Initial Environmental Examination (Main Report – Part 2 of 5)
Project Number: 54211-001 March 2021 Document Stage: Draft
Viet Nam: Lotus Wind Power Project
Prepared by ERM Vietnam for Lien Lap Wind Power Joint Stock Company, Phong Huy Wind Power Joint Stock Company, and Phong Nguyen Wind Power Joint Stock Company as a requirement of the Asian Development Bank.
The initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “Terms of Use” section of this website.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
DRAFT INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL EXAMINATION ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE REPORT
Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
No Parameter Unit GW1 GW2 QCVN 09- MT:2015/ BTNMT
12 Cd mg/l <0.0003 <0.0003 0.005
13 Mn mg/l 0.0193 0.0113 0.5
14 Fe mg/l 0.002 0.019 5
15 Coliform MPN/ 100ml <3 <3 3 ‘-‘: Not applicable Source: Physical Baseline report, 2020
Soil Quality Soil samples were taken at two locations on 12th - 13th May 2020 using a soil auger. In detail, one soil sample was taken in the project site as representative for Phong Huy wind farm and another soil sample was undertaken outside the project area to compare soil quality between the two areas. These two soil samples were collected at a depth of 0.6m from the ground. These soil samples were analysed and compared with six parameters that apply to soil samples of residential land, in accordance with QCVN 03-MT:2015/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on Permissible Limits of Heavy Metals in Soil. The sampling locations are described in in Table 0.16 and illustrated in Figure 0.21.
Table 0.16 Soil Sampling Locations for Phong Huy Wind Farm
No. Sample Sampling location Coordinates (WGS84)
code Longitudes Latitudes
1 S1 In project site of Phong Huy Wind Farm, Huong Hoa 106.65939085 16.67928692, District, Quang Tri Province
2 S2 In nearby area of Phong Huy Wind Farm, Huong 106.63533629 16.67581120 Hoa District, Quang Tri Province (in Phong Nguyen Wind Farm area)
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Figure 0.21 Soil Monitoring Locations The sampling results are presented in Table 0.17. All parameters tested were within the stipulated limits of the QCVN 03-MT: 2015/BTNMT- National technical regulation on the allowable limits of heavy metals in the soils. These results indicate that no systemic pollution was identified across the project area. However, isolated soil contamination may identified during more detailed land survey or construction activities.
Table 0.17 Results of Soil Monitoring for Phong Huy Wind Farm
No. Parameter Unit S1 S2 QCVN 03-MT:2015/ BTNMT (Agricultural land)
1 Arsenic mg/Kg 7.83 1.89 41.6
2 Cadmium mg/Kg 0.39 0.20 4.2
3 Total Chromium mg/Kg 13.98 24.51 160
4 Copper mg/Kg 8.89 23.87 108
5 Lead mg/Kg 8.10 6.09 112
6 Zinc mg/Kg 20.75 31.78 271
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
BIODIVERSITY BASELINE
This section provides an overview of terrestrial protected areas, fauna, flora and habitats within and surrounding the Project area. Of this, the protected areas, natural and modified habitats, species of conservation significant are identified in accordance with ADB SPS and the associated international guidelines such as IFC PS6. Field surveys and desktop searches provided assessment on the presence of threatened, restricted range, migratory/congregatory species and proximity to protected areas, key biodiversity areas and other sites recognized internationally for biodiversity. Desktop searches included the local regulatory EIA which received approval in 2020 and other information sources such as journals and online articles.
Desktop Assessment This section summarises information from several databases and online data sources on biodiversity values within the landscape to determine predicted biodiversity values associated with the Project Area. The following definition of areas have been used:
◼ The Project Footprint is defined as the development footprint located in the terrestrial zones. It is the footprint of disturbance required for the Project;
◼ The Study Area encompasses a 50 km buffer of the Project and has been used to identify biodiversity habitats and values for consideration;
◼ The Ecologically Appropriate Area for analysis (EAAA) has been defined as required under IFC PS6 for that species. The EAAA is used to identify the presence of critical habitat for that species (through application of the IFC PS6 critical habitat thresholds outlined in the IFC PS6 Guidance Note17); and
◼ The Project Area of Influence (AoI) is the region where short and long term impacts of constructions and operations occur and includes the EAAA that has been assessed to define habitat values in the immediate project vicinity where species may regularly occur. The desktop review considered online sources, scientific literature and environmental studies undertaken within the Study Area. Key sources include:
◼ NGO webpages and databases including those belonging to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF);
◼ Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE);
◼ BirdLife International;
◼ Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF);
◼ International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (the ‘IUCN Red List’) and their profiles;
◼ IUCN Red List of Ecosystems; and
◼ Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT). The information is combined with field-recorded data obtained from field assessments undertaken for the Project and used to evaluate potential critical habitat triggers that may be associated with the EAAA for project components. Critical habitat is assessed by screening desktop, historic and survey data to identify these triggers. Data is screened to determine whether a species or habitat is likely to meet a critical habitat threshold. The EAAA for this project is discussed in Section 0.
17 IFC, 2019
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Ecoregion Description
WWF defines an ecoregion as a “large unit of land or water containing a geographically distinct assemblage of species, natural communities, and environmental conditions”. The boundaries of an ecoregion are not fixed and sharp, but rather encompass an area within which important ecological and evolutionary processes most strongly interact. The Ecoregion relevant to the Project Area is Northern Annamites Rain Forests [IM0136], which occupies an area of 22,533 km2. This Ecoregion lies largely in Lao People's Democratic Republic but with a significant area across the crest of the Annamite Range in Vietnam. Geological substrates are varied over this ecoregion, but there are notable large areas of limestone karst topography (WWF, 2020). The climatic condition in this region changes abruptly throughout the year, especially along the mountain crest. The area receives an annual rainfall of between 1,500 mm and 2,500 mm (World Atlas., 2020). The higher elevation areas of this ecoregion experience cooler temperatures throughout the seasons. Mesic lower montane forests at 800-1,200 m in the northern Annamite Range generally consist of a two-tiered forest canopy reaching to about 15-25 m in height. The dense canopy structure of undisturbed humid montane forest allows little light to penetrate to ground level, so understory vegetation is sparse. More than half of this ecoregion has been cleared or degraded. However, the forests in the northwest part of the ecoregion are still in fairly good condition. A large block of montane forest straddles the Laos- Vietnam border. Nine protected areas cover about 12,200km2 (26 percent) of the ecoregion including Ho Ke Go, Nam Kading, Pu Mat, Dong Phong Nha, Phou Xang He, Nakai-Nam Theun, Hin Namno, Vu Quang, Khammouane Limestone. Both Laos and Vietnam have begun or are planning to develop several major power schemes that will inundate large areas of habitat and provide ready access to intact forest areas, thus increasing the probabilities of further habitat degradation. Major illegal and legal logging and local and transboundary wildlife poaching and trade (Laos into Vietnam) still occur. The presence of unexploded ordnances similarly poses a severe threat to wildlife, researchers, and protected area staff. The following species of conservation significance exist within the Ecoregion (Table 0.1). There are numerous birds and mammals of conservation significance which utilize the ecoregion. Note that there stands the probability that many more endemic species will be added to this list after comprehensive surveys.
Table 0.1 Critically Endangered and Endangered Species within the Ecoregion
No. Scientific Name Common Name Class Name
Book
List List RedData
IUCN Red IUCN Vietnam
1 Lophura edwardsi Vietnam Pheasant CR EN Aves
2 Rheinardia ocellata Crested Argus EN Aves
3 Nomascus gabriellae Red-cheeked Gibbon EN EN Mammalia
4 Megamuntiacus Large-antlered Muntjac CR VU Mammalia vuquangensis
5 Muntiacus Annamite Muntjac DD DD Mammalia truongsonensis
6 Pygathrix nemaeus Red-shanked Douc CR EN Mammalia Langur
Notes:
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
No. Scientific Name Common Name Class Name
Book
List List RedData
IUCN Red IUCN Vietnam CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern
World Heritage Areas World Heritage Areas are areas of outstanding universal value designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as detailed in the following Sections 0 and 0.
World Heritage Sites World Heritage Sites are sites selected by UNESCO as having cultural, historic, scientific or other form of significance. These areas are legally protected by international treaties and demarcated by UNESCO as protected zones. This allows for practical conservation of areas which would otherwise be subjected to threats such as uncontrolled and unrestricted access, and associated activities such as poaching and illegal logging.
Vietnam has eight registered World Heritage Sites (UNESCO, 2019). As none of the World Heritage Sites overlap with the Study Area and the AoI, World Heritage Sites are not considered relevant for this assessment.
Biosphere Reserves Biosphere Reserves are areas made up of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, internationally recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme. They are intended to be learning sites for sustainable development where each reserve encourages sustainable management of interactions between social and ecological systems (UNESCO, 2019). Vietnam has nine Biosphere Reserves. None of the Biosphere Reserves are within the Study Area, and the closest Biosphere Reserve is the Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve located approximately 208 km to the southeast. As such, Biosphere Reserves are not considered relevant for this assessment.
Ramsar Sites The Convention of Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and use of wetlands and their resources (Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 2019). The Ramsar Convention for Vietnam has been effective from 20 January 1989, and currently has nine sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, which cover an approximate surface area of 120,549 ha (Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 2011). Bau Sau Wetlands and Seasonal Floodplain is 603km to the south of the Project is closest Ramsar site. None of these sites are in proximity or within the Study Area, and hence Ramsar sites are not considered relevant for this assessment.
Key Biodiversity Areas
Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are defined by the Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership18 as sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity, applicable to terrestrial, freshwater, and
18 Key Biodiversity Partnership comprises a consortium of 12 conservation NGOs including BirdLife International, IUCN, Amphibian Survival Alliance, Conservation International, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Global Environment Facility, Global Wildlife Conservation, Nature Serve, Rainforest Trust, Royal Society of the Protection of Birds, WWF and Wildlife Conservation Society.
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam marine ecosystems. Sites qualify as global KBAs if they meet one or more of 11 criteria as defined by the Partnership, grouped into the following five categories: threatened biodiversity, geographically restricted biodiversity, ecological integrity, biological processes and irreplaceability (BirdLife International, 2018). KBAs include Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA), Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), Important Plant Areas (IPA) and Important Sites for Freshwater Biodiversity. The details of three identified IBAs within 50 km radius are presented in section 0. Based on the IBAT database, six KBAs have been identified within 50km radius from the Project Area (Table 0.2) and a list of species of conservation significance have been identified in these KBAs (Table 0.3).
Table 0.2 List of Key Biodiversity Areas within 50-km Radius from Project Area
No. Key Biodiversity Country IBA/ AZE Area (ha) Distance from Area Project Area (km)
1 Laving-Laveun Lao PDR 38,000 28
2 Upper Xe Bangfai Lao PDR IBA 31,300 44
3 Dong Phou Vieng Lao PDR 299,000 40
4 Truong Son Vietnam IBA 50,000 26
5 Dakrong Vietnam IBA 40,526 23
6 Phong Dien Vietnam IBA 41,548 43
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Table 0.3 Species of Conservation Significance in Listed KBAs
No. KBAs Scientific names Common names IUCN Red List Class name KBA Trigger Category
1 Laving-Laveun Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR Mammalia Threatened status
Pygathrix nemaeus Red-shanked Douc Langur CR Mammalia Threatened status
Nomascus siki Southern White-cheeked Gibbon CR Mammalia Threatened status
Oriolus traillii Maroon Oriole LC Aves Migratory
Artamus fuscus Ashy Woodswallow LC Aves Migratory
Anthipes monileger White-gorgeted Flycatcher LC Aves Migratory
Machlolophus spilonotus Yellow-cheeked Tit LC Aves Migratory
Ixos mcclellandii Mountain Bulbul LC Aves Migratory
Hypsipetes leucocephalus Black Bulbul LC Aves Migratory
Tesia cyaniventer Grey-bellied Tesia LC Aves Migratory
Phylloscopus poliogenys Grey-cheeked Warbler LC Aves Migratory
Siva cyanouroptera Blue-winged Minla LC Aves Migratory
2 Upper Xe Bangfai Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR Mammalia Threatened status
Psittacula finschii Grey-headed Parakeet NT Aves Migratory
Lalage melaschistos Black-winged Cuckooshrike LC Aves Migratory
Artamus fuscus Ashy Woodswallow LC Aves Migratory
Hypsipetes leucocephalus Black Bulbul LC Aves Migratory
3 Dong Phou Vieng Panthera tigris Tiger EN Mammalia Threatened status
Pygathrix nemaeus Red-shanked Douc Langur CR Mammalia Threatened status
Elephas maximus Asian Elephant EN Mammalia Threatened status
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
No. KBAs Scientific names Common names IUCN Red List Class name KBA Trigger Category
Indotestudo elongata Yellow-headed Tortoise EN Reptiles Threatened status
4 Dakrong Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR Mammalia Threatened status
Pygathrix nemaeus Red-shanked Douc Langur CR Mammalia Threatened status
Dipterocarpus kerrii EN Plant Threatened status
Erythrophleum fordii Gemu EN Plant Threatened status
Aquilaria crassna Agar Wood CR Plant Threatened status
Lophura edwardsi Vietnam Pheasant CR Aves Migratory
5 Truong Son Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR Mammalia Threatened status
Rheinardia ocellata Crested Argus EN Aves Threatened status
6 Phong Dien Lophura edwardsi Vietnam Pheasant CR Aves Migratory
Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR Mammalia Threatened status
Panthera tigris Tiger EN Mammalia Threatened status
Pygathrix nemaeus Red-shanked Douc Langur CR Mammalia Threatened status
Dipterocarpus kerrii EN Plant Threatened status
Erythrophleum fordii Gemu EN Plant Threatened status
Aquilaria crassna Eagle Wood CR Plant Threatened status
Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Figure 0.1 Key Biodiversity Areas surrounding Project Area
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Protected Areas According to the IUCN (2008), a Protected Area is “a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.” Under the provisions of IFC PS6, a Protected Area and Internationally Recognized area require specific management actions if development proceeds within the boundary (see requirements under KBAs outlined above). Consultation with protected area managers and the community will be required.
ASEAN Heritage Parks ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are selected protected areas in the ASEAN region recognized for their unique flora and fauna and ecosystems, wilderness and excellent values (ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, 2019). There are no AHPs located within the Study Area. The closest AHP to the Project Area is the Vu Quang National Park, approximately 213 km to the north. As such, ASEAN Heritage Parks are not considered relevant for this assessment.
Nationally Protected Areas There are four nationally protected areas that are situated within the vicinity of the Project Area (Table 0.4). The major threats to biodiversity at these protected areas are habitat loss, hunting and over- exploitation of natural resources.
Table 0.4 Brief Information of Protected Area around the Project Area within 50 km Radius
No. Protected Area Approximate Summary Distance from Project Area (km)
1 Bac Huong Hoa 5 Location: 16°56'21.1"N, 106°35'14.5"E Nature Reserve Country : Vietnam WDPA ID: 555594125 Area size: 234.86 km2 Type: Not reported Designation: National Status year : 2012 Management Authority: People's Committee of Quang Tri
2 Dakrong Nature 20 Location: 16°36'26.3"N, 106°52'50.8"E Reserve Country : Vietnam WDPA ID: 10384 Area size: 376.81km2 Type: Not reported Designation: National Status year : 2004 Management Authority: People's Committee of Quang Tri
3 Phong Dien 45 Location: 16°30'13.3"N, 107°15'57.3"E Nature Reserve Country : Vietnam WDPA ID: 303039 Area size: 415.08km2
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
No. Protected Area Approximate Summary Distance from Project Area (km) Type: Not reported Designation: National Status year : 2014 Management Authority: People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue
4 Dong Phou Vieng 23 Location: 16°28'18.6"N, 106°24'29.9"E National Country : Laos Biodiversity WDPA ID: 312986 Conservation 2 Area Area size: 2990.0km Type: IUCN Category VI Designation: National Status year : Note reported Management Authority: Not reported
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Figure 0.2 Protected Areas surrounding Project Area
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Endemic Bird Areas An Endemic Bird Area (EBA) is an area to which at least two restricted range bird species (species with extent of occurrence (EOO) of ≤ 50,000 km2) are entirely confined (BirdLife International, 2020). Vietnam has a total of seven EBAs. Annamese Lowlands EBA overlaps the Project Area 19. The Annamese Lowlands EBA covers the lowland and foothills of north-central Vietnam (southern Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua-Thien Hue province) and part of adjacent central Laos. The natural vegetation of the EBA is lowland evergreen forest, with smaller areas of limestone forest. However, a large proportion of the EBA has been deforested, and majority of the remaining natural vegetation is highly fragmented. There are 16 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are within the Annamese Lowlands EBA19 (Table 0.5 and Figure 0.3).
Figure 0.3 IBAs in Annamese Lowlands EBA19
19 Birdlife International. Available at: http://datazone.birdlife.org/eba/factsheet/139 Accessed: 20 July 2020
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Table 0.5 IBAs within the Annamese Lowlands EBA
No. BA Code Site Name Country
1 LA026 Khammouan Limestone Laos
2 LA017 Upper Xe Bangfai Laos
3 LA018 Hin Namno Laos
4 LA023 Eastern Bolikhamxay Mountains Laos
5 LA025 Nakai-Nam Theun Laos
6 VN042 Pu Mat Vietnam
7 VN019 Ke Go Vietnam
8 VN021 Phong Dien Vietnam
9 VN022 Vu Quang Vietnam
10 VN026 Bach Ma Vietnam
11 VN031 Dakrong Vietnam
12 VN034 Cuc Phong Vietnam
13 VN035 Khe Net Vietnam
14 VN039 Phong Nha Vietnam
15 VN040 Ke Bang Vietnam
16 VN041 Truong Son Vietnam
Dakrong Important Bird Area is located 18 km to the southeast of the Project Area. The IBA which is 40,526 ha, is the southern part of the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA). The common habitat in Dakrong IBA is forest and shrubland. Bird species of conservation concern inhabiting Dakrong proposed nature reserve include Vietnam Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) [IUCN CR, VNRB EN] and Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata) [IUCN EN]. - In 1996, Vietnam Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was rediscovered in Phong My commune, Thua Thien Hue province, and in Huong Hoa commune, Quang Tri province. In December 1997, at least four specimens were trapped in Ba Long commune, Quang Tri province. Phong Dien and Dakrong proposed nature reserves support the known population of Vietnam Pheasant in the world. - One juvenile male Vietnam Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) was captured at Dakrong in February 2000 (Birdlife International., 2020). - Crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata) is endemic to South-East Asia. The nominate subspecies occurs along the Annamite mountain chain in central and southern Vietnam and neighbouring eastern Laos, south to the Da Lat Plateau in southern Vietnam (IUCN Red List, 2020). Truong Son IBA is 26 km away from the Project Area. The IBA which is 50,000 ha, in the northwest part of the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA). Similar to Dakrong IBA, the common habitat in Truong Son IBA is forest and shrubland. The typical species in Truong Son IBA is Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata) [IUCN EN]. Upper Xe Bangfai IBA within the Laos boundary is 44 km to the southeast of the Project Area. The IBA which is 31,300 ha, is the southern part of the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA). The vegetation of the IBA is dominated by semi-evergreen forest and dry evergreen forest. The IBA strongly is influenced by monsoon rains crossing from Vietnam, thus, wetter. The IBA supports a potentially significant population of Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata) (BirdLife International, 2020).
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Phong Dien IBA is 45km away from the Project Area which is 41,548 ha. According to BirdLife International, the population of Vietnam Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) at Phong Dien is considered relatively common even there is little information related to this species. In addition, Jabouilleia danjoui [VNRB NT] was recorded that used to occur within Phong Dien and Crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata) [IUCN EN] is still common within this area (BirdLife International, 2020).
Vietnam Forest Classifications According to Circular 34/2009/TT-BNNPTNT, Vietnam’s forests can be categorized into three categories based on use purposes, namely special use, production and protection under the Law on Protection and Development of Forest of the National Assembly: - Protection forest: Protection forests are used mainly to protect water sources and land, prevent erosion and desertification, restrict natural calamities and regulate climate, thus contributing to environmental protection. Protection forest may include (1) headwater protection forests; (2) wind- and sand-shielding protection forests; (3) protection forests for tide shielding and sea encroachment prevention; and (4) protection forests for environmental protection. - Special-use forest: Special-use forests, which are used mainly for conservation of nature, specimens of the national forest ecosystems and forest biological gene sources; for scientific research; protection of historical and cultural relics as well as landscapes; in service of recreation and tourism in combination with protection, contributing to environmental protection. Special-use forest may include (1) national parks; (2) nature conservation zones; (3) landscape protection areas; and (4) scientific research and experiment forests. - Production forest: Production forests are used mainly for production and trading of timber and non-timber forest products in combination with protection, contributing to environmental protection, including (1) natural production forests; (2) planted production forests; (3) seeding forests, including the selected and recognized planted forests and natural forests. The forest which is associated with Study Area is illustrated in Figure 0.4. This forest is under management of People's Committee of Quang Tri Province. The majority of the Project Area is located within protection forest. A small portion of the Project Area is located within production forest (Figure 0.4). However, the field surveys determined that the production forest is predominantly covered by planted trees (dominated by Pine Plantation (refer to Section 0)).
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Figure 0.4 Forest Classification Based on Use Purpose (VNForest, 2012)
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Species of Conservation Interest The IBAT database was used to identify potential critical habitat species (threatened species, restricted range and migratory species) within the Study Area in order to assess against the thresholds for Critical Habitat Criterion 1 (critically endangered and endangered species), Criterion 2 (endemic and/or restricted-range species) and Criterion 3 (migratory and/or congregatory species). The complete IBAT risk screen report (dated 17 July 2020) is shown in Appendix C.
Threatened Species Threatened species are identified by screening from IBAT database of those classified on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Red List defines threatened species as those listed as being Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU). CR and EN species are considered to be at a heightened risk of extinction and have an elevated level of consideration under ADB SPS. These species are candidates for screening against Critical Habitat Criterion 1. Vulnerable species are also considered under Criterion 1 where the Project impacts may impact the species to an extent as to warrant the species’ reclassification as either CR or EN. Threatened species that have been predicted within the Study Area are listed in Table 0.6.
Table 0.6 Threatened Species Predicted within the Study Area
No. Class Name Scientific Name Common Name
book
Category Data
IUCN RedIUCN List Vietnam Red
1 Reptilia Crocodylus siamensis Siamese Crocodile CR CR
2 Reptilia Indotestudo elongata Elongated Tortoise CR EN
3 Mammalia Manis javanica Sunda Pangolin CR EN
4 Mammalia Manis pentadactyla Chinese Pangolin CR EN
5 Mammalia Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR EN
6 Mammalia Muntiacus vuquangensis Large-antlered Muntjac CR NL
7 Reptilia Cuora bourreti Bourret’s Box Turtle CR NL
8 Aves Calidris pygmaea Spoon-billed Sandpiper CR NL
9 Aves Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture CR CR
10 Aves Sarcogyps calvus Red-headed Vulture CR NL
11 Aves Emberiza aureola Yellow-breasted Bunting CR NL
12 Aves Gyps tenuirostris Slender-billed Vulture CR DD
13 Aves Lophura edwardsi Vietnam Pheasant CR EN
14 Mammalia Panthera pardus ssp. delacouri Indochinese Leopard CR NL
15 Mammalia Chrotogale owstoni Owston's Civet EN NL
16 Mammalia Cuon alpinus Dhole EN EN
17 Mammalia Elephas maximus Asian Elephant EN CR
18 Mammalia Panthera tigris Tiger EN NL
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No. Class Name Scientific Name Common Name
book
Category Data
IUCN RedIUCN List Vietnam Red
19 Mammalia Nomascus gabriellae Red-cheeked Gibbon EN EN
20 Mammalia Pygathrix nemaeus Red-shanked Douc CR NL Langur
21 Mammalia Trachypithecus germaini Indochinese Lutung EN NL
22 Mammalia Nomascus siki Southern White-cheeked EN NL Gibbon
23 Mammalia Trachypithecus hatinhensis Hatinh Langur EN EN
24 Mammalia Nesolagus timminsi Annamite Striped Rabbit EN NL
25 Mammalia Viverra megaspila Large-spotted Civet EN VU
26 Reptilia Cuora mouhotii Keeled Box Turtle EN NL
27 Reptilia Protobothrops sieversorum Three Horned-scaled EN NL Pitviper
28 Aves Rheinardia ocellata Crested Argus EN NL
29 Aves Pavo muticus Green Peafowl EN NL
30 Aves Sterna acuticauda Black-bellied Tern EN NL
31 Aves Lonchura oryzivora Java Sparrow EN NL
32 Agaricomycetes Calostoma insigne EN NL
33 Mammalia Bos gaurus Gaur VU EN
34 Mammalia Helarctos malayanus Sun Bear VU NL
35 Mammalia Lutrogale perspicillata Smooth-coated Otter VU EN
36 Mammalia Nycticebus pygmaeus Pygmy Slow Loris EN VU
37 Mammalia Panthera pardus Leopard VU CR
38 Mammalia Ursus thibetanus Asiatic Black Bear VU EN
39 Mammalia Nycticebus bengalensis Bengal Slow Loris EN VU
40 Mammalia Arctictis binturong Binturong VU EN
41 Mammalia Hipposideros scutinares Shield-nosed Leaf-nosed VU NL Bat
42 Reptilia Lycodon paucifasciatus Rendahl's Wolf Snake VU NL
43 Reptilia Ophiophagus hannah King Cobra VU CR
44 Aves Clanga Greater Spotted Eagle VU NL
45 Aves Aquila heliaca Eastern Imperial Eagle VU CR
46 Aves Garrulax konkakinhensis Chestnut-eared VU NL Laughingthrush
Notes:
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No. Class Name Scientific Name Common Name
book
Category Data
IUCN RedIUCN List Vietnam Red CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern; NL: Not Listed
Source: IBAT, 2020
Restricted Range Species According to IFC PS6, restricted range species are defined as species with a limited extent of occurrence (EOO):
◼ For terrestrial vertebrates and plants, restricted-range species are defined as those species that have an EOO less than 50,000 square kilometres (km2).
◼ For marine systems, restricted-range species are provisionally being considered those with an EOO of less than 100,000km2.
◼ For coastal, riverine, and other aquatic species in habitats that do not exceed 200 km width at any point (for example, rivers), restricted range is defined as having a global range of less than or equal to 500 km linear geographic span (i.e., the distance between occupied locations furthest apart). These species are candidates for screening against Critical Habitat Criterion 2. There are 19 restricted range species that have been predicted to occur within the Study Area after screening from IBAT database (Table 0.7).
Table 0.7 Restricted Range Species Predicted within the Study Area
No. Class Name Scientific Name Common Name Estimated 2
EOO (km )
Book
List RedData
IUCN Red IUCN Vietnam
1 Mammalia Pseudoryx Saola CR EN 14,000 nghetinhensis
2 Reptilia Cuora bourreti Bourret’s Box Turtle CR NL 46,000
3 Aves Lophura edwardsi Vietnam Pheasant CR EN 18,000
4 Mammalia Nomascus siki Southern White- EN NL 45,000 cheeked Gibbon
5 Mammalia Trachypithecus Hatinh Langur EN EN 38,000 hatinhensis
6 Mammalia Nesolagus timminsi Annamite Striped EN NL 44,000 Rabbit
7 Mammalia Hipposideros Shield-nosed Leaf- VU NL 39,000 scutinares nosed Bat
8 Reptilia Lycodon Rendahl's Wolf VU NL 30,000 paucifasciatus Snake
9 Aves Garrulax Chestnut-eared VU NL 19,400 konkakinhensis Laughingthrush
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No. Class Name Scientific Name Common Name Estimated 2
EOO (km )
Book
List RedData
IUCN Red IUCN Vietnam
10 Reptilia Takydromus hani South-east Asian LC NL 45,000 Green Grass Lizard
11 Aves Stachyris herberti Sooty Babbler LC VU 28,500
12 Aves Psilopogon auricularis Necklaced Barbet LC NL 94,100
13 Aves Nok hualon Bare-faced Bulbul LC NL 34,000
14 Reptilia Cyrtodactylus LC NL 10,000 pseudoquadrivirgatus
15 Reptilia Sphenomorphus LC NL 30,000 buenloicus
16 Magnoliopsida Magnolia duperreana DD NL 50,000
17 Malacostraca Villopotamon thaii DD NL 30,000
18 Reptilia Emoia laobaoense Bourret's Emo Skink DD NL 30,000
19 Reptilia Leptoseps poilani DD NL 50,000
Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern; NL: Not Listed
Migratory and/or Congregatory Species Species classified as migratory and/or congregatory were identified by screening from IBAT database that are predicted to occur within the Study Area and using the relevant BirdLife International database and IUCN species profiles. They are listed in order to assess against the thresholds for critical habitat Criterion 3 (Migratory and/or congregatory species). There are 211 migratory species and 15 congregatory species were identified as candidates, as shown in Appendix C.
Species Identified Literature Review Flora: A systematic review of literature sources revealed no relevant information on flora diversity from the Huong Tan commune. However, there were various publications on flora diversity for the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve and Quang Tri province. (Mahood & Tran, 2008) studied plant diversity at Bac Huong Hoa Natural Reserve and recorded 25 threatened species at both national and global scales (Table 0.8). (Xuyen, Phuong VX, Hoan H Van, & Duc NA, 2016.) recorded 129 species of ferns and fern allies. Furthermore, various plant species new-to-science have been recently described in the Bac Huong Hoa-Dakrong corridor, as mentioned in the following publications (Xuyen, Phuong VX, Hoan H Van, & Duc NA, 2016.), (Xu, Zhang L, Lu Nt, & Zhang L-B, 2018) and (Cai, Tong YH, Vu TC, Ni JB, & Xia NH, 2020).
Table 0.8 Threatened Plant Species Recorded at Bac Huong Hoa Natural Reserve as Reported by Mahood, S. P. and Tran Van Hung (2008)
ID Scientific name IUCN Red List Vietnam Red Data book
1 Amoora dasyclada NL VU
2 Anoectochilus cetaceus NL EN
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ID Scientific name IUCN Red List Vietnam Red Data book
3 Aquilaria crassna CR EN
4 Ardisia silvestris NL VU
5 Asarum balansae NL EN
6 Cephalotaxus manii VU VU
7 Chukrasia tabularis NL VU
8 Cinnamomum balansae EN VU
9 Cinnamomum parthenoxylon DD CR
10 Cirsium japonicum NL VU
11 Coscinium fenestratum NL VU
12 Croton touranensis VU VU
13 Dendrobium amabile NL EN
14 Dendrobium farmeri NL VU
15 Dipterocarpus grandiflorus NL VU
16 Dipterocarpus hasseltii CR CR
17 Dipterocarpus kerrii NL CR
18 Erythrophleum fordii NL EN
19 Fagerlindia depauperata NL VU
20 Lithocarpus fenestratus NL VU
21 Lithocarpus haemispherica NL VU
22 Madhuca pasquieri NL EN
23 Melientha suavis NL VU
24 Paramichelia baillonii NL VU
25 Strychnos ignatii NL VU
Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern; NL: Not Listed
Non-volant mammalian fauna: According to (Trung, Huy NV, Phuong DH, Son NT, & Thai, 2013), there are 33 records of conservation significant species in Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve, which includes: - Red-shanked Douc Langur (Pygatthrix nemaeus) [IUCN CR; VNRB EN]; - Northern White-cheeked Gbibon (Nomascus leucogenys) [IUCN CR]; and - Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) [IUCN CR, VNRB EN]. Remarkably, the Sao La is believed to occur in both Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve (Trung, Huy NV, Phuong DH, Son NT, & Thai, 2013) and Dakrong Nature Reserve (Manh ND, Dang NX, & Nghia NX, 2009). Many endangered large mammals such as Large-antlered Muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) [IUCN CR], Annamite Muntjac (Mutiacus truongsonensis) [IUCN DD, VNRB DD] are believed to occur in the region. The primate diversity in both Bac Huong Hoa and Dakrong Nature Reserve is considered
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam significant. There are nine (9) records of primate species of three (3) families in the Bac Huong Hoa- Dakrong condor (Thanh, Hai DT, & Tuan NN, 2018) (Table 0.9). Of these species, eight (8) are listed as conservation significant species (lowest ranking was VU) by the IUCN Red List (2020). The Red- shanked Douc Langur and Northern White-cheeked Gibbon are both listed as CR species in IUCN Red List, have been targeted by multiple conservation campaigns (Mittermeier, 2010), (Nadler, 2010), (Rawson, et al., 2011). These species are not restricted-range species or endemic species For Sao la, due to the attractive appearance, Sao la has been the target for hunting and poaching within the area and its proximity. Additionally, Sao la is listed in Decree 06/2019 on Management of Endangered, Precious and Rare species of forest fauna and flora and observation of convention on international trade in Endangered species of wild fauna and flora providing the observation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Vietnam.
Table 0.9 Eight Primate Species Recorded in Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve
ID Scientific name IUCN Red List Vietnam Red Data book
1 Amoora dasyclada NL VU
2 Anoectochilus cetaceus NL EN
3 Aquilaria crassna CR EN
4 Ardisia silvestris NL VU
5 Asarum balansae NL EN
6 Cephalotaxus manii VU VU
7 Chukrasia tabularis NL VU
8 Cinnamomum balansae EN VU
Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern; NL: Not Listed
Bat fauna: (Đặng, Endo, H.,, Nguyễn Trường Sơn, & N.T., 2008); (Kuskop SV, 2013); (Manh ND, Dang NX, & Nghia NX, 2009); (Vuong, 2013) has indicated that almost nothing is known about bat diversity in protected areas surrounding the Project area; Whereas bats recorded in Bac Huong Hoa and Dakrong Nature Reserves consist of at least 55 bat species. Among these records, six (6) species are currently considered as nationally threatened species based on Vietnam Red Data Book (MOST, 2007). Of these species, only the Shield-nosed Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros scutinares) is currently considered as Vulnerable in the accordance with IUCN Red List (Furey N. G., 2019) as it is only known from a few locations within the Annamite Range, the population is small and projected to decline at a rate of 10% over the next 15 years (Furey N. G., 2019). In addition, two species have been categorised as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List as little or no information is available on their abundance and distribution. While four (4) others species have not yet been assessed by the IUCN as they were either recently described or are being re-evaluated by their species rank. No species is considered restricted- range. Avian fauna: the Project is about 20 km west from Dakrong Nature Reserve, which is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) (Tordoff, 2002) (Birdlife International. , 2020). According to Birdlife International (2020), Dakrong Nature Reserve is a part of the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA) that shelters various endemic bird species such as the Vietnam Pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) [IUCN CR]. (Trai, Ph NG, Robson C, Vi C, & Philli K, 2005) recorded 217 bird species of 48 families, 16 orders in Dakrong Nature Reserve. Many of the bird species can cover the 20 km distance from the Project area to Dakrong Nature Reserve with ease. Birds may also migrate short distances
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between the Dakrong Nature Reserve and the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve, potentially passing through the Project Area. Herpetofauna: few herpetofauna studies have been conducted in the surrounding areas. According to the latest paper of “Herpetofauna in the North Central Vietnam”, a Vietnamese document (Hoang Ngoc Thao et al., 2020) and in the “A collection of amphibians and reptiles from Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve”, 36 amphibian species and 77 reptilian species were recorded in the Quang Tri province. At least one (1) species that was new-to-science has been described at the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve (Orlov & Ho, 2005). According to (Nguyen, Hoang H Van, Nguyen TT, McCormack T, & Ng, 2016), the Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa) [IUCN VU] and the Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) [IUCN EN] should be the priority for herpetofauna conservation in Bac Huong Hoa area.
Species Identified from Desktop Conservation significant species were also identified using other datasets to diversify the source of information. Specifically, three reliable biodiversity databases were used to obtain information regarding the potential occurrences of conservation species including:
◼ Occurrence database of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (available at: https://www.gbif.org/);
◼ Occurrence database of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (https://ebird.org/); and
◼ Occurrence database of the California Academy of Sciences (https://www.inaturalist.org/) According to GBIF database, there are 166 bird species and 10 bat species previously recorded within the Study area (see Appendix E). Of these species, there are 31 conservation significant species including five (5) avian fauna species, one (1) fish species, 18 flora species and seven (7) mammal species (Table 0.10). The eBird database recorded 214 avian fauna species was identified (see Appendix F). There was only one (1) species considered conservation significant, which was the Crested Argus (Rheinardia Ocellata) [IUCN EN]. In addition, the iNaturalist recorded the presence of Red-shanked Douc Langur (Pygathrix nemaeus) [IUCN EN] in Dong Ha, which is approximately 46km from the Project Area.
Table 0.10 Conservation Significant Species Records from GBIF Database
No. Class Name Scientific Name Common name
Book
List RedData
IUCN Red IUCN Vietnam
1 Aves Urocissa whiteheadi Hainan Magpie EN NL
2 Aves Rheinardia ocellata Crested Argus EN NL
3 Aves Chloropsis cochinchinensis Javan Leafbird EN NL
4 Aves Lophura edwardsi Vietnam Pheasant CR EN
5 Aves Pavo muticus Green Peafowl EN NL
6 Flora Madhuca pasquieri VU EN
7 Flora Fernandoa adenophylla NL VU
8 Flora Pterocarpus macrocarpus Burma Padauk EN EN
9 Flora Knema mixta VU NL
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No. Class Name Scientific Name Common name
Book
List RedData
IUCN Red IUCN Vietnam
10 Flora Calamus poilanei NL EN
11 Flora Oryza rufipogon Wild Rice LC VU
12 Flora Magnolia rufibarbata EN NL
13 Flora Ixodonerium annamense NL VU
14 Flora Castanopsis ferox NL VU
15 Flora Lithocarpus fenestratus LC VU
16 Flora Lithocarpus vestitus NL EN
17 Flora Castanopsis lecomtei NL VU
18 Flora Castanopsis hystrix NL VU
19 Flora Murraya glabra NL VU
20 Flora Musa coccinea Okinawa Torch EN NL
21 Flora Cinnamomum parthenoxylon Martaban Camphor LC CR Wood
22 Flora Horsfieldia longiflora VU NL
23 Mammalia Hipposideros scutinares Shield-nosed Leaf- VU NL nosed Bat
24 Mammalia Rhinolophus thomasi Thomas's Horseshoe LC VU Bat
25 Mammalia Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola CR EN
26 Mammalia Nycticebus coucang Slow Loris EN NL
27 Mammalia Trachypithecus cristatus Silvered Langur VU NL
28 Mammalia Manis pentadactyla Chinese Pangolin CR EN
29 Mammalia Tragulus javanicus Java Mousedeer DD VU
Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern; NL: Not Listed
Invasive Species Invasive species are non-native species to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction and spread, causes, or are likely to cause, socio-cultural, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. These species become naturalized in their introduced range, and often reproduce in large numbers spread over a large area. This can result in competition and damage to native species. Invasive species have the capacity to exacerbate their role in ecosystem degradation through a combination of threats from habitat change, climate change, over-exploitation of ecosystem resources and pollution. These further enhance their threat to biodiversity and the human condition.
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According to the Global Invasive Species Database20, Vietnam is home to 131 invasive species, of which 102 are terrestrial species and 29 are aquatic species (freshwater and marine). The list of invasive species in Vietnam are shown in Appendix G. The invasive species recorded during field surveys are listed in Section 0
Ecologically Appropriate Area for Analysis In accordance with PS6 an Ecologically Appropriate Area for Analysis (EAAA) for analysis should be identified to determine the presence of critical habitat for each species. This is the area of analysis to assess the applicability of the critical habitat criteria and thresholds. PS6 notes when defining the boundaries the following aspects should be considered: distribution of the species or ecosystems, ecological patterns, processes, features, and functions that are necessary for maintaining them. The Study Area contains three key ecosystems. The majority of candidate species aligned with ecosystems within the EAAA have been defined for this assessment (Table 0.11). The EAAA was defined based on the existing Project Area, the surrounding environmental condition, surrounding land uses, likely conservation significant species present (particularly migratory birds, mammals and terrestrial reptiles), main habitat types for critical habitat candidate species, natural barriers and existing anthropogenic impacts. The EAAA possesses a range of land class types including bare land, vegetation, agricultural land which are scattered throughout the area. The EAAA is estimated approximately 2245 ha (Figure 0.5). The identified candidate species groups, main habitat types associated with these species, and type of EAAA that these habitat types have been included in are outlined below in Table 0.11.
Table 0.11 Candidate Species Habitat Requirements and EAAA
No. Identified candidate species EAAA Comment on inclusion/exclusion of groups habitat type 1. Migratory birds; resident birds, Vegetation/ The area within the EAAA contains tall forest dwelling herpetofauna and Plantation plantation such as Acacia and Pinus laterri, mammals, flora which could be used by candidate species assessed. 2. Migratory birds; resident birds Agricultural The area within the EAAA contains cultivated areas, which may be used by candidate species assessed. 3. Herpetofauna Scrub The area within the EAAA contains cleared areas, bare land areas which may be used by candidate species assessed.
20 GISD, 2019. Available at: http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/. Accessed: 01 April 2020
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Figure 0.5 Ecologically Appropriate Area for Analysis of the Project
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Natural Habitat and Modified Habitat
Land Classification Landsat 8 satellite image with resolution 30m per pixel was used to calculate the normalised differential vegetation index (NDVI) of the Study Area, which was subsequently used to determine the vegetation cover. Calculated NDVI resulted in a raster output with each pixel assigned a value from -1 to 1, where values within -1 to 0 range are unlikely vegetation cover, and values within 0 to 1 represent vegetation cover. The healthier vegetation cover is, the thicker canopy it has. Thicker canopy will have higher NDVI value. The calculated NDVI within the Project Area and its proximity is illustrated in Figure 0.6. The result of land classification is presented in Figure 0.7.
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Figure 0.6 Vegetation Class in Proximity to Project Area
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Figure 0.7 Land Classification within Study Area
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Land classes derived from the Study Area are described below with satellite imagery and photographs, and are shown in Figure 0.9 -Figure 0.11. All satellite imagery was obtained from Google Earth. There are also some water bodies (i.e. small streams and ponds) in and nearby the Project Area. However, most of these water bodies were in drought, thus thesewere considered omitted. Scrub: Scrub is an area of land which is covered with low trees and bushes. There was some trees belonging to secondary forest amongst the scrubland. This area is considered to be modified habitat.
Figure 0.8 Satellite Imagery of Scrubland
◼ Vegetation (Plantation Forest): - Forest refers to a large area of land covered with trees and plants. The forest within the EAAA was predominately comprised of planted forest. The planted species included pines (such as Pinus latteri) and cajuput species. Through consultations with Management Board of Huong Hoa- Dakrong Protection forest, the plantation was raised in 2006 and resembles degraded natural forest, with several natural species occurring within. While some of the ecological functions have been restored it is deemed to not have attained a level of maturity level for it to support a majority of ecolgocial functions. This area, therefore, is considered modified habitat.
Figure 0.9 Satellite Imagery of Plantation Forest Agricultural Land: Agricultural land refers to agricultural land and annual crop land. This area is considered to be modified habitat. Species of conservation significance may include (migratory) bird
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species.
Figure 0.10 Satellite Imagery of Agriculture Land
◼ Bare land: Bare land refers to non-vegetated land that is generally void of vegetation. No species of conservation significance are likely to occur in this land class. This area is considered to be modified habitat.
Figure 0.11 Satellite Imagery of Bareland
Natural/Modified Habitat Assessment According to ADB SPS, the definition of Natural Habitat, Modified Habitat and Critical Habitat are presented as below:
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Natural Habitat These are land and water areas where the biological communities are formed largely by native plant and animal species, and were human activity has not essentially modified the area’s primary ecological functions. In areas of natural habitat, the project will not significantly convert or degrade such habitat, unless the following conditions are met:
◼ No alternatives are available;
◼ A comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the overall benefits from the project will substantially outweigh the project costs, including environmental costs;
◼ Any conversion or degradation is appropriately mitigated. Mitigation measures will be designed to achieve at least no net loss of biodiversity. They may include a combination of actions, such as post-project restoration of habitats, offset of losses through the creation or effective conservation of ecologically comparable areas that are managed for biodiversity while respecting the ongoing use of such biodiversity by Indigenous Peoples or traditional communities, and compensation to direct users of biodiversity.
Modified Habitat These areas are characterised by an environment that has been altered by human activity, and its population of native species reduced. In areas of modified habitat, where the natural habitat has apparently been altered, often through the introduction of alien species of plants and animals, such as in agricultural areas, the borrower/client will exercise care to minimize any further conversion or degradation of such habitat, and will, depending on the nature and scale of the project, identify opportunities to enhance habitat and protect and conserve biodiversity as part of project operations.
Critical Habitat It is an area of high biodiversity value, which includes habitat supporting critically endangered or endangered species; having special significance for endemic or restricted-range species; sites supporting migratory species; areas supporting globally significant concentrations of individuals of congregatory species; areas with unique assemblages of species associated with key evolutionary processes or providing key ecosystem services; and areas with biodiversity of significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities. No project activity will be implemented in areas of critical habitat unless the following requirements are met:
◼ There are no measurable adverse impacts, or likelihood of such, on the critical habitat which could impair its high biodiversity value or the ability to function.
◼ The project is not anticipated to lead to a reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species or a loss in area of the habitat concerned such that the persistence of a viable and representative host ecosystem be compromised.
◼ Any lesser impacts are mitigated in accordance with the requirement of mitigation measure mentioned above for natural habitat
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There is currently no methodology within ADB SPS, IFC PS6 and the associated Guidance Note (GN) on the approach to assess the distribution of these habitat types. ERM has utilised methods used previously in consultation with the IFC to complete this assessment using remote sensing techniques for the Study Area. The vegetation class assessment above, remote sensing and management plan have been used to define these areas. Figure 0.12 shows the habitat areas within the EAAA. Modified habitats accounts for the entire of the EAAA including platation forest (89.2%) and scrub (1.4%), bareland (7.9%) and agricultural land (1.6%). The total area of the Project Footprint is approximately 31.65 ha modified habitat (Table 0.13).
Table 0.12 Habitats and Area within EAAA
Habitat Type Natural/ Modified Habitat Area (ha) Percent (%)
Bare Land Modified 177 7.9%
Plantation Forest Modified 2001 89.2%
Scrub land Modified 30 1.4%
Agriculture Land Modified 36 1.6%
Total 2245 100.0%
Table 0.13 Habitats and Area within Project Footprint
Area (ha) S/N Habitat Type Total (ha) Plantation Forest Agricultural area I. Fixed-term land use 1 Turbine foundation 1.80 1.8 0 2 Transmission line 35KV and 35 TL 0 0.30 0.3 towers 3 Internal roads (including available 0 10.35 10.35 access road and extended area) II. Temporary Land Use 4 Laydown area and Crane installation 0 1.76 1.76 area 5 Three spoil disposal sites 2.05 2.05 0 Total acquired land (I+II) 16.26 16.26
III. Rental land 6 Batching plant 1.27 0 1.27 7 Worker camps 0.08 0.05 0.03 8 One spoil disposal site 7.6 7.6 0
IV. Negotiated Land 9 Access road 6.44 0 6.44 Grand Total 31.65 23.91 7.74 Natural Habitat 0 0 0 Modified Habitat 31.65 23.91 7.74
Additionally, there are 8.95 ha rental land for batching plant, worker camps and one spoil disposal site which is located in modified habitat (7.65 ha plantation and 1.3 ha agricultural land). A total of 6.44 ha
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam negotiated land (agricultural land) is for access road which is considered to be modified habtitat (Table 0.4).
Table 0.14 Natural and Modified Habitat Areas within the EAAA and Project Footprint
Habitat Type EAAA Project Footprint (ha)
Area (ha) Percent (%) Area (ha) Percent (%)
Natural Habitat 0 0% 0 0%
Modified Habitat 1070.4 100% 31.65 100%
Total 1070.4 100% 31.65 100%
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Figure 0.12 Natural and Modified Habitat areas within Study Area
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Biodiversity Field Surveys ERM contracted specialists to undertake biodiversity surveys within the Project Area and the surrounds. There reports are presented in Appendix H.
Field Survey Program Multi-taxa field surveys were undertaken within the Project Area. A summary of the survey activities undertaken is provided in Table 0.15.
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Table 0.15 Field Surveys Undertaken within the Study Area
Survey Date Survey Technique Survey Methods Survey Effort
Flora First survey Line Transect Survey Line transect surveys occurred along roads (10 m buffer) The length of line transect is (17-18 May connecting to each designed wind-turbine. Plants with estimated at approximately 3km. 2020) flowers or fruits or with both were collected, photographed,
pressed, dried and deposited in field herbarium. Common plant species were not collected but identified in the field. The specimens were identified by morphology and based mainly on an illustrated flora of Vietnam (Pham Hoang, 1999), floras of adjacent area, monographs, type specimens and protologues.
Vegetation type mapping Results from the line transect surveys were used as ground- 18 reference points were used. truthed data for the remote sensing analysis. We used The reference points along with several free sources including google aerial imagery, Esri the transect survey and the aerial imagery to identify by visualization with software QGIS observation from Stateline. version 3.12. 16.678435°, 106.659987°
16.678030°, 106.649917°
16.673688°, 106.642862°
16.673043°, 106.661611°
16.679404°, 106.644606°
16.684422°, 106.666997°
16.678133°, 106.636961°
16.671906°, 106.637428°
16.667478°, 106.646444°
16.678559°, 106.623798°
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Survey Date Survey Technique Survey Methods Survey Effort
16.674367°, 106.614097°
16.682736°, 106.595571°
16.686995°, 106.579264°
16.680561°, 106.602957°
16.682794°, 106.597726°
16.677632°, 106.613224°
16.679193°, 106.617522°
16.667288°, 106.645630°
Avifauna (Bird) First survey Vantage Point (VP) At each point, one experienced bird observer equipped with Two vantage point surveys (13-17th May Survey21 binoculars and a camera with long tele lens (Nikon D4 with occurred in a 5-day period (37 2020) lens 400mm F2.8 and TC 2X) would be stationed and hours at VP1 and 38 hours at actively scan the whole area within a 2 km radius from the VP2 in the first survey, 36 hours Second survey vantage point for avifauna’s activity at VP1 and 37 hours at VP2 in (30th the second survey). VP1: September – (16.69184° N; 106.59069° E); 2nd October and VP2: (16.67704° N; 2020) 106.59069° E)
Survey times were from 06:00- First survey (17 Transect Survey The observers moved slowly along transects by walking and 10:00 and then 15:00-18:00 as -21 May 2020) using binoculars to detect bird species, and counted the these are the most active times number of individuals present. Identifiable vocalizations were Second survey for birds. Total transect 12.25 also counted as records. GPS positions, photographs (30th km each season. Each transect (where possible), distance and compass bearing of the September – was surveyed one time. sighted animals were recorded. All observers undertaking 2nd October the surveys are highly skilled at identifying all taxa in the 2020)
21 Scottish Natural Heritage. 2014. Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms:1–37.
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Survey Date Survey Technique Survey Methods Survey Effort
region by direct observation or their species-specific vocalizations. Observations were checked against field guides including but not limited to Field Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asian
Bat First survey Acoustic monitoring Six stationary acoustic monitoring stations were deployed in Six stations with 500 m long (16-21 May station (19-21 May 2020) strategic points inside the area. At each station, a high- area each have been used to 2020) sensitive recording system, the hand-held Echo Meter Touch survey bats activities in the and SM4Bat FS was deployed to record bat acoustic signals project area. Each Echo Meter Second survey between sunset (local time 17:30) and sunrise (local time Touch and SM4Bat FS was set (22-24 7:30). to automatically start recording September at 17:30 and stop recording at 2020) 7:30 next day.
69 hours in total each seaon. Survey time: 17:30-21:30. Each station was surveyed one time.
Mist-net/ Harp trap (16 - A series of mist-nets with 360 metre squared, mist net hours Mist-netting: Three stations 18 May 2020) (m2mnh) mesh size and harp trap of 86.4 metre squared, (1080 m2mnh). Survey time: harp trap hours (m2hth) were set up in strategic points inside 17:30-07:30 next day the project area to collect bat samples. The use of harp traps Harp trap: Three stations (259,2 (1.8mx2.0m) was effective only at certain sites where retain m2hth). Survey time: 18:00- some patches of scrubs; while mist-nets were suitable for 05:30 next day capturing fruit eating and open-space foraging bats and were set at ground level (up to 6 m high) Each station was surveyed one time.
Non-volant Mammal First survey (16 Line Transect Survey Surveyors followed transects, spotted and identified all The survey was conducted in Survey May 2020) encountered wild animals. The opportunistic observation in daytime (6:00 to 14:00). Total Phong Huy shares much similar characteristics to Phong transect 3.27 km. Nguyen due to their continuous habitat connection. GPS
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Survey Date Survey Technique Survey Methods Survey Effort
positions, photographs (where possible), distance and compass bearing to the sighted animals were recorded for further analysis.
Rapid survey interview The interview followed semi-structure interview protocol, with Seven people were interviewed image catalogue that have both close and open questions. for the mammal’s information including three rangers and four frontier solders
Camera trapping (16 May Five camera traps were set up to increase and diversify Five camera traps were set up – 17 September 2020) detection effort within the EAAA. from May to September (5 moths are equivalent to roughly 150 nights).
Primate Focused Survey 15- 22 Distance sampling Distance sampling could be done by applying point transect Red-shanked douc Langur: (Red-shanked douc September method and line transect. Line transects were used to estimate the fourteen transects with the total Langur, Pygmy Slow 2020 population size of two studied species. In theory, the method length of 26.7 km, range from Loris) was developed with the strip line (Buckland et al. 1993) but 0.7 to 3.5 km was deployed. conducting this such method for dense forest was costly and Pygmy Slow Loris: the survey time consuming due to cut the straight lines (Hiby & Krishna on ten transects with total length 2001). Because of the complexity of terrain and dense of transects was 9.250 m. vegetation cover, cutting straight lines to conduct the survey is expensive. For this case, the survey was conducted using Each transect was survey twice, available paths as the transect in line transect method and therefore the total length of data can analysed using standard methods (Hiby & Krishna survey is 53.4 km for red- 2001). shanked douc and 18.5 km for loris
Herpetofauna Line Transect Survey Surveyors followed transects, spotted and identified all The survey was conducted in encountered wild animals. The opportunistic observations both daytime (4:00 to 12:00) and
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Survey Date Survey Technique Survey Methods Survey Effort
were taken both in day and night time in order to fit with night-time (16:30 to 23:00) to First survey different active time of different group of herpetofauna are record both diurnal and (17th-18th May mainly active at night time. GPS positions, photographs nocturnal animals. total transect 2020) (where possible), distance and compass bearing to the 2.8 km. Survey hours: 13 hours sighted animals were recorded for further analysis.
Rapid survey interview The interview followed semi-structure interview protocol, with Three interviewers approached image catalogue that have both close and open questions. local people and seven people were interviewed for the mammal’s information including three rangers and four frontier soldiers
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Terrestrial Biodiversity
Flora
Line Transect Survey The transects were designed to cover all main types within the Project area. Three 1-km transects that are located along access roads to propose WTGs were selected for flora survey. At each transect, plants occurring in the areas within 10 m along both sides of the roads were surveyed on 17th May 2020. The survey effort of line transects is presented in Figure 0.13.
Figure 0.13 Location of Line Transect Survey A total of 48 taxa (six (6) specimens were not identified due to lack of flower) were recorded (30 families). The most common families were Asteraceae, Rubiaceae (four species), followed by Apocinaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Thelyperidaceae. Of these species, only one threatened species was recorded (Tenasserim Pine (Pinus latteri)) identified during the survey which is listed as Vulnerable in IUCN Red List.
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Table 0.16 Native Flora Species Recorded in Field Survey
No Scientific name Family Vietnamese name IUCN/VRDB
1 Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. Asteraceae Từ bi xanh, Đại bi, Băng phiến
2 Vernicia montana Lour. Euphorbiaceae Trẩu
3 Liquidambar formosana Hance Altingiaceae Sâu trắng, Bạch giao, Trao, Sau sau
4 Sauropus sp. Euphorbiaceae
5 Dioscorea sp. Dioscoreaceae
6 Rubiaceae
7 Fagaceae
8 Chloranthaceae
9 Euphorbiaceae
10 Lonicera japonica Thunb. Caprifoliaceae Kim ngân
11 Ficus esquiroliana H. Lév. Moraceae Sung Esquirol
12 Polygala chinensis L. Polygalaceae Bất hoán, Kích nhũ Trung Quốc
13 Hedyotis cf. lineata Roxb. Rubiaceae An điền
14 Rubus cochinchinensis Tratt. Rosaceae Dum ngấy, Ngấy trắng
15 Lamiaceae
16 Rubiaceae
17 Decaspermum gracilentum (Hance) Merr. & Myrtaceae Thập tử mảnh L.M. Perry
18 Melastoma septemnervium Lour. Melastomaceae Muôi trắng, Muôi bảy gân
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No Scientific name Family Vietnamese name IUCN/VRDB
19 Melastoma eberhardtii Guillaumin Melastomaceae Muôi Eberhardt
20 Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. Myrtaceae Hồng sim
21 Callicarpa rubella Lindl. Lamiaceae Tử châu đỏ
22 Solanum rudepannum Dunal Solanaceae
23 Dichroa febrifuga Lour. Hydrangeaceae Thường sơn
24 Pronephrium sp. Thelypteridaceae Ráng tiền thận
25 Alsophila latebrosa Wall. ex Hook. Cyatheaceae Ráng Tiên tọa rộng
26 Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm. Cibotiaceae Cẩu tích, Lông cu li
27 Eustigma balansae Oliv. Hamamelidaceae Chân thư Balansa
28 Barringtonia scortechinii King Lecythidaceae Chiếc Scortechini
29 Pinus latteri Pinaceae Thông 2 lá IUCN: NT
30 Ficus sp. 2 Moraceae
31 Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Apocynaceae Hoa sữa, mò cua
32 Blechnum orientale L. Blechnaceae
33 Christella parasitica (L.) H. Lév. Thelypteridaceae
34 Crotalaria sp. Fabaceae Sục sạc
35 Cyclosorus interruptus (Willd.) H. Itô Thelypteridaceae
36 Dicranopteris linearis (Burm. f.) Underw. Gleicheniaceae Ráng Tây sơn
37 Elaeocarpus sp. Elaeocarpaceae Côm
38 Hopea odorata Roxb. Dipterocarpaceae Sao đen
39 Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm. Lycopodiaceae Thông đất
40 Odontosoria chinensis (L.) J. Sm. Lindsaeaceae Rán Ô phỉ
41 Smilax sp. Smilacaceae
42 Streptocaulon griffithii Hook. f. Apocynaceae Hà thủ ô
43 Thysanolaena latifolia (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Poaceae Đót Honda
44 Zanthoxylum myriacanthum Wall. ex Hook. f. Rutaceae Hoàng mộc nhiều gai
Transect 1 The onsite vegetation is separated by two (2) slopes (northern side and southern side). - The northern side had a sparse distribution of Vernicia montana and Sauropus. In this side, there were many deep big holes in the ground, which stored water that allowed diverse growths of vegetation (Blechnum orientale, Lindsaea sp., Odontosoria chinensis, Pronephrium sp., Thelypteris ssp.) and other plants such as Callicarpa rubella, Desmodium sp., Mimosa pudica and Sauropus sp). - On the other slope (southern side), the vegetation was dominated by dense Tenasserim Pine (Pinus latteri) [IUCN NT], Vernicia montana and Liquidambar formosana.
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Transect 2 and Transect 3 The vegetation recorded along transect 2 and transect 3 were similar to the southern side of transect 1, which was dominated by the plantation of Tenasserim Pine (Pinus latteri) [IUCN NT]. - The ground under canopy was usually covered by grass, a non-flowering Convolvulaceae, Lycopodiella cernua, and Hedyotis scandens. Shrub layer was dominated by Melastoma sp., Sauropus sp., Blumea balsamifera and Chromolaena odorata and Rhodomyrtus tomentose.
Vegetation Type Mapping - Based on imagery visualisation, the vegetation classification can be categorised into three main type (Table 0.17) and (Figure 0.14).
Table 0.17 Vegetation from Google Aerial Imagery
Google Aerial Imagery Description
Tenasserim Pine plantation (Pinus latteri): The plantation is dominated by pine and mixed with variety other species including Vernicia, Tenasserim Pine, Chinese Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana) and some other natural forest species such as tree fern Alsophila latebrosa, Cibotium barometz, Barringtonia sp., Smilax sp., Schefflera sp. scattered and bamboo.
Scrub Land: it is scrub of ferns (Blechnum orientale, Lindsaea sp., Odontosoria chinensis, Pronephrium sp., Thely pteris sp.) and other plant such as Callicarpa rubella, Desmodium sp., Mimosa pudica and Sauropus sp. and scattered by small Vernicia trees. There may be some second-growth tree mixed with Scrub.
Agricultural land: Occupied mainly by paddy rice field with a few open-water ponds.
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Figure 0.14 Vegetation Types of Project Area Overall, Tenasserim Pine plantation dominated the Project Area, accounting for 81% (Table 0.18).
Table 0.18 Vegetation Classification within the Project Boundary
Vegetation category Area (m2) Percentage
Tenasserim Pine plantation 2,846,183 81%
Agricultural land 169,569 5%
Scrub 477,700 14%
Total area 3,493,452 100%
Invasive Species The flora survey recorded four (4) invasive species within the Project Area (Table 0.19).
Table 0.19 Invasive Flora Species Recorded
ID Vietnamese name Scientific name Family IUCN Red List
1 Cỏ cứt heo Ageratum conyzoides Asteraceae NL
2 Xuyến chi, Song nha Bidens pilosa Asteraceae NL
3 Cỏ lào, yên bạch Chromolaena odorata Asteraceae NL
4 Trinh nữ móc Mimosa diplotricha Fabaceae NL Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern; NL: Not Listed
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Avifauna (Birds)
Species richness (transect surveys) Total 71 bird species were recorded, 57 species were detected during the first survey and 34 species were dectected during the second survey. All recorded species are considered as common in the region, none of them are listed threatened category in IUCN red list nor Vietnam Red Data Book (Table 0.20) below shows detail records of each species including relative species (RSA) is its frequency of occurrence throughout 32 mackinnon-lists in percentage and detected times (DT) reflex to number of times that species was observed/heard during surveys.
Table 0.20 List of Bird Species Recorded along the Terrestrial Transects
Scientific name English name IUCN VNRB First Survey Second Survey Both surveys
RSA DT RSA DT RSA DT
Corvus macrorhynchos Large-billed Crow LC NL 21.74% 5 54.17% 13 38.30% 18
Garrulax castanotis Rufous-cheeked LC NL 34.78% 8 29.17% 7 31.91% 15 Laughingthrush Spilornis cheela Crested Serpent-eagle LC NL 17.39% 4 37.50% 9 27.66% 13
Lanius schach Long-tailed Shrike LC NL 17.39% 4 37.50% 9 27.66% 13
Pycnonotus aurigaster Sooty-headed Bulbul LC NL 21.74% 5 33.33% 8 27.66% 13
Psilopogon incognitus Moustached Barbet LC NL 17.39% 4 33.33% 8 25.53% 12
Zosterops palpebrosus Indian White-eye LC NL 8.70% 2 41.67% 10 25.53% 12
Apus nipalensis House Swift LC NL 13.04% 3 33.33% 8 23.40% 11
Brachypodius atriceps Black-headed Bulbul LC NL 0.00% 0 45.83% 11 23.40% 11
Aethopyga saturata Black-throated Sunbird LC NL 0.00% 0 45.83% 11 23.40% 11
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow LC NL 13.04% 3 29.17% 7 21.28% 10
Spilopelia chinensis Eastern Spotted Dove LC NL 13.04% 3 25.00% 6 19.15% 9
Merops leschenaulti Chestnut-headed Bee-eater LC NL 8.70% 2 25.00% 6 17.02% 8
Hypsipetes leucocephalus Black Bulbul LC NL 8.70% 2 25.00% 6 17.02% 8
Muscicapa dauurica Asian Brown Flycatcher LC NL 0.00% 0 33.33% 8 17.02% 8
Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail LC NL 0.00% 0 33.33% 8 17.02% 8
Apus pacificus Pacific Swift LC NL 13.04% 3 16.67% 4 14.89% 7
Pericrocotus flammeus Scarlet Minivet LC NL 8.70% 2 20.83% 5 14.89% 7
Cissa chinensis Common Green Magpie LC NL 13.04% 3 16.67% 4 14.89% 7
Leiothrix argentauris Silver-eared Mesia LC NL 21.74% 5 8.33% 2 14.89% 7
Chloropsis hardwickii Orange-bellied Leafbird LC NL 0.00% 0 29.17% 7 14.89% 7
Streptopelia tranquebarica Red Turtle-dove LC NL 26.09% 6 0.00% 0 12.77% 6
Accipiter trivirgatus Crested Goshawk LC NL 0.00% 0 25.00% 6 12.77% 6
Crypsirina temia Racquet-tailed Treepie LC NL 26.09% 6 0.00% 0 12.77% 6
Garrulax chinensis Black-throated Laughingthrush LC NL 26.09% 6 0.00% 0 12.77% 6
Arborophila brunneopectus Bar-backed Partridge LC NL 21.74% 5 0.00% 0 10.64% 5
Treron sphenurus Wedge-tailed Green-pigeon LC NL 21.74% 5 0.00% 0 10.64% 5
Phylloscopus schwarzi Radde's Warbler LC NL 0.00% 0 20.83% 5 10.64% 5
Mixornis gularis Pin-striped Tit-babbler LC NL 0.00% 0 20.83% 5 10.64% 5
Macropygia unchall Barred Cuckoo-dove LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
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Scientific name English name IUCN VNRB First Survey Second Survey Both surveys
RSA DT RSA DT RSA DT
Aerodramus brevirostris Himalayan Swiftlet LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Phaenicophaeus tristis Green-billed Malkoha LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Surniculus dicruroides Fork-tailed Drongo-cuckoo LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Pernis ptilorhynchus Oriental Honey-buzzard LC NL 8.70% 2 8.33% 2 8.51% 4
Harpactes erythrocephalus Red-headed Trogon LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Dicrurus macrocercus Black Drongo LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Dicrurus remifer Lesser Racquet-tailed Drongo LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Temnurus temnurus Ratchet-tailed Treepie LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Orthotomus sutorius Common Tailorbird LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Orthotomus atrogularis Dark-necked Tailorbird LC NL 0.00% 0 16.67% 4 8.51% 4
Cecropis daurica Red-rumped Swallow LC NL 17.39% 4 0.00% 0 8.51% 4
Pomatorhinus schisticeps White-browed Scimitar-babbler LC NL 8.70% 2 8.33% 2 8.51% 4
Streptopelia orientalis Oriental Turtle-dove LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Hirundapus cochinchinensis Silver-backed Needletail LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Cypsiurus balasiensis Asian Palm-swift LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Centropus bengalensis Lesser Coucal LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Cuculus micropterus Indian Cuckoo LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Nyctyornis athertoni Blue-bearded Bee-eater LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Artamus fuscus Ashy Woodswallow LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Rubigula flaviventris Black-crested Bulbul LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Garrulax leucolophus White-crested Laughingthrush LC NL 4.35% 1 8.33% 2 6.38% 3
Siva cyanouroptera Blue-winged Minla LC NL 13.04% 3 0.00% 0 6.38% 3
Gallus gallus Red Junglefowl LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Ducula badia Mountain Imperial-pigeon LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Aerodramus fuciphagus Edible-nest Swiftlet LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Centropus sinensis Greater Coucal LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Psilopogon lagrandieri Red-vented Barbet LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Oriolus traillii Maroon Oriole LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Erpornis zantholeuca White-bellied Erpornis LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Coracina javensis Large Cuckooshrike LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Lalage polioptera Indochinese Cuckooshrike LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Dicrurus leucophaeus Ashy Drongo LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Delichon dasypus Asian House Martin LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Alophoixus pallidus Puff-throated Bulbul LC NL 0.00% 0 8.33% 2 4.26% 2
Phylloscopus inornatus Yellow-browed Warbler LC NL 0.00% 0 8.33% 2 4.26% 2
Zosterops simplex Swinhoe's White-eye LC NL 8.70% 2 0.00% 0 4.26% 2
Arachnothera magna Streaked Spiderhunter LC NL 0.00% 0 8.33% 2 4.26% 2
Lonchura striata White-rumped Munia LC NL 4.35% 1 4.17% 1 4.26% 2
Prinia rufescens Rufescent Prinia LC NL 0.00% 0 4.17% 1 2.13% 1
Muscicapa sibirica Dark-sided Flycatcher LC NL 4.35% 1 0.00% 0 2.13% 1
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Scientific name English name IUCN VNRB First Survey Second Survey Both surveys
RSA DT RSA DT RSA DT
Aethopyga latouchii Fork-tailed Sunbird LC NL 0.00% 0 4.17% 1 2.13% 1
Jacknife estimation (described in method section) results approximately 74 species occurrence in Phong Huy project area (only 3 more species if we carry out further survey), this result reflects that our surveys have conducted relative comprehensively. The accumulated curve (Figure 0.15) also shows that it is nearly approached asymptotic. When data for two seasonal surveys was analysed separately, an estimation by Jacknife showed 60 species for the time of first survey and 39 species in second survey; while the actual observations were 57 and 34 species, respectively. This proved that our surveys were comprehensive.
Figure 0.15 Species accumulation curve of birds at Phong Huy project
Vantage Point The methodology used for avian surveys followed standard survey methodologies, consistent with the Scottish Natural Heritage Guidance (Scottish Natural Heritage, 2014). For the Phong Huy proposed wind power project, two (2) Vantage Points (VPs) were chosen: - VP1: (16.69184° N; 106.59069° E); and - VP2: (16.67704° N; 106.59069° E)
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Figure 0.16 Locations of Two Vantage Points Used in First Survey
Species considered Prone to Collision A total of 34 species were recorded in second survey (80 records at VP1 and 120 records at VP2) while 49 species recorded in first survey (24 species at VP1 and 24 species at VP2) (Figure 0.17). None of the recorded species are listed as conservation significant in accordance with the IUCN Red List or Vietnamese regulation (such as “Decree No 6/2019 on regulation of endangered, rare, precious fauna and flora and the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species”).
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Comparison bird data between two surveys 1200 1104
1000
800
600
377 400 366
200 149 49 34 0 Number of species Number of recorded Bird counted
First survey Second survey
Figure 0.17 Seasonal different of Birds recorded at VPs observation The height of flights were observed in three bands including band 1 (<35m), band 2 (35-150m), band 3 (>150m). The proposed turbine height is 105m, the diameter is 150m (refer to Project Description), thus the rotor swept zone (RSZ) is 30-180m. In order to assess the risk of collisions between birds and wind turbines, the collision risks of birds employed the flights in band 2 and band 3 will be considered higher in comparison with band 1. During the first survey, 38% of total flights occurred at band 1 (<35m). While 51% of total flights was observed in band 2 (35-150m) and 11% of total flight was recorded in band 3 (>150m) (Error! Reference source not found. - Figure 0.17). More specifically, all species whose flights took place in Band 2 (35-150m) were categorised as Least Concern in IUCN Red List. There were two species (House Swift and Red-rumped Swallow) that were repeatedly recorded flying in Band 2 and accounted for most of the birds that flew at this height. As the number of records were low at the time of the second survey, bird activities data was low significant for statistical analysis. A total of 2,886 seconds was observed that birds flew below RSZ whilst a total of 1,110 seconds that birds flew into RSZ and 60 seconds that birds flew over RSZ.
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Flock size For some species, bigger flock size will increase the collision risk between birds and wind turbines. (Blew, Grünkorn, & Hoffmann, 2008). The average flock size is small, approximately 2-3 individuals (Error! Reference source not found.). In addition, there was no big flock of birds observed during rainy season survey, the largest group was 10 of House Swifts and second was 8 of Indian White-eyes however they flew below the RSZ.
Figure 0.18 Flock Size of Species (first survey)
Collision Risk
Twelve species were considered as “potential high risk” and four species were considered as “potential medium-risk” prone to collision in first survey (Table 0.21) however using risk model assessment of these species resulted all of them are either low significant or insignificant levels. All potential risk species are very common in the Asia, albeit that the majority of the species recorded low abundances. There was no bird fall through collision risk during the second survey.
Table 0.21 List of species potential risk to prone collision
No. English name Counts Total Flight VP2 Total Percentage Potential time Band time time flight collision observed 2 band RSZ risk VP1 VP2 (second) 2
1 House Swift 89 26 3030 1755 225 1980 65% high
2 Red-rumped Swallow 175 2 1860 1065 0 1065 57% high
3 Pacific Swift 37 110 1125 420 225 645 57% medium
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No. English name Counts Total Flight VP2 Total Percentage Potential time Band time time flight collision observed 2 band RSZ risk VP1 VP2 (second) 2
4 Large-billed Crow 2 13 240 0 165 165 69% medium
5 Mountain Imperial- 13 2 300 150 0 150 50% medium pigeon 6 Crested Serpent- 3 3 270 60 90 150 56% medium eagle 7 Oriental Turtle-dove 11 270 135 135 50% medium
8 Black Eagle 3 3 255 90 45 135 53% medium
9 Ashy Drongo 8 22 405 30 105 135 33% medium
10 Edible-nest Swiftlet 26 111 360 45 75 120 33% medium
11 Chestnut-headed 8 12 135 75 45 120 89% medium Bee-eater 12 Asian Palm-swift 7 75 270 90 15 105 39% medium
While the analysis indicated this species is considered as a moderate risk of collision; as these species are common (Least Concern), they are considered as “low significance” species, the collision risk model (Scottish Natural Heritage 2000) was applied to assess the probability of each bird being hit when making a transit through a rotor. Table 0.22 presents number of birds fatal within 77 hours in daytime based on the data from first survey. The Collision Risk Analysis estimated that Phong Huy project may kill approximately 579 birds a year,
Table 0.22 Prediction of mortality rates based on data from first survey
No. Species name NB APC % fly RSZ Fatal Year
1 House Swift 115 2.40% 0.65 1.80 103 2 Red-rumped Swallow 177 1.80% 0.57 1.82 104 3 Pacific Swift 147 2.60% 0.57 2.19 125 4 Large-billed Crow 15 6.70% 0.69 0.69 39 5 Mountain Imperial-pigeon 15 3.30% 0.50 0.25 14 6 Crested Serpent-eagle 6 4.90% 0.56 0.16 9 7 Oriental Turtle-dove 11 2.90% 0.50 0.16 9 8 Black Eagle 6 5.10% 0.53 0.16 9 9 Ashy Drongo 30 4.60% 0.33 0.46 26 10 Edible-nest Swiftlet 137 2.40% 0.33 1.10 62 11 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater 20 3.50% 0.89 0.62 35 12 Asian Palm-swift 82 2.40% 0.39 0.77 44 Total 579
Note NB: number of bird counted within time survey (75 hours)
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APC: Average probability of collision for single bird transit through rotor % fly RSZ: percentage of species fly into rotor swept zone Fatal: number of birds death Mortality/year: an estimation number of birds death per year for that species.
Bat
Potential Bat Roosts and Foraging Areas within the Project Area During the surveys, roosts and foraging areas within the Project Area were assessed. Surveyors undertook day-time observations within and nearby proposed wind turbine locations. The observations during the field surveys indicated that the proposed wind turbines are surrounded by a variety of habitat types including Mu oil tree and pine plantations (Vernicia montana), meadow, cultivated land. At several turbines, there are second – growth trees patches mixed with plantations (Figure 0.19). There were also water bodies (i.e. streams and ponds) in and nearby the Project area, however, most were affected by drought. During the survey, the observations and interviews with local people confirmed that there is no cave or rock crevice habitat in the Project Area. However, a variety of habitats, particularly the secondary forest patches found sporadically in the foothills and valleys within the Project Area can provide suitable day roosts for bat colonies with a small number of individuals or provide foraging habitat for fruit-eating bats.
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Access road Meadow
Water bodies at foothills Second-growth tree patches at the foothills
Figure 0.19 Major Habitat Types within and nearby the Project Area
Overall Bat Diversity within and nearby Project Area The survey effort of bat surveys is illustrated in Figure 0.20.
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Figure 0.20 Bat Survey Locations According to live-trappings and acoustic samplings during the two surveys, at least 21 bat species were recorded at the study habitats within the Project area. Of which, 14 species have been identified into species, while calls of seven other distinct phonic types were also recorded. These unidentified phonic types might represent aerial insectivores of Emballoniridae (one Taphozous sp. – F24) and Vespertilionidae (06).
Megaerops niphanae Rhinolophus luctus Rhinolophus pusillus
Myotis cf. muricola Kerivoula titania Kerivoula depressa
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Murina annamitica Murina feae Murina cyclotis
Murina cf. fionae
Figure 0.21 Portraits of Bat Species Captured by Live-Trapping during Field Study
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A – CF (constant frequency) bat species
B –FM (frequency modulate) bat species
Figure 0.22 Echolocation Call Structures of Bat Species Recorded by Acoustic Samplings during the Present Survey Species recorded during the field surveys are summarised in Table 0.23. Only one (1) conservation significant species was recorded, which was the Shield-nosed Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros scutinares) [IUCN VU], the rest of the species including four that have not been evaluated, e.g. Kervioula depressa (formerly included as K. hardwickii) and three other Murina spp. (M. annamitica, M. feae and M. fionae), are not globally or nationally threatened species. Hipposideros scutinares, and other bat species i.e. Taphozous sp. are known to roost in caves. The Project Area is not known to support cave habitat. This suggests that this species may roost in nearby areas but forages within the Project Area. In addition, based on the results of live-trappings and acoustic samplings, the relative abundance of this vulnerable species in the Project Area is likely low. During the survey, the observation and interview with local people confirmed that there are no caves or rock crevices in the project area. However, a variety of habitats, particularly the secondary forest patches found sporadically in the foothills or valleys within the project area, can provide suitable day roosts of bat colonies with small number of individuals or foraging areas of local bat assemblages including fruit- eating bats.
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Table 0.23 Bat Species Found Within the Surveyed Transects
S/N Scientific name Common name IUCN VNRB Sites Red List 1. Pteropodidae Fruit bats PH01 PH02* PH03 PH04* PH05 PH06* 1 Megaerops niphane Greater Shortnosed Fruit Bat LC NL 1 1 1 1 2. Rhinolophidae Horseshoe bat 2 Rhinolophus affinis Intermediate horseshoe bat LC NL E E E E E E E E,1 E 3 Rhinolophus luctus Wooly horseshoe bat LC NL 1 4 Rhinolophus pearsonii Pearson’s horseshoe bat LC NL E E E 5 Rhinolophus pusillus Least horseshoe bat LC NL E, 5 E,1 E E E E E E E 3. Hipposideridae Leaf-nosed bats 6 Hipposideros armiger Great leaf-nosed bat LC NL E 7 Hipposideros scutinares Shield-nosed Leaf-nosed Bat VU NL E E E 4. Vespertilionidae Vesper bats 8 Kerovoula depressa Flat-headed woolly bat NE NL 16 1 3 9 Kerivoula titania Titania’s woolly bat LC NL 2 1 10 Myotis cf. muricola (FM56) Nepalese whiskered myotis LC NL E, 1 E E E E E E E E E E E 11 Murina annamitica Annamite tube nosed bat NE NL 1 12 Murina cyclotis Round-eared Tube-nosed Bat LC NL 1 1 13 Murina feae Ashy-gray tube-nosed bat NE NL 1 14 Murina fionae Fiona's Tube-Nosed Bat NE NL 1 1 15 Phonic type/species (FM17) E E E E E E E E E E E 16 Phonic type/species (FM30) E E E E E E E E E E E E 17 Phonic type/species (FM35) E E E E E E E E E E E E 18 Phonic type/species (FM40) E E E E E E E E E E E E 19 Phonic type/species (FM45) E E E E E E E E E E E E 20 Phonic type/species (FM50) E E E E E E E E E E E E 5. Emballoniridae Sheath-tailed bats 21 Taphozous sp. (FM24) Tomb bat LC NL E E E E E E E E E E E E Total 18 14 1 9 13 11 9 9 10 12 10 8 1 Note
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S/N Scientific name Common name IUCN VNRB Sites Red List IUNC: VU – Vunerable;LC – Least concern; NA – Not Evaluated; cf. – initial species identification. - * Sites surveyed by acoustic sampling only; Numbers representing bat individuals recorded by live-trapping; E–Acoustic detection
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Collision Risk All bat species identified upon the surveys would be categorized based on their foraging preferences, and therefore collision risks, as shown in Table 0.24 (Furey & Racey, 2016).
Table 0.24 Risk Classification Guide of Bat Species
Category Description Risk Classification
I Insectivorous species that forage in the highly cluttered airspace Low within the forest interior (or forest interior specialists).
II Insectivorous species that forage in partially cluttered spaces such Medium as clearings, streams or other tunnels within the forest or just above the canopy (edge and gap foragers).
III Insectivorous bats that forage in unobstructed airspaces found in High large clearings or high above the forest canopy (open-space foragers).
IV Fruit and nectar-eating bats that fly into the partially cluttered air- Medium spaces between tree canopies, roost in small numbers and forage locally.
V Fruit and nectar-eating bats that fly in unobstructed airspaces, roost High in large colonies and forage over large areas.
Based on roosting preferences and foraging strategies of the recorded bat species in the Project Area, a large number of recorded species including the globally vulnerable Shield-nosed Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros scutinares) [IUCN VU] are recognized as “low risk of collision”, while Myotis muricola, Taphozous sp., and other seven unidentified FM bats species are open foragers and thus can be regarded as “high risk of collision” for wind turbines development (Table 0.25). The fruit-eating bat species, Megaerops niphanae is known to fly into the partially cluttered airspaces under RSZ, which is regarded as “medium risk of collision”.
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Table 0.25 Summary of Bat Calls’ Parameter Recorded along the Transects
IUCN VNRB Foraging Roosting Collisio No. Scientific name Red List Strategies Preferences n risk 1
1 Megaerops niphane LC NL Foliage IV Medium
2 Rhinolophus affinis LC NL Cave / Hollow tree I Low
3 Rhinolophus luctus LC NL Cave / Hollow tree I Low
4 Rhinolophus pearsonii LC NL Cave / Hollow tree I Low
5 Rhinolophus pusillus LC NL Cave / Hollow tree I Low
6 Hipposideros scutinares VU NL Cave / Hollow tree I Low
7 Hipposideros armiger LC NL Cave I Low 8 Kerovoula depressa NE NL Hollow tree I Low 9 Kerivoula titania LC NL Hollow tree I Low 10 Murina annamitica NE NL Hollow tree I Low 11 Murina cyclotis LC NL Hollow tree I Low 12 Murina feae NE NL Hollow tree I Low 13 Murina fione NE NL Hollow tree I Low
14 Myotis cf. muricola (FM56) Crevices/ Hollow tree III High
15 Phonic type/species (FM17) III High
16 Phonic type/species (FM30) III High
17 Phonic type/species (FM35) III High
18 Phonic type/species (FM40) III High
19 Phonic type/species (FM45) III High
20 Phonic type/species (FM50) III High
21 Taphozous sp. (FM24) Cave III High
Notes: CR : Critically Endangered; EN : Endangered; VU : Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DD : Data Deficient; NA : Not Assessed; LC: Least Concern, NE: Not Evaluated; NL: Not Listed
Seasonal variation in activity patterns of local bat assemblages
Data derived from live-trappings During the two field surveys, a total of 36 individuals representing nine bat species of three families were captured by trapping devices (mist-nets and harptraps) set at ground level at survey sites (Figure 0.23). Of the recorded species, Kerivoula depressa and Megaerops niphane Kerivoula titantia, and
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Murina cyclotis were found in both field surveys; whereas the rest were only recorded either in May 2020 (Murina feae, Myotis muricola, Rhinolophus luctus, Murina annamitica, Murina fionae) or in September 2020 (Rhinolophus affinis). Addtionally, in both field surveys, K. depressa was found to be most abundant (18 and 6 individuals), while the rest were found to be low abundance with 01 to 05 individuals recorded. May'20 Sep'20 Murina feae A Myotis muricola Rhinolophus luctus Murina cyclotis Murina annamitica Rhinolophus affinis
Species Murina fionae Kerivoula titania Rhinolophus pusillus Megaerops niphane Kerovoula depressa
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 No. of individuals 35 30 B 25 20 15
10 No. individuals of 5 0 May'20 Sep'20 May'20 Sep'20 May'20 Sep'20 PH01 PH03 PH05 Murina fionae 2 1 Murina feae 1 Murina cyclotis 1 1 Murina annamitica 1 1 Myotis cf. muricola 1 Kerivoula titania 2 1 1 Kerovoula depressa 17 3 1 3 Rhinolophus pusillus 5 1 Rhinolophus luctus 1 Rhinolophus affinis 1 1 Megaerops niphane 1 3 1 1
Figure 0.23 Seasonal variation in species diversity and relative abundance of local bat assemblage recorded by live-trappings Note: A – pooled all sites, B –sites separated. The pairwise comparison of data obtained from the two field surveys shows the seasonal variation in relative abundance of local bats in the project area might have varied related to available habitats (among sites) and weather conditions. For instance, the total number of bats recorded in May 2020
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Phong Huy Wind Power Project, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam when it was likely favourable to bat activities (i.e. no rain) (35 individuals) is higher than that in September 2020 (17 individuals) when it was usually heavy rain due to typhoons. However, such distributional patterns were obtained from only two short field surveys and can be biased low sampling efforts. Hence, additional surveys are needed to confirm this inference. Of the captured bats in the two field survey, most females captured in May 2020 were lactating, while those recorded in September 2020 were reproductively inactive (parous or non pregnancy). In addition, juveniles started weaning were also only captured in May 2020 while some nulliparous females and immature males were only found in September 2020. These evidencences thus suggests that March– July period may be the critical period of breeding season of local bat fauna – which is consistent with previous studies in the North of Vietnam (e.g. Furey et al. 2011).
Data derived from acoustic samplings Based on the data derived from live-trapping presented above, three fruit-eating bat species (Megaerops niphane) is non echolocator, while Kerivoula spp. and Murina spp. are known to emit calls with low energies to be detected by bat detectors. Likewise, all other insectivorous bat species recorded by live-trappings were acoustically detected by bat dectectors. In addition to these, the passive acoustic samplings at six point-counts within the project areas also recorded additional aerial bat species that have not been captured by trapping divices set at ground levels. For instance, the acoustic samplings in May 2020 and September 2020 recorded a total of 2449 and 1221 bat passes, respectively. These detected bat calls were identified into 14 phonic types/species (Figure 0.24). Based on the acoustic keys developed from individuals captured by live-samplings and previous studies elsewhere, recorded calls with CF structure may be attributed to 05 species of the two families, Rhinolophidae (R. affinis, R. pearsonii, and R. pusillus) and Hipposideridae (H. armiger, H. scutinares), while those with FM types were identitied as Myotis muricola (FM56), Taphozous sp. and 06 unidentified distinct phonic types/species. Of which, apart from some species that were acoustically detected only in May 2020 (R. pearsonii and H. armiger), all other species were recorded in both field surveys (Figure 0.25).
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C60 (H. armiger) May'20 Sep'20 C64 (R. pearsonii) C69 (H. scutinares) C95 (R. pusillus) F45 C76 (R. affinis) F56 F50 F17 F24 F56 F35 F30 F40
0 200 400 600 800 1000 No. of bat passes
Figure 0.24 Seasonal variation in species diversity and relative abundance of local bat assemblage recorded by acoustic samplings As presented in the Figure 0.25, the comparison of data recorded in May 2020 to that in September 2020 shows that the relative abundance of FM bat species detected in both field surveys was always significantly higher than that of co-distributed CF taxa. In addition, the relative abundance of most taxa detected in September 2020 experienced a significant reduction relative to that found in May 2020 . The species richness of local bat assemblage in the project area recorded by acoustic samplings was found to be relatively stable e.g. 9.8±0.7 species detected in May 2020 versus 9.3±1.0 species in September 2020 (Figure 0.25). However, there was a considerable reduction in the relative abundance (bat passes/night) of local bats recorded in May 2020 relative to those in September 2020, e.g. 459.2±333.9 and 241.3±86.1, respectively.
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800
600
400
No. bat passes/nightbatNo. 200
0 8 9 10 11 Species richness
Figure 0.25 Pairwise comparison of average activity patterns of bats recorded in the two field surveys The activitity patterns of echolocating bats in the project area were found to be likely correlated with the available habitats within studied sites and weather conditions during the two field surveys, respectively. For example, the nighly activity of bats recorded in September 2020 was significantly reduced relative to that found in May 2020. This reduction can be allocated to the unfavourable weather conditions associated with typhoons in September 2020. However, the observed spatial and seasonal variations in activity patterns of local echolocating bat assemblages might be biased the low sampling efforts, and thus should, again, be cautiously interpreted.
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