Vertebrate fauna Habitat Scan with special reference to the presence of the Spotted-necked Otter (Hydrictis maculicollis)

PORTIONS OF THE FARM PUTFONTEIN 26 IR

December 2019

Report author: Mr. J.C.P van Wyk (Pri.Sci.Nat: M.Sc)

Vertebrate Report: Putfontein 26 IR December 2019 1 of 20 pages TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ...... 4 3. STUDY AREA ...... 4 4. METHOD ...... 6 4.1 FIELD SURVEYS ...... 6 4.1.1 ...... 6 4.1.2 Herpetofauna ...... 6 4.2 DESKTOP SURVEYS ...... 7 4.2.1 Mammals ...... 7 4.2.2 Herpetofauna ...... 7 4.3 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ...... 7 4.3.1 Mammals ...... 7 4.3.2 Herpetofauna ...... 8 5. RESULTS ...... 8 5.1.1 HABITAT ASSESSMENT ...... 8 5.1.2 Expected and Observed Mammal Species Richness ...... 10 5.1.3 Threatened and Red Listed Mammal Species ...... 11 5.1.4 THE SPOTTED-NECKED OTTER ...... 12 5.2 HERPETOFAUNAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT ...... 13 5.2.1 Threatened and Red listed Reptile and Amphibian Species ...... 14 5.2.2 Expected and Observed Herpetofauna Species Richness ...... 15 6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS ...... 15 7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE ...... 16 8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 17 9. CONCLUSION ...... 17

FIGURES:

Figure 1: Locality map of the study area ...... 6 Figure 2: Terrestrial habitat on the study site...... 8 Figure 3: Aquatic habitat on the study site...... 9 Figure 4: Aquatic habitat in the buffer area of the study site...... 10 Figure 5: Manmade rupicolous habitat in the form of buildings...... 14 Figure 6: Faunal Sensitivity Map ...... 18

TABLES:

Table 1: Mammal species positively confirmed on the study site, observed indicators and habitat...... 12 Table 2: Herpetofauna species positively confirmed on the study site, observed indicators and habitat...... 15

Vertebrate Report: Putfontein 26 IR December 2019 2 of 20 pages

Declaration of Independence:

I, Jacobus Casparus Petrus van Wyk (6808045041084) declare that I:  hold an MSc in the Biological Sciences, which allows registration by SACNASP (SA Council for National Scientific Professions) as a Professional Zoologist and sanctions me to function independently as a specialist scientific consultant  as per prerequisite of the Natural Scientific Professions Act No. 27 of 2003, present this project as my work from inception and reflects exclusively my observations and unbiased scientific interpretations, executed to the best of my ability  abide by the Code of Ethics of the SACNASP  am committed to biodiversity conservation but concomitantly recognise the need for economic development. Even though I appreciate the opportunity to learn through the processes of constructive criticism and debate, I reserve the right to form and hold my own opinions and therefore will not willingly submit to the interests of other parties or change my statements to appease them  abide by the Code of Ethics of the S.A. Council for Natural Scientific Professions  act as an independent specialist consultant in the field of Zoology  am subcontracted as vertebrate fauna specialist consultant by Galago Environmental CC for the project “Putfontein 26 IR, with special reference to the presence of the spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis), Province” described in this report  have no financial interest in the proposed development other than remuneration for work performed  have and will not have any vested or conflicting interest in the proposed development  undertake to disclose to Galago Environmental CC and its client as well as the competent authority any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority required in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014  Our intellectual property in this report will only be transferred to the client (the party/ company that commissioned the work) on full payment of the contract fee. Upon transfer of the intellectual property, we recognise that written consent of the client will be required for release of any part of this report to third parties.

J.C.P. van Wyk

Vertebrate Report: Putfontein 26 IR December 2019 3 of 20 pages

1. INTRODUCTION

Galago Environmental CC. was appointed to undertake a Mammal and Herpetofaunal Habitat Assessment, with special reference to the presence of the spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis), on Portions 117, 118, 124, 132 & 248 of the farm Putfontein 26 IR, Gauteng Province, scheduled for a housing development project.

This report focuses on the reigning status of threatened and sensitive mammals, reptiles and amphibians likely to occur on the effective site and whose conservation status should be considered in the decision-making process. Special attention was paid to the qualitative and quantitative habitat conditions for Red Data species deemed present on the site, and mitigation measures to ameliorate the effect of the development. The secondary objective of the investigation was to gauge which mammal and herpetofauna might still reside on the site and comment on their diversity of the study area.

This assignment is in accordance with the 2014 EIA Regulations emanating from Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).

2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 To comment on the occurrence of the spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis) on or near the study site;  to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the significance of the mammal and herpetofaunal habitat components and current general conservation status of the property;  to identify and comment on ecologically sensitive areas;  to comment on connectivity with natural vegetation and habitats on adjacent sites;  to highlight potential impacts of the proposed development on the vertebrate fauna of the study site, and  to provide management recommendations to mitigate negative and enhance positive impacts should the proposed development be approved.

3. STUDY AREA

This study site lies in the quarter degree grid cell 2628AB (Benoni), west of Du Randt Road and south of Griesel Street. The site is surrounded by agricultural holdings. The entire area is 22.0731 hectares in extent and is spatially defined by the coordinates 26°6’45.2257”S; 28°24’48.0781”E (Figure 1).

There is one important topographical feature on the study site. The site contains a drainage line in a floodplain in the south-eastern corner of the study site, which is significant and should be protected. Part of the study site slopes towards this drainage line. The wetland is connected to other wetlands outside the 500-metre surrounding study area. To the west of the study site, on the other side of Du Randt Road, there is another wetland with open water. Most of this wetland lies inside the 500-metre surrounding area.

The site has been disturbed by several anthropogenic factors such as buildings, brick

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walls, trenches, dumping, littering, a power line, cattle and sheep grazing and invasive plants.

The study site lies inside the Eastern Highveld (Gm12) vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

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Figure 1: Locality map of the study area

4. METHOD The site visit was conducted on 12 December 2019. During this visit the observed and derived presence of mammals, reptiles and amphibians associated with the recognised habitat types of the study site was recorded. This was done with due regard to the well- recorded global distributions of Southern African mammals and herpetofauna, coupled with the qualitative and quantitative nature of recognised habitats.

The 500 metres of adjoining properties were scanned for important faunal habitats.

4.1 Field Surveys

4.1.1 Mammals During the site visit mammals were identified by sightings through random transect walks. No trapping or mist netting was conducted, as the terms of reference did not require such intensive work. In addition, mammals were also identified by means of spoor, droppings, burrows or roosting sites. Locals were interviewed to confirm occurrences or absences of species.

Three criteria were used to gauge the probability of occurrence of mammals on the study site. These include known distribution range, habitat preference and the qualitative and quantitative presence of suitable habitat.

4.1.2 Herpetofauna During the site visits, reptiles and amphibians were identified by sightings through random transect walks. Amphibian diversity was also established by means of acoustic identification. No trapping was conducted, as the terms of reference did not require such intensive work.

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4.2 Desktop Surveys 4.2.1 Mammals As the majority of mammals are secretive, nocturnal, hibernators and/or seasonal, distributional ranges and the presence of suitable habitats were used to deduce the presence or absence of these species based on authoritative tomes, scientific literature, field guides, atlases and databases. This can be done irrespective of season. During the field work phase of the project, this derived list of occurrences was audited.

Based on the impressions gathered during the site visit, as well as publications such as Mammals of the Transvaal (Rautenbach, 1982), The Complete Book of Southern African Mammals (Mills & Hes, 1997), The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005), Smithers’ Mammals of Southern Africa; A Field Guide (2012) and Stuarts’ Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa (Stuart & Stuart, 2015), were consulted to make conclusions. The vegetation type was defined according to the standard handbook by Mucina and Rutherford (eds) (2006).

4.2.2 Herpetofauna As the majority of reptiles and amphibians are secretive, nocturnal and/or poikilothermic or seasonal, distributional ranges and the presence of suitable habitats were used to deduce the presence or absence of these species based on authoritative tomes, scientific literature, field guides, atlases and databases. This can be done irrespective of season.

Based on the impressions gathered during the site visit, as well as publications such as FitzSimons’ Snakes of Southern Africa (Broadley, 1990), Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa (Branch, 1998), A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa (Alexander and Marais, 2007), Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of , Lesotho and Swaziland (Bates, Branch, Bauer, Burger, Marais, Alexander & De Villiers, 2014), Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa (Channing 2001), Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Minter, et al, 2004), Frogs of Southern Africa; A Complete Guide (Du Preez & Carruthers, 2017) and Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa (Channing & Rodel, 2019) were consulted to make conclusions.

4.3 Specific Requirements 4.3.1 Mammals During the visit, the site was surveyed and assessed for the potential occurrence of South African Red Data mammal species in Gauteng Province (Rautenbach, 1982, Skinner & Chimimba, 2005, Apps, 2012, Stuart & Stuart, 2015 & Child, Roxburgh, Do Linh San, Raimondo & Davies-Mostert, 2016) such as:

Juliana’s golden mole (Neamblosomus juliana), Highveld golden mole (Amblysomus septentrionalis), Rough-haired golden mole (Chrysospalax villosus), African marsh rat ( incomtus), Angoni vlei rat (Otomys angoniensis), White-tailed rat (Mystromys albicaudatus), shrews such as the Swamp musk shrew (Crocidura mariquensis), Southern African hedgehog (Atelerix frontalis), a number of bats such as the Blasius’s (Peak-saddle) horseshoe bat, (Aonyx capensis), Spotted-necked otter ((Hydrictis maculicollis), (Parahyaena brunnea),etc.

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4.3.2 Herpetofauna During the visit the site was surveyed and assessed for the potential occurrence of Red Data herpetofaunal species in the Gauteng Province; (Minter, et al, 2004, Alexander & Marais, 2007, Bates, et al, 2014 and Du Preez & Carruthers, 2017) such as:  (Crocodylus niloticus);  Coppery Grass Lizard (Chamaeasaura aenea);  Striped Harlequin Snake (Homoroselaps dorsalis);  Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus);

The Southern African Python (Python natalensis) has no Red Data status, but is still legally considered as a ToPS species.

5. RESULTS

The vegetation types of the site were analysed according to Mucina and Rutherford (2006).

5.1 Mammals

5.1.1 Mammal Habitat Assessment

The local occurrences of mammals are closely dependent on broadly defined habitat types, in particular terrestrial, arboreal (tree-living), rupicolous (rock-dwelling) and wetland-associated vegetation cover. It is thus possible to deduce the presence or absence of mammal species by evaluating the habitat types within the context of global distribution ranges.

From a mammal habitat perspective, it was established that mainly two of the four major habitats are naturally present on the study site, namely terrestrial (Figure 2) and wetland habitats.

Figure 2: Terrestrial habitat on the study site.

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Most of the study site has been disturbed. The natural habitat was first transformed for agricultural purposes and later by other anthropogenic influences such as buildings, brick walls, trenches, dumping, littering, a power line, cattle and sheep grazing and invasive plants. No moribund termitaria were recorded on the study site. These structures are generally good indicators of the occurrence of small mammals. Accordingly, it is estimated that the mammal population density for the study site is somewhat lower. At the time of the site visit, the basal cover was poor in most places due to livestock grazing and would not provide adequate nourishment and cover for small terrestrial mammals.

No indigenous trees grow on the site, to provide arboreal habitat for any arboreal mammal species. Due to the absence of natural arboreal habitat, arboreal species such as the South African galago and woodland dormouse would not occur on the site. Dead logs were observed, which would provide shelter and food for some mammals.

There is one important aquatic feature a drainage line in a floodplain on the study site (Figure 3) as well as in the buffer area (Figure 4). Due to the presence of natural aquatic habitat, such species as the two otter species, as well as could occur in principle on the site.

Figure 3: Aquatic habitat on the study site.

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Figure 4: Aquatic habitat in the buffer area of the study site.

There are no important natural rupicolous habitats on the study site, but manmade rupicolous habitat exists in the form of old buildings. Due to the absence of natural rupicolous habitat, some species like eastern rock elephant shrew, Jameson’s red rock rabbit, klipspringer, mountain , grey rhebok and dassie (rock hyrax) should not occur on the site.

The site has no caves suitable for cave-dwelling bats, although some of the buildings may act as substitute daytime roosts. It is likely that common bats commute from roosting sites elsewhere to hawk for insects over the wetlands of the study site.

Connectivity is poor to fair due to the proximity of Du Randt Road northwest of the site and Griesel Street north of the site. The site is surrounded by agricultural holdings. Electric fences around the houses also prevent migration. The only real opportunities for migration exist along the drainage lines.

Sight records were also used to compile this mammal report.

5.1.2 Expected and Observed Mammal Species Richness

All charismatic mammals (such as , black and blue wildebeest, red , plain zebra, eland, rhino, lion, wild dog, and spotted hyaena), have long since been extirpated for sport and later to favour livestock farming. Later, medium- sized mammals were displaced, in particular and brown hyaena. Reticent but widespread species such as , aardvark, black-backed jackal, common duiker and have also come under pressure due to poaching, hunting, fences and the small size of the site.

The species richness is poor due to the disturbed nature of most parts. Most of the species on the study site are common and widespread (viz. scrub hare, multimammate mice, pygmy mouse, genet species, mongoose species, African mole rat and others).

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Only one species was confirmed during the site visit (Table 1). It should be noted that potential occurrences are interpreted as being possible over a period of time as a result of environmentally induced expansions and contractions of population densities and ranges, which stimulate migration.

All feral mammal species expected to occur on the study site (e.g. house mice, house rats, dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and cats) were omitted from Table 1 since these species are normally associated with human settlements.

The bat species in the area are mostly common wherever they can find daytime roosts in manmade structures. Many bat species commute over considerable distances in search of rich feeding patches, such as insects swarming over wetlands at dusk.

5.1.3 Threatened and Red Listed Mammal Species

All Red Data species listed in Table 1 as Critically Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened or Data Deficient are discerning species and became endangered as a result of the deterioration of their preferred habitats. Due to the absence of especially wetland-associated vegetation cover on the property, the possibility of Red listed mammal species occurring decreases dramatically.

The study site falls outside the natural range of Juliana’s golden mole and Highveld golden mole. These species should not occur on the study site.

Due to their ability to fly and to cover large distances, the distribution information on some bat species is insufficient. This has resulted in Red Data species such as the Blasius’s (Peak-saddle) horseshoe bat being included as a precautionary measure.

Due to the presence of wetlands, certain Red Data mammals could occur on the study site. The swamp musk shrew could occur on the study site, because this species is associated with a swampy environment (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). There are also wetlands on or near the study site and both the Cape clawless otter and the spotted- necked otter could occur on the study site. There is also a possibility that the African marsh rat may occur on the study site due to the presence of wetlands. The rough- haired golden mole prefers sandy soil on the fringes of marshes or vleis (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005), which is present on and near the site.

The Southern African hedgehog occurs in a wide variety of habitat types, but must have vegetation. The possibility exists that some individuals may occur on the study site.

Due to the absence of rupicolous habitat certain Red Data mammals should be absent from the site, which include and grey rhebok. The white-tailed mouse is often found in rocky areas with good grass cover, which are not present on the study site. Therefore, this species should not occur on the site.

There is no possibility that the , brown hyena or may occur on the site.

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No other Red Data or sensitive species are deemed present on the site, either since the site is too disturbed, falls outside the distributional ranges of some species, or does not offer suitable habitat(s).

The species richness is poor to fair due to the small size of the site and the fact that it contains only two habitat types.

Table 1: Mammal species positively confirmed on the study site, observed indicators and habitat. SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME OBSERVATION HABITAT INDICATOR Cryptomys African mole rat Tunnel system Terrestrial hottentotus

The African mole rats listed in Table 1, are common and widespread.

5.1.4 The spotted-necked otter

The name spotted-necked (Hydrictis maculicollis) appropriately describes one of the salient features of this species: the upper chest and the front of the lower part of the neck are either spotted or mottled, this feature clearly distinguishing them from the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005).

The spotted-necked otter has a wide distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, but this species is an aquatic species and is therefore confined to rivers, streams, dams and swamps. This species has been recorded in Gauteng and this specialist have personally observed individuals in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and the neighbouring Clearwater Fly Fishing Estate, south of Pretoria.

The spotted-necked otter is an aquatic species confined to the larger rivers, dams and swamps that have extensive areas of open water. They are confined more closely to this habitat than the African clawless otter and they do not undertake forays far from its margins. There do not appear to be any records of the spotted-necked otter entering estuarine or sea waters (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). The actual study site does not have large areas of open water, which is necessary for spotted-necked otters to survive.

In South Africa, recorded groups of up to five individuals were observed, but single are most frequently seen. Spotted-necked otters have been described as diurnal, with activity peaks during the early morning and late afternoon. Resting places and dens are close to water, in dense vegetation cover, excavations under the roots of trees, holes under rock ledges or holes occasionally excavated by the otters themselves where there is suitable alluvial soil.

The average sizes of the core areas of home ranges were 8.7 km2 for males and 3.4 km2 for females (D’Inzillo Carranza, 1997 & Perrin, D’Inzillo Carranza & Linn, 2000). The wetlands on the study site are far too small to support a viable population of spotted- necked otters.

Spotted-necked otters eat mainly fish and crabs, but also frogs. Most fish captured are small and Rowe-Rowe (1977) recorded that 77% of the fish caught in KwaZulu-Natal

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were less than 100mm long. A few small fish (Barbus sp.) were observed in the wetlands on the study site, but several hundreds were observed in the buffer area wetland northwest of the study site. In the same wetland, large carp and barbel were also observed.

To catch prey under water sight, some light and clear water is necessary. Spotted- necked otters establish latrines similar to those of African clawless otters, and sometimes even use the same site. Latrines are close to water and are usually in grass above riverbanks or dam shores, on earth ledges in river banks, on islands or among rocks (Rowe-Rowe, 1992). The faeces have a mean diameter of 14.6 mmm and are dark brown fading to cream if containing mainly crab, or dark brown fading to light grey if consisting mainly of fish remains (Rowe-Rowe, 1992). During the site visit, no latrines of any of the two otter species were found on either the study site or on the more suitable habitat in the buffer areas.

Spotted-necked otters also leave water to breed, rest, defecate and urinate. On land, they have a clumsy, shuffling gait. Under stress, they emit a heavy musky smell that is persistent Skinner & Chimimba, 2005).

Predation on spotted-necked otters may occur from two species: the Nile crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus) and the African python (Python natalensis). However, both species do not occur on the site.

The spotted-necked otters Red Data status according to the South African Red Data Book is “Vulnerable” (Child et.al. 2016).

The wetland area on the site earmarked for development is far too small and therefore unsuitable as a habitat for spotted-necked otters and this species should not occur on the site. A very small possibility exists that a few spotted-necked otters may occur on neighbouring properties.

5.2 Herpetofaunal Habitat Assessment

The local occurrences of reptiles and amphibians are closely dependent on broadly defined habitat types, in particular terrestrial, arboreal (tree-living), rupicolous (rock- dwelling) and wetland-associated vegetation cover. It is thus possible to deduce the presence or absence of reptile and amphibian species by evaluating the habitat types within the context of global distribution ranges. From a herpetological habitat perspective, it was established that two of the four major habitats are naturally present on the study site, namely terrestrial and wetland habitats.

The study site is ecologically disturbed in some parts. Moribund termitaria were not recorded on the study site. These structures are generally good indicators of the occurrence of small herpetofauna. Accordingly, it is estimated that the reptile and amphibian population density for the study site is lower. At the time of the site visit the basal cover was poor in some places and would not provide adequate cover for small terrestrial herpetofauna.

There are no natural rupicolous habitats on the study site, but good manmade rupicolous habitat exists in the form of loose bricks, building rubble and buildings (Figure 5). Due

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to the absence of natural rupicolous habitat, such species as the common girdled lizard and rock agama should not occur on the site.

Figure 5: Manmade rupicolous habitat in the form of buildings.

No indigenous trees grow on the site, to provide arboreal habitat for any arboreal herpetofaunal species. Due to the absence of natural arboreal habitat, some arboreal species such as the flap-neck chameleon should not occur on the site. Dead logs were observed, which would provide shelter and food for some herpetofauna.

There are important aquatic features on the study site. Due to the presence of natural aquatic habitat, such species as the Nile monitor, marsh terrapin and many frog species should occur on the study site.

Connectivity is poor to fair due to the proximity of Du Randt Road northwest of the site and Griesel Street north of the site. The site is surrounded by small agricultural holdings. Electric fences around the houses prevent migration and the only real opportunities for migration exist along the drainage lines.

Sight records were also used to compile this herpetofauna report.

5.2.1 Threatened and Red listed Reptile and Amphibian Species

The study site falls outside the natural range and there is no suitable habitat for either the Nile crocodile or Southern African python. There is not enough basal cover for the coppery grass lizard. There are also no moribund termitaria where the striped harlequin snake could take cover. None of these species should occur on the study site.

The East Rand is renowned for its populations of giant bullfrogs. The study site contains wetlands, some of which may be temporary, which are potential breeding places for giant bullfrogs. Giant bullfrogs prefer warm, stagnant water, which giant bullfrog tadpoles need for rapid development (Van Wyk, Kok & Du Preez, 1992). Bullfrog breeding sites are mostly temporary, in order to avoid predation from fish. Many of the dams on the study site have gentle slopes, which giant bullfrogs prefer. A gentle slope allows for shallow water (less than 10cm deep), which enables the female bullfrog to stand when she lays her eggs outside the water for the male to fertilise. Many parts of the study site

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consist of sandy soil and are very suitable as dispersal areas, which combine feeding and aestivation. It is essential that the soil be suitable for burrowing on a daily basis during the short activity period at the beginning of the rainy season and for deeper retreats during the resting periods. There is small chance that giant bullfrog may occur on the site.

It is important to note that in the latest literature (Measey (ed.) 2011 and Carruthers & Du Preez 2011); the giant bullfrog’s status has changed officially from Near Threatened (Minter et al, 2004) to Least Concern in South Africa. In Gauteng, South Africa, the decline in numbers has led to the species being regarded as a conservation concern (Du Preez & Carruthers, 2017).

5.2.2 Expected and Observed Herpetofauna Species Richness

The American red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans) and the Brahminy blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) are the only two feral reptile or amphibian species known to occur in South Africa (De Moor and Bruton, 1988; Picker and Griffiths, 2011), but with only a few populations, they are not expected to occur on this particular site.

The species assemblage is typical of what can be expected of habitat that is severely disturbed, but with sufficient habitat to sustain populations. Most of the species of the resident diversity are fairly common and widespread (viz. the common house snake, mole snake, common dwarf gecko, common tropical house gecko, striped skink, variable skink, guttural toad and red toad).

The species richness is poor due to the site’s small size and the fact that only two habitat types occur on the study site.

Two herpetofauna species were confirmed during the site visit (Table 2).

Table 2: Herpetofauna species positively confirmed on the study site, observed indicators and habitat. SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME OBSERVATION HABITAT INDICATOR Leptotyphlops Peter’s Thread Sight Record Terrestrial scutifrons Snake Cocosternum Boettger’s Caco Vocalisation Aquatic habitat boettgeri

Both Peter’s thread snake and Boettger’s caco listed in Table 2, are common and widespread.

6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS

The wetlands are the only important topographical feature on the study site. The study site contains two natural vertebrate habitats, namely terrestrial and wetlands.

Species richness: Due to the relatively small size of the site and the fact that only two habitat types occur on the site, the study site should have a poor to fair number of species.

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Endangered species: The Endangered Species treat the site as part of their home ranges / territories. There is a possibility that five mammal species may occur on the site. The Blasius’s (Peak-saddle) horseshoe bat and Southern African hedgehog are included as a precautionary measure. Due to the presence of wetlands certain Red Data mammals could occur on the study site. The swamp musk shrew could occur on the study site, because this species is associated with a swampy environment. There is also a possibility that the African marsh rat may occur on the study site due to the presence of wetlands. The rough-haired golden mole prefers sandy soil on the fringes of marshes or vleis, which is present on or near the site.

The wetland area on the site earmarked for development is far too small and therefore unsuitable as a habitat for spotted-necked otters. The giant bullfrog could occur on the study site. Sensitive species and/or areas (Conservation ranking): There is one important topographical feature on the study site in the form of a wetland and the Eastern Highveld Grassland (Gm12) vegetation type is also regarded as Endangered (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

Habitat(s) quality and extent: The site has been altered by buildings, brick walls, trenches, dumping, littering, a power line, invasive plants, cattle and sheep grazing. Connectivity: Connectivity is poor to fair due to the proximity of Du Randt Road northwest of the site and Griesel Street north of the site. The site is surrounded by agricultural holdings. Electric fences around the houses migration and the only real opportunities for migration exist along the drainage lines. Management recommendation: Green areas must be implemented as buffer areas around the wetlands. The removal of invasive plants will increase the quality of habitat for mammals and herpetofauna. General: The drainage lines and wetlands on the site as well as their buffer zones, should be considered as ecologically sensitive.

7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE

Galago Biodiversity and Aquatic Specialists are committed to the conservation of biodiversity but concomitantly recognise the need for economic development. Even though we appreciate the opportunity to learn through the processes of constructive criticism and debate, we reserve the right to form and hold our own opinions and therefore will not willingly submit to the interest of other parties or change statements to appease them.

Even though every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this report, environmental assessment studies are limited in scope, time and budget. To some extent, conclusions are drawn and proposed mitigation measures suggested based on reasonable and informed assumptions based on bone fide information sources, as well as deductive reasoning. Deriving a 100% factual report based on field collecting and observations can only be done over several years and seasons to account for fluctuating environmental conditions and migrations. Since environmental impact studies deal with dynamic natural systems, additional information may come to light at a later stage. Galago Biodiversity and Aquatic Specialists can therefore not accept responsibility for conclusions drawn and mitigation measures suggested in good faith based on own

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databases or on the information provided at the time of the directive. This report should therefore be viewed and acted upon with these limitations in mind.

8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES

Protection of the Drainage line and wetlands areas:  Every effort should be made to retain the linear integrity, flow dynamics and water quality of the drainage line and wetland areas.

The following mitigation measures are proposed by the specialist:  If any mammal or herpetofaunal species are encountered or exposed during the construction phase, they should be removed and relocated to natural areas in the vicinity.  Alien and invasive plants must be removed.  Education of construction staff about the value of wildlife and environmental sensitivity is imperative.  During the construction phase there will be increased surface runoff and a decreased water quality (with increased silt load and pollution). Completing construction during the winter months would mitigate the environmental impact.

9. CONCLUSION

There is one important topographical feature on the study site in the form of wetlands.

The Endangered Species treat the site as part of their home ranges / territories. There is a possibility that five mammal species may occur on the site. The Blasius’s (Peak- saddle) horseshoe bat and Southern African hedgehog are included as a precautionary measure. Due to the presence of wetlands certain Red Data mammals could occur on the study site. The swamp musk shrew could occur on the study site, because this species is associated with a swampy environment. There is also a possibility that the African marsh rat may occur on the study site due to the presence of wetlands. The rough-haired golden mole prefers sandy soil on the fringes of marshes or vleis, which is present on and near the site.

The wetland area on the site earmarked for development is far too small and therefore unsuitable as a habitat for spotted-necked otters. In my opinion, this species should not occur on the site. A very small possibility exists that a few spotted-necked otters or Cape clawless otters may occur on neighbouring properties.

The giant bullfrog could occur on the study site. It is important to note that in the latest literature (Measey (ed.) 2011 and Carruthers & Du Preez 2011); the giant bullfrog’s status has changed officially from Near Threatened (Minter et al, 2004) to Least Concern in South Africa. In Gauteng, South Africa, the decline in numbers has led to the species being regarded as a conservation concern (Du Preez & Carruthers, 2017).

Education of construction staff about the value of wildlife and environmental sensitivity is imperative.

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The removal of invasive plants will increase the quality of habitat for mammals and herpetofauna.

Figure 6: Faunal Sensitivity Map

10. LITERATURE SOURCES

Alexander, G. & Marais J. 2007. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town 408pp. Alexander, G. 2014. Python natalensis (A, Smith, 1840). In Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & De Villiers, M.S. (eds). 2014. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & De Villiers, M.S. (eds). 2014. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Branch, W.R. (Editor), August 1988. South African Red Data Book – Reptiles and Amphibians. S.A. National Scientific Programmes, Report No. 151, 244 pp. Branch, W.R. 1998. Field Guide to the Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. 3rd edition. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. 399 pp., maps, 112 plates. Branch, W.R. 2002. ‘The Conservation Status of South Africa’s threatened Reptiles’: 89 – 103..In:- G.H. Verdoorn & J. le Roux (editors), ‘The State of Southern Africa’s Species’, Proceedings of a conference held at the Rosebank Hotel, 4 – 7 September 2001. World Wildlife Fund. Carruthers, V. & Du Preez L. 2011. Frogs & Frogging. Struik Nature, Cape Town. p108. Channing, A. 2001. Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa. Protea Bookhouse Pretoria. 470pp. Channing, A. & Rodel, M-O. 2019. Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

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D’Inzillo Carranza, I.1997. Activity rhythms and space use by spotted-necked otters in the Drakensberg. M.Sc. thesis, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983). De Moor I.J. & Bruton M.N. 1988. Atlas of alien and translocated indigenous aquatic animals in southern Africa. S.A. National Scientific Programmes, Report No. 144, 310pp. 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 Notices. Du Preez, L. & Carruthers V. 2017. The Frogs of Southern Africa; A Complete Guide Struik Publishers, Cape Town. 520 pp. Du Preez, L.H. & Cook C.L. 2004. Pyxicephalus adspersus Tschudi, 1838. In Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & De Villiers, M.S. (eds). 2014. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989). GDARD, 2014. Requirements for biodiversity assessments, Version 3. Directorate of Nature Conservation, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Measey, G.J. (ed.) 2011. Ensuring a future for South Africa’s frogs: a strategy for conservation research. SANBI Biodiversity Series 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.84pp Minter, L.R., Burger, M., Harrison, J.A., Braack, H.H., Bishop, P.J. and Kloepfer, D. eds. 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.SI/MAB Series #9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998). National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 0f 2004). Government Gazette RSA Vol. 467, 26436, Cape Town, June 2004. National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). Draft List of Threatened Ecosystems. Government Gazette RSA Vol. 1477, 32689, Cape Town, 6 Nov 2009. National Forests Act, 2006 (Act No. 84 of 1998 as amended). Government Gazette RSA Vol. 897, 29062, Cape Town, 8 Sept 2006. Natural Scientific Professions Act, 2003 (Act No. 27 of 2003). Perrin, M.R., D’Inzillo Carranza, I. & Linn, I.J., 2000. Use of space by the spotted-necked otter in the Natal Drakensberg, South Africa. S.Afr.J. Wild.Res.30:15-21. Picker M. & Griffiths C. 2011. Alien & Invasive Animals. A South African Perspective. Struik Nature, Cape Town. P240. Rautenbach, I.L. 1978. A numerical re-appraisal of the southern African biotic zones. Bulletin of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History 6:175-187. Rautenbach, I.L. 1982. Mammals of the Transvaal. Ecoplan Monograph No. 1. Pretoria, RSA. Rowe-Rowe, D.T. 1977. Prey capture and feeding behaviour of South African otters Lammergeyer 23:13-21. Rowe-Rowe, D.T.1992. Survey of South African otters in a freshwater habitat, using sign. S.Afr.J. Wildl.Res. 22:49-55). Skinner, J.D. & Chimimba, T.C. 2005. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion. 3rd edition. Cambridge University Press.

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Stuart, C. & Stuart, M. 2013. A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern, Central & East African Wildlife. 4th edition. Struik Nature, Cape Town. Stuart, C. & Stuart, M. 2015. Stuarts’ Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa 5th edition. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

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