DOCSLIB.ORG

Olympus AH Eco Assessment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Olympus AH Eco Assessment FLORAL AND GENERAL ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED RELOCATION OF THE DINGLETON TOWN WITH ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE FARM SEKGAME 461 EAST OF KATHU WITHIN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Prepared for Synergistics Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd 2012 Prepared by: Scientific Aquatic Services Report author S. van Staden (Pr. Sci. Nat) N. van de Haar (Pr.Sci. Nat) Report Reference: SAS 212055 Date: May 2012 Scientific Aquatic Services CC CC Reg No 2003/078943/23 Vat Reg. No. 4020235273 Cape Town Tel: 078 220 8571 082 866 9849 E-mail: [email protected] SAS 212055 – Floral Assessment May 2012 Declaration This report has been prepared according to the requirements of Section 33 (2) of the Environmental Impact Assessments Regulations, 2006 (GNR 385). We (the undersigned) declare the findings of this report free from influence or prejudice. Report Authors: Stephen van Staden Pr Sci Nat (Ecological Sciences) 400134/05 BSc. Hons (Aquatic Health) (RAU); M.Sc. Environmental Management (RAU). Field of expertise: Wetland, aquatic and terrestrial ecology. ___________________ Date:_ 02/04/2012___ Stephen van Staden Natasha van de Haar Pr Sci Nat (Botanical Science) 400229/11 M.Sc. Botany Field of expertise: Botanical specialist ___________________ Date:_ 02/04/2012___ Natasha van de Haar ii SAS 212055 – Floral Assessment May 2012 Executive summary Scientific Aquatic Services (SAS) was appointed to conduct a floral and general ecological assessment for the proposed relocation of the Dingleton town along with associated infrastructure to the farm Sekgame 461 east of the town of Kathu within the Northern Cape Province. Two areas were investigated as part of this assessment namely the existing Dingleton Town with surroundings as well as the proposed host site located on the farm Sekgame 461. Specific outcomes required from this report include the following: Habitat and community classification, including a description of the Present Ecological State of the two study areas; Floral inventories for the study area; Determine the presence of any red data species (flora) and the potential for such species to occur within the two study areas; Determine the presence and extent of sensitive habitats which will be affected; Discuss the spatial significance, from an ecological viewpoint, of the property and provide recommendations if required. In order to achieve the objectives of the report, the following assessment procedure/methodology was used: A desktop study to gain background information on the physical habitat, as well as generating potential floral biodiversity lists for the proposed development site and surrounding areas; Aerial photographs and digital satellite images were consulted prior to the field assessment and included an initial visual on-site assessment of the study area; A field assessment that identified the tree, grass, forb and exotic species that occur within each of the study areas; Description of the sensitivity of each site through application of indices such as the VIS index and through vegetation community analyses; Data analyses and reporting of all findings; Impact assessment according to a predefined impact assessment methodology. The following general conclusions were drawn upon completion of the floral survey: Both study areas fall within the Savanna Biome and Eastern Kalahari Bushveld Bioregion. When the boundary of the assessment site is superimposed on the vegetation types of the surrounding area, it is evident that the subject property falls within the Kathu Bushveld vegetation type (Musina & Rutherford, 2006). This vegetation type is considered to be of least concern with a target of 16% to be conserved. Both study areas fall within the Griqualand West Centre of Endemism (GWC). The vegetation of the GWC is still fairly intact, although extremely poorly conserved. It is therefore important that impacts that may result due to the proposed activities be adequately mitigated. The proposed host site is located adjacent to the town Kathu. It is therefore important to note that many farms to the north of Kathu were declared part of the Kathu Forest (Declaration of Kathu forest as a protected woodland under section 12 (1) (c) of the National Forests Act, 1998). After the field assessment of the areas earmarked for decommissioning and relocation activities it was possible to divide the study area into two specific habitat units, namely open veld and transformed habitat according to degree of landscape and vegetation transformation noted during the assessment. The complete PRECIS plant list for the grid references (2723CA and 2722DD) were obtained from SANBI that gave an indication of the plant species that would be expected to occur within each of the grids. No species are indicated as species of concern within the QDS 2723CA, with only Acacia erioloba listed as a “declining” floral species within the QDS 2722DD. Furthermore, individuals as well as possible habitat for floral species listed within schedule 3 and 4 of the Environmental and Conservation Ordinance no.19 (1974), as well as trees listed within section 15(1) of the National Forests Act, 1998 as amended in September 2011 were searched for during the assessment. Special attention was paid with the identification of three tree species protected under the National Forests Act known to occur within the Kuthu Bushveld vegetation type namely Acacia erioloba, Acacia haematoxylon and Boscia albitrunca (Steyn, 2007; van Rooyen, 2001). Of the three species Acacia erioloba was the most abundant and was encountered at both the area to be relocated and the designation area for the Dingleton town. Only one Acacia haematoxylon tree was identified within the proposed host site. iii SAS 212055 – Floral Assessment May 2012 Floral species listed as protected within Schedule 4 Environmental and Conservation Ordinance no.19 (1974) identified within the areas assessed are Aloe grandidentata, Aloe hereroensis and Boophane disticha. The VIS score calculated for the open veld habitat unit was 15 (Class C – Moderately modified). Although the open veld habitat unit within both study areas has seen relatively little anthropogenic activity, exotic species were noted and densities of forb and shrub species were not considered as uniformly spread as would be the case in pristine grassland. The transformed habitat unit calculated a very low score of -3.4 (Class E – Completely modified). The very low score can be expected due the number of exotic species within the Dingleton town as well as site clearing for residential developments. Areas also considered within the transformed habitat are areas significantly encroached by Acacia mellifera. A. mellifera encroachment has resulted in almost no natural species diversity and therefore a VIS score falling within Class E is considered representative Grass species diversity was relatively uniform throughout both study areas. However, the majority of the grass species encountered are indicative of past disturbance and only five species found are listed as indicators of the Kathu Bushveld vegetation type (Musina & Rutherford, 2006). Therefore, it can be concluded that vegetation transformation was evident within both study areas. The Dingleton town study area had the highest exotic species diversity, most probably due to landscaped gardens. Although the proposed host site had fewer species, it is still deemed important that ongoing alien invasion control be implemented in future. Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana was considered the most invasive species noted at the time of the assessment. It is deemed very important that a species specific eradication plan is developed, if not already in place. This tree already dominates the northern portion of the Dingleton town study area, therefore if not eradicated and monitored it would lead to a significant loss of species within the surface rights area of the mine. All the species known to be of medicinal value are regarded as widespread and common for the region, except for Boophone disticha listed as a protected species within the Threatened and Protected species regulations (NEMBA, 2004) and Acacia erioloba listed as a protected tree species (National Forests Act (1998). At the time of the assessment the proposed host site showed relatively uniform grass species abundance and diversity. However, Acacia erioloba listed as a protected tree within the National Forests Act, 1998 as amended in 2011 densities increased significantly within the northern portion. Furthermore, the number of Aloe grandidentata, an aloe species listed as protected within Schedule 4 Environmental and Conservation Ordinance no.19 (1974), significantly increased within the extreme eastern portion of the study area. Therefore, the northern and eastern portions of the proposed host site are considered of higher ecological importance and sensitivity. It is recommended that these areas either be excluded from the proposed town layout plans or incorporated during landscaping of private and public gardens with special mention of larger Acacia erioloba trees. Acacia erioloba trees were identified throughout the Dingleton town study area. As a result the overall vegetation and landscape transformation were used to allocate sensitivity to various portions of the study area. The existing Dingleton town as well as northern portion where Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana encroachment was severe are considered low sensitivity areas. Although Aloe grandidentata numbers increased within the centre portion
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Major Vegetation Types of the Soutpansberg Conservancy and the Blouberg Nature Reserve, South Africa
    Original Research MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES OF THE SOUTPANSBERG CONSERVANCY AND THE BLOUBERG NATURE RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA THEO H.C. MOSTERT GEORGE J. BREDENKAMP HANNES L. KLOPPER CORNIE VERWEy 1African Vegetation and Plant Diversity Research Centre Department of Botany University of Pretoria South Africa RACHEL E. MOSTERT Directorate Nature Conservation Gauteng Department of Agriculture Conservation and Environment South Africa NORBERT HAHN1 Correspondence to: Theo Mostert e-mail: [email protected] Postal Address: African Vegetation and Plant Diversity Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002 ABSTRACT The Major Megetation Types (MVT) and plant communities of the Soutpansberg Centre of Endemism are described in detail, with special reference to the Soutpansberg Conservancy and the Blouberg Nature Reserve. Phytosociological data from 442 sample plots were ordinated using a DEtrended CORrespondence ANAlysis (DECORANA) and classified using TWo-Way INdicator SPecies ANalysis (TWINSPAN). The resulting classification was further refined with table-sorting procedures based on the Braun–Blanquet floristic–sociological approach of vegetation classification using MEGATAB. Eight MVT’s were identified and described asEragrostis lehmanniana var. lehmanniana–Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra Blouberg Northern Plains Bushveld, Euclea divinorum–Acacia tortilis Blouberg Southern Plains Bushveld, Englerophytum magalismontanum–Combretum molle Blouberg Mountain Bushveld, Adansonia digitata–Acacia nigrescens Soutpansberg
    [Show full text]
  • Training of Trainers Curriculum
    TRAINING OF TRAINERS CURRICULUM For the Department of Range Resources Management on climate-smart rangelands AUTHORS The training curriculum was prepared as a joint undertaking between the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF). Prof. Makoala V. Marake Dr Botle E. Mapeshoane Dr Lerato Seleteng Kose Mr Peter Chatanga Mr Poloko Mosebi Ms Sabrina Chesterman Mr Frits van Oudtshoorn Dr Leigh Winowiecki Dr Tor Vagen Suggested Citation Marake, M.V., Mapeshoane, B.E., Kose, L.S., Chatanga, P., Mosebi, P., Chesterman, S., Oudtshoorn, F. v., Winowiecki, L. and Vagen, T-G. 2019. Trainer of trainers curriculum on climate-smart rangelands. National University of Lesotho (NUL) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This curriculum is focused on training of trainer’s material aimed to enhance the skills and capacity of range management staff in relevant government departments in Lesotho. Specifically, the materials target Department of Range Resources Management (DRRM) staff at central and district level to build capacity on rangeland management. The training material is intended to act as an accessible field guide to allow rangeland staff to interact with farmers and local authorities as target beneficiaries of the information. We would like to thank the leadership of Itumeleng Bulane from WAMPP for guiding this project, including organising the user-testing workshop to allow DRRM staff to interact and give critical feedback to the drafting process. We would also like to acknowledge Steve Twomlow of IFAD for his
    [Show full text]
  • Grasses of Namibia Contact
    Checklist of grasses in Namibia Esmerialda S. Klaassen & Patricia Craven For any enquiries about the grasses of Namibia contact: National Botanical Research Institute Private Bag 13184 Windhoek Namibia Tel. (264) 61 202 2023 Fax: (264) 61 258153 E-mail: [email protected] Guidelines for using the checklist Cymbopogon excavatus (Hochst.) Stapf ex Burtt Davy N 9900720 Synonyms: Andropogon excavatus Hochst. 47 Common names: Breëblaarterpentyngras A; Broad-leaved turpentine grass E; Breitblättriges Pfeffergras G; dukwa, heng’ge, kamakama (-si) J Life form: perennial Abundance: uncommon to locally common Habitat: various Distribution: southern Africa Notes: said to smell of turpentine hence common name E2 Uses: used as a thatching grass E3 Cited specimen: Giess 3152 Reference: 37; 47 Botanical Name: The grasses are arranged in alphabetical or- Rukwangali R der according to the currently accepted botanical names. This Shishambyu Sh publication updates the list in Craven (1999). Silozi L Thimbukushu T Status: The following icons indicate the present known status of the grass in Namibia: Life form: This indicates if the plant is generally an annual or G Endemic—occurs only within the political boundaries of perennial and in certain cases whether the plant occurs in water Namibia. as a hydrophyte. = Near endemic—occurs in Namibia and immediate sur- rounding areas in neighbouring countries. Abundance: The frequency of occurrence according to her- N Endemic to southern Africa—occurs more widely within barium holdings of specimens at WIND and PRE is indicated political boundaries of southern Africa. here. 7 Naturalised—not indigenous, but growing naturally. < Cultivated. Habitat: The general environment in which the grasses are % Escapee—a grass that is not indigenous to Namibia and found, is indicated here according to Namibian records.
    [Show full text]
  • Rainfall, Soil Type, and Plant Species Functional Types
    South African Journal for Science and Technology ISSN: (Online) 2222-4173, (Print) 0254-3486 Page Page 1 ofi of 15 ii InhoudsopgaweOorspronklike Navorsing Key determinants of long-term compositional variation of the herbaceous layer in a semi-arid African savanna: Rainfall, soil type, and plant species functional types Authors: Management of the grazing resource in semi-arid savanna is dependent on inter-annual Bezuidenhout H1&5, Botha variation in available moisture, which is determined by rainfall, soil type and woody 2 3 J , Ramaswiela T and biomass. Grazing and fire may further influence trends. Understanding the effect of rainfall O’Connor T4 variability requires study over an 18-year quasi-cycle of rainfall with frequent measurement, Affiliations: a constraint which few southern African studies have met. The herbaceous layer and woody 1 South African National vegetation on deep (> 0.6 m) well-drained sands, moderately deep (0.3–0.6 m) well-drained Parks, Scientific Services, Kimberley Office, PO Box sands, moderately deep poorly drained clays, and shallow (< 0.3 m) rocky moderately 110040, Hadison Park, drained sandy loams in the deproclaimed Vaalbos National Park, South Africa, were Kimberley, 8306, South monitored from 1993 to 2015. Woody density and structure differed conspicuously across Africa soil types, but there were no trends noticed over time for the park or for any individual soil 5 Applied Behavioural type. There was also no change in the number of woody species or frequency distribution Ecology and Ecosystem over this survey period. Different functional groups responded differently to rainfall or to Research Unit, UNISA, Private Bag X6, Florida, soil water storage capacity of the soil profile.
    [Show full text]
  • Grasses: Biology and Ecology
    1 – Game Ranging / Field Guiding Course Module # 9 – Component # 3 Grasses: Biology and Ecology Introduction Grasses are the most important plant family on Earth. This statement is based on the following facts: There are more individual grass plants on Earth than any other type of terrestrial vegetation. They have the highest biomass of all plants, i.e. their combined weight is greater than that of any other group of land based plants. They cover a large surface area of the Earth. Over 30% of the Earth’s land area is covered with natural grasslands and savannah areas dominated by grasses. They inhabit the widest diversity of habitats. In other words, they are the most adaptable modern plants. They occur from the tropics through to the Arctic and Antarctic, in swamps, on mountain tops and on the sea shores. The most widely distributed flowering plant on earth is a grass (Phragmites australis). They are also crucial to man’s survival - our most important food crops are grasses. These include maize, wheat, rice, oats, barley, rye and millets. Civilisation began with the cultivation of grass species whose seeds had previously been gathered from wild plants. Livestock subsists in grazing areas which are not suitable for cultivation. This is also of considerable importance to the survival of man. There are some 9700 species of grasses world-wide of which 967 species or approximately 10% occur in Southern Africa. Botany © Copyright This course material is the copyrighted intellectual property of WildlifeCampus. It may not be copied, distributed or reproduced in any format whatsoever without the express written permission of WildlifeCampus 2 – Game Ranging / Field Guiding Course The Morphology of Grass Plants Grasses are either tufted, floating, creeping, climbing or erect.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity
    Appendix L: Biodiversity DETAILS OF SPECIALIST AND DECLARATION OF INTEREST (For off icial use only) File Reference Number: 12/12/20/ NEAS Reference Number: DEA T/ EIA/ Date Received: Application for authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 PROJECT TITLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED CONTINUOUS ASH DISPOSAL FACILITY FOR THE MATIMBAPOWER STATION IN LEPHALALE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE Specialist: Bathusi Environmental Consulting cc Contact person: Riaan A. J. Robbeson (Pr.Sci.Nat.) Postal address: PO Box 77448, Eldoglen Postal code: 0171 Cell: 082 3765 933 Telephone: 012 658 5579 Fax: 086 636 5455 E-mail: [email protected] Professional SACNASP (Botanical & Ecological Scientist - 400005/03) affiliation(s) (if any) Project Consultant: Royal HaskoningDHV Contact person: Prashika Reddy Postal address: PO Box 25302, Monument Park, Gauteng, South Africa Postal code: 0105 Cell: 083 2848687 Telephone: 012 367 5973 Fax: 012 367 5878 E-mail: [email protected] 4.2 The specialist appointed in terms of the Regulations_ I, Riaan A. J. Robbeson (Pr.Sci.Nat.) declare that: General declaration: • I act as the independent specialist in this application; • I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant; • I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work;
    [Show full text]
  • Ecdeiocoleaceae and Joinvilleaceae, Sisters of Poaceae (Poales): Evidence from Rbcl and Matk Data
    Telopea 11(4) 437–450 Ecdeiocoleaceae and Joinvilleaceae, sisters of Poaceae (Poales): evidence from rbcL and matK data Adam D. Marchant and Barbara G. Briggs1 Botanic Gardens Trust, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia 1Author for correspondence: [email protected] Abstract Within Poales, the clade (Poaceae, Ecdeiocoleaceae, Joinvilleaceae) has previously received robust support from DNA sequence data from a range of genes. However, the question of which family (or set of families) is the sister group of Poaceae has not been answered with any degree of confidence, to date. Using Ecdeiocolea monostachya as the only representative of its family, other researchers have found the clade to resolve (although mostly with low levels of support) as (Joinvillea (Ecdeiocolea, Poaceae)). We now provide matK and rbcL data for Georgeantha hexandra, the sole species in the other genus of Ecdeiocoleaceae, in addition to further sampling of other closely related Poales families. Analyses of our data support the alternative topology of (Ecdeiocoleaceae, Joinvilleaceae) as sister to Poaceae and also help to resolve the position of Flagellariaceae. Flagellaria groups with (Poaceae, Ecdeiocoleaceae, Joinvilleaceae) in a graminid clade that is sister to the restiid clade (Anarthriaceae, Restionaceae, Centrolepidaceae) in analyses of matK or matK + rbcL data. A high rate of base substitution has previously been noted in Poales; branch lengths in Ecdeiocoleaceae are comparable with those in Poaceae. Introduction The molecular phylogeny of Poales (APG 2003) has been the subject of much recent interest. Attention has particularly focussed on six plant families (Ecdeiocoleaceae, Joinvilleaceae, Flagellariaceae, Restionaceae, Centrolepidaceae and Anarthriaceae) that, with Poaceae, form the graminoid clade (Kellogg 2000, Bremer 2002) or ‘core Poales’ clade (Poales sensu stricto) of Barker et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Vegetation of the Eastern Communal Conservancies in Namibia: I
    Page 1 of 18 Original Research Vegetation of the eastern communal conservancies in Namibia: I. Phytosociological descriptions Author: The establishment of communal conservancies aims to have the local communities share in 1 Ben J. Strohbach the benefits especially of wildlife resources, in this way spearheading the conservation of Affiliation: the environment. The Desert Margins Programme in Namibia aimed to develop vegetation 1School of Natural Resources resource data for the Otjituuo, Okamatapati, Ozonahi, African Wild Dog, Otjinene, Epukiro, and Spatial Sciences, Otjombinde, Omuramba Ua Mbinda, Eiseb and Ondjou communal conservancies, in order Polytechnic of Namibia, to assist with natural resource planning. For this purpose, a phytosociological survey of this Namibia area, with 422 relevés, was conducted during 2004. The data was captured in Turboveg and Correspondence to: forms part of the Namibian phytosociological database (GIVD AF-NA-001). The data was split Ben Strohbach into two, representing two major land forms, the ‘hardeveld’ and the ‘sandveld’, respectively. A classification was undertaken using the Modified two-way indicator species analysis Email: bstrohbach@polytechnic. (TWINSPAN) procedure. Further refinements, based on field observations and literature edu.na sources, were performed using Cocktail procedures. Thirteen vegetation associations were formally described in this article, of which two were subdivided into subassociations. These Postal address: associations can broadly be grouped into broad-leaved savanna types typical of the central Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, Namibia and northern Kalahari of Namibia and microphyll savannas found on the transitions to the Central Plateau. One association, the Burkeo africanae–Pterocarpetum angolensis, forms the Dates: southern fringe of the Zambesian Baikiaea Woodlands ecoregion of the World Wildlife Fund, Received: 30 Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • C4 Photosynthetic Evolution
    C4 PHOTOSYNTHETIC EVOLUTION: SUB-TYPES, DIVERSITY, AND FUNCTION WITHIN THE GRASS TRIBE PANICEAE _______________________________________ A Dissertation presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School at the University of Missouri-Columbia _______________________________________________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy _____________________________________________________ by JACOB DANIEL WASHBURN Dr. J. Chris Pires, Dissertation Supervisor MAY 2017 The undersigned, appointed by the dean of the Graduate School, have examined the dissertation entitled: C4 PHOTOSYNTHETIC EVOLUTION: SUB-TYPES, DIVERSITY, AND FUNCTION WITHIN THE GRASS TRIBE PANICEAE Presented by Jacob Daniel Washburn, a candidate for the degree of doctor of philosophy, and hereby certify that, in their opinion, it is worthy of acceptance. _____________________________ Dr. J. Chris Pires _____________________________ Dr. James A. Birchler _____________________________ Dr. Paula McSteen _____________________________ Dr. Gavin Conant ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would first like to thank my beautiful wife and sweetheart Melinda for her constant companionship, support, and sacrifice over the past five years. Also my three children: Nathan, Sam, and Emma. The four of you have been, and continue to be my inspiration, and my happiness. I also want to thank my parents, Shelley and Kevin Washburn, who instilled in me a love for learning and for hard work. This degree is for you as well. I also thank my advisor Chris for being the most supportive, helpful, and forward- thinking mentor I have ever had the privilege of associating with. I credit you with the success I have had in grant writing during my Ph.D., and with many of the life skills I have learned. My co-advisor Jim has also been an incredible help.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity, <I>Ex</I> <I>Situ</I> Conservation, Flora and Indigenous
    International Journal of Modern Botany 2020, 10(1): 1-8 DOI: 10.5923/j.ijmb.20201001.01 Plants Checklist of Mount Kenya University Botanic Garden, Thika, Kenya Jared M. Onyancha1,*, Edith W. T. Wakori2, Gervason A. Moriasi1, Bibianne W. Waiganjo1, Humphrey M. Mwambeo1 1Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya 2Kabarak University, Kabarak, Kenya Abstract A checklist of plant species occurring at Mount Kenya University Botanic Garden is presented. The purpose of this study was to develop a check list of plants that could be used for education, research and as a conservation guide. Two methods of study were used; first was physical identification and enumeration of the plants and secondly, line-transect and point centered quadrant techniques. A total of 223 plant species that belong to 57 families were identified. Three were vulnerable, endemic and rare and were identified as Combretum tanaense in Combretaceae, Ficus scassellatii ssp. thikaensis in Moraceae and Pavetta teitana in Rubiaceae, respectively. Keywords Biodiversity, Ex situ conservation, Flora and Indigenous are about 1846 botanical gardens and more than 30% of them 1. Introduction are owned by Universities and other research institutions for higher education. Less than 40% of botanic gardens are Plant diversity is relatively high in Kenya with found in tropical regions of the world. Despite the fact that approximately 6881 plant species occurring in different the tropics are characterized by high biodiversity and ecosystems (Zhou et al., 2017). These plant population is endemism, the region has faced high rate of threats due to constantly decreasing due to effects of climate change and as climate change and human activities in the recent past a result of anthropogenic activities (Millar et al., 2007).
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix B1-Biodiversity Report Nsovo Komatipoort Desktop
    Reg No. 2005/122/329/23 VAT Reg No. 4150274472 PO Box 751779 Gardenview 2047 Tel: 011 616 7893 Fax: 086 724 3132 Email: [email protected] www.sasenvironmental.co.za DESKTOP LEVEL ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED POWER STATION, POWERLINE AND GAS PIPELINE IN KOMATIPOORT, MPUMLANGA PROVINCE. Prepared for Nsovo Environmental Consulting October 2020 Prepared by: Scientific Terrestrial Services CC Report author: S. Erwee Report reviewer: N. Cloete (Pr. Sci. Nat) Report reference: STS 200058 STS 200058 October 2020 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Scientific Terrestrial Services (STS) was appointed to conduct a desktop terrestrial biodiversity assessment as part of the Environmental Impact and Authorisation process for the proposed development of a Busbar extension, power station, associated powerline and a gas pipeline, in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga Province (hereafter collectively referred to as “focus area”). Based on the preliminary desktop assessment, the focus area is not located within a protected area, however, it is situated approximately 2 km south of the Kruger National Park. According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (MBSP, 2014) the north eastern portion of the focus area is located within an Ecological Support Area (ESA) local corridor, and a small portion of the power station and the majority of the proposed gas pipeline is located within an irreplaceable Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA). The remaining portions of the focus area is located within areas classified as either “heavily modified” or “other natural areas”. During the desktop analysis, it was established that the southern and a portion in the north east of the focus area has a very high terrestrial sensitivity according to the National Web-based Environmental Screening Tool (2020).
    [Show full text]
  • Johannesburg, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science (Coursework and Research Report)
    THE RELATIVE INFLUENCE OF RAINFALL, TOPOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND DISTANCE FROM VILLAGE ON COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF HERBACEOUS VEGETATION IN A COMMUNAL RANGELAND OF BUSHBUCKRIDGE William Maropeng Seabi A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science (Coursework and Research Report) Supervisor: Prof Wayne Twine Johannesburg DECLARATION I declare that this research report is my own, unaided work except where otherwise acknowledged. It is being submitted for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science to the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination at any other University. ________________ (Signature of candidate) 12th day of September, 2017 in Johannesburg i ABSTRACT Various studies have been conducted on the determinants of herbaceous vegetation composition and structure in savannas, but there is still no consensus on the extent of the role played by each. This is particularly so for disturbed savannas in communal rangelands. This study aimed to investigate the relative influence of rainfall, catenal position and distance from village on composition and structure of herbaceous vegetation in communal rangelands of Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The study used pre-existing data collected in 2012 in 56 plots located across nine villages in three rainfall zones: Low (<600 mm), Medium (600-700 mm) and High (>700 mm). In each zone, the communal rangelands of three villages were sampled in upslope and downslope positions and across three distance (disturbance) categories of, 0-599 m, 600-1799 m and >1800 m relative to nearest villages.
    [Show full text]