AN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT ON THE FLORA FOR THE
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKUKUZA SAFARI LODGE AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE IN SKUKUZA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
Prepared for: South African National Parks (SANParks) Prepared by: Exigo Sustainability (Pty) Ltd
AN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT ON THE FLORA FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKUKUZA SAFARI LODGE AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE IN SKUKUZA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
FLORA SPECIALIST REPORT
November 2014
Conducted on behalf of: SANPARKS
Compiled by: Dr. BJ Henning (PhD plant Ecology; MSc Botany - Soil Science related Pr.Sci.Nat)
Reviewed by: Mr. H. Gildenhuys (EAP)
Although Exigo exercises due care and diligence in rendering services and preparing documents, Exigo accepts no liability, and the client, by receiving this document, indemnifies Exigo and its directors, managers, agents and employees against all actions, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses arising from or in connection with services rendered, directly or indirectly by Exigo and by the use of the information contained in this document.
This document contains confidential and proprietary information of Exigo and is protected by copyright in favour of Exigo and may not be reproduced, or used without the written consent of Exigo, which has been obtained beforehand. This document is prepared exclusively for SANPARKS and is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets, rules, intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.
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REPORT DISTRIBUTION LIST
Name Institution Mrs. R Kruger Exigo Sustainability
DOCUMENT HISTORY
Date Version Status 6 November 2014 1.0 Final
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Declaration
I, Barend Johannes Henning, declare that -
I act as the independent specialist; I will perform the work relating to the project in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the project proponent; I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this project, including knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998; the Act), regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; I will comply with the Act, regulations and all other applicable legislation; I will take into account, to the extent possible, the matters listed in Regulation 8; I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; I undertake to disclose to the project proponent and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the project; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority or project proponent; All the particulars furnished by me in this document are true and correct; and I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 71 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the Act.
______SIGNATURE OF SPECIALIST Company: Exigo Sustainability Date: October 2014
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Table of contents 1 ASSIGNMENT ...... 1 1.1 INFORMATION SOURCES ...... 1 1.2 REGULATIONS GOVERNING THIS REPORT ...... 1 1.2.1 National Environmental Management Act Regulation 543 Section 32 ...... 1 1.2.2 The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) ...... 2 1.2.3 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983) ...... 2 1.2.4 National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA: Act 10 0f 2004) ...... 3 1.2.5 The National Forest Act (Act 84 of 1998) ...... 3 1.2.6 Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act ...... 3 1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 3 1.3.1 Motivation for the project ...... 3 1.3.2 Objectives ...... 4 1.3.1 Scope ...... 5 1.3.3 Limitations and assumptions ...... 6 2 INTRODUCTION ...... 7 3 STUDY AREA ...... 8 3.1 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY ...... 8 3.2 CLIMATE ...... 12 3.3 VEGETATION TYPES ...... 12 3.4 GEOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES ...... 13 4 METHODS ...... 13 4.1 VEGETATION SURVEY ...... 13 4.1.1 Data recorded: ...... 14 4.1.2 Red data species ...... 14 4.1.3 Protected trees ...... 14 4.1.4 Protected plants...... 14 4.2 DRAINAGE & HYDROLOGY ...... 14 4.2.1 Data processing...... 15 4.3 SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT ...... 15 4.3.1 Ecological function ...... 15 4.3.2 Conservation importance ...... 15 4.3.3 Sensitivity scale ...... 15 4.4 IMPACT RATING ASSESSMENT MATRIX ...... 16 5 RESULTS ...... 19 5.1 VEGETATION UNITS ...... 19 5.1.1 Skukuza Safari Lodge Site and 16 lodge staff sleep-over units ...... 20 5.1.2 8 Two Bedroom Units and 2 Three-bedroom units in Skukuza Staff Village ...... 30 5.1.3 4 x Two Bedroom Houses ...... 33 5.1.4 New contractors camps and 20 x 2/3 bedroom additional living quarter units ...... 36 5.1.5 Relocation sites of buildings ...... 38 5.1.6 Reservoir construction site & associated pipelines (sewer & water supply) and electrical cable route for the proposed Safari Lodge development ...... 43
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5.2 FLORA: SPECIES LEVEL ASSESSMENT ...... 47 5.2.1 Red data Flora Species ...... 47 5.2.2 Protected tree species (NFA, 1998) ...... 48 5.2.3 Protected plants (MNCA, 1998) ...... 48 5.2.4 Invasive alien species (CARA, 1983) ...... 49 5.2.5 General ...... 51 6 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON THE FLORA ...... 53 6.1.1 Direct habitat destruction ...... 53 6.1.2 Increased Soil erosion and sedimentation ...... 55 6.1.3 Soil and water pollution ...... 56 6.1.4 Habitat degradation due to dust ...... 57 6.1.5 Spread and establishment of alien invasive species...... 57 6.1.6 Negative effect of human activities...... 58 6.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRIX ...... 59 7 SENSITIVITY ...... 62 8 REHABILITATION OF ENVIRONMENT AFTER CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE ... 65 8.1 SEARCH AND RESCUE ACTIVITIES ...... 65 8.2 REINSTATEMENT ...... 65 8.3 PLANTING/GRASSING ...... 66 9 DISCUSSION ...... 68 10 CONCLUSION ...... 70 11 REFERENCES ...... 71 APPENDIX A. PLANT SPECIES LISTS FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITES ...... 74 APPENDIX B – PRECIS PLANT SPECIES LIST FOR GRID SQUARE 2431BC (SPECIES MARKED IN GREEN IS AVAILABLE IN SKUKUZA NURSERY FOR LANDSCAPING OF THE SITES) ...... 86 APPENDIX C KRUGER NATIONAL PARK CODE OF CONDUCT RELATING TO MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND VEGETATION ...... 93
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List of Figures
Figure 1. Regional Location Map ...... 10 Figure 2. Satelite image showing the proposed developments (Google Pro, 2010) ...... 11 Figure 3. Vegetation Map for the proposed Safari Lodge site and 16 lodge staff sleep-over units ...... 29 Figure 4. Vegetation Map for the proposed infrastructure associated with the Safari Lodge (sewer and water supply pipelines, power cable, reservoir etc.) ...... 45 Figure 5. Sensitivity Map (buffer zone was adapted around the development footprints to increase the scale and clarity of the mapping) ...... 64
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List of Tables
Table 1. Landtypes, geology and dominant soil types of the proposed project area...... 13 Table 2. List of tall indigenous trees on the site of the proposed Skukuza Safari Lodge ...... 26 Table 3. Characteristics of vegetation units in the proposed development area of the 2 bedroom units for the Skukuza Living Quarters ...... 36 Table 4. Characteristics of vegetation units in the proposed development area for the relocation of the WfW stores ...... 40 Table 5. Characteristics of the major vegetation units in the study area (pipelines and reservoir construction site) ...... 46 Table 6. Red data species potentially occurring in the grid square of the proposed development site and their specific habitat preference ...... 47 Table 7. Protected tree species of the study area ...... 48 Table 8. Protected plants of the proposed development sites (MNCA, 1998) ...... 49 Table 9. List of exotic plant species of the study area ...... 51 Table 10. Impact assessment Matrix of areas inside Skukuza rest camp (Safari Lodge), staff village (staff housing) or other fenced areas (living quarters, staff accommodation) ...... 60 Table 11. Impact assessment matrix of natural vegetation types outside the camp periphery (pipelines, reservoir site, staff housing sites on outskirts of Skukuza staff village) ...... 60 Table 12. Sensitivity classification of the different vegetation units of the proposed development sites in the study area ...... 62
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1 ASSIGNMENT Exigo Sustainability (Pty) Ltd was appointed by SANPARKS to conduct a flora specialist study. The report will consist of an assessment of the flora and ecological sensitivity for the proposed development of the Skukuza Safari Lodge in the Skukuza Rest Camp, additional staff housing in the Skukuza staff village and living quarters, as well as related infrastructure (electrical cable routes, pipelines, anaerobic digester) and upgrading of the Water Purification Plant in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Province.
The assignment is interpreted as follows: Compile a study on the flora of the abovementioned sites according to guidelines and criteria set by the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (DEDET) and National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). The study will include site surveys, detailed investigation, impact assessment and risk analyses. In order to compile this, the following had to be done:
1.1 INFORMATION SOURCES
The following information sources were obtained:
1. All relevant topographical maps, aerial photographs and information (previous studies and environmental databases) related to the floristic components in the study area;
2. Requirements regarding the fauna and flora survey as requested by the Mpumalanga DEDET and DEA;
3. Legislation pertaining to the flora study as relevant.
4. Red data species list from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
1.2 REGULATIONS GOVERNING THIS REPORT
1.2.1 National Environmental Management Act Regulation 543 Section 32
This report has been prepared in terms of Regulation 32 of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) Regulations GN 33306 GNR 543 for environmental impact assessment. Regulation 33 states that a specialist report must contain:
1. An application or the EAP managing an application may appoint a person to carry out a specialist study or specialized process.
2. The person referred to in sub-regulation 1 must comply with the requirements of regulation 17 (General requirements for EAPs or a person compiling a specialist report or undertaking a specialized process).
3. A specialist report or a report on a specialized process prepared in terms of these regulations must contain:
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a. Details of
i. The person who prepared the report; and Letter of Appointment
ii. The expertise of that person to carry out the specialist study or specialized process.
b. A declaration that the person is independent in a form as may be specified by the competent authority;
c. An indication of the scope of, and purpose for which, the report was prepared;
d. A description of the methodology adopted in preparing the report or carrying out the specialized process;
e. A description of any assumptions made and any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge;
f. A description of the findings and potential implications of such findings on the impact of the proposed activity, including identified alternatives, on the environment;
g. Recommendations in respect of any mitigation measures that should be considered by the applicant and competent authority;
h. A description of any consultation process that was undertaken during the course of carrying out the study;
i. A summary and copies of any comments that were received during any consultation process;
j. Any other information requested by the competent authority.
1.2.2 The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998)
This Act embraces all three fields of environmental concern namely: resource conservation and exploitation; pollution control and waste management; and land-use planning and development. The environmental management principles include the duty of care for wetlands and special attention is given to management and planning procedures.
1.2.3 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983)
This Act regulates the utilization and protection of wetlands, soil conservation and all matters relating thereto; control and prevention of veld fires, control of weeds and invader plants, the prevention of water pollution resulting from farming practices and losses in biodiversity.
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1.2.4 National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA: Act 10 0f 2004)
The following aspects of the NEMBA (2004) are important to consider in the compilation of an ecological report. It:
Lists ecosystems that are threatened or in need of national protection;
Links to Integrated Environmental Management processes;
Must be taken into account in EMP and IDPs;
The Minister may make regulations to reduce the threats to listed ecosystems.
1.2.5 The National Forest Act (Act 84 of 1998)
The National Forest Act:
Promotes the sustainable management and development of forests for the benefit of all;
Creates the conditions necessary to restructure forestry in State Forests;
Provide special measures for the protection of certain forests and protected trees;
Promotes the sustainable use of forests for environmental, economic, educational, recreational, cultural, health and spiritual purposes.
Promotes community forestry.
1.2.6 Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act
The Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act deals with the conservation of wild animals, fresh water fish and the conservation and protection of flora in the Mpumalanga Province. Animals and plants are both listed in the schedules with different degrees of protection afforded to each.
1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE
1.3.1 Motivation for the project
The Skukuza Conference Centre resulted in the requirement for additional accommodation specifically suited to the conferencing market, together with the need to broaden the accommodation product Kruger National Park (KNP) was offering. The need for more formal, catered accommodation was identified. As such, SANParks is proposing to develop a Safari Lodge Facility (the project) adjacent to the recently complete Conference Facility in Skukuza in the KNP.
The mandate of National Parks system extends over 19 protected areas. Of these protected
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areas, only 5 are able to generate a surplus which is then used to fund the remaining Parks. SANParks therefore needs to find sustainable methods to fund the operations and protection of the entire National Parks system and hence SANParks views Responsible Tourism as a Conservation Strategy.
SA Tourism has identified business tourism as an opportunity to promote South Africa as a destination and this was identified by SANParks as a means to attract new markets to visit national parks. This will ensure sustainability of the national park system in South Africa and therefore SANParks needs to diversify the product offering. This is realized by establishing the conference centre at Skukuza and by further providing for accommodation and services that meet the expectations of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) market. This assures that SANParks will be realising its objective of diversifying its product range and attract new markets. The MICE market essentially requires a different type of accommodation and the current self-catering chalets do not meet this requirement. They will require modern amenities such as access to internet and communications systems, and the additional rooms aim to provide that.
1.3.2 Objectives
1. The primary aim of this report is to investigate options for enhancing and / or maintaining floral diversity to mitigate the impact of the proposed lodge development and staff housing with the overall objective of preventing further loss of floral diversity. The end product would be a tool for promoting and lobbying for the recognition of the importance of species habitat and habitat conservation. Options available to maintain the current level of floral diversity include:
a. Protection of native vegetation restored elsewhere in return for unavoidable clearing;
b. Minimisation of habitat fragmentation;
c. Minimisation of any threats to the native flora and their habitats during the constructional and operational phases of the developments and;
d. Rehabilitation to establish plant communities / landscaping that will provide future habitat values.
2. To produce a clear and agreed species and habitat priorities for conservation actions. This includes the following:
i. Determine the potential ecological impacts and actions the developments will have on the floral diversity on a species and habitat level;
ii. Conduct a risk analyses of the impacts identified to determine the
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significance of the impacts on the flora of the study area;
iii. Protection and enhancement of vegetation / habitats of high conservation value;
iv. The retention of a substantial amount of native vegetation / habitat of adequate size and configuration to promote the conservation of the existing flora communities;
v. The retention and / or creation of vegetation links, wildlife corridors and vegetation buffers wherever possible, subject to the appropriate bush fire risk management; and
vi. The protection of water quality in the locality so as not to threaten native aquatic flora that rely on the watercourse for survival.
3. Provide recommendations on the ecological mitigation measures to be implemented by the Kruger National Park and the way forward.
1.3.1 Scope
1. Detailed flora survey – in each vegetation type/plant community on site: a. After studying the aerial photograph identify specific areas to be surveyed and confirm location by making use of a Geographical Positioning System (GPS). b. Conduct a site visit and list the plant species (trees, shrubs, grasses, succulents and other herbaceous species of special interest) present for plant community and ecosystem delimitation. c. Identify potential red data plant species, possible encroacher species, medicinal plants of value and exotic plant species. d. Indicate suitable plant species that can be used for the landscaping around the proposed developments.
2. Plant community delimitation and description
a. Process data (vegetation and habitat classification) to determine vegetation types on an ecological basis.
b. Describe the habitat and vegetation.
3. General a. Identify and describe ecologically sensitive areas. Create a sensitivity map to indicate specific sensitive areas based on various environmental parameters
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such as natural vegetation in a good condition, flood lines, presence of red data / protected plant species etc.
b. Identify problem areas in need of special treatment or management, e.g. bush encroachment, erosion, degraded areas, reclamation areas. a. Make recommendations, impact ratings and risk assessments for each specific impact.
1.3.3 Limitations and assumptions
Visibility proved to be a constraint in encroached areas outside of the camp fences (e.g water supply and sewer line routes) where plant species might have been missed beneath the densely overgrown and obstructed by surface vegetation.
Thus, even though it is assumed that survey findings are representative of the ecosystem of the project area, it should be stated that the possibility exists that individual plants species might have been missed due to the nature of the terrain (dense vegetation). Therefore, maintaining due cognisance of the integrity and accuracy of the ecological survey, it should be stated that the ecological resources identified during the study do not necessarily represent all the ecological resources present on the property.
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2 INTRODUCTION South Africa has one of the world's greatest diversity of plant and animal species contained within one country, and is home to many species found nowhere else in the world. Terrestrial resources are rapidly disappearing however, due to conversion of natural habitat to farmland, forestry, human settlement, and industrial development. Some species are under threat from over-collection for medicinal, ornamental, and horticultural purposes.
Today it is widely recognised that it is of utmost importance to conserve natural resources in order to maintain ecological processes and life support systems for plants, animals and humans. Recent policies, international conventions, and community-based initiatives being carried out are aimed at improved conservation and more sustainable use of natural resources in future. To ensure that sustainable development takes place, it is therefore important that the environment is considered before local authorities approve any development.
All components of any of the ecosystems (physical environment, vegetation, animals) of a site are interrelated and interdependent. A holistic approach is therefore imperative to effectively include any proposed development, utilisation and where necessary conservation of the given natural resources in an integrated development plan, which will address all the needs of the modern human population (Bredenkamp & Brown 2001). Ideally the area should be developed so that the quality of the resources does not decrease, as this would inevitably lead to ecosystem degradation and lower productivity. It is therefore necessary to make a thorough inventory of the plant communities at the site of the proposed development, their biota and their associated habitats (=ecosystems), in order to evaluate its potential for development, or conservation. This inventory should then serve as a scientific and ecological basis for the planning exercises.
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3 STUDY AREA 3.1 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY The Skukuza Rest Camp is located inside the Kruger National Park (KNP) in the Ehlanzeni District municipality in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The rest camp lies in the Southern Region of the Park. Kruger Gates lies approximately 12 kilometers from the rest camp, while Phabeni Gate is located 39 kilometers away (Figure 1). Skukuza Rest Camp is located directly south of the Sabie River and adjacent to the old Selati Railway Line. The staff village is located to the west of the main camp and is bisected by the N’waswitshaka River, while the living quarters and Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) is situated to the southeast of the camp.
The proposed safari lodge will be a 128 key (256 bed) facility with a combination of luxury suites, standard rooms and family rooms, including universal access rooms.
Additional staff accommodation facilities will be required in Skukuza village for essential staff. This will include ten staff units inside the rest camp (seven 2 bedroom flats and three 3 bedroom houses) that will be demolished to accommodate the new lodge and will be rebuilt in the staff village. Sixteen new sleep-over units will be built as well as twenty 2 bedroom units plus one 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom unit, as well as a new contractor’s camp during construction. In order to accommodate the lodge and adjacent facilities it will require the relocation of the Working for Water offices, certain of the Scientific Services Offices/Stores as well as nursery tunnels (stores and ablutions).
Upgrades to services infrastructure within Skukuza to accommodate the additional demand will include:
Upgrading of the Skukuza Rest Camp water treatment works and water reticulation network including new water pipelines and 1 additional water reservoir.
Upgrading of the sewer pump system and pipelines as well as an anaerobic digester before the oxidation pond at the existing sewage treatment plant.
Minor road and storm water upgrades surrounding the lodge and new housing units.
Electricity upgrades which includes and an electrical cable from the existing Skukuza substation to the lodge.
As per normal SANParks developments standards, the design of the lodge will be to blend in with the environment, remain below the tree canopy, using materials such as thatch in the typical bush style used in the Kruger Park.
Refer to Figure 2 for the localities of the proposed project. The proposed lodge will be located within the Skukuza Rest Camp and the infrastructure upgrades will take place within and
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directly adjacent to Skukuza Village.
SANParks will procure the services of a specialist Green Building Consultant to assist in the development of the green building initiatives for the lodge. The scope of work for the Green Building Consultant will be based on the National Minimum Standards for Sustainable Tourism. The lodge will use some of the latest environmentally friendly designs, technology and practices, e.g. rain water capture, solar energy, grey water system, etc. Also refer to Appendix A (SANParks Fact Sheet) for a further description of the proposed lodge.
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Project: Skukuza Safari Lodge
Figure 1. Regional Location Map
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Figure 2. Satelite image showing the proposed developments (Google Pro, 2010)
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3.2 CLIMATE Climate in the broad sense is a major determinant of the geographical distribution of species and vegetation types. However, on a smaller scale, the microclimate, which is greatly influenced by local topography, is also important. Within areas, the local conditions of temperature, light, humidity and moisture vary greatly and it is these factors which play an important role in the production and survival of plants (Tainton, 1981). In terrestrial environments, limitations related to water availability are always important to plants and plant communities. The spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall is very complex and has great effects on the productivity, distribution and life forms of the major terrestrial biomes (Barbour et al. 1987). Furthermore, aspects like topography, slope and altitude may further result in differences in precipitation and water availability to plants within the study area. The spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall is very complex and has great effects on the productivity, distribution and life forms of the major terrestrial biomes (Barbour et al. 1987).The site falls within the summer rainfall region with very dry winters and can be described as a frost free region in general. The study area has a mean annual precipitation of 546 mm. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures for the area is 38.0˚C and 3.7˚C for January and June respectively.
3.3 VEGETATION TYPES The development site lies within the Savanna biome which is the largest biome in Southern Africa. The Savanna Biome is characterized by a grassy ground layer and a distinct upper layer of woody plants (trees and shrubs). The environmental factors delimiting the biome are complex and include altitude, rainfall, geology and soil types, with rainfall being the major delimiting factor. Fire and grazing also keep the grassy layer dominant. The most recent classification of the area by Mucina & Rutherford is the Granite Lowveld Bushveld vegetation type, although most of the proposed development sites have been completely modified and represent degraded bushveld or gardens with ornamental plants and trees. The riparian woodland of the Sabie River represent Lowveld Riverine Forest as classified by Mucina & Rutherford (2006) although this is not indicated on the Vegetation Map (Mucina et al. 2005).
The vegetation structure of the Granite Lowveld Vegetation Type is typical tall shrubland with few trees to moderately dense low woodland on the deep sandy uplands, while dense thicket to open savanna dominate occurs in the bottomlands. At seeplines where convex topography changes to concave, a dense fringe of Terminalia sericea occurs, with Eragrostis gummiflua in the undergrowth. The conservation status of the vegetation type is vulnerable with some 17% conserved in Kruger National Park, and the same percentage conserved in smaller private reserves. More than 20% of this vegetation type has been transformed, mainly by cultivation and by settlement development.
The Lowveld Riverine Forest is characterized by tall forests fringing larger rivers and water
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pans. Although large areas of this vegetation type were modified by the 2000 floods around Skukuza, representations of the Lowveld Riverine Forest are still intact in the area around Skukuza. This vegetation type has a Critically Endangered conservation status and the Kruger National Park represent one of the few areas where this vegetation type is statutorily conserved.
Gertenbach (1983) described the vegetation of the area according to a classification system based on landscapes. Based on this classification the Skukuza area represents landscape 4 namely the Sabie – Crocodile River Thickets. This landscape is divided into three basic areas namely uplands, bottomlands and dense riparian woodlands, although none of the sites represent riparian woodland.
3.4 GEOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES Geology is directly related to soil types and plant communities that may occur in a specific area (Van Rooyen & Theron, 1996). A Land type unit is a unique combination of soil pattern, terrain and macroclimate, the classification of which is used to determine the potential agricultural value of soils in an area. The land type unit represented within the study area include the Fb167 land type (Land Type Survey Staff, 1987) (ENPAT, 2001). The landtype, geology and associated soil types is presented in Table 1 below as classified by the Environmental Potential Atlas, South Africa (ENPAT, 2000).
Table 1. Landtypes, geology and dominant soil types of the proposed project area
Landtype Soils Geology
Glenrosa and/or Mispah forms (other soils may occur), lime rare or absent in Fb167 Potassic gneiss and migmatite (Swazian age) upland soils but generally present in low- lying soils
The soils in the Sabie-Crocodile River Thickets landscape are normally shallow and where it is deeper saturated with sodium. It developed mainly as a result of the accumulation of clay and mineral elements in the low-lying areas. Harmse & Van Wyk (1972) identified two groups of soils in this landscape, namely shallow Mispah and Glenrosa soils on the uplands; and Sterkspruit, Estcourt and Valsrivier soils in the bottomlands. Dundee, Oakleaf and Inhoek soil forms are usually found on the banks of spruits and rivers. As a rule, it can be stated that the soils of the Sabie-Crocodile Thickets landscape are shallow and show no signs of a recurrent pattern (Gertenbach, 1983).
4 METHODS
4.1 VEGETATION SURVEY Two basic methods were used during the vegetation survey:
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Line transects were walked on the site surveyed to record the plant species present. Rare and threatened plant species and any botanically sensitive sites or habitats were searched for in the various vegetation units.
The Braun-Blanquet survey technique to describe plant communities as ecological units was also used for this study. It allows for the mapping of vegetation and the comparison of the data with similar studies in the area.
The vegetation survey was conducted on site during May 2011, November 2012 and June 2014. The vegetation was in a medium to good condition and most species could be identified. No further surveys were necessary considering that the area received sufficient precipitation during the wet season to allow for the identification of most plants in the study area.
4.1.1 Data recorded:
Plant names used in this report are in accordance with Arnold & De Wet (1993), with the exception of a few newly revised species. A list of all plant species present, including trees, shrubs, grasses, forbs, geophytes and succulents were compiled. All identifiable plant species were listed. Notes were additionally made of any other features that might have an ecological influence as well as potential fauna habitat that might occur.
4.1.2 Red data species
A species list of the red data species previously recorded in the vicinity of the proposed development was obtained from the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), South Africa as classified by the IUCN red data list categories.
4.1.3 Protected trees
A species list of the protected tree species was obtained from the Department of Forestry. These trees are listed by the NFA (Act 84 of 1998) as protected.
4.1.4 Protected plants
A list of protected and specially protected plants was obtained from the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act.
4.2 DRAINAGE & HYDROLOGY The study area falls within Quaternary catchment X31M and the Inkomati Water Management Area (WMA) with the main river in the secondary catchment area being the Sabie River.
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4.2.1 Data processing
A classification of vegetation data was done to identify, describe and map vegetation types. The descriptions of the vegetation units include the tree, shrub and herbaceous layers.
The conservation priority of each vegetation unit was assessed by evaluating the plant species composition in terms of the present knowledge of the vegetation of the Mpumalanga Province, as well as the Granite Lowveld Bushveld vegetation type and Savanna Biome of South Africa.
The following four conservation priority categories were used for each vegetation unit:
High: Ecologically sensitive and valuable land with high species richness that should be conserved and no development allowed.
Medium: Land that should be conserved but on which low impact development could be considered with the provision of mitigation measures.
Medium-low: Land that has some conservation value but on which development could be considered with limited impact on the vegetation / ecosystem. It is recommended that certain sections of the vegetation be maintained.
Low: Land that has little conservation value and that could be considered for developed with little to no impact on the vegetation / ecosystem.
4.3 SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT The ecological sensitivity of any piece of land is based on its inherent ecosystem service and overall preservation of biodiversity.
4.3.1 Ecological function
The ecological function relates to the degree of ecological connectivity between systems within a landscape matrix. Therefore, systems with a high degree of landscape connectivity amongst one another are perceived to be more sensitive and will be those contributing to ecosystem service (e.g. wetlands) or overall preservation of biodiversity.
4.3.2 Conservation importance
Conservation importance relates to species diversity, endemism (unique species or unique processes) and the high occurrence of threatened and protected species or ecosystems protected by legislation.
4.3.3 Sensitivity scale
High – sensitive ecosystem with either low inherent resistance or low resilience
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towards disturbance factors or highly dynamic systems considered being important for the maintenance of ecosystem integrity. Most of these systems represent ecosystems with high connectivity with other important ecological systems or with high species diversity and usually provide suitable habitat for a number of threatened or rare species. These areas should be protected;
Medium – These are slightly modified systems which occur along gradients of disturbances of low-medium intensity with some degree of connectivity with other ecological systems or ecosystems with intermediate levels of species diversity but may include potential ephemeral habitat for threatened species;
Low – Degraded and highly disturbed / transformed systems with little ecological function and which are generally very poor in species diversity.
4.4 IMPACT RATING ASSESSMENT MATRIX An impact can be defined as any change in the physical-chemical, biological, cultural and/or socio-economic environmental system that can be attributed to human activities related to alternatives under study for meeting a project need.
The significance of the impacts will be determined through a synthesis of the criteria below (Plomp, 2004):
Probability. This describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring:
Improbable: The possibility of the impact occurring is very low, due to the circumstances, design or experience.
Probable: There is a probability that the impact will occur to the extent that provision must be made therefore.
Highly Probable: It is most likely that the impact will occur at some stage of the development.
Definite: The impact will take place regardless of any prevention plans, and there can only be relied on mitigation actions or contingency plans to contain the effect.
Duration. The lifetime of the impact
Short term: The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural processes in a time span shorter than any of the phases.
Medium term: The impact will last up to the end of the phases, where after it will be negated.
Long term: The impact will last for the entire operational phase of the project but
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will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter.
Permanent: Impact that will be non-transitory. Mitigation either by man or natural processes will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient.
Scale. The physical and spatial size of the impact
Local: The impacted area extends only as far as the activity, e.g. footprint.
Site: The impact could affect the whole, or a measurable portion of the above mentioned properties.
Regional: The impact could affect the area including the neighbouring areas.
Magnitude/ Severity. Does the impact destroy the environment, or alter its function.
Low: The impact alters the affected environment in such a way that natural processes are not affected.
Medium: The affected environment is altered, but functions and processes continue in a modified way.
High: Function or process of the affected environment is disturbed to the extent where it temporarily or permanently ceases.
Significance. This is an indication of the importance of the impact in terms of both physical extent and time scale, and therefore indicates the level of mitigation required.
Negligible: The impact is non-existent or unsubstantial and is of no or little importance to any stakeholder and can be ignored.
Low: The impact is limited in extent, has low to medium intensity; whatever its probability of occurrence is, the impact will not have a material effect on the decision and is likely to require management intervention with increased costs.
Medium: The impact is of importance to one or more stakeholders, and its intensity will be medium or high; therefore, the impact may materially affect the decision, and management intervention will be required.
High: The impact could render development options controversial or the project unacceptable if it cannot be reduced to acceptable levels; and/or the cost of management intervention will be a significant factor in mitigation.
The following weights will be assigned to each attribute:
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Aspect Description Weight Probability Improbable 1 Probable 2 Highly Probable 4 Definite 5 Duration Short term 1 Medium term 3 Long term 4 Permanent 5 Scale Local 1 Site 2 Regional 3 Magnitude/Severity Low 2 Medium 6 High 8 Significance Sum(Duration, Scale, Magnitude) x Probability Negligible ≤20 Low ≤40 Medium ≤60 High ≥60
The significance of each activity will be rated without mitigation measures and with mitigation measures for the development.
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5 RESULTS
5.1 VEGETATION UNITS
The proposed development site occurs in a variety of landscapes from completely modified gardens inside the Skukuza rest camp to slightly degraded thickets, open woodland and riparian woodland areas along the periphery of the staff village and living quarters. The most prominent drainage channels in close proximity to the proposed development of staff housing are the Sabie and N’waswitshaka Rivers and the importance of determining the 1:100 year flood line zone would be an important consideration for any further planning exercises. The vegetation of the proposed development sites outside the camp fences can be described as representative of the riparian zone, uplands and bottomlands described for the Sabie-Crocodile River thickets landscape (Gertenbach, 1983). Vegetation units were identified during the ecological surveys according to plant species composition, previous land-use, soil types and topography. The state of the vegetation of the proposed development site varies from being completely modified (gardens, bowling green) to slightly degraded or natural woodland. The Code of Conduct for the Kruger National Park with regards to the management of biodiversity (natural habitats outside the rest camp or staff village), cultural heritage (baobab trees planted by James Stevenson-Hamilton in 1930’s) and plants (landscaping, control of alien invasive species etc.) is included in Appendix C.
The vegetation communities identified on the proposed development site during the ecological surveys are classified as physiographic physiognomic units, where physiognomic refers to the outer appearance of the vegetation, and physiographic refers to the position of the plant communities in the landscape. The physiographic- physiognomic units will be referred to as vegetation units in the following sections. Each proposed development site or activity unit is described in terms of its characteristics. A species list for each of the units identified during the field surveys and photographs of the woody structure is included. The main distinctions were made in terms of vegetation units of the project area. The aim of the study was to determine the suitability of the project area from a floristic perspective for the proposed developments.
After the initial ecological surveys of the study area, the analysis of the data resulted in the identification of 10 major vegetation units on the proposed development sites. The detailed species list for each development site is included in Appendix A, while the state of the vegetation is included in the Photographic Guide. A vegetation map was also compiled for the Skukuza Safari Lodge Site (Figure 5) and this map also
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indicates the location of the most prominent protected and indigenous trees on site. The following vegetation units were identified on different locations in and around the proposed development sites:
1. Residential gardens
2. Degraded grassland with scattered trees
3. Ziziphus – Grewia – Tecoma thickets
4. Acacia grandicornuta – Grewia thickets
5. Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland
6. Mixed Acacia nigrescens–woodland
7. Combretum apiculatum – Grewia bicolor woodland
8. Dense Spirostachys africana – Grewia bicolor thickets (thickets & non- perennial drainage channels)
9. Dense Grewia – Dichrostachys thickets
10. Riparian woodland
5.1.1 Skukuza Safari Lodge Site and 16 lodge staff sleep-over units
Status: Mostly in a modified state in residential gardens, although the thickets in the north-western section of the site is in a semi-degraded state. A small pocket occurs outside the rest camp fence and this area is also in a semi degraded state
Degree of Disturbance: High
Conservation Priority: Low
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Soil The soils in the natural areas Rockiness <1% outside the gardens represent red clayey soils derived from Gneiss
Dominant spp. Gardens areas: Garden ornamentals, Ekebergia capensis, Tecoma capensis, Trichilia emetic, Cynodon dactylon, exotic weeds Grewia thickets: Grewia hexamita, Ziziphus mucronata, Tecoma capensis Acacia – Grewia thickets: Acacia tortilis, Grewia bicolor, Acacia exuvilialis
A. Gardens:
The areas around the 6 chalets, staff housing, maintenance yards and gymnasium represent completely modified residential gardens. Many of the tall, indigenous tree species growing in the gardens was planted many years ago by park officials, with the most significant trees the two baobab trees that was planted in the early 1930’s by the Kruger National Park’s founder Col. James-Stevenson Hamilton (photograph 1). Other plant species of significance include 3 individuals of 2 cycad species [Encephalartos lebomboensis and E. paucidentatus (photograph 3)] and tall trees that do not occur in the Skukuza region, but elsewhere in specific habitats such as the Punda Maria Sandveld (Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia), rocky habitats (Kirkia acuminata) or elsewhere in the Southern African subregion (Aloe barberiae). Some of the protected trees that occur in the gardens include Sclerocarya birrea (marula), Philenoptera violaceae (apple-leaf) and the two baobab trees. The most prominent tree species in the gardens include Cape Ash (Ekebergia capensis) and Natal Mahogany (Trichilia emetica) (photograph 4). The gardens and areas surrounding the maintenance yard are currently in a highly degraded, modified state as indicated by the invasion of the area by various exotic weeds (photograph 2, 4). Considering that these areas occur in modified gardens no density estimation of the floristic components was done.
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Photograph 1. The two baobab trees planted in the 1930’s by Stevenson- Hamilton will be preserved as natural heritage
Photograph 2. Degraded state of the maintenance yards at present
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Photograph 3. The cycads occurring in the garden is some of the plants that should be kept in the Skukuza Nursery during construction to be re-planted as part of the landscaping around the Safari Lodge
Photograph 4. Modified gardens occur on the proposed Safari Lodge development site and are characterized by a degraded herbaceous layer and tall indigenous trees planted many years ago
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B. Grewia- Ziziphus – Tecoma thickets
The area along the western fenceline between the rest camp and the Skukuza gymnasium form dense thickets typical of the alluvial plains of the Sabie River (photograph 5). This area represents a semi-degraded indigenous vegetation unit on the site and should be preserved as such. The dominant plant species in the thickets include Grewia hexamita, Ziziphus mucronata, Grewia villosa and Tecoma capensis. These dense, impenetrable thickets form a natural barrier between the rest camp and the staff village to the north and west of the site. No plant species of significance occur in this vegetation unit. The density and height of the floristic components is as follows:
Percentage cover Avg. Height (m) (%) Trees 5-10 > 3 Shrubs 50-60 0.5 – 2 Grass 40-50 0.8 Forbs <1 0.3
Photograph 5. The dense thickets along the rest camp fenceline form a natural barrier between the staff village and the rest camp
C. Degraded Acacia tortilis – Grewia thickets
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The area to the west and south of the gymnasium form pockets of shrubveld between the main entrance road to the Skukuza staff village and the rest camp and will also be the area for the proposed development of the 16 lodge staff sleep-over units. This area represents degraded woodland dominated by typical species associated with degraded areas such as Acacia tortilis, dense stands of Grewia bicolor and various exotic weeds (Photograph 6). The area is utilized by the staff between the staff village and the rest camp and a footpath bisects the thickets causing even further degradation through littering and eventually alien species invasion. Old foundations of buildings were also observed in the area. No plant species of significance occur in this vegetation unit. The density and height of the floristic components is as follows:
Percentage cover Avg. Height (m) (%) Trees 10-15 > 3 Shrubs 20-30 0.5 – 2 Grass 60-70 0.8 Forbs <1 0.3
Photograph 6. Dense Acacia – Grewia thickets to the west of the Skukuza Gymnasium General Recommendations:
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The general site of the proposed Safari Lodge development is in an already disturbed area and has a low sensitivity from an ecological perspective. Most aspects on the proposed development site of floristic significance represent garden ornamentals that were planted in the gardens of the erven many years ago. These aspects need to be managed as follows:
o The two large baobab trees are protected species under the National Forest Act (DAFF) and of cultural-heritage significance (Appendix C) needs to preserved at all cost as part of the heritage of the Kruger National Park;
o Other trees of significance that should be preserved as part of the landscaping or moved to an “ex situ” nursery if possible include the following individuals as indicated in Table 2 (GPS coordinates included). These individuals were marked by danger tape during the surveys (May 2011). Please note that the locations of these species should be confirmed by the surveyor due to the variation in accuracy of the GPS used for the ecological survey:
Table 2. List of tall indigenous trees on the site of the proposed Skukuza Safari Lodge
Species Longitude Latitude Action
Androstachys johnsonni 31.59014 -24.99355 Preserved
Philenoptera violaceae 31.59032 -24.99338 Preserved
Philenoptera violaceae 31.59001 -24.99332 Preserved
Cussonia spicata 31.58978 -24.99319 Preserved
Diplorhynchus condylocarpon 31.59017 -24.99316 Preserved
Bolusanthus speciosus 31.58963 -24.99294 Preserved
Commiphora africana 31.59011 -24.99313 Transplanted
Berchemia discolor 31.58943 -24.99312 Preserved
Steganotaenia araliaceae 31.58936 -24.99318 Transplanted
Diospyros mespiliformes 31.58927 -24.99263 Preserved
Adansonia digitata(young) 31.58921 -24.99293 Transplanted
Erythrina humeana 31.58864 -24.99277 Transplanted
Encephalartos paucidentatus 31.58904 -24.99226 Transplanted
Encephalartos lebomboensis 31.58913 -24.99241 Transplanted
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Species Longitude Latitude Action
Encephalartos paucidentatus 31.5892 -24.99236 Transplanted
Aloe barberiae 31.58913 -24.99225 Preserved
Diospyros mespiliformes 31.58903 -24.99221 Preserved
Cordyla africana 31.59041 -24.99318 Preserved
Breonadia salicina 31.59017 -24.99304 Preserved
Sclerocarya birrea 31.59042 -24.99334 Preserved
Sclerocarya birrea 31.59004 -24.9929 Preserved
Sclerocarya birrea 31.58857 -24.99212 Preserved
Combretum imberbe 31.58855 -24.99229 Preserved
o No licence application is needed for the protected trees that occur on site, considering that all formally protected areas have exemption in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998.
o Plant species that are easily transplanted and that occur on site could be used for the landscaping of the site after construction of the Safari Lodge. These species should be preserved at the “ex situ” Skukuza Nursery. These species include the three cycads on site as well as succulents (Adenium species, Zansevieria, Euphorbia, Stapelia spp.), flowering plants, smaller trees and shrubs that were recently planted in the gardens. Larger trees could be moved and re- planted after construction but this would need inputs from the Skukuza Nursery.
o The aim of the development should be to improve the aesthetical value of the area surrounding the proposed Safari Lodge, especially considering the degraded state of the area at present (see photographic guide).
o A list of plant species suitable to be planted in the gardens for the landscaping of the site is included in Appendix B while the Code of Conduct of the KNP (Appendix C) indicate specific rules for landscaping. Plants that will be planted should be indigenous to the Skukuza area. The gardens should be designed to conserve water and the focus should therefore be on low maintenance rock gardens with succulents such as impala lilies in between the indigenous trees that could be preserved on site. Shrub species such as Combretum
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microphyllum and other climbers could be used as screenings against the sides of buildings and fences.
o Rocks that occur in the gardens should be stockpiled before any construction occurs on site. These rocks could be used for the landscaping of the site.
o
The site for the proposed development of the 16 lodge staff sleep-over units occur in the degraded Acacia – Grewia thickets outside the restcamp fence. Old foundations of buildings also occur in this area and the development of the units should be focused in this already degraded area.
No red data species potentially occurring in the grid square of the area occur on the proposed development site due to the degraded and modified state of the vegetation. The cycads that were planted in the gardens many years ago and that are listed as red data species (Encephalartos lebomboensis – endangered; E. paucidentatus – vulnerable), although these species do not occur naturally in the area and merely represent garden ornamentals. No permits are needed to move the individual specimens within the rest camp and staff village area provided that the movement gets done by the Skukuza Nursery (Ms. M. Hofmeyr) once cleared by the Mpumalanga Parks Agency.
Figure 5 indicates the specific locations of these species and other trees of significance.
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Figure 3. Vegetation Map for the proposed Safari Lodge site and 16 lodge staff sleep-over units
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5.1.2 8 Two Bedroom Units and 2 Three-bedroom units in Skukuza Staff Village
Status: Degraded woodland / grassland areas
Degree of disturbance High
Conservation Priority:
Low
Soil Shallow gravelly soils derived Rockiness <1% from granite
Dominant spp. Acacia tortilis, Aristida spp., exotic weeds
The area for the proposed development of 2 bedroom units occurs directly adjacent to the staff entrance road and Skukuza golf course at the reservoirs. Three vegetation units are represented on proposed development areas namely:
Degraded grassland (directly adjacent to reservoirs)
Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland
Most of the natural vegetation in the area for the 2 bedroom units have already been degraded and has either become encroached along the periphery of the Skukuza staff village erven or invaded by exotic weeds and pioneer grass species (photograph 7 & 8). The Degraded Grassland (area around reservoirs) and Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland (area to the east of reservoirs) vegetation units were observed in the area directly surrounding the reservoirs and slightly more to the east.
Most of the Acacia tortilis woodland areas are dominated by species such as Grewia bicolor, Grewia hexamita, Ziziphus mucronata and Acacia tortilis. Only a few tall indigenous tree species occur in the degraded areas surrounding the reservoirs such as Sclerocarya birrea, Spirostachys africana and Philenoptera. The vegetation of the degraded sections of the site is characterized by indicator weed species of disturbed areas such as Xanthium strumarium, Lippia javanica and Tagetes minuta. The area has become even further degraded by the dumping of garden refuse and litter from the
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surrounding staff village.
The average height and densities of the floristic components for the different vegetation units are as follows:
Percentage cover (%) Avg. Height (m) Degraded grassland Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland Trees 1-2 10 > 3 Shrubs <1 10-15 0.5 – 2 Grass 50-60 50-60 0.8-1.2 Forbs 10-15 1-2 0.3
Recommendations:
The degraded areas (woodland; degraded grassland) of the site outside the periphery of the staff village erven have a Medium-low sensitivity considering the high level of disturbance in the area;
The development should be clustered and the footprints should be restricted to the least sensitive areas surrounding the reservoirs and on the empty erven in the staff village. No impact may occur on the neighbouring natural woodland areas. Indigenous elements such as trees occurring on site should be incorporated as part of the gardens of the erven.
No licence application is needed for the protected trees that occur on site, considering that all formally protected areas have exemption in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998.
Only indigenous plants typical of the habitats represented in the area should be planted in the gardens of the erven according to the KNP Code of Conduct (Appendix C).
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Photograph 7. Degraded state of the proposed 2-bedroom staff housing development sites adjacent to the reservoirs
Photograph 8. Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland to the east of the reservoirs
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5.1.3 4 x Two Bedroom Houses
Status: Alternative 1: Dense natural woodland with a well-developed shrub layer on outskirts of staff village Alternative 2: Degraded areas surrounding parkhomes / modified gardens
Degree of disturbance Alternative 1: Low Alternative 2: High
Conservation Priority: Alternative 1: High Alternative 2: Low
Soil Alternative 1: Soils vary from shallow Rockiness <1% calcareous soils or heavy clayey soils derived from calcrete. Soils are typical of midslopes adjacent to drainage channel in Lowveld region Alternative 2: Shallow gravelly soils derived from granite
Dominant spp. Alternative 1: Spirostachys Africana, Grewia bicolor, Grewia flavescens, Terminalia prunoides Alternative 2: Garden ornamentals, Acacia tortilis, Exotic weeds, Aristida spp
Alternative 1:
Alternative 1 occurs on the outskirts of Skukuza staff village to the north of Elephant Road. The area is characterized by dense stands of Spirostachys africana thickets (photograph 9) throughout most of the area, with some Grewia thickets (photograph 10) representing the area north of the tamboti thickets. The area is popular feeding ground for elephant and other game species and might even occasionally provide browse for black rhino during night time (signs observed in area). The herbaceous layer varies from sparse underneath the tamboti thickets, to denser in the open areas where the sunlight reaches the understorey in the Grewia thickets. The average height and density of the floristic components in the vegetation units of the site is as follows:
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Percentage cover (%) Avg. Height (m) Tamboti thickets Grewia thickets Trees 25-30 5-10 > 3 Shrubs 10-15 25-30 0.5 – 2 Grass 30-40 50-60 0.8-1.2 Forbs <1 <1 0.3
The following is recommended for this area:
The development on this natural area is less preferred compared to Alternative 2 considering the dense stands of the protected tamboti trees.
Photograph 9. Dense tamboti thickets on proposed development site for the 4 two- bedroom units (along Elephant Road)
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Photograph 10.Grewia thickets on northern sections of 4 two bedroom unit site along Elephant Road
Alternative 2:
Alternative 2 for the 4 to bedroom houses is situated in the current student accommodation camp next to Tubelisha house and the development will occur in the erven of the “old” parkhomes. Considering that these areas occur in modified gardens (photograph 11) no density estimation of the floristic components was done. The parkhomes will be removed. The erven is currently in a highly degraded state and has become invaded by exotic weeds and grass species. Indigenous tree species still occur as garden ornamentals on the sites. The following is recommended for this area:
From an ecological point of view the site is the preferred option (compared to Alternative 1) and highly suitable (low sensitivity) for the development of the 2 bedroom houses.
The same rules apply on the planting of flora in the gardens of the 2 bedroom houses as recommended previously in the report (Appendix C).
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Photograph 11. Current state of vegetation in the area surrounding the parkhomes on the 4 two bedroom houses site
5.1.4 New contractors camps and 20 x 2/3 bedroom additional living quarter units
Status: Degraded grassland with scattered trees inside fenced area Dense microphyllous thickets outside camp fence.
Degree of disturbance High (inside fence) Medium-low (outside fence)
Conservation Priority: Low (inside fence) Medium (outside fence in woodland) to high (outside fence in riparian woodland)
The development of additional two bedroom units in the Skukuza living quarters is proposed to the east of the living quarters, while the contractors camp is partially in the South-Eastern corner of the living quarters, while a large section is proposed outside the current fenced area. Two different vegetation units were observed in the area as indicated in Table 3 that summarizes the vegetation characteristics in the area:
Table 3. Characteristics of vegetation units in the proposed development area of the 2 bedroom units for the Skukuza Living Quarters
Characteristics Degraded grassland with scattered trees Acacia grandicornuta – Grewia (inside living quarters) thickets
State & location Area represented includes the ares inside the Natural thickets occurring to the south Skukuza living quarters where tented and east of the living quarters outside the accommodation is provided to staff at the fenced area on shallow calcareous soils moment (Photograph 12) typical of bottomlands in the area (Photograph 13)
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Characteristics Degraded grassland with scattered trees Acacia grandicornuta – Grewia (inside living quarters) thickets
Red data / None observed due to degraded state of area None observed endemic flora
Protected tree Marula Marula, Apple-leaf species
Dominant plant Aristida spp, Exotic weeds, Acacia tortilis Acacia grandicornuta, Grewia bicolor, species Acacia nilotica, Terminalia prunoides
Vegetation Short degraded grassland with isolated trees Mostly dense, almost impenetrable structure in between tented camp for staff thickets with some isolated tall trees. description: Woody structure dominated by medium tall trees (2-4m)
Woody structure Trees: <1% avg. Cover, Height: 3-6m Trees: 20-25% avg. Cover, Height: 3-6m Shrubs: <1% avg. Cover; Height 1-2m Shrubs: 30-35% avg. Cover; Height 1-2m
Herbaceous Grass: 20-30% avg. Cover; height: 0.2-0.6m Grass: 30-40% avg. Cover; height: 0.8- structure Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; height: 0.4m 1.2m Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; height: 0.4m
General Mostly gravelly soils derived from granite Calcareous soils derived from calcrete (Geology, soil)
Sensitivity Low – modified land Medium – natural vegetation
Management None itigation measures as stipulated for actions sensitive soils and vegetation under section 6.
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Photograph 12. Area inside fenced area of living quarters that forms part of proposed development site
Photograph 13. Dense Acacia grandicornouta thickets along the eastern section of the Skukuza Living Quarters The following is recommended for this area:
The development should be clustered and the footprints should be restricted to the least sensitive areas. No impact may occur on the neighbouring natural woodland areas. Indigenous elements such as trees occurring on site should be incorporated as part of the gardens of the erven.
No licence application is needed for the protected trees that occur on site, considering that all formally protected areas have exemption in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998.
Only indigenous plants typical of the habitats represented in the area should be planted in the gardens according to the KNP Code of Conduct (Appendix C).
5.1.5 Relocation sites of buildings
5.1.5.1 Nursery tunnels, store and ablutions
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Status: Completely modified bare ground with exotic weeds / pioneer grasses
Degree of disturbance High
Conservation Priority: Low
The proposed relocation site for the nursery tunnels, store and ablutions for the Skukuza Nursery is located on a completely degraded site to the south of the entrance road to the Skukuza Nursery that is currently represent soil dumps used to screen soil for the Skukuza Nursery (Photograph 13). The vegetation can be classified as degraded grassland and is dominated by various pioneer grass species (Cynodon dactylon, Aristida spp.), exotic weeds (Tagetes minuta, Guilumnea densa) and other alien invasive species (Datura stramonium, Solanum mauritianum). Isolated tree and shrub species such as Acacia tortilis, Cassia petersiana, Dichrostahcys cinerea and Croton megalobotrys was observed on the site.
Photograph 14. Relocation site for the Nursery tunnels, store and ablutions
The following is recommended for this area:
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No impact may occur on the neighbouring natural woodland areas. Indigenous elements such as trees occurring on site should be incorporated as part of the gardens of the erven.
Alien invasive species should be eradicated as stipulated in the CARA regulations.
5.1.5.2 Working for Water Stores
The proposed relocation site for the Working for Water (WfW) Stores is located slightly south-east of the proposed Safari Lodge site outside Skukuza Rest Camp. The site represents degraded Combretum – Grewia woodland typical of the larger Skukuza area as well as the foundations of old broken down buildings (Photograph 15). The typical vegetation structure is indicated in Photograph 16, while Table 4 summarizes the vegetation characteristics in the area:
Status: Degraded woodland
Degree of disturbance Medium-High
Conservation Priority:
Medium-Low
Table 4. Characteristics of vegetation units in the proposed development area for the relocation of the WfW stores
Characteristics Combretum-Grewia woodland
State & location Degraded woodland occurring to the south of the Scientific Services building on shallow gravelly soils typical of granitic bedrock.
Red data / endemic None observed flora
Protected tree species Apple-leaf
Dominant plant Acacia tortilis, Grewia bicolor, Combretum apiculatum species
Vegetation structure Mostly dense thickets with some isolated tall trees. Woody structure dominated by description: medium tall trees (2-4m)
Woody structure Trees: 15-20% avg. Cover, Height: 3-6m Shrubs: 20-25% avg. Cover; Height 1-2m
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Characteristics Combretum-Grewia woodland
Herbaceous structure Grass: 30-40% avg. Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; height: 0.4m
General (Geology, soil) Gravelly soils of the Glenrosa soil form derived from granite
Sensitivity Medium-low – natural vegetation in a slightly to Mediumly degraded state
Management actions Permits needed for eradication of protected tree species, mitigation measures as stipulated for sensitive soils and vegetation under section 6.
Site-specific recommendations for the relocation site of the WfW stores include the following:
The development should be clustered and the footprints should be restricted to the least sensitive areas, such as the areas surrounding the old foundations and highly degraded areas;
No licence application is needed for the protected trees that occur on site, considering that all formally protected areas have exemption in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998.
Only indigenous plants typical of the habitats represented in the area should be planted in the gardens according to the KNP Code of Conduct (Appendix C).
Photograph 15. Old foundation of a broken down building on the proposed WfW stores relocation site
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Photograph 16. Typical woodland associated with the proposed relocation site of the WfW stores
5.1.5.3 Scientific Services Offices / Stores
Status: Gardens / bare ground
Degree of disturbance High
Conservation Priority: Low
The site for the proposed relocation of the Scientific Services Offices or stores is in a completely modified area to the north of the Nature Conservation Offices and represents landscaped gardens with tall indigenous trees. Many of the tall, indigenous tree species (e.g. Ekebergia capensis, Trichilia emetica, Ficus sycomorus) growing in the gardens have been incorporated as part of the landscaping or were planted many years ago by park officials. Photograph 17 indicates the site for the proposed relocation of these buildings.
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Photograph 17. Gardens surrounding the site for the proposed Scientific Services Offices / Stores
The following is recommended for this area:
The site is in an already disturbed area and has a low sensitivity from an ecological perspective. Most aspects on the proposed development site have low floristic significance and represent garden ornamentals or tall indigenous trees that were planted many years ago.
A list of plant species suitable to be planted in the gardens for the landscaping of the site is included in Appendix B while the Code of Conduct of the KNP (Appendix C) indicate specific rules for landscaping. Plants that will be planted should be indigenous to the Skukuza area. The gardens should be designed to conserve water and the focus should therefore be on low maintenance rock gardens with succulents such as impala lilies in between the indigenous trees that could be preserved on site.;
5.1.6 Reservoir construction site & associated pipelines (sewer & water supply) and electrical cable route for the proposed Safari Lodge development
The proposed development of a new electrical cable route (from the Safari Lodge site to the substation), reservoir, water supply pipeline upgrade (from proposed new reservoir to
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Safari Lodge site), new sewer- and water supply pipelines from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and already existing reservoir to the proposed Skukuza Safari Lodge and staff quarters and to the Water Purification Works forms part of the extended infrastructure and upgrading of the capacity for the development of the Skukuza Safari Lodge. The location of the proposed pipelines routes, electrical cable route and reservoir construction site through the different vegetation units is indicated in figure 4, while a description of the vegetation units on which the proposed developments might impact is included in table 5.
The impact of the proposed pipelines will only be on a small footprint area of 2-3 meters in width along the pipeline routes indicated in Figure 4. The vegetation on site varies from degraded (old quarry, road servitude) to natural. The impact of excavation for the pipeline should be restricted to the proposed line and not over the larger area.
The management and mitigation measures related to the potential impacts of the proposed pipelines, electrical cable route and reservoir development is discussed under section 6 of this report.
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Figure 4. Vegetation Map for the proposed infrastructure associated with the Safari Lodge (sewer and water supply pipelines, power cable, reservoir etc.)
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Table 5. Characteristics of the major vegetation units in the study area (pipelines and reservoir construction site)
Characteristics Degraded grassland Acacia grandicornuta Degraded grassland Combretum – Grewia Spirostachys africana – Slightly degraded Tall Riparian woodland Grewia - Tecoma Residential gardens / thickets with scattered Acacia woodland riparian woodland Acacia - Grewia – thickets rest camp tortilis woodland (old Dichrostachys quarry) woodland Proposed activities Sewer line, water supply Sewer line Sewer line, water supply Sewer line / potential area Sewer line, water pipeline Reservoir construction Water supply pipeline Water supply pipeline Pipeline upgrade, pipeline, reservoir pipeline for upgrading of WWTP site, sewer line, water electrical cable route construction site supply pipeline State & location Small pockets of Natural thickets occurring Area surrounding the old Natural woodland directly Isolated non-perennial Area occurs along the Small area along fences Occurs inside rest camp Occurs inside rest camp grassland such as the old to the south and east of quarry at the living west of the WWTP as drainage channels and fenceline of the living of staff housing on the at Safari Lodge site, and along already existing bowling green and the living quarterson quarters reservoir well as areas to the west floodplains along pipeline quarters at the soccer banks of the slightly degraded state corridors roadside servitudes shallow calcareous soils of the Skukuza rest camp routes. Vegetation in field, vegetation in a N’waswitshaka River in typical of bottomlands in natural state. slightly encroached state. slightly degraded state. the area Red data / endemic flora None observed due to None observed None observed due to None observed None observed, although None observed None observed, although None observed None observed due to degraded state of area degraded state of area potential habitat for Drimia potential habitat for Drimia degraded state of area sanguine and sanguinea Eleadendron transvaalense Protected tree species None observed Apple-leaf Marula Marula, apple-leaf Transvaal saphron, apple- Marula, apple-leaf Apple-leaf, matumi, None observed None observed leaf, leadwood leadwood Dominant plant species Aristida spp, Exotic Acacia grandicornuta, Acacia tortilis, Combretum apiculatum, Spirostachys africana, Dichrostachys cinerea, Grewia bicolor, Panicum Tecoma capensis, Grewia Garden ornamentals, tall weeds, Acacia tortilis Grewia bicolor, Acacia Dichrostachys cinerea, Balanites maughammi, Acacia nilotica, Grewia bicolor, maximum, Ficus bicolor, Ziziphus tree species planted in nilotica, Terminalia Aristida spp., Exotic Sclerocarya birrea, Philenoptera violacea, Sclerocarya birrea sycomorus, Diospyros mucronata rest camp prunoides weeds Grewia bicolor Manilkara mochisia mespiliformes, Trichilia emetica Vegetation structure Short degraded grassland Mostly dense, almost Open woodland with Open woodland with a Mostly dense thickets of Dense shrubby thickets Tall riparian woodland on Dense shrubby thickets No specific structure other description: with isolated trees impenetrable thickets with some shrubs and young well developed shrub medium tall trees with with isolated tall tree river banks, although the with some isolated tree than the tall tree species some isolated tall trees. trees occurring throughout layer sparse herbaceous cover. species. area where the pipeline species and sparse in the rest camp. None of Woody structure the area. Vegetation in will be placed represent herbaceous layer the trees should be dominated by medium tall state of succession at cleared areas with some eradicated during trees (2-4m) present shrubs and isolated trees. construction of infrastructure inside rest camp Woody structure Trees: <1% avg. Cover, Trees: 20-25% avg. Trees: 5-10% avg. Cover, Trees: 10-15% avg. Trees: 15-20% avg. Trees: 5-10% avg. Cover, Trees: 10-15% avg. Trees: 5-10% avg. Cover, N/a Height: 3-6m Cover, Height: 3-6m Height: 3-6m Cover, Height: 3-6m Cover, Height: 3-6m Height: 3-6m Cover, Height: 3-6m Height: 3-6m Shrubs: <1% avg. Cover; Shrubs: 30-35% avg. Shrubs: 2-5% avg. Cover; Shrubs: 15-20% avg. Shrubs: 20-25% avg. Shrubs: 25-30% avg. Shrubs: 15-20% avg. Shrubs: 20-25% avg. Height 1-2m Cover; Height 1-2m Height 1-2m Cover; Height 1-2m Cover; Height 1-2m Cover; Height 1-2m Cover; Height 1-2m Cover; Height 1-2m Herbaceous structure Grass: 60-70% avg. Grass: 30-40% avg. Grass: 60-70% avg. Grass: 50-60% avg. Grass: 20-30% avg. Grass: 40-50% avg. Grass: 70-80% avg. Grass: 40-50% avg. N/a Cover; height: 0.2-0.6m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Cover; height: 0.8-1.2m Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; Forbs: <1% avg. Cover; Forbs: <1% avg. Cover; Forbs: <1% avg. Cover; Forbs: 1-2% avg. Cover; Forbs: <1% avg. Cover; height: 0.4m height: 0.4m height: 0.4m height: 0.4m height: 0.4m height: 0.4m height: 0.4m height: 0.4m General (Geology, soil) Mostly gravelly soils Calcareous soils derived Shallow gravelly or Gravelly soils derived Heavy clayey soils / Gravelly or sandy soils Fine textured alluvial soils Clayey soils as indicated N/a derived from granite from calcrete calcareous soils from granite shallow calcareous soils derived from granite with alluvial deposits by the plant species composition. Sensitivity Low – modified land Medium – natural Medium - low Medium – natural High – dense thickets Medium – low (slightly High – riparian woodland Medium – low (slightly Low – modified land vegetation vegetation around non-perennial degraded) (specific mitigation degraded) drainage channels needed) (specific mitigation needed)
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5.2 FLORA: SPECIES LEVEL ASSESSMENT
South Africa has been recognized as having remarkable plant diversity with high levels of endemism. The major threats to plants in the Granite Lowveld Bushveld vegetation type are urban expansion, non-sustainable harvesting, collecting, overgrazing/browsing, mining and agriculture, although most of these impacts are not relevant for the proposed developments. The objective of this section was to compile a list of plant species for which there is conservation concern. This included threatened, rare, declining, protected and endemic species. A list of red data plant species previously recorded in the study area was requested from SANBI for the quarter degree grid in which the proposed development is planned.
5.2.1 Red data Flora Species
The following red data species could potentially occur in the grid square of the proposed developments or was planted as garden ornamentals on the sites. The surveys focused specifically on identifying the specific red data or endemic species in their habitat types. A list of potential red data species for the area and their preferred habitats are included in Table 6:
Table 6. Red data species potentially occurring in the grid square of the proposed development site and their specific habitat preference
Species Status Habitat in natural surroundings
Drimia sanguinea Near Threatened Woodland; clayey soils
Eleadendron transvaalense Near Threatened Termitaria, alluvial soils
Encephalartos lebomboensis Endangered Lebombo mountains (garden ornamental on site)
Encephalartos paucidentatus Vulnerable Mountains of eastern Mpumalanga in a restricted area near Barberton as well as in the adjacent mountains in the Piggs Peak District of north-western Swaziland (garden ornamental on site)
The two cycad species was planted in the garden of one of the staff houses many years ago and although these plants will stay inside the park no specific permits is needed for the temporary movement of the cycads. It is recommended that a specialist need to insert microchips into the plants when moved to a new location, even if just temporarily.
None of the other listed red data species potentially occurring in the area was found on other areas of the proposed development sites during the vegetation survey. The degraded state of many of the proposed development sites makes the probability of finding these species on the site low, while the habitat of the more natural areas do not
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represent optimal habitat for the red data species.
5.2.2 Protected tree species (NFA, 1998)
The National Forest Act (1998) provides a list of tree species that are considered important in a South African perspective as a result of scarcity, high utilization, common value, etc. No licence application is needed for the protected trees that occur on site, considering that all formally protected areas have exemption in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998.Taking cognizance of the data obtained from the field surveys, the following protected tree species occurs within the study area (Table 7):
Table 7. Protected tree species of the study area
Species National Conservation Status on study site Habitat of species status
Adansonia digitata Protected (NFA) Individuals Gardens (planted)
Breonadia salicina Protected (NFA) Individuals Gardens / riparian woodland
Eleadendron transvaalense Protected (NFA) Individuals on one of Natural woodland the 3-bedroom staff on clayey / fertile housing soils
Philenoptera violaceae Protected (NFA) Individuals Gardens; Riparian woodland & natural woodland on sandy soils
Sclerocarya birrea Protected (NFA) Individuals Gardens, Natural woodland
The potential impact of the proposed development on the protected tree species would be low considering that the species do occur in very low densities in certain areas of the proposed development sites, while species that occur on the Safari Lodge site in the gardens have mostly been planted. The preservation of the two baobab trees on the Safari Lodge site needs high priority, especially considering it to be cultural heritage. The baobab trees will be incorporated as part of the landscaping surrounding the safari lodge.
5.2.3 Protected plants (MNCA, 1998)
Plant species are also protected according to the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, No. 10 of 1998. According to this Act, no person may pick, import, export, transport, possess, cultivate or trade in a specimen of a specially protected or protected plant species. The Appendices to the Act provide an extensive list of species that are protected,
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comprising some of the species opccurring on the site, although some of these species rather occur as garden ornamentals that were planted in the gardens of the residences in the past. Communication with Provincial authorities indicates that a permit is required for these species, if they are expected to be affected by the proposed project. The following species that occur on the proposed development sites is listed as protected or specially protected species (Table 8):
Table 8. Protected plants of the proposed development sites (MNCA, 1998)
Species Status on study site Habitat of species on site
Adenium species Garden ornamentals Gardens on the proposed development site as part of landscaping of areas
Aloe species Garden ornamentals, Natural woodland areas individuals in woodland areas
Encephalartos species Garden ornamentals Gardens on the proposed development site as part of landscaping of areas
Pachypodium saundersii Garden ornamentals in Gardens on the proposed development site as pots part of landscaping of areas
Spirostachys africana Varies from individuals to Calcareous and clayey soils, riparian woodland, thickets and woodland floodplains and termitaria completely dominated by the species in some areas
Stapelia species Garden ornamentals Gardens on the proposed development site as part of landscaping of areas
5.2.4 Invasive alien species (CARA, 1983)
Invasive alien plants pose a direct threat not only to South Africa’s biological diversity, but also to water security, the ecological functioning of natural systems and the productive use of land. They intensify the impact of fires and floods and increase soil erosion. Of the estimated 9000 plants introduced to this country, 198 are currently classified as being invasive. It is estimated that these plants cover about 10% of the country and the problem is growing at an exponential rate.
The Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (GNR 599 of 2014) is stipulated as part of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10/2004). The regulation listed a total of 559 alien species as invasive and further 560 species are listed as prohibited and may not be introduced into South Africa. Below is a brief explanation of the four categories of Invasive Alien Plants as per the regulation.
Category 1a: Invasive species requiring compulsory control. Remove and destroy. Any
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specimens of Category 1a listed species need, by law, to be eradicated from the environment. No permits will be issued.
Category 1b: Invasive species requiring compulsory control as part of an invasive species control programme. Remove and destroy. These plants are deemed to have such a high invasive potential that infestations can qualify to be placed under a government sponsored invasive species management programme. No permits will be issued.
Category 2: Invasive species regulated by area. A demarcation permit is required to import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift any plants listed as Category 2 plants. No permits will be issued for Category 2 plants to exist in riparian zones.
Category 3: Invasive species regulated by activity. An individual plant permit is required to undertake any of the following restricted activities (import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift) involving a Category 3 species. No permits will be issued for Cat 3 plants to exist in riparian zones.
The fight against invasive alien plants is spearheaded by the Working for Water (WfW) programme, launched in 1995 and administered through the DWA. This programme works in partnership with local communities, to whom it provides jobs, and also with Government departments including the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Agriculture, and Trade and Industry, provincial departments of agriculture, conservation and environment, research foundations and private companies.
WfW currently runs over 300 projects in all nine of South Africa’s provinces. Scientists and field workers use a range of methods to control invasive alien plants. These include:
Mechanical methods - felling, removing or burning invading alien plants.
Chemical methods - using environmentally safe herbicides.
Biological control - using species-specific insects and diseases from the alien plant’s country of origin. To date 76 bio-control agents have been released in South Africa against 40 weed species.
Integrated control - combinations of the above three approaches. Often an integrated approach is required in order to prevent enormous impacts.
Vehicles often transport many seeds and some may be of invader species, which may become established along the roads through the area, especially where the area is disturbed. The construction phase of the development will almost certainly carry the greatest risk of alien invasive species being imported to the site, and the high levels of habitat disturbance also provide the greatest opportunities for such species to establish themselves, since most indigenous species are less tolerant of disturbance. The biggest
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risk is that invasive alien species such as the seeds of noxious plants may be carried onto the site along with materials that have been stockpiled elsewhere at already invaded sites.
Continued movement of personnel and vehicles on and off the site, as well as occasional delivery of materials required for maintenance, will result in a risk of importation of alien species throughout the life of the project. The following alien invasives and exotic plant species were recorded on site during the surveys as stipulated in the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (GNR 599 of 2014) (Table 9):
Table 9. List of exotic plant species of the study area
Species Category
Agrimonia procera 1b
Datura stramonium 1b
Ipomoea purpurea 1b
Lantana camara 1b
1b Opuntia ficus-indica Opuntia stricta 1b
Senna bicapsularis 1b
Senna didymyobotra 1b
Solanum mauritianum 1b
Xanthium spinosum 1b
Xanthium strumarium 1b
5.2.5 General
An important aspect relating to the proposed development should be to protect and manage the biodiversity (structure and species composition) of the Granite Lowveld Bushveld vegetation type on the proposed development site and in the KNP. Vegetation removal should be kept to the footprint areas of the proposed development. The unnecessary impact on the surrounding woodland areas outside the rest camp and on specific trees of significance inside the rest camp (e.g. baobab trees at proposed Safari Lodge site) should be avoided as far as possible.
Considering the small footprint of the proposed development sites for the Safari Lodge, staff housing and infrastructure upgrades, as well as the degraded state of the ecosystem of the sites in general, the impact on the vegetation of the larger area would be Medium. Mitigation measures and monitoring should however reduce the impact from Medium to Low.
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6 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON THE FLORA
An environmental impact is defined as a change in the environment, be it the physical/chemical, biological, cultural and or socio-economic environment. Any impact can be related to certain aspects of human activities in this environment and this impact can be either positive or negative. It could also affect the environment directly or indirectly and the effect of it can be cumulative. There are three major categories of impacts on biodiversity namely:
Impacts on habitat resulting in loss, degradation and / or fragmentation.
Direct impacts on fauna and flora and species, for example plants and animals that are endemic / threatened / special to a particular habitat will not be able to survive if that habitat is destroyed or altered by the development.
Impact on natural environmental processes and ecosystem functioning. This can lead to an accumulated effect on both habitat and species.
There are three levels at which biodiversity can be approached – namely the genetic, the species and the ecosystem levels. Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within species. Species diversity refers to the variety and abundance of species within a geographic area. Ecosystem diversity can refer to the variety of ecosystems within a certain political or geographical boundary (National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004). This biodiversity assessment focused on the description of ecosystem- and species-related biodiversity. It can be expected that if ecosystem diversity is managed effectively, species and genetic diversity should also be protected. Emphasis was therefore placed on the ecosystem diversity (landscape/habitat types) within the proposed development area, with reference to biota observed and expected to utilise these landscapes or habitat types.
The impact of the proposed construction of the Safari Lodge, staff housing and related infrastructure (pipelines, reservoir etc.) will be on relatively small footprint areas. The vegetation on site varies from natural to completely modified. The following section deals with the impacts and specific mitigation measures needed for the proposed developments from an ecological point of view:
6.1.1 Direct habitat destruction
6.1.1.1 Description of impact:
The proposed development will result in loss of and damage to natural habitats if the vegetation is cleared. Rehabilitation of some areas would be possible but there is likely to be long-term damage in large areas. Most habitat destruction will be caused during the
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construction phase, but some may also occur during the operational phase. Habitat destruction will impact the flora of the study area as follows:
a. Destruction or loss of floral diversity or vegetation communities
The following major impacts of the development will potentially impact on the flora of the site:
The construction will lead to the loss of individual plants such as grasses, forbs, trees and shrubs that will be cleared on the footprint area;
The construction activities can impact on surrounding vegetation by dust and altered surface run-off patterns;
The disturbance of the area could lead to an increase in the growth of alien vegetation.
6.1.1.2 Mitigation measures:
The removal of the isolated indigenous trees and shrubs should only occur on the footprint area of the development and not over the larger area. No trees may be trimmed or removed without the prior permission of SANParks. No trees should be removed inside the rest camp along pipeline servitudes or cable routes wherever possible. Conduct flora species search and rescue efforts before ground clearing begins in order to reduce negative impacts on species of concern; Remove and relocate any plants of botanical or ecological significance as indicated by the ecologist or Environmental Control Officer (ECO); Plant species that are easily transplanted and that occur on site could be used for the landscaping of the site after construction of the Safari Lodge. These species should be preserved at the “ex situ” Skukuza Nursery. These species include the three cycads on site as well as succulents (Adenium species, Zansevieria, Euphorbia, Stapelia spp.), flowering plants, ground covers, smaller trees and shrubs that were recently planted in the gardens. Larger trees could be moved and re-planted after construction but this would need specialized inputs from a landscape designer. A list of plant species suitable to be planted in the gardens for the landscaping of the site is included in Appendix B while the Code of Conduct of the KNP (Appendix C) indicate specific rules for landscaping. The gardens should be designed to conserve water and the focus should therefore be on low
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maintenance rock gardens with succulents such as impala lilies in between the indigenous trees that could be preserved on site. Shrub species such as Combretum microphyllum and other climbers could be used as screenings against the sides of buildings and fences. Only indigenous trees that occur in the quarter degree grid of the Skukuza area and the surrounding habitats should be planted in the gardens of the lodge. Vegetation to be removed as it becomes necessary; Clearly demarcate the entire development footprint prior to initial site clearance and prevent construction personnel from leaving the demarcated area; Monitoring should be implemented during the construction phase of the development to ensure that minimal impact is caused to the flora of the area; The ECO should advise the construction team in all relevant matters to ensure minimum destruction and damage to the environment. The ECO should enforce any measures that he/she deem necessary. Regular environmental training should be provided to construction workers to ensure the protection of the habitat, fauna and flora and their sensitivity to conservation; Limit pesticide use to non-persistent, immobile pesticides and apply in accordance with label and application permit directions and stipulations for terrestrial and aquatic applications. All possible efforts must be made to ensure as little disturbance as possible to the sensitive habitats such as drainage channels during construction;
Only necessary damage must be caused and, for example, unnecessary driving around in the veld or bulldozing natural habitat must not take place;
Construction activities must remain within defined construction areas and the road servitudes. No construction / disturbance will occur outside these areas.
Use existing facilities (e.g., access roads, degraded areas) to the extent possible to minimize the amount of new disturbance.
6.1.2 Increased Soil erosion and sedimentation
6.1.2.1 Description of impact:
The construction activities associated with the developments may result in widespread soil disturbance and is usually associated with accelerated soil erosion. Soil, sediments and associated contaminants are transported into water bodies such as rivers and streams, resulting in the loss or alteration of habitats for aquatic organisms, as well as changes in water quality. Soil erosion also promotes a variety of terrestrial ecological changes associated with disturbed areas, including the establishment of alien invasive plant
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species, altered plant community species composition and loss of habitat for indigenous flora.
6.1.2.2 Mitigation measures:
Cover disturbed soils as completely as possible, using vegetation or other materials;
Minimize the amount of land disturbance and develop and implement stringent erosion and dust control practices.
Sediment trapping, erosion and stormwater control should be addressed by a civil engineer in a detailed stormwater management plan;
Protect sloping areas and drainage channel banks that are susceptible to erosion;
Ensure that there is no undue soil erosion resultant from activities within and adjacent to the construction camp and Work Areas;
Repair all erosion damage as soon as possible to allow for sufficient rehabilitation growth; Gravel roads must be well drained in order to limit soil erosion.
6.1.3 Soil and water pollution
6.1.3.1 Description of impact:
Construction work of the magnitude contemplated for the proposed development will always carry some risk of soil and water pollution, with large construction vehicles contributing substantially due to oil and fuel spillages. If not promptly dealt with, spillages or accumulation of waste matter can contaminate the soil and surface or ground water, leading to potential medium/long-term impacts on flora. During the operational phase heavy machinery and vehicles as well as domestic waste would be the main contributors to potential pollution problems.
6.1.3.2 Mitigation measures:
Any excess or waste material or chemicals should be removed from the site and discarded in an environmental friendly way. The ECO should enforce this rule rigorously;
Hazardous chemicals to be stored on an impervious surface protected from rainfall and storm water run-off;
Spill kits should be on-hand to deal with spills immediately;
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All vehicles should be inspected for oil and fuel leaks on a regular basis. Vehicle maintenance yards on site should make provision for drip trays that will be used to capture any spills. Drip trays should be emptied into a holding tank and returned to the supplier.
Spillages or leakages must be treated according to an applicable procedure as determined by a plan of action for the specific type of disturbance.
6.1.4 Habitat degradation due to dust
6.1.4.1 Description of impact:
The environmental impacts of wind-borne dust, gases and particulates from the construction activities associated with the proposed development will have an impact on the vegetation of the area when dust settles on plant material reducing the amount of light reaching the chlorophyll in the leaves, thereby reducing photosynthesis, which in turn reduces plant productivity, growth and recruitment. The following activities will typically cause air pollution at the proposed lodge site:
Land clearing operations, building and scraping;
Materials handling operations (truck loading & unloading, tipping, stockpiling);
Vehicle entrainment on paved and unpaved roads.
6.1.4.2 Mitigation measures:
Implement standard dust control measures, including periodic spraying (frequency will depend on many factors including weather conditions, soil composition and traffic intensity and must thus be adapted on an on-going basis) of construction areas, and ensure that these are continuously monitored to ensure effective implementation.
6.1.5 Spread and establishment of alien invasive species
6.1.5.1 Description of impact:
Vehicles often transport many seeds and some may be of invader species, which may become established along the road, especially where the area is disturbed. The construction almost certainly carries by far the greatest risk of alien invasive species being imported to the site, and the high levels of habitat disturbance also provide the greatest opportunities for such species to establish themselves, since most indigenous species are less tolerant of disturbance. The biggest risk is that seeds of noxious plants (especially Lantana camara) may be carried onto the site along with materials that have been
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stockpiled elsewhere at already invaded sites.
Continued movement of personnel and vehicles on and off the site, as well as occasional delivery of materials required for maintenance, will result in a risk of importation of alien species throughout the life of the project.
6.1.5.2 Mitigation measures:
Control involves killing the plants present, killing the seedlings which emerge, and establishing and managing an alternative plant cover to limit re-growth and re- invasion. Weeds and invader plants will be controlled in the manner prescribed for that category by the CARA or in terms of Working for Water guidelines. The control of these species should even begin prior to the construction phase considering that small populations of these species was observed during the field surveys;
Institute strict control over materials brought onto site, which should be inspected for seeds of noxious plants and steps taken to eradicate these before transport to the site. Routinely fumigate or spray all materials with appropriate low-residual herbicides prior to transport to or in a quarantine area on site. The contractor is responsible for the control of weeds and invader plants within the construction site for the duration of the construction phase. Alien invasive tree species listed by the CARA regulations should be eradicated;
Rehabilitate disturbed areas as quickly as possible to reduce the area where invasive species would be at a strong advantage and most easily able to establish;
Institute a monitoring programme to detect alien invasive species early, before they become established and, in the case of weeds, before the release of seeds. Once detected, an eradication/control programme should be implemented to ensure that the species’ do not spread to surrounding natural ecosystems.
6.1.6 Negative effect of human activities
6.1.6.1 Description of impact:
An increase in human activity on the site and surrounding areas is anticipated. The risk of wood harvesting and fires is increased which could have a definite impact on the flora of the larger area. If staff compounds are erected for construction workers, the risk of pollution because of litter and inadequate sanitation and the introduction of invasive flora are increased. The presence of a large number of construction workers or regular workers during the construction phase on site over a protracted period will result in a greatly increased risk of uncontrolled fires arising from cooking fires, improperly disposed cigarettes etc.
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6.1.6.2 Mitigation measures:
Staff should be accommodated in the staff village. No temporary accommodation must be erected on the site. A construction camp will be built to accommodate construction workers. Adequate rubbish bins and sanitation facilities should also be provided to construction workers;
The ECO should regularly inspect the site, including storage facilities and compounds. A monitoring programme should also be implemented around these areas to detect alien invasive species early, before they become established and, in the case of weeds, before the release of seeds;
Educate construction workers regarding fire risks.
6.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRIX
Table 10 and 11 indicate the impacts described above and specific ratings of significance the impact will potentially have on the proposed development sites(areas within natural woodland areas and completely modified terrain) during the proposed development activities:
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Table 10. Impact assessment Matrix of areas inside Skukuza rest camp (Safari Lodge), staff village (staff housing) or other fenced areas (living quarters, staff accommodation)
Significance Significance Nr Activity Impact P D S M Mitigation Measures P D S M After Before Mitigation Mitigation
Pre-Construction and Construction Phase Pre-Construction and Construction Phase Clearing of vegetation for construction activities, Habitat destruction 5 5 1 2 40 Low See section 6.1.1.2 5 5 1 2 40 Low construction of infrastructure, 1 access roads etc. Exposure of soils to rainfall and Soil erosion 4 3 1 6 40 Medium-low See section 6.1.2.2 2 3 1 2 12 Negligible 3 wind during construction Movement of vehicles on site Spillages of harmful substances 2 4 3 6 26 Low See section 6.1.3.2 2 3 2 2 18 Negligible 4 during construction Exposure of soils to rainfall and Dust contamination 5 4 3 8 75 High See section 6.1.4.2 5 3 2 2 45 Moderate 5 wind during construction Continued movement of personnel and vehicles on and off the site during the Spread of alien invasive species 4 4 3 6 52 Moderate See section 6.1.5.2 4 3 2 2 36 Low construction phase, as well as occasional delivery of materials 6 required for maintenance Construction of infrastructure, Negative effect of human 2 4 3 6 26 Low See section 6.1.6.2 2 3 2 2 18 Negligible 7 access roads etc. activities on flora
Table 11. Impact assessment matrix of natural vegetation types outside the camp periphery (pipelines, reservoir site, staff housing sites on outskirts of Skukuza staff village)
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Significance Nr Activity Impact P D S M Mitigation Measures P D S M Significance Before Mitigation
Pre-Construction and Construction Phase Pre-Construction and Construction Phase Clearing of vegetation for construction activities, Habitat destruction 5 5 1 6 60 High See section 6.1.1.2 5 4 1 2 35 Low construction of infrastructure, 1 access roads etc. Exposure of soils to rainfall and 4 4 3 6 52 Moderate 4 3 2 2 36 Low 3 wind during construction Soil erosion See section 6.1.2.2 Movement of vehicles on site 2 4 3 6 26 Low 2 3 2 2 18 Negligible 4 during construction Spillages of harmful substances See section 6.1.3.2 Exposure of soils to rainfall and 5 4 3 8 75 High 5 3 2 2 45 Moderate 5 wind during construction Dust contamination See section 6.1.4.2 Continued movement of personnel and vehicles on and off the site during the Spread of alien invasive species 4 4 3 6 52 Moderate See section 6.1.5.2 4 3 2 2 36 Low construction phase, as well as occasional delivery of materials 6 required for maintenance Construction of infrastructure, Negative effect of human 4 3 2 6 44 Moderate 4 3 2 2 28 Low 7 access roads etc. activities on flora See section 6.1.6.2
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7 SENSITIVITY
Following the ecological surveys, the classification of the study area into different sensitivity classes and development zones was based on information collected at various levels on different environmental characteristics. Factors which determined sensitivity classes were as follows:
Presence, density and potential impact of development on rare, endemic and protected plant species
Conservation status of vegetation units
Soil types, soil depth and soil clay content
Previous land-use
State of the vegetation in general as indicated by indicator species
Importance of vegetation units as corridors and feeding grounds for game species
Impact on flood line areas / riparian zones
Table 12 indicates the specific sensitivity classes for each of the proposed development sites according to the vegetation units occurring on site. Figure 5 indicate the sensitivity map for the sewer – and water supply pipelines, reservoir site, water pipeline upgrade sites etc. Only criteria applicable to the specific vegetation units were used to determine the sensitivity of the specific unit.
Table 12. Sensitivity classification of the different vegetation units of the proposed development sites in the study area
Proposed development site Vegetation units represented Sensitivity Class
Gardens Low
Ziziphus – Grewia – Tecoma Skukuza Safari Lodge site Medium-low thickets
Acacia – Grewia – Medium – low Dichrostachys thickets
Degraded grassland with Low scattered trees 8 Two Bedroom Units and 2 Three-bedroom units in Degraded Acacia tortilis Medium-low Skukuza Staff Village woodland
Residential gardens Low
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Proposed development site Vegetation units represented Sensitivity Class
Degraded grassland with Low scattered trees
New contractors camps and Medium – development can be 20 x 2/3 bedroom additional supported provided mitigation are living quarter units Acacia grandicornouta thickets implemented and licences obtained for protected tree species eradication
Medium –low– development can be supported provided mitigation are 18 bedroom staff Degraded Acacia – Grewia – implemented and licences obtained accommodation Dichrostachys woodland for protected tree species eradication
Relocation of nursery tunnels, Degraded grassland / bare Low sensitivity – totally modified store and ablutions ground land
Medium –low– development can be supported provided mitigation are Relocation of working for water Degraded Acacia – Grewia – implemented and licences obtained stores Dichrostachys woodland for protected tree species eradication
Relocation of scientific services Gardens Low stores
Medium – although suitable for 8 x 2-bedroom and 2 x 3- development the alternative to the bedroom units (adjacent to golf Open woodland South-East in the Skukuza Staff course) Village would be more suitable
Dense Spirostachys Africana – Medium-high sensitivity – site as 4 x 2 bedroom staff houses Grewia bicolor thickets an entity plays an important role as Alternative 1 Dense Grewia – Dichrostachys corridor for fauna thickets
4 x 2 bedroom staff houses Gardens / degraded land Low sensitivity – totally modified Alternative 2 surrounding parkhomes / degraded land
Reser voir construction site, cable roue, sewer and water Figure 4 Figure 5 supply pipelines
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Figure 5. Sensitivity Map (buffer zone was adapted around the development footprints to increase the scale and clarity of the mapping)
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8 REHABILITATION OF ENVIRONMENT AFTER CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE
The objective of reinstatement and rehabilitation is to ensure that all areas disturbed by the project are returned to a state not worse than before the project commenced. Any areas of indigenous vegetation or habitat disturbed outside of the working areas or without permission of SANParks shall be subject to reinstatement and rehabilitation.
8.1 SEARCH AND RESCUE ACTIVITIES
Search and Rescue activities could be initiated as part of the Rehabilitation process. Where rehabilitation actions will commence, viable, transplantable plant species could be identified by the ECO / Rehabilitation Specialist, removed and stored in a potential ‘on-site’, self sustaining nursery, to be re-used in rehabilitation activities in future.
Plant material that is to be “rescued” must be potted up into bags utilising local soil obtained from the previously stored topsoil heap. Adequate root systems per plant material type must be carefully excavated and retained in order for plant material to remain viable. Search and Rescue activities would include the removal of grass clumps, smaller transplantable shrubs and trees and endangered species such as geophytes and succulents should be placed into bags using local soil.
8.2 REINSTATEMENT
Any alien invasive plants that have grown up on disturbed areas are to be removed before reinstating topsoil.
No topsoil should be used as backfill in any excavation.
Make all borrow pits, quarries and dangerous excavations safe by backfilling and grading as required.
Trenches and temporary water diversion channels must be backfilled to a level consistent with the natural contour.
Where construction or rehabilitation activities are to commence in a specific area, certain indigenous plant material from the construction footprint area could be collected and bagged to be used in re-vegetation or as mulch during rehabilitation. The Sickle bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) occurs widespread within the area. To protect drainage areas and small streams as well as erosion prone areas, Sickle bush could be cut and used to “brush pack” these problem areas to protect it. This will also restrict movement of animals and humans over sensitive erosion probe areas until pioneer vegetation has
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established.
All compacted areas (including temporary access tracks) are to be ripped/scarified (along contour) to a depth of 150 mm prior to the replacement of topsoil.
Topsoil is to be replaced along the contour.
Where water courses or wetlands have been affected by project activities:
o Return watercourse banks to their original profile.
o Ensure that no unnatural depressions remain that could act as channels for preferential water flow.
Re-plant vegetation that was removed.
Monitor the site for signs of erosion and take remedial action where there are problems.
8.3 PLANTING/GRASSING
The following methods and principles apply for rehabilitation purposes: All areas where material will be removed for backfill and rehabilitation construction purposes should be graded and shaped in such a way as to resemble the natural surrounding landscape;
All bare areas should be ripped/scarified;
A grass seed specification for re-seeding the rehabilitated areas is provided below. Re-grassing should be undertaken (as far as possible) during the summer months, as germination and establishment is best at this time of year. Spring rains are also conducive to good germination results, and as such rehabilitation programmes should take these factors into consideration.
o There are two methods for seeding, hand broadcasting and hydroseeding. The methods tilized will be site specific and the on Site ECO and Rehabilitation Specialist will determine them. o In certain areas grass runners may be required, and grass sods where instant cover is necessary. o A typical grass seed mixture (hand sowing) that could be implemented for rehabilitation activities will include: (specification 4- 5kg/ha) . Eragrostis tef (Tef) . Eragrostis curvula (Weeping Love Grass)
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. Digitaria eriantha (Smutsvinger) . Cynodon spp. (Bermuda kweek) . Panicum maximum (Witbuffel) . Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) . Paspalum notatum (Bahia Grass)
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9 DISCUSSION
Most developments have an impact on the environment. In this case, the area on which the proposed Skukuza Safari Lodge, staff housing and other infrastructure will be developed, will be impacted by clearing, therefore directly impacting on the environment, even though some of these areas represent already modified gardens and degraded terrain. The development will have a small impact on the vegetation and general ecology of the modified and degraded areas inside Skukuza Rest Camp (Safari Lodge site) and staff village, even though some indigenous elements such as trees and small pockets of vegetation will be completely modified during the construction. Detailed ecological (fauna habitat & flora) surveys were conducted during May 2011, November 2012 and June 2014 to verify the ecological sensitivity and ecological components of the site at ground level.
Considering the results from the field surveys, mitigation needs to be implemented to reduce the impacts from Medium or High (without mitigation) to Negligible or Low (with mitigation). This will ensure that impacts on natural vegetation or sensitive riparian woodland are kept to a minimum. The preservation of the area as a natural corridor should be considered a high priority and the areas closer to the Sabie River such as riparian woodland, tamboti thickets and natural woodland are therefore considered as unsuitable for thedevelopments, with the only major impacts within these areas being from pipelines and electrical lines that cross these areas. This will ensure that the ecosystem functionality remain intact. In the case of already degraded areas the mitigation measures will allow the system to recover to an enhanced state compared to the current state (Safari Lodge site, areas inside rest camp). A sensitivity analyses was conducted to identify the most suitable site for the development. From these investigation and ecological surveys the following was found:
The proposed Safari Lodge site has a low or medium to low sensitivity and the most important floristic considerations would be the preservation of the two baobab (cultural heritage) trees and other tall, significant indigenous trees in the gardens of the residences and chalets on site;
Other development areas with a medium-low or low sensitivity include degraded grassland or woodland areas in and around the Skukuza staff village or living quarters which has been completely modified (e.g. living quarters, road servitude areas along pipeline routes, old quarry outside living quarters);
Areas in close proximity to the Sabie or N’waswitshaka Rivers that represent natural corridors to game species has a high or medium to high sensitivity
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although no development is planned for these areas other than crossings of pipelines;
Other natural woodland areas further away from the rivers has a medium sensitivity and mitigation should aim at preventing impacts from being on any other area other than the footprint area;
Small non-perennial drainage channel representing crossing for the proposed pipelines has a high sensitivity and strict mitigation should be implemented in these areas to prevent impacts on the drainage regime of the area.
No red data plant species were found on the site due to the degraded state of the vegetation and physical environment of the larger area mostly not being suitable for any of the red data plant species that may be found in the area. The red data cycad species in the gardens of the Safari Lodge site represent garden ornamentals and was planted in the area many years ago, although the Skukuza area do not represent their natural habitats. No permits are needed to move these specimens during the constructional phase. Furthermore, no licence application is needed for the protected trees that occur on site, considering that all formally protected areas have exemption in terms of Section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998.
A number of ecological potential impacts were identified and assessed. A few of these were assessed as having potentially medium or high significance before mitigation, including the following:
Destruction or disturbance to ecosystems leading to reduction in the overall extent of a particular habitat;
Impairment of the movement and/or migration of animal species resulting in genetic and/or ecological impacts (habitat fragmentation);
Increased soil erosion;
Destruction/permanent loss of individuals of rare, endangered, endemic and/or protected species;
Establishment and spread of declared weeds and alien invader plants;
Soil and water pollution due to spillages;
Air pollution as a result of dust;
Negative effect of human activities.
Provided that al mitigation measures and recommendations in the report are strictly adhered to, the impact of the proposed development will be reduced from medium or
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high to low or negligible. The development won’t significantly influence the potential rare habitats for flora on the site, especially considering its location in an already degraded environment of the Skukuza Staff Village, living quarters and Rest Camp. A monitoring plan is recommended for the construction phase of the development should the proposed application be approved.
10 CONCLUSION
All aspects of the environment, especially living organisms, are vulnerable to disturbance of their habitat. If we can bring about a more integrated approach to living within our ecosystems, we are much more likely to save the fundamental structure of biodiversity. The proposed development of the Skukuza Safari Lodge site, staff housing and related infrastructure forms part of a proposed development inside a National Park and should be environmentally sensitive with mitigation measures needed to ensure that impacts are kept to a minimum. Positive contributions can be made even on a small scale such as on the proposed Safari Lodge site where the aim should be to rehabilitate the already degraded site to an enhanced state after the constructional phase. Sensitive, natural corridors around the Sabie and N’waswitshaka Rivers will not be impacted on by the proposed development. Some of the proposed development sites are already disturbed with a low sensitivity and the species that are present have probably adapted to co-exist in the man-made environment. The remaining areas of natural habitat support species typical of that particular habitat. Provided that the sensitive areas identified during this flora study, the mitigation measures and sensitivity zones stated in the report are strictly adhered to, the proposed development can be supported.
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11 REFERENCES
Acocks, J.P.H. 1988. Veld types of South Africa, 3rd ed. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa. 57: 1–146. Barbour, M.G., J.H. Burk, and W.D. Pitts. 1987. Terrestrial Plant Ecology. Second Edition. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, Menlo Park, CA. BOTHMA, J. DU. P. 1996. Game Ranch Management. Van Schaick, Pretoria. Bredenkamp, G.J. & Brown, L.R. 2001. Vegetation – A reliable ecological basis for environmental planning. Urban Greenfile Nov-Dec 2001: 38-39. Briza publications. 2001. Problem plants of South Africa. Pretoria. CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT, 1983. (ACT No. 43 OF 1983) Convention on Biological Diversity. Signed 1993 and ratified 2 November 1995. DEAT, 1998. Guideline Document on the EIA Regulations implementation of sections 21, 22 and 26 of the Environment Act, Government Printer, Pretoria. DEAT, 2002. Impact Significance, Integrated Environmental Management, Information Series 5, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria Enpat, 2000.Environmental Potential Atlas. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Fabian, A & Germishuizen, G. 1997. Wild flowers of Northern South Africa. Fernwood Press. Germishuizen, G. and Clarke, B. (2003). Illustrated Guide to the Wildflowers of Northern South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria GERTENBACH, W. P. D. 1983. Landscapes of the Kruger National Park. Koedoe 26: 9-121. GOLDING, J. (Ed.) 2002. Southern African Plant Red Data Lists. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network report no. 14. National Botanical Institute. Pp. 237. HILTON-TAYLOR, C. 1996a. Red Data list of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4: 1 – 117. HILTON-TAYLOR, C. 1996b. Red Data list of southern African plants. 1. Corrections and additions. Bothalia 26: 177 – 182. HILTON-TAYLOR, C. 1997. Red Data list of southern African plants. 2. Corrections and additions. Bothalia 27: 195 – 209. IFC. Performance Standard 6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management. LOW, A. B. & REBELO, A. G. 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Dept. Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Manning, J. (2003). Photographic Guide to the Wildflowers of South Africa. Briza Publications. Pretoria. Mucina, L., Bredenkamp, G.J., Hoare, D.B. & McDonald, D.J. 2000. A National vegetation
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database for South Africa. South Africa Journal of Science 96:497-498. Mueller-Dombois, D. & Ellenberg, H. 1974. Aims and methods of vegetation ecology. Wiley, New York. Mucina, L & Rutherford, M. C. 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19, SANBI, Pretoria. NATIONAL FOREST ACT, 1998 Act No. 84 of 1998. Government Gazette No. 29062, Notice 897, 8 September 2006) NATIONAL WATER ACT, 1998. Act No 36 of 1998. Onderstall, J. (1996). Wild Flower Guide for Mpumalanga and Northern Province. DynamicAd. Nelspruit. Palgrave, M.C. (2002). Trees of Southern Africa.Struik Publishers.Cape Town. Pooley, E. 1998. A field guide to wild flowers of Kwazulu Natal and the Eastern Region. Natal Flora Publications Trust. SANBI & DEAT. 2009. Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps. DRAFT for Comment. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. Sinclair, A. R. E. & A. E. Byrom. 2006. Understanding ecosystem dynamics for conservation of biota. Journal of Animal Ecology, 75: 64–79 Smithers, R.H.N. (1983). Soogdiere van die Suider-Afrikaanse Substreek. Universiteit van Pretoria. Pretoria Tainton, N. M. (ed.), 1981. Veld and Pasture Management in South Africa. Shuter and Shooter, Pietermaritzburg, 481pp. The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004. Act 10 0f 2004. Government Gazette RSA Vol. 467, 26436, Cape Town, June 2004. The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004. Act 10 0f 2004. Draft. List of Threatened Ecosystems. Government Gazette RSA Vol. 1477, 32689, Cape Town, 6 Nov 2009. The Natural Scientific Professions Act (Act 27 of 2003). Van Der Merwe, C. R. 1952. Soil Groups and subgroups of South Africa. Science Bulletin356. VAN WYK, B-E. & GERICKE, N. 2000. People’s Plants: A Guide to useful plants of southern Africa. Briza publications, Pretoria. Van Wyk, B & Malan, S. 1988. Field Guide to the wild flowers of the Highveld. Struik Publishers. Van Wyk, B. & Van Wyk, P. 1997. Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers. Cape Town. Van Wyk, B.E., Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 1997. Medicinal plants of South Africa. Briza, Pretoria.
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Van Oudtshoorn, F. (1991) Gids tot grasse van Suid Afrika. Briza Publikasies. Pretoria. WERGER, M.J.A. 1978. Biogeography and Ecology of Southern Africa. Monographie Biologicae vol. 31. Junk, The Hague. Westhoff, V. & Van der Maarel, E. 1978. The Braun-Blanquet approach. In: Whittaker, R.H. (ed.) Classification of plant communities. W. Junk, The Hague.
WHITE, F. 1983. The vegetation of Africa: a descriptive memoir to accompany the UNESCO/AETFAT/UNSO vegetation map of Africa. UNESCO, Paris, France.
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APPENDIX A. PLANT SPECIES LISTS FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITES
1. Skukuza Safari Lodge Site
2. 16 Sleep Over Staff Accommodation Units
a. Gardens inside Skukuza rest Camp (Safari Lodge site, pipeline upgrade route)
b. Ziziphus-Grewia- Tecoma thickets
c. Acacia tortilis – Grewia thickets
Woody species Acacia erubescens Acacia exuvialis Acacia grandicornouta Acacia hebeclada Acacia nigrescens Acacia tortilis Acacia welwitschi Aloe barberiae Aloe marlothii Androstachys johnsonni Antidesma venosum Balanites maughammi Bauhinia galpinni Berchemia discolor Bolusanthus speciosus Breonadia salicina Bridelia cathartica Carissa edulus Combretum apiculatum Combretum collinum Combretum erytrophyllum Combretum hereroense Combretum imberbe Combretum microphyllum Commiphora africana Cordyla africana Cussonia spicata Dichrostachys cinerea Diospyros mespiliformes Diplorhynchus condylocarpon Dodonaeae angustifolia Dovyalis caffra Duvernoia acontifolia Ekebergia capensis
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Encephalartos lebomboensis Encephalartos paucidentata Erythrina lysistemon Erythrina humeana Euclea divinorum Euphorbia cooperi Ficus craterostoma Ficus lutea Ficus thonningii Flueggia virosa Galpinia transvaalica Grewia flavescens Grewia hexamita Grewia villosa Gymnosporia senegalensis Karomia speciosa Kigelia Africana Kirkia acuminata Kraussia floribunda Lannea schweinfurti Maclura africana Pappea capensis Pavetta catophylla Pavetta lanceolata Philenoptera vilaceae Phoenix reclinata Phyllanthus reticulates Plumbago auriculata Psedolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pterocarpus rotundifolius Searsia lancea Searsia penthera Ruspolia hypocrateriformes Schlerochiton harveyanus Schotia bracypetala Schotia capitata Sclerocarya birrea Senna petersiana Sparmannia africana Steganotaenia arialiaceae Strelitizia nicolai Strychnos madagascarensis Syzigium cordatum Tecoma capensis Terminalia prunoides Tinnea rhodesiana Trichilia emetica Ximenia caffra
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Ziziphus mucronata Grass species Aristida bipartita Aristida congesta Aristida stipitata Botriochoa radicans Brachiaria deflexa Chloris pynotrhix Chloris roxburghiana Chloris virgata Cynodon dactylon Dactylotenium aegyptium Digitaria eriantha Eleusine coracana Eragrostis aspera Eragrostis bicolor Eragrostis lehmanniana Eragrostis pseudosclerantha Eragrostis superba Heteropogon contortus Panicum coloratum Panicum maximum Pennisetum clandestinum Sporobolus africanus Sporobolus nitens Sporoboolus panicoides Tragus bertertronianus Tricholaena monachne Urochloa mosambicensis Urochloa panicoides Forbs, succulents, bulbous plants & geophytes Abutilon angulatum Anthemis arvensis Agrimonia procera Aloe davyana Aloe chabaudi Altenanthera pungens Barleria albostellata Barleria elegans Bidens pilosa Capparis tomentosa Chamaesyche hirta Chamaesyche inaquilitera Cissus rotundifolia Commelina benghalense Conostomium natalense Conyza bonariensis Corchorus asplenifolius
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Cucumis africanus Cyperus obtusiflorus Euphorbia triangularis Geigeria burkei Gomphrena celasoides Heliotropium steudneuri Hermstaedtia linearis Hypoestes forskaoli Indigofera melanadenia Ipomoea purpurea Isoglossa ciliata Jasminum fluminense Momordica balsamina Oxalis depressa Pachypodium saundersii (pots) Pavonia burchelli Plectranthus fruticosus Sarcostemma viminale Schkuria pinnata Senna didymyobotra Senna italica Sida alba Stapelia gigantea Tagetes minuta Vernonia galpinii Waltheria indica Xanthium spinosum Zansevieria pearsonii Zanzevieria hyacinthoides Zinnia peruviana
3. 8 Two Bedroom Units and 2 Three-bedroom units in Skukuza Staff Village (south of golf course) *
a. Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland
b. Degraded grassland
Woody species Acacia exuvialis Acacia nigrescens Acacia nilotica Acacia senegalensis v. senegalensis Acacia tortilis Balanites maughammi Combretum apiculatum Cordyla africana Croton megalobotrys
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Dichrostachys cinerea Diospyros mespiliformes Eleadendron transvaalense Euclea natalensis Flueggia virosa Gardenia volkensi Grewia bicolor Grewia flava Grewia flavescens Grewia hexamita Grewia monticola Lannea schweinfurti Manilkara mochisia Pappea capensis Peltophorum africanum Philenoptera violaceae Schotia brachypetala Sclerocarya birrea Senna bicapsularis Senna petersiana Spirostachys africana Ziziphus mucronata Grasses Aristida spp. Botriochloa radicans Brachiaria deflexa Chloris virgata Cynodon dactylon Eragrostis aspera Eragrostis biflora Eragrostis lehmanniana Panicum maximum Sporobolus africanus Sporobolus fimbriatus Sporobolus nitens Tricholaena monachne Forbs Abutilon angulatum Achyranthes aspera Aptosimum lineare Bidens pilosa Carissa bispinosa Geigeria ornativa Gomphrena celasoides Guilumnea densa Hermstaedtia odorata Indigofera melanadenia Isoglossa forskaoli
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Justicia flava Kalanchoe rotundifolia Leonotis leonorus Lippia javanica Ocimum americanum Schkuria pinnata Senna spp. Sida cordifolia Solanum panduriforme Tagetes minuta Vigna vexillata Waltheria indcia Xanthium strumarium Zinnia peruviana *List does not include garden ornamentals in erven
4. 4 two bedroom staff housing sites along Elephant Road Alternative 1
a. Dense Spirostachys africana -Grewia bicolor woodland
b. Dichrostachys cinerea – Grewia bicolor thickets
5. 4 two bedroom staff housing units Alternative 2 (next to Tubelisha house)
Woody species Acacia exuvialis Acacia grandicornuta Acacia nigrescens Acacia tortilis Balanites maughammi Bridelia cathartica Cissus cornifolia Combretum apiculatum Combretum hereroense Commiphora africana Dalbergia melanoxylon Dichrostachys cinerea Diospyros mespiliformes Ehretia amoena Euphorbia cooperi Galpinnia transvaalica Grewia bicolor Grewia flavescens Grewia hexamita Grewia monticola Grewia villosa Lantana camara Pappea capense Phillenoptera violaceae
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Pyrostra hysterix Searsia penthera Senna petersiana Spirostachys africana Terminalia prunoides Zanthoxylum capense Ziziphus mucronata Grasses Aristida spp. Botriochloa radicans Chloris roxburghiana Digitaria eriantha Enteropogon macrostachys Eragrostis curvula Eragrostis rigidior Eragrostis trichophora Melinis repens Panicum maximum Perotis patens Pogonarthria squarrosa Sporobolus fimbriatus Sporobolus nitens Tragus bertertronianus Trichoneura grandiglumis Forbs Abutilon angulatum Achyranthes aspera Aloe zebrina Aptosimum lineare Caparis tomentosa Cyperus rupestris Dicoma anomala Geigeria ornativa Hermbstaedtia odorata Hypoestis forskaoli Indigofera melanadenia Indigofera oxytropis Isoglossa forskaoli Justicia flava Kalanchoe rotundifolia Opuntia stricta Schkuria pinnata Sida alba Sida cordifolia Sida rhombifolia Solanum panduriforme Tagetes minuta Waltheria indica
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Zansevieria hyacinthoides
6. Living quarters, Reservoir construction sites, cable route & pipeline footprint areas
a. Degraded grassland with scattered trees (old quarry, road servitude, areras inside living quarters)
b. Acacia grandicornuta – Grewia thickets
c. Degraded Acacia tortilis woodland (old quarry)
d. Combretum apiculatum – Grewia bicolor woodland
e. Dense Spirostachys Africana – Grewia bicolor thicket (non-perennial drainage channels)
f. Dense Grewia – Dichrostachys thickets
g. Riparian woodland
h. Tecoma – Grewia thickets
Woody species Acacia exuvialis Acacia grandicornuta Acacia nigrescens Acacia nilotica Acacia tortilis Balanites maughammi Bridelia cathartica Caparis tomentosa Cassia abbreviate Combretum apiculatum Commiphora africana Croton menyharti Dichrostachys cinerea Diospyros mespiliformes Flueggia virosa Gardenia volkensii Grewia bicolor Grewia flava Grewia flavescens Grewia flavescens Grewia hexamita Grewia hexamita Grewia monticola Grewia villosa Gymnosporia buxifolia
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Hippocratea longipeteolata Kirkia acuminata Lannea schweinfurti Manilkara mochisia Ochna inermis Philenoptera violaceae Searsia penthera Sclerocarya birrea Senna petersiana Spirostachys africana Terminalia prunoides Trichilia emetica Zanthoxylum capense Ziziphus mucronata Grasses Aristida spp. Botriochloa radicans Chloris virgata Cynodon dactylon Dactylotenium aegyptium Dactylotenium giganteum Eleusine coracana Enneapogon cenchroides Enneapogon scoparius Eragrostis aspera Eragrostis biflora Eragrostis pseudosclerantha Eragrostis rigidior Eragrostis superb Eragrostis trichophora Heteropogon contortus Melinis repens Panicum maximum Perotis patens Pogonarthria squarrosa Sporobolus fimbriatus Sporobolus nitens Tragus bertertronianus Tricholaena monachne Trichoneura grandiglumis Urochloa mosambicensis Urochloa panicoides Forbs Abutilon angulatum Achyranthes aspera Agrimonia procera Alternanthera pungens Aptosimum lineare
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Bidens pilosa Blepharis saxatalis Cissus rotundifolia Convolvulus sagittatus Cucumis zeyheri Datura stramonium Dicoma anomala Evolvulus alsinoides Flaveria bidentis Geigeria ornativa Gomphrena celasoides Guilumnea densa Heliotropium steudneuri Hermbstaedtia odorata Hermbstaedtia linearis Indigofera melanadenia Indigofera oxytropis Ipomoea purpurea Justicia betonica Kalanchoe rotundifolia Lippia javanica Opuntia ficus-indica Schkuria pinnata Senna italica Sida alba Sida cordifolia Solanum incanum Solanum panduriforme Tagetes minuta Tribulus terrestris Vernonia natalensis Vernonia staelinoides Waltheria indica Zansevieria hyacinthoides Zinnia peruviana
7. Relocation sites of buildings
a. Degraded grassland / bare ground
b. Degraded Acacia – Grewia – Dichrostachys woodland
c. Gardens surrounding nature conservation offices
Woody species Acacia exuvialis Acacia grandicornouta Acacia nigrescens Acacia tortilis
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Bauhinia galpinni Bolusanthus speciosus Cassia abbreviata Cassia petersiana Catunaregam spinosa Croton megalobotrys Dichrostachys cinerea Ekebergia capensis Ficus sycomorus Gardenia volkensi Grewia bicolor Grewia flavescens Grewia hexamita Gymnosporia senegalensis Kigelia africana Kraussia floribunda Philneoptera violaceae Phyllanthus reticulatus Tecoma capensis Terminalia prunoides Trichilia emetica Ziziphus mucronata
Grasses Aristida congesta Aristida junciformes Cynodon dactylon Eragrostis lehmanniana Eragrostis rigidior Eragrostis superba Heteropogon contortus Melinis repens Panicum maximum Perotis patens Pogonarthria squarrosa Sporobolus africanus Sporobolus fimbriatus Sporobolus nitens Tragus bertertronianus Tricholaena monachne Trichoneura grandiglumis
Forbs Abutilon angulatum Altenanthera pungens Capparis tomentosa Chamaesyche hirta Chamaesyche inaquilitera
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Cissus rotundifolia Cyperus sexangularis Guilumnea densa Inidngofera melanadenia Isoglossa forskaoli Justicia flava Kalanchoe rotundifolia Leonotus leonorus Lippia rehmanni Opuntia ficus-indica Schkuria pinnata Senna italica Sida alba Tagetes minuta Waltheria indica Zinnia peruviana
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APPENDIX B – PRECIS PLANT SPECIES LIST FOR GRID SQUARE 2431BC (SPECIES MARKED IN GREEN IS AVAILABLE IN SKUKUZA NURSERY FOR LANDSCAPING OF THE SITES)
PLANT SPECIES WOODY SPECIES Acacia borleae Burtt Davy Acacia burkei Benth. Acacia exuvialis I.Verd. Acacia grandicornuta Gerstner Acacia karroo Hayne Acacia nigrescens Oliv. Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile subsp. kraussiana (Benth.) Brenan Acacia robusta Burch. subsp. clavigera (E.Mey.) Brenan Acacia schweinfurthii Brenan & Exell var. schweinfurthii Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. var. rostrata Brenan Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. heteracantha (Burch.) Brenan Acacia welwitschii Oliv. subsp. delagoensis (Harms) J.H.Ross & Brenan Albizia anthelmintica (A.Rich.) Brongn. Balanites maughamii Sprague subsp. maughamii Balanites pedicellaris Mildbr. & Schltr. subsp. pedicellaris Bolusanthus speciosus (Bolus) Harms Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood Bridelia cathartica G.Bertol. subsp. cathartica Bridelia cathartica G.Bertol. subsp. melanthesoides (Baill.) J.L‚onard var. melanthesoides (Baill.) Radcl.-Sm. forma melanthesoides (Baill.) Radcl.-Sm. Capparis fascicularis DC. var. fascicularis Capparis tomentosa Lam. Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan Carissa edulis Vahl Cassia abbreviata Oliv. subsp. beareana (Holmes) Brenan Chaetacme aristata Planch. Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. Combretum microphyllum Klotzsch Combretum zeyheri Sond. Commiphora africana (A.Rich.) Engl. var. africana Cordia monoica Roxb. Cordia ovalis R.Br. ex A.DC. Croton gratissimus Burch. var. subgratissimus (Prain) Burtt Davy Croton megalobotrys M•ll.Arg. Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. subsp. africana Brenan & Brummitt var. africana Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. Ehretia amoena Klotzsch Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. Erythrina humeana Spreng. Euclea divinorum Hiern Euclea natalensis A.DC. subsp. natalensis Ficus capreifolia Delile Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. var. ingens Ficus petersii Warb.
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PLANT SPECIES Ficus salicifolia Vahl Gardenia volkensii K.Schum. subsp. volkensii var. volkensii Grewia bicolor Juss. Grewia flavescens Juss. Grewia hexamita Burret Grewia villosa Willd. var. villosa Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. Hippocratea longipetiolata Oliv. Karomia speciosa (Hutch. & Corbishley) R.Fern. forma speciosa Kraussia floribunda Harv. Maerua parvifolia Pax Manilkara mochisia (Baker) Dubard Markhamia zanzibarica (Bojer ex DC.) K.Schum. Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. schlechteri (Loes.) R.H.Archer Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.) Benth. Oncoba spinosa Forssk. subsp. spinosa Ozoroa engleri R.& A.Fern. Pavetta catophylla K.Schum. Pavetta lanceolata Eckl. Peltophorum africanum Sond. Philenoptera violacea (Klotzsch) Schrire Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. var. reticulatus Plectroniella armata (K.Schum.) Robyns Pristimera longipetiolata (Oliv.) N.Hall‚ Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. rotundifolius Pyrostria hystrix (Bremek.) Bridson Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. cuneifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Urton Salix mucronata Thunb. subsp. woodii (Seemen) Immelman Schotia brachypetala Sond. Schotia capitata Bolle Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro Searsia gueinzii (Sond.) F. A. Barkley Searsia leptodictya (Diels)T.S.Yi, A.J. Mill. & J. Wen forma. leptodictya Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. inerme Spirostachys africana Sond. Sporobolus fimbriatus (Trin.) Nees Sporobolus ioclados (Trin.) Nees Sporobolus nitens Stent Sporobolus pyramidalis P.Beauv. Strychnos spinosa Lam. Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. subsp. huillense (Hiern) F.White Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson Trema orientalis (L.) Blume Trichilia emetica Vahl subsp. emetica Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. Ximenia americana L. var. microphylla Welw. ex Oliv. Zanthoxylum humile (E.A.Bruce) P.G.Waterman
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PLANT SPECIES Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata
GRASSES Aristida adscensionis L. Aristida congesta Roem. & Schult. subsp. barbicollis (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter Aristida congesta Roem. & Schult. subsp. congesta Aristida meridionalis Henrard Bothriochloa insculpta (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) A.Camus Brachiaria deflexa (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb. ex Robyns Chloris gayana Kunth Chloris pycnothrix Trin. Chloris roxburghiana Schult. Chloris virgata Sw. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. Dactyloctenium giganteum Fisher & Schweick. Digitaria eriantha Steud. Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. Diplachne fusca (L.) P.Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. Echinochloa colona (L.) Link Echinochloa holubii (Stapf) Stapf Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. subsp. africana (Kenn.-O'Byrne) Hilu & de Wet Enneapogon cenchroides (Licht. ex Roem. & Schult.) C.E.Hubb. Enteropogon monostachyus (Vahl) K.Schum. subsp. africanus Clayton Eragrostis cylindriflora Hochst. Eragrostis gummiflua Nees Eragrostis heteromera Stapf Eragrostis inamoena K.Schum. Eragrostis superba Peyr. Hyperthelia dissoluta (Nees ex Steud.) Clayton Leersia hexandra Sw. Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. repens Oplismenus hirtellus (L.) P.Beauv. Oropetium capense Stapf Panicum deustum Thunb. Panicum maximum Jacq. Panicum subalbidum Kunth Paspalum scrobiculatum L. Paspalum urvillei Steud. Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. Phragmites mauritianus Kunth Pogonarthria squarrosa (Roem. & Schult.) Pilg. Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) Clayton Schmidtia pappophoroides Steud. Setaria sagittifolia (A.Rich.) Walp.
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PLANT SPECIES Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. arundinaceum (Desv.) de Wet & Harlan Themeda triandra Forssk. Tragus berteronianus Schult. Tricholaena monachne (Trin.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) Dandy
HERBS Abrus precatorius L. subsp. africanus Verdc. Abutilon austro-africanum Hochr. Abutilon ramosum (Cav.) Guill. & Perr. Acalypha glabrata Thunb. var. glabrata Acalypha indica L. var. indica Acanthospermum hispidum DC. Achyranthes aspera L. var. aspera Achyranthes aspera L. var. sicula L. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. Aneilema hockii De Wild. Asparagus cooperi Baker Asparagus exuvialis Burch. forma ecklonii (Baker) Fellingham & N.L.Mey. Asparagus falcatus L. Asparagus minutiflorus (Kunth) Baker Asparagus subulatus Thunb. Asystasia gangetica (L.) T.Anderson subsp. micrantha (Nees) Ensermu Barleria elegans S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke Blepharis diversispina (Nees) C.B.Clarke Blepharis integrifolia (L.f.) E.Mey. ex Schinz var. integrifolia Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. coccinea Boerhavia diffusa L. var. diffusa Canavalia virosa (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Cassytha filiformis L. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Cissampelos mucronata A.Rich. Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch ex Sond.) Kers Cleome hirta (Klotzsch) Oliv. Cleome monophylla L. Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels Commelina africana L. var. krebsiana (Kunth) C.B.Clarke Commelina eckloniana Kunth Commicarpus plumbagineus (Cav.) Standl. var. plumbagineus Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell Corchorus asplenifolius Burch. Crinum graminicola I.Verd. Crossandra mucronata Lindau Crotalaria burkeana Benth. Crotalaria pisicarpa Welw. ex Baker Crotalaria sphaerocarpa Perr. ex DC. subsp. sphaerocarpa Crotalaria virgulata Klotzsch subsp. grantiana (Harv.) Polhill
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PLANT SPECIES Cryptolepis obtusa N.E.Br. Ctenolepis cerasiformis (Stocks) Hook.f. Cucumis africanus L.f. Cyathula lanceolata Schinz Dalechampia galpinii Pax Drimiopsis maculata Lindl. & Paxton Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. Eriocaulon dregei Hochst. Eriosema psoraleoides (Lam.) G.Don Eriospermum flagelliforme (Baker) J.C.Manning Eriospermum galpinii Schinz Euphorbia heterophylla L. Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbia hypericifolia L. Fockea angustifolia K.Schum. Galactia tenuiflora (Willd.) Wight & Arn. var. villosa (Wight & Arn.) Benth. Gisekia africana (Lour.) Kuntze var. africana Gladiolus brachyphyllus F.Bolus Gomphrena celosioides Mart. Heliotropium ciliatum Kaplan Heliotropium ovalifolium Forssk. Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. Hermannia boraginiflora Hook. Hermbstaedtia odorata (Burch.) T.Cooke var. odorata Hewittia malabarica (L.) Suresh Hibiscus micranthus L.f. var. micranthus Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Hibiscus schinzii G•rke Hibiscus surattensis L. Hydnora abyssinica A.Braun Hypertelis salsoloides (Burch.) Adamson var. salsoloides Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br. Indigofera arrecta Hochst. ex A.Rich. Indigofera astragalina DC. Indigofera bainesii Baker Indigofera filipes Benth. ex Harv. Indigofera rhynchocarpa Welw. ex Baker var. rhynchocarpa Indigofera rhytidocarpa Benth. ex Harv. subsp. rhytidocarpa Indigofera sordida Benth. ex Harv. Indigofera tinctoria L. var. arcuata J.B.Gillett Ipomoea hochstetteri House Ipomoea indica (Burm.f.) Merr. Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. blepharosepala (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Verdc. ex A.Meeuse Jacquemontia tamnifolia (L.) Griseb. Jasminum fluminense Vell. subsp. fluminense Justicia flava (Vahl) Vahl Justicia petiolaris (Nees) T.Anderson subsp. incerta (C.B.Clarke) Immelman
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PLANT SPECIES Justicia protracta (Nees) T.Anderson subsp. protracta Kalanchoe lanceolata (Forssk.) Pers. Kalanchoe rotundifolia (Haw.) Haw. Kyphocarpa angustifolia (Moq.) Lopr. Lagarosiphon verticillifolius Oberm. Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. Lantana rugosa Thunb. Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br. Limeum sulcatum (Klotzsch) Hutch. var. sulcatum Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. Litogyne gariepina (DC.) Anderb. Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke Melhania forbesii Planch. ex Mast. Momordica balsamina L. Momordica charantia L. Monechma divaricatum (Nees) C.B.Clarke Monsonia burkeana Planch. ex Harv. Monsonia glauca R.Knuth Murdannia simplex (Vahl) Brenan Nidorella auriculata DC. Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. var. zanzibariensis (Casp.) Verdc. Ocimum americanum L. var. americanum Ocimum gratissimum L. subsp. gratissimum var. gratissimum Oldenlandia affinis (Roem. & Schult.) DC. subsp. fugax (Vatke) Verdc. Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalis semiloba Sond. subsp. semiloba Oxygonum sinuatum (Hochst. & Steud. ex Meisn.) Dammer Pancratium tenuifolium Hochst. ex A.Rich. Pavonia burchellii (DC.) R.A.Dyer Pentodon pentandrus (Schumach. & Thonn.) Vatke var. minor Bremek. Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. var. daemia Persicaria attenuata (R.Br.) Soj k subsp. africana K.L.Wilson Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray Phyllanthus asperulatus Hutch. Pluchea dioscoridis (L.) DC. Plumbago zeylanica L. Polygala sphenoptera Fresen. var. sphenoptera Portulaca kermesina N.E.Br. Portulaca quadrifida L. Pupalia lappacea (L.) A.Juss. var. lappacea Rhinacanthus xerophilus A.Meeuse Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. var. minima Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. Senna bicapsularis (L.) Roxb. (alien species) Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby Senna italica Mill. subsp. arachoides (Burch.) Lock
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PLANT SPECIES Senna occidentalis (L.) Link Senna petersiana (Bolle) Lock Senna spectabilis (DC.) Irwin & Barneby (alien species) Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W.Wight var. bispinosa Sida cordifolia L. var. cordifolia Smilax anceps Willd. Solanum panduriforme E.Mey. Tephrosia rhodesica Baker f. var. evansii (Hutch. & Burtt Davy) Brummitt Tephrosia rhodesica Baker f. var. rhodesica Tephrosia villosa (L.) Pers. subsp. ehrenbergiana (Schweinf.) Brummitt var. daviesii Brummitt Thesium racemosum Bernh. Thunbergia aurea N.E.Br. Thunbergia neglecta Sond. Tragia rupestris Sond. Triumfetta pentandra A.Rich. var. pentandra Vahlia capensis (L.f.) Thunb. subsp. capensis Vernonia fastigiata Oliv. & Hiern Vigna frutescens A.Rich. subsp. frutescens var. frutescens Waltheria indica L. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Xenostegia tridentata (L.) D.F.Austin & Staples subsp. angustifolia (Jacq.) Lejoly & Lisowski
SUCCULENTS Aloe fosteri Pillans Aloe lutescens Groenew. Aloe zebrina Baker Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch. Cotyledon barbeyi Schweinf. ex Baker
SEDGES Bulbostylis hispidula (Vahl) R.W.Haines Cyperus amabilis Vahl Cyperus articulatus L. Cyperus distans L.f. Cyperus dives Delile Cyperus dubius Rottb. Cyperus obtusiflorus Vahl var. obtusiflorus Cyperus rupestris Kunth var. rupestris Cyperus sexangularis Nees Kyllinga melanosperma Nees
FERNS Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. subsp. ramosissimum Marsilea macrocarpa C.Presl Pteris vittata L. Selaginella dregei (C.Presl) Hieron.
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APPENDIX C KRUGER NATIONAL PARK CODE OF CONDUCT RELATING TO MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND VEGETATION
1. SANParks Biodiversity Values a) We adopt a complex systems view of the world while striving to ensure the natural functioning and long term persistence of the ecosystems under our care. Biodiversity informs and constrains all aspects of SANParks operations. We ensure continuous learning by practising an adaptive approach to biodiversity research, monitoring and management. We are responsive to the impact of other (V-STEEP) systems on the biodiversity system. We are concerned, and responsible, for the implications of our biodiversity management decisions/actions, within and without a Park/SANParks, for other (V-STEEP) systems at local, regional and global levels. b) We aim at persistent achievement of biodiversity representivity and complementarity to promote resilience and ensure ecosystem integrity. We treat all biodiversity elements (all species, ecosystems, processes, structural components, etc.) with equity. We manage in a bioregional context to promote connectivity across all landscape elements. We ensure representivity while accounting for uniqueness. The acquisition and restoration of land are guided by these values and principles. c) We can intervene in ecosystems responsibly and sustainably, but we focus management on complementing natural processes under a "minimum interference" philosophy. Where anthropogenic influences warrant, interference, even severe interference, is acceptable for achieving our biodiversity custodianship mandate. A laissez faire approach may be used but it will be a conscious and informed choice. Biodiversity forms the basis of the ecosystem services that sustain the benefits that humans derive from conservation.
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Beneficiation of biodiversity assets/ecosystem services for human use and enjoyment is fully cognisant of the associated conversion natural capital and the potential for insidious impoverishment of genetic diversity and ecosystem integrity. We effectively measure our performance in biodiversity management. d) We accept with humility the mandate of custodianship of biodiversity for future generations while recognising that both natural and social systems change over time. e) We strive for continuous, and cooperative, improvement of public perception of our rationale for conservation practice and beneficiation of biodiversity/ecosystem services. f) Biodiversity understanding and management must reflect the social imperatives (e.g. transformation, equity, efficiency, empowerment, growth) of an emerging African democracy.
2. General Rules and Regulations
2.1 Cultural Heritage
Antiquities or objects of historical or educational importance found by employees or officials while on duty or in any other capacity inside the boundaries of the National Park, are and remain the property of SANParks. These items are protected under the National Heritage Resource Act 25 of 1999 and must be left where they are found, with the locality of these items (preferably marked using a GPS) being passed on to the local Section Ranger as soon as possible. Employees retaining such articles or attempting to sell or remove them from the Park, are guilty of misappropriation of SANParks property and expose themselves to prosecution.
2.2 Management of Plants
2.2.1 Indigenous Plants
No dead or living indigenous plant may be damaged, cut down or removed without permission (see Damage Causing Plants). Indigenous plants for cultivation in gardens and rest camps are available on request from the Nursery. No plants are to be removed from the veld unless this is linked to a specific project and the necessary approval for that has been granted by the HOD: Conservation Services.
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2.2.2 Damage Causing Plants
Where plants grow near buildings and other infrastructure and start to impact on such infrastructure, it may become necessary to trim them or cut them down to prevent injury/death or protect infrastructure from damage. This is applicable for live trees as well as dead ones that may fall down and cause death, injury or damage to property. The following process must be followed in applying to cut down trees of this nature in residential areas: Apply to your local Section Ranger, who will inspect the relevant tree or other plant. Using the following criteria the Section Ranger can either decide to approve the application for cutting down or send a recommendation to the HOD: Conservation Services for a final decision: a) Is the tree alien? If yes, cut down. b) Is it dead? If yes and not a Leadwood tree, cut down. c) What age is the tree? (Trunk less than 20 cm diameter = "no problem"; trunk 20-50 cm diameter = "depending on seriousness of problem"; more than 50 cm diameter = "no ways, unless it is a real serious problem that cannot be solved in another way"). d) Does it seriously threaten lives or infrastructure? If yes cut down (this does not apply to sausage trees with fruit – the fruit need to be removed from the tree on an annual basis). e) Is it an important shade tree? If yes, special efforts should be put in place to save it. f) If planted and indigenous to South Africa, does it occur in the KNP naturally? If this plant does not naturally occur in the KNP the decision to cut it down is easier to make. g) If planted, does it occur naturally in the particular area of the KNP? E.g. mopane trees in Skukuza should not be a problem to cut down. h) Is it a protected or Red Data species? If yes, all efforts should be made to save it. Often, when trees grow close to infrastructure but there is still adequate space between building and tree, the problem can be solved by trimming branches or roots. Large trees usually have some dead branches lower down. These should be removed before they fall on people/cars. Leaves on roofs are a common site in residential areas because people have, over the years, planted trees to provide
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shade during the hot summer months. This is not a reason to cut down a tree. We all have a responsibility, according to our house rental contracts, to clean gutters and roofs regularly.
3. Provision of Plants from the Skukuza Nursery
3.1 General
The primary function of the Skukuza Nursery is to cultivate indigenous trees, shrubs and flowers for the decoration of the rest camps and to sell to the public. Plants will also be available, at a special rate, to staff members for their gardens (see Tariff Document). Please note that certain rare plant species cannot be supplied at the reduced rate. Plants bought by staff members, are only for their own gardens and not for friends or family. Only officials and personnel instructed to do so may gather seed in the veld for use in the Nursery and only after having consulted the relevant Section Ranger. Nursery personnel can be contacted directly in this regard. All bona fide requests for the donation of indigenous plants from the Nursery to outside organisations must be directed to the Executive Director: KNP, who will, in consultation with the Manager of the Nursery, make a decision. In residential areas where many alien plants have been removed from the garden, the residents will be allowed to acquire replacing indigenous plants from the nursery. The cost will be for the account of Conservation Services. Enquiries can be made at the Alien Biota Control Officer.
3.2 Cycads
Persons bringing cycads into the KNP without the necessary permits, will not be allowed to take these plants out of the Park again as all cycads, with the exception of those legally owned by employees, will be considered the property of SANParks. To remove cycads from the Park, for whatever reason, without the necessary permits, will not only lead to prosecution by the Provincial Conservation authorities, but also by SANParks for theft of SANParks property. The illegal dealing in Cycads and their removal from the natural environment is a serious problem and for this reason personnel not adhering to the specified rules and regulations make themselves liable for prosecution and also internal disciplinary action.
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4. Alien Plants in the Kruger National Park
4.1 General
The planting of alien plants in the KNP is considered undesirable and is controlled in terms of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Acts. These plants are undesirable mainly because of the following reasons:
The threat they pose to indigenous plants if they escape from gardens and become invasive. Their generally high water use capabilities. The aesthetic undesirability of having alien plants in a National Park, especially in the light of the extensive range of indigenous plants that occur in the area. Alien plant species can be divided into two categories, i.e. aggressive invaders and those that are less aggressive or not aggressive. The potential of an alien plant to become an aggressive invader must not be underestimated and many species acquire this status after a few years in a specific region. Invader plants are increasing in the KNP and have already caused drastic and irreversible changes to the biodiversity of the area. This is a situation contradictory to the KNP's management objectives. Most of the important invader species found in the Park have spread from gardens and the measures applied to control these plants costs millions of Rand annually. The rules set out below are laid down as an attempt to encourage healthy conservation practices in the KNP, and to balance the joy of having a beautiful garden with that of combating the threat of invaders to the biodiversity of the KNP. After habitat loss, invading alien species are regarded as the worst impactors on biodiversity worldwide, and this is becoming a huge problem in Kruger as well. Imports of seeds along our rivers play an important role, but plants that escape from gardens are also a major contributor. The impact of this threat is expected to increase as global warming increases. KNP residents are requested to give their support in reporting invasions, but also to ensure that what they plant in their gardens is in line with this Code of Conduct.
4.2 Definitions
The definitions of indigenous, alien and invasive plants as provided in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) have been accepted for use in the KNP. They are:
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a) Indigenous species: A species that occurs, or has historically occurred, naturally in a free state in nature within the borders of the Republic of South Africa, but excludes a species that has been introduced in the RSA as a result of human activity. b) Alien species i. A species that is not an indigenous species. ii. An indigenous species translocated or intended to be translocated to a place outside its natural distribution range in nature (this excludes an indigenous species that has extended its natural distribution range by natural means of migration or dispersal without human intervention). c) Invasive species: Any species whose establishment and spread outside of its natural distribution range: i. Threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species or have demonstrable potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species. ii. May result in economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
4.3 Plants allowed in Gardens in the KNP
The following will indicate the types of species that may be planted in a particular area within the borders of the KNP: a) Large rest camps, gates and border posts: Landscaping and cultivation are allowed, but only within the following limits: i. Trees: All trees are to be restricted to those known to be indigenous within the landscape in which the camp is situated, i.e. indigenous tree species that occur within a 20 km range from the camp. ii. Shrubs: Any shrub occurring naturally in the KNP. iii. Flowers: Flowerbeds must be restricted to the absolute minimum and only flowers indigenous to the Lowveld and the Mpumalanga and Limpopo escarpment ecosystems, as well as adjoining river catchments are allowed. The planting of indigenous aloes is encouraged. iv. Lawns: Lawns should be restricted to Couch Grass or “Kweek” (Cynodon dactylon – preferred lawn grass due to its resistance to droughts) and Coastal Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secudatum) in sunny areas and L. M. Grass (Dactyloctenium australe) in shady areas. Kikuyu Grass is an alien and not allowed.
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b) Small camps: These include private and bushveld camps, concessions, wilderness trails camps, patrol camps, etc. No landscaping or flowerbed cultivation is allowed. Therefore only tree and shrub species occurring in the immediate vicinity (1 km radius) of the camp are allowed. Planting of these species may be done in cases where the camp site has been cleared of vegetation and where the camp staff want to displayed to guests specific species found in that area. c) Staff Villages and gardens: A more lenient policy is in place to allow staff to increase their quality of life within the limits of biodiversity conservation in the KNP: i. Trees: Any trees found naturally in the KNP may be planted, but planting of trees should preferably be restricted to species found in the broad region of the village (e.g. south of Olifants River or north of Olifants River). No alien trees, including fruit trees, are allowed. ii. Shrubs and flowers: Any shrub or flower occurring naturally in the KNP, the Lowveld and the Mpumalanga and Limpopoescarpment ecosystems and adjoining river catchments are allowed. iii. Lawns: Should be restricted to Couch Grass or “Kweek” (Cynodon dactylon – preferred lawn grass due to its resistance to droughts) and Coastal Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secudatum) in sunny areas and L. M. Grass (Dactyloctenium australe) in shady areas. Kikuyu Grass is an alien and not allowed. iv. Vegetable gardens: Vegetable gardens will be allowed under certain circumstances to give residents the opportunity to grow vegetables and as a means of relaxation. The following conditions will apply: The vegetable garden must be completely closed with wire mesh to keep birds and baboons out and to prevent the spread of certain vegetables to the veld. Water use must be within the overall allocation for that section and best practice guidelines of water consumption must apply. Vegetable gardens are not allowed at concessions, picnic sites and rest camps.
4.4 Control of Alien Plants
A list of prohibited alien invader plants including all fruit trees are listed in the Alien
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Biota Control Policy which will be amended when new alien plants are discovered. Any enquiries about invader plants or the removal of such plants may be directed to the Alien Biota Control Officer. The following rules are applicable: a) The golden rule is: Proudly South African – plant indigenous! b) It is the task of the Alien Biota Section of the Department Conservation Services to prevent aliens from spreading from gardens to the Kruger environment, and to achieve this they have been instructed to remove invading alien plants from any garden in the KNP. This will obviously first be discussed with the particular resident. c) Residents' gardens will be inspected periodically by the Alien Biota Section and alien invader plants will be removed accordingly. d) Existing alien trees and shrubs (even those that are not invaders) will be eradicated when premises are vacant. e) Personnel and other residents are henceforth prohibited from planting any decorative non-indigenous tree, fruit tree or shrub in their gardens. Bear in mind that all alien woody plants will be removed when you vacate the residence, leaving the person coming after you with the task to start all over again with indigenous plants. f) All fruit trees will be removed from the Park and no new fruit trees may be planted. g) Vegetable gardens will be allowed under certain conditions (see conditions above). h) Planting of alien creepers against indigenous trees or shrubs is prohibited. i) No indigenous trees may be removed from existing or new premises without the written consent of the HOD: Conservation Services. j) The planting of alien trees, shrubs and flowers in rest camps is prohibited. k) Residents in Staff Villages are encouraged to plant indigenous plants that are well adapted to using less water and do not spread or invade natural bush (available at a special price for personnel from the Skukuza Nursery - see previous Section).
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