BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area

Prepared for: Yendor Investments No. 27 CC Report Author: Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 Date: 2017/05/12 Version: v3.4

Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment National Legislation and Regulations governing this report This specialist report is compiled in terms of the following legislation,  Mountain Catchment Areas Act (Act No. 63 of 1970)  Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA, Act 43 of 1983).  Environmental Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1989) and associated EIA regulations  National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act No. 107 of 1998) and as amended, the Environmental Assessment Regulation (2014)  National Water Act (NWA, Act no. 36 of 1998)  Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (No. 32 of 2000). Spatial Development Frameworks  Western Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act (Act No. 3 of 2000)  National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPA, No. 57 of 2003)  National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA, Act 10 of 2004)

Guidelines referenced in compiling this report  Guideline for involving biodiversity specialists in EIA processes, Edition 1 (Brownlie, 2005)  Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental assessment in the Western Cape, Edition 2 (Cadman, 2016)  Fynbos Forum Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental Assessment in the Western Cape (de Villiers, et al., 2005)

Appointment of Specialist Priscilla Swartz of was appointed by HilLand Environmental Assessment Practitioners to provide specialist biodiversity and botanical assessments and to compare the biodiversity impacts of the authorised and preferred development plans for a proposed wine farm within the Crags agricultural land that is under the jurisdiction of the Bitou Municipality within the Western Cape.

Details of Specialist Ms Pauline Priscilla Swartz A Professional Natural Scientist with registration number 40023/05 registered according to the SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions Act 27 of 2003. Professional Registration for Botanical and Ecological surveys  Address : 362 Brookstr, Menlopark, Pretoria 0081  Tel : 012-4606470  Mobile : 082-679-1201  Email : [email protected]

Expertise Pauline Priscilla Swartz Qualifications: BSc. BSc Hons, MSc Botany  Botanical Scientist for more than forty years over a wide field of aspects in the botanical, conservation, plant rehabilitation as well as the biological control of alien weeds and ecotourism world.

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 Several plant surveys and environmental consultation work done countrywide like for example for the highly successful Eco Estates Thaba ya Batshwane within the Klipriviersberg and the Serengeti Eco Estate (via Insite Landscape architects) within Johannesburg.  Plant surveys done within the Fynbos like for example at Buffelsbaai and various other localities across the country for many years, gaining experience and an understanding of the biodiversity processes within South Africa.  Field work and botanical and ecological surveys done countrywide for Escom and Dept of Water Affairs.  Worked at the University of Pretoria and the Department of Agriculture as well as the National Botanical Gardens of the NBI that is now at SANBI as a botanical researcher doing many field trips to gather information in regard of the ecology and distribution of rare and endangered as well as medicinal plants.  Has conducted research around the distribution and ecology, morphology, anatomy and chemistry and speciation process within the complex Acacia karroo discovering and describing new species.  Has conducted field work and plant surveys across the country, gaining experience in understanding of the biodiversity processes within South Africa.  Has taken fellow scientists and fellow plant interests groups like Danish Dendrological Society, Botanical and Succulent Society members of Betchart Expeditions (USA) on botanical explorations in South Africa and especially within the Fynbos areas.  Participated as a scientific researcher in Eco challenge 2006 into Mozambique as broadcasted on Voetspore TV program.  International re-establishment of rare and endangered Aloe suzannae in Madagascar on the brink of extinction saving this highly threatened Aloe from extinction in the wild as broadcasted on SABC’s 50/50 program 1996 -1997.  Major plant surveys done within East London Zoo’s surrounding natural areas, Union Buildings Terrain, various surveys all over Northern Kwazulu Natal on the Makatini Flats, Northern Cape at solar plants close to Upington doing ecological surveys for Escom via Ulwando as well as other private consultation works.  Botanical consultant work for various Landscape Architects like Insite-, Red and Van Riet and Louw Landscape Architects.  Various Plant rescue Actions done with Nature Conservation authorities of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Northwest Province like for example plant rescue actions re- establishing Lithops lesleyi as published long ago within a Veld and Flora Botanical magazine.  Curating living Scientific Collections of Rare and Endangered plants at the National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria contributing towards information for the red data plant lists of NBI that is now SANBI.  Attended national and international botanical associated congresses also giving talks and scientific research done on Acacias.  Various scientific and popular articles published on botanical matters including how to grow Proteas with the most recent article within the Plus 50 magazine on how to grow a garden in the drought: Maak Tuin in die Droogte.

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 3 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment Independence The views expressed in the report are the objective independent views of Priscilla Swartz. The survey was carried out independently and has no business, personal, financial or any other interest in the proposed development apart from the fair remuneration for the work performed.

Specialist Process Undertaken

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 4 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment Conditions relating to this report The content of this report is based on the author’s best scientific and professional knowledge as well as available information. The author has the right to modify the report in any way deemed fit should new or previous unavailable undisclosed information become known to the author from ongoing research or further work in this field or pertaining to this investigation. This report is not allowed to be altered or added to without the prior written consent of the author. The information within this report is confidential. These conditions also refer to electronic copies of the report which have been supplied for the main purposes of inclusion as part of other reports, including main reports. Similarly, any recommendations statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must make reference to this report. If this report forms part of a main report relating to this investigation or report, this report must be included in its entirety as an appendix or as a separate section to the main report.

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 5 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment Contents 1 Table of Figures ...... 8 2 Executive Summary ...... 11 3 Introduction ...... 13 3.1 Background ...... 13 3.2 Purpose of Study ...... 13 3.3 Project alternatives ...... 13 4 Terms of Reference ...... 15 4.1 General Terms of Reference ...... 15 4.2 Specific Terms of Reference ...... 15 5 Study Area ...... 16 5.1 Locality ...... 16 5.2 Geology, Topography and Soils ...... 17 5.3 Climate ...... 18 6 Assessment Methodology ...... 20 6.1 Introduction ...... 20 6.2 Regional Vegetation Description ...... 20 6.2.1 Biomes, Bioregions and Vegetation Types ...... 20 6.2.2 Ecosystem Status ...... 20 6.3 Site Vegetation Description ...... 20 6.3.1 Vegetation Types ...... 20 6.3.2 Land Use ...... 20 6.3.3 Species, Communities and Populations ...... 20 6.3.4 Special Habitats ...... 21 6.3.5 Species Diversity of Vegetation...... 21 6.3.6 Species of Conservation Concern ...... 22 6.3.7 Restoration Potential and Biodiversity Corridors ...... 22 6.4 Impact Assessment ...... 22 6.4.1 Impact Assessment Criteria ...... 22 6.5 Limitations...... 24 7 Vegetation Description ...... 25 7.1 Regional Vegetation ...... 25 7.1.1 Biome and Bioregion ...... 25 7.1.2 Transformation ...... 26 7.1.3 Vegetation map ...... 26 7.1.4 Indigenous forest ...... 27 7.1.5 Classification of Area ...... 29 7.2 Site Vegetation ...... 30 7.2.1 General Description ...... 30 7.2.2 Vegetation History ...... 30 7.2.3 Special Habitats ...... 35 7.2.4 Conservation Status ...... 39 7.3 Biodiversity Analysis...... 40 7.3.1 Species Diversity Analysis ...... 40 7.3.2 Overview of Site Vegetation ...... 43 7.3.3 Vegetation Areas and Plant Communities ...... 48 7.3.4 Sensitive and Noteworthy Features ...... 63 8 Impact Assessment ...... 65

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8.1 Identification of Impacts ...... 65 8.1.1 Impact Assessment Alternatives ...... 65 8.1.2 Development Activities Impacting on Biodiversity ...... 65 8.1.3 Plant communities affected by development activities ...... 66 8.1.4 Projected transformation state of alternatives ...... 67 8.1.5 Potential Impacts of Development Activities...... 68 8.2 Direct Impacts ...... 69 8.2.1 Loss of Species ...... 69 8.2.2 Loss of Indigenous Vegetation ...... 70 8.2.3 Loss of Habitat...... 70 8.2.4 Loss of ecological processes ...... 71 8.2.5 Pollution ...... 72 8.2.6 Re-Connection of Habitats ...... 73 8.2.7 Restoration of ecological processes ...... 73 8.2.8 Restoration of CBAs ...... 74 8.3 Indirect Impacts ...... 74 8.3.1 Reduction of Alien Plant Matter entering CBAs and PAs ...... 74 8.4 Cumulative Impacts ...... 75 8.4.1 Cumulative impacts of Authorised Alternative ...... 75 8.4.2 Cumulative impacts of Preferred Alternative ...... 75 8.5 Summary Comparison of Impact Significance ...... 75 9 Mitigation and Recommendations ...... 76 9.1 Protected trees to be conserved ...... 76 9.2 Ecological corridors to be conserved, maintained and invasive species eradicated ...... 76 9.2.1 Identification and Establishment of Ecological Corridors ...... 76 9.2.2 Restoration of Vegetation and Habitats in Ecological Corridors ...... 77 9.2.3 Monitoring and Maintenance of Ecological Corridors ...... 77 9.3 Restoration Process ...... 78 9.3.1 Removal of alien invaders ...... 78 9.3.2 Plant rescue ...... 78 9.3.3 Rehabilitation ...... 79 9.3.4 Removal of Weeds ...... 79 9.3.5 Fencing ...... 79 9.3.6 Confrontation with Fauna ...... 79 9.3.7 Monitoring Process ...... 79 10 Conclusion ...... 79 10.1 Significance of Development Impacts on Biodiversity ...... 80 10.2 Summary Points ...... 80 11 References ...... 81 12 Appendix ...... 83 12.1 Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae of Specialist ...... 83 12.2 Enlarged Vegetation Map ...... 85 12.3 Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area, Western Cape ...... 86 12.3.1 Preferred Alternative Layout ...... 86 12.3.2 Authorised Alternative Layout ...... 87 12.4 Plant List of Vegetation on Farm 247/1 ...... 88 12.4.1 Western Section ...... 88 12.4.2 Eastern Section ...... 91 12.4.3 Central Corridor South (aquatic forest area, 200m2) ...... 92

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12.4.4 Central Corridor North (Riparian area, 500m2) ...... 93 12.4.5 Mid-Eastern corridor (hydrological area) ...... 94 12.4.6 Eastern corridor (aquatic forest area) - 3000m2 ...... 94 12.5 Plant List of Vegetation on Indigenous Forest and Neighbouring Farms to the South of Farm 247/1 94 12.5.1 Vegetation on Forest and Neighbouring Farms to the South of Farm 247/1 ...... 94

1 Table of Figures Figure 1: Preferred Alternative Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247 (Van der Watt, 2017) ...... 14 Figure 2: Authorised Alternative Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247 (Van der Watt, 2017)...... 14 Figure 3: Locality of Farm 247/1 ...... 16 Figure 4: Location of Farm 247/1 relative to neighbouring farms ...... 16 Figure 5: Farm 247/1 – Soil Profile Positions and Soils Map...... 17 Figure 6: Crags Area - Average temperatures and precipitation ...... 18 Figure 7: Crags Area - Maximum temperatures...... 18 Figure 8: Crags Area - Cloudy, sunny, and precipitation days...... 18 Figure 9: Crags Area - Wind speed ...... 19 Figure 10: Crags Area - Wind rose ...... 19 Figure 11: Vegetation Map with Species Analysis Blocks ...... 21 Figure 12: National Biomes: 2010 ...... 25 Figure 13: Transformation: 2010 ...... 26 Figure 14: Vegetation Map: 2010 ...... 26 Figure 15: Southen Cape Afrotemperate Forest: 2010 ...... 27 Figure 16: Adjacent Forest, Farmland and Pine Plantations ...... 27 Figure 17: National Protected Areas: 2010 ...... 28 Figure 18: Threatened Ecosystems: 2010 ...... 28 Figure 19: CBA’s and ESA’s: 2017 ...... 29 Figure 20: CBA’s and ESA’s: enlarged ...... 29 Figure 21: Eastern Section Plant Community 12: A cleared area with indigenous plants surrounded by alien invaders ...... 30 Figure 22: Transformation state: 1936 ...... 31 Figure 23: Transformation state: 1960 ...... 31 Figure 24: Transformation state: 1980 ...... 32 Figure 25: Transformation state: 1999 ...... 32 Figure 26: Degraded vegetation on Eastern (A) and Western (B) sections of the farm with burned-down farm house ...... 33 Figure 27: Helichrysum Petiolare and Graminoids invaded by Black Wattles and Black Wood ...... 33 Figure 28: Transformation state: 2016 ...... 34 Figure 29: Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos Habitat ...... 35 Figure 30: Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest ...... 36 Figure 31: Transformed Small Palustrine Wetland area ...... 37

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Figure 32: Invasive Black Wood forest ...... 38 Figure 33: New population of Black Wattles sprouting out again within plant community 11 ...... 39 Figure 34: Pie charts of blocks A, B and C within the western authorised section of the farm ...... 40 Figure 35: Pie charts of blocks D, E and F within the eastern unauthorised section of the farm ...... 41 Figure 36: Pie charts of blocks G and H illustrating the diversity of species within dense stands of invaders ...... 41 Figure 37: Overview of Species diversity analysis ...... 42 Figure 38: Invasion of Alien Species ...... 43 Figure 39: Distorted Fynbos after the removal of Pines ...... 45 Figure 40: Fynbos elements founds next to the roads ...... 46 Figure 41: Plant Community 13 that is highly invaded and severely degraded ...... 47 Figure 42: Alien invasion into forest area ...... 47 Figure 43: Vegetation Map ...... 48 Figure 44: Plant Community 1. Searsia – Nuxia – Acacia Plant Community ...... 49 Figure 45: Plant Community 2. Helichrysum – Pteridium – Erica Plant Community ...... 50 Figure 46: Plant Community 2. Helichrysum – Pteridium – Erica Plant Community (Pioneer species) 50 Figure 47: Plant Community 4. Phylica axillaris, Berzelia intermedia, Erica canaliculata and Protea mundii ...... 51 Figure 48: Plant Community 5. Acacia mearnsii – Virgilia divaricata – Pinus pinaster ...... 52 Figure 49: Plant Community 6. Virgilia divaricata - Phylica axilaris - Agathosma ovata ...... 52 Figure 50: Plant Community 7. Acacia mearnsii - Acacia melanoxylon – Pinus pinaster – Virgilia divaricata ...... 53 Figure 51: Plant Community 9. Corymbia ficifolia - Acacia mearnsii – Pinus pinaster community ...... 54 Figure 52: Plant Community 10. Virgilia divaricata - Rhododocoma capensis – Metalasia muricata .. 54 Figure 53: Plant Community 11. Metalasia muricata - Berzelia intermedia - Penaea cneorum - Pinus pinaster ...... 55 Figure 54: Plant Community 12. Acacia mearnsii – Pinus pinaster – Virgilia divaricate ...... 56 Figure 55: Plant Community 13. Pinus pinaster - Acacia mearnsii - Virgila divaricate ...... 56 Figure 56: Plant Community 14. Acacia melanoxylon Forest ...... 57 Figure 57: Plant Community 15. Eragrostis curvula – Erica canaliculata – Rubus cf pinnata ...... 57 Figure 58: Plant Community 16. Firebreak ...... 58 Figure 59: Plant Community 17. Protea mundii - Leucadendron eucalyptifolium – Pinus pinaster .... 59 Figure 60: Plant Community 18. Liquidamber - Quercus robur – Acacia melanoxylon ...... 59 Figure 61: Plant Community 19. Pine Plantations ...... 60 Figure 62: Plant Community 19. Pine Plantations ...... 60 Figure 63: Plant Community 20. Virgilia divaricata – Phylica axillaris - Berzelia intermedia - Erica discolour ...... 61 Figure 64: Plant Community 25. Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest ...... 62 Figure 65: Plant Community 25. Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest ...... 62 Figure 66: Plant Community 26. Riparian area ...... 63 Figure 67: Vegetation Map overlaid with development activities...... 66 Figure 68: 20 Year projected transformation state for authorised alternative ...... 67

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Figure 69: 20 Year projected transformation state for preferred alternative ...... 67 Figure 70: Plant List areas ...... 88

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 10 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment 2 Executive Summary The purpose of this study is to conduct a full assessment of the biodiversity value of portion 1 of farm 247 in the Crags area, considering the surrounding Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and Ecological Support Areas (ESA). The study also evaluates the impact of the preferred and authorised alternatives to assess the cumulative impact of the development on the property. The study consisted of a range of standard assessment techniques to review the state of the farm and to determine the potential impacts of the proposed development. Various desktop analysis and physical surveys of the site and research about the local Fynbos were conducted to inform the assessment. The current status of biodiversity on the farm is low. Severe invasion of alien flora and historic farming activities have reduced the ecological integrity of the site. Most ecosystems present on the farm have been severely altered and transformed due to various direct and indirect, negative impacts. Most of the impacts are evident on the eastern section of the farm. Historical evidence of the farm shows that the natural vegetation has been altered by a historical Pine plantation in the eastern section of the farm and various farming practices, including the creation of a servitude and access roads on the property. Photographic accounts indicated that a fire destroyed all vegetation and buildings present on the farm at that time. The result of such a fire meant easy infiltration of invasive species, these include Australian Black Wattle trees, Blackwood trees, Pine trees and the like, these exotic species were then able to repeatedly form mature stands of alien invaders all over the farm. All habitats on the farm have been transformed, both in the eastern and western sections. With the eastern section in the poorer condition than the western section. A vegetation map has been compiled of the different plant communities on site. Photographs have been taken within the different plant communities occurring on the farm to illustrate and describe the degraded state of the farm. Sensitive areas with indigenous vegetation that have shown a measure of resilience to the invasive flora have been pinpointed on the vegetation map. Communities with indigenous pioneer plant species seem to predominantly occur within small areas next to the service roads on the farm and in areas where invasive species have been successfully eradicated. The Fynbos species that established next to the roads are widely distributed pioneer plant species of the area with a wide distribution range all over the Fynbos biome with a few endemic species of the Garden Route Area. Sensitive areas have been noted that should be avoided during the development of this farm Ecosystems earmarked for restoration and conservation purposes have been incorporated within large, interconnecting ecological corridors as indicated on the accompanying preferred site development plan. These include a Riparian, Hydrological, Forest, Fynbos Transition and Fynbos corridors. There are 4 protected trees (according to the forestry act’s list) within the small forest area on the southern end of the dividing drainage line on the border with the large Garden Route National Park (GRNP) that will be a no go area as included within both development plans. The riparian are along the same drainage line contain a few endemic plants. Both these areas have been incorporated into the central ecological corridor, where the trees can easily be avoided during development and be protected as part of the larger forest. There is a protected tree within the western authorised section of the farm. This tree should be avoided during the establishment of the buildings and vineyards on the farm and can be incorporated within the proposed botanical garden. Protected species found on the farm, fall into one of the ecological corridors proposed for the restoration and conservation of the local ecosystem. These strategically placed, interconnected

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 11 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment ecological corridors, are sufficient to ensure the successful conservation and creation of migration routes for indigenous fauna and flora within the area where it is also connected to the other ecological corridors between the local plantations to the north and east of the farm. The ecological processes of the current degraded land could be restored with in the proposed ecological corridors and the biodiversity enhanced to fall into the strategies of the CBAs towards the successful conservation of the Fynbos and other sensitive habitats. With the transformation of most of the original habitat and ecosystems, the impact from development of the preferred alternative on the remaining ecosystem that still occur on Farm 247/1 will be minimal. It was found that the impact of the buildings and storage dams as indicated on the plans are permanent but with minimal impact on the local ecological processes that has already been severely negatively impacted by historical farming and forestry activities. The proposed vineyards are seasonal growers with shallow roots and will as such not have a significant impact on the seasonal fresh water drainage systems. The impact of development on the local biodiversity of Farm 247/1 and the greater Crags area, can only be considered a positive one. Large ecological corridors have been reserved on the farm, specifically for conservation and restorative purposes. Resulting in a total of almost 40% of Farm 247/1’s preferred alternative being reserved for conservation purposes. All invasive species are to be removed from these corridors to allow restoration of the local biodiversity to near-neutral or even an enhanced condition, ensuring long-term conservation of the CBAs and the ESA. It will also aid in maintaining the local freshwater drainage systems, collaborating with the overarching management objectives of Cape Nature / SANParks. In conclusion, the author is confident that this development will have a low impact on the local natural ecosystems and in many ways enhance the local biodiversity.

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3.1 Background Yendor Investments No. 27 CC is a privately owned family business who submitted an application to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) in terms of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) for a basic assessment application for environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) for the proposed construction of a vineyard and winery and associated infrastructure at Farm No. 247 Portion 1, The Crags, Bitou Municipal Area. The proposed application was issued with an Environmental Authorisation (EA) by the competent Authority, however this approval was not for the proposal as applied for. The applicant has taken the EA on Appeal as this approved alternative was not assessed as part of the Basic Assessment process and is considered as an economically unviable alternative. The Minister, in considering the appeal, requested the assessment of the preferred alternative and the approved alternative. One of the reasons given for the partial approval was due to CapeNature raising the issue of biodiversity value of the property in context of its location as a critical biodiversity area (CBA) and ecological support area (ESA).

3.2 Purpose of Study The purpose of this study is to conduct a full assessment of the biodiversity value of the property, considering the surrounding CBA and ESAs. The study also includes an impact assessment of the preferred and authorised alternatives to assess the cumulative impact of the proposed development of the property.

3.3 Project alternatives The two alternatives evaluated in this study will be referred to as follows:  The “preferred alternative” (Figure 1): This is the applicants proposed and preferred development option.  The “authorised alternative” (Figure 2): This is the partially accepted environmental authorisation received from DEA&DP.

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Figure 1: Preferred Alternative Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247 (Van der Watt, 2017)

Figure 2: Authorised Alternative Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247 (Van der Watt, 2017)

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4.1 General Terms of Reference Standard Cape Nature and Botanical Society of South Africa Terms of Reference for biodiversity assessments were used as guidelines for this report:  Produce a baseline analysis of the botanical attributes of the property as a whole.  This report should clearly indicate any constraints that would need to be taken into account in considering the development proposals further.  The baseline report must include a map of the identified sensitive areas as well as indications of important constraints on the property.

4.2 Specific Terms of Reference Scope of assessment  Describe the broad ecological characteristics of the site and its surrounds in terms of any mapped spatial components of ecological processes and/or patchiness, patch size, relative isolation of patches, connectivity, corridors, disturbance regimes, ecotones, buffering, viability, etc.  In terms of biodiversity pattern, identify or describe: o What is the significance of the potential impact of the proposed project – with and without mitigation – on biodiversity pattern and process at the site, landscape, and regional scales? o Provide a map, at suitable scale, of key conservation areas and corridors. o Recommend actions that should be taken to prevent or mitigate impacts. Indicate how these should be scheduled to ensure long-term protection, management and restoration of affected ecosystems and biodiversity. o Indicate limitations and assumptions, particularly in relation to seasonality.

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5.1 Locality The Farm 247/1 is located approximately 3.5km east of the intersection of the N2/R102 national roads, along the R102 on the eastern side of the road to Natures Valley adjacent to the Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge. The extent of the farm is 21.5334Ha. The farm is bordered by the De Vasselot Nature Reserve (Garden Route National Park) to the south-east, Farm 246/R to the south, Farm 247/R to the west and Cape Pine forest to the north and east. See Figure 3 below:

Figure 3: Locality of Farm 247/1

Figure 4: Location of Farm 247/1 relative to neighbouring farms

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5.2 Geology, Topography and Soils A soil investigation was done of portion 1 of farm 247 in the Knysna division. The property is situated on the coastal plateau (approx. 230 m above mean sea level). A north to south running drainage line splits the property into two distinct portions. A soil map indicating the position of the profiles, (a total of 12) is included (Figure 5). Soil boundaries were drawn on this map showing the various soil units. Soils were classified according to Soil Classification – a taxonomic system for S.A. – Soil Classification Working Group, 1991. The majority of the area is flat with a slight southerly slope with an angle of 1-3 %. The slopes are linear to slightly convex. Contour lines are indicated on Figure 5. Twelve soil profiles were described and classified. The extent of the soil mapping units is shown on Figure 5 below. The dominant soil form is Tukulu, Mostertshoek family. These soils have fine loamy sand topsoils, grading into fine sandy loam B-horizons. Effective rooting depth varies between 40 and 55 cm. The underlying material is a gleyed clayey subsoil. To the eastern side of the property, some wetness mottling is found in the B-horizon, almost classifying it as a plinthic horizon and not a neocutanic. Kroonstad soils with fine loamy sand topsoils and yellow E-horizons above the dense wet gleyed subsoil are found on the western portion of the area. In this case the Grabouw family were classified with an effective rooting depth of 25-30 cm. Two profiles classified as Sepane forms, Crondale family, with similar topsoil textures and effective rooting depths of ±25 cm, were found. From the above soil descriptions, it is clear that ±30 cm of topsoil with a fine loamy sand texture and a greyish brown colour occurs throughout the area.

Figure 5: Farm 247/1 – Soil Profile Positions and Soils Map

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5.3 Climate The area normally receives about 765mm of rain per year, with rainfall occurring throughout the year. Figure 6 (Meteoblue, 2017) shows the average rainfall values for the area per month. The area receives the lowest rainfall (25mm) in June and the highest (48mm) in October. The steady rainfall throughout the year would suggest that vineyards would not need additional irrigation.

Figure 6: Crags Area - Average temperatures and precipitation The monthly distribution of average daily maximum temperatures (Figure 7) shows that the average midday temperatures for the area range from 15-20°C in July to about 25°C in February. The region is the coldest during July when the temperature drops below 10°C on average during the night.

Figure 7: Crags Area - Maximum temperatures Figure 8 shows that June has the most sunny days, and the least in October when it rains the most. The average precipitation days shows a fairly constant rainfall throughout the year.

Figure 8: Crags Area - Cloudy, sunny, and precipitation days

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The least windy month is in April as in shown in Figure 9, which the strongest wind occurring in the winter months.

Figure 9: Crags Area - Wind speed The wind rose in Figure 10 shows that the wind in predominantly from a southern and northerly direction.

Figure 10: Crags Area - Wind rose

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6.1 Introduction The study consisted of a range of standard assessment criteria to review the state of the study area and determine the potential impacts of the proposed development. Various desktop analysis and physical surveys of the site were conducted for the various assessment as described below.

6.2 Regional Vegetation Description An overview of the regional vegetation, ecosystems and sensitive areas were obtained through SANBI GIS, Google imagery and various historical aerial photos.

6.2.1 Biomes, Bioregions and Vegetation Types Desktop analysis of the National Vegetation Map (SANBI, 2012) was conducted to establish the biomes, bioregions, vegetation and soils for the area surrounding the site.

6.2.2 Ecosystem Status The national list of threatened ecosystems (Republic of South Africa, 2011) in conjunction with the SANBI ecosystems maps (SANBI, 2011) were used to identify the status of applicable ecosystems.

6.3 Site Vegetation Description Desktop analysis of the available vegetation information from SANBI was used to establish an initial understanding of the ecosystems, vegetation and identified sensitive areas on the site. Further site visits were conducted for verification of the desktop analysis and for a more detailed analysis of habitats, species, and species composition to determine plant communities on site and overall biodiversity to determine the conservation value of the local biodiversity and especially the vegetation.

6.3.1 Vegetation Types The National Vegetation Map (SANBI, 2012) was consulted to gain an initial understanding of the vegetation types in the study area. This was further supplemented by conducting various site visits. Notes were made on the level of disturbance and photographs taken as record of the condition of the vegetation. The observations made of the state of the Fynbos on site was compared with various reference books (see References section) on Fynbos vegetation. A vegetation map was produced to summarise the finding from the site visits and subsequent assessment of the state of the vegetation.

6.3.2 Land Use The current and historical use of land was determined that the use of Google Satellite imagery and historical aerial photographs obtained from the Department of Rural Development. Photographs spanning from 1936 to date were analysed to identify transformation activities to establish the extent of historical degradation of the vegetation, to supplement the understanding of the current state of biodiversity with special reference to the the vegetation and to assess the restoration potential.

6.3.3 Species, Communities and Populations Site visits were conducted to identify plants on site and to determine the various plant communities and populations on site. Herbarium material has also been taken when in doubt for later verification. Photographs were taken to record the different plant communities. The Compton herbarium in Kirstenbosch and National Herbarium of SANBI in Pretoria were consulted in addition to a range of

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 20 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment text books on the Garden Route area and the rest of SA for the identification and verification of species found on site. The site was further subdivided into 1000 m2 blocks with different vegetation types and plant communities. This allowed for the comparison of the diversity of species within various sections of the farm, highlighting areas with more indigenous plants and areas with more invasive species. The result of the analysis has been summarised in various pie charts, providing a visual representation of the plant species and different compositions of plant communities in different areas on the farm.

6.3.4 Special Habitats Various habitats were documented on the site with the purpose of identifying the presence of any rare or sensitive habitats. Topographic maps obtained from the Department of Rural Development assisted in determining the gradient of different areas on the site and subsequent identification of habitats especially sensitive habitats like drainage lines on site.

6.3.5 Species Diversity of Vegetation The alpha diversity of indigenous plant species has been obtained within 8 separate 1000 square meter blocks (Figure 11) where the highest concentration of indigenous species could be found within both the eastern and western sections of the farm. This was done to compare the health of the pioneer plant communities on site that managed to establish between all the invaders. The number of species was counted within each of the 1000 square meter blocks set out as illustrated within the map below.

Figure 11: Vegetation Map with Species Analysis Blocks The latest vegetation map indicating where the blocks A to H have been set out on the farm in order to analyse the diversity species within each block in order to compare the diversity of species of the eastern (unauthorised) and western (authorised) sections of the farm.

The percentage of the stands of the different species in relation to the alien invaders on the farm has been included within comparative pie charts to compare the species diversity. For a control, blocks have also been set out within areas where there are dense stands of alien invaders, representative of the true state of the invasion within certain very highly degraded areas on the farm. Pie charts are presented to do a visual comparison of the diversity of the species to determine and compare the health of the indigenous vegetation on both the authorised and unauthorised sections of the farm. The species diversity in the Fynbos is a good indicator of the health of Fynbos vegetation.

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According to Cowling, et al. (1995) an average of 65 species per 1000m square is a good average benchmark to determine the health of Fynbos species composition.

6.3.6 Species of Conservation Concern A list of red data plants that may occur in the Crags area where obtained from the SANBI Threatened Plant Species Programme (SANBI, 2017). Further information was obtained from Lize von Staden to investigate if these species may occur on site. Red data lists of fauna have also been consulted to determine if there might be any special animals that need habitats to be protected on site.

6.3.7 Restoration Potential and Biodiversity Corridors Degraded areas or alien-infested areas have the potential to the restored depending on the level of disturbance or transformation. These areas may also be of importance when linking portions of good quality or threatened vegetation types. The current vegetation was assessed in conjunction with a review of historical land use and to determine any potential for restoration.

6.4 Impact Assessment The impact of the development of the authorised and preferred alternatives on the local biodiversity was assessed using the guidelines provided by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Brownlie, 2005).

6.4.1 Impact Assessment Criteria The following evaluation criteria as provided by the guidelines were used to classify each impact and then summarised for the alternatives.

6.4.1.1 Impact Description A description of effect of the project on the affected environment. This description includes who or what would be affected, and how.

6.4.1.2 Nature of Impact An indication whether the impact of the project has a positive or negative effect on the affected environment.

6.4.1.3 Extent of Impact The scope of the impact as described as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING LOCAL An impact that is site specific. 1 SURROUNDINGS An impact limited to the site and its immediate surroundings. 2 REGION An impact on the region (e.g. if communities rely on biodiversity). 3 NATIONAL An impact on a national scale (e.g. national biodiversity conservation 4 targets). INTERNATIONAL An impact across international borders (e.g. where catchments cross 5 international border.

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6.4.1.4 Duration of Impact The lifetime of the impact was described as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING SHORT TERM During the construction phase. 1 MEDIUM TERM During part or all of the operational phase. 2 LONG TERM Beyond the operational phase, but not permanently. 3 PERMANENT Where the impact is for all intents and purposes irreversible. 4 An irreversible negative impact may also result in irreplaceable loss of natural capital or biodiversity, if it were to result in extinction or loss of a species or ecosystem. INTERMITTENT Where the impact may only occur during specific climatic conditions or 5 during a particular season of the year.

6.4.1.5 Intensity of Impact The size of the impact (if positive) or its severity (if negative) was described as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING LOW Where biodiversity is negligibly affected or where the impact is so low 1 that remedial action is not required. MEDIUM Where biodiversity pattern, process and/or ecosystem services are 2 altered, but not severely affected, and the impact can be remedied successfully. HIGH Where pattern, process and/or ecosystem services would be 3 substantially (i.e. to a very large degree) affected. If a negative impact, could lead to irreplaceable loss of biodiversity and/or unacceptable consequences for human wellbeing.

6.4.1.6 Probability of Impact The likelihood of the impact actually occurring was indicated as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING IMPROBABLE Where the possibility of the impact is very low either because of 1 design or historic experience. PROBABLE Where there is a distinct possibility that the impact will occur. 2 HIGHLY PROBABLE Where it is most likely that the impact will occur. 3 DEFINITE Where the impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures. 4

6.4.1.7 Sensitivity of Receiving Environment The sensitivity of the ecology that receives the impact were described as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING NONE Ecology is not sensitive or important. 1 LIMITED Ecology has limited sensitivity or importance. 2 MODERATE Ecology is moderately sensitive or important. 3 HIGH Ecology is highly sensitive or important. 4 CRITICAL Ecology is critically sensitive or important. 5

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6.4.1.8 Significance of Impact The significance of impacts was determined through a synthesis of the assessment criteria as described in the table below.

SIGNIFICANCE IMPACT DESCRIPTOR ASSESSMENT CRITERIA + Extent of Impact (1-5) Consequence Descriptor = + Duration of Impact (1-5) (3-13) + Intensity of Impact (1-3) Significance of Impact = (6-117) x

Likelihood Descriptor = + Probability of Impact (1-4) (2-9) + Sensitivity of Receiving Environment (1-5)

Significance of the impact was described as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING LOW Where it would have negligible effect on biodiversity, and on the 0 – 37 decision. (<25%) MEDIUM Where it would have a moderate effect on biodiversity, and should 38-58 influence the decision. (>25%) HIGH Where it would have, or there would be a high risk of, a large effect on 59-88 biodiversity. These impacts should have a major influence on the (>50%) decision. VERY HIGH Where it would have, or there would be a high risk of, an irreversible 89-117 negative impact on biodiversity and irreplaceable loss of natural (>75%) capital or a major positive effect. Impacts of very high significance should be a central factor in decision-making.

6.4.1.9 Confidence The level of confidence in predicting the impact was described as follows.

VALUE IMPACT DESCRIPTION RATING LOW Where there is little confidence in the prediction, due to inherent 1 uncertainty about the likely response of the receiving ecosystem, or inadequate information. MEDIUM Where there is a moderate level of confidence in the prediction. 2 HIGH Where the impact can be predicted with a high level of confidence. 3

6.5 Limitations There was limited time to study the bushy vegetation in detail in the east. This sensitive area is not of importance at this stage as it will be avoided during any development. New plant surveys have to be done here in midwinter when the snakes are not so active. No other specific limitations noted.

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7.1 Regional Vegetation

7.1.1 Biome and Bioregion The proposed Farm 247/1 development site is located within the Southern Cape Fynbos Biome Region as defined by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as shown in Figure 12 below.

Figure 12: National Biomes: 2010

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7.1.2 Transformation The farmland went through phases of transformation since prior to 1936 according to aerial surveys from probably a pristine Fynbos and indigenous forest to a pine plantation and thereafter neglected and left unattended to be inhabited by alien bush. The transformation classification of the Garden Route vegetation by SANBI is Degraded as shown in Figure 13 below:

Figure 13: Transformation: 2010 7.1.3 Vegetation map The vegetation on Farm 247/1 is defined by SANBI as Tsitsikamma Plateau Proteoid Fynbos as shown in Figure 14 below:

Figure 14: Vegetation Map: 2010

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7.1.4 Indigenous forest The development borders onto the indigenous forest to the south-west of the property. See Figure 15 for SANBI mapping of the Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest.

Figure 15: Southen Cape Afrotemperate Forest: 2010 The extent of the forest line to the south of the property is outlined in Figure 16 below:

Figure 16: Adjacent Forest, Farmland and Pine Plantations The western-end of the De Vasselot Nature Reserve (Garden Route National Park), forming part of a National protected area is outlined in Figure 17 below:

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Figure 17: National Protected Areas: 2010 The southern boundary of Farm 247/1 cuts through the boundary corridor of threatened ecosystems, as depicted by the yellow line of vulnerable ecosystems defined by SANBI: see Figure 18 below:

Figure 18: Threatened Ecosystems: 2010

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7.1.5 Classification of Area The classification of farm 247/1 is described by SANBI as an Ecological Support Area (ESA) Terrestrial (Figure 19 and Figure 20). Previously up until end of 2016 this farm was classified as a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA).

Figure 19: CBA’s and ESA’s: 2017

Figure 20: CBA’s and ESA’s: enlarged

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7.2 Site Vegetation

7.2.1 General Description The natural vegetation throughout the farm has been mostly transformed. The current vegetation is considered of very low to low conservation value as the original indigenous vegetation has been destroyed due to historical farming and plantation activity. The farm is currently severely invaded with predominantly Black Wattles and Pine trees. A few indigenous pioneer plants have established themselves within small areas along service roads.

Figure 21: Eastern Section Plant Community 12: A cleared area with indigenous plants surrounded by alien invaders A cleared area within the eastern section of the farm within community 12 with indigenous Erica and Helichrysum petiolare and a few gramonoids vegetation surrounded by dense stands of alien invaders like Black Wattles and Pine trees. Notice how the young seedlings of Pines and Black Wattles invade into the newly cleared area. The remnants of distorted Fynbos vegetation show some resilience but are isolated by dense stands of alien invaders that will soon overpower this area again.

7.2.2 Vegetation History The original natural indigenous vegetation on the farm has been eradicated through many years of intense farming and plantation activity. The aerial photographs obtained from the Department of Rural Development were reviewed for transformation activities, the results of which are described below. The 1936 aerial photograph (Figure 22) for the area shows extensive farming activity and degradation on the farm and surrounding areas. Farming activity can be clearly seen in on the western section of the farm, with roads, buildings and cleared land. In particular, the photograph also shows a block on the eastern section of the farm being cleared for pine a plantation (Figure 23). The original Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos had clearly been removed and transformed into farmland by this time.

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Figure 22: Transformation state: 1936 The aerial photograph of 1960 (Figure 23) clearly shows the plantation having been established in the block cleared in 1936 with a further block, directly north of it in the eastern section also having been transformed into a plantation. Farming activities continue on the western section of the farm and toward the south on the neighbouring farm.

Figure 23: Transformation state: 1960

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The 1980 aerial photograph (Figure 24) shows similar activity on the farm with some areas of the farm and plantation being cleared. Unused areas of the farm in the south-west and south-east shows growth of either indigenous or alien vegetation. The establishment of extensive plantations are also seen in the areas north and east surrounding the farm.

Figure 24: Transformation state: 1980

Figure 25: Transformation state: 1999

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The 1999 aerial photograph (Figure 25) shows an unattended farm after a devastating fire some years earlier. The ruins of the old farm houses can still be seen today. The farm and plantations areas have now become highly degraded.

A B

Figure 26: Degraded vegetation on Eastern (A) and Western (B) sections of the farm with burned-down farm house Severely degraded vegetation with the original vegetation and biodiversity not intact on the east (A) and the western section (B) with old ruins of one of the old houses that have burned down. The vegetation can be seen to try and recover where there has been removal of the original local biodiversity and many years of neglect. ‘Opslag’ Pine trees (A) that originated from the seedbank of the historical Pine plantation within the eastern section of the farm after some of the older Pine trees have been removed with the historical Pine plantation still having long lasting negative impacts on the local biodiversity. On the eastern section, Pines from the seed bank of the old plantation also invaded onto the most eastern section of the farm where it took over the area, preventing any Fynbos or forest plant species to re-establish here on the highly degraded land where the edaphic conditions have also changed. The Pine invasion could be clearly identified on Google satellite images before the current owners started to remove some of the larger invaders.

Figure 27: Helichrysum Petiolare and Graminoids invaded by Black Wattles and Black Wood Indigenous vegetation like Helichrysum petiolare and some graminoids (e.g. Elegia capensis) struggling to survive between dense stands of exotic Black Wattles and Blackwood invaders constantly reoccurring as seen within the eastern section of the farm. (Plant community 13 on vegetation map).

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Figure 28: Transformation state: 2016 Figure 28 shows heavy alien degradation across large portions of the farm. After years of intense farming and plantation activities being stopped, the farm has become heavily invaded by alien plants. Following the devastating fire (Figure 26), alien invaders, especially the Black Wattles (Acacia mearnsii), have found it easy to rapidly invade into the disturbed areas. The farm eventually become full of dense stands of Black Wattles and Pines invaders. The removal of alien vegetation by the new owners has temporarily recovered areas of both the western and eastern sections of the farm, which is shown as degraded vegetation. Across the farm, the original vegetation has over the years been replaced except within the small forest and some riparian areas as well as underneath the Eskom power line (No 6 in Figure 43) where the alien invaders have been continuously removed.

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7.2.3 Special Habitats The habitats described below represent the main biomes or ecosystems found on the property.

7.2.3.1 Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos has been mapped and classified by Mucina, Rutherford et al (2006) as a vulnerable vegetation type to occur within this area. The vulnerability of this Fynbos type is due to the fact that it occurs within a high rainfall area with rain all year round and a mild climate that is good for establishing vast plantations as well as intense farming activities. Dense stands of alien invaders also contributed towards displacing this vegetation type to become vulnerable. Fortunately, this Fynbos type that is typically found on moist soils is being protected within conservation areas of the state like within the vast Garden Route National Park (GRNP) as well as within some private nature reserves. As such, the Department of Environmental Affairs’ latest list of threatened vegetation types in the Government Gazette does not regard this Fynbos vegetation type as a threatened vegetation type any longer.

Figure 29: Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos Habitat The Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos that would previously occurred on the farm, has been affected heavily by invasive Pines and Wattles. The long lasting cumulative after effects on the local biodiversity has resulted on this habitat not currently being intact on most of the farm. It has mainly been pioneer Fynbos plants that managed to establish next to the service roads. Large Pine invaders have been removed from this area as illustrated elsewhere.

7.2.3.2 Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest The Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest occurs in a very small area on the farm at the most southern end of the dividing drainage line as indicated on the vegetation map (tip of No 25 between no. 21 and 14 in Figure 43) within this report. The small patch is actually part of the larger GRNP and associated with the Eastern Coastal Shale Band vegetation type. This small forest area is of very high conservation value as here are also a few special protected trees according to the National Tree List of the Forest Act. This includes Ocotea bullata, Curtisia dentata, Podocarpus falcatus, P. latifolius and Rapanea melanophloeos that is not on the national list but declining in numbers. According to the plant surveys that has been done on site there is a great variety

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 35 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment of forest trees and shrubs (as listed; see the plant list in Appendix 12.4) as well as ferns and mosses that are all signs of a healthy young forest.

Figure 30: Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest This is a near pristine young forest in good health with only a few Pine and some Black Wattle invaders trying to compete with the dense stands of forest trees. The forest trees on this site are mostly young trees associated with a fine forest edge area with a great variety of trees and shrubs being the forerunners of the forest. This small highly sensitive forest area has been reserved for conservation.

7.2.3.3 Small Palustrine Wetland (Marsh Area) These dense stands of invaders Corymbia ficifolia (No 14 in Figure 43) as well as Pines and Wattles also altered the edaphic conditions and impacts further on the farm’s small palustrine wetland’s (marsh) areas where there are seasonal drenched soils. The seepage areas have been so heavily transformed that most of the aquatic vegetation has been replaced so that all the aquatic life surrounding this wetland disappeared. Now that some of the larger invaders have been removed, grasses are appearing on site.

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Figure 31: Transformed Small Palustrine Wetland area The neighbouring plantations to the north of the small palustrine wetland also affected it severely by extracting much of the water within its freshwater catchment area. As a result, the wetland was eventually transformed. The servitude roads further contributed towards halting the functioning of this wetland so that it is has been transformed to become similar to the rest of the degraded vegetation on the farm. By removing alien invaders from this area, the seasonal rainwater drainage line can be restored to attract typical wetland species. A hydrological corridor has been incorporated in the development plans in order to restore this area and enhance the biodiversity. Having been restored, the area could potentially attract rare frogs and orchid species like Pterygodium newdigiteae var.newdigiteae.

7.2.3.4 Eastern Coastal Shale Band vegetation (transformed) The Eastern Coastal Shale Band vegetation type is also associated with the above forest area but unfortunately partly invaded by dense stands of exotic Black Wood (Acacia melanoxylon) trees that prefer the rich soils associated with this shale rock formation. The dense Black Wood stands have a very negative impact on the upper parts of the forest area. Satellite imagery however do not clearly indicate show the invasion which appear as part of the forest on SANBI maps. Only a small area has been identified within the small forest section in the southern-end of the central ecological corridor. This forest ecological corridor makes provision for the protection of this vegetation type.

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Figure 32: Invasive Black Wood forest A forest of Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) trees with masses of leaf matter and pods forming a dense carpet underneath the trees. Nothing else can grow and it impacts very negatively on the lower lying Afrotemperate forest, Eastern Coastal Shale Band and riparian vegetation. These areas will be flooded with masses of leaves after the first rains impacting very negatively on the local biodiversity with direct and also indirect negative impctcs. (Plant community 14).

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7.2.4 Conservation Status The current conservation status of the biodiversity on the eastern section of the farm is in a much poorer state than on the western authorised section of the farm due to the original Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos being completely removed to make way for the historical plantation. As a result, the original Forest and Fynbos vegetation has for a long time not been present on the eastern section. A few pioneers of Fynbos did manage to settle next to the upper service roads so that some of these sensitive areas will have to be protected to maintain some of the Fynbos genetic material that moved in from the neighbouring farm to the east. Unfortunately, a new Pine planation has also been established directly opposite the farm on the eastern border so that this Fynbos genetic material may soon be lost. Several repeated attempts have been made to remove masses of invaders from the farm. In the process some common indigenous and widely distributed pioneer plant species of the Fynbos and forest managed to establish where the invaders have been removed. These pioneer plants may however soon be overpowered by the invaders again as illustrated below. The mixture of invaders will impact negatively on the local biodiversity with long term cumulative negative effects.

Figure 33: New population of Black Wattles sprouting out again within plant community 11 A new population of Black Wattles sprouts out again within plant community 11 where some of the older trees and Pines have been removed within the only Fynbos vegetation next to the road. This area is in the most north eastern corner of the farm where there is riparian vegetation close by allowing it to link up with the ecological corridors between the Pine plantations. The negative impacts of the surrounding Pine plantations are constantly threatening to also invade into the cleared land to compete with and displace the pioneer indigenous vegetation. Note the Pine plantation in the background to the north of the farm that also impacts on this farm through seed being blown by the winds onto the farm as well as extracting underground water from the local freshwater systems, indirectly impacting negatively on this farm.

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7.3 Biodiversity Analysis

7.3.1 Species Diversity Analysis Between 25 and 30 different indigenous species were counted per 1000m2 on the western section of the farm while there were between 17 and 22 species per 1000m2 within the eastern section of the farm in spite of the fact that there were only 25% to 35% alien invaders within those areas. The number of species observed falls significantly below the average benchmark of 65 to 100 species (Cowling, et al., 1995) for Fynbos that is in a good condition. This indicates that the vegetation within the western and eastern sections of the farm are in a very poor state, which would be expected from an area that has been partly cleared from dense stands of alien invaders and which has a long history of transformation. The most successful pioneers on the farm are Pteridium aquilinum and Helichrysum petiolare associated with forest edge trees like Nuxia floribunda and Searsia chirindensis that are the first pioneers settling within an area with high levels of moisture such as the soil of the western section. Metalasia densa, Berzelia intermedia, Erica discolor and Erica hispidula are also typical pioneer plant species of the local moist Fynbos within the eastern section.

Figure 34: Pie charts of blocks A, B and C within the western authorised section of the farm

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Figure 35: Pie charts of blocks D, E and F within the eastern unauthorised section of the farm It is clear that the highest number of species is found on the western authorised section of the farm reflecting that this western area’s indigenous vegetation is in a better condition than on the eastern section that has not been authorised for development.

Figure 36: Pie charts of blocks G and H illustrating the diversity of species within dense stands of invaders

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The diagram below provides an overview of the species diversity analysis. The pie charts reveal that the level of alien invaders is not the same within all the different blocks on the farm.

Figure 37: Overview of Species diversity analysis

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7.3.2 Overview of Site Vegetation The vegetation map was compiled according to the current state of the distorted vegetation on site. The original indigenous vegetation on the site has been transformed long ago by intense farming activities as well as Pine plantations (as identified on the historical aerial photographs), with severe long term effects and cumulative negative impacts on the local biodiversity. After an extensive fire the farm has been neglected and as a result severely invaded by declared alien invaders, transforming and degrading the land. Black wattles and Pine trees are especially invasive within the eastern section of the farm where the original vegetation was removed before 1936 to make way for a Pine plantation.

7.3.2.1 Invasion of Alien Species After the Pine plantation was burnt down there has been further degradation of the land through the invasion of Pine trees (“opslag”) from the seedbank of the plantation. Black Wattles (Acacia mearnsii) and to a lesser extent Blackwoods (Acacia melanoxylon) invaded into the areas where there were higher underground water contents to form dense stands of invaders impacting quite negatively on the local biodiversity. There are prominent invaders on both sides of the servitude road on the leading to the neighbouring farm. Except for a few species such as Berzelia intermedia and Metalasia muricata, no vegetation of the original Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos could establish again between invaders such as the Pine trees. The Berzelia intermedia and Metalasia muricata have grown into tall slender shrubs that is not representative of typical growth form of these plants. Pine tree invasion is particularly severe within the eastern section of the farm where there used to be a Pine plantation, as seen on the historical aerial photographs of 1936. Pine invaders further spread sporadically from the Pine ‘opslag’ trees towards the forest and riparian areas as well as towards the western section of the farm so that one could find Pine trees in different stages of development impacting all over the farm. Some even spread into the forest areas although the competition with established forest trees prevented dense stands of invaders where there was not previous disturbance. Pine seed has also been blown in by the wind from the large northern plantations, further increasing the invasion of Pine trees across the entire farm.

Figure 38: Invasion of Alien Species The above map highlights the invasion of Pinus species (yellow circles), Acacia mearnsii - Black Wattle (red circles) and Acacia melanoxylon - Black Woods (blue circles). The red lines indicate the dense stands of alien invaders next to the servitude road.

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The dense stands of invaders subsequently altered the edaphic conditions such as changing the acidity of the soil by enriching it with nitrogen and with its micorrhiza organisms in the roots. This created ideal conditions to pave the way for Wattles to invade the land due supported with enough underground water. Dense mature stands of Black Wattles settled in areas on both sections of the farm where there was good underground water, next to the servitude road leading towards the Wild Spirit Backpackers and various other areas as indicated on the vegetation map. Black Woods (Acacia melanoxylon) came originally from a source of large trees on the neighbouring backpackers farm and invaded into an area previously been disturbed by historical farming activities. Here it has formed a Blackwood forest with a closed canopy appearing like part of the indigenous forest. This Blackwood forest is impacting very negatively on the indigenous forest where it has invaded into the eastern side of the small forest area towards the south. These Australian invaders prefer rich soils with clay content and with plenty of underground water. As seen on site, these invaders are mostly associated with the rich Kroonstad soils with a high clay content. The invaders also settle along areas that most probably have underground drainage of freshwater from the north, thus impacting negatively on the local freshwater ecosystems.

7.3.2.2 Source of Invasion Many exotic trees were planted around the original house (that is now the site for the Wild Spirit Backpackers). Black Wattles (Acacia mearnsii) and Blackwoods (Acacia melanoxylon) and lately also the Liquidambers have spread from this original source of exotic trees onto farm 247/1, with the first two transforming the land into forests of exotic Acacias with closed canopies. It was found that the invasion of exotic trees is older on the eastern side closer to the original source of invaders than on the western side. Considering the size of the trees, the Black Wattles first settled on both the eastern and western sections of the farm where there have been intense activities around three old houses and a barn on the farm. They then invaded rapidly further onto the rest of the entire farm as identified on the historical aerial photographs.

7.3.2.3 Removal of Alien Invaders Several attempts have been made to clear the land from alien invaders in the western section of the farm as seen on satellite imagery since 2004. Continuous clearing of Black Wattles has had limited success with Black Wattles and Pine seedlings reoccurring again to overpower the delicate first pioneers such as the two different local Erica species and Helichrysum petiolare. Dense mature stands of alien invaders on the western side are found within plant community no 7, while clearing activity on the rest of the western section have prevented invaders forming such dense stand. In these areas the Fynbos, forest and riparian vegetation have shown some resilience to ‘heal’ the land, being the first steps of the natural succession process. Dense stands of Pine and Wattle have also been cleared from the eastern section as shown on the satellite imagery. Unfortunately, there are still some dense mature stands of Black Wattles and Black Wood invaders forming closed canopies on both sides of the servitude road leading to the Wild Spirit Backpackers farm on the eastern section of the farm. Nothing grows underneath these invasive trees. Dense layers of leaves and plant matter form a thick carpet on the soil and have become a serious problem, being a seedbank for future invasions once parent plants are removed.

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Figure 39: Distorted Fynbos after the removal of Pines Distorted Fynbos with some Berzelia intermedia and Metalasia muricata trying to recover after some of the Pines on site have been removed on the eastern section of the farm with Elegia capensis, Pteridium aquilinum and Erica discolor being the first new Fynbos pioneers coming in, being indicators of moist soils. (Plant community 11).

7.3.2.4 State of Fynbos vegetation It is therefore concluded that the original vegetation with mapped types of Mucina, Rutherford et al such as the Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos and Eastern Coastal Shale Bands and typical wetland vegetation do not exist on the farm anymore. Only a few typical pioneer plants such as Pteridium aquillinum, Helichrysum petiolare, Metalasia muricata, Berzelia intermedia, Phylica axillaris, Penaea cneorum, Rhodocoma capensis, Agathosma ovata, Nuxia floribunda, Searsia chirindensis, Searsia lucida, Halleria lucida, Virgilia divaricata and a few other graminoids with Eragrostis curvula, Heteropogon contortus and others pioneer species like Helichrysum cymosusm and Erica canaliculata that are also indicators of moist soils. This is typical indigenous pioneer plant species that indicate that there has been disturbance of the original vegetation. The last mentioned species are the hardy common species to be found all over the Garden Route within the disturbed areas such as along main roads, where they do not have as much competition from invasive species. These common indigenous plant species are common within moist soils and the high rainfall zone around the Tsitsikamma and Crags area. The Fynbos vegetation on the farm is transformed and distorted, not being the typical Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos. The few typical Fynbos species found, have established on the farm along the service roads towards the most north eastern parts of the farm (as illustrated on the vegetation map). There the impact of the dense stands of invading Pine trees and Black Wattles had the least impact on the edaphic and sun competition factors that are important for the Fynbos species to survive within the more acidic soils next to the road. These are also areas that have been cleared from the Pines in order to make fire breaks next to the surrounding neighbouring Pine plantations.

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Figure 40: Fynbos elements founds next to the roads Fynbos elements are mostly to be found next to the roads within the most north eastern areas of the farm where the impact of the invaders were not as severe in the competition for sun, water and nutrients. Here are some Erica discolor, E. hispidula, E. canaliculata, E seriphiifolia, Leucadendron eucalyptifolia and a few other Fynbos species that managed to settle along the road where there are some open sunny spots with acid soil but with Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and Pine trees threatening to also invade into these areas soon. (Plant community 11 on vegetation map).

7.3.2.5 Indigenous forest and riparian areas The best preserved indigenous vegetation on the farm is to be found within the forest and riparian areas along the central seasonal drainage line where there has been the least impact on the local biodiversity from historical farming activities. Historical photographs show that these areas were not transformed from the original vegetation. Some invaders such as Pinus and Acacia mearnsii managed to sporadically invade into these areas except underneath the Eskom power lines where the area has been kept clear of alien invaders. This small section in the southern end of the central ecological corridor is an extension of the Garden Route National Park and contains typically indigenous shrubs and trees found in these forest areas. This area has been identified for an ecological corridor and will remain untouched by development. In the area under the Eskom power lines has a fine mixture of Grassy Fynbos with several grasses such as Heteropogon contortus and Restios, Elegia capensis, Elegia juncea and other species and riparian vegetation with large shrubs such as Metalasia muricata, Berzelia intermedia, Penaea cneorum, Agathosma ovata and even Protea mundii, Leucadendron eucalyptifolia, Nuxia floribunda, Searsia lucida, Searsia chirindensis, Halleria lucida, Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Passerina corymbosa and others. These species typically form transition vegetation between the forest and Fynbos, to be found on moist soils next to the local forest areas. The red bicoloured flowering Erica discolor that flower all year round also managed to settle here in abundance to attract some sugarbirds like Nectarinaria amathyst. The exotic Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) forest formed a closed canopy half into the forest area looking like part of the local Afrotemperate forest. With closer investigations on site one could identify these invading Blackwood trees impacting very negatively on the local forest and riparian as well as the vulnerable and poorly protected Coastal Shale Band vegetation that has been partly distorted as a result.

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Figure 41: Plant Community 13 that is highly invaded and severely degraded An area within plant community no 13 on the vegetation map with Pinus, Acacia mearnsii and Virgilia divaricata within the eastern section of the farm still highly invaded and severely degraded where some of the larger Pine trees have been removed. Notice the indigenous vegetation have suffered and died between the invaders but with some new life of the Bracken Ferns (Pteridium aquillinum) sprouting out after the removal of the larger alien invaders. (Plant community 13).

Figure 42: Alien invasion into forest area An alien invader growing into the dividing seasonal water course impacting negatively on the local biodiversity extracting water close to the small true forest area on the farm. (Plant community 26).

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7.3.3 Vegetation Areas and Plant Communities The following plant communities (mostly invaded by exotic trees) could be identified on site and will be discussed in more detail below. Figure 43 provides a vegetation map indicating each plant community.

3

8

9 6

24

Figure 43: Vegetation Map PLANT COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VALUE 1. Searsia - Nuxia – Acacia Low to Medium 2. Helichrysum - Pteridium - Erica Low to Medium 3. Nuxia - Searsia – Pteridium High 4. Phylica - Berzelia – Protea Medium 5. Acacia - Virgilia - Pinus Low 6. Virgilia – Phylica –Agathosma High 7. Acacia – Pinus - Virgilia Very Low 8. Corymbia ficifolia lane Low 9. Corymbia - Acacia - Pinus Very Low 10. Virgilia – Elegia – Metalasia Low to Medium 11. Berzelia – Metalasia – Penaea Low to Medium 12. Acacia - Pinus - Virgilia Very Low 13. Pinus - Acacia – Virgilia Very Low 14. Acacia melanoxylon exotic forest Very Low 15. Eragrostis – Rubus – Erica Low 16. Firebreak Pteridium - Rapanea Medium to High 17. Protea - Leucadendron – Pinus High 18. Liquidamber – Acacia – Quercus Low 19. Pinus Plantations Very Low 20. Virgila - Phylica - Erica High 21. Acacia mearnsii Very Low

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PLANT COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VALUE 22. Ecological corridor - Tsitiskamma Sandstone Fynbos between High neighbouring Pine plantations 23. Agricultural activities like dairy farms with Kikuyu pastures Very Low 24. Cleared from Acacia mearnsii + exotic grasses planted on Low 25. Rapanea - Podocarpus – Ocotea (Area Southern Cape Very High* Afrotemperate forest patch) 26. Searsia - Phylica - Erica (riparian vegetation) High * Note that Plant Community 25 refers to a small section of the neighbouring Garden Route National Park vegetation that extends into the southern end of the farm.

7.3.3.1 Searsia – Nuxia – Acacia Plant Community This community is on the most western corner of the farm where there are good examples of large indigenous shrubs like the aromatic Agathosma ovata, Phylica axillaris, Penaea cneorum subsp gigantean, Rhococoma capensis and Erica discolor and many grasses as listed. These species managed to grow within open shadier areas next to the road not invaded by Black Wattles anymore. Conservation Value: Low to medium

Figure 44: Plant Community 1. Searsia – Nuxia – Acacia Plant Community Areas that have been previously impacted due to intense farming activities where after exotic Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) invaded into the disturbed land. Once the invaders have been removed successfully, Pteridium aquallinum, Helichrysum petiolare, the pink Ercia canaliculata and Stoebe plumosa shrubs and trees like Nuxia foribunda, Searsia chirindensis and Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus established as the first indigenous pioneer species being some of the first positive impacts on the local biodiversity. The Black Wattles remain to be the greatest threat within previously disturbed areas.

7.3.3.2 Helichrysum – Pteridium – Erica Plant Community Pteridium aquilinum, Helichrysum petiolare, Erica canaliculata, Erica hispidula, E. discolor, Helichrysum cymosum and graminoids like Eragrostis curvula, Sporobolus africanus were the first indigenous pioneer plants to establish after the land has been repeatedly cleared of alien invaders within the eastern area as illustrated beneath. Soon the Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) seedlings re-appear overpowering the more delicate indigenous plants like the Erica hispidula and grasses like Eragrostis curvula.

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Pittosporum viridiflorum is a protected tree (Republic of South Africa, 2014) that occur close to the intended owner’s house. This special protected tree, as well as two Rapanea melanoploeos trees that are declining in numbers occur within this plant population making this area of low to medium conservation value. These trees have to be avoided and incorporated into a garden area around the planned cellars and homes where it can be protected for environmental education purposes. Conservation Value: Low to medium

Figure 45: Plant Community 2. Helichrysum – Pteridium – Erica Plant Community

Figure 46: Plant Community 2. Helichrysum – Pteridium – Erica Plant Community (Pioneer species) The first pioneer plant species like Helichrysum petiolare, Erica canaliculata, Erica hispidula, Erica discolor, Pteridium aquilinum and Helichrysum cymosum as well as grasses like Eragrostis curvula and Sporobolus africanus’ seedlings showing resilience to establish on the land where alien invaders have been repeatedly removed for more than ten years. Seedlings of the exotic Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) emerge to compete with the more delicate indigenous plants to overpower the indigenous vegetation if not removed in time as could be seen above. Behind this is cleared land with exotic grasses sown (as indicated on the vegetation map as plant community 24) where dense stands of young Black Wattles have been removed. On

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 50 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment the horizon is the neighbouring farm’s exotic trees being the source of alien invaders to invade onto the land again. There is a constant threat of alien invaders from neighbouring farms impacting negatively on the local biodiversity.

7.3.3.3 Nuxia – Searsia – Pteridium This plant community is mainly on the neighbouring land. The area is part of the ecological corridor between the Pine plantations on the opposite side of the road with some of this community also growing on farm 247/1. This community is within a moist area next to the servitude road, just off from the ecological corridor from where genetic material is obtained from the ecological corridor between the plantations. It is almost a riparian area where the main role players are Nuxia floribunda, Searsia chirindensis and Pteridium aquailinum, Agathosma ovata and Protea mundii. This ecological corridor is impacting positively on this local environment. Conservation Value: High

7.3.3.4 Phylica axillaris, Berzelia intermedia, Erica canaliculata and Protea mundii This vegetation type has typical elements of the moist loving Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos with genetic material obtained from the ecological corridor impacting on the vegetation across the road. Pteridium aquilinum and Helichrysum petiolare and others also occur here. Conservation Value: Medium

Figure 47: Plant Community 4. Phylica axillaris, Berzelia intermedia, Erica canaliculata and Protea mundii A fine variety of indigenous shrubs having a positive impact on the local biodiversity with typical pioneer shrubs like Chrysanthemoides moniliiforme, Pteridium aquilinum, Helichrysum petiolare, Phylica axillaris and some graminoids that started to establish and multiply where the invaders have been successfully removed on the most western section for more than ten years of repeated eradication. Alien invaders still threaten to invade the land. Blackwoods (Acacia melanoxylon) and Black Wattles (Acacia mearnsii) with the source being from the neighbouring farms from where seed are spread.

7.3.3.5 Acacia mearnsii – Virgilia divaricata – Pinus pinaster This highly invaded area is closer to the water source on the western section of the farm where there are many grasses underneath the masses of Black Wattle invaders. The conservation status is low in spite of the indigenous pioneers next to the road only. Conservation Value: Low

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Figure 48: Plant Community 5. Acacia mearnsii – Virgilia divaricata – Pinus pinaster Fynbos pioneers Stoebe plumosa, Erica canaliculata, Helichrysum petiolare that managed to establish next to the service roads where there are no invaders impacting on the environment. This is genetic material that came over from the ecological corridors close by. It is all typical pioneers for the local Tsitsikamma area.

7.3.3.6 Virgilia divaricata - Phylica axilaris - Agathosma ovata Berzelia intermedia, Penaea cneorum, Metalasia muricata, Elegia capensis, Erica discolor, Heteropogon contortis, Searsia lucida, Grewia occidentalis, Polygala myrthifolia and a fine range of grasses and other indigenous shrubs and some forest edge trees occur here. This is one of the sites where the alien invaders have been removed constantly underneath the power lines. It is closer to the forest area to the south with larger and denser the plants. Conservation Value: High

Figure 49: Plant Community 6. Virgilia divaricata - Phylica axilaris - Agathosma ovata The only composition of pure stands of indigenous vegetation was found underneath the Eskom powerline where the alien invaders have been constantly eradicated. Large shrubs of Metalasia muricata and Agathosma ovata, Penaea cneorum,

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Phylica axillaris, Berzelia intermedia, Burchellia bubalina as well as young Olea capensis, Searsia lucida, Ptercelastrus tricuspidatus, Virgila divaricata and others that are actually riparian vegetation close to the dividing seasonal drainage line on the farm.

7.3.3.7 Acacia mearnsii - Acacia melanoxylon – Pinus pinaster – Virgilia divaricata This area next to the servitude road is badly invaded by dense stands of the above mentioned invaders impacting very negatively on the local biodiversity. Conservation Value: Very low

Figure 50: Plant Community 7. Acacia mearnsii - Acacia melanoxylon – Pinus pinaster – Virgilia divaricata This area next to the servitude road is highly invaded by Black Wattles and therefore of very low conservation value.

7.3.3.8 Corymbium ficifolia lane This lane of invaders to be found next to the servitude road is the source of exotic invaders that also impacted negatively onto the poor functioning watercourse. The invaders spread from here onto the other parts of the farm. The vegetation map shows how it has invaded from this lane into adjacent moist areas. Conservation Value: Low

7.3.3.9 Corymbia ficifolia - Acacia mearnsii – Pinus pinaster community These dense stands invaders are of very low conservation value impacting very negatively on the transformed wetland area. Conservation Value: Very low

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Figure 51: Plant Community 9. Corymbia ficifolia - Acacia mearnsii – Pinus pinaster community Some vegetation like some graminoids (Heteropogon contortis) that managed to establish once some of the larger alien invaders like the Pine trees have been removed. There are some other alien invaders like Corymbia ficifolia that still impact negatively on the local area.

7.3.3.10 Virgilia divaricata - Elegia capensis – Metalasia muricata Pinus species and exotic Acacia mearnsii invaders have been removed so that the first Fynbos pioneers like Pteridium aquilinum, Elegia capensis and Virgilia divaricata could establish. Old remains of Metalasia muricata and Berzelia intermedia managed to survive between the invaders in areas where there were open sunny spots. Conservation Value: Low to Medium

Figure 52: Plant Community 10. Virgilia divaricata - Rhododocoma capensis – Metalasia muricata Distorted Fynbos vegetation trying to recover

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7.3.3.11 Metalasia muricata - Berzelia intermedia - Penaea cneorum - Pinus pinaster This plant community is of low to medium conservation value within disturbed areas. Grasses such as Eragrostis curvula, Sporobolus africanus and Heteropogon contortis and some restioids also established here, not being true Fynbos. Conservation Value: Low to Medium

Figure 53: Plant Community 11. Metalasia muricata - Berzelia intermedia - Penaea cneorum - Pinus pinaster Indigenous vegetation next to the service roads within the north eastern parts of the eastern section of the farm with a fine mixture of Fynbos species within an area that has been cleared from Pine invaders. This is also an area that has been constantly cleared to be utilised as a firebreak. The main plant species here are Leucadendron eucalyptifolium, Erica discolor, Erica seriphiifolia, Metalasia and Phylica axillaris with some Pine seedlings blown in as seed from the pine plantation that already start to germinate and invade into the area again.

7.3.3.12 Acacia mearnsii – Pinus pinaster – Virgilia divaricata This community of invaders is of very low conservation value within the eastern section of the farm. This is the area where a watercourse and palustrine wetland has been significantly degraded by invaders and totally transformed. It is a priority area that has to be cleared of alien invaders first in order to try and restore parts of this watercourse to possibly attract rare frog species and orchids that can further enhance the biodiversity of the area. As such, this area has been identified for the mid- eastern (hydrological) ecological corridor. If the water flow to this area can be successfully restored, the wetland area could potentially be re-established, increasing the conservation value. Conservation Value: Very low (Current invaders)

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Figure 54: Plant Community 12. Acacia mearnsii – Pinus pinaster – Virgilia divaricate The small transformed palustrine wetland area has become dysfunctional due to various external and internal impacts.

7.3.3.13 Pinus pinaster - Acacia mearnsii - Virgila divaricata This community of dense stands of invaders is of very low conservation value. Conservation Value: Very low

Figure 55: Plant Community 13. Pinus pinaster - Acacia mearnsii - Virgila divaricate

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7.3.3.14 Acacia melanoxylon Forest This dense mature stand of exotic invaders forming a closed canopy is impacting very negatively on the local environment. This large area within the eastern section has a very low conservation value. Exotic Blackwood forest appears like part of the indigenous forest on satellite imagery. This forest impacts very negatively on the local ecosystem. The dense leaf mattress underneath these trees allow nothing else to grow below the trees (Figure 56). Conservation Value: Very low

Figure 56: Plant Community 14. Acacia melanoxylon Forest

7.3.3.15 Eragrostis curvula – Erica canaliculata – Rubus cf pinnata Various grass species are to be found here where they have fed horses in the past. Plant communities 12 and 14 is on the right hand side of the picture showing the mixture of mature invaders being remnants from the Pine plantation. This disturbed area has a low conservation value. Conservation Value: Low

Figure 57: Plant Community 15. Eragrostis curvula – Erica canaliculata – Rubus cf pinnata

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7.3.3.16 Firebreak This firebreak area has been cleared for safety by the neighbouring Wild Spirit Backpackers.  Pteridium aquilinum are the first pioneers indicating disturbance.  Rapanea melanoploeos trees also occur here. Conservation Value: Medium to High

Figure 58: Plant Community 16. Firebreak To the right of the photograph are dense stands of forest trees of the neighbouring Garden Route National Park’s indigenous forest. To the left of the photograph are Pine and Black Wattle invaders on the farm under investigation with Pteridium aquilinum in the centre of the photograph, being the first pioneers after the land has been cleared for the firebreak.

7.3.3.17 Protea mundii - Leucadendron eucalyptifolium – Pinus pinaster Within this community is a fine composition of typical indigenous Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos vegetation that has a high conservation value within a small area along the border with Garden Route National Park where the Protea mundii – Leucadendron eucalyptifolium plant community next the GRNP could withstand the alien invaders. This area has been invaded by a few Pine trees but the Proteas, Elegia capensis and a few other species have managed to survive between the invaders. Conservation Value: High (Small area along border)

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Figure 59: Plant Community 17. Protea mundii - Leucadendron eucalyptifolium – Pinus pinaster

7.3.3.18 Liquidamber - Quercus robur – Acacia melanoxylon These exotic trees have been planted on and gives this area a sense of space. Trees such as the Acacia melanoxylon to the right hand side of the picture has been invading into the forest, impacting very negatively the forest and biodiversity of the area. Conservation Value: Low with historical significance

Figure 60: Plant Community 18. Liquidamber - Quercus robur – Acacia melanoxylon Constant traffic and visitors to this tourism destination has significant negative long term impact on the biodiversity of the eastern section.

7.3.3.19 Pine Plantations North and east of this farm are vast Pine plantations as could be seen on satellite imagery. The plantation impact very negatively on this and other farm’s biodiversity processes. It has long term cumulative negative impacts on the local biodiversity in several ways. Conservation Value: Very Low

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Figure 61: Plant Community 19. Pine Plantations

Pine plantations surrounding the farm. To the left of farm 247/1 under investigation with dense stands of alien invaders within the most eastern section of the farm. This eastern section is very badly degraded land and isolated by the vast surrounding stands of plantations to the north and east of the farm impacting very negatively on the local biodiversity. Note the bicycle tracks of the neighbouring guest farm’s tourist guests enjoying this sense of space also impacting on the area. Fynbos species were only found next to the service roads where it should be protected. The young plantation established to the east of the farm on the right side of the photograph will soon grow into larger trees so that that indigenous genetic material of the Fynbos will soon be lost.

Figure 62: Plant Community 19. Pine Plantations

7.3.3.20 Virgilia divaricata – Phylica axillaris - Berzelia intermedia - Erica discolor This is a plant community of a neighbouring ecological corridor to the east of the farm between the plantations to the north east of the farm having a very positive impact on the local biodiversity where gene pools can be strengthened within this farms’ ecological corridors that can be connected here in order to provide migration routes for the local fauna and flora. Conservation Value: High

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Figure 63: Plant Community 20. Virgilia divaricata – Phylica axillaris - Berzelia intermedia - Erica discolour The ecological corridor between the plantations on the neighbouring farm to the left and the degraded farm 247/1 under investigation to the right where there are different kind of invaders including two species of Pines and many Black Wattles.

7.3.3.21 Black Wattles invasion Dense stands of Black Wattles on the neighbouring farms are the sources from where Black Wattles are invading in to farm 247/1. Conservation Value: Very Low

7.3.3.22 Ecological Corridors between neighbouring Pine plantations The ecological corridor between the neighbouring Pine plantations from where important genetic material can be exchanged between fauna and flora of the local environment. This is a positive impact on the local biodiversity. These ecological corridors with indigenous species supply a limited amount of plant material towards this farm, but plays a vital role in enlarging the local potential for gene exchange in this area between plantations. Conservation Value: High

7.3.3.23 Agricultural holdings close by with green pastures for dairy cows Conservation Value: Very Low

7.3.3.24 Cleared land of the neighbouring farm where dense stands of Wattles used to grow Conservation Value: Low

7.3.3.25 Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest. Only a very small patch of the Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest is found on the farm as it extends from the Garden Route National Park. The forest area will be treated as part of the conservation area of the larger GRNP and will be kept untouched except for the alien invaders that will have to be removed. Special ecological corridors have been set aside to protect these areas as well as the areas where the forest can expand into as indicated on the preferred alternative layout. This area is highly sensitive and of high conservation value and will be protected as there are sensitive trees like Ocotea bullata, Curtisia dentata, Podocarpus falcatus and P. latifolius according to the National Tree List of protected trees of South Africa. A list of trees and other plant species that have been observed within the forest area during the investigations have been included for future record

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 61 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment purpose references for the expansion of the forest onto this farm where there will be special ecological corridors set aside to connect with this area for the purpose of conservation and associated ecological processes that are taking place around the forest. The area occurs on the local slopes with a fine healthy variety of forest trees that has an impact on the local biodiversity. Conservation Value: Very High

Figure 64: Plant Community 25. Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest This forest area at the end of the dividing drainage line is just on the border of the farm and the GRNP. It is impacted by the neighbouring backpacker guests as well as the Black Wood trees that grow to the east of the forest just above this area on the backpackers’ farmland where a dense stand of alien invaders has been established. The invaders impact very negatively on the eastern side of the forest as can be seen here on the photographs to the left the leaf and plant matter of the neighbours’ farm’s exotic tree invaders are accumulating on the forest floor. This is a negative impact on the local forest.

Figure 65: Plant Community 25. Southern Cape Afrotemperate forest Blechnum ferns and rocks covered with mosses within the dividing drainage line indicating that this drainage line is not a permanent flowing body of water. Note how the invader tree have managed to establish its roots right in the seasonal drainage line.

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7.3.3.26 Riparian area This area is next to the forest edge area and is a transition area between the forest and the dividing drainage line where a range of forest edge and riparian vegetation occur. It was a difficult area to investigate with dense riparian bush that has also been partly invaded by the local exotic invaders. This riparian area is of high conservation value and will be kept untouched by any development as indicated on both the preferred and authorised site development plans. Conservation Value: High

Figure 66: Plant Community 26. Riparian area 7.3.4 Sensitive and Noteworthy Features

7.3.4.1 Significant vegetation Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos which has almost completely been destroyed on the farm, however if protected within the ecological corridors, could rehabilitate successfully over time (limited due to the reduced natural species in surrounding Pine plantations and farms). Though the Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest does not actually occur on the farm, the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) does border the farm and there are specific trees that need to be protected within the set aside ecological corridors.

7.3.4.2 Special Habitats A central dividing rainwater drainage line occur seasonally in the Riparian corridor of the farm need to be protected and kept free of pollution and invaders. This freshwater drainage line is a no go area for development. Some endemic plant species have also been found here that will be protected within the planned central Riparian Ecological corridor. The other less prominent drainage line in the mid-eastern area connects underground with a transformed seasonal palustrine wetland full of invaders. This smaller drainage line is recommended to be incorporated into a Hydrological Ecological Corridor where the small non-functional palustrine wetland has potential to be restored to attract rare fauna such as the Cape Mountain Toadlet, Leaf Folding Frog (Afrixalus knysnae), and the Knysna Dwarf Chameleon (Brachypodium damaranum) and also flora such as terrestrial orchids (e.g. Pterygodium newdigiteae var newdigiteae) that thrive in unique aquatic habitats.

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7.3.4.3 Species of Concern An indigenous botanical garden can be established for the protection of the only protected tree (Pittosporum viridiflorum) occurring within the western side of the farm. Two other Rapanea melanophloeos trees to be protected was found on the farm’s southwestern border. The species is not on the national list of protected trees but is declining in numbers and should be protected by placing buildings and vineyards accordingly on the farm. Within the Fynbos and riparian areas are some endemic plant species like Erica canaliculata that is a typical endemic of the Garden Route area. The central riparian corridor that has been set aside is a no go area. The Grassy Fynbos area underneath the powerline is ideal habitat for Erica glandulosa subsp fourcadei and many others as listed by Mucina Rutherford et al (2006).

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8.1 Identification of Impacts

8.1.1 Impact Assessment Alternatives The three alternatives evaluated in this study will be referred to as follows:  The “preferred alternative” (Figure 1): This is the applicants proposed and preferred development option.  The “authorised alternative” (Figure 2): This is the partially accepted environmental authorisation received from DEA&DP. For a detailed plan layout of two alternatives refer to Appendix 12.3.1 and 12.3.2.

8.1.2 Development Activities Impacting on Biodiversity The following development activities have been identified for the authorised and preferred alternatives. ACTIVITY AUTHORISED ALTERNATIVE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION OF  Owner’s house on western section BUILDINGS AND  Worker’s cottages on western section SUPPORTING  Water storage tanks on western section STRUCTURES  Parking facilities on western section  Access roads on western and eastern sections  Recycling and composting area.  Wine cellar on western section.  Wine tasting and tourism facilities on western section. ESTABLISHMENT OF  Fynbos garden on western section GARDENS  Beehives on western section CONSTRUCTION OF  5000m3 dam on western  5000m3Ha dam on western section. DAMS section.  5000m3 Ha dam on eastern section. ESTABLISHMENT OF  3 blocks on western section  3 blocks on western section VINEYARDS (2.36ha) (2.36ha)  6 blocks on eastern section (6.83ha) CONSERVATION OF  Removal of alien invaders  Removal of alien invaders ENVIRONMENT  Restoration of central  Restoration of central corridor corridor separating western separating western and eastern and eastern sections. sections.  Restoration of vegetation on  Restoration of central and border whole eastern section. ecological corridors on eastern section.

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8.1.3 Plant communities affected by development activities By overlaying the development activities on the vegetation map, the plant communities affected by the development activities can be identified.

Figure 67: Vegetation Map overlaid with development activities Outlines are shown of building and other structures (red), gardens (pink), dams (blue) and vineyards (black). The table below lists the plant communities according to their conservation value that are impacted by each of the development activities.

DEVELOPMENT CONSERVATION VALUE OF IMPACTED PLANT COMMUNITIES ACTIVITIES VERY LOW LOW LOW-MED MEDIUM MED-HIGH HIGH BUILDINGS 5 1, 2 GARDENS 5 1, 2 DAMS Western Dam 5 Eastern Dam 7 VINEYARDS West Block 1 1, 2 West Block 2 5 1, 2 West Block 3 5 2 East Block 4 12, 13 11 East Block 5 13 11 East Block 6 12, 13 11 East Block 7 13 11 East Block 8 9, 12 8 10 East Block 9 7 15 6 CONSERVATION Central Corridor 14 5 4 6, 25 Mid-Eastern Corridor 12 10 Eastern Border Corridor 13, 19 11 20 South-Eastern Corridor 13 16 17, 25 South Corridor 14 18 16

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8.1.4 Projected transformation state of alternatives Figure 68 and Figure 69 show the project transformation state of the authorised and preferred alternatives, respectively. Note that the bright yellow-green areas (corridors and eastern section) has now been restored to conservation areas

Figure 68: 20 Year projected transformation state for authorised alternative

Figure 69: 20 Year projected transformation state for preferred alternative

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8.1.5 Potential Impacts of Development Activities The following negative and positive impacts created by the development activities have been identified. Each of the impacts are described and assessed in detail in the next section.

APPLICABILITY OF IMPACTING ACTIVITIES POTENTIAL IMPACTS BUILDINGS GARDENS DAMS VINEYARDS CONSERVATION 1. LOSS OF SPECIES N/A N/A Potential* Potential* Potential* (NEGATIVE) Positive Impact Positive Impact 2. LOSS OF INDIGENOUS N/A N/A VEGETATION Potential* Potential* Potential* Positive Impact Positive Impact (NEGATIVE) 3. LOSS OF HABITAT N/A N/A Potential* Potential* Potential* (NEGATIVE) Positive Impact Positive Impact 4. LOSS OF ECOLOGICAL N/A N/A PROCESSES Potential* Potential* Potential* Positive Impact Positive Impact (POSITIVE) 5. POLLUTION Potential* N/A N/A Potential* N/A (NEGATIVE) 6. RE-CONNECTION OF HABITATS N/A N/A N/A N/A Potential* (POSITIVE) 7. RESTORATION OF ECOLOGICAL N/A Potential* N/A N/A Potential* PROCESSES (POSITIVE) 8. RESTORATION OF CBAS N/A N/A N/A N/A Potential* (POSITIVE) *The development activity may or may not have an impact. The potential impacts are assessed in the next section for significance.

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8.2 Direct Impacts

8.2.1 Loss of Species More than 250 plant species were recorded through site visits. The species identification was conducted thoroughly and the listed plant species provided a good reflection of the diversity of species occurring on the farm. No plant species identified on the farm will become extinct as a result of development. The distribution range of most the species occurring on site has been checked, especially those in areas marked for development. It was found that these species are pioneer Fynbos that are widely distributed along the Garden Route. Some forest trees in on the property occur even in the East African Afrotemporate forests. Any species found that may be a cause for concern, such as those within riparian areas and areas with more indigenous growth, have been avoided through the establishment of the mentioned ecological corridors in these areas. As a result, the loss of indigenous plants and genetic material on site will be at a minimum. With the farm being bordered by plantations and neighbouring farms, the planned ecological corridors on the farm will connect with the existing corridors in the surrounding area and the protected Garden Route National Park towards the south of the farm. It is therefore, likely that species occurring within the proposed areas for development will be present in the natural areas adjacent to the farm and in the ecological corridors running through and around the farm. The proposed development will therefore not destroy the local populations of indigenous species. The only protected tree found that is of significant conservation value, is the Pittosporum viridiflorum (Kasuur or Cheesewood as listed on the National Tree list of South Africa). The tree is not represented in the larger population, but must however be protected. It is found within plant community 2 within the western section and is planned to be protected as part of the garden. Nature of Impact: Negative AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Local - West (1) Local – West, East (1.5) + DURATION Long Term (3) Long Term (3) + INTENSITY Low (1) Low (1) = CONSEQUENCE 5 5.5 x PROBABILITY Improbable (1) Improbable (1) + SENSITIVITY Moderate (3) Limited (2) = LIKELIHOOD 4 3

= SIGNIFICANCE Low (20) Low (16.5) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Transplant indigenous species  Transplant indigenous species found in development areas to found in development areas to appropriate ecological corridors. appropriate ecological corridors.  Avoid protected species.  Avoid protected species. MITIGATION IMPACT High High SIGNIFICANCE Low Low (WITH MITIGATION)

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8.2.2 Loss of Indigenous Vegetation As shown above, the buildings, dam and vineyard on the western section of the farm will result in the minimum loss of vegetation of low conservation value. The garden, ecological corridors and remaining open spaces will retain a portion of each of these plant communities. The preferred alternative’s development of vineyards and a dam on the eastern section will result in partial loss of plant communities that are of low conservation value. Where potential for rehabilitation exist, such as the mid-eastern watercourse, ecological corridors have been planned to retain indigenous plant communities. Through rehabilitation, the functioning of these communities and habitats can be improved. The land earmarked for development contain dense stands of alien invaders or areas where alien invaders have degraded the vegetation to a distorted state. Invasive alien plants will need to be eradicated from the various plant communities in the ecological corridors to enhance the conservation value and restore the local biodiversity. Nature of Impact: Negative AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Local - West (1) Local – West, East (1.5) + DURATION Long Term (3) Long Term (3) + INTENSITY (very) Low (1) Low (1) = CONSEQUENCE 5 5.5 x PROBABILITY Definite (4) Definite (4) + SENSITIVITY Moderate (3) Moderate (3) = LIKELIHOOD 7 7

= SIGNIFICANCE Low (35) Medium (38.5) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Eradicate alien invaders to  Eradicate alien invaders to restore quality indigenous restore quality indigenous vegetation in ecological corridors. vegetation in ecological corridors. MITIGATION IMPACT Medium Medium SIGNIFICANCE Low Low (WITH MITIGATION) 8.2.3 Loss of Habitat The proposed development of both alternatives will result partial loss of habitats in the areas affected. The plant communities in these areas are of low conservation value due to presence of alien invaders as well as invader seedlings that keep on reoccurring to displace the indigenous vegetation. The conservation value on the south-eastern section that falls within a CBA is of medium conservation value. Development has been avoided in this area by the forest extension corridor that will be establish in this area. Plant communities in this area will not be affected by development. The planned ecological corridors will prevent fragmentation of natural habitat into small isolated and unsustainable patches. It is very likely that most of fauna and other organisms that occur naturally in the area will have similar habitat still available to them All sensitive habitats including watercourses are excluded from the proposed development. The special habitats, as identified, will not be affected by the development. In particular, the transformed palustrine habitat has been avoided by development and planned to fall within the mid-eastern (hydrological) corridor so that it can be rehabilitated.

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Nature of Impact: Negative AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Local - West (1) Local – West, East (1.5) + DURATION Long Term (3) Long Term (3) + INTENSITY Low (1) Low (1) = CONSEQUENCE 5 5.5 x PROBABILITY Improbable (1) Improbable (1) + SENSITIVITY High (4) High (4) = LIKELIHOOD 5 5

= SIGNIFICANCE Low (25) Low (27.5) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Eradicate alien invaders to  Eradicate alien invaders to restore quality indigenous restore quality indigenous vegetation in ecological corridors. vegetation in ecological corridors. MITIGATION IMPACT Medium Medium SIGNIFICANCE Low Low (WITH MITIGATION) 8.2.4 Loss of ecological processes The loss of some of the vegetation in areas of development and the construction phase of the development, may have some effect on ecological processes such as pollination. The proposed ecological corridors will assist in supporting pollination processes and also allow migration processes between natural areas to continue. The proposed development will not lead to vegetation fragments and does not affect any of the water courses. Hydrological processes will be enhanced with the removal of alien vegetation. Nature of Impact: Negative AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Local - West (1) Local – West, East (1.5) + DURATION Short Term (1) Short Term (1) + INTENSITY Low (1) Low (1) = CONSEQUENCE 3 3.5 x PROBABILITY Probable (2) Probable (2) + SENSITIVITY Moderate (3) Moderate (3) = LIKELIHOOD 5 5

= SIGNIFICANCE Low (15) Low (17.5) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Ensure that construction  Ensure that construction practices limit the impact to practices limit the impact to surrounding ecological corridors surrounding ecological corridors during construction. during construction. MITIGATION IMPACT High High SIGNIFICANCE Low Low (WITH MITIGATION)

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8.2.5 Pollution During construction of buildings, dams and vineyard, some pollution could typically occur to general negligent building practices. This impact can easily be mitigated by monitoring the construction and addressing any identified pollutants immediately. During operation of the proposed vineyards, pollution may generally result from poor pest management practices, where insecticide could enter the water courses. This can be well mitigated by establishing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan that would include disease resistant grape cultivars are planted, air and water drainage is created and vineyards are correctly orientated towards the wind to ensure proper air flow. Organic farming practices in areas of high risk will further mitigate any risk. General waste and sewage generated from the proposed buildings and cellar will require closed systems that prevent any seepage into water courses. The current plans include conservancy tanks that would isolate any waste water from entering watercourses. Nature of Impact: Negative AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Region (3) Region (3) + DURATION Long Term (3) Long Term (3) + INTENSITY Medium (2) Medium (2) = CONSEQUENCE 8 8 x PROBABILITY Improbable (1) Improbable (1) + SENSITIVITY Critical (5) Critical (5) = LIKELIHOOD 6 6

= SIGNIFICANCE Medium (48) Medium (48) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  The establishment of an IPM plan  The establishment of an IPM plan and adhering to environmentally and adhering to environmentally friendly building practices will friendly building practices will prevent possible pollution prevent possible pollution affecting the nearby CBAs and affecting the nearby CBAs and PAs. PAs.  Establishment of Integrated Wine  Establishment of Integrated Wine Production practices. Production practices.  Utilise organic farming practices  Utilise organic farming practices in high risk areas. in high risk areas. MITIGATION IMPACT High High SIGNIFICANCE Low Low (WITH MITIGATION)

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8.2.6 Re-Connection of Habitats In the current degraded state, the habitats between the ecological corridors to the north of the farm and the protected areas south of the farm are poorly connected. Through eradicating alien vegetation on the farm and establishing ecological corridors, these habitats can again reconnect. The authorised alternative requires restoration of natural habitat on the eastern section. The current habitat is severely degraded and the potential for full restoration in the near term seems unlikely. Nature of Impact: Positive AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Region (3) Region (3) + DURATION Long Term (1) Long Term (1) + INTENSITY High (3) High (3) = CONSEQUENCE 6 6 x PROBABILITY Highly Probably (4) Highly Probably (4) + SENSITIVITY Critical (5) Critical (5) = LIKELIHOOD 9 9

= SIGNIFICANCE Medium (54) Medium (54) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Blanket rehabilitation of eastern  Establish ecological corridors that section without specific focus on are actively restored to reconnect connecting corridors. habitats. MITIGATION IMPACT Low High SIGNIFICANCE Medium High (WITH MITIGATION) 8.2.7 Restoration of ecological processes The heavy alien infestation on the farm has impacted significantly on ecological processes, especially hydrology. By removing alien vegetation, hydrological processes can be improved. The road to the north of the farm on the eastern section has also redirected the flow of water away from a watercourse in the planned mid-eastern ecological corridor. By installing a culvert underneath the road, hydrological processes in this corridor could be re-established. Nature of Impact: Positive AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Surrounding (2) Region (3) + DURATION Long Term (3) Long Term (3) + INTENSITY Low (1) High (3) = CONSEQUENCE 6 9 x PROBABILITY Highly Probable (3) Highly Probable (3) + SENSITIVITY Moderate (3) Moderate (3) = LIKELIHOOD 6 6

= SIGNIFICANCE Low (36) Medium (54) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Blanket rehabilitation of eastern  Removal of invasive species section without specific focus on  Establishment of corridors

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restoring specific ecological  Rehabilitation of habitats processes.  Introduction of new plant species  Plant propagation nursery MITIGATION IMPACT Low High SIGNIFICANCE Medium High (WITH MITIGATION) 8.2.8 Restoration of CBAs The areas classified as CBAs are currently in a degraded state due to the invasion of alien plants. By removing alien vegetation and establishing ecological corridors on the southern border of the farm, these CBAs can potentially be restored over time. Nature of Impact: Positive AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT CRITERIA ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE EXTENT Region (3) Region (3) + DURATION Long Term (3) Long Term (3) + INTENSITY Low (1) High (3) = CONSEQUENCE 7 9 x PROBABILITY Highly Probable (3) Highly Probable (3) + SENSITIVITY Critical (5) Critical (5) = LIKELIHOOD 8 8

= SIGNIFICANCE Medium (56) High (72) (WITHOUT MITIGATION) CONFIDENCE High High

MITIGATION  Removal of invasive species  Removal of invasive species  Establishment of corridors  Introduction of new plant species MITIGATION IMPACT Low High SIGNIFICANCE Medium High (WITH MITIGATION)

8.3 Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts are those that do not occur as a direct result of the activity on site, but that further away.

8.3.1 Reduction of Alien Plant Matter entering CBAs and PAs As discussed, the current alien infestation on the farm results in leaves and seed entering watercourses and other areas of the farm that feed Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and Protected Areas (PA, I.e. GRNP) to the south of the farm. The proposed development for both alternatives will involve removal of alien vegetation on the site, resulting in a reduction of alien plant matter, including seeds, flow down watercourses into the CBAs and neighbouring PAs.

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8.4 Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts are those impacts linked to increased loss of vegetation type or ecosystems listed in the list of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems (Republic of South Africa, 2011). Much of the site has been transformed and occupy a small size (21.53ha) of the Fynbos vegetation of the region. The vegetation is not considered intact, but rather highly degraded habitat. As such, the habitat is not optimal for attaining conservation targets. Through the inclusion of significant ecological corridors it is possible to reduce the significance of this loss. The cumulative impacts of the proposed agricultural development are noted for each alternative.

8.4.1 Cumulative impacts of Authorised Alternative The authorised alternative has an overall low impact on the loss of species, vegetation, habitat and ecological processes. Planned conservation activities further have the potential to impact positively on connecting habitats and restoration of ecological processes and CBAs. Although a larger conservation area is allocated in this alternative, available funds for conservation projects will be spread more thinly and result in less effective improvement of specific habitats. The cumulative impact is assessed as medium positive.

8.4.2 Cumulative impacts of Preferred Alternative The preferred alternative has similar negative and positive impacts as the authorised alternative. The smaller conservation area can provide focus and direct available funds for conservation more effectively. Through various focussed rehabilitation initiatives, the allocated ecological corridors can be greatly enhanced to re-connect habitats and restore ecological processes that will benefit CBAs and protected areas. The cumulative impact is assessed as high positive.

8.5 Summary Comparison of Impact Significance The table below summarises the significance of all identified impacts after mitigation. NATURE OF AUTHORISED PREFERRED IMPACT IMPACT ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE DIRECT 1. Loss of Species (None) Negative Low Low 2. Loss of Indigenous Vegetation Negative Low Low 3. Loss of Habitat Negative Low Low 4. Loss of ecological processes Negative Low Low 5. Pollution Negative Low Low 6. Re-Connection of Habitats Positive Medium High 7. Restoration of ecological processes Positive Medium High 8. Restoration of CBAs Positive Medium High INDIRECT 9. Reduction of Alien Plant Matter Positive High High entering CBAs and PAs CUMULATIVE 10. Cumulative Impacts Medium Positive High Positive

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9.1 Protected trees to be conserved Significant, protected trees such as the Pittosporum viridiflorum that has been found on the western section of the farm, will be conserved within the development plan of this area on the farm. This tree must remain untouched and incorporated into an environmental education garden as set out on the preferred plan. On the southern borderline of the western section, close to the area earmarked for the operational development and where the wine cellars and homes for the owners will be established, there are two Rapanea melanophloeos trees. The fence line must be adapted to ensure the protection of these two trees. A very small area of forest vegetation is present along the south-eastern border of the farm with the Garden Route National Park (GRNP). This area contains 4 tree species (Podocarpus (Afrocarpus) falcatus, Podocarpus latifolius, Ocotea bullata and Curtisia dentate) that require protecting. This section is a no go area that will not be developed at all and has been incorporated into the Riparian corridor where indigenous fauna and flora can expand into the area as it is rehabilitated. Within the riparian area some endemic species were also found that will be protected here. The grassy Fynbos area (No. 6 on the vegetation plan) is a place where Erica glandulosa subsp fourcadei are likely to grow but not found during times of visits outside its flowering time. This is also a no go area that has been avoided according within both alternative site development plans where it has been included within conservancy areas. No other listed red data plants could be found on site during the investigations, either because they do not occur on the farm or just not in bloom (unlikely due to the negative impacts of invaders).

9.2 Ecological corridors to be conserved, maintained and invasive species eradicated The eastern section of the farm is considerably degraded. It lies within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA), an Ecological Support Area (ESA) and a Freshwater Ecosystem. As can be seen on the site development plans, large ecological corridors have been outlined for the conservation and rehabilitation of indigenous fauna and flora on the farm, mainly within the eastern section and to a much lesser extent the western section, that will be used for the main operational area. The removal of all invasive flora species within these ecological corridors is of utmost importance for the re- establishing and restroration of the area’s indigenous plant species.

9.2.1 Identification and Establishment of Ecological Corridors For each ecosystem and habitat on the farm there is an ecological corridor earmarked for the rehabilitation process to restore and enhance the ecological processes in that corridor. The position of each one of these ecological corridors have been outlined and indicated on the preferred alternative Site Development Plan. The ecological corridors include:  Riparian Corridor (Central Corridor)  Hydrological Corridor (Mid-Eastern Corridor)  Fynbos Transition Corridor (Eastern Border Corridor)  Forest Expansion Corridor (Southern Corridor)  Forest Rehabilitation Corridor (Central Corridor South)

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The corridors have been incorporated in those areas of the preferred alternative’s development plan, where that specific ecosystem is most likely to develop per the physical and geographical features of the location. The function of the riparian corridor would be to ensure long term flood management to address global warming effects within this area. Scientists have predicted that there will in future be more floods within these areas. Within this riparian corridor it would also be one of the most likely places where one could find some rare species. This riparian corridor also includes the grassy Fynbos underneath the Eskom Power lines where rare plants like some Erica glandulosa subspecies and other rare fauna can establish. Currently there is a fine collection of Fynbos plant species that must be kept untouched and protected within this large ecological corridor that link up with the ecological corridor between the plantations across the road from where genetic material can be obtained to be exchanged to strengthen the local gene pools within the area to ensure ecological processes and provide food and shelter for the local fauna that will hopefully come into the area.

9.2.2 Restoration of Vegetation and Habitats in Ecological Corridors On the farm are a few Fynbos pioneers that have managed to establish next to the roads where the invaders had the least impact on the sun loving Fynbos species as illustrated with photographs in the text. They are mainly pioneer plant species that will be protected on the farm so that the minimum plants will be removed to make way for vineyards. If some of the Fynbos plants occur elsewhere they must be transplanted and re-introduced into these Fynbos corridors so that no genetic material from the original genepool will be lost to ensure long term sustainable survival of this moist loving Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos. These Fynbos corridors are also linked with two ecological corridors between the plantations to the north and north east so that there will be larger areas where gene pools can be strengthened over a wide area. This will allow fauna and flora from the forest to migrate along the ecological corridors to find mates over a larger area to prevent inbreeding and the distortion of genepools.

9.2.3 Monitoring and Maintenance of Ecological Corridors The planned ecological corridors are sufficient. These protected protect areas should to be constantly checked for alien invaders to be removed. This will allow corridors to be maintained and in the long run, ensure the survival of a proper functioning ecosystem. The monitoring of ecological corridors should be undertaken annually. These notes should be kept on record in order to monitor the rehabilitation process on site within each corridor. Pie charts as incorporated within this document can be drawn up for different areas within each corridor to monitor the process. Notes should be made for each new species of fauna and flora (e.g. plants, birds, insects, snakes and amphibians) re-entering the area. Local indigenous trees have to be re-established within the forest rehabilitation corridor. These trees should be propagated on site and local soils have to be used to bag up the plant containers on site. Seed from the forest can be obtained from the local GRNP authorities. As soon as the forest trees and plants are large enough to be transplanted they can be re-established into the forest corridor to prevent erosion within the area that has previously been cleared by the neighbours for a firebreak.

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9.3 Restoration Process

9.3.1 Removal of alien invaders The farm is within a River Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area, as well as partly within a CBA an ESA. These areas and the hydrological systems within the Riparian and Hydrological Corridors must be priority for the removal of the alien invaders. The following process is recommended for restoration, 1. During the eradicating of alien invaders, chainsaws have to be used against slopes within the riparian areas and palustrine wetland area where the soil could be disturbed to cause erosion. If rocks have been lifted up in the removal process, they must be placed back to near natural position and the soil levelled to prevent erosion. 2. According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) the potential for erosion of the soil on flat areas is low. Therefore, where deep root systems of the large trees are found like the Pines and the Australian Acacias, these can be bulldozed out within the areas to be cultivated. 3. Young Wattle trees have to be removed by hand as soon as the seedlings appear from the seedbanks in the soil. These seedlings can be pulled out easily before the root systems go to deep into the ground. 4. The removed Acacia invader trees could be chipped and compacted with a compacting machine to be used later for energy generation. Other chips can be used within the composting process to recycle the nutrients for later use on the farm. A specific composting area next to the Pine planation in the western section of the farm should be set aside for that purpose. 5. The larger Pine trees can be removed and sold to the local sawmill. The smaller trees can also be chipped and use for composting. The bark chips from the larger Pine trees can be bagged and sold to orchid growers and nurseries for water wise gardening purposes. These bark chips can also be use within pathways and beds of the environmental education garden that will be created on the farm. 6. Any dead indigenous Fynbos plant material can be removed to make way for the vineyards and buildings. The plant material can be spread over cleared environmental corridors as a mulch where some of the Erica, Helichrysum and Phylica species’ seed would surely re- establish as the first pioneers. This will reduce the establishment of weeds within these newly cleared areas. Once the seedlings have emerged and grown into stronger plants, the seedlings can be transplanted to the appropriate ecological corridors earmarked for the different conservation processes. 7. This succession process to “heal” the land has to be monitored regularly. Photographs should be taken and kept for record purposes. Each pioneer species should be noted and identified in order to monitor the succession process in a scientific way. 8. All fauna and flora that enter into the cleared land must be recorded to monitor the succession process on the long run. 9. Seed or plant material can be obtained from the GRNP or Cape Nature (with the necessary permits especially if it is red data plants) in order to establish a rehabilitation nursery. This will mainly be for rare and other trees like Pittosporum viridiflorum, Rapanea melanophloeos, Apodytes dimidiata and other trees and especially protected trees like the Yellow Wood, Stinkwood and other important trees. This can include medicinal trees that occur around this area. (The medicinal trees within South Africa are under great threat as they are rapidly declining in numbers due to the ‘Muthi’ trade and can therefore be protected within the appropriate ecological corridors on the farm). 9.3.2 Plant rescue 1. Where plants of conservation value occur in areas to be developed, these plants must be extracted and replanted in the appropriate ecological corridors.

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9.3.3 Rehabilitation 1. Remove all invasive species from ecological corridors and other areas. Special habitats should be prioritized. 2. After removal of invasive species, restore soil to state where indigenous plants grow. 3. Introduce new plants from indigenous plant nursery to improve ecosystems. 9.3.4 Removal of Weeds 1. No weed killers are to be used. All weeds are to be removed manually to prevent any pollution to the soil and hydrological systems. 9.3.5 Fencing 1. The fencing around the grape vines must be done in such a way so that smaller mammals and other fauna can easily move through. 2. If electrical fencing are to be used, it must not be down to the ground so that space is left for smaller mammals to be able to move through. 9.3.6 Confrontation with Fauna 1. Any confrontation on the local fauna should be avoided as far as possible. 9.3.7 Monitoring Process The following process is recommended for monitoring the restoration process of indigenous habitats. 1. 1000m2 plots should be created for counting species within two different areas in each ecological corridor where the rehabilitation and succession process can be monitored annually. 2. Any new species coming into the area have to be noted and photographs taken for reference purpose. To monitor the restoration of the land, notes also be kept of any animals seen to be visiting the area. 3. All noted information must to be kept for record purposes. 4. Where new red data species are found on the property, these must be noted and marked by GPS. Growth of these plants should be monitored.

10 Conclusion Farm 247/1 has three biomes that meet within a small area. Detailed botanical and ecological investigations, unique to this area have been done with the sensitivity of the ecosystems in consideration. The investigations highlighted which sections of the farm are of high and low conservation value, and whether these sections need protecting or whether conservation and development can take place. Due to the presence of severe invasive species, the farm is overall of low conservational value. However, with sensitivity of conservation of protected species in mind, sensitive ecological features have been highlighted in the biodiversity assessment to assist in the development of a sustainable model for wine farming on this farm. A small extension of the forest area into the central ecological corridor (considered a part of the Southern Cape Afrotemperate Forest), is protected under the National Forest Act. There is evidence that vegetation such as the Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos, once occurred on the farm under discussion. This ecosystem is highlighted as a vulnerable ecosystem on a provincial level. The Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos has battled to remain intact on the farm due to the multitude of invasive species present on the farm and due to the attempts to remove these invasive species. However, it does appear that this provincially protected Fynbos vegetation type could be partly rehabilitated and certainly protected within the recommended ecological corridors.

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This significantly degraded farm, is within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA), an Ecological Support Area (an ESA), and forms part of a Freshwater Ecosystem in the area. It has been recommended in a scientifically based manner that the biodiversity patterns of the farm as well as its neighbouring farms and their interlinking corridors, can be protected and maintained in a sustainable manner, so that the local biodiversity of the area will be enhanced and the local gene pools broaden. It is critical that ownership be taken of the monitoring and maintenance of the conservation of the natural environment of the degraded Farm 247/1, many of the ecological systems on the farm have almost come to a complete halt.

10.1 Significance of Development Impacts on Biodiversity Except for specific areas of high conservation value that have been incorporated in ecological corridors, the conservation value the remainder of the western and eastern section for the farm is low. As such, development can be allowed in the areas planned for both sections of the farm with sensitivity towards sustainable conservation of ecosystems, incorporated within strategically planned and well maintained corridors. Ecological processes within different habitats, such as the small palustrine wetland can be restored and enhanced next to low impact vineyards. Due to the seasonal nature of grapes, vineyards would be well suited to co-exist with the surrounding indigenous vegetation. Sufficient space has been set aside for the restoration of these habitats. If conservation recommendations with regards to the development of Farm 247/1 are adhered to, the extent of the impact on the local biodiversity and freshwater drainage systems leading all the way to the ocean of the Crags area will be a positive one. This is mainly due to the removal of extensive invasive species and allowing of indigenous vegetation to be rehabilitated.

10.2 Summary Points  The biodiversity on both the eastern and western sections of the farm is currently of very low conservation value due to various intense farming and forestry activities that have taken place over many years. The original biodiversity has been destroyed to such an extent that it almost came to a standstill. According to the vegetation analyses, the worst degradation on the farm was found on the eastern section of the farm where previous ecosystems with unique and vulnerable habitats such as the Fynbos and palustrine wetland have been degraded and transformed to such an extent that it was originally not recognisable.  Provisions have been made for each specific biome or ecosystems on the farm to be protected and rehabilitated through sufficient large, interconnected ecological corridors. Within the eastern section of the farm, those areas of higher conservation value, have been included in the corridors so that the biodiversity can be restored and enhanced.  Once restored, the small non-functional palustrine wetland area on the eastern section, has the potential to become a protected safe haven for rare and endangered plant and animal species.  The Fynbos corridors can provide future safe habitats for the various red data as listed by Threatened Species Program as listed by SANBI and others.  Vineyards are a seasonal crop of low impact on local biodiversity and with good conservation strategies such as the controlled and scientifically maintained ecological corridors, the farm can become a safe haven for many rare plants and animals.  After extensive investigation, the author is confident that proposed wine farm will have a low impact of on the natural areas, and in many ways enhance the local biodiversity.

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 80 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment 11 References Boon, Richard. 2010. Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa. Pinetown : Flora and Flora Publication Trust, 2010. Brownlie, S. 2005. Guideline for involving biodiversity specialists in EIA processes: Edition 1. Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Provincial Government of the Western Cape. Cape Town : Republic of South Africa, 2005. CSIR Report No ENV-S-C 2005 053 C. Burman, Lee and Anne, Bean. 1985. Hotentots to Hermanus. South African Wild Flower Guide. Kirstenbosch, Claremont : Botanical Society of South Africa, 1985. Burrows, J. E. 1990. South African Ferns and Fern Allies. Sandton : Frandsen Publishers, 1990. Butchart, Duncan. 2001. Wild Life of the Cape Penisula. Cape Town : Struik Publishers, 2001. Cadman, Mandy. 2016. Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental Assessment in the Western Cape, Edition 2. Cape Town : Fynbos Forum, 2016. Courtenay- Latimer, M. and Smith, G. G. 1967. Die Blomplante van die Tsitsikamabos en Seekus Nasionale Park. s.l. : Nasionale Parkeraad van die Republiek van Suid Afrika, 1967. Cowling, R. and Richardson, Dave. 1995. Fynbos. Institute for Plant Conservation. Vlaeberg : Fernwood Press, 1995. de Villiers, Charl, et al. 2005. Fynbos Forum Ecosystem guidelines for environmental assessment in the Western Cape. Kirstenbosch : Fynbos Forum and Botanical Society of South Africa, 2005. Gledhill, Eily. 1981. Veldblomme van Oos Kaapland. Kaapstad : Departement van Natuur -en Omgewingsbewaring. Creda Press, 1981. Henderson, Lesley. 2001. Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants. . Plant Research Institute Handbook. Cape Town : ARC, 2001, Vol. 12. Kidd, Mary Maythem. 2002. Cape Peninsula. Wild flower Guide 3. Cape Town : Botanical Society of South Africa. Oxford University Press, 2002. Ladislav, Mucina, Rutherford, Michael and et. al. 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria. : South African Biodiversity Institute. Strelitzia 19, 2006. Manning, John. 2008. Field Guide to Fynbos. Cape Town : Struik, 2008. Meteoblue. 2017. Climate The Crags. Meteoblue. [Online] 2017. [Cited: 9 May 2017.] https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/forecast/modelclimate/the-crags_south-africa_949585. Moriarty, Audrey. 1997. Outeniqua Tsitsikamma & Little Karoo. South African Wild Flower Guide. Kirstenbosch, Claremont : South African Botanical Society, 1997. Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M. C. 2006. The vegetation of south Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria : South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2006. Palmer, Eve. 1977. A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa. London & Johannesburg : William Collins & Company Ltd, 1977. Pooley, Elsa. 1993. The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. Pietermaritzburg Durban : Natal Flora Publications Trust, 1993. Province of Western Cape. 2000. Western Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act (Act No. 3 of 2000). 2000. Rebelo, Tony. 1995. Proteas: A Field Guide to the Proteas of Southern Africa. Cape Town : Fernwood Press & National Botanical Institute, 1995.

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Republic of South Africa. 2014. Amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Government Gazette. 39343, 2014, Vol. 604. —. 1989. Environmental Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1989). Government Gazette. 1989, Vol. 1188, 11927. —. 2000. Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (No. 32 of 2000). Government Gazette. 2000, Vol. 425, 21776. —. 1970. Mountain Catchment Areas Act (Act 63 of 1970). Government Gazette. 1970, Vol. 2858, 1683. —. 2011. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act: National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection. Government Gazette. 2011, Vol. 558, 34809, pp. 1-544. —. 2003. National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. Government Gazette. 2003, Vol. 181, 26025. —. 1998. National Water Act (Act no. 36 of 1998). . Government Gazette. 1998, Vol. 398, 19182. —. 2014. Notice of the list of protected tree species under the national forests act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998). Government Gazette. 2014, Vol. 593, 38215. SANBI. 2011. 2011 National list of threatened terrestrial ecosystems for South Africa. SANBI Biodiversity GIS. [Online] 2011. http://bgis.sanbi.org/ecosystems. —. 2017. 2017 Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP). SANBI Biodiversity GIS. [Online] 2017. http://bgis.sanbi.org/Projects/Detail/194. —. 2010. Archived: 2010 Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan. SANBI Biodiversity GIS. [Online] 2010. http://bgis.sanbi.org/GardenRoute. —. 2012. National Vegetation Map Project (VEGMAP). SANBI Biodiversity GIS. [Online] 2012. http://bgis.sanbi.org/vegmap. —. 2017. Threatened Species Programme. Red List of South African Plants. [Online] 2017. http://redlist.sanbi.org/. Sheat, W. G. 1989. Die A tot Z van Tuinmaak in Suid Afrika. Kaapstad : Struik Publishers, 1989. Van der Watt, Stefan. 2017. Applicant's Preferred Alternative: Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247, The Crags, Western Cape. 2017. —. 2017. Authorised Alternative: Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247, The Crags, Western Cape. 2017. Van Oudtshoorn, Frits. 1999. Gids tot die Grasse van Suidelike Afrika. Arcadia, Pretoria : Briza Publikasies, 1999. Van Wyk, Braam and Malan, Sasa. 1998. Wild Flowers of the Highveld. Cape Town : Struik Publishers, 1998. Van Wyk, Braam and Van Wyk, Piet. 1997. Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa. Cape Town : Struik Publishers, 1997.

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12.1 Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae of Specialist The author is a well experienced botanist who has done plant surveys countrywide for many years. She is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist at the SA Council for Scientific Professions to do botanical and ecological consultation work to be able to ‘read’ nature and make environmental conservation decisions with confidence. For her BSc degree her main subjects were Botany and Entomology with Genetics, Zoology and Chemistry as part of her degree. She has therefore a good understanding of pollinators like the insects, birds and other animals’ genetic interactions in the wild. During her training for the BSc Hons degree her subjects included Geology and general Botany including Ecology, Morphology, Palaeontology, Microbiology and Taxonomy thus obtaining good knowledge surrounding rock formations, evolutionary and other processes of ecosystems within South Africa. She did ground breaking research on Acacias (now Vachellia) of Southern Africa for her MSc degree where she investigated the morphological information associated with the ecology within the distribution range of different varieties within the Acacia karroo complex. She investigated the evolutionary processes within the ecology driving the adaptations in the form of morphological and chemical adaptations during the speciation process within this Acacia complex to bring forth the range of variation to be found within the taxon. In the process she discovered and described new Acacia species such as the Acacia kosiensis from the coastal dune forests of Kwazulu Natal and others as described within Palgrave’s book on the Trees of Southern Africa. She started her career at the University of Pretoria’s Botany Department where she has obtained all her degrees in Botany. Later on she worked at the Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection unit on the Biological Control of weeds within South -Africa and is thus knowledgeable and experienced with regards to the negative impacts of alien weeds and invader plants on the natural environment as well as the biological control of these alien invaders. She established one of the first indigenous tree nurseries within the northern parts of Kwa-zulu Natal where she learned more about the growing conditions of different trees as well as the medicinal plants of the Zulu people while she raised her children in the countryside. Later, she returned to the Botany department of UP to work there for more than ten years at the National Botanical Gardens of the National Botanic Institute that is now the SA National Biodiversity Institute. Here she was actively involved curating the living Scientific Collections of Rare and Endangered plants including living collections of medicinal plants, succulent plants, bulbs, orchids, ferns and many more. In the process she obtained an exceptional good overall knowledge of South African and Madagascar’s flora and especially regarding the red data species and the ecology surrounding these plants as she has done various field trips and expeditions to explore and collect special protected plants for the botanical garden including the ecological information surrounding these plants. While at the Botanical Gardens she has been involved in various plant rescue, plant rehabilitation, plant re-introduction and conservation actions including international work like the re-introduction of a rare and endangered Aloe suzannae within the Spiny Forests of Madagascar as sponsored by the British Cactus and Succulent Society as shown on a local 50/50 TV nature program (1996-1997). She researched, designed and established an ethnobotanical garden associated with a medicinal garden as well as other specialised gardens within the Pretoria National Botanical Garden with great success being a practical hands-on scientist also sharing her knowledge regarding botanical and ecological aspects to fellow scientists. Botanical surveys and consultation work have been done all over South Africa especially around Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, Northern Cape and the southern Cape like around Knysna and Buffelsbaai.

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With more than forty many years of experience she has built up an exceptional good knowledge regarding the biomes and interactions of ecosystems within South Africa. The Fynbos of the southern Cape is not at all new to her as she has taken fellow botanists from abroad like from Germany, Denmark, Japan and the USA around the Fynbos as a registered tour guide and expedition leader to explore the Fynbos all along the Garden Route and Western Cape as well as into Namaqualand as well as other parts of the country. She often takes tourists and fellow botanists on tours to the Rain Forests and Spiny Forests of Madagascar. She has a good understanding regarding the Afrotemperate forests, Fynbos and wetland interactions of the southern Cape area. Being double qualified and also registered as a national tour guide in nature and culture she has a very good idea of the tourism needs and job creation within the tourism world. Priscilla is an environmental conservation activist looking at the bigger picture of nature conservation to ensure sustainability.

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12.2 Enlarged Vegetation Map

6

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12.3 Layout of Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area, Western Cape

12.3.1 Preferred Alternative Layout

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12.3.2 Authorised Alternative Layout

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12.4 Plant List of Vegetation on Farm 247/1 The plant list below has been structured according the areas in Figure 70 below. Note that in some cases, old plant names have been used which was not converted to the new names due to limited time.

Figure 70: Plant List areas 12.4.1 Western Section Carnivorous and Parasite Plants Cassytha ciliolata Drosera cf aliciae or cistiflora

Climbers and Creepers Asparagus corumbosa Asparagus sp Capparis separiaria Cuscuta appendiculata Fumaria muralis Hypocalyptus oxalidifolius Rhoicissus tomentosa Rhoicissus tridentata Rumex saggitatus Senecio quinquelobus

Exotic Trees Acacia mearnsii (exotic invader and transformer) Acacia mearnsii - invader Acacia melanoxylon - invader Banksia gigantica - exotic Ficus exotic sp Pinus pinaster invader Prunus exotic Pinus halepensis

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Exotic Shrubs Hydrangea sp exotic Mentha sp exotic

Indigenous Trees Brachylaena sp Buddleja saligna Diospyros whyteana Ekebergia capensis Halleria lucida Kiggelaria africana Nuxia floribunda Olea capensis Pittosporum viridiflorum (protected but not threatened)* Protea mundii Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus Rapanea melanophloeos (not on National Tree List, not threatened, to be protected) Searsia chirindensis Searsia discolor Searsia lucida var lucida Vepris lanceolate Virgilia divaricata

Indigenous Shrubs (Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos) Agathosma ovata Anisodontea scabrosa Aristea bakeri Chrysanthemoides monilifera Cineraria lobata Conyza pinnata Conyza scabrida Erica canaliculata Erica discolor Erica hispidula Fumaria muralis Haplocarpha lyrata Helichrysum cymosum Helichrysum cymosum subsp cymosum Helichrysum foetidum Helichrysum petiolare Helichrysum teretifolium Metalasia muricata Penaea cneorum Phyllica axillaris Pteridium aquilinum Rhodocoma capensis Selago corymbosa Selago glomerata Senecio burchellii Senecio cf pterophorus Senecio chrysocoma Senecio elegans Senecio ilicifolius Senecio inaquidens Senecio lanifer Senecio pterophorus Senecio rigidus

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Senecio rosmarinifolius Stoebe plumosa Thesium sp root parasite Ursinia cf nudicaulus Ursinia dentata

Forbs Anagalis arvensis var coerulea Anchusa cf capensis Arcthotheca populifolia Arctotheca calendula Berkeya decurrens Carpobrotus deliciosus Centella cf asiatica Fumaria cf officinalis Fumaria muralis Helichrysum spiralepis Indigofera cf alopecuroides Leysera tenella Linum thunbergii Lobelia anceps Lobelia coronopifolia Lobelia cunaeifolia Lobelia erinus Lobelia neglecta Lobelia tomentosa Monopsis aspera Monopsis simplex Monopsis unidentata Oxalis incarnata Oxalis pupurea Oxalis sp Pelargonium cordatum Pelargonium grossularioides Phytolaca africana Polygonum cf lapathifolium Ranunculus multifidus Roella secunda Rumex saggitatus Selago corymbosa Selago punctata Senecio chrysocoma Stachys aethiopica Trifolium dubium Wahlenbergia cf arenaria or procumbens Wahlenbergia undulata

Geophytes and Other Liliads Agapanthus praecox Amarylla belladonna Aristea africana Aristea cf bakerii Aristea pusilla Watsonia sp

Grasses - Poaceae Acroceras macrum

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Agrostis sp Andropogon appendiculatus Aristida junciformis Brachiaria eruciformis Brachiaria serrata Calamagrostis epigeios Digitaria cf eriantha Digitaria sanguinalis Diheteropogon amplectens Diheteropogon filifolius Ehrharta erecta subsp erecta Eragrostis plana Ergagrostis curvula Heteropogon contortus Mischanthus junceus Panicum deustum Panicum maximum Paspalum cf scrobuculatum Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum distichum Paspalum vaginatum Pennisetum clandestinum Pentamera ampla Pentamera distichophylla Setaria pumila Sporobolus africana Sporobolus cf virginicus Trachypogon spicatus

12.4.2 Eastern Section Exotic Trees Acacia mearnsii (exotic invader and transformer) Acacia melanoxylon (exotic invader and transformer) Liquidamber styraciflua Pinus halepensis (exotic invader) Pinus pinaster (exotic invader) Quercus robur

Indigenous Trees Halleria lucida Corymbia ficifolia Rapanea melanophloeos (not on National Tree List, not threatened, to be protected) Virgilia divaricata

Indigenous Shrubs (Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos) Berzelia intermedia Burchellia bubalina Chrysanthemoides moniliifera Cliffortia ruscifolia Cliffortia sp Erica curviflora Erica canaliculata Erica densifolia Erica discolor Erica hispidula Erica multiumbellifera Erica seriphiifolia

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Erica versicolor Gnidia cf squarrosa Helichrysum cymosusm Helichrysum petiolare Laurophyllus capensis Leucadendron eucalyptifolium Metalasia muricata Metalasia densa Metalasia pulcherrima Metalasia pungens Passerina corymbosa Passerina pendula Pelargonium cordatum Pelargonium cordifolium Penaea cneorum subsp giganteum Phylica axillaris Protea mundii Pteridium aquilinum Stoebe alopecuroides Stoebe phyllostachys Stoebe plumosa Struthiola striata Thesium fruticosum

Graminoids (Restionaceae, Cyperaceae) Bobartia orientalis Elegia capensis Elegia cf asperifolia Elegia equisetacea Elegia mucronata Festuca scabra Ficinia filiformis Ficinia lateralis Ficinia sp Ischyrolepis subverticillata Mariscus capensis Mariscus congestus Mariscus sp Tetraria bromoides Thamnocortus fruticosus

12.4.3 Central Corridor South (aquatic forest area, 200m2) Exotic Trees Certain exotic trees such as the following species have already started to invade into the natural forest and have to be removed Acacia mearnsii (exotic invader and transformer) Acacia melanoxyon (exotic invader) Pinus halepensis (exotic invader) Pinus pinaster (exotic invader)

Indigenous Trees The natural forest has started extending upstream into the watercourse and a number of typical forest trees have established themselves into this area. This is a critical biodiversity area and should be protected and restored as close as possible to its natural state by removing the alien species.

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12.4.4 Central Corridor North (Riparian area, 500m2) Indigenous Shrubs and Small Trees Buddleja saligna Burchellia bubalina Canthium ciliatum Canthium inerme Canthium mundianum Canthium obovatum Carissa bispinosa Cassine crocea Cassine schinoides Chrysanthemoides moniliifera Cliffortia ruscifolia Conyza pinnata Coptosperma littorale Dicliptera zeylanica Diospyros dichrophylla Diospyros whyteana Dovyalis rhamnoides Euclea racemosa cf subsp macrophylla Grewia occidentalis Gymnosporia buxifolia Gymnosporia mossambicensis Gymnosporia nemorosa Halleria lucida Hyperacanthus amoenus Hypoestis aristata Hypoestus forskaolii Lachnostylis hirta Lauridia tetragonia Maytenus acuminata

Maytenus cf acuminata Maytenus cf peduncularis Maytenus procumbens Maytenus undata Metalasia muricata Phylica axillaris Myrsine pillansii Morella serrata

Passerina corymbosa Penaea cneorum Polygala myrthifolia Scolopia zeyheri Searsia discolor Searsia lucida Searsia chirindensis Searsia incise Scutia myrtina Trichocladus crinitus Virgilia divaricata Zanthoxylum cf davyi

Graminoids (Restionaceae, Cyperaceae) Bobartia orientalis

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Elegia capensis Elegia cf asperifolia Elegia equisetacea Elegia mucronata Festuca scabra Ficinia filiformis Ficinia lateralis Ficinia sp Ischyrolepis subverticillata Mariscus capensis Mariscus congestus Mariscus sp Thamnocortus cf glaber Thamnocortus fruticosus

Grasses - Poaceae Agrostis sp Andropogon appendiculatus Brachiaria serrata Calamagrostis epigeios Digitaria sanguinalis Diheteropogon filifolius Eragrostis plana Heteropogon contortus Mischanthus junceus Paspalum distichum Pennisetum clandestinum Pentamera ampla Pentamera distichophylla Setaria pumila Sporobolus africana Trachypogon spicatus

12.4.5 Mid-Eastern corridor (hydrological area) Similar composition of plants, but not as extensive, as for central riparian area occur in this area.

12.4.6 Eastern corridor (aquatic forest area) - 3000m2 Indigenous Trees The natural forest has started extending northwards across the farm boundary line. A small number of typical forest trees have established themselves into this area. This is also becoming critical biodiversity area and should be protected and restored as close as possible to its natural state by removing the alien species.

12.5 Plant List of Vegetation on Indigenous Forest and Neighbouring Farms to the South of Farm 247/1

12.5.1 Vegetation on Forest and Neighbouring Farms to the South of Farm 247/1 Exotic Trees Acacia mearnsii – exotic invader Acacia melanoxyon- exotic invader Buddleja saligna Pinus pinaster - exotic invader Pinus halepensis – exotic invader

Indigenous Trees

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Allophyllus natalensis Allophylus decipiens Apodytes dimidiata Brachylaenia cf nerifolia Cassine schinoides Cassipourea cf mossambicensis of malosana Chionanthus foveolatus subsp tomentellus Coptosperma liitorale *Curtisa dentata - near threatened Diospyros whyteana Ekebergia capensis Elaeodendron croceum Eleaeodendron zeyheri Euclea racemosa subsp bernardii Euclea schimperi Ficus sp long red petiole Gonioma kamassi Gymnosporia buxifolia Gymnosporia nemerosa Gymnosporia cf grandifolia Halleria lucida Hartogiella cf schinoides Hyperacanthus amoenus Ilex mitis – Not on National Tree List - declining due to medicinal value – to be protected Kiggelaria africana Laurophyllus capensis Lachnostylis hirta Morella serrata Nuxia floribunda Ochna arborea *Ocotea bullata – endangered to be protected Olea capensis subsp macrocarpa Olinia ventosa *Pittosporum viridiflorum –protected due to medicinal value Platylophus trifoliatus - endemic *Podocarpus falcatus - protected *Podocarpus latifolius – protected Psydrax obovata subso elliptica Pterocelastrus echinatus. Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus Pterocelastrus rostratus Rapanea melanophloeos – Not on National Tree List but declining in numbers – to be protected Rawsonia lucida Rhobsonodendron eucleiforme Scolopia cf flanaganii Scolopia mundii Scolopia zeyherii Scutia myrtina Searsia chirindensis Searsia incisa Searsia lucida Tarchonanthus camphoratus Trimeria grandifolia Vepris lanceolata Virgilia divaricata Zanthoxylum davyi

Priscilla Swartz, Prof. Sci Nat 400230/05 2017/05/12 v3.4 Page 95 of 96 Portion 1 of Farm 247, the Crags, Bitou Municipal Area Biodiversity Impact Assessment

Indigenous Shrubs Burchellia bubalina Canthium inerme Trichocladus crinitis

Indigenous Ferns Asplenium rutifolium Blechnum capense Blechnum tabulare Cheilanthus viridis Gleichenia polypodioides Pteridium aquilinum Rumohra adiantiformis

Indigenous Undergrowth Dietes iridioides Ischyrolepis subverticillata

Other plant like organisms Fungi Lichens Mosses

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