FAUNAL AND FLORAL ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED ERASMUS PARK PHASE 2 TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT, ERASMUSRAND, GAUTENG. Prepared for Nali Sustainability Solutions February 2019 Section C: Faunal Assessment Prepared by: Scientific Terrestrial Services Report author: C. Hooton Report reviewer: K. Marais (Pr. Sci. Nat) Report Reference: STS 180084 Date: February 2019 Scientific Terrestrial Services CC CC Reg No 2005/122329/23 PO Box 751779 Gardenview 2047 Tel: 011 616 7893 Fax: 086 724 3132 E-mail: [email protected] STS 180084 February 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From the faunal assessment it can be concluded that there are four habitat units encompassed within the study area, namely Senegalia caffra – Vachellia karroo Woodland, Rocky Grassland, Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland and Freshwater Habitat. These habitat range from moderately-low to moderately high sensitivities Based on the impact assessment, the impacts on faunal habitat, diversity and SCC within the different habitat units varies from low to high significance during the construction and the operational phase of the project prior to mitigation taking place. With effective mitigation implemented, all impacts may be reduced to very-low to medium-low levels. It is the opinion of the ecologists that this study provides the relevant information required in order to implement an Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) plan and to ensure that the best long-term use of the ecological resources in the study area will be made in support of the principle of sustainable development. Scientific Terrestrial Services (STS) was appointed to conduct a faunal and floral ecological assessment for the proposed Erasmus Park development on the remaining extent of the farm Waterkloof 378 JR, Erasmusrand, Gauteng Province (hereafter referred to as the ‘study area’). Specific outcomes required from this report include the following: To provide inventories of faunal species as encountered within the study area; To determine and describe habitat types, communities and the ecological state of the study area and to rank each habitat type based on conservation importance and ecological sensitivity; To identify and consider all sensitive landscapes including rocky ridges, primary grasslands, wetlands and/ or any other special features; To conduct a Red Data Listed (RDL) species assessment as well as an assessment of other Species of Conservation Concern (SCC), including potential for such species to occur within the study area; To provide detailed information to guide the activities associated with the proposed development activities associated within the study area; and To ensure the ongoing functioning of the ecosystem in such a way as to support local and regional conservation requirements and the provision of ecological services in the local area. In order to achieve the objectives of the report, the following assessment procedure/methodology was used: A desktop study to gain background information on the physical habitat, as well as generating potential faunal biodiversity lists for the focus area and surrounding region; Digital satellite imagery were consulted prior to the field assessment to guide priority areas for ground truthing; Previous studies undertaken were reviewed; The site visit was initiated by means of a visual, on-site assessment of the study area; A field assessment that identified the dominant faunal species that occur within the study area; A description of the sensitivity of the project footprint; Data analyses and reporting of all findings; and An impact statement was provided. The following general summary is presented of the literature review and desktop analysis: According to the National List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems (2011) the study area is located in the Critically Endangered Witwatersberg Pretoria Mountain Bushveld Ecosystem; The National Biodiversity Assessment (2011) database indicates that the area in which the study area is located is currently poorly protected; ii STS 180084 February 2019 According to the South African Protected Areas Database (SAPAD Q4, 2018) and the National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES,2009) the Rietvlei Nature Reserve (NR) is situated ±3.7 km southeast of the study area, while the Groenkloof NR is located ± 3.1 km to the northwest. NPAES (2009) also indicate the Moreleta Kloof Municipal NR ± 2.6 km east of the study Area; and According to the Gauteng Conservation Plan (C-Plan V3.3, 2011), The majority of the study area, with the exception of a few scattered patches is classified as a CBA, considered important in terms of “Red” and “Orange” listed plant habitat and for Primary Vegetation. The following general conclusions were drawn upon completion of the field assessment: Four habitat units were identified during the field assessment, Senegalia caffra – Vachellia karroo Woodland, Rocky Grassland, Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland and Freshwater Habitat; The Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland habitat unit is the dominant vegetation type within the study area. Although degraded by uncontrolled burning and anthropogenic activities, is still considered important for faunal species in the region, providing habitat and food resources, whilst ensuring habitat connectivity between the other habitat units; The Senegalia caffra – Vachellia karroo Woodland is locate in two areas of the study area. This habitat unit provides important areas for avifauna to build nests and roost, whilst providing small mammals and reptiles important areas of refuge; The Rocky Grassland has been degraded as a result of surrounding construction activities and is not considered highly important to faunal species, providing limited food resources and areas of refuge. Along the border of the Rocky Grassland and Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland small reptiles, Trachylepis punctatissima (Montane Speckled Skink) and Pachydactylus capensis (Cape Gecko), were observed under some rocks. Such species were not observed under any other rocks and structures in the remaining Rocky Grassland habitat; The Freshwater habitats were noted to have an increased level of vegetation coverage as a result of increased soil moisture content. Additionally, these habitats had the highest diversity and abundance of faunal species. These habitats provide the highest levels of food and water resources to faunal classes and as such are of increased importance, the loss of which will result in a significant impact to faunal species in the study area; Although no faunal SCC was observed during the field assessment, it is considered possible that the following species may occur in the study area, namely Atelerix frontalis (Southern African Hedgehog), Neamblysomus julianae (Juliana’s Golden Mole) and Homoroselaps dorsalis (Striped Harlequin Snake); and Overall the study area comprises of varying levels of habitat sensitivities (moderately-low, intermediate and moderately high). The proposed development activities will have varying degrees of impact on faunal species and habitat. iii STS 180084 February 2019 Faunal Impact Assessment: The tables below summarise the findings indicating the significance of the impact before mitigation takes place and the likely impact if management and mitigation takes place. In the consideration of mitigation, it is assumed that a high level of mitigation takes place, but which does not lead to prohibitive costs. A summary of the results obtained from the impact assessment for the study area. CONSTRUCTION PHASE Impact Unmanaged Managed Senegalia caffra – Vachellia karroo Woodland Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-high Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Medium-low Low Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-high Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Medium-high Medium-low Rocky Grassland Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-low Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Low Low Freshwater Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-high Very-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Medium-low Low OPERATIONAL PHASE Impact Unmanaged Managed Senegalia caffra – Vachellia karroo Woodland Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-high Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Medium-low Low Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-high Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Medium-high Medium-low Rocky Grassland Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-low Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Low Low Freshwater Habitat 1.1: Impact on Habitat Integrity and Species Diversity for Faunal Species Medium-high Medium-low 1.2: Impact on Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Medium-low Low iv STS 180084 February 2019 SENSITIVITY From an ecological perspective, habitat sensitivity is considered to range from moderately-low to moderately-high levels. The table below indicates the sensitivity of the habitat units along with an associated conservation objective and implications for development. Table 1A. A summary of the