LAPALALA WILDERNESS LODGE and ROAD DEVELOPMENT
BASELINE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY STUDY AND BIODIVERSITY SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT
November 2016
Prepared for: Peter Velcich NuLeaf Planning and Environmental PostNet Suite 168 Private Bag X 844 Silverton 0127
Prepared by: ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC PO Box 57 White River 1240
Author: Duncan McKenzie
Reviewers: Dr Rob Palmer (Nepid Consultants) Warren McCleland (Ecorex)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ...... 3 LIST OF FIGURES ...... 3 EIA REGULATIONS SPECIALISTS REPORT CHECKLIST ...... 5 ABBREVIATIONS ...... 5 TERMINOLOGY ...... 5 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 7 2. TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 8 3. STUDY AREA...... 9 FIGURE 3. LOCATION OF THE CURRENT AND PROPOSED ROADS ON LAPALALA ...... 12 4. METHODS ...... 13
4.1 FLORA ...... 13 4.2 FAUNA ...... 13 4.3 SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT ...... 14 4.3 ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS ...... 15 4.3.1 Seasonality ...... 15 4.3.2 Overlooked Species ...... 15 5. BIODIVERSITY BASELINE DESCRIPTION...... 17
5.1 FLORA ...... 17 5.1.1 National Vegetation Types ...... 17 5.1.2 Limpopo Province Biodiversity Conservation Assessment ...... 17 5.1.3 Descriptions of Development Sites ...... 19 5.1.4 Confirmed Conservation-Important Flora ...... 68 5.1.5 Potentially Occurring Conservation-Important Flora ...... 72 5.2 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA ...... 73 5.2.1 Mammals ...... 73 5.2.2 Birds ...... 75 5.2.3 Reptiles ...... 78 5.2.3 Frogs ...... 79 6. SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT ...... 81 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 90 8. REFERENCES ...... 93 9. APPENDICES...... 95
APPENDIX 1A. CHECKLIST OF FLORA RECORDED DURING FIELDWORK ...... 95 APPENDIX 1B. CHECKLIST OF FLORA RECORDED PER SITE IN THE SOUTH WEST PORTION OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 104 APPENDIX 1C. CHECKLIST OF FLORA RECORDED PER SITE IN THE NORTH EAST PORTION OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 113 APPENDIX 2. LOCALITIES OF CONFIRMED CONSERVATION-IMPORTANT PLANT SPECIES ...... 120 APPENDIX 3. POTENTIALLY OCCURRING PLANT SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN ...... 124 APPENDIX 4. CHECKLIST OF FAUNA CONFIRMED DURING FIELDWORK ...... 125 APPENDIX 5. MACKINNON 10-SPECIES LIST DATA SUMMARY ...... 135 APPENDIX 6. POTENTIALLY OCCURRING FAUNA OF CONSERVATION CONCERN...... 137 APPENDIX 7. DUNCAN MCKENZIE CV ...... 141 APPENDIX 8. SPECIALIST DECLARATION FORM ...... 142 ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 2 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ...... 143
List of Tables
Table 1. Sensitivity Drivers and Scores used to assess the sensitivity of the proposed development sites...... 15 Table 2. Localities of potentially sensitive sites along the proposed new roads in Lapalala ...... 66 Table 3. Plant species of conservation-concern recorded during fieldwork ...... 71 Table 4. Sensitivity of South West sites to biodiversity / development conflict...... 81 Table 5. Sensitivity of North East sites to biodiversity / development conflict ...... 82 Table 6. Sensitivity of road sites to biodiversity / development conflict ...... 87
List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of Lapalala Wilderness ...... 10 Figure 2. Location of the 36 proposed development sites on Lapalala ...... 11 Figure 3. Location of the current and proposed roads on Lapalala ...... 12 Figure 4. Critical Biodiversity Areas on Lapalala Wilderness ...... 18 Figure 5. Selected photos from Kolobe ...... 20 Figure 6. Selected photos from Takudu Plains ...... 21 Figure 7. Selected photos from Elephant Pool ...... 22 Figure 8. Selected photos from Bushman’s Painting ...... 23 Figure 9. Vegetation Associations at Kolobe, Takadu Plains, Elephant Pool and Bushman’s Painting ...... 24 Figure 10. Selected photos from Tholo Plain ...... 25 Figure 11. Selected photos from Burkia ...... 26 Figure 12. Selected photos from Molope Plains ...... 27 Figure 13. Selected photos from Dragonfly ...... 28 Figure 14. Vegetation Associations at Tholo Plain, Burkia, Molope Plain and Dragonfly ...... 29 Figure 15. Selected photos from Kwena ...... 31 Figure 16. Selected photos from Modumela ...... 32 Figure 17. Selected photos from Melora ...... 33 Figure 18. Selected photos from Amphitheatre ...... 35 Figure 19. Vegetation Associations at Kwena, Modumela, Melora and Amphitheatre ...... 35 Figure 20. Selected photos from Lepotedi ...... 36 Figure 21. Selected photos from Mooka...... 38 Figure 22. Selected photos from Rapids ...... 39 Figure 23. Selected photos from Tamboti ...... 40 Figure 24. Vegetation Associations at Lepotedi, Mooka, Rapids and Tamboti ...... 41 Figure 25. Selected photos from Kogong View ...... 43 Figure 26. Selected photos from Rundgren’s Rest ...... 44 Figure 27. Selected photos from South Gate ...... 45 Figure 28. Selected photos from Staff Housing ...... 46 Figure 29. Vegetation Associations at Kogong View, South Gate and Staff Housing ...... 46 Figure 30. Selected photos from Mohlatse Plains ...... 47 Figure 31. Selected photos from Eland Plains ...... 48 Figure 32. Selected photos from Kgokong Pan ...... 49 Figure 33. Selected photos from Tshukudu Plains ...... 50 Figure 34. Vegetation Associations at Mohlatse Plains, Kgokong Pan and Tshukudu Plains ...... 51 Figure 35. Selected photos from Sunbird ...... 52 Figure 36. Selected photos from Marula ...... 53 Figure 37. Selected photos from Rapula Rock ...... 55 Figure 38. Selected photos from Selous ...... 55 Figure 39. Vegetation Associations at Sunbird, Marula, Rapula Rock and Selous ...... 56
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Figure 40. Selected photos from King’s Pool ...... 57 Figure 41. Selected photos from Roan Plains ...... 58 Figure 42. Selected photos from Buffalo Pool ...... 59 Figure 43. Selected photos from Lion Pan ...... 60 Figure 44. Vegetation Associations at King’s Pool, Roan Plains, Buffalo Pool and Lion Pan ...... 61 Figure 45. Selected photos from Chiefs ...... 62 Figure 46. Selected photos from Bonwa Phala ...... 63 Figure 47. Selected photos from North Gate ...... 64 Figure 48. Selected photos from East Gate Complex ...... 64 Figure 49. Vegetation Associations at Chiefs, Bonwa Phala, North Gate and East Gate Complex ..... 65 Figure 50. Representative photographs of two of the threats identified on the proposed new roads at Lapalala ...... 67 Figure 51. Photos of plant species of conservation concern occurring in the study area ...... 72 Figure 52. Representative photographs of mammal species recorded in the study area ...... 74 Figure 53. Species accumulation curve after 71 ten-species Mackinnon lists ...... 75 Figure 54. Representative photographs of bird species recorded in the study area...... 78 Figure 55. Representative photographs of reptile species recorded in the study area ...... 79 Figure 56. Representative photographs of reptile species recorded in the study area ...... 80 Figure 57. Map 1 of the Sensitivity categories of the sites on Lapalala ...... 84 Figure 58. Map 2 of the Sensitivity categories of the sites on Lapalala ...... 85 Figure 59. Map 3 of the Sensitivity categories of the sites on Lapalala ...... 86 Figure 60. Map of the Sensitivity categories of the proposed roads on Lapalala ...... 89
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EIA REGULATIONS SPECIALISTS REPORT CHECKLIST
ABBREVIATIONS
LEMA Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003) mamsl Metres Above Mean Sea Level NEMBA ToPS National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act Threatened or Protected Species (No. 10 of 2004) NFA National Forest Act (No. 30 of 1998) PRECIS National Herbarium Pretoria (PRE) Computerised Information System SABAP2 Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2
TERMINOLOGY
Alien Introduced from elsewhere: neither endemic nor indigenous. Biodiversity The structural, functional and compositional attributes of an area, ranging from genes to landscapes. Degraded An ecosystem that is a poor ecological state, usually through impacts such as invasion by alien plants, severe overgrazing, poor burning regimes, etc. These systems still contain a moderate proportion of indigenous flora. Geophyte Plants that produce their growth points from organs stored below the ground, an adaption to survive frost, drought and / or fire. Lithophyte Plants growing in or on rocks Macrophyte Aquatic plant growing in water Riparian Pertaining to the river bank.
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Transformed Transformed ecosystems are no longer natural and contain little or no indigenous flora. Examples include agricultural lands, plantations, urban areas, etc.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Lapalala Wilderness, a 45 000 ha private game reserve situated between Modimolle and Lephalale in west-central Limpopo Province, is currently being developed into freehold title stands that will be scattered throughout the reserve. The first such stand, Founders Lodge, was surveyed by ECOREX in November 2015. An additional 32 stands are planned by the developer, each one to contain one dwelling, associated infrastructure and an access track. The total area of each stand is approximately 2 hectares. Three entrance gate upgrades as well as additional staff housing are also planned by the developers, bringing the total number of specific sites surveyed to 36. In addition, an extra 187 km of game viewing road network is proposed to service these additional stands.
ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC was appointed by Peter Velcich of NuLeaf Planning & Environmental to conduct the terrestrial ecology study for a Basic Assessment Report (BAR), which will provide a basis for assessing potential impacts of the project on terrestrial ecology and guide the design and location of additional planned infrastructure. The study comprised flora and vertebrate fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs). The two key deliverables were a baseline terrestrial ecology survey and an integrated Biodiversity Value Assessment. Limited consultation with local landowners and interested parties took place in the preparation of this specialist report, including reserve manager Anton Walker and former lodge manager Neil Davison. The 2016 ECOREX Founders Lodge report was also referred to1.
The Terrestrial Ecologist for this study was Duncan McKenzie, who has been involved in over 70 Environmental Impact Assessments in South Africa and seven other countries in Africa over the last nine years. A brief CV is included in Appendix 7 and a signed Declaration of Independence in Appendix 8.
1 McKenzie, 2016 ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 7 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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2. TERMS OF REFERENCE
A. Conduct an assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and flora at each development site, which will include the following:
o Brief description of vegetation associations at each site;
o Description of faunal assemblages within the vicinity of each site (mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs);
o Emphasis will be placed on locating species of conservation importance (Red Data, endemic, and / or protected).
B. Assessment of the Biodiversity Value of the vegetation units represented, which will comprise:
o Assessment of conservation importance and functional importance of each vegetation association.
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3. STUDY AREA
The 36 proposed development sites are situated on approximately 30 farm or farm portions constituting the Lapalala Wilderness.
Lapalala is situated within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve approximately 50 km north of Vaalwater and 80 km west of Mokopane, Lephalale Local Municipality, Limpopo Province (Figure 1). The locality of each of the 36 sites was provided by NuLeaf and in total cover approximately 75 ha (Figure 2). The additional road network proposed by the developers is scattered across the study area and totals 187 km (Figure 3).
The study area is within the quarter-degree grids 2328 CB, CC and CD at an elevation range of between 950 and 1200 mamsl. The topography of the general area comprises undulating hills with occasional steep valleys and level plains situated within them. Lapalala falls within the upper Lephalala River catchment which drains into the Limpopo River.
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Figure 1. Location of Lapalala Wilderness ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 10 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Figure 2. Location of the 36 proposed development sites on Lapalala
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Figure 3. Location of the current and proposed roads on Lapalala
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4. METHODS
The fieldwork component of this project was approached as a Rapid Biological Assessment, with the aim being to balance a limited field time budget with the need for relative scientific accuracy. Fieldwork was conducted through subjective location of sample sites along the steepest environmental gradient in order to maximize species detection. Each of the 32 proposed lodge sites as well as the three gates and one staff housing site were surveyed on foot using boundaries supplied by NuLeaf. The proposed new road network was loaded onto a Garmin 62s GPS and surveyed aerially from a Robin R44 helicopter which flew low over all the routes across the study area.
4.1 Flora
Desktop
Vegetation communities were identified prior to fieldwork using Google™ Earth imagery. Red Data plant species listed for the quarter-degree grids 2328 CB, CC and CD, in which the study area is situated in, and surrounding grids in the PRECIS database from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), was used to produce a list of the most likely threatened species, which were searched for during fieldwork.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork was conducted over six days in October 2016. Each proposed development site and access road and the additional 50 km of game viewing road was surveyed on foot using the co-ordinates supplied by NuLeaf. These were pre-loaded onto a Garmin 62s GPS and were used to delimit the area to search for any conservation-important species of flora and fauna as listed under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003), National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998), National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) Threatened and Protected Species Lists (GG Notice 256, 2015) and the various national Red Data Lists. The location of any species found was recorded using the GPS. Plants were listed according to each of the vegetation communities identified during the desktop phase.
4.2 Fauna
Desktop Lists of conservation-important mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs potentially occurring within the Lapalala area were prepared using data from Friedmann & Daly (2004), the
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Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 http://sabap2.adu.org.za/, Taylor et al. (2015), Minter et al. (2004), Bates et al. (2014) and from the Lapalala Management Plan (2016 update). The above data were captured mostly at a quarter-degree spatial resolution, but were refined by excluding species unlikely to occur within the study area, due to unsuitable habitat characteristics (e.g. altitude and land-use). Potential occurrence of fauna in the study area was predicted based on knowledge of known habitat requirements of each species.
Fieldwork Birds were surveyed by slowly walking through each of the vegetation types at each development site. Species were recorded within 10-species lists using the MacKinnon list method as recommended by O’Dea et al. (2004) was used. This is a rapid assessment technique in which all species seen or heard are grouped into consecutive lists of equal length and a species accumulation curve is generated by plotting cumulative species totals against number of lists. Ten-species lists were used, which Herzog et al. (2002) considered to be the best compromise between stable richness estimation curves and robust sample size. Birds were identified audially and visually using Bushnell 10x42 binoculars. Frequent stops were made in order to observe species that could not be observed by walking through vegetation (e.g. skulking undergrowth species). Mammals, reptiles and frogs were recorded incidentally as they were encountered during the ground and aerial surveys through direct evidence (sightings) and indirect evidence (spoor, dung). Limited nocturnal searches were performed around Kolobe Lodge where the research team was based.
4.3 Sensitivity Assessment
The overall ecological sensitivity of the 36 proposed development sites was assessed against seven Sensitivity Drivers on a sensitivity matrix. A score between zero and five is given for each of the Drivers with zero indicating an absent or not applicable impact and five that of a very high or confirmed one. These scores are summed and the average calculated and compared to the sensitivity values reflected in Table 1. Scores of four or higher indicate options with a high sensitivity, those of three with moderate sensitivity and scores of below 2 with low sensitivity. These scores are indicative of the potential biodiversity / infrastructure development conflict, with higher scores indicating potentially high conflict. Most favourable sites are those with lower potential for conflict.
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Table 1. Sensitivity Drivers and Scores used to assess the sensitivity of the proposed development sites.
SENSITIVITY DRIVERS SCORES Current Ecological State 0 = Absent / Not applicable Potential to Support Biodiversity 1 = Very low / Negligable Potential to Support Red-Listed Species 2 = Low Potential for Negative Associated Impacts 3 = Moderate Irreplaceability of Natural Habitat 4 = High Relative Size of Impact Footprint 5 = Very High / Confirmed Presence of Unique Habitat / Taxa
The sensitivity assessment for the proposed road network divides the area into four discerneable landform or broad vegetation cover categories: Old Lands, Rocky Plateau Woodland, Valley Woodland and Thickets on Slopes and Riparian Woodland and Thicket. These are assessed according to the same Drivers presented in Table 1.
4.3 Assumptions, Limitations and Knowledge Gaps
4.3.1 Seasonality
The assessment was based on a single field survey in early summer only, during a period of sustained high temperatures and little recent rainfall. It is likely that many plants which flower at other times of the year as well as plants that would normally have flowered after spring / early summer rains are underrepresented. Due to the small size of each of the proposed footprints within the study area this is not seen as a major limitation.
4.3.2 Overlooked Species
Certain plant species, particularly geophytes, will only flower in seasons when conditions are optimal and may thus remain undetected, even over a survey that encompasses several seasons. Other plant species may be overlooked because of very small size and / or extreme rarity. A sampling strategy will always represent merely a subset of the true diversity of the study area. However, the level of sampling effort for this study was appropriate for the objectives of the study.
4.3.2 Aerial survey of proposed road network
All 187 km of proposed new game viewing roads were surveyed aerially from a helicopter. This exercise primarily benefitted the historian who formed part of the specialist team but a
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LAPALALA LODGE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY STUDY & BIODIVERSITY VALUE Nov 2016 ASSESSMENT (ECOREX) good overview was obtained regarding the ecology of the area. Sensitive sites such as drainage lines, stream crossings and steep slopes were recorded and incidental observations of larger fauna were performed, but no flora was sampled. Due to the relatively homogenous vegetation cover in Lapalala as well as the lack of threatened plant species in the area, this is not seen as a major limitation if the recommendations at the end of the report are adhered to.
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5. BIODIVERSITY BASELINE DESCRIPTION
5.1 Flora
5.1.1 National Vegetation Types
According to Mucina & Rutherford (2006), the study area is situated within the Waterberg Mountain Bushveld vegetation type, which is in the Central Bushveld Bioregion of the Savanna Biome. This vegetation type is described briefly below, based on accounts in Mucina & Rutherford (2006).
Waterberg Mountain Bushveld Waterberg Mountain Bushveld is located in the foothills, escarpment and tablelands of the Waterberg Mountains between Lephalale, Marken and Bela-Bela in the north-western region of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Vegetation structure comprises low to mid-high woodland that is dominated by deciduous, broad-leaved tree species, and has a grass-dominated herbaceous layer. Soils are mostly sandstone, subordinate conglomerate, siltstones and shale of the Kransberg Subgroup. Dominant canopy species within this vegetation type include Burkea africana, Combretum apiculatum, Acacia caffra and Acacia robusta. Other commonly recorded tree species include Heteropyxis natalensis, Combretum molle, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia and Terminalia sericea. Common shrubs include Dichrostachys cinerea, Euclea crispa and Olea capensis. Waterberg Mountain Bushveld was assessed by Mucina & Rutherford (2006) as Least Threatened because of a low level of transformation (3%) and because 9% of the protection target of 24% is conserved in Marakele National Park and Moepel Nature Reserve.
The study area is not situated in any floristic centres of endemism, which are areas that have an unusually high number of plants unique to that area (Van Wyk & Smith, 2001) and is not listed as a Threatened Ecosystem (Notice 1002 of Government Gazette 34809, 9 December 2011).
5.1.2 Limpopo Province Biodiversity Conservation Assessment
While the Terrestrial Ecosystem Status of the vegetation types in the study area is Not Currently Threatened, the Limpopo Province Biodiversity Conservation Assessment classifies most of the study area and general surroundings as a Critical Biodiversity Area 1
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(CBA1, Figure 4), although Lapalala Wilderness is not classified as a Provincial Protected Area (PA) (Desmet et al., 2013). CBA1’s are described as Irreplaceable Sites that are required to meet biodiversity pattern and/or ecological processes targets. The primary land management objective for CBA1’s is to maintain them in a natural state with limited or no biodiversity loss and to rehabilitate degraded areas to a natural or near natural state. Compatible land uses for these areas include conservation activities such as eco-tourism and extensive game farming (Desmet et al., 2013).
Figure 4. Critical Biodiversity Areas on Lapalala Wilderness
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5.1.3 Descriptions of Development Sites
Vegetation communities were identified at each site on the basis of distinctive vegetation structure (grassland, woodland, thicket, etc.), floristic composition (dominant and diagnostic species) and position in the landscape (mid-slopes, terrace, crest, etc.). The vegetation communities at each of the 36 development sites are described briefly below and divided into two clusters: 20 in the South West and 16 in the North East. The total flora species list is presented in Appendix 1a while the lists for the various sites are divided into the South West (Appendix 1b) and North East (Appendix 1c). The proposed new game viewing roads are described after the development blocks.
A. DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS
SOUTH WEST
5.1.3.1 Kolobe
The Kolobe Stand is situated on the current footprint of the Kolobe Lodge which is a commercial lodge site that includes rondavels, communal kitchen / dining hall, a swimming pool, tennis court and staff housing (Figure 25). Most of the vegetation is limited to tall trees and planted beds and only the fringes support undisturbed vegetation. One disturbed vegetation type is located within the site (Figure 9):
i. Terminalia sericea – Burkea africana Degraded Tall Closed Woodland on Plains This community occurs primarily on the edges of the footprint. Vegetation structure is Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) with Terminalia sericea and Burkea africana being the dominant large trees in the canopy. Other common trees include Ficus burkei, Dombeya rotundifolia and Lannea discolor. Much of the understory has been cleared but Grewia flavescens and G. flava dominate the less disturbed sites, while Aloe marlothii and various other succulents frequent the man-made beds.
Thirty species (15% of the entire list) were recorded from Kolobe (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. One conservation-important species was recorded, namely Ansellia africana which is listed as Declining and is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003). Two plants were located growing in large Ficus burkei trees adjacent to the swimming pool (Figure 9).
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Figure 5. Selected photos from Kolobe
5.1.3.2 Takadu Plains
Takadu Plains is situated close to Kolobe in the extreme south of the project area (Figure 2). Two structurally and floristically distinct vegetation communities are present within the development impact area:
i. Combretum apiculatum – Aristida adscensionis Degraded Low Closed Woodland Thin strips of this vegetation community occur on either edge of the development footprint (Figure 9). Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 6). The dominant canopy tree is Combretum apiculatum while other common trees include Burkea africana, Combretum zeyheri, Peltophorum africanum and Terminalia sericea. The ground layer is dominated by the grass Aristida meridionalis.
ii. Burkea africana – Terminalia sericea Old Lands
This vegetation community is present over much of the site (Figure 9) and contains a low diversity of plants growing on old lands. Vegetation structure is Short Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 6). Dominant canopy trees include Burkea africana and Terminalia sericea while Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and Euclea linearis form the dominant shrubs. The ground layer is mostly bare.
Twenty-eight species (14% of the entire list) were recorded from Takadu Plains (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. No species of conservation concern were recorded, but Boscia albitrunca is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) (Appendix 2). Only two trees were ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 20 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Figure 6. Selected photos from Takudu Plains
5.1.3.3 Elephant Pool
The Elephant Pool site is situated at the junction of the Lephalala River and an ephemeral drainage line and is the most southerly of all the sites in the study area (Figure 2). The site is diverse as three vegetation communities are present:
i. Terminalia sericea – Peltophorum africanum Tall Closed Woodland This is the dominant community within the footprint. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 5). Tall, deciduous trees dominate and include Terminalia sericea, Peltophorum africanum, Combretum zeyheri and Spirostachys africana. The shrub layer is well developed with Ochna inermis, Diospyros lycioides subsp. lycioides, Ximenia americana var. microphylla and Asparagus buchananii being the most frequently recorded. The grasses Aristida adscensionis and Eragrostis gummiflua dominate the ground layer.
ii. Combretum zeyheri – Pogonarthria squarrosa Low Open Woodland This community occurs on the outer fringes of the Tall Closed Woodland community (Figure 9). Vegetation structure is Low Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 5) and contains many exposed boulders. Dominant canopy trees include Combretum zeyheri and Englerophytum magalismontanum while Pogonarthria squarrosa and Cotyledon orbiculata dominate the ground layer.
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iii. Syzygium cordatum – Miscanthus junceus Low Open Woodland This community occurs as a narrow strip along the Lephalala River and the adjacent drainage line (Figure 9). Vegetation structure is mostly Low Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 7) with the tree Syzygium cordatum dominating. The shrub Nuxia oppositifolia dominates the mid-strata and the grass Miscanthus junceus and reed Phragmites mauritianus are frequently recorded.
A total of 53 plant species were listed for this site during fieldwork, the highest of all the 36 proposed development footprints in the study area (Appendix 1b). Wet season fieldwork would increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. No species of conservation concern were recorded but three protected species were located: the tree Boscia albitrunca is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998), while the tree Spirostachys africana and the succulent Huernia cf. zebrina are protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003).
Figure 7. Selected photos from Elephant Pool
5.1.3.4 Bushman’s Painting
Bushman’s Painting is situated on top of a cliff overlooking the Lephalala River a short distance north of the previous site (Figure 2). Two vegetation communities are present although only one is likely to be impacted during development. These are:
i. Combretum zeyheri – Terminalia sericea Short Closed Woodland This is the dominant vegetation community on the footprint (Figure 9). Vegetation structure is Short Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 8) with a high rock cover. Combretum zeyheri and Terminalia sericea are the dominant canopy trees. Other sparsely ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 22 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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ii. Mimusops zeyheri – Commiphora marlothii Low Closed Woodland This vegetation community occurs on the steep, boulder-strewn slopes above the Lephalala River. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland becoming Thicket in places (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 8). It is characterised by lithophytic species including the trees Mimusops zeyheri and Commiphora marlothii, but other common trees include Euphorbia cooperi, Englerophytum magalismontanum and Maytenus albata. The ground layer is dominated by various succulent plants such as Aloe spicata, Kleinia longiflora and Cotyledon orbiculata.
Forty-one species (21% of the entire list) were recorded from Bushman’s Painting (Appendix 1b), the fifth highest of all the sites. Despite the diversity of plants, no species of conservation concern were recorded. The tree Boscia albitrunca, however, is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). One tree was located near the edge of the cliff.
Figure 8. Selected photos from Bushman’s Painting
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Figure 9. Vegetation Associations at Kolobe, Takadu Plains, Elephant Pool and Bushman’s Painting ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 24 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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5.1.3.5 Tholo Plain
Tholo Plain is situated in the far south-eastern corner of the project and is centred on a cluster of large fig trees (Figure 2). The site is quite disturbed through previous farming activities as well as ongoing bush-clearing by reserve staff. One vegetation community is present:
i. Terminalia sericea - Combretum zeyheri Low Open to Closed Woodland This degraded community is situated between a small drainage line and old farm lands (Figure 14). Vegetation structure varies between Low Open and Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 10) and significant habitat alteration is taking place through bush clearing. Dominant trees include Terminalia sericea, Combretum zeyheri and Ficus burkei. The shrub layer, where present, is dominated by the indigenous invasive Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana. Thirty species (15% of the entire list) were recorded from Tholo Plain (Appendix 1b); although a wet season survey would increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. While species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint, a single Boscia albitrunca was located. This tree is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 10. Selected photos from Tholo Plain
5.1.3.6 Burkia
This footprint is situated on the edge of a flat, formerly cultivated plain now colonised by indigenous trees and shrubs (Figure 2). A small wooden game viewing platform had already
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i. Acacia nigrescens – Dichrostachys cinerea Low Open to Closed Woodland This is a rather densely vegetated association with scattered tall trees and a thorny understory (Figure 11). The trees Acacia nigrescens, Schotia brachypetala and Spirostachys africana strongly dominate the canopy while Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and Grewia flava are common in the shrub layer. Very few grasses were visible at the time of the survey. Despite its name, no Burkea africana trees were located within the footprint.
Twenty-three species (11% of the entire list) were recorded from Burkia (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would add to this total with the addition of herbaceous species. One species of conservation concern was recorded within the site footprint: the tree Elaeodendron transvaalense is assessed as Near-threatened and is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). One small tree was located and its location presented in Figure 14. In addition, many Spirostachys africana trees were located (protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003), two Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees and one Combretum imberbe tree was located, the latter two species protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 11. Selected photos from Burkia
5.1.3.7 Molope Plains
Situated less than a kilometre north of Burkia, Molope Plains is situated on an old run-down lodge site overlooking the Lephalala River with at least six existing structures present (Figure
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2). Much of the site is in a degraded ecological state, although the riparian section is near- pristine. Two vegetation associations are present:
i. Acacia nigrescens – Terminalia sericea Low Open to Closed Woodland This is a rather densely vegetated association with scattered tall trees and a thorny understory. The trees Acacia nigrescens and Terminalia sericea strongly dominate the canopy while other common trees include Schotia brachypetala and Peltophorum africanum. The shrubs Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and Grewia flava are common in the shrub layer. Very few grasses were visible at the time of the survey.
ii. Combretum erythrophyllum – Miscanthus junceus Tall Open Woodland This community occurs as a narrow strip along the Lephalala River (Figure 7). Vegetation structure is mostly Low Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 5) with the tree Combretum erythrophyllum dominating the canopy. The shrub Nuxia oppositifolia dominates the mid-strata and the grass Miscanthus junceus and reed Phragmites mauritianus are frequently recorded. This is the only locality where the bulb Dierama gracile was recorded.
Twenty-six species were recorded from this community, representing 13 % of the entire list (Appendix 1b). No species of conservation concern were encountered within the site. Combretum imberbe is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) and Spirostachys africana is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003), although they are not considered to be threatened or near threatened.
Figure 12. Selected photos from Molope Plains
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5.1.3.8 Dragonfly
Dragonfly is situated below the current Lapalala Wilderness School on the edge of a large pool in Lephalala River (Figure 2). A shallow drainage line is also present and is indicated in Figure 14. Two structurally and floristically distinct vegetation communities are present:
i. Acacia nigrescens – Olea europaea Tall Closed Woodland This is a tall, dense woodland association occurring on the south bank of the river. Vegetation structure is Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) with Acacia nigrescens and Olea europaea subsp. africana forming a tall closed canopy. The shrub layer contains Euclea crispa, Grewia flavescens and Ximenia americana var. microphylla. Grasses and herbs are scarce in the community.
ii. Combretum erythrophyllum – Phragmites mauritianus Low Closed Woodland This community occurs as a narrow strip along the Lephalala River (Figure 14). Vegetation structure is mostly Low Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 13) with the tree Combretum erythrophyllum dominating the canopy. The reed Phragmites mauritianus and the grasses Miscanthus junceus and Imperata cylindrica are frequently recorded.
Twenty-six species (13% of the entire list) were recorded from Dragonfly (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. No species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint, but small numbers of Combretum imberbe (protected under the National Forests Act No. 30 of 1998) and Spirostachys africana (protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2003) are present.
Figure 13. Selected photos from Dragonfly
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Figure 14. Vegetation Associations at Tholo Plain, Burkia, Molope Plain and Dragonfly
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5.1.3.9 Kwena
Kwena is situated on the Lephalala River a short distance downstream of Dragonfly (Figure 2). Most of the site is covered by tall, dense woodland but open woodland occurs in the south-western part of the footprint. On-site infrastructure includes a small pumphouse and pump. The site is currently used. Two distinct vegetation communities are present (
Figure 19):
i. Combretum erythrophyllum – Acacia karoo Tall Closed Woodland This community occurs in the lower areas adjacent to the Lephalala River. Vegetation structure is Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) with Combretum erythrophyllum, Acacia karoo and Peltophorum africanum forming the dominants in the canopy. Other trees recorded include Celtis africana and Schotia brachypetala. The shrub layer contains Euclea crispa, Searsia pyroides var. pyroides and Euclea natalensis subsp. angustifolia. The herb layer was not well developed but a thin strip of Phragmites mauritianus grows along the river edge.
ii. Acacia nigrescens – Combretum imberbe Tall Open to Closed Woodland Occurring in the more open south-western part of the footprint, this community contains a sparse canopy of Acacia nigrescens and Combretum imberbe with a grass layer dominated by Eragrostis lehmanniana var. chaunantha (Figure 15).
Twenty-one species (10% of the entire list) were recorded from Kwena (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. No species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint. The tree Combretum imberbe is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
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Figure 15. Selected photos from Kwena
5.1.3.10 Modumela
Modumela is situated at the junction of the southern tip of a large plain and the base of a rocky hillside above the Lephalala River (Figure 2). Most of the site is situated on old lands that have been re-colonised by pioneer plant species. Two vegetation communities are present (
Figure 19):
i. Combretum apiculatum – Grewia bicolor Low Open to Closed Woodland Situated on the lower slopes of a low hill, this vegetation community is dominated by the tree Combretum apiculatum and the shrub Grewia bicolor var. bicolor. Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 16). Other trees and shrubs present include Peltophorum africanum, Combretum molle and Englerophytum magalismontanum. Aristida adscensionis was one of very few grasses found. Rock cover is high and many herbaceous species are expected to be visible after rains.
ii. Dichrostachys cinerea – Grewia flava Low Open Woodland
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This community occurs on the old lands below the rocky ridge. Vegetation structure is Low Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) with the shrubs Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and Grewia flava dominating. Other woody plants that have escaped bush-clearing activities include Acacia nilotica subsp. kraussiana and Peltophorum africanum. The ground layer was bare.
Twenty-two species (11% of the entire list) were recorded from Modumela (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total especially within the rocky woodland community. No plants of conservation-concern were located but one Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra tree was located. This tree is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 16. Selected photos from Modumela
5.1.3.11 Melora
The proposed Melora footprint is situated on the plains north of the historical Melora Hill Iron Age site (Figure 2). The area is severely encroached by indigenous shrubs and is also heavily over-grazed (Figure 17). A single vegetation community was recorded:
i. Acacia nigrescens – Dichrostachys cinerea Low to Tall Open to Closed Woodland This community covers the whole development footprint and contains old concrete farming structures (
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Figure 19). The dominant trees are Acacia nigrescens, Commiphora schimperi, Kirkia acuminata and Combretum hereroense. The invasive indigenous shrubs Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana, Grewia flava and G. flavescens are found in large numbers.
Twenty species (10% of the entire list) were recorded from Melora (Appendix 1b), one of the lowest totals of all the sites surveyed. A wet season survey would significantly increase this total with the addition of grasses and herbs. One species of conservation concern was recorded in low numbers within the site footprint, namely the bulb Drimia sanguinea, which is listed as Near Threatened. In addition, five Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees were recorded and indicated in
Figure 19. This species is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 17. Selected photos from Melora
5.1.3.12 Melora Alternative
The Melora Alternative is situated on a bend along the Bloklandspruit in the western portion of the study area. Some previous disturbance is present, possibly the site of an old lodge. The site description was written based on photographs supplied by Nuleaf and the site was ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 33 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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i. Combretum apiculatum – Lannea discolor Low Closed Woodland This community occurs on the lower slopes above the riparian forest. Slopes are fairly rocky and the vegetation becomes rather dense in places, especially where the invasive shrub Grewia flavescens dominates. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 37). The two dominant trees include Combretum apiculatum and Lannea discolor. Other common trees include Commiphora schimperi, Gardenia volkensii and Ziziphus mucronata. The shrubs Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and Grewia flava are also commonly found.
ii. Combretum erythrophyllum – Phragmites mauritianus Low Closed Woodland The Bloklandspruit provides habitat for various riparian plant species including the trees Combretum erythrophyllum, Acacia robusta and Terminalia prunioides. Common shrubs include Nuxia oppositifolia and Hexalobus monopetalus. The reed Phragmites mauritianus is the common plant species closer to the water.
Approximately twenty species (10 % of the entire list) were recorded from Melora Alternative. Additional fieldwork in the wet season would significantly increase this total. No species of conservation-concern were recorded but at least a few may be present.
5.1.3.13 Amphitheatre
Amphitheatre is situated south-west of Melora, on the lip of a small ridge (Figure 2). An existing wooded viewing deck has been constructed on the site. Two vegetation communities are present within the site:
i. Acacia nigrescens – Grewia flava Low Closed Woodland This community occurs in two small clumps within the development footprint (
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Figure 19). Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983). The trees Acacia nigrescens, Peltophorum africanum and Terminalia sericea dominate the canopy while Grewia flava and Melhania acuminata var. acuminata are the dominant shrubs found. The high rock cover has led to some protection of herbaceous species and Raphionacme velutina, Psiadia punctulata, Jatropha zeyheri and Harpagophytum zeyheri subsp. zeyheri were located. Grasses are sparse but included Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis.
ii. Acacia nilotica – Peltophorum africanum Low Open Woodland This community is found on the flatter, more open plains in the development footprint. Recent bush-clearing has cut most shrubs and smaller trees down (Figure 18) but Acacia subsp. kraussiana, Peltophorum africanum, Grewia flava and Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana are visible.
Twenty-one species (10% of the entire list) were recorded from Amphitheatre (Appendix 1b); although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total especially in the Acacia nigrescens – Grewia flava Low Closed Woodland community. One conservation-important species was recorded within the footprint, a single Boophone disticha was found wedged in between some rocks. This bulb is has been assessed as Declining by Raimondo et al. (2009).
Figure 18. Selected photos from Amphitheatre
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Figure 19. Vegetation Associations at Kwena, Modumela, Melora, Melora Alternative and Amphitheatre
5.1.3.14 Lepotedi
This site lies c. 1.5 km to the north of Amphitheatre is situated on a large bend in the Lephalala River (Figure 2). This is a former site of a rustic lodge which has subsequently been demolished but much of the debris is still on site. Two vegetation communities are present within the footprint (Figure 24):
i. Acacia nigrescens – Schotia brachypetala Tall Closed Woodland
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This community occurs on the lower slopes of the Lephalala River valley and is characterised by tall trees forming a closed canopy including Acacia nigrescens and Schotia brachypetala. Other trees found include Pappea capensis, Combretum imberbe and C. hereroense. The shrub layer is well developed with Carissa bispinosa, Grewia flavescens and Euclea crispa. Vegetation structure is Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 20).
ii. Combretum erythrophyllum – Phragmites mauritianus Tall Closed Woodland The tall riparian tree Combretum erythrophyllum is domiant along the edges of the river where the reed Phragmites mauritianus forms large, monospecific stands.
Twenty-eight species (14% of the entire list) were recorded from Lepotedi (Appendix 1b). Additional a wet season survey would increase this total. One species of conservation concern was recorded within the site footprint: the tree Elaeodendron transvaalense is assessed as Near-threatened and is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). Three small trees were located and are indicated in Figure 24. In addition, Combretum imberbe is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 20. Selected photos from Lepotedi
5.1.3.15 Mooka
Mooka is situated high up on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Lephalala River valley below (Figure 2). Two distinct vegetation communities are present although only the Woodland community on the flat plateau is likely to be impacted on (Figure 24). Both communities have high species diversity although the dry conditions did result in fewer grasses and herbs. These two communities include:
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i. Combretum apiculatum – Ozoroa paniculosa Low Open to Closed Woodland This community is found on the flat, rocky plateau above the steep slopes (Figure 21). Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) and is dominated by the trees Combretum apiculatum and Ozoroa paniculosa var. paniculosa. Other common trees include Peltophorum africanum, Croton gratissimus var. gratissimus, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia and Commiphora mollis. The shrub layer is equally diverse with Barleria albostellata, Elephantorrhiza burkei, Cadaba aphylla and Xerophyta retinervis all being regularly recorded. Herbs are scarce due to the dry conditions but Xerophyta humilis forms dense mats between the rocks. The grasses Loudetia simplex and Aristida adscensionis are the most frequently recorded grass species.
ii. Mimusops zeyheri – Kirkia acuminata Low Closed Thicket Situated on the steep, rocky slopes below the escarpment, this community shares many species with the plateau but vegetation structure and dominants do differ. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Thicket (sensu Edwards, 1983), with the trees Mimusops zeyheri and Kirkia acuminata forming the dominant canopy species. The shrub Obetia tenax is also common.
Forty-five species (22% of the entire list) were recorded from Mooka, the third highest of all the communities (Appendix 1b), although a wet season survey as well as further exploration of the steep slopes would significantly increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. While no species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint, scattered Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees are present and this species is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 21. Selected photos from Mooka
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5.1.3.16 Rapids
Rapids is situated north of Mooka, also on the Lephalala River (Figure 2). The site is also situated on an old lodge site and the remains are still visible. Two vegetation communities are present on the footprint (Figure 24): i. Croton gratissimus – Terminalia sericea Low Open to Closed Woodland This community is found on the lower slopes away from the Lephalala River. Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 22) with Croton gratissimus and Terminalia sericea dominating the tree strata throughout. Other less common tree species include Ficus burkei, Peltophorum africanum and Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra.
ii. Syzygium cordatum – Phragmites mauritianus Low Closed Woodland The Lephalala River provides habitat for various riparian plant species including the tree Syzygium cordatum, the reed Phragmites mauritianus and the shrub Nuxia oppositifolia. The common grass is Ischaemum fasciculatum. The structure of this vegetation association is mostly Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983).
Twenty-three species (11% of the entire list) were recorded from this Site (Appendix 1b) although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total. No species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint. The tree Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra is present in small numbers and this species is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 22. Selected photos from Rapids
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5.1.3.17 Tamboti
The Tamboti site is located just above the junction of the Lephalala River and the Bloklandspruit in the far western portion of the study area (Figure 2). Once again, this is the site of an old lodge and the debris from the demolition of it is still on site. Two structurally and floristically distinct vegetation communities are present (Figure 24):
i. Spirostachys africana – Acacia nigrescens Tall Closed Woodland Situated on the slightly flatter, lower slopes of the valley, this community is dominated by tall specimens of the trees Spirostachys africana and Acacia nigrescens. Vegetation structure is Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 23). Other large trees found include Terminalia sericea, Combretum imberbe and Commiphora schimperi. This is the only site where the scrambler Acacia schweinfurthii var. schweinfurthii was recorded. The shrub layer is dominated by the succulent Euphorbia tirucalli and Grewia flavescens. Panicum maximum is the dominant grass species recorded.
ii. Combretum erythrophyllum – Phragmites mauritianus Low Open to Closed Woodland The Lephalala River provides habitat for various riparian plant species including the tree Combretum erythrophyllum and the reed Phragmites mauritianus. Nuxia oppositifolia is the common species in the shrub layer.
Twenty-three species (11% of the entire list) were recorded from Tamboti (Appendix 1b); although a wet season survey and additional scrutiny of the steeper slopes would significantly increase this total. No species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint but two protected species were recorded: Combretum imberbe is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) and Spirostachys africana is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2003).
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Figure 23. Selected photos from Tamboti
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Figure 24. Vegetation Associations at Lepotedi, Mooka, Rapids and Tamboti
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5.1.3.18 Kogong View
Kogong View overlooks the Bloklandspruit valley similar to Mooka which overlooks the Lephalala River valley (Figure 2). The upper portion is located on a level but rocky plateau and the lower portion is on a steep rocky slope. The two vegetation communities are described below (Figure 29):
i. Combretum apiculatum – Combretum zeyheri Low Open to Closed Woodland This community is found on the flat, rocky plateau above the steep slope (Figure 25). Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) and is dominated by the trees Combretum apiculatum and C. zeyheri. Other common trees include Ozoroa paniculosa var. paniculosa, Peltophorum africanum, Croton gratissimus var. gratissimus and Dombeya rotundifolia var. rotundifolia. One of the rarer trees found here was Albizia tanganyicensis subsp. tanganyicensis. The shrub layer is diverse with Melhania acuminata var. acuminata, Grewia flava and Myrothamnus flabellifolius. Dominant grasses included Aristida meridionalis and Loudetia simplex. ii. Mimusops zeyheri – Commiphora marlothii Low Closed Thicket Situated on the steep, rocky slopes below the escarpment, this community was not surveyed thoroughly due to the steep slopes being unsuitable for development but many species are shared with the plateau community. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Thicket (sensu Edwards, 1983), with the trees Mimusops zeyheri and Commiphora marlothii forming the dominant canopy species. The shrub Obetia tenax and the succulent Aloe spicata are relatively common.
Forty-four species (22% of the entire list) were recorded from Kogong View, the third highest of all the communities (Appendix 1b), although a wet season survey as well as further exploration of the steep slopes would significantly increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species. While no conservation-important species were recorded within the site footprint, scattered Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees are present and this species is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
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Figure 25. Selected photos from Kogong View
5.1.3.19 Rundgren’s Rest
Rundgren’s Rest Site is situated just over 1 km from Founders Lodge in the south-western portion of the reserve (Figure 2). The site straddles the Bloklandspruit upstream of Kogong View and contains a diverse assemblage of flora. Two vegetation types are present (Figure 29):
i. Combretum imberbe – Acacia karroo Tall Open Woodland This community is situated in the open areas away from the Bloklandspruit and is dominated by the trees Combretum imberbe and Acacia karroo. Vegetation structure is Tall Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983). Other common trees recorded include Olea europaea subsp. caffra, Peltophorum africanum and Berchemia zeyheri. Gymnosporia maranguensis and Lippia javanica are the dominant woody shrub species recorded. Heteropogon contortus is the most visible grass species.
ii. Terminalia sericea – Imperata cylindrica Tall Open to Closed Woodland This vegetation community is closely associated with the perennial Bloklandspruit flowing through the development footprint. Vegetation structure is mostly Tall Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 26). Dominant canopy trees include Terminalia sericea, Acacia karroo and Olea europaea subsp. africana. Closer to the water’s edge, Imperata cylindrica, an unidentified Cyperus species, and Phragmites mauritianus become more frequent. The floating macrophyte Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea was present on the standing water.
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Forty-two species (21% of the entire list) were recorded from Rundgren’s Rest (Appendix 1b). Additional fieldwork in the wet season would increase this total though. One species of conservation concern was recorded within the site footprint: the tree Elaeodendron transvaalense is assessed as Near-threatened and is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). Seven small trees were located and their location presented in Figure 29. In addition, several Combretum imberbe tree were located, and this species is also protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 26. Selected photos from Rundgren’s Rest
5.1.3.20 South Gate
An upgrade to the existing South Gate (Figure 2) is planned although this area is already considerably degraded by existing infrastructure (Figure 27). Natural vegetation around the existing gate includes mostly trees such as Terminalia sericea, Combretum apiculatum and Peltophorum africanum. A number of succulent plants have also been planted in the beds around the existing gate complex. No species of conservation concern were recorded during fieldwork.
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Figure 27. Selected photos from South Gate
5.1.3.21 Staff Housing
An additional two or three staff houses are proposed for the area behind the current main office / workshop / senior staff housing complex in the south-central part of the reserve (Figure 2). This area deviates from the normal circular 2 ha stand adopted by the lodge sites and covers approximately 5.5 ha of deciduous plateau woodland. One vegetation community was identified in this area (Figure 29):
i. Combretum apiculatum – Combretum zeyheri Tall Closed Woodland Vegetation structure in this community is mostly Short Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 28). This community is dominated by deciduous tree species such as Combretum apiculatum subsp. apiculatum, C. zeyheri, Peltophorum africanum and Terminalia sericea. The understory is relatively diverse and includes Euclea natalensis subsp. angustifolia, Euclea divinorum, Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and Psiadia punctulata. Common grasses include Aristida adscensionis and Eragrostis lehmanniana var. chaunantha.
Thirty-three species (16% of the entire list) were recorded from the proposed staff housing site (Appendix 1b). Additional fieldwork in the wet season would increase this total quite significantly. One species of conservation concern was recorded within the site footprint: the tree Elaeodendron transvaalense is assessed as Near-threatened and is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). Two small trees were located and their location presented in Figure 29. In addition, two Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees were located; this species is also protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
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Figure 28. Selected photos from Staff Housing
Figure 29. Vegetation Associations at Kogong View, South Gate and Staff Housing
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North East
5.1.3.22 Mohlatse Plains
The Mohlatse Plains site is situated in the far north-central part of Lapalala (Figure 2) on the edge of old farmlands. An old, demolished concrete structure is present on site and active bush-clearing is taking place. One disturbed vegetation community was identified (Figure 34):
i. Terminalia sericea – Burkea africana Short to Tall Closed to Open Woodland Current bush-clearing activities have altered the structure of this community, but it is predominantly composed of Short to Tall Closed to Open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 30). The dominant canopy trees include Terminalia sericea, Burkea africana and Peltophorum africanum while Grewia flava, G. flavescens, Euclea crispa and Waltheria indica make up the dominant shrubs.
Twenty species (10% of the entire list) were recorded from Mohlatse Plains (Appendix 1c) although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total. No species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint, but one Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra was located within the site. This tree is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 30. Selected photos from Mohlatse Plains
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5.1.3.23 Eland Plains
Eland Plains is situated in the north-central portion of the study area, in the centre of a section of old land and centred on a copse of large fig trees (Figure 2). The single vegetation community present is described below (Figure 34):
i. Terminalia sericea – Dichrostachys cinerea Low Open Woodland The combination of former agricultural lands and current bush-clearing activities has rendered this site degraded. Vegetation structure is Low open Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 31) with the trees Terminalia sericea and Ficus burkei the most common canopy species recorded. The shrub layer has mostly been cut, but included Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana, Grewia flavescens and G. flava.
Seven species (3% of the entire list) were recorded from Eland Plains, the lowest of all the proposed lodge sites (Appendix 1c). No species of conservation concern were recorded within the site footprint.
Figure 31. Selected photos from Eland Plains
5.1.3.24 Kgokong Pan
This site is situated on a former homestead site which had been demolished (Figure 2). The site is focused on a few large fig trees situated on a slight terrace above old farmlands (Figure 32). As the site is almost completely transformed, no natural vegetation community will be described. Apart from the large Ficus burkei, there are also scattered Pappea capensis, Searsia leptodictya and Terminalia sericea trees present. A single Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra was also located. This tree is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 49 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Figure 32. Selected photos from Kgokong Pan
5.1.3.25 Tshukudu Plains
The Tshukudu Plains footprint is situated on a scrubby slope in the west-central part of Lapalala (Figure 2). Rock cover in the site is high, and only one vegetation community is present (Figure 34):
i. Acacia nigrescens - Combretum zeyheri Low Closed Woodland This is a low and scrubby woodland association occurring on relatively shallow soils on rocky slopes. A slight ledge is present above the slope forming a terrace. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 33) with Acacia nigrescens, Combretum zeyheri and Pappea capensis dominating the tree. Other less common tree and shrub species include Spirostachys africana, Croton gratissimus, Euclea linearis and Ximenia americana var. microphylla. The ground layer is mostly bare, but the succulents Sansevieria hyacinthoides and Sarcostemma viminale subsp. viminale occur throughout.
Twenty-one species (10% of the entire list) were recorded from Tshukudu Plains (Appendix 1c) although a wet season survey would significantly increase this total. One species of conservation concern was recorded within the footprint; small Elaeodendron transvaalense trees occurred in small numbers, mostly on the steeper rocky slopes. This tree has been assessed as Near Threatened by Raimondo et al. (2009) and is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). In addition, the tree Spirostachys africana is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003).
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Figure 33. Selected photos from Tshukudu Plains
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Figure 34. Vegetation Associations at Mohlatse Plains, Kgokong Pan and Tshukudu Plains ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 52 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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5.1.3.26 Sunbird
Sunbird is situated approximately 1.5 km south of Tshukudu Plains (Figure 2). The site footprint straddles a rocky ridge dominated by large boulders and scattered large trees. One vegetation community was identified (Figure 39):
i. Acacia nigrescens – Panicum deustum Low Closed Woodland Many lithophytic plants are found in the Sunbird site. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 35) with Acacia nigrescens and Commiphora schimperi dominating the tree layer. Other less common tree species include Combretum apiculatum, Commiphora marlothii, Sterculia rogersii and Ficus ingens. The shrub layer is dominated by Barleria albostellata. The robust grass Panicum deustum occurs in large stands among the rocks.
Thirty-two species (16% of the entire list) were recorded from Sunbird (Appendix 1c). Once again a wet-season survey would significantly increase this total. No species of conservation concern were recorded but Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) and Scadoxus puniceus is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003).
Figure 35. Selected photos from Sunbird
5.1.3.27 Marula
Marula is situated on the Lephalala River and supports a diverse combination of vegetation communities (Figure 2). Here, closed woodland and tall riparian forest merge without real definition and this is therefore not easily mapped. These two vegetation communities are described below (Figure 39): ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 53 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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i. Acacia nigrescens – Combretum apiculatum Low Closed Woodland This community occurs on the lower slopes above the riparian forest (Figure 36). Slopes are very rocky and the vegetation becomes rather dense in places. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983). The two dominant trees include Acacia nigrescens and Combretum apiculatum but Commiphora schimperi, Dombeya rotundifolia, Peltophorum africanum and Pappea capensis are also frequently recorded. The shrub layer is dominated by Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. caffra.
ii. Syzygium cordatum – Combretum erythrophyllum Tall Closed Forest Occurring between the river and the base of the rocky slopes, this community is dominated by tall riparian trees such as Syzygium cordatum, Combretum erythrophyllum and Ficus sur. The structure of this vegetation association is mostly Tall Closed Forest (sensu Edwards, 1983). The understory is diverse with a number of species either rare or unrecorded elsewhere in the study area. These include Buxus macowanii, Premna mooiensis, Barleria saxatilis and Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. schlechteri. The reed Phragmites mauritianus is common along the water’s edge.
Forty-six species (23% of the entire list) were recorded from Marula (Appendix 1c), the second highest of all the communities. A wet season survey, including more of the steep, rocky slopes community, would significantly increase this total. Three protected trees were confirmed to occur: Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra and Combretum imberbe are protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) and Spirostachys africana is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003).
Figure 36. Selected photos from Marula
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5.1.3.28 Rapula Rock
Situated on a pool in the Lephalala River, Rapula Rock appears to have been used in the past as a picnic or camping site (Figure 2). Two structurally and floristically distinct vegetation communities are present (Figure 39):
ii. Acacia nigrescens – Combretum apiculatum Low Closed Woodland This community occurs on the lower slopes above the riparian forest. Slopes are rocky and the vegetation becomes rather dense in places, especially where the invasive shrub Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. caffra dominates. Vegetation structure is Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 37). The two dominant trees include Acacia nigrescens and Combretum apiculatum and other common trees include Schotia brachypetala and Commiphora schimperi.
iii. Combretum erythrophyllum – Phragmites mauritianus Low Closed Woodland The Lephalala River provides habitat for various riparian plant species including the tree Combretum erythrophyllum and the reed Phragmites mauritianus. Nuxia oppositifolia is the common species in the shrub layer.
Twenty-one species (10% of the entire list) were recorded from Rapula Rock (Appendix 1c). Additional fieldwork in the wet season would significantly increase this total. One species of conservation-concern was recorded: the epiphyte Ansellia africana. Two plants were found in the site. This orchid is also protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003). Two additional protected trees were confirmed to occur: Combretum imberbe is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) and Spirostachys africana is protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003).
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Figure 37. Selected photos from Rapula Rock
5.1.3.29 Selous
This site is centred on a copse of large fig trees on the edge of bare old lands (Figure 2). Much bush-clearing has taken place here and as the site is almost completely transformed (Figure 38), no natural vegetation community will be described. Apart from the large Ficus burkei, there are also scattered Terminalia sericea, Combretum molle and C. zeyheri trees present. The shrub Grewia flavescens has invaded some of the site.
Only 14 (7% of the entire list) were recorded from Selous (Appendix 1c), an accurate reflection of the degraded status of the site.
Figure 38. Selected photos from Selous
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Figure 39. Vegetation Associations at Sunbird, Marula, Rapula Rock and Selous
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5.1.3.30 King’s Pool
King’s Pool is one of only three proposed lodge sites east of the main north-south road running through Lapalala (Figure 2). The site is dominated by an artificial earth dam (
Figure 44). Only one untransformed vegetation community is present:
i. Terminalia sericea - Combretum zeyheri Low Open to Closed Woodland This community occurs around the earth dam within the footprint and is characterised by short to tall deciduous woodland (Figure 40). Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983) with Terminalia sericea and Combretum zeyheri dominating the canopy. Less common trees recorded include Acacia nigrescens and Schotia brachypetala. Shrubs found include Searsia leptodictya and Grewia flava. Grasses occur in the gaps in the canopy, and include Aristida meridionalis, Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis and Eragrostis lehmanniana var. chaunantha.
Twenty-three species (11% of the entire list) were recorded from King’s Pool (Appendix 1c). Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
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Figure 40. Selected photos from King’s Pool
5.1.3.31 Roan Plains
Situated south of King’s Pool, Road Plains is centred on six large Marula trees surrounded by dense thorn thickets (Figure 2). One degraded vegetation community is present (
Figure 44):
i. Sclerocarya birrea – Dichrostachys cinerea Low Closed Woodland
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Formerly an old agricultural land, this community is dominated by several large Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees surrounded by dense thickets of mostly Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana. Vegetation structure is Low to Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 41). Acacia erubescens and A. nilotica subsp. kraussiana are also frequently found.
Only ten species (5% of the entire list) were recorded from Roan Plains (Appendix 1c), a clear indication of the degraded status of the site. Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 41. Selected photos from Roan Plains
5.1.3.32 Buffalo Pool
Buffalo Pool is situated in the far north-eastern portion of the study area. The area is on the edge of a flat plain on sandy soils. One vegetation community is present in the site:
i. Burkea africana – Terminalia sericea Closed Woodland Covering the entire site, this community is best described as Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983). The two trees Burkea africana and Terminalia sericea strongly dominate the canopy, with Peltophorum africanum and Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia also occurring frequently. The shrubs Gardenia volkensii and Euclea natalensis subsp. angustifolia occur throughout.
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Approximately ten species (5 % of the entire list) were recorded from Buffalo Pan Alternative. Additional fieldwork in the wet season would significantly increase this total. No species of conservation-concern were recorded but at least a few may be present.
Figure 42. Selected photos from Buffalo Pool
5.1.3.33 Lion Pan
Lion Pan is situated in the far north of the study area (Figure 2). The site is centred on a low, rocky ridge overlooking the densely wooded plains below. Two structurally and floristically distinct vegetation communities are present (
Figure 44):
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i. Acacia nigrescens - Dichrostachys cinerea Low Open to Closed Woodland The disturbed plains below the rocky ridge are dominated by the tree Acacia nigrescens and the thorny shrub Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana. Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 43). Other common woody species include Grewia flava, Commiphora schimperi, Acacia tortilis subsp. heteracantha and Terminalia prunioides. The grass layer is well developed with Aristida adscensionis, Enneapogon cenchroides and Digitaria eriantha frequently recorded.
ii. Pappea capensis – Acacia nigrescens Low Closed Woodland This community is found on the steep, rocky slopes above the plains. Vegetation structure is mostly Low Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983). This diverse community is dominated by the trees Pappea capensis, Acacia nigrescens, Commiphora schimperi, C. marlothii and Dombeya rotundifolia. The dense shrub layer is dominated by Grewia flavescens and G. flava. Interesting grasses occur, like Microchloa caffra and Cymbopogon sp.
Forty-one species (21% of the entire list) were recorded from Lion Pan (Appendix 1c). Additional summer fieldwork, especially on the rocky slopes, would significantly increase this total with the addition of herbaceous species not visible at the time of the survey. One species of conservation concern was recorded within the site footprint: the tree Elaeodendron transvaalense is assessed as Near-threatened and is protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998). One small tree was located and its location presented in
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Figure 44. In addition, a few Spirostachys africana trees were located (protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003) and two Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees (protected under the National Forests Act No. 30 of 1998) were recorded.
Figure 43. Selected photos from Lion Pan
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Figure 44. Vegetation Associations at King’s Pool, Roan Plains, Buffalo Pool and Lion Pan
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5.1.3.34 Chiefs
Chiefs, along with Lion Pan, are the two most northerly of the proposed lodge sites (Figure 2). Unlike Lion Pan, Chiefs is situated on recovering old lands and the site supports very low plant diversity. As with many sites on the plains, this is centred on a large fig tree and surrounded by dense thorn thickets. One degraded vegetation community is present:
i. Ficus burkei – Dichrostachys cinerea Low to Tall Closed Woodland Formerly an old agricultural land, this community is dominated by a large Ficus burkei tree surrounded by dense thickets of mostly Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana and seven Acacia species. Vegetation structure is Low to Tall Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 45).
Only 18 species (9% of the entire list) were recorded from Chiefs (Appendix 1c), a clear indication of the degraded status of the site. Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra and Boscia albitrunca are protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 45. Selected photos from Chiefs
5.1.3.35 Bonwa Phala
Bonwa Phala, situated in the centre of the study area, is a degraded site located on old lands that had been invaded by indigenous shrubs (Figure 2). These shrubs are being actively cleared and the site is rather barren. An artificial waterhole is situated within the footprint. One vegetation community is present (Figure 49):
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i. Terminalia sericea - Dichrostachys cinerea Low Open to Closed Woodland Pioneer trees and shrubs are being cleared on this site resulting in a degraded community. Vegetation structure is Low Open to Closed Woodland (sensu Edwards, 1983, Figure 46) with Terminalia sericea and Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana dominating the tree and shrub strata throughout. Grewia flavescens, another pioneer, is being cut down to open the site up for development.
Fifteen species (7% of the entire list) were recorded from Bonwa Phala (Appendix 1c). This figure is likely to rise somewhat during a wet-season survey. Two large Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra are present and these are protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998).
Figure 46. Selected photos from Bonwa Phala
5.1.3.36 North Gate
Minor structural upgrades are planned for North Gate (Figure 2). This site is mostly transformed (Figure 47) although the orchid Ansellia africana (Declining, protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act No. 7 of 2003) and two large Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra trees (protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) are present.
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Figure 47. Selected photos from North Gate
5.1.3.37 East Gate Complex
Situated adjacent to the tarred R518 road, the proposed East Gate upgrade will include a formal entrance gate, staff housing and a security complex (Figure 2). The vegetation on site is degraded and an old homestead with outbuildings is present (Figure 48). Terminalia sericea, Combretum zeyheri and Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana dominate the scrubby vegetation. No species of conservation-importance were recorded (Figure 49).
Figure 48. Selected photos from East Gate Complex
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Figure 49. Vegetation Associations at Chiefs, Bonwa Phala, North Gate and East Gate Complex
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B. ROAD NETWORK
The existing road network on Lapalala Wilderness is approximately 850 km in length1. The developers wish to increase this by approximately 22 % by building an additional 187 km of roads and tracks. The existing and proposed road infrastructure is presented in Figure 3. Many of the proposed tracks connect existing ones and it is important to see them in relation to the existing tracks for them to make sense. Due to the length of the proposed new roads, as well as time constraints, the routes were not sampled on foot but each route was visually assessed from the helicopter and, certainly from an ecological perspective, only very limited data was obtained. The two most sensitive areas identified from the air are drainage line crossings and steep slopes. These were marked on the GPS and selected photographs were taken. These sites are presented in Table 2 below, with representative photographs displayed in Figure 50.
Table 2. Localities of potentially sensitive sites along the proposed new roads in Lapalala
Sensitive Feature Latitude Longitude
Drainage Line -23,821903 28,358304 Stream Crossing and Wetland -23,821104 28,357347 Drainage Line -23,795245 28,361093 Drainage Line -23,786015 28,335334 Steep Drainage Line -23,793893 28,322883 Steep Slope -23,804622 28,326852 Steep Slope -23,829932 28,293079 Drainage Line -23,842968 28,294057 Drainage Line -23,843690 28,306534 Drainage Line -23,903222 28,341569 Drainage Line -23,900209 28,371097 Drainage Line -23,913330 28,396002 Drainage Line -23,926653 28,347365 Drainage Line -23,927300 28,328857 Drainage Line -23,925105 28,321806 Drainage Line -23,922083 28,315853 Drainage Line -23,904951 28,288286 Drainage Line -23,868337 28,307832 Drainage Line -23,872563 28,314442 Drainage Line -23,858785 28,285302 Drainage Line -23,857636 28,280158 Steep Slope -23,855072 28,284837 Drainage Line -23,866172 28,356198 Drainage Line -23,860243 28,359954 Drainage Line -23,829611 28,358360
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Steep Slope -23,831964 28,336886 Steep Slope -23,816879 28,266439 Drainage Line -23,810502 28,266012 Drainage Line -23,820964 28,370189
A B
A = Drainage line; B = Steep slope
Figure 50. Representative photographs of two of the threats identified on the proposed new roads at Lapalala
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5.1.4 Confirmed Conservation-Important Flora
Four plant species located within the boundaries of the 36 proposed development sites are considered to be of conservation concern as defined by Raimondo et al. (2009). Two plants are listed as Near Threatened: the tree Elaeodendron transvaalense and the bulb Drimia sanguinea. In addition, two species are listed as Declining: the epiphytic orchid Ansellia africana and the bulb Boophone disticha (Table 3). These species are dealt with in more detail below:
i. Transvaal Saffron Elaeodendron transvaalense (Burtt Davy) R.H.Archer Transvaal Saffron is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree occurring in northern and eastern South Africa, and further afield through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia. The species is heavily harvested in South Africa for traditional medicine and some sub-populations have declined as a result; as such it has been assessed as Near Threatened (Williams et al., 2008a). Small numbers were located in six of the proposed lodge sites.
ii. Snake-root Drimia sanguinea (Schinz) Jessop This is another species confined to southern Africa, occurring from western Free State and Northern Cape through northern South Africa to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Snake- root is a well-known highly poisonous species which has resulted in large-scale mortality in livestock in the past. It is also one of the most widely traded species in traditional medicine markets and populations have declined by 20-25% as a result; the species has therefore been assessed as Near Threatened (Williams et al., 2008b). One small colony consisting of four bulbs was located in the Melora site.
iii. Leopard Orchid Ansellia africana Lindl. This is an epiphytic orchid that grows in the canopy or mid-stratum of large trees in forest or woodland habitats (Figure 51). It has suffered under illegal trade of plants collected in the wild and a continued decline is expected, hence its status of Declining (Williams et al., 2008c). Low numbers were located in three of the proposed development sites.
iv. Poison Bulb Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. This highly toxic and long-lived bulb is widespread in South Africa and beyond. It is in high demand in the medicinal plant trade and is declining throughout its range in South Africa (Williams et al., 2008d). It has suffered under illegal trade of plants collected in the wild and
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Four trees confirmed during fieldwork are protected under the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998): Combretum imberbe, Boscia albitrunca, Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra and Elaeodendron transvaalense (Table 1). One tree (Spirostachys africana), two succulents (Huernia cf. zebrina and Aloe spicata) and one bulb (Scadoxus puniceus) are protected under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003) (Table 3).
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Vegetation Communities
Growth Taxa Form
Red data
Protected
Riparian
Old /lands
transformed
Valley Thicket
Plains Woodland
RockyWoodland Family Anacardiaceae u r r Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro tree NFA u r r r Family Amaryllidaceae Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. bulb Dec r Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis & Nordal bulb LEMA r Family Apocynaceae Huernia cf. zebrina (no flowers) succulent LEMA r Family Asphodelaceae Aloe spicata L.f. succulent LEMA u Family Capparaceae Boscia albitrunca (Burch.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. tree NFA r r Family Celastraceae Elaeodendron transvaalense (Burtt Davy) R.H.Archer tree NT NFA r r r Family Combretaceae Combretum imberbe Wawra tree NFA r u u r Family Euphorbiaceae Spirostachys africana Sond. tree LEMA r r u Family Hyacinthaceae Drimia sanguinea (Schinz) Jessop bulb NT r Family Orchidaceae Ansellia africana Lindl. parasite Dec LEMA r r r TOTAL 11 4 9 10 7 6 1 3
Dec = Declining d = dominant NT = Near Threatened f = frequent NFA = National Forests Act u = uncommon LEMA = Limpopo Environmental Management Act r = rare
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Table 3. Plant species of conservation-concern recorded during fieldwork
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A B
D
C
A = Ansellia africana; B = Elaeodendron transvaalense ; C = Boophone disticha; D = Drimia sanguinea
Figure 51. Photos of plant species of conservation concern occurring in the study area
5.1.5 Potentially Occurring Conservation-Important Flora
An additional 14 plant species of conservation concern have been recorded from the quarter degree grid 2328 CD and surrounding grids, of which only four species have a moderate chance of occurring (Appendix 3). None of these are considered to be threatened as defined by Raimondo et al. (2009).
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5.2 Terrestrial Fauna
5.2.1 Mammals
The study area is situated within the savannah biome within the Lapalala Wilderness and threatened species confirmed for the reserve include White Rhinoceros, Black Rhinoceros, Ground Pangolin, Hippopotamus, Cheetah and, historically, Wild Dog1. The mammal diversity for the reserve is high although many of these would be small mammals such as rodents, insectivores and bats, most of which would not be located through active searching methods employed during daylight. Intensive mammal sampling using live walk-in traps, mist-nets and harp traps would be needed to get a reasonable indication of species richness in these groups. An extended camera trap survey would be needed to sample small carnivores and antelope. Thirty-two mammal species were recorded during fieldwork within the Lapalala Wilderness (with representative photographs presented in Figure 52), excluding those observed in small camps such as Roan and Nyala (Appendix 4). Of these, two are considered to be threatened: Black Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus which have both been assessed as Vulnerable. One Black Rhinoceros and at least ten Hippopotamus were observed from the Robinson R44 Helicopter during the roads survey. Two species are classified as Near Threatened: Brown Hyaena and White Rhinoceros. Fair numbers of the latter were observed on the ground and in the air while low densities of the former were observed through scats and tracks. Nineteen of the confirmed species are protected either under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) Threatened and Protected Species Lists (GG Notice 256, 2015) or the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2003).
An additional thirty-one additional conservation-important mammals potentially occur within the general vicinity of the proposed development footprints (Appendix 6). Of the 18 species with a moderate or high likelihood of occurring within the study area, only four are considered to be of conservation concern2, all four of which are classified as Near Threatened (Appendix 6). Two of these are carnivores, namely Leopard and Honey Badger, while one species is a small bat (Rusty Bat). The remaining species is Sharpe’s Grysbok which, according to the Lapalala Wilderness Masterplan (2016), does indeed occur within the reserve. All of these species could potentially occur anywhere in natural habitat in the
1 Masterplan for Lapalala Wilderness, 2016 2 The same approach as Raimondo et al. (2009) has been followed here regarding species of conservation concern (i.e. those with a status of Declining, Near Threatened and Data Deficient, and threatened species with a status of Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered) ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 76 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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A
B
C D
A = Ceratotherium simum ; B = Giraffa camelopardalis ; C = Tragelaphus oryx ; D = Heterohyrax brucei
Figure 52. Representative photographs of mammal species recorded in the study area
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5.2.2 Birds
5.2.2.1 Species richness
Of the nine biomes in Southern Africa, the savannah biome supports the highest diversity of bird species within the sub-region. Evidence in support of this is the combined total of 270 species recorded within the quarter-degree grids 2328 CB, CC and CD, in which the study area falls, during the second Southern African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP2)1. This total does depend on the number of checklists submitted to the project and the remoteness of the area has resulted in very few submissions to the project. One-hundred-and-forty-five species were confirmed to occur in the study area during fieldwork (Appendix 4), a reasonable total considering the dry conditions prevailing during fieldwork. The species accumulation curve across 71 10-species lists is presented in Figure 34. Further sampling in the wet season would produce moderately more species.
Species Accumulation Curve 160 140 120 100 80 60 No. of Species of No. 40 20 0 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 52 55 58 61 64 67 70 No. of Lists
Figure 53. Species accumulation curve after 71 ten-species Mackinnon lists
5.2.2.2 Species assemblages
While insufficient fieldwork was undertaken to comprehensively describe the different bird species assemblages present on Lapalala, they can be broadly described based on observations in the vicinity of the development site footprints. Bird species assemblages are
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LAPALALA LODGE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY STUDY & BIODIVERSITY VALUE Sep 2015 ASSESSMENT (ECOREX) characteristic groups of species associated with particular habitats, which usually comprise a mix of habitat generalists and specialists, some of which are resident, others regular non- breeding visitors, or some infrequent or irregular visitors. Five assemblages were identified during fieldwork and are briefly described below. Seventy-one MacKinnon 10-species-lists were used to indicate the most frequently encountered species, but this could produce different results with further fieldwork (Appendix 5).
i. Woodland Assemblage This is by far the largest and most diverse bird assemblage in the study area and can be found in all wooded natural habitats on the property. Eighty-one species were recorded in this assemblage, including common generalists such as White-bellied Sunbird, Black-backed Puffback, White-browed Scrub Robin and Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Appendix 4).
ii. Thicket Assemblage This is a small assemblage confined to the tall thickets along the Lephalala River as well as on some of the steeper slopes. Common species found include Southern Boubou, Grey- backed Camaroptera, Red-chested Cuckoo, Yellow-bellied Greenbul and Grey Tit- Flycatcher (Appendix 4).
iii. Rocky Slopes Assemblage This assemblage is restricted to the steeper slopes where rock cover is high. Diagnostic species include Striped Pipit, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Streaky-headed Seedeater and Freckled Nightjar (Appendix 4).
iv. Rivers / Dams Assemblage Birds associated with water occur along the two main rivers in the study area, as well as on artificial dams throughout the study area. Species restricted to this assemblage include Reed Cormorant, Egyptian Goose, Pied, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers and African Finfoot (Appendix 4).
v. Open Plains Assemblage Open plains occur throughout the study area, predominantly on old agricultural lands that have now been cleared of most trees and shrubs to encourage grass growth. Birds found here include Crowned Lapwing, Capped Wheatear, African Pipit and Common Buzzard.
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5.2.2.3 Species of Conservation Concern
Sixteen threatened1 or Near Threatened bird species potentially occur within the general vicinity of the study area (Appendix 4). Two of these were confirmed during fieldwork: Lanner Falcon and African Finfoot. Both birds are listed as Vulnerable. A pair of Lanner Falcons was observed hunting at the Rundgren’s Rest site and a single female African Finfoot was seen on the Lephalala River below the Modumela site.
Three of the potentially occurring species with a moderate or high likelihood of occurring in the vicinity of Lapalala are threatened species, one of which is classified as Endangered and three as Vulnerable (Appendix 6). Martial Eagle (Endangered) and Verreaux’s Eagle (Vulnerable) may occasionally forage over the study area and breeding habitat is present for both. Black Stork is likely to forage in the Lephalala River and the Bloklandspruit and breeding habitat (cliffs) is present.
The remaining potentially occurring species are wetland or grassland species and little habitat is present within the study area for them or they have very low reporting rate in the area or are unrecorded from the area and therefore unlikely to occur. Representative photographs of some of the birds found during fieldwork at Lapalala are presented in Figure 54.
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A B
C D
A = Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris ; B = Cecropis abyssinica ; C = Kaupifalco monogrammicus ; D = Upupa africana
Figure 54. Representative photographs of bird species recorded in the study area
5.2.3 Reptiles
Sixty-two species of reptiles have been recorded from the entire degree grid 2328, as listed on the Reptile Atlas of Southern Africa website (http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_sp_list.php), in Bates et al. (2014) and data from interviews with Founders Lodge staff. Three potentially occurring species are species of conservation concern: Orange-throated Flat Lizard is classified as Endangered, Nile Crocodile is classified as Vulnerable and is listed as Vulnerable under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) Threatened and Protected Species Lists (GG Notice 256, 2015) and Southern African Python is listed as Protected under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) Threatened and Protected Species Lists (GG Notice 256, 2015, Appendix 6). Nile Crocodile was confirmed in the Lephalala River during the helicopter survey. The flat lizard has a Low likelihood of occurrence due to occurring further north than Lapalala and the python has a High likelihood of occurring anywhere within the reserve. A
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LAPALALA LODGE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY STUDY & BIODIVERSITY VALUE Sep 2015 ASSESSMENT (ECOREX) reasonable total of 14 reptile species were recorded during fieldwork (Appendix 4). However, a dedicated reptile survey using pitfall traps and drift fences, as well as additional nocturnal surveys, will be needed to adequately sample this fauna group. Photographs of some of the reptile species are displayed in Figure 55.
A B
C D
A = Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis ; B = Mochlus sundevallii sundevallii ; C = Gerrhosaurus flavigularis ; D = Homopholis wahlbergii
Figure 55. Representative photographs of reptile species recorded in the study area
5.2.3 Frogs
Twenty-two species of frogs have been recorded from the degree grid 2328 (http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_sp_list.php) and in Minter et al, 2004. None are threatened or protected. Five frog species were recorded during fieldwork (Appendix 4), although additional nocturnal surveys during the wet season would result in a number of additional species. Photographs of some of the frogs confirmed during fieldwork are displayed in Figure 56.
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A B
A = Schismaderma carens ; B = Kassina senegalensis
Figure 56. Representative photographs of reptile species recorded in the study area
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6. SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT
The ecological sensitivity of the 36 proposed development sites were assessed on a sensitivity matrix as indicated in Table 4 and Table 5 below. The score for each site is indicative of the potential biodiversity / infrastructure development conflict, with higher scores indicating potentially higher conflict. Most favourable sites are those with lower potential for conflict. The individual sites are also grouped into four categories where site-specific sensitivity drivers are discussed. The sensitivity of each site is presented spatially in
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Figure 57, Figure 58 and
Figure 59.
Table 4. Sensitivity of South West sites to biodiversity / development conflict
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DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS
SENSITIVITY DRIVERS
Burkia
Kolobe Kwena Melora Mooka Rapids
Tamboti
Lepotedi
Dragonfly
Modumela
Tholo Plain Tholo Gate South
Kogong View Kogong
Elephant Pool Elephant Amphitheatre Housing Staff
Molope Plains Molope
Takadu Plains Takadu
Rundgren's Rest Rundgren's
Bushman'sPainting Current Ecological State 2 2 4 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 5 4 3 4 3 1 2 Potential to Support Biodiversity 2 2 4 5 2 3 4 4 4 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3 Potential to Support Red-Listed Species 1 2 4 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 1 3 Potential for Negative Associated Impacts 2 3 4 3 2 2 4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 1 2 Irreplaceability of Natural Habitat 2 2 3 4 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 3 1 3 Relative Size of Impact Footprint 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Presence of Unique Habitat / Taxa 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 2 4 4 1 2 SCORE 13 15 24 24 14 18 22 22 22 20 17 20 22 24 24 22 24 24 9 17 AVERAGE 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2
0 = Absent / Not applicable 1 = Very low / Negligable 2 = Low 3 = Moderate 4 = High 5 = Very High / Confirmed
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Table 5. Sensitivity of North East sites to biodiversity / development conflict
DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS
SENSITIVITY DRIVERS
Chiefs
Marula Selous
Sunbird
Lion Pan Lion
North Gate North
King's Pool King's
Roan Plains Roan
Eland Plains Eland Pool Buffalo
Rapula Rock Rapula
Kgokong Pan Kgokong Phala Bonwa
Mohlatse Plains Mohlatse
Tshukudu Plains Tshukudu
EastComplex Gate Current Ecological State 2 2 2 4 3 4 3 2 3 2 2 4 2 2 1 2 Potential to Support Biodiversity 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 2 Potential to Support Red-Listed Species 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 Potential for Negative Associated Impacts 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 Irreplaceability of Natural Habitat 2 2 2 3 3 4 3 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 Relative Size of Impact Footprint 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Presence of Unique Habitat / Taxa 2 2 2 3 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 1 2 SCORE 16 16 16 22 21 26 22 16 19 16 16 23 16 16 10 12 AVERAGE 2 2 2 3 3 4 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 1 2
0 = Absent / Not applicable 1 = Very low / Negligable 2 = Low 3 = Moderate 4 = High 5 = Very High / Confirmed
CATEGORY 1 – High Sensitivity Only one of the proposed development sites attains an average score of 4 or higher – Marula, Table 5). Apart from the sensitive riparian zone along the Lephalala River where two Vulnerable fauna species have been confirmed (Hippopotamus and Nile Crocodile), this is the only site that supports riparian forest which contains a few plant species found at no other sites. Species diversity is also very high and so is the potential to support threatened or near threatened species of fauna and flora. Development needs to proceed with extreme care and with strict mitigation measures in place at this site.
CATEGORY 2 – Moderate Sensitivity Fourteen sites in the South West cluster and five sites in the North East have been assessed as having Moderate Sensitivity (Table 4 and Table 5). Most of these sites contain at least some Near Threatened, Declining or protected plant species. Sites with a Moderate Sensitivity frequently have a vegetation community with High Sensitivity present for example footprints that overlap onto a river or drainage line, but also adjacent terrestrial communities that have been assessed as Moderate or even Low Sensitivity. These sites also possess a moderate likelihood of providing habitat to threatened fauna species.
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CATEGORY 3 – Low Sensitivity Five sites in the South West cluster and nine sites in the North East cluster (Table 4 and Table 5) were rated as having Low Sensitivity. These are sites where considerable loss in biodiversity has occurred either through bush encroachment or bush clearing, overgrazing or old agricultural lands. Species diversity is low although some of these sites may contain a few Near Threatened, Declining or protected plant species. The potential to support threatened fauna species is also low to moderate.
CATEGORY 4 – Very Low Sensitivity One site in each of the two clusters has been assessed as having Very Low Sensitivity (Table 4 and Table 5). These are the two proposed gate upgrades where existing infrastructure and human activities has resulted in very low biodiversity, vegetation degradation and little or no habitat for threatened species. Disturbance is also very high. Only one Declining plant species was recorded from North Gate (the orchid Ansellia africana) and this may well have been planted as it is growing in a large Jacaranda tree adjacent to an old dwelling.
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Melora Alt
Figure 57. Map 1 of the Sensitivity categories of the sites on Lapalala
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Figure 58. Map 2 of the Sensitivity categories of the sites on Lapalala
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Buffalo Pool
Figure 59. Map 3 of the Sensitivity categories of the sites on Lapalala
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PROPOSED ROADS
The ecological sensitivity of the proposed road development sites was assessed on a sensitivity matrix as indicated in Table 6 below. Many of the proposed new roads are confined to the areas currently being cleared of pioneer trees and shrubs on the old lands where game viewing is best. These sites have Low Sensitivity and very few species of conservation-concern occur. Flatter areas within rocky woodland are assessed as having Moderate Sensitivity as these areas support reasonably high biodiversity, including Declining, Near Threatened and protected plant species, and potentially support threatened species of fauna. Steep slopes support either woodland or thicket and support a high biodiversity of fauna and flora. They also potentially support threatened species but the primary threat is erosion resulting from stormwater runoff. Drainage is extremely difficult to control on steep slopes and the impact of subsequent dongas will be more than just visual scars. Loss of topsoil and biodiversity results in these areas attaining a High Sensitivity. The proposed new road network crosses a stream or ephemeral drainage line in at least 29 localities (Figure 60). The riparian zone is home to confirmed Vulnerable-listed fauna species such as African Finfoot and Hippopotamus and plays an important role in streambank stabilisation and acts as a corridor for wildlife. These areas are also protected under the Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and are assessed as having High Sensitivity.
Table 6. Sensitivity of road sites to biodiversity / development conflict
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ROADS
SENSITIVITY DRIVERS
Old Lands
Rocky Plateau Woodland Rocky
Valley Woodland and Thickets on SlopesThickets
Riparian Riparian Woodland and Thicket Current Ecological State 2 4 4 4 Potential to Support Biodiversity 3 4 4 4 Potential to Support Red-Listed Species 3 3 4 4 Potential for Negative Associated Impacts 2 3 4 5 Irreplaceability of Natural Habitat 2 3 4 4 Relative Size of Impact Footprint 2 3 2 2 Presence of Unique Habitat / Taxa 1 4 4 4 SCORE 15 24 26 27 AVERAGE 2 3 4 4
0 = Absent / Not applicable 1 = Very low / Negligable 2 = Low 3 = Moderate 4 = High 5 = Very High / Confirmed
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Figure 60. Map of the Sensitivity categories of the proposed roads on Lapalala
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7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The terrestrial ecology of 36 potential development sites and 187 km of proposed road was assessed over a six-day period in October 2016. The proposed sites are all situated within Waterberg Mountain Bushveld which is not considered to be threatened. However, the Limpopo Province Biodiversity Conservation Assessment classifies the study area and general surroundings as a Critical Biodiversity Area 1 (CBA1), an area deemed to be Irreplaceable. No threatened plant species were confirmed during fieldwork but two Near Threatened and two Declining species as well as nine species protected either under the Limpopo Environmental Management (Act No. 7 of 2003) or the National Forests Act (No. 30 of 1998) were recorded. No threatened plant species potential occur. In total, 204 plant species were recorded from the 36 sites. Five threatened fauna species were recorded: Black Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Lanner Falcon, African Finfoot and Nile Crocodile. In addition, two Near Threatened species were also confirmed: Brown Hyaena and White Rhinoceros. Sixteen confirmed species are protected either under the Limpopo Environmental Management (Act No. 7 of 2003) or the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act Threatened or Protected Species (No. 10 of 2004). Three threatened species have a moderate or high likelihood of occurring within the study area (Martial and Verreaux’s Eagles and Black Stork).
The sensitivity assessment can be summarised as follows:
One site (Marula) has a High Sensitivity and is the least favourable site for development, although it could be developed with strict mitigation measures. Nineteen sites are assessed as having Moderate Sensitivity. Development, if placed correctly, will have a relatively low impact Fourteen sites are assessed as having Low Sensitivity. These sites are the most favourable sites for development. Two sites are assessed as having Very Low Sensitivity. Development in these sites should not have significant biodiversity / infrastructure development conflict. Twenty-nine sites on the proposed road developments are assessed as having High Sensitivity. These areas include steep slopes and drainage lines / streams. Development is not recommended on steep slopes while stream and drainage line crossings are to be approached sensitively and with the necessary environmental authorisation.
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Based on this sensitivity assessment, the following recommendations can be made:
i. All permanent infrastructures at all the sites preferably to be situated outside of the riparian zone and above the 1/100 year floodline of drainage lines and rivers. This also includes all areas with High sensitivity. If development within the riparian zone is unavoidable due to terrain, access or substrate, the proposed infrastructure should comply with the following mitigation measures and recommendations: a. No canopy (tall) trees to be removed. All infrastructure to be designed around them; b. Access to the construction site within the riparian zone should only be from the terrestrial side, not from the drainage line / river bed itself; c. All lay-down and stockpile areas and equipment storage to be situated outside the riparian zone; d. All reasonable measures to be taken during construction to stabilise steep banks in the riparian zone against erosion and collapse; e. All septic tanks to be constructed well outside the riparian zone. A minimum distance of 15m is recommended f. An ECO should be appointed to supervise and guide construction workers. ii. Prior to any construction at any of the sites, an experienced botanist should conduct a walk-through of these sites, marking each plant species of conservation concern to be avoided or that may need to be relocated prior to any site clearance activity taking place. iii. A further wet season ecology survey of the final approved lodge sites should take place prior to any construction activity being allowed. If findings of such a study require additional mitigation measures to be implemented, these will have to be attended to prior to construction. iv. All steep slopes should be excluded from the development options, including roads and lodge sites. v. Road options through riparian vegetation should be limited to areas with low vegetation in order to protect the integrity of tall riparian woodland and forest. vi. All proposed roads to contain adequate stormwater drainage and erosion control measures. vii. An experienced botanist should accompany the road construction teams and walk ahead of construction in order to mark plant species of conservation concern to be avoided or that may need to be relocated prior to any site clearance activity taking place. ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 96 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
LAPALALA LODGE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY STUDY & BIODIVERSITY VALUE Sep 2015 ASSESSMENT (ECOREX) viii. According to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) Alien and Invasive Species Lists, 2014 all declared alien invasive plant species need to be removed from wetland areas. It is therefore recommended that the developers implement an alien plant control program to combat the infestation present, especially along the edges and within drainage lines and wetlands. This program should include regular inspections and follow-ups. ix. Wherever possible, tall trees should be left unharmed, whether protected by law or not.
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8. REFERENCES
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 Data List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. DEAT. 2011. National List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems in South Africa. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004). Government Gazette. Desmet, P. G., Holness, S., Skowno, A. & Egan, V.T. (2013). Limpopo Conservation Plan v.2: Technical Report. Contract Number EDET/2216/2012. Report for Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET) by ECOSOL GIS. Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET) by ECOSOL GIS. Edwards, D. 1983. A broad-scale structural classification of vegetation for practical purposes. Bothalia 14:705-712. Friedmann, Y. & Daly, B. (editors). 2004. Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment. CBSG Southern Africa, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC / IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust. South Africa. Hockey, P.A.R., Dean, W.R.J., Ryan, P.G. (eds) 2005. Roberts Birds of Southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town. International Conservation Services. 2016. Lapalala Wilderness Masterplan, 2016 Update. Rapula Farming. McKenzie, D.R. 2016. Biodiversity Survey Of The Founders Lodge, Lapalala Wilderness, Limpopo Province. ECOREX Consulting Ecologists. Minter, L.R., Burger, M., Harrison, J.A., Braack, H.H., Bishop, P.J. & Kloepfer, D.2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series No.9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds) 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. O’Dea, N., Watson, J.E.M. & Whittaker, R.J. 2004. Rapid assessment in conservation research: a critique of avifaunal assessment techniques illustrated by Ecuadorian and Madagascan case study data. Diversity and Distributions 10:55-63. Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds) 2009. Red List of South African Plants 2009. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 98 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
LAPALALA LODGE TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY STUDY & BIODIVERSITY VALUE Sep 2015 ASSESSMENT (ECOREX)
Taylor, M.R., Peacock, F., Wanless, R.W. (eds). 2015. The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Birdlife South Africa, Johannesburg. Van Wyk, A. E. & Smith, G. F. 2001. Regions of floristic endemism in southern Africa: A review with emphasis on succulents. Umdaus Press, Pretoria. Williams, V.L., Raimondo, D., Crouch, N.R., Cunningham, A.B., Scott-Shaw, C.R., Lötter, M., Ngwenya, A.M., Victor, J.E., McMurtry, D., Grobler, L. & Burns, S. 2008. Ansellia africana Lindl. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2015.1. Accessed on 2016/11/01. Williams, V.L., Raimondo, D., Brueton, V.J., Crouch, N.R., Cunningham, A.B., Scott-Shaw, C.R., Lötter, M. & Ngwenya, A.M. 2008. Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2015.1. Accessed on 2016/11/01. Williams, V.L., Raimondo, D., Crouch, N.R., Cunningham, A.B., Scott-Shaw, C.R., Lötter, M. & Ngwenya, A.M. 2008a. Elaeodendron transvaalense (Burtt Davy) R.H.Archer. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2015.1. Accessed on 2016/11/01. Williams, V.L., Raimondo, D., Crouch, N.R., Brueton, V.J., Cunningham, A.B., Scott-Shaw, C.R., Lötter, M. & Ngwenya, A.M. 2008b. Drimia sanguinea (Schinz) Jessop. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2015.1. Accessed on 2016/11/01.
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9. APPENDICES
Appendix 1a. Checklist of Flora recorded during fieldwork
Vegetation Communities
Growth Taxa Form
Reddata
Protected
Riparian
ValleyThicket
Plains Woodland
RockyWoodland
Old Old /lands transformed Family Acanthaceae Barleria albostellata C.B.Clarke dwarf shrub f Barleria saxatilis Oberm. herb r Blepharis sp. (no flowers) herb r Ruellia patula Jacq. herb r Family Agavaceae * Agave sisalana Perrine succulent r Family Anacardiaceae u r r Lannea discolor (Sond.) Engl. tree u r r r * Mangifera sp. tree r Ozoroa paniculosa (Sond.) R.& A.Fern. var. paniculosa tree f r Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro tree NFA u r r r Searsia leptodictya (Diels) T.S.Yi, A.J.Mill. & J.Wen forma leptodictya tree r r u u Searsia pyroides (Burch.) Moffett var. pyroides tree r u Family Annonaceae u Annona senegalensis Pers. subsp. senegalensis tree r Hexalobus monopetalus (A.Rich.) Engl. & Diels var. monopetalus tree r Family Amaranthaceae * Gomphrena celosioides Mart. herb r Kyphocarpa angustifolia (Moq.) Lopr. herb r
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Family Amaryllidaceae Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. bulb Dec r Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis & Nordal bulb LEMA r Family Apocynaceae Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan shrub u r Cryptolepis oblongifolia (Meisn.) Schltr. dwarf shrub r Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (Mӧll.Arg.) Pichon tree r Gomphocarpus fruticosus (L.) Aiton f. subsp. fruticosus dwarf shrub r Huernia cf. zebrina (no flowers) succulent LEMA r * Plumeria sp. tree r Raphionacme velutina Schltr. herb r r r Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br. subsp. viminale succulent r Family Araceae Stylochaeton natalensis Schott herb r r Family Araliaceae Cussonia transvaalensis Reyneke tree r r Family Asparagaceae Asparagus buchananii Baker dwarf shrub u r u r Asparagus suaveolens Burch. dwarf shrub r r Family Asphodelaceae Aloe marlothii A.Berger subsp. marlothii succulent r r Aloe spicata L.f. succulent LEMA u Family Asteraceae Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm. tree r Emilia transvaalensis (Bolus) C.Jeffrey herb r u Felicia muricata (Thunb.) Nees subsp. muricata herb r Kleinia longiflora DC. succulent r r Psiadia punctulata (DC.) Vatke herb u r r Family Bignoniaceae * Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don tree Family Boraginaceae Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) Druce subsp. nervifolia Retief & A.E.van Wyk shrub r Family Burseraceae r Commiphora marlothii Engl. tree u Commiphora mollis (Oliv.) Engl. tree r u ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 101 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. tree f r r r Family Buxaceae Buxus macowanii Oliv. shrub r Family Cactaceae * Opuntia stricta Haw. succulent u Family Capparaceae Boscia albitrunca (Burch.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. tree NFA r r Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken tree r Cadaba aphylla (Thunb.) Wild shrub r Family Celastraceae Elaeodendron transvaalense (Burtt Davy) R.H.Archer tree NT NFA r r r Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. shrub Gymnosporia maranguensis (Loes.) Loes. shrub r r r Gymnosporia tenuispina (Sond.) Szyszyl. shrub r Maytenus albata (N.E.Br.) E.Schmidt bis & Jordaan tree u r u r Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. schlechteri (Loes.) R.H.Archer tree r Family Celtidaceae Celtis africana Burm.f. tree r Family Combretaceae Combretum apiculatum Sond. subsp. apiculatum tree d r Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. tree d Combretum hereroense Schinz tree u r Combretum imberbe Wawra tree NFA r u u r Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don tree r r r Combretum zeyheri Sond. tree d r r Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. brachystemma tree r Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson tree r Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. tree f d r d Family Commelinaceae Commelina sp. (no flowers) herb r Family Crassulaceae Cotyledon orbiculata L. var. oblonga (Haw.) DC. succulent u Crassula sp. succulent r Kalanchoe paniculata Harv. succulent r r r Kalanchoe rotundifolia (Haw.) Haw. succulent r
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Family Cyperaceae Cyperus sp.1 sedge r Cyperus sp.2 sedge r Family Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn fern r Family Dichapetalaceae Dichapetalum cymosum (Hook.) Engl. dwarf shrub r Family Dracaenaceae Sansevieria hyacinthoides succulent u r r Sansevieria pearasonii succulent r Family Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. lycioides shrub r u Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. tree r Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gürke subsp. crispa tree u u u r Euclea divinorum Hiern shrub r r Euclea linearis Zeyh. ex Hiern dwarf shrub r Euclea natalensis A.DC. subsp. angustifolia F.White shrub u u u Family Euphorbiaceae Acalypha villicaulis Hochst. herb r Croton gratissimus Burch. var. gratissimus tree u r Euphorbia cooperi N.E.Br. ex A.Berger var. cooperi succulent r Euphorbia ingens E.Mey. ex Boiss. succulent r Euphorbia tirucalli L. succulent r r Jatropha zeyheri Sond. herb r r Spirostachys africana Sond. tree LEMA r r u Tragia sp. herb r Family Fabaceae Acacia ataxacantha DC. scrambler r Acacia burkei Benth. tree r Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. tree r Acacia erubescens Welw. ex Oliv. tree u u Acacia galpinii Burtt Davy tree r Acacia karroo Hayne tree u f Acacia nigrescens Oliv. tree f f d f Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile subsp. kraussiana (Benth.) Brenan tree r r r ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 103 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Acacia robusta Burch. subsp. clavigera (E.Mey.) Brenan tree u u r r Acacia schweinfurthii Brenan & Exell var. schweinfurthii scrambler r Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. heteracantha (Burch.) Brenan tree r f Acacia xanthophloea Benth. tree r Albizia tanganyicensis Baker f. subsp. tanganyicensis tree r Burkea africana Hook. tree r u Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. africana Brenan & Brummitt tree r f f d Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. dwarf shrub u Erythrina lysistemon Hutch. tree r Indigofera sp.1 (no flowers) herb u Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev. subsp. sericea shrub u Peltophorum africanum Sond. tree f f u u Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. rotundifolius tree u r Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. totta creeper r Schotia brachypetala Sond. tree r r f f Tylosema fassoglense (Schweinf.) Torre & Hillc. creeper r Family Flacourtiaceae Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. tree r Family Hyacinthaceae Drimia sanguinea (Schinz) Jessop bulb NT r Ornithogalum tenuifolium F.Delaroche subsp. tenuifolium bulb r Ledebouria cf. revoluta bulb r r Family Iridaceae Dierama gracile N.E.Br. bulb r Family Kirkiaceae Kirkia acuminata Oliv. tree u u u Family Lamiaceae Premna mooiensis (H.Pearson) W.Piep. shrub r Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd herb r Family Loganiaceae Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.) Benth. shrub f Family Loranthaceae Erianthemum ngamicum (Sprague) Danser parasite r r Plicosepalus kalachariensis (Schinz) Danser parasite r Family Malvaceae ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 104 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Abutilon sp. herb r r Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. rotundifolia tree f u u Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor shrub r u u u Grewia flava DC. shrub u f f f Grewia flavescens Juss. shrub u f f f Hibiscus micranthus L.f. var. micranthus dwarf shrub r Melhania acuminata Mast. var. acuminata dwarf shrub r f r f Sida cordifolia L. subsp. cordifolia dwarf shrub r Waltheria indica L. dwarf shrub r r u Family Meliaceae * Melia azedarach L. tree r Family Moraceae Ficus abutilifolia (Miq.) Miq. tree r Ficus burkei (Miq.) Miq. tree f r r Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. tree r r Ficus sur Forssk. tree r Family Myrtaceae Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C.Krauss subsp. cordatum tree f Family Myrothamnaceae Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. dwarf shrub r Family Nyctaginaceae * Bougainvillea sp climber r Family Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. var. caerulea (Savigny) Verdc. herb r Family Ochnaceae Ochna inermis (Forssk.) Schweinf. shrub r Ochna pulchra Hook.f. tree r Family Olacaceae Ximenia americana L. var. microphylla Welw. ex Oliv. shrub u u f u Ximenia caffra Sond. var. natalensis Sond. shrub r Family Oleaceae Jasminum multipartitum Hochst. scrambler r r Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S.Green tree r r f u Family Orchidaceae Ansellia africana Lindl. parasite Dec LEMA r r r ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 105 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Family Pedaliaceae Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne. subsp. zeyheri herb r Family Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. var. reticulatus shrub r Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Voigt subsp. virosa shrub u Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pax tree u r Family Poaceae Aristida meridionalis Henrard grass u f f Aristida adscensionis L. grass u u f Aristida congesta Roem. & Schult. subsp. barbicollis (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter grass r r r Cymbopogon sp. grass r Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. grass r r Digitaria eriantha Steud. grass r Enneapogon cenchroides (Licht. ex Roem. & Schult.) C.E.Hubb. grass r Eragrostis gummiflua Nees grass r r r Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. chaunantha (Pilg.) De Winter grass r r r r Fingerhuthia africana Lehm. grass r Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & Schult. grass r u f Hyperthelia dissoluta (Nees ex Steud.) Clayton grass r r r r Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. grass f Ischaemum fasciculatum Brongn. grass u Loudetia simplex (Nees) C.E.Hubb. grass f r Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. repens grass r Microchloa caffra Nees grass r Miscanthus junceus (Stapf) Pilg. grass f Panicum deustum Thunb. grass r Panicum maximum Jacq. grass r r u r r Phragmites mauritianus Kunth reed d Pogonarthria squarrosa (Roem. & Schult.) Pilg. grass r r r Sporobolus pyramidalis P.Beauv. grass r Trachypogon spicatus (L.f.) Kuntze grass r Family Portulacaceae Talinum caffrum (Thunb.) Eckl. & Zeyh. herb r r r Portulaca sp. (no flowers) succulent r r Family Protaceae
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Faurea saligna Harv. tree r r r Family Rhamnaceae Berchemia zeyheri (Sond.) Grubov tree r u Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata tree u u u u Family Rubiaceae Canthium sp. tree r Gardenia volkensii K.Schum. subsp. volkensii var. volkensii tree r r r r Hyperacanthus amoenus (Sims) Bridson shrub r Pyrostria hystrix (Bremek.) Bridson shrub r r r r Family Salicaceae Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. & Harv.) Warb. shrub r Family Sapindaceae Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. tree f u u Family Sapotaceae Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) T.D.Penn. tree u r Mimusops zeyheri Sond. tree f u Family Selaginellaceae Selaginella dregei (C.Presl) Hieron. fern u Family Sinopteridaceae Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. calomelanos fern u r r Family Sterculiaceae Sterculia rogersii N.E.Br. tree r Family Strelitziaceae Strelitzia nicolai Regal & Körn herb r Family Strychnaceae Strychnos madagascariensis Poir. tree u u u r Strychnos pungens Soler. tree r Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. spinosa tree r r Family Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris confluens (Thunb.) C.V.Morton fern r Family Urticaceae Obetia tenax (N.E.Br.) Friis tree u Family Velloziaceae Xerophyta humilis (Baker) T.Durand & Schinz herb u r Xerophyta retinervis Baker dwarf shrub u u ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 107 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Family Verbenaceae Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. dwarf shrub r u Vitex pooara Corbishley shrub r r Family Viscaceae Viscum combreticola Engl. parasite r r r r Family Vitaceae Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. cuneifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Urton climber r Rhoicissus revoilii Planch. climber r r TOTAL 204 4 9 131 85 70 43 56
Dec = Declining d = dominant NT = Near Threatened f = frequent NFA = National Forests Act u = uncommon LEMA = Limpopo Environmental Management Act r = rare
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Appendix 1b. Checklist of Flora recorded per site in the South West portion of the study area
South West Section
Growth Taxa Form
Reddata
Burkia
Protected
Mooka
Kwena Melora
Rapids
Kolobe
Tamboti
Painting
Lepotedi
Dragonfly
Modumela
South Gate
Bushman's Bushman's Tholo Plain
Kogong Kogong View
Amphitheatre
Staff Housing
Elephant Pool
Takadu Plains Molope Plains
Rundgren's RestRundgren's
Family Acanthaceae Barleria albostellata C.B.Clarke dwarf shrub d r Blepharis sp. (no flowers) herb r Ruellia patula Jacq. herb r Family Anacardiaceae Lannea discolor (Sond.) Engl. tree u r r r r r r Ozoroa paniculosa (Sond.) R.& A.Fern. var. paniculosa tree r f f r f Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. NFA subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro tree r r r r r r u r Searsia leptodictya (Diels) T.S.Yi,
A.J.Mill. & J.Wen forma leptodictya tree r u r r r u r Searsia pyroides (Burch.) Moffett var. pyroides tree r u u Family Annonaceae Annona senegalensis Pers. subsp. senegalensis tree r r r Hexalobus monopetalus (A.Rich.) Engl.
& Diels var. monopetalus tree r Family Amaranthaceae Kyphocarpa angustifolia (Moq.) Lopr. herb r Family Amaryllidaceae Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. bulb Dec r Family Apocynaceae Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan shrub r r r r r Cryptolepis oblongifolia (Meisn.) Schltr. dwarf shrub r Huernia cf. zebrina (no flowers) succulent LEMA r
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Raphionacme velutina Schltr. herb r r r Family Araceae Stylochaeton natalensis Schott herb r u r r Family Araliaceae Cussonia transvaalensis Reyneke tree r r Family Asparagaceae Asparagus buchananii Baker dwarf shrub r r r r r r r Family Asphodelaceae Aloe marlothii A.Berger subsp. marlothii succulent u r Aloe spicata L.f. succulent LEMA u r Family Asteraceae Emilia transvaalensis (Bolus) C.Jeffrey herb r r Felicia muricata (Thunb.) Nees subsp. muricata herb r Kleinia longiflora DC. succulent r Psiadia punctulata (DC.) Vatke herb r f u u r u Family Boraginaceae Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) Druce subsp. nervifolia Retief & A.E.van Wyk shrub r r Family Burseraceae r Commiphora marlothii Engl. tree u r Commiphora mollis (Oliv.) Engl. tree u r Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. tree r r u r r Family Cactaceae * Opuntia stricta Haw. succulent r Family Capparaceae Boscia albitrunca (Burch.) Gilg & Gilg- tree NFA Ben. r r r r Cadaba aphylla (Thunb.) Wild shrub r Family Celastraceae Elaeodendron transvaalense (Burtt NT NFA Davy) R.H.Archer tree r r r r Gymnosporia maranguensis (Loes.)
Loes. shrub r r Maytenus albata (N.E.Br.) E.Schmidt bis & Jordaan tree r r r r
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Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. tree u u subsp. schlechteri (Loes.) R.H.Archer Family Celtidaceae Celtis africana Burm.f. tree u r Family Combretaceae d Combretum apiculatum Sond. subsp. apiculatum tree u u u d u d u d r f d Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.)
Sond. tree r d f f d u u r Combretum hereroense Schinz tree u u u u f Combretum imberbe Wawra tree NFA r r r r r u r f Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don tree r u r Combretum zeyheri Sond. tree u u f d f u f d Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex
Hiern subsp. brachystemma tree r r r r Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. tree d f d f d d u u u f r f u u d d f Family Commelinaceae Commelina sp. (no flowers) herb r Family Crassulaceae Cotyledon orbiculata L. var. oblonga
(Haw.) DC. succulent r f r Crassula sp. succulent r Kalanchoe paniculata Harv. succulent f r r r Kalanchoe rotundifolia (Haw.) Haw. succulent r Family Cyperaceae Cyperus sp.1 sedge r Family Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn fern u Family Dichapetalaceae Dichapetalum cymosum (Hook.) Engl. dwarf shrub r r r Family Dracaenaceae Sansevieria hyacinthoides succulent r r Sansevieria pearasonii succulent r f r r Family Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. lycioides shrub u u r r
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Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex
A.DC. tree r Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gürke subsp. crispa tree r u u u u u r u u u u r Euclea divinorum Hiern shrub u r Euclea linearis Zeyh. ex Hiern dwarf shrub r r u Euclea natalensis A.DC. subsp. angustifolia F.White shrub r u r u u u r Family Euphorbiaceae Acalypha villicaulis Hochst. herb r Croton gratissimus Burch. var. gratissimus tree r u d u Euphorbia cooperi N.E.Br. ex A.Berger var. cooperi succulent u Euphorbia tirucalli L. succulent u Jatropha zeyheri Sond. herb r Spirostachys africana Sond. tree LEMA r r f Tragia sp. herb r Family Fabaceae Acacia ataxacantha DC. scrambler r Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. tree r Acacia erubescens Welw. ex Oliv. tree u Acacia galpinii Burtt Davy tree r Acacia karroo Hayne tree u f f Acacia nigrescens Oliv. tree r r d d d u f d d r u f r f Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile subsp. kraussiana (Benth.) Brenan tree u u Acacia robusta Burch. subsp. clavigera
(E.Mey.) Brenan tree r u r Acacia schweinfurthii Brenan & Exell var. schweinfurthii scrambler u Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. heteracantha (Burch.) Brenan tree r u r Acacia xanthophloea Benth. tree r Albizia tanganyicensis Baker f. subsp. tanganyicensis tree r Burkea africana Hook. tree f d u r r u
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Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. tree u r u f d r d d f r u u u subsp. africana Brenan & Brummitt Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. dwarf shrub u u Indigofera sp.1 (no flowers) herb r r Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev. subsp. sericea shrub r u r Peltophorum africanum Sond. tree u u d u f u f f f f u r u u f Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. rotundifolius tree u u r u r Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. totta creeper Schotia brachypetala Sond. tree u u r f u u f Family Flacourtiaceae Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. tree r r Family Hyacinthaceae Drimia sanguinea (Schinz) Jessop bulb NT r Ledebouria cf. revoluta bulb r r r Family Iridaceae Dierama gracile N.E.Br. bulb r Family Kirkiaceae Kirkia acuminata Oliv. tree r r r r r r r r Family Lamiaceae Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd herb r Family Loganiaceae Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.) Benth. shrub f u r u u Family Loranthaceae Plicosepalus kalachariensis (Schinz)
Danser parasite r Family Malvaceae Abutilon sp. herb Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. rotundifolia tree f r r u u u Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor shrub u r u u u r Grewia flava DC. shrub u f u u f f u f u u u u u Grewia flavescens Juss. shrub u u f u u f u u f u u u u u r r u u Hibiscus micranthus L.f. var. micranthus dwarf shrub r Melhania acuminata Mast. var. dwarf shrub f f ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 113 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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acuminata Waltheria indica L. dwarf shrub r r Family Meliaceae * Melia azedarach L. tree r Family Moraceae Ficus burkei (Miq.) Miq. tree r f Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. tree f u Ficus sur Forssk. tree r r Family Myrtaceae Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex
C.Krauss subsp. cordatum tree f u u r Family Myrothamnaceae Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. dwarf shrub r Family Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. var. caerulea (Savigny) Verdc. herb r Family Ochnaceae Ochna inermis (Forssk.) Schweinf. shrub r Ochna pulchra Hook.f. tree r r Family Olacaceae Ximenia americana L. var. microphylla
Welw. ex Oliv. shrub r u u u u r u r u r r u Ximenia caffra Sond. var. natalensis
Sond. shrub r r Family Oleaceae Jasminum multipartitum Hochst. scrambler r Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.)
P.S.Green tree r r d r f Family Orchidaceae Ansellia africana Lindl. parasite Dec LEMA r Family Pedaliaceae Harpagophytum zeyheri Decne. subsp. NEMB zeyheri herb A r r Family Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. var. reticulatus shrub r Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Voigt shrub r r r ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 114 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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subsp. virosa Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pax tree r u u r r Family Poaceae Aristida meridionalis Henrard grass u Aristida adscensionis L. grass f u u u u u u Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. grass u Eragrostis gummiflua Nees grass u u u u Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. chaunantha (Pilg.) De Winter grass f r r u u u Fingerhuthia africana Lehm. grass Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. &
Schult. grass r r r u r Hyperthelia dissoluta (Nees ex Steud.)
Clayton grass r Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. grass f u f Ischaemum fasciculatum Brongn. grass r r Loudetia simplex (Nees) C.E.Hubb. grass f f r Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. repens grass r Miscanthus junceus (Stapf) Pilg. grass f u u u Panicum maximum Jacq. grass r u u Phragmites mauritianus Kunth reed f f f u u f u f Pogonarthria squarrosa (Roem. &
Schult.) Pilg. grass u u u Sporobolus pyramidalis P.Beauv. grass u Family Portulacaceae Talinum caffrum (Thunb.) Eckl. & Zeyh. herb r r Portulaca sp. (no flowers) succulent r Family Protaceae Faurea saligna Harv. tree r r u r Family Rhamnaceae Berchemia zeyheri (Sond.) Grubov tree f r r r Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata tree r r r r r r r r Family Rubiaceae Canthium sp. tree r Gardenia volkensii K.Schum. subsp. tree r r r ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 115 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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volkensii var. volkensii Hyperacanthus amoenus (Sims)
Bridson shrub r r r r u Pyrostria hystrix (Bremek.) Bridson shrub r r r r Family Salicaceae Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. & Harv.) Warb. shrub r Family Sapindaceae Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. tree u r r r u r u r Family Sapotaceae Englerophytum magalismontanum
(Sond.) T.D.Penn. tree r f r r u r u Mimusops zeyheri Sond. tree u r u u u Family Selaginellaceae Selaginella dregei (C.Presl) Hieron. fern u r Family Sinopteridaceae Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. fern calomelanos r r r r u Family Strychnaceae Strychnos madagascariensis Poir. tree r r r r r r r Strychnos pungens Soler. tree r Strychnos spinosa Lam. subsp. spinosa tree r r Family Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris confluens (Thunb.)
C.V.Morton fern r Family Urticaceae Obetia tenax (N.E.Br.) Friis tree u r r Family Velloziaceae Xerophyta humilis (Baker) T.Durand &
Schinz herb f u r Xerophyta retinervis Baker dwarf shrub r u r Family Verbenaceae r Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. dwarf shrub r r r u Vitex pooara Corbishley shrub r r r Family Viscaceae Viscum combreticola Engl. parasite r r r r Family Vitaceae
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Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. cuneifolia (Eckl. & climber r r Zeyh.) Urton Rhoicissus revoilii Planch. climber r TOTAL 167 4 9 30 28 53 41 30 23 27 26 21 22 21 21 28 45 23 23 44 41 7 33
Dec = Declining d = dominant NT = Near Threatened f = frequent NFA = National Forests Act u = uncommon LEMA = Limpopo Environmental r = rare Management Act
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Appendix 1c. Checklist of Flora recorded per site in the North East portion of the study area
North East Section
Growth
Taxa Pan Form
Reddata
Chiefs
Protected
Marula
Selous
Sunbird
Lion
North North Gate
King's Pool
Roan Plains
Buffalo Buffalo Pool
Eland Plains
RapulaRock
Bonwa Phala
Kgokong Kgokong Pan
Mohlatse Plains
Tshukudu Tshukudu Plains
East Gate Complex Family Acanthaceae dwarf
Barleria albostellata C.B.Clarke shrub u Barleria saxatilis Oberm. herb r Family Agavaceae * Agave sisalana Perrine succulent r Family Anacardiaceae Lannea discolor (Sond.) Engl. tree r u r r * Mangifera sp. tree r u Ozoroa paniculosa (Sond.) R.& A.Fern. var. paniculosa tree r Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra NFA (Sond.) Kokwaro tree r r u r r f r r r d Searsia leptodictya (Diels) T.S.Yi, A.J.Mill. & J.Wen forma leptodictya tree u r u r r Family Annonaceae Annona senegalensis Pers. subsp. senegalensis tree r Family Amaranthaceae * Gomphrena celosioides Mart. herb u r Family Amaryllidaceae Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis & Nordal bulb LEMA r Family Apocynaceae Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan shrub r r r r r Diplorhynchus condylocarpon (Mӧll.Arg.) Pichon tree r dwarf
Gomphocarpus fruticosus (L.) Aiton f. subsp. fruticosus shrub * Plumeria sp. tree u ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 118 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Raphionacme velutina Schltr. herb r Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br. subsp. viminale succulent r Family Araceae Stylochaeton natalensis Schott herb r r r Family Asparagaceae dwarf
Asparagus buchananii Baker shrub r r r r r r r dwarf
Asparagus suaveolens Burch. shrub r Family Asphodelaceae Aloe marlothii A.Berger subsp. marlothii succulent r r Family Asteraceae Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm. tree r Family Bignoniaceae * Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don tree f Family Burseraceae Commiphora marlothii Engl. tree u f Commiphora mollis (Oliv.) Engl. tree Commiphora schimperi (O.Berg) Engl. tree f u u f Family Buxaceae Buxus macowanii Oliv. shrub u Family Cactaceae * Opuntia stricta Haw. succulent u Family Capparaceae Boscia albitrunca (Burch.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. tree NFA Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) tree Toelken r Cadaba aphylla (Thunb.) Wild shrub r Family Celastraceae Elaeodendron transvaalense (Burtt Davy) R.H.Archer tree NT NFA u r Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. shrub r u Gymnosporia maranguensis (Loes.) Loes. shrub r u Gymnosporia tenuispina (Sond.) Szyszyl. shrub r Maytenus albata (N.E.Br.) E.Schmidt bis & Jordaan tree r r Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. tree schlechteri (Loes.) R.H.Archer r ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 119 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Family Combretaceae Combretum apiculatum Sond. subsp. apiculatum tree u f d r d Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. tree f Combretum hereroense Schinz tree u Combretum imberbe Wawra tree NFA r r Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don tree u f Combretum zeyheri Sond. tree u f u f r u Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson tree u Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. tree d d u r d d d r u d d Family Commelinaceae Commelina sp. (no flowers) herb r Family Crassulaceae Cotyledon orbiculata L. var. oblonga (Haw.) DC. succulent r Kalanchoe paniculata Harv. succulent r Family Cyperaceae Cyperus sp.2 sedge r Family Dracaenaceae Sansevieria hyacinthoides succulent r r Family Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. lycioides shrub u r Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gürke subsp. crispa tree u r r u u u r u Euclea divinorum Hiern shrub f Euclea natalensis A.DC. subsp. angustifolia F.White shrub u r u r Family Euphorbiaceae Croton gratissimus Burch. var. gratissimus tree u u r Euphorbia ingens E.Mey. ex Boiss. succulent r Euphorbia tirucalli L. succulent u Spirostachys africana Sond. tree LEMA u r r r Family Fabaceae Acacia burkei Benth. tree r Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. tree r Acacia erubescens Welw. ex Oliv. tree r u r Acacia karroo Hayne tree r u Acacia nigrescens Oliv. tree u d d d f u d r Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile subsp. kraussiana tree u u f ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 120 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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(Benth.) Brenan Acacia robusta Burch. subsp. clavigera (E.Mey.)
Brenan tree u r r Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. heteracantha
(Burch.) Brenan tree r f r u Burkea africana Hook. tree f r r Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. africana
Brenan & Brummitt tree f r u f u u d u f d f f dwarf
Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. shrub r Erythrina lysistemon Hutch. tree r Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev. subsp. sericea shrub r r Peltophorum africanum Sond. tree f r u r r u Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. rotundifolius tree u Rhynchosia totta (Thunb.) DC. var. totta creeper r Schotia brachypetala Sond. tree r u u u r r Family Hyacinthaceae Ornithogalum tenuifolium F.Delaroche subsp. tenuifolium bulb r Ledebouria cf. revoluta bulb r Family Kirkiaceae Kirkia acuminata Oliv. tree r r r Family Lamiaceae Premna mooiensis (H.Pearson) W.Piep. shrub r Family Loganiaceae Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.) Benth. shrub u Family Loranthaceae Erianthemum ngamicum (Sprague) Danser parasite r Family Malvaceae Abutilon sp. herb r Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. var. rotundifolia tree r r u u r r r Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor shrub r u Grewia flava DC. shrub u u r r u u r u u f u f Grewia flavescens Juss. shrub f f r r f u u f f u dwarf
Hibiscus micranthus L.f. var. micranthus shrub r r ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 121 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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dwarf
Sida cordifolia L. subsp. cordifolia shrub u u dwarf
Waltheria indica L. shrub u u u Family Moraceae Ficus abutilifolia (Miq.) Miq. tree r Ficus burkei (Miq.) Miq. tree f d f u f f u Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. tree r r f r Ficus sur Forssk. tree u Family Myrtaceae Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C.Krauss subsp. cordatum tree f Family Myrothamnaceae dwarf
Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. shrub r Family Nyctaginaceae * Bougainvillea sp climber r u Family Olacaceae Ximenia americana L. var. microphylla Welw. ex Oliv. shrub u r r Family Oleaceae Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S.Green tree u r Family Orchidaceae Ansellia africana Lindl. parasite Dec LEMA r r Family Phyllanthaceae Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Voigt subsp. virosa shrub u Family Poaceae Aristida meridionalis Henrard grass r u f f Aristida adscensionis L. grass r r u f Aristida congesta Roem. & Schult. subsp. barbicollis grass (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter u Cymbopogon sp. grass u Digitaria eriantha Steud. grass r Enneapogon cenchroides (Licht. ex Roem. & Schult.)
C.E.Hubb. grass r Eragrostis gummiflua Nees grass r u d Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. chaunantha (Pilg.) grass u u u
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De Winter Fingerhuthia africana Lehm. grass u Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & Schult. grass u r u f Hyperthelia dissoluta (Nees ex Steud.) Clayton grass u r r Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. repens grass u Microchloa caffra Nees grass r Panicum deustum Thunb. grass f Panicum maximum Jacq. grass u u r r Phragmites mauritianus Kunth reed u u Trachypogon spicatus (L.f.) Kuntze grass u Family Portulacaceae Talinum caffrum (Thunb.) Eckl. & Zeyh. herb r Family Protaceae Faurea saligna Harv. tree r Family Rhamnaceae Berchemia zeyheri (Sond.) Grubov tree r Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata tree r r r r Family Rubiaceae Gardenia volkensii K.Schum. subsp. volkensii var. volkensii tree r r r Hyperacanthus amoenus (Sims) Bridson shrub u r Pyrostria hystrix (Bremek.) Bridson shrub r r Family Sapindaceae Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. tree u u r u u d Family Sapotaceae Mimusops zeyheri Sond. tree r r Family Sinopteridaceae Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. calomelanos fern r r Family Sterculiaceae Sterculia rogersii N.E.Br. tree u Family Strelitziaceae Strelitzia nicolai Regal & Körn herb r Family Strychnaceae Strychnos madagascariensis Poir. tree r u Family Verbenaceae ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 123 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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dwarf
Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. shrub u TOTAL 131 2 7 20 7 19 21 32 46 21 14 23 10 14 42 18 15 11 14
Dec = Declining d = dominant NT = Near Threatened f = frequent u =
NFA = National Forests Act uncommon LEMA = Limpopo Environmental Management Act r = rare
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Appendix 2. Localities of confirmed conservation-important plant species
Threat Protected Species Camp No. Latitude Longitude Status Status Spirostachys africana Elephant Pool 1 LEMA -23.920049965381622 28.340646000579 Spirostachys africana Elephant Pool 5 LEMA -23.920100005343556 28.340710960328579 Huernia cf. zebrina Elephant Pool 1 LEMA -23.920337967574596 28.341582007706165 Boscia albitrunca Bushman Paintings 1 NFA -23.907534023746848 28.341471031308174 Boscia albitrunca Takadu Plains 1 NFA -23.91411499120295 28.310400992631912 Drainage Line Takadu Plains -23.914280030876398 28.309678975492716 Boscia albitrunca Takadu Plains 1 NFA -23.914698036387563 28.309590965509415 Ansellia africana Kolobe 1 Dec LEMA -23.908195020630956 28.276408016681671 Ansellia africana Kolobe 1 Dec LEMA -23.908350002020597 28.276359988376498 Spirostachys africana Burkea 1 LEMA -23.896177969872952 28.338250033557415 Elaeodendron transvaalense Burkea 1 NT NFA -23.896178975701332 28.338298983871937 Spirostachys africana Burkea 1 LEMA -23.895923998206854 28.338567959144711 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Burkea 1 NFA -23.895805981010199 28.338729981333017 Spirostachys africana Burkea 1 LEMA -23.895409014075994 28.338552033528686 Spirostachys africana Burkea 1 LEMA -23.895534994080663 28.338495958596468 Spirostachys africana Burkea 2 LEMA -23.895787037909031 28.338450025767088 Spirostachys africana Burkea 1 LEMA -23.895747978240252 28.338329996913671 Spirostachys africana Burkea 1 LEMA -23.895759964361787 28.338165041059256 Combretum imberbe Burkea 1 NFA -23.896049978211522 28.337861029431224 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Burkea 1 NFA -23.896438982337713 28.338544992730021 Combretum imberbe Molope Plains 2 NFA -23.889744020998478 28.334774980321527 Combretum imberbe Molope Plains 1 NFA -23.889777967706323 28.334694011136889 Combretum imberbe Molope Plains 1 NFA -23.889690041542053 28.334666015580297 Spirostachys africana Molope Plains 1 LEMA -23.889507986605167 28.334584040567279 Drainage Line Tholo Plain -23.905440978705883 28.381979009136558 Drainage Line Tholo Plain -23.905136967077851 28.381386995315552 Boscia albitrunca Tholo Plain 1 NFA -23.904564986005425 28.381753033027053 Spirostachys africana Dragonfly 1 LEMA -23.877237970009446 28.328392999246716 Combretum imberbe Dragonfly 1 NFA -23.877336960285902 28.328295014798641 ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 125 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Drainage Line Dragonfly -23.87717803940177 28.327946998178959 Drainage Line Dragonfly -23.877014005556703 28.328107008710504 Drainage Line Dragonfly -23.876905962824821 28.328165011480451 Combretum imberbe Dragonfly 1 NFA -23.877122970297933 28.329149968922138 Ansellia africana Northern Gate 1 Dec LEMA -23.751596007496119 28.391568996012211 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Northern Gate 2 NFA -23.751779990270734 28.391413008794188 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Motlatse 1 NFA -23.761381041258574 28.355591017752886 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kgokong Pan 1 NFA -23.780437968671322 28.336838018149137 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra King's Pool 1 NFA -23.801333969458938 28.381000002846122 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Roan Plains 1 NFA -23.820908982306719 28.366306023672223 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Roan Plains 1 NFA -23.821054995059967 28.366294959560037 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Roan Plains 1 NFA -23.821280971169472 28.366554966196418 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Roan Plains 1 NFA -23.821422960609198 28.366332007572055 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Roan Plains 1 NFA -23.821158008649945 28.366093039512634 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Roan Plains 1 NFA -23.821008978411555 28.365961024537683 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Bonwa Phala 1 NFA -23.832643982023001 28.346261037513614 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Bonwa Phala 1 NFA -23.832887979224324 28.346247961744666 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Chiefs 1 NFA -23.735435027629137 28.356373971328139 Boscia albitrunca Chiefs 1 NFA -23.736157966777682 28.357344008982182 Elaeodendron transvaalense Lion Pan 1 NT NFA -23.737623039633036 28.329319031909108 Spirostachys africana Lion Pan 1 LEMA -23.738359976559877 28.329524975270033 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Lion Pan 1 NFA -23.738425020128489 28.329513994976878 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Lion Pan 1 NFA -23.738375985994935 28.329620026051998 Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 2 NFA -23.856611028313637 28.270987020805478 Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.856903975829482 28.270957013592124 Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.856815965846181 28.270714022219181 Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.856924008578062 28.270558035001159 Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.856777995824814 28.270532973110676 Elaeodendron transvaalense Rundgren's Rest 1 NT NFA -23.856777995824814 28.270532973110676 Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.857019981369376 28.269911035895348 Elaeodendron transvaalense Rundgren's Rest 1 NT NFA -23.857302032411098 28.270231978967786 Elaeodendron transvaalense Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.856828035786748 28.270203983411193 Elaeodendron transvaalense Rundgren's Rest 2 NT NFA -23.856771038845181 28.270323006436229
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Combretum imberbe Rundgren's Rest 1 NFA -23.856272986158729 28.270847965031862 Elaeodendron transvaalense Rundgren's Rest 2 NT NFA -23.85612697340548 28.270786022767425 Elaeodendron transvaalense Staff Housing 1 NT NFA -23.875009976327419 28.30450901761651 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Staff Housing 2 NFA -23.875320022925735 28.303750036284328 Combretum imberbe Kwena 1 NFA -23.86942402459681 28.315026964992285 Combretum imberbe Kwena 1 NFA -23.869601972401142 28.314947001636028 Boophone disticha Amphitheatre 1 Dec -23.855670997872949 28.302727025002241 Combretum imberbe Amphitheatre 1 NFA -23.856240967288613 28.302576988935471 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Mooka 2 NFA -23.843549005687237 28.300114972516894 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Mooka 2 NFA -23.843250023201108 28.300055963918567 Spirostachys africana Tamboti 8 LEMA -23.803196009248495 28.270381009206176 Spirostachys africana Tamboti 5 LEMA -23.802870959043503 28.270574966445565 Combretum imberbe Tamboti 1 NFA -23.80350898951292 28.270199038088322 Combretum imberbe Tamboti 1 NFA -23.803604962304235 28.270060988143086 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 2 NFA -23.821701994165778 28.269958980381489 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 2 NFA -23.821741975843906 28.269609035924077 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 2 NFA -23.821870973333716 28.269692016765475 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 1 NFA -23.822042969986796 28.269840041175485 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 1 NFA -23.822197029367089 28.26998395845294 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 1 NFA -23.822075994685292 28.270070040598512 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Kokong View 1 NFA -23.822012040764093 28.270255029201508 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Rapids 1 NFA -23.830582033842802 28.298421995714307 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Rapids 1 NFA -23.830324960872531 28.298283023759723 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Lepotedi 1 NFA -23.843047013506293 28.303533028811216 Combretum imberbe Lepotedi 1 NFA -23.842778038233519 28.303732015192509 Combretum imberbe Lepotedi 1 NFA -23.842864958569407 28.303880961611867 Combretum imberbe Lepotedi 1 NFA -23.843225967139006 28.304178016260266 Elaeodendron transvaalense Lepotedi 1 NT NFA -23.843225967139006 28.304178016260266 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Lepotedi 1 NFA -23.843284975737333 28.30429402180016 Elaeodendron transvaalense Lepotedi 1 NT NFA -23.843407016247511 28.304029991850257 Combretum imberbe Lepotedi 1 NFA -23.843543976545334 28.303598994389176 Elaeodendron transvaalense Lepotedi 1 NT NFA -23.843264020979404 28.303660014644265 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Melora 5 NFA -23.849305026233196 28.310885969549417
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Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Melora 1 NFA -23.848733967170119 28.311107000336051 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Melora 1 NFA -23.848511008545756 28.311306992545724 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Melora 1 NFA -23.848258964717388 28.310924023389816 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Melora 1 NFA -23.84879901073873 28.31071799620986 Drimia sanguinea Melora 4 Dec -23.849546005949378 28.311030976474285 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Modumela 1 NFA -23.851642990484834 28.331382991746068 Spirostachys africana Rapula Rock 6 LEMA -23.828785037621856 28.305738978087902 Spirostachys africana Rapula Rock 2 LEMA -23.828927027061582 28.30607601441443 Ansellia africana Rapula Rock 1 Dec LEMA -23.82851799018681 28.30515299923718 Ansellia africana Rapula Rock 1 Dec LEMA -23.828597031533718 28.305252995342016 Combretum imberbe Rapula Rock 1 NFA -23.828597031533718 28.305252995342016 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Marula 1 NFA -23.820244967937469 28.308533001691103 Combretum imberbe Marula 1 NFA -23.820256032049656 28.308445997536182 Combretum imberbe Marula 1 NFA -23.82013700902462 28.308499976992607 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Marula 1 NFA -23.820687029510736 28.30839897505939 Spirostachys africana Marula 2 LEMA -23.820687029510736 28.30839897505939 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Marula 1 NFA -23.820866988971829 28.308382965624332 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Sun Bird 1 NFA -23.802231000736356 28.313151011243463 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Sun Bird 2 NFA -23.802296966314316 28.313117986544967 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Sun Bird 1 NFA -23.802441973239183 28.313400037586689 Elaeodendron transvaalense Tshukudu Plains 1 NT NFA -23.788283010944724 28.308266038075089 Spirostachys africana Tshukudu Plains 1 LEMA -23.788279993459582 28.308309959247708 Elaeodendron transvaalense Tshukudu Plains 2 NT NFA -23.788362974300981 28.308404004201293 Spirostachys africana Tshukudu Plains 5 LEMA -23.788231965154409 28.308585975319147 Elaeodendron transvaalense Tshukudu Plains 1 NT NFA -23.788119982928038 28.308678008615971 Spirostachys africana Tshukudu Plains 3 LEMA -23.788112020120025 28.308486985042691 Spirostachys africana Tshukudu Plains 2 LEMA -23.788246968761086 28.309088973328471 Spirostachys africana Tshukudu Plains 1 LEMA -23.788584005087614 28.308626962825656
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Appendix 3. Potentially occurring plant species of conservation concern
Red Data Species Family Habitat Likelihood Reason Status Justicia minima Acanthaceae Rare Rocky riverbeds Moderate Suitable habitat present Most grassland is severely Crinum macowanii Amaryllidaceae Declining Grassland Low degraded or old lands Savanna and grassland Marginal distribution, unsuitable Crinum stuhlmannii Amaryllidaceae Declining Low in sandy soils habitat Open quartzitic Brachystelma inconspicuum Apocynaceae Rare Low Unsuitable habitat grassland Ilex mitis var. mitis Aquifoliaceae Declining Forest Low Unsuitable habitat Near Woodland, often on Elaeodendron transvaalensis Celastraceae Confirmed Threatened rocky slopes Occurs to the north of the study Euphorbia louwii Euphorbiaceae Rare Sandstone ridges Low area Quartzitic ridges in Euphorbia waterbergensis Euphorbiaceae Rare Low Unsuitable habitat bushveld None located during fieldwork, Acacia erioloba Fabaceae Declining Arid plains savanna Low prefers lower flats Gunnera perpensa Gunneraceae Declining Wetlands Low Unsuitable habitat Drimia altissima Hyacinthaceae Declining Rocky grassland Moderate Suitable habitat present Rocky grassland and Drimia sanguinea Hyacinthaceae Declining Confirmed savanna Eucomis autumnalis subsp. Marginal distribution, unsuitable Hyacinthaceae Declining Wide habitat tolerance Low clavata habitat Hypoxis hemerocallidea Hyacinthaceae Declining Wide habitat tolerance Moderate Some suitable habitat present Adenia gummifera var. Marginal distribution, unsuitable Passifloraceae Declining Forest and thicket Low gummifera habitat Freylinia tropica Scrophulareaceae Rare Streambanks Moderate Suitable habitat present
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Appendix 4. Checklist of fauna confirmed during fieldwork
Common Name Scientific Name
Thicket
National
Endemic
RedData
Provincial
Woodland
Protected: Protected:
Open Plains
River Dams/
Rocky Slopes
Mammals ORDER: PRIMATES Family Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys) Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus x x Vervet Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus x x Family Galagidae (bushbabies) Southern Lesser Galago Galago moholi LEMA x ORDER: LAGOMORPHA Family Leporidae (rabbits and hares) Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis x x ORDER: RODENTIA Family Sciuridae (squirrels) Tree Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi x Family Bathyergidae (mole-rats) Common Molerat Cryptomys hottentotus E x ORDER: CARNIVORA Family Canidae (dogs, jackals & allies) Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas x Family Herpestidae (mongooses) Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo x Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus x Family Hyaenidae (hyaenas) Brown Hyaena Parahyaena brunnea NT NEMBA (PR) LEMA x x ORDER: TUBULIDENTATA Family Orycteropodidae (Aardvark)
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Aardvark Orycteropus afer NEMBA (PR) LEMA x x ORDER: HYRACOIDEA Family Procaviidae (hyrax's) Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis x Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax Heterohyrax brucei LEMA x ORDER: PERRISODACTYLA Family Equidae (horses) Plains / Burchell's Zebra Equus quagga burchellii NEMBA (PR) x x Family Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceros's) White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum NT* NEMBA (PR) LEMA x x Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis minor VU NEMBA (VU) LEMA x ORDER: CETARTIODACTYLA Family Hippopotamidae (hippopotamus) Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius VU* LEMA x Family Suidae (pigs) Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus x x x Family Giraffidae (giraffes) Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis LEMA x x x Family Bovidae (cattle & antilopes) Buffalo Syncerus caffer LEMA x x Eland Tragelaphus oryx x x Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros x x x x Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus x Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus x x Mountain Reedbuck Redunca arundinum E LEMA x Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus NEMBA (PR) x x Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus NEMBA (PR) x Impala Aepyceros melampus x x x x Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus LEMA x Steenbok Raphicerus campestris LEMA x Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia x Subtotal 31 4 2 7 12 20 7 5 5 15 Birds ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 131 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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ORDER: ANSERIFORMES Family Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans) Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca x ORDER: GALLIFORMES Family Numididae (guineafowl) Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris x x Family Phasianidae (pheasants, fowl and allies) Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui x Shelley's Francolin Scleroptila shelleyi x Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena x x Natal Spurfowl Pternistis natalensis x ORDER: PELECANIFORMES Family Threskiornithidae (ibises and spoonbills) Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash x Family Ardeidae (herons and bitterns) Green-backed Heron Butorides striata x Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis x ORDER: SULIFORMES Family Phalacrocoracidae (cormorants and shags) Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus x ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES Family Accipitridae (kites, hawks and eagles) African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus x Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis x x Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi x African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster x x Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus x Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus x Common Buzzard Buteo buteo x ORDER: GRUIFORMES Family Heliornithidae (finfoots) African Finfoot Podica senegalensis VU x ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES Family Charadriidae (plovers) ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 132 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus x Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus x African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus x ORDER: COLUMBIFORMES Family Columbidae (pigeons and doves) Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata x Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola x x Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis x x Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos x x African Green Pigeon Treron calvus x ORDER: MUSOPHAGIFORMES Family Musophagidae (turacos) Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor x ORDER: CUCULIFORMES Family Cuculidae (cuckoos) Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchelli x Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus x Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius x x x Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas x x Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus x Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius x ORDER: STRIGIFORMES Family Strigidae (owls) African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis x Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus x x ORDER: CAPRIMULGIFORMES Family Caprimulgidae (nightjars) Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena x Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis x Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma x ORDER: APODIFORMES Family Apodidae (swifts) African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus x x Little Swift Apus affinis x Horus Swift Apus horus x ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 133 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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ORDER: COLIIFORMES Family Coliidae (mousebirds) Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus x x x x ORDER: CORACIIFORMES Family Coraciidae (rollers) Purple Roller Coracias naevius x Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus x x Family Alcedinidae (kingfishers) Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala x x Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris x Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti x African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta x Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristata x Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima x Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis x Family Meropidae (bee-eaters) White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides x European Bee-eater Merops apiaster x x x ORDER: BUCEROTIFORMES Family Upupidae (hoopoes) African Hoopoe Upupa africana x x Family Phoeniculidae (wood-hoopoes) Green Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus x Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas x Family Bucerotidae (hornbills) African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus x Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas x ORDER: PICIFORMES Family Lybiidae (African barbets) Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus x x Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas x Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus x x Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii x Family Indicatoridae (honeyguides) Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor x
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Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator x Family Picidae (woodpeckers) Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni x Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens x x Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus x ORDER: FALCONIFORMES Family Falconidae (caracaras and falcons) Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus VU x ORDER: PASSERIFORMES Family Platysteiridae (wattle-eyes and batises) Chinspot Batis Batis molitor x Family Prionopidae (helmetshrikes) White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus x Retz's Helmetshrike Prionops retzii x Family Malaconotidae (bushshrikes) Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti x Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus x x Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis x x Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus x Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla x x x Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus x Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus x Brubru Nilaus afer x Family Campephagidae (cuckooshrikes) Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava x Family Laniidae (shrikes) Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus x Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris x Family Oriolidae (figbirds and orioles) Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus x x Family Dicruridae (drongos) Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis x x Family Monarchidae (monarchs) African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis x Family Paridae (tits and chickadees)
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Southern Black Tit Parus niger x Family Remizidae (penduline tits) Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli x Family Alaudidae (larks) Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota x Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana x Family Pycnonotidae (bulbuls) Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor x x x Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris x Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris x Family Hirundinidae (swallows and martins) Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica over over over over over Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii over Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata over Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula over Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica over over over over over Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa over over Family Macrosphenidae (crombecs and African warblers) Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens x Family Phylloscopidae (leaf warblers and allies) Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus x x Family Acrocephalidae (reed warblers and allies) African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus x Family Locustellidae (grassbirds and allies) Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala x Family Cisticolidae (cisticolas and allies) Lazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans x Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana x Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla x Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava x x x Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans x Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica x Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata x
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Family Leiothrichidae (laughingthrushes) Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii x Family Zosteropidae (white-eyes) Cape White-eye Zosterops virens x x Family Sturnidae (starlings) Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens x x Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster x x Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio x Family Buphagidae (oxpeckers) Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus x x Family Turdidae (thrushes) Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa x x Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus x Family Muscicapidae (chats and Old World flycatchers) White-browed Scrub Robin Erythropygia leucophrys x x Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus x Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina x Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens x Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra x White-throated Robin-Chat Cossypha humeralis x Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris x Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata x Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris x Family Nectariniidae (sunbirds) Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina x x Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis x White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala x x x Family Passeridae (Old World sparrows) White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali x Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus x Yellow-throated Petronia Gymnoris superciliaris x Family Ploceidae (weavers and widowbirds) Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons x Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis x
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Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus x x x Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus x Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps x Family Estrildidae (waxbills, munias and allies) Jameson's Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia x Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis x x x Family Motacillidae (wagtails and pipits) African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus x Striped Pipit Anthus lineiventris x Bushveld Pipit Anthus caffer x Family Fringillidae (finches and canaries) Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica x x Streaky-headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis x x Family Emberizidae (buntings and New World sparrows) Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris x Subtotal 145 2 0 0 0 81 50 20 23 29 Reptiles ORDER: CROCODYLIA Family Crocodylidae (true crocodiles) Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus VU NEMBA (VU) LEMA x ORDER: SQUAMATA Family Gekkonidae (geckos) Common Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia x Wahlberg's Velvet Gecko Homopholis wahlbergii x Lygodactylus capensis Common Dwarf Gecko capensis x x Family Lacertidae (true lizards) Bushveld Lizard Heliobolus lugubris x Family Cordylidae (girdled lizards) Waterberg Flat Lizard Platysaurus minor E x Family Gerrhosauridae (plated lizards) Yellow-throated Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus flavigularis x x Family Scincidae (skinks)
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Sundevall's Writhing Skink Mochlus sundevallii sundevallii x Rainbow Skink Trachylepis margaritifer x Striped Skink Trachylepis striata x x Variable Skink Trachylepis varia x x x x Family Agamidae (agamas) Acanthocercus atricollis Southern Tree Agama atricollis x Distant's Ground Agama Agama aculeata distanti E x Family Lamprophiidae (African snakes) Western Yellow-bellied Sand Snake Psammophis subtaeniatus x Subtotal 14 1 2 1 1 10 1 6 1 2 Frogs
ORDER: ANURA Family Brevicepitidae (rain frogs) Bushveld Rain Frog Breviceps adspersus x Family Bufonidae (toads) Red Toad Schismaderma carens x Guttural Toad Sclerophrys gutturalis x Family Hyperoliidae (sedge and bush frogs) Bubbling Kassina Kassina senegalensis x Family Ptychadenidae (grass frogs) Plain Grass Frog Ptychadena anchietae x Subtotal 5 1 2 1 1 8 2 5 5 3
VU = Vulnerable NT = Near-threatened PR = Protected E = Endemic NEMBA = National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act LEMA = Limpopo Environmental Management Act
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Appendix 5. MacKinnon 10-species list data summary
Species Species
Appearances Appearances Black-backed Puffback 23 Marico Sunbird 3 Dark-capped Bulbul 23 Neddicky 3 Emerald-spotted Wood Dove 23 Reed Cormorant 3 European Bee-eater 20 Rock Martin 3 White-bellied Sunbird 20 Southern Black Flycatcher 3 White-browed Scrub Robin 17 Striped Kingfisher 3 Violet-backed Starling 16 Village Weaver 3 Grey-backed Camaroptera 15 White-browed Sparrow-Weaver 3 Cape Turtle Dove 14 African Grey Hornbill 2 Golden-breasted Bunting 13 African Harrier-Hawk 2 Yellow-bellied Greenbul 13 African Hawk-Eagle 2 Southern Boubou 12 African Palm Swift 2 Lesser Striped Swallow 11 African Wattled Lapwing 2 Rattling Cisticola 11 Arrow-marked Babbler 2 Tawny-flanked Prinia 11 Black Cuckoo 2 Yellow-fronted Canary 11 Black Cuckooshrike 2 Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird 11 Black-chested Snake Eagle 2 African Hoopoe 10 Burnt-necked Eremomela 2 Black-collared Barbet 10 Cape Robin-Chat 2 Black-headed Oriole 10 Common Buzzard 2 Brown-hooded Kingfisher 10 Common Scimitarbill 2 Long-billed Crombec 10 Coqui Francolin 2 Orange-breasted Bushshrike 10 Crimson-breasted Shrike 2 Striped Pipit 10 Fiery-necked Nightjar 2 African Paradise Flycatcher 9 Grey Go-away-bird 2 Grey Tit-Flycatcher 9 Grey-headed Kingfisher 2 Grey-headed Bushshrike 9 Hadeda Ibis 2 Amethyst Sunbird 8 Helmeted Guineafowl 2 Bar-throated Apalis 8 Jacobin Cuckoo 2 Red-eyed Dove 8 Mocking Cliff Chat 2 Rufous-naped Lark 8 Retz's Helmetshrike 2 Black-crowned Tchagra 7 Sabota Lark 2 Cape White-eye 7 Spectacled Weaver 2 Chinspot Batis 7 Wahlberg's Eagle 2 Kurrichane Thrush 7 White-crested Helmetshrike 2 Red-chested Cuckoo 7 Acacia Pied Barbet 1 Red-winged Starling 7 African Finfoot 1 Southern Black Tit 7 African Green Pigeon 1 Cape Glossy Starling 6 African Reed Warbler 1 Cardinal Woodpecker 6 African Scops Owl 1 Crested Francolin 6 Ashy Flycatcher 1 Green Wood Hoopoe 6 Black-chested Prinia 1 Red-faced Mousebird 6 Blacksmith Lapwing 1 Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill 6 Burchell's Coucal 1 White-throated Robin-Chat 6 Bushveld Pipit 1 African Pygmy Kingfisher 5 Capped Wheatear 1 ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC 140 PO Box 57 White River 1240 (013) 750-1893 (083) 231-5632 [email protected]
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Diederik Cuckoo 5 Crowned Lapwing 1 Fork-tailed Drongo 5 Familiar Chat 1 Golden-tailed Woodpecker 5 Freckled Nightjar 1 Natal Spurfowl 5 Giant Kingfisher 1 Southern Grey-headed Sparrow 5 Green-backed Heron 1 Southern Masked Weaver 5 Grey Penduline Tit 1 Willow Warbler 5 Horus Swift 1 Barn Swallow 4 Jameson's Firefinch 1 Blue Waxbill 4 Lanner Falcon 1 Brown-crowned Tchagra 4 Lazy Cisticola 1 Brubru 4 Little Rush Warbler 1 Crested Barbet 4 Little Sparrowhawk 1 Groundscraper Thrush 4 Lizard Buzzard 1 Laughing Dove 4 Magpie Shrike 1 Lesser Honeyguide 4 Malachite Kingfisher 1 Red-billed Oxpecker 4 Pearl-breasted Swallow 1 Red-breasted Swallow 4 Pied Kingfisher 1 Red-headed Weaver 4 Purple Roller 1 Streaky-headed Seedeater 4 Rufous-cheeked Nightjar 1 Yellow-throated Petronia 4 Shelley's Francolin 1 Bearded Woodpecker 3 Spotted Eagle-Owl 1 Egyptian Goose 3 Terrestrial Brownbul 1 Greater Honeyguide 3 Thick-billed Weaver 1 Klaas's Cuckoo 3 Western Cattle Egret 1 Lilac-breasted Roller 3 White-fronted Bee-eater 1 Little Swift 3 Wire-tailed Swallow 1
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Appendix 6. Potentially occurring fauna of conservation concern
Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Likelihood Reason
RedData
Protected Mammals NEMBA May occasionally wander Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus VU Wide variety of habitats Low (VU) through Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis LEMA Rivers and streams High Suitable habitat present Limited suitable habitat South African Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis NT LEMA Arid grassland and savanna Low present NEMBA White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum NT Wide variety of habitats Confirmed (PR) African Civet Civettictis civetta LEMA Wide variety of habitats High Suitable habitat present NEMBA Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus Wide variety of habitats Confirmed (PR) Reddish-grey Musk Shrew Crocidura cyanea DD Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present Tiny Musk Shrew Crocidura fuscomurina DD Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present Lesser Red Musk Shrew Crocidura hirta DD Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present Peters’ Musk Shrew Crocidura silacea DD Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present NEMBA Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta NT Wide variety of habitats Low Low density (PR) NEMBA Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis minor VU Thickets, savanna Confirmed (VU) Short-snouted Elephant-shrew Elephantulus brachyrhynchus DD Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present NEMBA Burchell's Zebra Equus quagga burchelli Wide variety of habitats Confirmed (PR) NEMBA Limited suitable habitat Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes Open grassland and shrubland Low (PR) present African Wild Cat Felis silvestris LEMA Wide variety of habitats High Suitable habitat present Southern Lesser Galago Galago moholi LEMA Savanna Confirmed Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis LEMA Savanna Confirmed Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax Heterohyrax brucei LEMA Rocky woodland Confirmed
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Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius VU LEMA Wetlands Confirmed NEMBA Confined to small camps Roan Hippotragus equinus VU Open tall-grass savanna Low (EN) within the reserve No known roosts in South Botswana Long-eared Bat Laephotis botswanae VU Savanna, rocky outcrops Low Africa Single-striped Grass-Mouse Lemniscomys rosalia DD Woodland with tall grass Low Unsuitable habitat NEMBA Limited suitable habitat Serval Leptailurus serval NT Grassland, wetlands Low (PR) present NEMBA May occasionally wander African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus EN Wide variety of habitats Low (EN) through Honey Badger Mellivora capensis NT LEMA Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present Forest Shrew Myosorex varius DD Wide variety of habitats Low Edge of distribution range Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus LEMA Rocky woodland Confirmed NEMBA Aardvark Otycteropus afer Wide variety of habitats Confirmed (PR) Semi-desert, arid woodland and Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis LEMA Low Unsuitable habitat present grassland Thick-tailed Greater Galago Otolemur crassicaudatus LEMA Moist woodland and forest Moderate Suitable habitat present NEMBA Leopard Panthera pardus NT Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present (PR) NEMBA Brown Hyaena Parahyaena brunnea NT Wide variety of habitats Confirmed (PR) Rusty Bat Pipistrellus rusticus NT Savanna, riparian forest, tree dwelling Moderate Suitable habitat present African Weasel Poecilogale albinucha DD Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present Jameson’s Red Rock Rabbit Pronolagus randensis LEMA Rocky slopes in savanna Moderate Suitable habitat present Aardwolf Proteles cristatus LEMA Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present Steenbok Raphicerus campestris LEMA Wide variety of habitats Confirmed NEMBA Sharpe's Grysbok Raphicerus sharpei NT Broad-leaved Woodland Moderate Suitable habitat present (PR) Grassland and open woodland on Limited suitable habitat Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula LEMA Moderate slopes present NEMBA Ground Pangolin Smutsia temminckii VU Wide variety of habitats Low Increasingly rare species (VU) Buffalo Syncerus caffer LEMA Wide variety of habitats Confirmed
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Bushveld Gerbil Tatera leucogaster DD Woodland, thicket Moderate Suitable habitat present NEMBA Limited suitable habitat Cape Fox Vulpes chama Open grassland and shrubland Low (PR) present Subtotal 44 25 33 Birds NEMBA Unsuitable habitat and very Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax EN Savanna Low (EN) rare in area Verreauxs' Eagle Aquila verreauxii VU Mountains and surrounding vegetation Moderate Suitable habitat present Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii NT Open arid woodland and grassland Moderate Suitable habitat present Forages in wetlands and breeds on Black Stork Ciconia nigra VU Moderate Suitable habitat present cliffs European Roller Coracias garrulus NT Savanna High Suitable habitat present Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus VU Wide variety of habitats Confirmed Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Grassland, semi-desert Low Unsuitable habitat present Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus NT Arid savanna and grasslands Low No suitable habitat present NEMBA White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus EN Savanna Low Low density (EN) NEMBA Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres EN Mountains and surrounding vegetation Low Low density (EN) Limited suitable habitat Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus NT Wetlands, savanna Low present, disturbance NEMBA Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami VU Grassland Low No suitable habitat present (VU) NEMBA Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus EN Wide variety of habitats Moderate Suitable habitat present (EN) Rivers with over-hanging African Finfoot Podica senegalensis VU vegetation Confirmed Limited suitable habitat Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius VU Open savanna and grassland Low present NEMBA Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos EN Savanna Low Low density (EN) Subtotal 16 15 6 Reptiles
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NEMBA Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus VU Waterbodies Confirmed (VU) Only known from a very small Orange-throated Flat Lizard Platysaurus monotropis EN Sandstone outcrops Low area to the NE of the study area NEMBA Wide variety of habitats, but usually Southern African Python Python natalensis High Suitable habitat present (PR) near water or rocky outcrops Subtotal 3 2 2 TOTAL 63 42 41
EN = Endangered VU = Vulnerable NT = Near-threatened DD = Data Deficient PR = Protected NEMBA = National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
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Appendix 7. Duncan McKenzie CV
Name: Duncan Robert McKenzie Profession: Terrestrial Ecologist Date of Birth: 9 Nov 1977 Name of Firm: ECOREX Consulting Ecologists cc Position in Firm:Ecologist Years with firm: 8 Nationality: South African
Qualifications : N.Dip. [Nature Conservation] UNISA, RSA 2007 N.Cert. [Nature Guiding] Drumbeat Academy, RSA 2004
Membership in Professional Societies: BirdLife South Africa Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town Botanical Society of South Africa
Languages : Speaking Reading Writing English (home): Excellent Excellent Excellent Afrikaans: Good Good Good isiZulu: Good Fair Fair Spanish: Fair Fair Fair
Countries of Work Experience : Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe (Guiding). South Africa, Mozambique, DRC, Mali, Lesotho, Tanzania, Swaziland, Sierra Leone (Consulting Ecologist)
OVERVIEW OF EXPERIENCE 9 years’ experience in specialist species identification, conducting baseline surveys, data analysis and report writing in various biomes in southern Africa, particularly savannah, forest and grassland biomes 2 years experience game reserve management (KwaZulu-Natal) 5 years’ experience (part time) of wetland delineation and management 2 years experience of plant propagation and use for rehabilitation Specialist knowledge of identification of vascular plants Specialist knowledge of identification of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians SABAP2 Regional Co-ordinator: Mpumalanga Member of the Kwa-Zulu-Natal Bird Rarities Committee
Employment Record: 2007 - present ECOREX Ecologist 2005 - 2006 Iglu (London, UK) Specialist Travel Agent 1997 - 2005 Duncan McKenzie Bird Tours Owner, Specialist Guide District Conservation Officer, Reserve 2001 KZN Wildlife Manager Part-time Horticulturalist and Rehabilitation 1999 - 2001 Institute of Natural Resources Officer Part-time Field Assistant and Regional Co- 1997-2001 Mondi Wetlands Project ordinator 1996-1997 Natal Parks Board Ranger
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Appendix 8. Specialist Declaration Form
10.4 The Specialist
Note: Duplicate this section where there is more than one specialist.
I …Duncan McKenzie…, as the appointed specialist hereby declare/affirm the correctness of the information provided as part of the application, and that I:
in terms of the general requirement to be independent (tick which is applicable):
other than fair remuneration for work performed/to be performed in terms of this application, have no business, X financial, personal or other interest in the activity or application and that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity; or
am not independent, but another EAP that is independent and meets the general requirements set out in Regulation 13 has been appointed to review my work (Note: a declaration by the review specialist must be submitted);
have expertise in conducting specialist work as required, including knowledge of the Act, regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; will ensure compliance with the EIA Regulations 2014; 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 application; will take into account, to the extent possible, the matters listed in regulation 18 of the regulations when preparing the application and any report, plan or document relating to the application; will disclose to the proponent or applicant, registered interested and affected parties 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 or the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority (unless access to that information is protected by law, in which case I will indicate that such protected information exists and is only provided to the competent authority); declare that all the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct; am aware that it is an offence in terms of Regulation 48 to provide incorrect or misleading information and that a person convicted of such an offence is liable to the penalties as contemplated in section 49B(2) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998).
Signature of the specialist
ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC
Name of company
07/11/2016
Date
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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
We declare that we have been appointed as independent consulting ecologists with no affiliation with or vested financial interests in the proponent, other than for work performed under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010. 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. Remuneration for our services by the proponent is not linked to approval by any decision-making authority responsible for authorising this development. A specialist declaration form has been completed and included in Appendix 3.
W.L.McCleland 07 November 2016
D.R. McKenzie 07 November 2016
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