamerkop, Hamerkop Unlisted LC




141

Serinus canicollis Canary, Cape Unlisted LC

Sigelus silens Flycatcher, Fiscal Unlisted LC

Smithornis capensis Broadbill, African VU LC

Sphenoeacus afer Grassbird, Cape Unlisted LC

Stactolaema leucotis Barbet, White-eared Unlisted LC

Stephanoaetus coronatus Crowned Eagle VU NT

Streptopelia capicola Turtle-dove, Cape Unlisted LC

Streptopelia semitorquata Dove, Red-eyed Unlisted LC

Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Laughing Unlisted LC

Sylvietta rufescens Crombec, Long-billed Unlisted LC

Tachybaptus ruficollis Grebe, Little Unlisted LC

Tachymarptis melba Swift, Alpine Unlisted LC

Tauraco corythaix Turaco, Knysna Unlisted LC

Tauraco livingstonii Turaco, Livingstone's Unlisted LC

Tauraco schalowi Turaco, Schalow's Unlisted LC

Tchagra australis Tchagra, Brown-crowned Unlisted LC

Tchagra senegalus Tchagra, Black-crowned Unlisted LC

Tchagra tchagra Tchagra, Southern Unlisted LC

Telophorus olivaceus Bush-shrike, Olive Unlisted LC

Telophorus quadricolor Bush-shrike, Gorgeous Unlisted LC

Telophorus sulfureopectus Bush-shrike, Orange-breasted Unlisted LC

Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie Unlisted LC

Terpsiphone viridis Paradise-flycatcher, African Unlisted LC

Threskiornis aethiopicus Ibis, African Sacred Unlisted LC

Tockus alboterminatus Hornbill, Crowned Unlisted LC

Trachyphonus vaillantii Barbet, Crested Unlisted LC

Treron calvus Green-pigeon, African Unlisted LC

Tricholaema leucomelas Barbet, Acacia Pied Unlisted LC

Tringa nebularia Greenshank, Common Unlisted LC

Trochocercus cyanomelas Crested-flycatcher, Blue-mantled Unlisted LC

Turdus libonyanus Thrush, Kurrichane Unlisted Unlisted

Turdus olivaceus Thrush, Olive Unlisted LC

Turdus smithi Thrush, Karoo Unlisted LC

Turtur chalcospilos Wood-dove, Emerald-spotted Unlisted LC

Turtur tympanistria Dove, Tambourine Unlisted LC

Upupa africana Hoopoe, African Unlisted LC

Uraeginthus angolensis Waxbill, Blue Unlisted LC

Urocolius indicus Mousebird, Red-faced Unlisted LC

Vanellus armatus Lapwing, Blacksmith Unlisted LC

Vanellus melanopterus Lapwing, Black-winged Unlisted LC

Vanellus senegallus Lapwing, African Wattled Unlisted LC

Vidua chalybeata Indigobird, Village Unlisted LC

Vidua funerea Indigobird, Dusky Unlisted LC

Vidua macroura Whydah, Pin-tailed Unlisted LC

Vidua paradisaea Paradise-whydah, Long-tailed Unlisted LC




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Zoothera gurneyi Ground-thrush, Orange NT LC

Zoothera guttata Ground-thrush, Spotted EN EN

Zosterops pallidus White-eye, Orange River Unlisted LC

Zosterops virens White-eye, Cape Unlisted LC




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APPENDIX C: Mammals species expected to occur in the Project area

Species Common Name

Conservation Status

Regional (SANBI,

2016)

IUCN (2017)

Aethomys ineptus Tete Veld Rat LC LC

Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua rock rat LC LC

Amblysomus hottentotus Hottentot's Golden Mole LC LC

Aonyx capensis Cape Clawless Otter NT NT

Atilax paludinosus Water Mongoose LC LC

Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal LC LC

Caracal caracal Caracal LC LC

Ceratotherium simum White Rhinoceros NT NT

Cercopithecus mitis Samango monkey VU LC

Chaerephon pumilus Little Free-tailed Bat LC LC

Chlorocebus pygerythrus Vervet Monkey LC LC

Crocidura cyanea Reddish-grey Musk Shrew LC LC

Crocidura flavescens Greater Red Musk Shrew LC LC

Crocidura hirta Lesser Red Musk Shrew LC LC

Crocidura maquassiensis Makwassie musk shrew VU LC

Crocidura mariquensis Swamp Musk Shrew NT LC

Cryptomys hottentotus Common Mole-rat LC LC

Cynictis penicillata Yellow Mongoose LC LC

Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok LC LC

Dasymys incomtus African marsh rat NT LC

Dendromus melanotis Grey Climbing Mouse LC LC

Dendromus mesomelas Brant's Climbing Mouse LC LC

Dendromus mystacalis Chestnut Climbing Mouse LC LC

Diceros bicornis Black Rhinoceros EN CR

Eidolon helvum African Straw-colored Fruit Bat LC NT

Elephantulus myurus Eastern Rock Sengi LC LC

Epomophorus crypturus Gambian epauletted fruit bat LC LC

Epomophorus wahlbergi Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat LC LC

Equus quagga Plains Zebra LC NT

Felis silvestris African Wildcat LC LC

Genetta maculata Rusty-spotted Genet LC LC

Gerbilliscus brantsii Highveld Gerbil LC LC

Glauconycteris variegata Butterfly bat LC LC

Grammomys dolichurus Woodland Mouse LC LC

Graphiurus murinus Woodland Dormouse LC LC

Herpestes sanguineus Slender Mongoose LC LC

Hipposideros caffer Sundevall's Leaf-nosed Bat LC LC

Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine LC LC

Ichneumia albicauda White-tailed Mongoose LC LC

Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat LC LC




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Kerivoula lanosa Lesser Woolly Bat LC LC

Lemniscomys rosalia Single-striped Mouse LC LC

Leptailurus serval Serval NT LC

Lepus saxatilis Scrub Hare LC LC

Lepus victoriae African Savanna Hare LC LC

Mastomys natalensis Natal Multimammate Mouse LC LC

Mellivora capensis Honey Badger LC LC

Mungos mungo Banded Mongoose LC LC

Mus minutoides Pygmy Mouse LC LC

Mus musculus House Mouse Unlisted LC

Myosorex sclateri Sclater's Shrew VU NT

Myosorex varius Forest Shrew LC LC

Myotis tricolor Temminck's Hairy Bat LC LC

Myotis welwitschii Welwitsch's Hairy Bat LC LC

Neoromicia capensis Cape Serotine Bat LC LC

Neoromicia nana Banana Bat LC LC

Neoromicia zuluensis Aloe Bat LC LC

Nycteris thebaica Egyptian Slit-faced Bat LC LC

Oreotragus oreotragus Klipspringer LC LC

Orycteropus afer Aardvark LC LC

Otolemur crassicaudatus Thick-tailed Bushbaby LC LC

Otomys angoniensis Angoni Vlei Rat LC LC

Otomys irroratus Vlei Rat (Fynbos type) LC LC

Otomys laminatus Laminate Vlei Rat NT LC

Panthera pardus Leopard VU VU

Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon LC LC

Phacochoerus africanus Common Warthog LC LC

Philantomba monticola Blue Duiker VU LC

Pipistrellus anchietae Anchieta's Bat LC LC

Pipistrellus hesperidus African Pipistrelle LC LC

Poecilogale albinucha African Striped Weasel NT LC

Potamochoerus larvatus Bushpig LC LC

Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax LC LC

Pronolagus crassicaudatus Natal Red Rock Rabbit LC LC

Proteles cristata Aardwolf LC LC

Rattus rattus House Rat Exotic LC

Redunca arundinum Southern Reedbuck LC LC

Redunca fulvorufula Mountain Reedbuck EN LC

Rhabdomys pumilio Xeric Four-striped Mouse LC LC

Rhinolophus blasii Blasius's horseshoe bat NT LC

Rhinolophus clivosus Geoffroy's Horseshoe Bat LC LC




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APPENDIX D: Reptile species expected to occur within the Project area

Species Common Name

Conservation Status

Regional (SANBI,

2016)

IUCN (2017)

Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis Southern Tree Agama LC Unlisted

Acontias plumbeus Giant Legless Skink LC LC

Afroedura nivaria Amatola flat Gecko LC LC

Afroedura pondolia Pondo Flat Gecko LC LC

Agama aculeata distanti Distant's Ground Agama LC Unlisted

Amblyodipsas concolor Natal Purple-glossed Snake LC LC

Aparallactus capensis Black-headed Centipede-eater LC LC

Bradypodion nemorale Qudeni Dwarf Chameleon NT NT

Bradypodion thamnobates Natal Midlands Dwarf Chameleon VU VU

Chamaeleo dilepis Common Flap-neck Chameleon LC LC

Chamaesaura anguina anguina Cape Grass Lizard LC Unlisted

Chamaesaura macrolepis Large-scaled Grass Lizard NT NT

Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile VU LC

Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater LC LC

Dendroaspis polylepis Black Mamba LC LC

Dispholidus typus typus Boomslang LC Unlisted

Duberria lutrix lutrix South African Slug-eater LC LC

Gonionotophis capensis Common File Snake LC LC

Hemachatus haemachatus Rinkhals LC LC

Hemidactylus mabouia Common Tropical House Gecko LC Unlisted

Lamprophis aurora Aurora House Snake LC LC

Leptotyphlops scutifrons scutifrons Peters' Thread Snake LC Unlisted

Lycodonomorphus inornatus Olive House Snake LC LC

Lycodonomorphus rufulus Brown Water Snake LC Unlisted

Lycophidion capense capense Cape Wolf Snake LC Unlisted

Lygodactylus capensis capensis Common Dwarf Gecko LC Unlisted

Pachydactylus maculatus Spotted Gecko LC LC

Pachydactylus vansoni VAN Son's Gecko LC LC

Pelusios rhodesianus Variable Hinged Terrapin VU LC

Philothamnus hoplogaster South Eastern Green Snake LC Unlisted

Philothamnus natalensis natalensis Eastern Natal Green Snake LC Unlisted

Philothamnus natalensis occidentalis Western Natal Green Snake LC Unlisted

Philothamnus semivariegatus Spotted Bush Snake LC Unlisted

Psammophis brevirostris Short-snouted Grass Snake LC Unlisted

Pseudocordylus melanotus melanotus Common Crag Lizard LC LC

Scelotes mirus Montane Dwarf Burrowing Skink LC LC

Thelotornis capensis Southern Twig Snake LC LC

Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink LC Unlisted

Trachylepis margaritifera Rainbow Skink LC LC

Trachylepis punctatissima Speckled Rock Skink LC LC




146

Trachylepis striata Striped Skink LC Unlisted

Trachylepis varia sensu lato Common Variable Skink LC Unlisted




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APPENDIX E: Amphibian species expected to occur within the Project area

Species Common Name

Conservation Status


IUCN (2017)

Afrixalus aureus Golden Leaf-folding Frog LC LC

Afrixalus fornasinii Greater Leaf-folding Frog LC Unlisted

Afrixalus spinifrons Natal Leaf-folding Frog VU LC

Amietia angolensis Angola river frog LC LC

Amietia delalandii Delalande's River Frog LC LC

Amietia poyntoni Poynton's River Frog NE LC

Anhydrophryne hewitti Hewitt’s Moss Frog Unlisted LC

Arthroleptis wahlbergii Bush Squeaker LC LC

Breviceps adspersus Bushveld Rain Frog LC LC

Breviceps bagginsi Bilbo’s Rain Frog DD VU

Breviceps mossambicus Mozambique Rain Frog LC LC

Breviceps verrucosus Plaintive Rain Frog LC LC

Cacosternum boettgeri Boettger's dainty frog LC LC

Cacosternum nanum Bronze Caco LC LC

Chiromantis xerampelina Southern Foam Nest Frog LC LC

Hadromophryne natalensis Natal Ghost Frog LC LC

Hemisus guttatus Spotted Shovel-nosed Frog VU VU

Hyperolius marmoratus Painted Reed Frog LC LC

Hyperolius pusillus Water Lily Frog LC LC

Hyperolius semidiscus Yellowstriped Reed Frog LC LC

Hyperolius tuberilinguis Tinker Reed Frog LC LC

Kassina senegalensis Bubbling Kassina LC LC

Leptopelis natalensis Forest Tree Frog LC LC

Phrynobatrachus mababiensis Dwarf Puddle Frog LC LC

Phrynobatrachus natalensis Snoring Puddle Frog LC LC

Phrynomantis bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog LC LC

Ptychadena anchietae Plain Grass Frog LC LC

Ptychadena mossambica Mozambique Ridged Frog LC LC

Ptychadena oxyrhynchus Sharpnosed Grass Frog LC LC

Ptychadena porosissima Striped Grass Frog LC LC

Schismaderma carens African red toad LC LC

Sclerophrys capensis Raucous Toad LC LC

Sclerophrys gutturalis Guttural Toad LC LC

Strongylopus fasciatus Striped Stream Frog LC LC

Strongylopus grayii Clicking Stream Frog LC LC

Strongylopus wageri Plain Stream Frog NT LC

Tomopterna cryptotis Tremelo Sand Frog LC LC

Tomopterna natalensis Natal Sand Frog LC LC

Tomopterna tandyi Tandy's sand frog LC LC

Vandijkophrynus gariepensis Karoo Toad Not listed Not listed

Xenopus laevis Common Platanna LC LC



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