KAPPA-STERREKUS 765KV POWERLINE:

TERRESTRIAL FAUNA SPECIALIST SCREENING REPORT

Prepared for

Eskom Holdings SOC

PRODUCED FOR SRK

[email protected] March 2021 Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection

CONTENTS

SHORT CV/SUMMARY OF EXPERTISE...... 3

SPECIALIST DECLARATION ...... 5 1 Introduction & Scope ...... 6 1.1 Terms of Reference ...... 6 1.2 Relevant Aspects of the Development ...... 7 2 Methodology ...... 8 2.1 Data Sourcing and Review ...... 8 2.2 Site Visits & Field Assessment ...... 9 2.3 Sensitivity Mapping & Assessment ...... 9 2.4 Limitations & Assumptions ...... 12 3 Description of the Affected Environment- Baseline...... 13 3.1 Faunal Communities ...... 13 3.2 Faunal ...... 20 4 Kappa Faunal Sensitivity Assessment ...... 30 5 Impacts and Issues Identification ...... 33 5.1 Identification of Potential Impacts ...... 33 5.2 Recommended Mitigation & Avoidance ...... 34 6 Conclusion & Recommendations ...... 35 7 References ...... 38 8 Annex 1. List of Mammals ...... 39 9 Annex 2. List of ...... 42 10 Annex 3. List of ...... 45

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SHORT CV/SUMMARY OF EXPERTISE

Simon Todd Simon Todd is Director and principal scientist at 3Foxes Biodiversity Solutions and has over 20 years of experience in biodiversity measurement, management and assessment. He has provided specialist ecological input on more than 200 different developments distributed widely across the country. This includes input on the Wind and Solar SEA (REDZ) as well as the Eskom Grid Infrastructure (EGI) SEA and Karoo Shale Gas SEA. He is on the National Vegetation Map Committee as representative of the Nama and Succulent Karoo Biomes. Simon Todd is a recognised ecological expert and is a past chairman and current deputy chair of the Arid-Zone Ecology Forum. He is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (No. 400425/11).

Skills & Primary Competencies • Research & description of ecological patterns & processes in Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo, Thicket, Arid , and Savannah Ecosystems. • Ecological Impacts of land use on biodiversity • Vegetation surveys & degradation assessment & mapping • Long-term vegetation monitoring • Faunal surveys & assessment. • GIS & remote sensing Tertiary Education: • 1992-1994 – BSc (Botany & Zoology), University of Cape Town • 1995 – BSc Hons, Cum Laude (Zoology) University of Natal • 1996-1997- MSc, Cum Laude (Conservation Biology) University of Cape Town Employment History • 2009 – Present – Sole Proprietor of Simon Todd Consulting, providing specialist ecological services for development and research. • 2007 Present – Senior Scientist (Associate) – Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town. 3 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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• 2004-2007 – Senior Scientist (Contract) – Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town • 2000-2004 – Specialist Scientist (Contract) - South African National Biodiversity Institute • 1997 – 1999 – Research Scientist (Contract) – South African National Biodiversity Institute

A selection of recent work is as follows: Strategic Environmental Assessments Co-Author. Chapter 7 - Biodiversity & Ecosystems - Shale Gas SEA. CSIR 2016. Co-Author. Chapter 1 Scenarios and Activities – Shale Gas SEA. CSIR 2016. Co-Author – Ecological Chapter – Wind and Solar SEA. CSIR 2014. Co-Author – Ecological Chapter – Eskom Grid Infrastructure SEA. CSIR 2015. Contributor – Ecological & Conservation components to SKA SEA. CSIR 2017.

Recent Specialist Ecological Studies in the Vicinity of the Current Site • Fauna Specialist Study for the proposed Perdekraal WEF. ERM 2012. • Fauna and Flora Specialist Study for the Perdekraal Grid Connection and Substation. ERM 2014. • Fauna and Flora Preconstruction Walk-through study for the Perdekraal WEF. ERM 2015. • Fauna and Flora Specialist Study for the Brandvalley Wind Energy Facility, Roggeveld. EOH. 2016. • Fauna and Flora Specialist Study for the Rietkloof Wind Energy Facility, Roggeveld. WSP. 2018. • Ecological Scoping Study for the Kolkies and Karee Wind Farms, Tanqua Karoo. Arcus 2016.

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SPECIALIST DECLARATION

I, ..Simon Todd...... , as the appointed independent specialist, in terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations, hereby declare that I: ▪ ▪ I act as the independent specialist in this application; ▪ I perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant; ▪ regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct, and do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 as amended and any specific environmental management Act; ▪ I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; ▪ I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Act, Regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; ▪ I will comply with the Act, Regulations and all other applicable legislation; ▪ I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; ▪ I have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; ▪ I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; ▪ I have ensured that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the specialist input/study was distributed or made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties was facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide comments on the specialist input/study; ▪ I have ensured that the comments of all interested and affected parties on the specialist input/study were considered, recorded and submitted to the competent authority in respect of the application; ▪ all the particulars furnished by me in this specialist input/study are true and correct; and ▪ I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the Act.

Signature of the specialist: ______

Name of Specialist: ____Simon Todd______

Date: ____15 February 2021______

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1 INTRODUCTION & SCOPE

Eskom Holdings SOC (Eskom) has appointed SRK Consulting (South ) (Pty) Ltd (SRK) to undertake an environmental study (the study) of the second 765kV transmission powerline between the Kappa and Sterrekus substations (the Project). The purpose of the study is to:

• Screen (evaluate) the three sub-corridor alignment alternatives (identified by Eskom – see Figure 1) based on environmental and social factors, taking cognisance of technical constraints, to select a preferred alignment;

• Identify the preferred sub-corridor alignment from an environmental, social and technical perspective (the Screening Phase); and

• Compile a detailed baseline description and identify preliminary high-level impacts of the preferred alignment, focusing on pinch-points (areas of high or very high sensitivity that cannot be avoided by infrastructure placement) (the Baseline Assessment Phase).

SRK has appointed 3Foxes Biodiversity Solutions to undertake the terrestrial fauna specialist study required to inform this environmental study. This report presents the findings of the faunal study during the Screening Phase and will inform the consolidated Screening Report to be complied by SRK. A desktop review of the available ecological information for the area is used to identify and characterise the ecological features of the proposed grid corridor alternatives. This information is used to derive a faunal ecological sensitivity map that presents the faunal constraints for development along the corridors.

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study are as follows:

• Review and update the locations and extents of features provided by SRK (guided by the approach to the SEA) and provide SRK with updated GIS based feature layers;

• Confirm or update sensitivity of features (refer to the SEA – the sensitivity of features should emulate the approach taken in the SEA unless specific motivating circumstances are identified by the specialist) and advise on any amended or additional buffer zones required;

• Compile a Screening Report (this report), including:

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▪ Sensitivity maps (compiled by SRK based on the verified location and sensitivity of features provided by specialists);

▪ A broad description of the baseline characteristics of each corridor alternative (i.e., a broad description of land use / baseline characteristics of each alternative, as well as particularly sensitive or important features, to inform the chapter of the main Screening Report relative to your field of study); and

▪ Site (corridor) Selection Matrix comparing the three corridors and selecting the preferred corridor alternative;

• Confirm the preferred corridor alternative in consultation with Eskom, taking into account inputs received during stakeholder engagement; and

• Provide responses and if necessary, update the Screening Report in response to stakeholder comments.

1.2 RELEVANT ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT

Currently, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is the only base load power station in the Western Cape; however, it has insufficient capacity to meet local demand. To offset this deficit, electricity is transmitted from the Highveld to the Cape via the Cape (Transmission) Corridor.

Despite improvements to the Corridor (including the 1st Kappa – Sterrekus [Omega] line commissioned in December 2016), supply is constrained during peak periods. To increase capacity, reduce operational costs, and improve flexibility and reliability, Eskom must improve capacity to the Cape Corridor, which includes the construction of the 2nd Kappa – Sterrekus 765 kV line (the Project), by 2027.

The Cape Corridor falls within the Central Corridor identified through the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Power Corridors. The three sub-corridor alignments were selected by Eskom based on their technical feasibility and fall wholly within the Cape Corridor (Error! Reference source not found.).

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Figure 1. Location map showing the three main power line corridor alternatives which are the subject of the current study.

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 DATA SOURCING AND REVIEW

Data sources from the literature consulted and used where necessary in the study includes the following:

Fauna • Lists of mammals, reptiles and amphibians which are likely to occur at the site were derived based on distribution records from the literature and the ADU databases (ReptileMap, Frogmap and MammalMap) http://vmus.adu.org.za. • Literature consulted includes Branch (1988) and Alexander and Marais (2007) for reptiles, Du Preez and Carruthers (2009) for amphibians, EWT & SANBI (2016-2020) and Skinner and Chimimba (2005) for mammals.

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• The faunal lists provided are based on species which are known to occur in the broad geographical area, as well as an assessment of the availability and quality of suitable at the site. • The conservation status of mammals is based on the IUCN Red List Categories (EWT/SANBI 2016), while reptiles are based on the South African Conservation Assessment (Bates et al. 2013) and more recent SANBI assessments, amphibians on Minter et al. (2004) as well as more recent SANBI assessments. • Critical Biodiversity Areas in the study area were obtained from the 2017 Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WC-BSP), for the affected municipalities.

2.2 SITE VISITS & FIELD ASSESSMENT

No field assessment was conducted for the current study. However, the consultant is familiar with the majority of the area covered by the route alternatives and this information is used to inform the current study where relevant and images from previous projects including the Kappa- Sterrekus 765kV power line are used here to illustrate the affected environment.

2.3 SENSITIVITY MAPPING & ASSESSMENT

A faunal ecological sensitivity map of the site was produced by integrating the results desktop study in terms of the available ecological and biodiversity information in the literature and various spatial databases as detailed in Table 1 below. As a starting point, sensitive features such as wetlands, drainage lines, rocky hills and pans were mapped from satellite imagery and collated and buffered where appropriate to comply with legislative requirements or ecological considerations. All the different layers created were then merged to create a single coverage. The faunal ecological sensitivity of the different units identified in the mapping procedure was rated according to the scale as indicated below.

• Low – Areas of natural or transformed faunal habitat with a low sensitivity where there is likely to be a negligible impact on ecological processes and terrestrial biodiversity. Most types of development can proceed within these areas with little ecological impact. • Medium- Areas of natural or previously transformed land where the impacts on fauna are likely to be largely local and the risk of secondary impact such as erosion low. These areas usually comprise the bulk of habitats within an area. Development within these areas can proceed with relatively little ecological impact provided that appropriate mitigation measures are taken. • High – Areas of natural or transformed land where a high potential impact is anticipated due to the high biodiversity value, sensitivity or important ecological role of the area. These areas may contain or be important habitat for faunal species or provide important ecological services such as water flow regulation or forage provision. Development within 9 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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these areas is undesirable and should only proceed with caution (such as specific consideration of the footprint within these areas and field verification of the acceptability of development within these potentially sensitive areas) as it may not be possible to mitigate all impacts appropriately. • Very High – Critical and unique habitats that serve as habitat for rare/endangered species or perform critical ecological roles. These areas are usually no-go areas from a developmental perspective and should be avoided.

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Table 1. Criteria and features used to inform the faunal sensitivity map for the grid corridors.

Faunal species Associated Habitat Features Sensitivity Buffer Geometric Tortoise only: SA Veg 2009 (with 2.5 km Geometric Tortoise polygons with >3 post 1995 records or known Very High buffer of all localities records/localities) All major drainage lines with associated riparian Riverine Rabbit vegetation within the known distribution of the Very High None Riverine Rabbit Kloofs, cliffs and rocky outcrops that represent Reptiles High None important reptile habitats Drainage lines and water bodies that have not Amphibians already been captured under another higher High None sensitivity category. Special Habitats Areas with quartz patches know to contain Quartz Patches endemic species and species of conservation High None concern Drainage features with significant riparian Drainage Lines High None vegetation Features of arid areas where there is significant water movement across a broad plain-like area Washes High None but where clearly defined drainage lines do not develop. Important faunal habitat Confined areas, usually bounded by steep slopes and which are usually characterized by dense vegetation. A drainage line may or may Kloofs Very High None not be present. Important habitat for she fauna such as leopard, but also many small mammals. Usually captured in the freshwater assessment, but delineation is not always the same and Wetlands Very High None hence mapped here as well. Important faunal habitat and ecosystem service areas. Undeveloped wilderness type areas, usually with rugged terrain and where disturbance is Mountains & Hills undesirable. Important habitat for leopard and High None other larger fauna which require extensive home ranges. Remnants of vegetation within largely transformed landscapes that are considered Vegetation Remnants High None important for connectivity, landscape function and faunal habitat.

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Standard and Degraded Habitats Degraded drainage features particularly in the Swartland that have little natural vegetation Minor and degraded drainage features remaining but are considered of some Medium None significance for connectivity and movement of fauna. Typical vegetation of the Cape Fold Mountains that has not been classified as High or Very High sensitivity. Considered moderately Intact Mountain Fynbos and Renosterveld sensitive as these areas currently form part of Medium None larger tracts of intact veld and wilderness areas that are habitat to several sensitive fauna such as Leopard and Grey Rhebok. Intact vegetation on the plains of the Tanqua Karoo, consisting of typical Tanqua Karoo Tanqua Karoo Plains Low None succulent shrubland and home to the typical fauna of the area. Transformed Habitats Areas with little to no natural vegetation Urban Areas/Croplands and other remaining and which are considered to have Very Low None transformed habitats low value for fauna.

2.4 LIMITATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS

The current study is based on a desktop study which raises some potential limitations regarding the study. The faunal species lists derived for the area are based on the literature and available databases. In many cases, these databases are not intended for fine-scale use and the reliability and adequacy of these data sources relies heavily on the extent to which the area has been sampled in the past. Many remote areas have not been well sampled with the result that the species lists derived for the area do not always adequately reflect the actual fauna present in an area. In order to reduce this limitation as far as possible, and ensure a conservative approach, the species lists derived for the corridors were obtained from an area significantly larger than the affected areas. In addition, the consultant has specific long-term experience in the area derived from numerous projects in and nearby the affected areas and this information is used to inform the current study as appropriate.

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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT- BASELINE

3.1 FAUNAL COMMUNITIES

Mammals

According to the MammalMap database of the ADU, approximately 70 mammals occur within the overall area affected by the proposed Kappa power line. Unfortunately, the resolution of the data is too poor to provide a useful breakdown of this for each quarter degree square traversed by the power line alternatives. However, overall, the primary driver of mammalian diversity in the affected area is land use, with the areas of the Swartland and Breede River Valley with high levels of transformation for intensive agriculture having the lowest mammalian diversity. The intact areas of the Cape fold mountains and the plains of the Tanqua Karoo all retain relatively natural faunal communities, apart from the general extirpation of large mammals and carnivores in the last century or earlier. Although the eastern sections of the power line routes have not been well sampled in the past due to their remote nature, the consultant has worked extensively in this area due to the numerous wind farm applications that characterise this area. Species observed on the plains and adjacent hills and mountain slopes along the southern edge of the Tanqua Karoo include Steenbok, Common Duiker, Vaal Rhebok, Gemsbok, Eland, Kudu, Grey Rhebok, Cape Porcupine, Aardvark, Cape Grey Mongoose, Cape Hare, Hewitt’s Rock Rabbit, Riverine Rabbit, Bat-eared Fox, Chacma Baboon, African Wildcat, Leopard, Honey Badger, Aardwolf and Black- backed Jackal.

At least 10 listed mammals potentially occur along the power line alternatives. These are listed below and their likelihood of occurrence within the different corridors and habitats present is described. The species of primary concern are likely to be the Leopard, Vaal Rhebok and the Riverine Rabbit, all of which have been confirmed present in the study area. It is likely that significant impact on the Riverine Rabbit can be avoided through choosing route alternatives that avoid impact on the habitat of this species. This would invalidate the southern route alternative a viable option as it traverses confirmed habitat of this Critically Endangered species. Vaal Rhebok are present along extensive sections of the route alternatives and regardless of which route alternative is used, some impact on this species is inevitable. However, this species is relatively resilient of human activity and in the long-term the habitat loss resulting the power line, is not likely to impact the local population of this species. Similarly, the Leopard is confirmed present in the mountainous sections of the study area and it would not be possible to avoid some disturbance and habitat loss for this species due the construction and operation of the power line. However, as with the Vaal Rhebok, a significant long-term impact on this species is unlikely. Overall, the total extent of habitat loss resulting from the construction and operation of the power line would be relatively low and dispersed along the length of the power line with the result that with the

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Figure 2. The Riverine Rabbit (CR), Leopard (VU) and Grey Rhebok (NT) are the three main red-listed mammalian species potentially impacted by the Kappa- Sterrekus line. All three are confirmed present in the broad area around the Kappa Substation and all three of these images were taken within a few km of the substation.

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Table 2. Mammal species of conservation concern that may be impacted by the Kappa power line route alternatives. Species Common Name Status Comment Confirmed present along the margins of the Tanqua Karoo and also in the mountains east of Ceres. In terms of the three power line route Pelea capreolus Grey Rhebok Near Threatened alternatives, there is not a large degree of preference for this species and it is likely to present within all three. Limited to sandy soils and soft loams associated with fynbos, afromontane forest, moist savannah (southern Cape coast) and renosterveld habitats of the south-west Cape. Amblysomus Fynbos Golden As such this species is not likely to occur in the Near Threatened corriae Mole eastern half of the power line route alternatives. Although there is not a strong preference in terms of the three route alternatives, the southern alignment may be the least favourable for this species. There are no recent records of this species from the Tanqua Karoo or Fynbos Biome, suggesting Black-footed that this species is not at all common in the Felis nigripes Vulnerable Cat affected area, if present at all. A significant impact on this species is not likely as it is doubtful that it is present in the affected area. Confirmed present from the mountains along the southern margin of the Tanqua Karoo and more generally from the large mountain chains Panthera pardus Leopard Vulnerable of the area. As a result, it is highly likely that this species would be affected by the power line. The southern route alternative appears to be least favourable for this species. This species occurs at a low density across most of its range and even when present is often overlooked. Given the presence of several conservation areas in the Tanqua Karoo, it is possible this species is present in the Tanqua Hyaena brunnea Brown Hyena Near Threatened Karoo section of the route alternatives. However, since this species has not been recorded from the area for several decades, it is doubtful that it would be impacted by the development. Rely on intact wetlands where they occur specifically in reed beds and among semi-aquatic Dasymys capensis Water Rat Vulnerable grasses in wetlands or swampy areas or along rivers and streams, as well as in grassy areas close to water. Since this habitat would be 15 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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classified as Very High sensitivity, an impact on this species is not likely. If present, this species would occur in the wetter sections of the route, particularly in the central and western parts of the route alternatives. There is not preference for this species among the route alternatives. Inhabits moist habitats such as wetlands and marshes. Has only been recorded from the eastern section of the corridors and is not known KwaZulu Vlei Otomys laminatus Near Threatened from the area east of the fold mountains. Since Rat the preferred habitat would be classified as Very High sensitivity, an impact on this species is not likely. Associated with perennial water and as such would be restricted to the wetter parts of the corridors where there are rivers and dams of African sufficient extent to support this species. The Aonyx capensis Near Threatened Clawless Otter southern route alternative appears to be the least favourable for this species, although a significant impact is unlikely as freshwater habitats would be avoided regardless. Prefers grassy habitats with a high density of rodent prey. Was not recorded from any of the camera trapping conducted in the Tanqua Karoo, Poecilogale African Striped suggesting that this species is restricted to Near Threatened albinucha Weasel wetter habitats in the west of the study area. Since the preferred habitat would be classified as Very High sensitivity, an impact on this species is not likely. Habitat requirements are not well known, but they are often associated with calcrete soils within . They are never found on soft, sandy substrate, rocks, wetlands or river banks. Mystromys African White- Vulnerable This species is likely to be restricted to the albicaudatus tailed Rat central and western sections of the power line route alternatives. There do not appear to be any route alternative preferences for this species. Confirmed present on several properties south and east of the Kappa substation where it is associated with the extensive foodplains and Bunolagus silty flats adjacent to ephemeral streams and Riverine Rabbit Critical monticularis rivers. The southern route alternative is considered highly unfavourable for this species, with the result that this alternative is considered fatally flawed as a result.

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Reptiles According the ADU ReptileMap database as many as 80 reptiles are known from the affected area around the power line route alternatives. There are three broad habitats that can be observed in the study area; in the east and central sections of the corridor alternatives there is lowland fynbos which has been extensively transformed; in the central and eastern sections of the corridor alternatives, there are the Cape Fold Mountains, which include cliffs and rocky outcrops of high value for reptiles and then there are the arid plains of the Tanqua Karoo in the east. Each of these broad areas have a somewhat distinctive reptile community. Despite the large number of reptiles present in the area, this includes only three species of conservation concern, the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Karoo Padloper and Geometric Tortoise. The Cape Dwarf Chameleon may be present along the margins of the mountains in the west of the corridor alternatives and also in any larger intact patches of fynbos that occur in the west. Overall, a significant impact on this species seems unlikely. The Geometric Tortoise occurs at several localised sites in proximity to the corridor alternatives. This includes Elandsberg Nature Reserve and the area around the Voelvlei Dam which would potentially be affected by the Central B and Southern Alignment, as well as between Wolseley and Worcester, again along the Southern Alignment. Specific attention should be paid to ensuring that there is no impact on this species as this would be considered to represent a fatal flaw. The Karoo Padloper would be restricted to the area around Touwsrivier and possibly the margins of the Tanqua Karoo near the Kappa Substation. The southern route alternative appears to be particularly unfavourable for this species. Provided that impact on the Geometric Tortoise can be avoided, then impacts reptiles are likely to be relatively low and would be acceptable.

Table 3. Reptile species of conservation concern that may be impacted by the Kappa power line route alternatives. Species Common Name Status Comments Occurs in a variety of habitats including fynbos, renosterveld, thicket, riparian vegetation and some exotic and native trees. This species is generally absent from Cape Dwarf Bradypodion pumilum Vulnerable agricultural landscapes. If present this Chameleon species would be restricted to the far west of the grid corridors where there are no significant differences between the route alternatives. Occurs in association with dolerite ridges and rocky outcrops of the southern Chersobius boulengeri Karoo Padloper Endangered Succulent and Nama Karoo biomes. If present would be restricted to the margins of the Tanqua Karoo and the area around 17 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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Touwsrivier. The southern alternative appears to be least favourable for this species. Isolated subpopulations are still found in the Paarl district, north of Wellington towards Porterville, between Tulbagh, Wolseley, and Worcester, and in the Ceres Valley. The general habitat comprises low- lying, undulating plains (seldom rocky Psammobates Critically Geometric Tortoise terrain, but never koppies), with a dominant geometricus Endangered low to medium-high shrub layer, a strong restioid and ericoid presence, and an essentially annual, herbaceous understorey with perennial grasses. The southern and Central B Alignment are considered least favourable for this species.

Figure 3. Tortoises are common reptiles in the study area, with the Angulate Tortoise (top left) being widespread and abundant, while Verrox's Tent Tortoise (top right) is less common and was observed near to the Kappa Substation, while the Parrot-beaked Tortoise is fairly uncommon and within the study area tends to be restricted to the Breede River Valley.

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Amphibians According to the ADU FrogMap database, 19 different toads and are known from the study area. Since most of these are associated with wet areas, their diversity and density would be highest within the wetter parts of the study area, particularly the west of the corridor alternatives and the mountainous sections of the routes where there are mountain streams, wetlands and similar features which would attract amphibians. Impacts on amphibians are likely to be low given the relatively limited extent of the development and the avoidance of wetlands and other features likely to be important for amphibians by the power line. There are four species of potential concern that occur in the area, but interrogation of these suggests that none of these is likely to represent a significant constraint for the development of the power line (Table 3).

Table 3. species of conservation concern that may be impacted by the Kappa power line route alternatives. Species Common Name Status Comments Endemic to the southwestern Western Cape, where it ranges from the central in the south, to west of Citrusdal in the north. There is a distribution gap in the Swartland. It is a burrowing of Breviceps gibbosus Cape Rain Frog Near Threatened renosterveld fynbos heathland. It also occurs in disturbed habitats, such as pine plantations and gardens. While it is possible that this species occurs in the west of the corridor alternatives, this coincides with the Swartland where this species is largely absent. Recent taxonomic changes with this species leaves the original species restricted to the Critically Cape Peninsula, and three newly described Capensibufo rosei Rose's Toadlet Endangered local endemics each restricted to a different mountain chain. Each of the new species is classified as Data Deficient. This species is endemic to the Cape lowlands (below 280 m asl), north of the city of Cape Town and west of the Cape Fold Mountains. It occurs from the Cape Flats, through the Swartland, northwards to Graafwater, with two relictual populations occurring in the Cape Caco Near Threatened capense Olifants and Breede River valleys. It lives in undulating low-lying areas with poorly drained loamy to clay soils, although it is known from some shallow sandy habitats. It breeds in shallow natural pools of water (vleis) and depressions in flat low-lying areas. As 19 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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such, this species is likely largely restricted to the west of the corridor except for the southern route alternative where it also likely occurs in the Breede River valley. This species has been split into several species, with C.platys restricted to the Cape Peninsula. The species within the affected Cacosternum platys Flat Caco Near Threatened area has been named Cacosternum australis the Southern Dainty Frog and is classified as Least Concern.

3.2 FAUNAL HABITATS

In this section the different broad-scale habitats present along the power line corridors are illustrated and broadly described in terms of their importance for fauna and expected sensitivity. The habitats are described as they occur along the route alternatives from the Sterrekus Substation along the routes through to the Kappa Substation. Since all the routes share a large proportion of their habitats, each route is not described separately, but the importance and prevalence of each habitat within each route alternative is indicated where relevant. A map illustrating the distribution of the different habitats within the grid corridors is illustrated below in Figure 4.

At a broad-level, the environment affected by the corridors can be broken down into three broad bioregions. In the west there is the Swartland which has been largely transformed for crop production and no longer maintains the faunal communities it would have historically. The central part of the area is characterised by the Cape Fold Mountains, which apart from the Ceres Valley and Breede River Valley is largely intact and retains much of its original ecological functioning and diversity. Then in the far northeast, there is the Tanqua Karoo, which is an arid environment which despite being farmed retains much of its’ original character.

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Figure 4. Map of the corridor alternatives, showing the main faunal habitats present within the grid corridors. Croplands of the Swartland

Figure 5. The section of the power line alternatives between Sterrekus and Gouda traverse the Swartland, which typically consists of wheat fields or other agriculture. These are considered low sensitivity areas.

The first 50-70 km from the Sterrekus substation, the power line routes traverse the wheatfields, vineyards, orchards and croplands of the Swartland. The majority of this area is transformed and is considered low sensitivity. There are however some remnant patches of natural vegetation in this area associated with rocky hills or drainage features. These are usually highly threatened vegetation types and are considered very high sensitivity and should be avoided. These features are usually quite restricted in nature and can usually be avoided by the power line without significant difficulty. The main faunal concerns in this area include the Geometric Tortoise and the features Cape Caco. These tend however to be associated with remnant patches of renosterveld or wetlands and as such it likely that impact on these species can be well mitigated through avoidance of these features. The low-lying valleys around Tulbagh, Wolseley and Ceres are essentially similar in nature to these areas and have also experienced a large degree of transformation and contain similar species of concern. Overall, provided that the localised highly sensitive features can be avoided, the sections of the power line through these areas would generate little negative impact on terrestrial fauna. This habitat is more or less equally prevalent along all the power line corridor alternatives, but since it is not considered generally sensitive, it is of little consequence with regards to the determination of the preferred route. Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection

Figure 6. Although more than 90% of the Swartland is transformed for agriculture and urbanisation, there are some intact patches of renosterveld scattered across this area associated with hills, steep slopes and other areas that have not been transformed.

Cape Fold Mountains The central parts of the power line corridor alternatives traverse rugged, mountainous terrain associated with the Matoosberg, Koue Bokkeveld, Winterhoek and Elandsberg mountains. The low-lying areas between the mountains are often fairly highly impacted by transformation for cropping, but the mountainous areas are generally intact and consist of various types of mountain fynbos and many of these areas are formally designated as mountain catchment areas. In terms of ecological risks, a concern regarding development in these are the steep slopes that characterise many of the mountains and which significantly increases the probability of erosion and associated degradation following construction of power lines through these areas. In addition, these are areas that currently experience little disturbance and are home to secretive species such as the Cape Leopard.

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Figure 7. Typical view of the mountainous terrain and intervening valleys between Ceres and Karoopoort, with grassy fynbos in the foreground with conspicuous Protea nitida shrubs.

Figure 8. Looking west through Karooport, where the Central A Alignment is routed, showing the rugged mountainous terrain that characterises this area.

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Figure 9. The southern route alignment goes through the valley between Wolseley and Worcester, which although largely transformed, also includes several sensitive patches of remnant lowland or alluvial vegetation.

Figure 10. Where the power line corridors pass through low-lying areas, such as here between Wolseley and Worcester, freshwater features are of greater prevalence and impose some constraint on the routing of the power line.

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Plains of the Tanqua Karoo The Tanqua Karoo section of the power line route corridors is variable in sensitivity, with the characteristic open plains being generally low sensitivity. However, there are several habitats present that are considered high sensitivity, in particular the quartzitic gravel patches and the riparian zones that are the habitat of the Riverine Rabbit. These habitats are of particular significance and are described in more detail below. In addition, the transition areas between the plains of the Tanqua Karoo and the adjacent fynbos-dominated mountains are high in diversity and are also commonly home to the Leopard, Riverine Rabbit as well as the Grey Rhebok. The Southern Alignment in particular, traverses the habitats where these three red-listed species are confirmed present and ultimately, it is the presence of these species that renders the Southern Alignment highly unfavourable. There is little difference in preference between the other two route alternatives in this section of the study area.

Figure 11. Looking east along the existing 765 kV power line alignment towards the Kappa Substation, showing the typical low shrublands of the Tanqua Karoo, which are considered low sensitivity.

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Figure 12. The transition areas and low ridges along the southern margin of the Tanqua Karoo are diverse and considered significantly more sensitive than the more typical Tanqua Karoo vegetation. The Southern Alignment in particular would impact these areas.

Washes and Drainage Lines of the Tanqua Karoo There are numerous ephemeral drainage features present along the corridors within the Tanqua Karoo sections of the corridors. These are considered to represent important features for fauna generally but especially so due to the potential presence of the Riverine Rabbit in these areas. Although some of these features are considered unsuitable for the Riverine Rabbit as there is little riparian vegetation or floodplain habitat available, the larger features tend to have well- developed floodplains with riparian vegetation characteristic of Riverine Rabbit habitat. Characteristic species include Atriplex vestita, Galenia africana, Euclea undulata, Diospyros austro-africana, Salsola aphylla, Lycium horridum, Salsola tuberculatiformis, Malephora crassa, Stipagrostis ciliata, Stipagrostis zeyheri, Grielum humifusum and Pteronia adenocarpa. Due to the ecological value and hydrological function of the drainage lines, they are considered sensitive and should be avoided as much as possible. The Southern Alignment in particular would impact this habitat and as such, is considered highly unfavourably through this section of the study area. The other two alternatives cannot be easily differentiated at the desktop level and there is no preference between the two at this stage.

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Figure 13. The drainage lines of the Tanqua Karoo are ephemeral and do not contain water for extended periods. They are however important as habitat for fauna generally and in particular the Riverine Rabbit which is restricted to the alluvial floodplains of these rivers.

Figure 14. Example of Riverine Rabbit habitat located along a drainage line near the Kappa Substation with species such as Salsola, Pteronia, Lycium, Felicia and Galenia africana.

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Gravel & Quartz Patches of the Tanqua Karoo Plains Within the Tanqua Karoo there are areas with quartz gravels that represent a unique edaphic habitat that is home to numerous locally endemic dwarf succulents. Species of conservation concern associated with this habitat includes Tanquana prismatica, Didymaotus lapidiformis (VU), Braunsia stayneri (Rare) Lithops comptonii and Octopoma quadrisepalum (VU). These areas also represent unique faunal habitats and while no fauna are known to be restricted to these areas, this has not been well investigated and it is likely that there are some specialised invertebrates that favour these areas. These areas have been mapped as very high sensitivity and should be avoided as much as possible.

Figure 15. There are gravel patches distributed across the plains of the Tanqua Karoo, some of which are home to a variety of specialised species and are considered to represent a sensitive habitat for fauna and flora.

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Figure 16. Although the gravel patches pictured above look devoid of vegetation from a distance, close inspection usually reveals the presence of local endemic species such as Tanquana and Didymatous.

4 KAPPA FAUNAL SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT

The faunal sensitivity map for the grid corridor alternatives is depicted below in Figure 17. The grid routes are characterised by wide variety of habitats and associated sensitivities. The initial sections of the route alternatives across the Swartland are largely transformed and this area is generally considered to be low sensitivity for fauna, although remnant vegetation patches can have high significance as faunal habitat as several red-listed fauna occur in this area including the Geometric Tortoise and listed frog species such as the Cape Caco. The middle sections of the grid routes, traverse the Cape fold mountains, which are largely intact and represent extensive tracts of little-impacted faunal habitat. These areas are of moderate to high sensitivity and represent important wilderness areas for some species such as leopard and Grey Rhebok. The eastern sections of the route alternatives in the Tanqua Karoo towards Kappa Substation, are variable in their sensitivities due to the presence of important faunal habitats such as riparian areas associated with the Riverine Rabbit (Critically Endangered) and mountains with the confirmed presence of Leopard and Grey Rhebok.

In terms of the different grid alternatives and associated corridor sensitivities, it is clear that the Southern Alignment is significantly more sensitive than the other three alignments. Given the confirmed presence of at least three red listed mammals and an unavoidable impact on their habitats, the Southern Alignment is considered fatally-flawed and is not considered feasible in its current configuration. In terms of the other three alternatives, the Central B route is potentially compromised by its crossing of the Elandsberg Nature Reserve where the Critically Endangered Geometric Tortoise is present. The Central A route traverses an extensive area of wilderness before entering the Tankwa Karoo and since there is currently no disturbance in this area, the power line would open a new access route into this area which is considered undesirable. Overall,

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Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection based on the current desktop study, it appears that the Central A, Southern Option is the least sensitive overall, followed by the Central B and Central A Northern alternative.

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Figure 17. Terrestrial fauna sensitivity map for the grid corridor alternatives.

5 IMPACTS AND ISSUES IDENTIFICATION

The development of the Kappa-Sterrekus Power Line, is likely to result in a variety of impacts, associated largely with the disturbance, loss and transformation of intact vegetation and faunal habitat to hard infrastructure such as pylon foundations and service roads. In the following section, the major impacts on fauna that are likely to be associated with the development of the Kappa-Sterrekus Line are identified and discussed. Although the current study is not an impact assessment, it is pertinent to consider the underlying sensitivities and potential impacts associated with each corridor alternative as this ultimately informs the preferred route alternative and identifies any fatal flaws potentially associated with each corridor.

5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The terrestrial faunal sensitivities and consequent potential for impact resulting from the development of the Kappa-Sterrekus power line are identified and discussed below with reference to the characteristics and features of each corridor. The major risk factors and contributing activities associated with the development are identified and briefly outlined and summarised below. This is a screening-level identification of sensitivities and impacts and this may change based on changes to the project description or results coming out of the field verification. The majority of impacts would occur at the construction stage, with relatively minor impact due to operation of the power line.

Table 4. Kappa-Sterrekus Grid Corridor sensitivities regarding the various potential impacts as listed.

Sub-corridor Central A Central B Southern Analysis Northern Option Southern Option - Eastern Option Western Option Direct Faunal Impacts such as habitat loss, noise, pollution, Medium Medium Medium High High disturbance, poaching, road-kill etc. Impact on red-listed Medium Low Low High High mammals Impact on red-listed Low Low Medium High High reptiles Impact on red-listed Low Low Low Medium Medium amphibians Impact on CBAs and Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium ecological processes

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5.2 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION & AVOIDANCE

Recommended mitigation and avoidance measures associated with the various identified sensitivities are detailed below. This list is not considered exhaustive and represents the primary, planning-phase issues that need to be considered. Once a preferred corridor is identified, the mitigation and avoidance measures can be better tailored to the sensitivities and features present within the identified corridor.

Table 5. Recommended mitigation and avoidance to be applied in sensitive areas to minimise impacts on terrestrial fauna. Sensitivity Sensitivity Feature Mitigation Measures Faunal species Geometric Tortoise • Intact vegetation remnants where this species is known to occur must be avoided. This species is listed as Critically Endangered and impact on this species must be avoided. Impact on this species would represent a fatal flaw. Riverine Rabbit • The routes where impact on this species cannot be avoided should not be used as this would constitute a fatal flaw for these routes. Along the remaining routes, where riparian areas where this species may be present, the footprint within the riparian areas should be minimised and no pylons should be located within the riparian vegetation. Very High • During construction, there should be strict speed limits applied in areas where this species may be present. Limits of 40km/h for light vehicles and 30km/h for heavy vehicles is recommended. Special Habitats Wetlands • The footprint within all wetlands should be minimised. If any wetlands cannot be avoided, the footprint areas should be inspected prior to construction and all pylon locations cleared by a freshwater specialist Kloofs • If there are any narrow kloofs along the final power line route, these should be spanned by the power line and no roads should be built through these areas. Faunal species Reptiles • There should be a preconstruction walk-through of the final power line route during which any features of specific importance for reptiles such as rocky outcrops should be demarcated and avoided during construction. High • During vegetation clearing there should be a search and rescue operation for reptiles. The access road routes and pylon’s locations should be checked prior to clearing for reptiles such as and tortoises, which should be removed to a safe location by a suitably trained and qualified person.

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Amphibians • The footprint within all wetlands should be minimised. If any wetlands cannot be avoided, the footprint areas should be inspected prior to construction and all pylon locations cleared by a freshwater specialist. Special Habitats Quartz Patches • Quartz patches with a high density of species of concern should be avoided by both access roads and pylons. Drainage Lines • Drainage lines should be avoided as much as possible. No turbines to be located within drainage lines and adjacent floodplains. Access roads should utilise existing crossings where possible. New crossings should have gabions and similar erosion control structures present. Washes • These should be spanned by the pylons wherever possible. • Roads should use existing crossings if present. • Washes identified as Very High sensitivity due to the potential presence of Riverine Rabbit should be avoided in terms of development footprint. Mountains & Hills • The major risk in these areas is erosion and the resulting damage to the environment. As a result, all access roads in these areas should have regular erosion control and water dissipation features. Roads through the mountains must be maintained on a regular basis for the lifetime of the power line. Vegetation Remnants • Remnants of Endangered and Critically Endangered vegetation types must be avoided by both access roads and pylon foundations.

6 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

All of the corridor alternatives traverse fairly large tracts of High or Very High sensitivity areas. Given the length of the power line route options and the diverse nature of the receiving environment, it is not surprising that some impact on these higher sensitivity areas is unavoidable. There are however some clear patterns that emerge and which are summarized below in Table 5. The two southern route alternatives are considered least desirable from a faunal perspective, while the northern route alternative is also considered relatively unfavourable. The two central route alternatives are considered to represent the most favourable route alternatives, largely because they follow existing power line alignments which tend to run through the lowest-lying areas which have already experienced significant levels of human disturbance.

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Table 5. Analysis of the different grid corridor alternatives and the identification of the major issues associated with each and a ranking of preference for each corridor based on the results of the faunal study. Sub-corridor Central A Central B Southern Analysis Northern Option Southern Option - Eastern Option Western Option Very High 16% 17% 21% 19% 20% Sensitivity: % High 41% 42% 50% 51% 53% Coverage (estimated) Medium 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% Low 52% 52% 46% 44% 41% Number of Pinch Points 0 1 3 5 4 % of route as Pinch Points 0% 4% 15% 12% 12% Degree to which site verification may eliminate/ High Medium High Medium Low reduce pinch points There are extensive Route over the mountains The majority of the The majority of the Site verification may areas between Ceres and near to Karoopoort and section between Wolseley section between Wolseley reduce the extent of pinch Areas requiring detailed site Karoopoort that are not the route across the and Kappa should be and Kappa should be points to some degree, verification if selected well known and would Tanqua plains between checked in the field as checked in the field as but would probably not benefit significantly from Karoopoort and Kappa this area includes multiple this area includes multiple eliminate them entirely. site verification. Substation sensitivities sensitivities The area between Prince Potentially some Potentially some Riverine Rabbit habitat Riverine Rabbit habitat Alfred Hamlet and unavoidable Riverine unavoidable Riverine Fatal Flaws Possibly the Geometric Possibly the Geometric Karoopoort is potentially Rabbit habitat along the Rabbit habitat along the Tortoise near Worcester Tortoise near Worcester problematic. route route Corridor Selection Ranking Ranking (1 – preferred) 3 1 2 4 5 • Runs through a • Runs adjacent to • Runs adjacent to • Includes a tract through • Includes a significant wilderness area with existing lines for much existing lines for much a confirmed Riverine tract through a little existing of its length which of its length which Rabbit Habitat as well confirmed Riverine disturbance between would reduce the would reduce the as runs through the Rabbit Habitat as well Motivation Prince Alfred Hamlet overall impact of the overall impact of the Breede River Valley as runs through the and Karoopoort, which development. development. which includes a Breede River Valley makes this an variety of fauna which includes a undesirable route. sensitivities. variety of fauna sensitivities. Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection

Sub-corridor Central A Central B Southern Analysis Northern Option Southern Option - Eastern Option Western Option Statement of overall Acceptable if no other Acceptable Acceptable Not Acceptable Not Acceptable acceptability alternatives are viable

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7 REFERENCES

Alexander, G. & Marais, J. 2007. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Branch W.R. 1998. Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.

Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & de Villiers, M. S. 2013. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of , Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 32. SANBI, Pretoria.

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, 2007. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004): Publication of lists of Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Protected Species. Government Gazette, Republic of South Africa.

Du Preez, L. & Carruthers, V. 2009. A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa. Struik Nature., Cape Town.

Minter LR, Burger M, Harrison JA, Braack HH, Bishop PJ & Kloepfer D (eds). 2004. Atlas and Red Data book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series no. 9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Skinner, J.D. & Chimimba, C.T. 2005. The mammals of the Southern African Subregion. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection

8 ANNEX 1. LIST OF MAMMALS

List of mammals which are known to occur in the broad area around the grid connection corridors. The list is derived from the ADU database (http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_projects.php) as at February 2021.

Family Species Common Name Status No. QDS Records

Bathyergidae Bathyergus suillus Cape Dune Mole-rat Least Concern 6 15 Southern African Mole- Bathyergidae Cryptomys hottentotus Least Concern 9 132 rat Bathyergidae Georychus capensis Cape Mole-rat Least Concern 10 180 Bovidae Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Least Concern 2 12 Bovidae Oreotragus oreotragus Klipspringer Least Concern 8 1060 Bovidae Oryx gazella Gemsbok Least Concern 4 54 Bovidae Pelea capreolus Vaal Rhebok Near Threatened 9 229 Bovidae Raphicerus campestris Steenbok Least Concern 10 112 Bovidae Raphicerus melanotis Cape Grysbok Least Concern 8 536 Bovidae Redunca fulvorufula Mountain Reedbuck Least Concern 1 1 Bovidae Sylvicapra grimmia Bush Duiker Least Concern 8 85 Bovidae Taurotragus oryx Common Eland Least Concern 3 28 Canidae Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal Least Concern 8 221 Canidae Otocyon megalotis Bat-eared Fox Least Concern 11 115 Canidae Vulpes chama Cape Fox Least Concern 10 55 Cercopithecidae Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon Least Concern 9 231 Chrysochloridae Amblysomus corriae Fynbos Golden Mole Near Threatened 1 9 Chrysochloridae Chlorotalpa sclateri Sclater's Golden Mole Least Concern 1 4 Chrysochloridae Chrysochloris asiatica Cape Golden Mole Data Deficient 5 70 Felidae Caracal caracal Caracal Least Concern 13 253 Felidae Felis nigripes Black-footed Cat Vulnerable 1 2 Felidae Felis silvestris Wildcat Least Concern 10 137 Felidae Panthera pardus Leopard Vulnerable 12 977 Spectacled African Gliridae Graphiurus ocularis Least Concern 2 7 Dormouse Herpestidae Atilax paludinosus Marsh Mongoose Least Concern 4 24 Herpestidae Cynictis penicillata Yellow Mongoose Least Concern 8 26 Herpestidae Herpestes ichneumon Egyptian Mongoose Least Concern 7 51 Herpestidae Herpestes pulverulentus Cape Gray Mongoose Least Concern 10 324 Near Threatened Hyaenidae Hyaena brunnea Brown Hyena 1 2 (2015) Hyaenidae Proteles cristata Aardwolf Least Concern 1 10

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Hystricidae Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine Least Concern 9 224 Leporidae Lepus capensis Cape Hare Least Concern 3 12 Leporidae Lepus saxatilis Scrub Hare Least Concern 8 46 Leporidae Pronolagus rupestris Smith's Red Rock Hare Least Concern 3 62 Macroscelididae Elephantulus edwardii Cape Elephant Shrew Least Concern 6 98 Western Rock Elephant Macroscelididae Elephantulus rupestris Least Concern 1 2 Shrew Short-eared Elephant Macroscelididae Macroscelides proboscideus Least Concern 1 2 Shrew Acomys (Subacomys) Muridae Cape Spiny Mouse Least Concern 4 45 subspinosus Muridae Aethomys granti Grant's Rock Mouse Least Concern 3 4 Muridae Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua Rock Mouse Least Concern 6 273 Muridae Dasymys capensis Water Rat Vulnerable 3 19 Muridae Dasymys incomtus Common Dasymys Near Threatened 1 2 Muridae Desmodillus auricularis Cape Short-tailed Gerbil Least Concern 1 2 Muridae Gerbilliscus afra Cape Gerbil Least Concern 10 85 Muridae Gerbilliscus paeba Paeba Hairy-footed Gerbil Least Concern 3 62 Mus (Nannomys) Southern African Pygmy Muridae Least Concern 6 155 minutoides Mouse Muridae Myomyscus verreauxi Verreaux's Mouse Least Concern 6 106 Southern African Vlei Rat Muridae Otomys irroratus Least Concern 10 143 (Fynbos type) Muridae Otomys laminatus KwaZulu Vlei Rat Near Threatened 3 17 Muridae Otomys saundersiae Saunders' Vlei Rat Least Concern 4 24 Muridae Otomys unisulcatus Karoo Bush Rat Least Concern 7 18 Muridae Parotomys brantsii Brants's Whistling Rat Least Concern 3 4 Xeric Four-striped Grass Muridae Rhabdomys pumilio Least Concern 12 335 Rat Mustelidae Aonyx capensis African Clawless Otter Near Threatened 5 77 Mustelidae Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat Least Concern 7 51 Mustelidae Mellivora capensis Honey Badger Least Concern 10 97 Mustelidae Poecilogale albinucha African Striped Weasel Near Threatened 7 18 Gray African Climbing Nesomyidae Dendromus melanotis Least Concern 3 30 Mouse Brants's African Climbing Nesomyidae Dendromus mesomelas Least Concern 1 27 Mouse Nesomyidae Mystromys albicaudatus African White-tailed Rat Vulnerable 4 57 Nesomyidae Petromyscus collinus Pygmy Rock Mouse Least Concern 2 7 Southern African Nesomyidae Saccostomus campestris Least Concern 1 2 Pouched Mouse Nesomyidae Steatomys krebsii Kreb's African Fat Mouse Least Concern 2 53 Orycteropodidae Orycteropus afer Aardvark Least Concern 4 19 40 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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Yellow-spotted Rock Procaviidae Heterohyrax brucei Least Concern 1 1 Hyrax Procaviidae Procavia capensis Cape Rock Hyrax Least Concern 9 290 Soricidae Crocidura cyanea Reddish-gray Musk Shrew Least Concern 1 4 Soricidae Crocidura flavescens Greater Red Musk Shrew Least Concern 1 3 Soricidae Myosorex varius Forest Shrew Least Concern 7 779 Soricidae Suncus varilla Lesser Dwarf Shrew Least Concern 2 20 Suidae Potamochoerus porcus Red River Hog 1 1 Viverridae Genetta genetta Common Genet Least Concern 7 77 Cape Genet (Cape Large- Viverridae Genetta tigrina Least Concern 7 135 spotted Genet)

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9 ANNEX 2. LIST OF REPTILES

List of reptiles which are known to occur in the broad area around the grid connection corridors. The list is derived from the ADU database (http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_projects.php) as at February 2021.

Family Species Common Name Status QDS Records Agamidae Agama atra Southern Rock Agama Least Concern 15 252 Agamidae Agama hispida Spiny Ground Agama Least Concern 7 19 Little Karoo Dwarf Chamaeleonidae Bradypodion gutturale Least Concern 7 90 Chameleon Chamaeleonidae Bradypodion pumilum Cape Dwarf Chameleon Vulnerable 1 1 Chamaeleonidae Chamaeleo namaquensis Namaqua Chameleon Least Concern 1 2 Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Red-lipped Least Concern 7 12 Colubridae Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater Least Concern 8 12 Colubridae Dipsina multimaculata Dwarf Beaked Snake Least Concern 1 1 Colubridae Dispholidus typus typus Boomslang Least Concern 4 7 Chamaesaura anguina Cape Grass Lizard Least Concern 6 20 anguina Cordylidae cordylus Cape Girdled Lizard Least Concern 13 120 Cordylidae Cordylus oelofseni Oelofsen's Girdled Lizard Near Threatened 1 18 Cordylidae Hemicordylus capensis Graceful Crag Lizard Least Concern 4 46 Cordylidae Karusasaurus polyzonus Karoo Girdled Lizard Least Concern 11 77 Pseudocordylus Cordylidae microlepidotus Cape Crag Lizard Least Concern 8 167 microlepidotus Elapidae Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus Coral Shield Cobra 6 17 Elapidae Naja nigricincta woodi Black Spitting Cobra Least Concern 2 2 Elapidae Naja nivea Cape Cobra Least Concern 12 31 Gekkonidae Afroedura hawequensis Hawequa Flat Gecko Near Threatened 1 26 Gekkonidae Afrogecko porphyreus Marbled Leaf-toed Gecko Least Concern 13 84 Chondrodactylus angulifer Common Giant Ground Gekkonidae Least Concern 1 1 angulifer Gecko Gekkonidae Chondrodactylus bibronii Bibron's Gecko Least Concern 8 32 Gekkonidae Goggia hexapora Cederberg Pygmy Gecko Least Concern 6 23 Southern Striped Pygmy Not listed (2017-09- Gekkonidae Goggia incognita 7 23 Gecko 26) Gekkonidae Goggia microlepidota Small-scaled Gecko Least Concern 6 41 Gekkonidae Lygodactylus capensis Common Dwarf Gecko Least Concern 1 3 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus austeni Austen's Gecko Least Concern 1 1 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus capensis Cape Gecko Least Concern 1 1 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus formosus Southern Rough Gecko Least Concern 9 80 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus geitje Ocellated Gecko Least Concern 14 146 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus maculatus Spotted Gecko Least Concern 2 5 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus mariquensis Marico Gecko Least Concern 4 15 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus oculatus Golden Spotted Gecko Least Concern 1 1 Gekkonidae Pachydactylus purcelli Purcell's Gecko Least Concern 1 2 42 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

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Gekkonidae Pachydactylus weberi Weber's Gecko Least Concern 1 1 Gerrhosauridae Gerrhosaurus typicus Karoo Plated Lizard Least Concern 1 4 Gerrhosauridae Tetradactylus seps Short-legged Seps Least Concern 5 11 Gerrhosauridae Tetradactylus tetradactylus Cape Long-tailed Seps Least Concern 14 23 Lacertidae Australolacerta australis Southern Rock Lizard Least Concern 6 30 Lacertidae Meroles knoxii Knox's Desert Lizard Least Concern 5 7 Lacertidae Meroles suborbitalis Spotted Desert Lizard Least Concern 1 1 Lacertidae Nucras tessellata Western Sandveld Lizard Least Concern 4 5 Lacertidae Pedioplanis burchelli Burchell's Sand Lizard Least Concern 5 39 Lacertidae Pedioplanis laticeps Karoo Sand Lizard Least Concern 1 3 Pedioplanis lineoocellata Lacertidae Common Sand Lizard Least Concern 13 33 pulchella Lacertidae Tropidosaura gularis Cape Mountain Lizard Least Concern 2 11 Tropidosaura montana Common Mountain Lacertidae 6 45 montana Lizard Amplorhinus multimaculatus Many-spotted Snake Least Concern 2 2 Lamprophiidae Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake Least Concern 7 20 Lamprophiidae Duberria lutrix lutrix South African Slug-eater Least Concern 9 22 Lamprophiidae Homoroselaps lacteus Spotted Harlequin Snake Least Concern 7 12 Lamprophiidae Lamprophis aurora Aurora House Snake Least Concern 1 2 Lamprophiidae Lamprophis guttatus Spotted House Snake Least Concern 6 8 Lamprophiidae Lycodonomorphus inornatus Olive House Snake Least Concern 3 6 Lamprophiidae Lycodonomorphus rufulus Brown Water Snake Least Concern 5 15 Lamprophiidae Prosymna sundevallii Sundevall's Shovel-snout Least Concern 5 12 Cross-marked Grass Lamprophiidae Psammophis crucifer Least Concern 8 22 Snake Lamprophiidae Psammophis leightoni Cape Sand Snake Vulnerable 2 3 Lamprophiidae Psammophis notostictus Karoo Sand Snake Least Concern 11 29 Lamprophiidae Psammophylax rhombeatus Spotted Grass Snake Least Concern 15 35 Lamprophiidae Pseudaspis cana Mole Snake Least Concern 7 33 Leptotyphlopidae Leptotyphlops nigricans Black Thread Snake Least Concern 1 2 Leptotyphlopidae Namibiana gracilior Slender Thread Snake Least Concern 1 1 South African Marsh Pelomedusidae Pelomedusa galeata Not evaluated 8 11 Terrapin Striped Dwarf Legless Scincidae Acontias lineatus Least Concern 1 1 Skink Scincidae Acontias meleagris Cape Legless Skink Least Concern 9 48 Silvery Dwarf Burrowing Scincidae Scelotes bipes Least Concern 1 1 Skink Scincidae Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink Least Concern 9 32 Scincidae Trachylepis homalocephala Red-sided Skink Least Concern 11 93 Scincidae Trachylepis sulcata sulcata Western Rock Skink Least Concern 2 14 Scincidae Trachylepis variegata Variegated Skink Least Concern 6 16 Testudinidae Chersina angulata Angulate Tortoise Least Concern 11 49 Testudinidae Chersobius boulengeri Karoo Padloper Near Threatened 1 1

43 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection

Testudinidae Homopus areolatus Parrot-beaked Tortoise Least Concern 10 38 Critically Testudinidae Psammobates geometricus Geometric Tortoise Endangered (SARCA 5 60 2 Psammobates tentorius Testudinidae Tent Tortoise (subsp. ?) Least Concern 6 18 subsp. ? Psammobates tentorius Testudinidae Karoo Tent Tortoise 4 7 tentorius Psammobates tentorius Testudinidae Verrox's Tent Tortoise 2 2 verroxii Testudinidae Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise Least Concern 1 1 Delalande's Beaked Blind Typhlopidae Rhinotyphlops lalandei Least Concern 10 28 Snake Viperidae Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder Least Concern 8 18

44 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study

Kappa-Sterrekus 765kV Grid Connection

10 ANNEX 3. LIST OF AMPHIBIANS

List of amphibians which are known to occur in the broad area around the grid connection corridors. The list is derived from the ADU database (http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_projects.php) as at February 2021.

Family Species Common Name Status QDS Records Brevicepitidae Breviceps gibbosus Cape Rain Frog Near Threatened 4 9 Brevicepitidae Breviceps montanus Cape Mountain Rain Frog Least Concern 4 15 Brevicepitidae Breviceps namaquensis Namaqua Rain Frog Least Concern 1 2 Bufonidae Capensibufo australis Southern Dainty Frog Least Concern 1 2 Bufonidae Capensibufo tradouwi Tradouw Toadlet Least Concern 2 6 Bufonidae Sclerophrys capensis Raucous Toad Least Concern 8 26 Bufonidae Vandijkophrynus angusticeps Sand Toad Least Concern 8 27 Vandijkophrynus gariepensis Karoo Toad (subsp. Bufonidae Least Concern 6 15 gariepensis gariepensis) Heleophrynidae Heleophryne purcelli Cape Ghost Frog Least Concern 7 26 Pipidae Xenopus laevis Common Platanna Least Concern 9 16 Amietia fuscigula Cape River Frog Least Concern 14 83 Pyxicephalidae Arthroleptella bicolor Bainskloof Moss Frog Least Concern 2 6 Pyxicephalidae Cacosternum aggestum Klipheuwel Caco Least Concern 1 1 Pyxicephalidae Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco Least Concern 8 35 Pyxicephalidae Cacosternum capense Cape Caco Near Threatened 7 53 Pyxicephalidae Cacosternum platys Flat Caco Near Threatened 2 4 Pyxicephalidae bonaespei Banded Stream Frog Least Concern 4 10 Pyxicephalidae Strongylopus grayii Clicking Stream Frog Least Concern 16 98 Pyxicephalidae Tomopterna delalandii Cape Sand Frog Least Concern 12 44

45 Terrestrial Fauna Screening Study