THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF AN 88kV DISTRIBUTION POWERLINE FROM THE EXISTING STRAATSDRIFT SUBSTATION TO THE PROPOSED SILWERKRAANS SUBSTATION WITHIN THE RAMOTSHERE MOILOA, MOSES KOTANE AND KGETLENGRIVIER LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES, NORTH WEST PROVINCE

Ecological & Avifauna Component

June 2017

Compiled by: Prepared for: Pachnoda Consulting CC Baagi Environmental Consultancy Lukas Niemand Pr.Sci.Nat PostNet Suite 412 PO Box 72847 Private Bag x4 Lynwood Ridge MENLO PARK Pretoria 0102 0040

Pachnoda Consulting cc Straatsdrift - Silwerkraans 88kV powerline

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Pachnoda Consulting CC was contracted by Baagi Environmental Consultancy CC to provide a terrestrial ecological report (general ecology and avifauna) for the proposed construction of an 88 kV distribution powerline from the existing Straatsdrift substation to the proposed Silwerkraans substation within the Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipalities, North West Province. The project consists of two proposed corridors:

 Preferred Corridor (47.2 km) on the eastern section of the study area; and  Alternative Corridor (45.8 km) on the western section of the study area.

The terms of reference for this assessment are to:

 provide a general description of the affected environment concerning the avifaunal and terrestrial habitat types;  conduct an assessment of all available information in order to present the following results: o typify the regional and local vegetation that will be affected by the proposed corridors; o provide an indication on the occurrence of threatened, “near- threatened”, endemic and conservation important plant, bird or animal species likely to be affected by the proposed corridors; o provide an indication of sensitive bird, fauna habitat and vegetation corresponding to the proposed corridors; o highlight areas of concern or hotspot areas; o identify potential impacts on the terrestrial ecological environment that are considered pertinent to the proposed development; o identify negative impacts and feasible mitigation options.

A site visit was conducted during 19 - 23 June 2017 whereby the physical environment of the proposed corridors was inspected by road and on foot of selected points ("sampling points") following an evaluation of GIS based information on the biotic and biophysical attributes of the area.

In summary, the alternative corridor transects a larger surface area of untransformed Zeerust Bushveld which is also less intensively grazed (and which has a higher basal cover of graminoid plant species) when compared to the preferred alternative. The preferred corridor traverses more surface area that is intensively grazed and human- induced or human-associated activities (e.g. pastoralism) have a higher potential to displace large-bodied mammal and bird species from the area. In addition, the southern section of the alternative corridor coincided with game and rotational cattle farms which are more conducive towards the preservation of mammal, avifaunal and floristic richness, whereby grazing capacities are maintained within functional limits.

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In addition, the alternative corridor traverses a higher number of perennial and seasonal drainage lines and is also located more or less in close proximity to a higher number of small-surfaced waterbodies. Considering the larger number of drainage lines and dams along the alternative corridor, it is of the opinion that concentrations of waterfowl and wading birds associated with these wetland features are exposed to a higher risk of potential bird collisions when compared to the preferred corridor. On the other hand, the preferred corridor traverses fewer drainage lines and perennial rivers features when compared to the alternative option, thereby rendering this corridor "more feasible". Also, a large section of the preferred corridor is located alongside an existing, and recently constructed distribution line, which emphasises the "feasibility" of the preferred corridor in increasing the visibility of the lines to approaching bird species. More intensive mitigation (and costs incurred) will be required to minimise potential bird collisions along the alternative corridor when compared to the preferred section (e.g. during the installation of bird flight diverters).

Although the preferred corridor is "more feasible" from an ecological perspective, a re-alignment along its northern section is highly recommended to avoid potential damage to the floodplains of the Marico River and to minimise the potential risk of bird collisions since this particular area is perceived as a potential bird flyway. Two re-alignment options were proposed to the south of the recently constructed power line.

It was strongly advised that a second survey be conducted during the austral summer season in the form of a pre-construction "walkdown" of the preferred corridor.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... I TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... III LIST OF FIGURES ...... IV LIST OF TABLES ...... V LIST OF APPENDICES ...... V DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ...... VI 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 2 2. METHODS & APPROACH ...... 4 2.1 DESKTOP ANALYSIS: BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 4 2.2 AVIFAUNAL EVALUATION ...... 5 2.3 VERTEBRATE FAUNA ...... 5 2.4 VASCULAR PLANTS & VEGETATION ...... 6 2.5 SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ...... 7 2.6 LIMITATIONS ...... 8 3. RESULTS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...... 9 3.1 REGIONAL VEGETATION DESCRIPTION ...... 10 3.2 GEOLOGY & SOILS ...... 11 3.3 LAND COVER ...... 12 3.4 CONSERVATION & PROTECTED AREAS ...... 16 3.5 WETLAND AND DRAINAGE LINE CROSSINGS ...... 16 3.6 BROAD-SCALE HABITAT DESCRIPTION AND BIOTOPES ...... 17 3.7 OCCURRENCE OF PLANT 'SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN' ...... 22 3.7.1 Threatened, near threatened and declining plant taxa ...... 22 3.7.2 Protected plant species ...... 23 3.8 DECLARED ALIEN AND INVADER PLANT SPECIES ...... 26 3.9 RED LISTED, ENDEMIC AND CONSERVATION IMPORTANT FAUNA TAXA ...... 30 3.9.1 Faunal and vegetation impacts ...... 31 3.10 AVIFAUNA: BIRD POPULATIONS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED ...... 35 3.10.1 Bird impacts associated with power lines ...... 35 3.10.2 Bird species likely to be impacted ...... 41 3.11 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY ...... 49 3.12 ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES & AN OPINION REGARDING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT (AS PER APPENDIX 6) ...... 52 3.13 RECOMMENDATIONS & MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 53 3.13.1 Avifauna ...... 53 3.11.2 General ecological considerations ...... 56 4. REFERENCES ...... 58 5. APPENDICES ...... 61

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: A locality map illustrating the geographic position of the proposed 88 kV power line between the Straatsdrift substation and the proposed Silwerkrans substation...... 3 Figure 2: A satellite image illustrating the sampling points that were investigated to obtain a sem-quantified indication of the habitat types and vegetation associations on the study area. Also illustrated is the general coverage ("tracks")...... 9 Figure 3: An image illustrating the regional vegetation types traversed by the proposed corridors. Vegetation type categories were chosen according to Mucina & Rutherford (2006)...... 11 Figure 4: A map illustrating the regional geology and lithologies underlain by the proposed corridors...... 12 Figure 5: A map illustrating the 2013-2014 land cover classes (Geoterraimage, 2015) corresponding to the proposed corridors...... 15 Figure 6: The spatial position of conservation and protected areas on the study area...... 16 Figure 7: A map illustrating the major anticipated river/drainage line crossings corresponding to the proposed corridors...... 17 Figure 8: A collage of images illustrating the different broad scale habitat types on the study area: (a-b) mixed untransformed Zeerust Bushveld (c-d) short dense to open microphyllous woodland, (e-f) medium to tall microphyllous woodland, (g-h) riparian woodland and (i-j) mixed Swartruggens mountain bushveld...... 21 Figure 9: A collage of images illustrating the different azonal and ephemeral habitat types on the study area: (a-b) ephemeral floodplains, (c-d) artificial impoundments and (e-f) arable land and secondary bushveld...... 22 Figure 10: The approximate distribution of Vachellia erioloba along the proposed corridors where the density of individuals >5 trees at a particular area (c. 400m2) OR where significant (large or old) individuals occur...... 24 Figure 11: The approximate distribution of Boscia albitrunca along the proposed corridors consisting mainly of large individuals...... 25 Figure 12: The approximate distribution of Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra along the proposed corridors consisting mainly of large individuals...... 26 Figure 13: Two bird-friendly pylon designs...... 36 Figure 14: The recommended bird diverter to be used (copyright Preformed Line Products, www. preformedsa.co.za)...... 38 Figure 15: An example of the Double Loop Bird Flight Diverter fitted to the earth wires of a 132 kV power line...... 39 Figure 16: An example of a Double Loop Bird Flight Diverter fitted to the earth wire of a 132 kV power line...... 39 Figure 17: Decomposed carcass of a gamebird found below the live cabling structures of a recently constructed power line located adjacent to the preferred corridor...... 40

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Figure 18: A recently constructed power line located adjacent to the proposed preferred corridor. Note the servitude is cleared of vegetation below the power line during the construction. Also note the pylon structure which provides perching opportunities for large-bodied birds although the area above the conductors has not been fitted with bird guards/spikes to prevent "streaming". 40 Figure 19: A spatial presentation of the mean bird species richness recorded from the pentad grids (SABAP2) on the study area...... 42 Figure 20: A spatial presentation of the mean reporting rates (%) for threatened and near threatened bird taxa recorded from the pentad grids (SABAP2) on the study area...... 43 Figure 21: The proposed pylon structure to be used...... 49 Figure 22: A map illustrating the ecological sensitivity of the habitat types corresponding to the proposed corridors...... 51 Figure 23: Preliminary areas/zones along the proposed corridors to be fitted with "bird flight diverters"...... 55 Figure 24: Preliminary options of re-alignment along the northern part of the preferred corridor...... 56

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: The respective surface area (ha) of the land cover classes, natural and transformed land cover categories on each of the proposed power line corridors between the Straatsdrift and proposed Silwerkrans substations (based on a 100 m corridor width and the 2013-2014 national land cover dataset)...... 13 Table 2: The number of anticipated perennial river/stream and seasonal drainage line systems corresponding to each corridor (within a 100 m corridor width)...... 16 Table 3: A list of weeds and invader plant species identified on the study area...... 27 Table 4: A list of threatened, near-threatened and conservation important faunal species likely to occur on the study area (excluding introduced game). The conservation status and distributions of mammal, amphibian and reptile taxa was based on IUCN Red List (2017), Child et al. (2016), Measey (2010) and Bates et al. (2014) respectively. MammalMap, ReptileMap and FrogMap projects that are administered by the Animal Demography Unit were also consulted...... 34 Table 5: Collision-prone birds species recorded from SABAP1 and SABAP2 pentads grids sympatric to the study area. Species highlighted in Red are Red listed taxa...... 44

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Fauna and Vegetation impact table and description of impact ratings. . 61 Appendix 2: A shortlist of bird species recorded along the power line corridors and immediate surroundings during 12 - 15 June 2017...... 66 Appendix 3: Bird impact table and description of impact ratings...... 71 Appendix 4: CV of specialist...... 78

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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

I, Lukas Niemand (Pachnoda Consulting CC) declare that:

 I act as the independent specialist in this application to Baagi Environmental Consultancy and ESKOM;  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;  I have no vested financial, personal or any other interest in the application;  I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity;  I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; and  All the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct.

Lukas Niemand (Pr.Sci.Nat) 26 June 2017

Lukas Niemand is registered with The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals (400095/06) with more than 15 years of experience in ecological-related assessments and more than seven years in the field of bird interactions with electrical infrastructure. He has conducted numerous ecological and avifaunal impact assessments including Eskom Transmission projects, hydro-electric schemes and other activities in South Africa and other African countries (e.g. Republic of Congo, Liberia, Burundi, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Ethiopia).

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1. INTRODUCTION

The increase in human demand for space and life-supporting resources resulted in a rapid loss of natural open space in South Africa. When natural systems are rezoned for development, indigenous fauna and flora are replaced by exotic species and converted to sterile landscapes with no dynamic propensity or ecological value (Wood et al., 1994). Additionally, development rarely focussed on decisive planning to conserve natural environments, while little thought was given to the consequences on the ecological processes of development in highly sensitive areas.

Transformation and fragmentation are not the only results of unplanned and intended developments, the loss of ecosystem functioning and ultimately the local extinction of species can also result. Therefore, careful planning will not only preserve rare and endemic fauna and flora, but also the ecological integrity of ecosystems of the landscape level which is imperative for the continuation of natural resources, such as fossil fuels, water and soils with agricultural potential.

In 1992, the Convention of Biological Diversity, a landmark convention, was signed by more than 90 % of all members of the United Nations. The enactment of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), together with the abovementioned treaty, focuses on the preservation of all biological diversity in its totality, including genetic variability, natural populations, communities, ecosystems up to the scale of landscapes. Hence, the local and global focus changed to the sustainable utilisation of biological diversity.

1.1 Background

Pachnoda Consulting CC was contracted by Baagi Environmental Consultancy CC to provide a terrestrial ecological Report (general ecology and avifauna) for the proposed construction of an 88 kV distribution powerline from the existing Straatsdrift substation to the proposed Silwerkraans substation within the Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipalities, North West Province. The project consists of two proposed corridors:

 Preferred Corridor (47.2 km) on the eastern section of the study area (Figure 1). It runs in a westerly direction from Straatsdrift substation around the northern extent of the Lefurutshane settlement on the Farm Koffiekraal, whereby it turns southwards towards the proposed Silwerkraans substation. Most of the corridor occurs on land managed by the Arubatsi Tribe. A large section of the corridor occurs along the eastern border of the Farms Straatsdrift and Bedford and along the western borders of the Farms Turflaagte and Teerputsfontein. Part of the corridor is located adjacent to a newly constructed 66 kV line.  Alternative Corridor (45.8 km) on the western section of the study area (Figure 1). It runs in a southerly direction from Straatsdrift substation and

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traverses a number of privately owned farms which include Koppieskraal, Straatsdrfit, Toekoms, Zamenkomst, Mooiland Oos, Kortkloof and Zandfontein. Some of the farms are managed as game and hunting farms.

1.2 Terms of Reference

The main aim of the assessment is to investigate the ecological attributes of the proposed corridors by means of a series of site visits and a desktop analysis of GIS- based information.

The terms of reference for this assessment are to:

 provide a general description of the affected environment concerning the avifaunal and terrestrial habitat types (broad-scale);  conduct an assessment of all available information in order to present the following results: o typify the regional and local vegetation assemblages (herewith classified into broad-scale habitat units) that will be affected by the proposed corridors; o provide an indication on the occurrence of threatened, near- threatened, endemic and conservation important bird, animal and plant species likely to be affected by the proposed corridors; o provide an indication of sensitive bird, fauna and plant habitat corresponding to the proposed corridors; o highlight areas of concern or hotspot areas; o identify potential impacts on the terrestrial ecological environment that are considered pertinent to the proposed development; o identify negative impacts and feasible mitigation options; and o provide an analysis of alternatives and an overview of corridors considered to be feasible from a terrestrial ecological perspective.

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Figure 1: A locality map illustrating the geographic position of the proposed 88 kV power line between the Straatsdrift substation and the proposed Silwerkrans substation.

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2. METHODS & APPROACH

A site visit were conducted during 19 - 23 June 2017 whereby the physical environment of the proposed corridors was inspected by road and on foot following an evaluation of GIS-based information on the biotic and biophysical attributes of the area.

Visual observations of the proposed corridors were made during the site visits and additional data was obtained by means of selected points ("sampling points"; n=57; Figure 2) located on areas consisting of topographical features (ridges), wetland and drainage line features (dams, rivers and depressions), vegetation gradients, and areas with high potential to provide habitat for bird and mammal taxa of conservation concern. The objectives of the assessment are to:

 obtain a basic overview of the variation and general status of habitat types likely to be affected by the proposed power line development; and  inspect existing power lines within the proximity of the proposed corridors to obtain an overview of the range of potential impacts and likely effects of long- term management activities on the bird, plant and faunal community.

2.1 Desktop Analysis: Biophysical environment

A desktop analysis of available biotic and biophysical attributes of the proposed study area was performed whereby the following datasets were consulted:

 Regional vegetation (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006);  2013-2014 Land cover dataset (Geoterraimage, 2015);  Presence/absence of wetlands, perennial rivers/ streams, seasonal drainage lines and other impoundments;  Protected and conservation areas;  Settlement and transformed areas.

These datasets were utilised to identify areas that constitute:

 natural vegetation;  areas of environmental sensitivity (e.g. wetland systems);  areas likely to sustain high numbers of threatened, “near-threatened” and endemic animal, bird and plant taxa; and  protected areas.

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2.2 Avifaunal evaluation

The following references were consulted during the evaluation process, which includes the following:

 Hockey et al. (2005) were consulted for general information on bird identification and life history attributes;  The conservation status of bird species and their respective biogeographic affinities were sourced from the IUCN (2017), Taylor et al. (2015) and Marnewick et al. (2015). The latter provides an overview of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Southern Africa;  Distributional data was sourced from the first South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1) and verified against Harrison et al. (1997) for species corresponding to two1 quarter-degree grid cells (QDGCs) sympatric to the study area. The SABAP1 data provides a “snapshot” of the abundance and composition of species recorded within a quarter degree grid cell (QDGC) which was the sampling unit chosen (corresponding to an area of approximately 15 min lat x 15 min long). It should be noted that the atlas data makes use of reporting rates that were calculated from observer cards submitted by the public as well as citizen scientists. It provides an indication of the thoroughness of which the QDGCs were surveyed between 1987 and 1991;  Additional distributional data was sourced from the second South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2; www.sabap2.adu.org.za). Since bird distributions are dynamic (based on landscape changes such as fragmentation and climate change), SABAP2 was born (and launched on 1 July 2007) from SABAP1 with the main difference being that all sampling is done at a finer scale known as pentad grids (5 min lat x 5 min long, equating to 9 pentads2 within a QDG cell). Therefore, the data is more site-specific, recent and more comparable with observations made during the site visit (due to increased standardisation of data collection). A total of 40 pentad grids are applicable to the project;  Additional information on bird distribution patterns was obtained from personal observations.

2.3 Vertebrate Fauna

Mammals

 The potential occurrence and conservation status of mammal taxa were based on the IUCN Red List (2017) and the recently revised national Red

1 The two relevant QDG cells include: 2526AD (Skuinsdrift) and 2526BC (Lindleyspoort). 2 The nine relevant pentad grids include: 2515_2620, 2515_2625, 2520_2620, 2520_2625, 2520_2630, 2525_2620, 2525_2625, 2525_2630 and 2525_2635.

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Data Book by Child et al. (2016), while mammalian nomenclature was informed by Stuart and Stuart (2015) unless otherwise indicated.  The historical and extant (contemporary) distribution ranges of mammal taxa sympatric to the study area was sourced from MammalMap (2526AD and 2526BC) and various applicable field guides (in particular Stuart & Stuart (2015), Skinner & Chimimba (2005) and Friedmann & Daly (2004)); and  Actual observations of mammal taxa obtained during the site visits.

Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians)

 Red List categories for reptiles were chosen according to the conservation assessment conducted by Bates et al. (2014);  Red List categories and listings of amphibian taxa follow Measey (2010); and  The distribution of reptile and amphibian species was verified against ADU's database representing ReptileMap and FrogMap.

2.4 Vascular Plants & Vegetation

 1: 50 000 topographical maps and Google Earth and BirdsEye satellite imagery were used to subjectively stratify specific areas of uniform vegetation, structure and land cover (including highly localised and spatially restricted habitats). By using a stratified sampling approach, it is possible to obtain a more accurate species inventory and description of the vegetation, rather than using other site selection methods (e.g. random sampling).  The dominant floristic species was based on visual estimates of cover/abundance values. It entails the compilation of a list of plant taxa, whereby each taxon was assigned an abundance estimate based on its relative cover within the proximity of each proposed "proposed sampling point" (see Figure 2). The classical Braun-Blanquet cover abundance values were modified and a ‘timed random search’ method (a semi-quantitative survey procedure) that focuses on the detection of rare vascular plant species or taxa occurring naturally at low densities was used (Goff et al., 1982; Huebner, 2007). This method is highly effective and time efficient when describing the α-diversity of a particular area (Huebner, 2007), which makes it easier to provide a floristic delineation of plant composition as opposed to the use of traditional estimates of dominance along linear projects. The following modified abundance values were used (adapted and modified from Kent and Coker, 1993):

Abundance estimate Relative cover (%) 1 75-100 2 50-75 3 25-50 Common (c) 10-25 Uncommon (u) <10 Rare (r) 1 individual

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 Where possible, all plant taxa were positively identified in the field. Plant names follow Germishuizen et al. (2006) with the relevant updates included in the Plants of South Arica web-based database (http://posa.sanbi.org).  The occurrence of threatened taxa, including near threatened, declining and rare taxa was provided by Raimondo et al. (2009). Prior to the conduction of the field survey, historical records of plant 'species of conservation concern' within the quarter degree grid corresponding to the study site (2627BB) was obtained from the National Herbarium’s PRECIS database (http://posa.sanbi.org); and  The prominence of declared weeds and invader species (as amended under Notice 3 during 29 July 2016 in the Government Gazette, No. 40166) as promulgated under the Alien and Invasive species regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act 10 of 2004 was included.  An indication of the provincial and national protected plant species was also provided (sensu Notice 389 of 2013 of the Biodiversity Act of 2004 and Schedule 11 of the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No.12 of 1983).

2.5 Sensitivity Analysis

An ecological sensitivity map was compiled based on the outcome of a desktop and field data analysis.

The ecological sensitivity of any piece of land is based on its inherent ecosystem service (e.g. wetlands) and overall preservation of biodiversity.

2.5.1 Ecological Function

Ecological function relates to the degree of ecological connectivity between systems within a landscape matrix. Therefore, systems with a high degree of landscape connectivity amongst one another are perceived to be more sensitive and will be those contributing to ecosystem service (e.g. wetlands) or the overall preservation of biodiversity.

2.5.2 Biodiversity Importance

Biodiversity importance relates to species diversity, endemism (unique species or unique processes) and the high occurrence of threatened and protected species or ecosystems protected by legislation.

2.5.3 Sensitivity Scale

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 High – Sensitive ecosystems with either low inherent resistance or low resilience towards disturbance factors or highly dynamic systems considered important for the maintenance of ecosystem integrity. Most of these systems represent ecosystems with high connectivity with other important ecological systems OR with high species diversity and usually provide suitable habitat for a number of threatened or rare species. These areas should be protected;  Medium – These are slightly modified systems which occur along gradients of disturbances of low-medium intensity with some degree of connectivity with other ecological systems OR ecosystems with intermediate levels of species diversity, but may include potential ephemeral habitat for threatened species; and  Low – Degraded and highly disturbed/transformed systems with little ecological function and are generally very poor in species diversity (most species are usually exotic or weeds).

2.6 Limitations

It is emphasised that the survey was conducted during the dry (austral winter) season when many plant and animal species are senescent or difficult to detect. In addition, the avifauna inventories are incomplete since it will not detect the non- breeding Palearctic or breeding intra-African migratory species. Although not regarded as sufficient due to unfavourable environmental conditions the project is considered as an "emergency". Therefore, it is strongly advised that a second survey be conducted during the austral summer season in the form of a pre- construction "walkdown" of the chosen corridor.

General assumptions include:

1. It is assumed that third party information (obtained from government, academic/research institution, non-governmental organisations) is accurate and true; 2. Some of the datasets/information is out of date and therefore some of the extant distribution ranges may have shifted/changed. However, these datasets could provide insight into the historical distribution ranges of relevant species; 3. The datasets/information bases are mainly small-scale and could not always consider azonal habitat types that may be present on the study area (e.g. presence of topographical features, depressions and farm impoundments). In addition, these datasets encompass surface areas larger than the corridor width, thereby including habitat types and species that are not present on the study area itself. Therefore, the potential to overestimate species richness is highly likely, while it is also possible that certain cryptic or specialist species could have been be overlooked in the past;

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4. Some of the datasets (e.g. SABAP2) managed by the Animal Demography Unit of the University of Cape Town are current and likely to continue indefinitely; 5. Some parts of the study area were "closed" to the public and it was possible that "gaps" are likely to be present within the species distribution ranges concerning the relevant datasets. Many species are deemed to be overlooked or not formally catalogued for the area; 6. In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the bird and fauna communities on the study area, as well as the status of endemic, rare or threatened species, assessments should always consider investigations at different time scales (across seasons/years) and through replication. However, due to time constraints such long-term studies are not feasible and were based on instantaneous (a “snapshot”) sampling bouts; and 7. The information presented in this document only has reference to the investigated study area(s) and cannot be applied to any other area without prior investigation.

Figure 2: A satellite image illustrating the sampling points that were investigated to obtain a sem-quantified indication of the habitat types and vegetation associations on the study area. Also illustrated is the general coverage ("tracks").

3. RESULTS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

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3.1 Regional Vegetation Description

The proposed transmission line corresponds to the Savanna Biome and more particularly to the Central Bushveld Bioregion as defined by Mucina & Rutherford (2006). It comprehends two ecological types, namely Zeerust Thornveld and Dwarsberg - Swartruggens Mountain Bushveld (Figure 3).

Most of the proposed corridor traverses Zeerust Bushveld, with only a small section of the corridor in the south corresponding to Dwarsberg - Swartruggens Mountain Bushveld.

1. Zeerust Bushveld – This vegetation type is confined to the North West Province and extends along the plains from the Lobatsi River in the west to Zeerust, Groot Marico to the plains between the Pilanesberg and the western extremity of the Magaliesberg in the east.

It conforms to an open and short deciduous woodland which is primarily dominated by microphyllous species (aka "Thornveld") such as the genera Vachellia and Senegalia. It consists of a basal layer which is poor in forb richness and mainly composed of graminoid taxa, often on clay soils or soils with a high base-status. It is fundamentally dominated by Senegalia burkei, Vachellia erioloba, Senegalia mellifera, Vachellia tortilis, V. nilotica, Searsia lancea and graminoids such as Eragrostis lehmanniana and Panicum maximum.

The Zeerust Bushveld is Least Concern, albeit poorly statutorily conserved with less than 4 % occurring in the Pienaar and Marico Bushveld Nature Reserves. It is transformed (c. 16 %) by cultivation and inappropriate grazing regimes, while some areas are increasingly infested by the alien succulent Cereus jamacaru.

2. Dwarsberg - Swartruggens Mountain Bushveld – This vegetation type is confined to the North West Province where it occurs on the hills and ridges east of the Lobatsi River near Zeerust, the Swartruggens area, the Dwarsberg ridges and the Selons River valley in the east. It is present on low to medium rocky hills, whereby it conforms to a mixed Bushveld dominated by Vachellia robusta, Senegalia caffra, Faurea saligna, Aloe marlothii and Dichrostachys cinerea. Dominant grasses include Aristida canescens, Cenchrus ciliaris and Digitaria eriantha.

The Dwarsberg - Swartruggens Mountain Bushveld is Least Concern, with less than 2 % statorily conserved within the Marico Bushveld Nature Reserves. It is transformed (c. 7 %) by cultivation and inappropriate grazing regimes, while some areas are increasingly infested by the alien succulent Cereus jamacaru.

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Figure 3: An image illustrating the regional vegetation types traversed by the proposed corridors. Vegetation type categories were chosen according to Mucina & Rutherford (2006).

3.2 Geology & Soils

Although geology is never really considered to be an important factor contributing towards faunal community structure, it does play an important role in segregating floral communities which are often structurally different from each other (Figure 4). Of even more importance is the relationship between certain geological formations and plant compositions in explaining areas with high floristic structure and richness. Therefore, differences in floristic composition and structure are likely to be present in nutrient-poor soils derived from sedimentary lithologies, especially on the southern part of the study site where the proposed corridors are underlain by quartzite (of the Daspoort Formation). It is evident that most of the northern part of the study area is underlain by Quaternary sand and calcrete, while the central part consists of shale of the Silverton Formation. Weathering of the shale latter is responsible for red to yellow apedal soils with a high base status, while vertic or melanic clays are prominent on low-lying areas where drainage systems occur. The latter is areas id often dominated by microphyllous woodland or "thornveld".

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Figure 4: A map illustrating the regional geology and lithologies underlain by the proposed corridors.

3.3 Land Cover

The 2013-2014 national land cover dataset (Geoterraimage, 2015) on the respective corridors include (Figure 5; Table 1):

Natural areas:  Natural grassland (including secondary grassland following historical clearing);  Shrubland (including degraded or precursor shrubland based on intensive grazing regimes);  Thicket or dense bush (typical untransformed Zeerust Bushveld)  Woodland (including open bush and mainly consisting of untransformed mountain Bushveld or tall mixed Zeerust Bushveld); and  Various wetland types.

Transformed areas:  Cultivated land (primarily commercial land and subsistence farming);  Mines; and  Urban/built-up areas (including villages and homesteads).

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3.3.1 General considerations

From the land cover analysis it is evident that the proposed corridors are dominated by low shrubland (c. low mixed Zeerust Bushveld and low microphyllous Bushveld dominated by Senegalia mellifera and Vachellia tortilis), open woodland (c. mountain Bushveld and tall mixed Zeerust Bushveld dominated by Vachellia erioloba, Searsia lancea and Peltophorum africanum) and grassland (mainly secondary grassland subsequent to historical clearing on old cultivated lands). It clearly shows that between 82 % and 93 % of the study area is covered in natural habitat as opposed to transformed areas.

Even though the corridors are predominantly covered in natural habitat, the ecological condition of these habitat types differs significantly from area to area (ranging from open untransformed mixed woodland and late-successional Zeerust Bushveld to dense, low and heavily grazed microphyllous shrubland dominated by various members of the genera Vachellia and Senegalia, with annual grasses consisting of Aristida congesta and A. adscensionis. Unsubstantiated observations made during the site visit testified that large parts of the study area are of secondary ecological condition or and show historical degradation based on persistent inappropriate grazing regimes, especially along the preferred corridor.

3.3.2 Preferred vs. Alternative Corridor

The extent and diversity of the land cover categories between the preferred and alternative corridors show that the alternative corridor comprises of approximately 10 % more natural habitat when compared to the preferred corridor (Table 1). In addition, the alternative corridor also comprises of c. 5 % more mature woodland habitat which also include 10 % dense bush/thicket habitat which are reminiscent of untransformed Zeerust Bushveld with a high richness of woody plant species (when compared to the preferred corridor. However, the preferred corridor comprises of c. 10% more low shrubland, which is regarded as being induced by intense and persistent grazing regimes (thereby dominated by Vachellia and Senegalia species).

Table 1: The respective surface area (ha) of the land cover classes, natural and transformed land cover categories on each of the proposed power line corridors between the Straatsdrift and proposed Silwerkrans substations (based on a 100 m corridor width and the 2013-2014 national land cover dataset).

Land Cover Class Preferred Corridor Alternative Corridor Surface area Percentage total Surface area Percentage total (ha) area (%) (ha) area (%) Bare (none vegetated) 0.05 0.01% 2.31 0.53% Cultivated 39.94 8.97% 17.94 4.12% Erosion (donga) 30.44 6.84% 5.07 1.16% Grassland 84.56 18.99% 96.87 22.27% Low shrubland 188.39 42.32% 146.25 33.61% Mines 0.28 0.06% 0.29 0.07% Thicket/dense bush 9.21 2.07% 53.48 12.29%

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Urban 10.12 2.27% 6.42 1.48% Wetlands 0.01 0.00% 0.44 0.10% Woodland/Open bush 82.19 18.46% 106.01 24.37%

Transformed 80.83 18.16% 32.04 7.36% Natural 364.34 81.84% 403.05 92.64% Total 445.18 100.00% 435.09 100.00%

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Figure 5: A map illustrating the 2013-2014 land cover classes (Geoterraimage, 2015) corresponding to the proposed corridors.

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3.4 Conservation & Protected Areas

According to Figure 6, it is evident that none of the proposed corridors overlap with any protected or conservation area. However, the alternative corridor is located approximately 3.6 km from the Marico Bushveld Nature Reserve.

Figure 6: The spatial position of conservation and protected areas on the study area.

3.5 Wetland and drainage line crossings

The proposed corridors are located within the Marico River Catchment (Limpopo River Catchment). The important rivers and drainage lines to be crossed by the proposed corridors are the Marico River, Tholwane River, Ngopeletswana drainage line, Dipudumong drainage line and the Letlhakane drainage line (Figure 7). It is evident that the alternative corridor comprehends a larger number of drainage lines and perennial streams (Table 2), which are often bordered by tall woodland.

Table 2: The number of anticipated perennial river/stream and seasonal drainage line systems corresponding to each corridor (within a 100 m corridor width).

Non-perennial Perennial drainage Impoundment/ Corridor Total drainage line/river line/river Dam Preferred 12 2 0 14

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Non-perennial Perennial drainage Impoundment/ Corridor Total drainage line/river line/river Dam Alternative 11 5 1 17

Figure 7: A map illustrating the major anticipated river/drainage line crossings corresponding to the proposed corridors.

3.6 Broad-scale habitat Description and Biotopes

The composition and distribution of the broad-scale habitat types on the study area are a consequence of a combination of factors simulated by soil texture (apedal soils vs. heavy vertic to melanic soils), drainage patterns and altitude (low-lying areas vs. higher-lying areas) and most importantly grazing regimes. The major habitat types (or vegetation units) on the study area include the following (Figure 8):

1. Mixed untransformed Zeerust Bushveld: This habitat unit (or vegetation association) was historically widespread on the study area, although mush has been converted to short dense microphyllous bushveld owing to inappropriate grazing by livestock. However, reminiscent mixed Zeerust Bushvedl persist on the southern sections of the alternative corridor and as highly fragmented compositions on the northern parts of the preferred corridor. However, although regionally widespread and classified to be least concern, it is floristically rich when compared to the other grazed units.

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The unit is characterised by a medium high open canopy dominated by Vachellia tortilis, Peltophorum africanum, Searsia lancea, S. leptodictya, Combretum molle and C. hereroense. Other noteworthy tree and shrub species include Grewia flava, Ziziphus mucronata, Pappea capensis, Carissa bispinosa, Flueggea virosa, Euclea undulata and Tarchonanthus camphoratus. The forb layer was relatively poorly represented by species such as Aloe davyana, A. cf. zebrina, Ocimum americanum, Melhania prostrata, Pavonia burchellii, Asparagus suaveolens and Abutilon cf. austro- africanum. The graminoid layer is well established, especially on well managed land where grazing is rotational and carrying capacities are maintained though appropriate stocking. Dominant grass species include Eragrostis lehmanniana, E. rigidior, Panicum maximum, Cenchrus ciliaris and Cymbopogon pospischilii. Areas where grazing was low, Themeda triandra tend to become apparently dominant (only on the alternative corridor).

2. Short dense to open microphyllous bushveld: This unit is dominant on the study area and primarily confined to land managed by the Arubatsi tribe. It is essentially a "thornveld" dominated by short members of the genera Vachellia and Senegalia. It was historically similar in composition to untransformed Zeerust Bushveld, but persistent grazing by livestock and other human- induced land management practices have facilitated the dominance by Vachellia and Senegalia species, especially in the near absence of a graminoid layer in certain sections of the preferred corridor. It is widespread on the study area but the largest area occurs along the preferred corridor.

The dominant woody species consists of Senegalia mellifera and Vachellia tortilis. Other co-dominants include Searsia lancea, Ziziphus mucronata, Dichrostachys cinerea and Grewia flava. The forb and graminoid layers was poorly defined and consists of many secondary and annual taxa such as Panicum maximum, Eragrostis rigidior, Aristida congesta, A. adscensionis, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Sida cf. rhombifolia, Kyphocarpa angustifolia, Aerva leucura, Acrotome inflata and Aloe cf. zebrina. On black clay soils the graminoid composition changes, and are dominated by Urochloa mossambicensis, Brachiaria eruciformis and Aristida bipartita and the woody shrub, Asparagus laricinus, tends to become dominant.

3. Medium to tall microphyllous woodland: This unit is dominant on scattered on the study area and occurs primarily along transitional landscapes between soil types and management regimes. It is compositionally very similar to the previous habitat unit, but differs in being structurally taller with a well-defined graminoid layer dominated by Aristida canescens, Eragrostis rigidior, Cymbopogon pospischilii and Heteropogon contortus. The canopy contains taller specimens of Vachellia tortilis, Senegalia mellifera, including Peltophorum africanum, Searsia lancea and in some parts also Vachellia erioloba.

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4. Mixed Riparian woodland: This habitat is restricted to the perennial rivers such as the Marico and Tholwane Rivers and the various seasonal drainage lines. Structurally the woodland conforms to a tall canopy dominated by woody species such as Searsia lancea and Combretum erythrophyllum. Other noteworthy woody species include Ziziphus mucronata, Celtis africana, Gymnosporia cf. buxifolia, Acalypha cf. glabrata, Berchemia zeyheri and Olea europaea subsp. africana.

The basal layer was poorly defined owing to disturbances such as episodic flood events, although typical dominants include Cynodon dactylon, Pavonia burchellii, Sida cordifolia, Panicum maximum and Clematis brachiata.

This habitat constitute an important dispersal corridor for faunal and bird species, since it increases the probability of colonisation of areas outside of the study area, thereby reducing the isolation of residing populations.

5. Mixed Swartruggens mountain bushveld: This bushveld type is diverse and located on the eastern extent of the proposed power line in close proximity to the proposed Silwerkrans substation, whereby it coincided with an undulating topography on shallow well-drained soils. However, it was also subjected to intense livestock grazing and in some cases also selective firewood collection which induced the formation of a dense short layer of Dichrostachys cinerea and Psiadia punctulata.

Dominant woody species include Peltophorum africana, Ziziphus mucronata, Dichrostachys cinerea and Euphorbia ingens. Other noteworthy species include Aloe marlothii, Berchemia zeyheri, Faurea saligna, Dombeya rotundifolia, Terminalia sericea, Senegalia caffra and Vachellia karoo. The forb layer consists of Psiadia punctulata, Lantana rugosa, Waltheria indica, Hermannia depressa, Nidorella resedifolia, Sida cordifolia and Felicia muricata. Typical grass species include Eragrostis chloromelas, Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus, Panicum maximum, Melinis repens and E. rigidior.

In addition to the dominant habitat and vegetation types, a number of azonal habitat units were also identified in the study area, and it was necessary to elaborate on their importance, primarily from an avifaunal perspective (Figure 9):

 Ephemeral floodplains along the Marico River and Lethlakane drainage line - These were mainly confined to the northern section of the preferred corridor and along the Lethlakane drainage line in the south along the alternative corridor. These are represented by represented large depressions. When inundated, these provide potential foraging habitat for a variety of wading birds, waterfowl and waders;  Man-made impoundments (dams) – these represent water bodies of variable size which were mainly created to act as irrigation dams or drinking water for

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livestock. They have undoubtedly benefit the colonisation and range expansion of waterbird species that favours open water.  Arable land and secondary bushveld – These are cultivated land or areas that were historically cleared of vegetation. They provide ephemeral foraging habitat for large terrestrial taxa such as the White Stork Ciconia ciconia, Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius and Kori bustard Ardeotis kori;  Reservoirs and artificial livestock watering points - These often provide drinking water for large terrestrial bird species, especially large birds of prey.

a b

c d

e f

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g h

i j

Figure 8: A collage of images illustrating the different broad scale habitat types on the study area: (a-b) mixed untransformed Zeerust Bushveld (c-d) short dense to open microphyllous woodland, (e-f) medium to tall microphyllous woodland, (g-h) riparian woodland and (i-j) mixed Swartruggens mountain bushveld.

a b

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c d

e f

Figure 9: A collage of images illustrating the different azonal and ephemeral habitat types on the study area: (a-b) ephemeral floodplains, (c-d) artificial impoundments and (e-f) arable land and secondary bushveld.

3.7 Occurrence of plant 'species of conservation concern'

3.7.1 Threatened, near threatened and declining plant taxa

South Africa has been recognised globally as having a remarkable plant diversity with high levels of endemism. Almost ten percent of the earth’s plants are found within South Africa approximating 23 420 species (Golding, 2002). Of the 948 taxa assessed, 414 species are threatened with extinction, while 270 of these have populations with extremely localised geographic distributions (Golding, 2002).

In terms of conserving biodiversity, there has been a shift towards focussing on ecosystems and landscapes (habitats) rather than efforts in conserving specific species. This is the case due to the variety of living organisms, which make up ecosystems relying on suitable habitats to which they have become adapted over an extended temporal scale. Habitat degradation is one of the main reasons for species becoming extinct in a particular area. However, it can be viewed that threatened species are seen as indicators of the overall health of an ecosystem and serve, with varying degrees of success, as ‘umbrellas’ for the protection of other organisms as well as ecosystems (Hilton-Taylor, 1996; 2000). According to Hilton-Taylor (1996), threatened species can be seen as “biodiversity attention grabbers”. In addition, Victor & Keith (2004) introduced the concept of an Orange List for plant taxa that

Ecological & Avifauna Report 22 June 2017 Ecological Evaluation Straatsdrift - Silwerkraans 88kV powerline warrant conservation measures but do not meet the IUCN criteria. These taxa include those species at risk of becoming threatened (all taxa currently considered “Near threatened” or “Data Deficient”) or represent rare or declining populations. These categories were developed to highlight species that are not threatened with extinction, but require some conservation effort and monitoring.

According to personal observations and a list of plant species that was historically recorded from the quarter degree grid squares within which the majority of the study area is situated (2526AD & 2526BC) it is evident that threatened, near-threatened and declining plant taxa are absent on the study area (sensu Raimondo et al., 2009).

However, it the status of Searsia maricoana is worth mentioning, since this plant species is both threatened (Vulnerable D2) and occurs within the Zeerust Bushveld. It is only known from three sub-populations which occur at the transition between grassland and bushveld on dark soils among igneous rock (Victor & Archer, 2017). Although it was not recorded, it has a low probability of occurrence, especially on the southern section (corresponding to the mountain Bushveld) of the study site and its status should be evaluated during a pre-construction "walkdown" corresponding to the austral summer.

3.7.2 Protected plant species

The following legislation provides protected status to selected indigenous plant species and is of relevance to the study area:  National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998),  NEMA Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004, as amended in 2015 by Notice 255 of the Government Gazette, 31 March 2015, No. 38600), and  Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No.12 of 1983)3.

Schedule A of the National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998) lists 47 tree species that are protected in South Africa. In terms of the National Forests Act, a licence should be granted by the Department of Forestry (or a delegated authority) prior to the removal, damage or destruction of any individual tree. Therefore, such activities (as mentioned above) should be directed to the responsible Forestry official in each province or area. However, it was evident from the site visit that three of the 47 tree species listed in Schedule A of the National Forests Act occurs on the proposed study area:

 Vachellia (=Acacia) erioloba (Camel Thorn) - Figure 104;  Boscia albitrunca (Sheppard's Tree) - Figure 11; and  Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (Marula) - Figure 12.

3 To be repealed by the North West Biodiversity Management Act, No. 4 of 2016. 4 Please note that the distribution maps are an approximation of the occurrence of the species and that other individuals are likely to occur along the corridors that are not indicated on the maps. The maps merely reflect densities >5 individuals OR significantly tall or old specimens.

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These tree species occur widely throughout the study area and is by no means restricted in range nor localised. In addition, these species are not threatened (not Red Data listed), but should be considered during the project based on their legal status.

It is unavoidable that a some individuals are likely to become lost or removed during the proposed construction phase of the project (if permission is granted). Even though they are regionally well distributed, effort should be put in place to conserve tall canopy constituents represented by Boscia albitrunca and Vachellia erioloba. Individuals of these taxa should be identified by means of a "walk-down" of the preferred corridor prior to the construction phase.

Figure 10: The approximate distribution of Vachellia erioloba along the proposed corridors where the density of individuals >5 trees at a particular area (c. 400m2) OR where significant (large or old) individuals occur.

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Figure 11: The approximate distribution of Boscia albitrunca along the proposed corridors consisting mainly of large individuals.

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Figure 12: The approximate distribution of Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra along the proposed corridors consisting mainly of large individuals.

The Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004, as amended in 2013) is intended to protect plant and animal species that are directly threatened by utilisation or illegal trade. The Act assigns four categories (namely Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Protected) to species threatened by utilisation which appears to be similar to those used by the IUCN, although it should be emphasised that these categories are not as rigorously defined as per the IUCN Ver. 3.1 categories (IUCN, 2015). The destruction, collection or trading of any species listed in the Act requires a permit which must be obtained from the relevant authority. However, it was evident from the site visit that none of these taxa were observed on the proposed corridors.

A number of plant species occurring in the North West Province are not considered to be threatened or near-threatened (sensu Raimondo et al., 2009), but are protected under Schedule 11 of the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No.12 of 1983). Although old, the Act is still applicable to the province. A permit is required to remove or disturb a protected plant. However, during the site visit, the following species have been recorded (and being highly scattered and irregular in the area) and could be present along the respective corridors:

 Stapelia cf. gigantea;  Crinum cf. macowanii and  Euphorbia cf. E. nr. duseimata

3.8 Declared alien and invader plant species

Four-teen (14) alien declared weeds and Invader species occur on the study area (Table 3).

Invaders and weed species are plants that invade natural or semi-natural habitats, especially areas disturbed by humans, and are commonly known as environmental weeds. Weeds that invade severely disturbed areas are known as ruderal and agrestal weeds. Most of these weeds are annuals colonising waste sites and cultivated fields. These weeds only persist on recently disturbed areas and seldom invade established areas (Henderson, 2001).

Declared weeds and invaders have the tendency to dominate or replace the canopy or herbaceous layer of natural ecosystems, thereby transforming the structure, composition and function of natural ecosystems.

The Alien and Invasive species regulations were published on 1 August 2014 in terms of sections 66(1), 67(1), 70(1)(a), 71(3) and 71A of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act 10 of 2004. The Act provides a list of

Ecological & Avifauna Report 26 June 2017 Ecological Evaluation Straatsdrift - Silwerkraans 88kV powerline prohibited invasive plant species under section 71(A) (as amended during 29 July 2016) and identifies four categories:

 Category 1a listed invasive species: Species which must be combatted or eradicated. It basically instructs a person to comply with section 73(2) of the Act. In addition, an authorised official from the Department must be allowed to assist with the eradication of these species.  Category 1b invasive species: Species that should be controlled as listed by the notice in terms of section 70(1)(a). Any person in control of these species must control these species, and must allow an authorised official from the Department to assist with the control of these species.  Category 2 invasive species: Species that requires a permit to carry out a restricted activity (e.g. afforestation) on a specified area. A person in possession of a permit or who owns land with Category 2 species must also ensure that these species will not spread outside the land. Unless otherwise specified, if any Category 2 species occurs outside any specified area, it should be treated as a Category 1b species and must be managed accordingly.  Category 3 invasive species: A species that is subject to exemptions in terms of section 71(3) and prohibitions in terms of section 71A of the Act. If any of these species occur in a riparian area it should be treated as a Category 1b species, and must be managed accordingly.

Table 4 provides a list of important declared weeds and invasive plant species observed on the study area, either along sections of the proposed corridors or in close proximity to the corridors.

Table 3: A list of weeds and invader plant species identified on the study area.

Control NEMBA Locality Species Vernacular Name Type Measure Category Agave sisalana Sisal Weed Eradicate 2 Single individual along preferred corridor (S25 21 37.3 E26 28 25.8) Argemone cf. ochroleuca White-flowered Mexican Weed Eradicate 1b Localised and poppy persists on recently disturbed areas, especially along some of the seasonal drainage lines Cereus jamacaru Queen of the Night Invader Eradicate where 1b Widespread and possible commonly encountered across the study area in Bushveld habitat Datura ferox Large Thorn Apple Weed Monitor and 1b Prominent on control if recently disturbed spreading or areas earmarked

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Control NEMBA Locality Species Vernacular Name Type Measure Category by soil disturbances, most notably along drainage lines and near homesteads Dolichandra unguis-cati Cat’s claw creeper Invader Eradicate 1b Uncommon (S25 24 32.9 E26 24 16.9) Eucalyptus spp. (treated here Gums Invader Remove when 1b Uncommon, as C. cf. camaldulensis) within 32 m although large from edge of stand along river or stream. Marico River No removal is crossing required in (alternative urban areas if corridor) the tree trunks are >400mm in diameter (at 1000mm height), OR if it occurs within cultivated land and is at least 50m away from untransformed bushveld, OR if it occurs within 50m from a house on a farm Harrisia cf. balansae Strangler prickly apple Weed Must be 1a Single individual eradicated (S25 17 23.6 E26 27 59.2 along preferred corridor) Malvastrum coromandelianum Prickly malvastrum Weed Control 1b Widespread, especially on overgrazed Bushveld Melia azedarach Syringa Invader Control 3 (urban areas) Widespread, but although commonly recommended encountered at to eradicate perennial and individuals seasonal stream corresponding crossings (large to drainage stand occur at lines and Marico River perennial crossing at streams Alternative corridor). Scattered and occur as individuals elsewhere, especially near

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Control NEMBA Locality Species Vernacular Name Type Measure Category human homesteads Opuntia ficus-indica Sweet Invader Eradicate where 1b Widespread and prickly pear possible commonly encountered across the study area in Bushveld habitat Populus ¥ canescens Grey poplar Invader Control 2 Only observed along Marico River at S25 16 43.7 E26 24 17.1 and a large stand at a seasonal drainage line at S25 26 15.5 E26 26 13.8 Ricinus communis Caster-oil Plant Weed Control 2 Uncommon, observations based on single plants along perennial streams at Tholwane River (S25 29 42.5 E26 34 10.8) and Marico River (S25 16 30.3 E26 24 28.3) Senna occidentalis Stinking weed Weed Control 1b Single plant observed at 1862 S25 26 17.3 E26 26 13.0 Xanthium strumarium Large cocklebur Weed Control 1b Uncommon and confined to the banks of perennial streams and drainage lines

Based on the distribution and density of declared weed and invader species on the study area, alien invader management plans should consider the following during construction and maintenance:

 Cereus jamacaru and Opuntia ficus-indica were prominent on the bushveld units and widespread on the study area. It is highly recommended that these species be eradicated (and burned elsewhere) along the servitude without leaving cladodes behind which will re-colonise the area. Subsequent to the removal and eradication measures should include follow-up treatment.  It is imperative to initiate the systematic eradication of Melia azedarach and Eucalyptus spp. located within the riparian zone of the perennial rivers and drainage lines corresponding to the selected corridor. The control and eradication of all these taxa should include follow-up treatment.

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 It is imperative to remove and eradicate the Harrisia cf. balansae individual located at S25 17 23.6 E26 27 59.2 along the preferred corridor.

3.9 Red Listed, Endemic and Conservation Important Fauna Taxa5

The corridors will traverse through extensive areas of rural land consisting of natural Bushveld as well as game farms. The latter is especially prominent on the western section of the study area coinciding with the alternative corridor which provide suitable habitat for a variety of large and charismatic mammal species. However, much of the preferred corridor and the northern parts of the alternative corridor coincide with tribal land which increase the ecological connectivity of habitat and the home ranges of large-bodied mammalian species. Likewise, the perennial rivers (e.g. Marico River) provide suitable habitat for a number of near-threatened taxa that are wetland-dependant (e.g. Swamp Musk Shrew and the Cape Clawless Otter). However, the area is likely to support a high richness of meso- and meta-carnivores, with some being near-threatened on global and national level (e.g. Leopard Panthera pardus and Brown Hyaena Parahyaena brunnea). The objective is not to provide a detailed account on the various animal communities present, but merely to provide an indication of the diversity and potential occurrence of taxa of conservation concern. However, 17 mammal species were recorded during the site visit (along with one frog species and three reptile taxa), which emphasise the high diversity of mammalian taxa in the area:

 Impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) - visual sightings and droppings;  Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) - visual sightings;  Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) - visual sightings;  Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) - droppings and spoor;  Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) - visual sightings;  Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) - vocalisations, spoor, scats and visual sightings;  Water Mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) - spoor;  Slender Mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus) - visual sightings;  Brown Hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea) - spoor;  Genet species (Genetta spp.) - spoor;  Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis) - visual sightings and droppings;  Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) - visual sightings and spoor;  Common Mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus) - soil heaps;  Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) - spoor and droppings;  Bushveld Gerbil (Gerbilliscus cf. leucogaster) - burrows;  Springhare (Pedetes capensis) - spoor and burrows;  Tree Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi) - vocalisations;  Red Toad (Schismaderma carens) - visual sighting;

5 Please note that the avifauna is excluded from this section and will be dealt with under a separate heading in the report.

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 Rock Monitor (Varanus albigularis albigularis) - visual sighting;  Speckled Rock Skink (Trachylepis punctatissima) - visual sighting; and  Common Dwarf Gecko (Lygodactylus capensis capensis) - visual sighting.

Table 4 provides a list of threatened, near threatened and conservation important fauna species with geographic distribution ranges sympatric (overlapping) to the study area. It is evident that a high richness (especially mammal species) is expected to occur. This emphasises the ecological connectivity and rural setting the area and the extensive surface areas occupied by these habitat types. Many of these areas coincide with private game farms, which provide sanctuary for taxa with large body sizes.

High numbers of fauna taxa (especially mammals) are expected to occur on the alternative corridor, especially since a large section of the corridor coincides with private land which allows sanctuary for many of these species. Nevertheless, a high diversity of mammal taxa (mainly small bodies and meso-carnivores) is also expected to be present on the preferred corridor, although hunting practices and displacement due to current grazing regimes are probably in all probability resulting in lower richness values when compared to the alternative corridor (when considering that most of the preferred corridor is used as tribal grazing land).

3.9.1 Faunal and vegetation impacts

Impacts regarding power lines consist of (1) disturbances, (2) habitat loss and vegetation clearance (3) and various secondary impacts caused during the construction phase and maintenance phase. These include the construction and positioning of the tower structures, laydown areas, construction camps and access roads. However, the significance of the impacts related to power lines also depend on the tower structure, whereby a larger footprint is imposed during the construction of large transmission lines as opposed to smaller distribution lines.

In most cases, the impact is proportional to vegetation structure. Therefore, woodland or bushveld compositions are subjected to clearing or "pruning" of the trees/vegetation underneath the power line servitude will contribute to some loss of habitat or at least habitat modification, thereby affecting at least animal populations that are inherently less mobile (e.g. substrate specialists and sessile organisms).

Most mammal species are, in general, mobile and therefore able to vacate areas should adverse environmental conditions prevail. Therefore, direct impacts associated with construction activities on adult mortality are less likely to occur, although indirect impacts will have consequences on their “fitness” (e.g. the ability of a species to reproduce). However, persistent disturbances across extended temporal scales will eventually affect any population’s ability to sustain itself, and will more than likely result in total abandoning of a particular area.

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Species most likely to be affected are either K-selected species or habitat specialists e.g. substrate specialists (e.g. taxa confined to burrows or certain soil types). K- selected species are mostly long-lived species with slow reproductive rates, while habitat specialists are those restricted to a particular type of microhabitat or niche, being it structurally, altitudinal or floristic. Most of these species are therefore threatened, “near-threatened” or Red Listed.

Faunal compositions are believed to remain the same irrespective of the intensity of the construction activities associated with the power lines, but the distribution and abundance of species could effectively change.

In addition, construction activities go hand in hand with high ambient noise. Although the construction phase is considered to be of short duration, many of the larger terrestrial species will vacate the study area during the construction phase and will become temporarily displaced.

The following impacts are anticipated during the construction phase (see Appendix 1):

Loss of bushveld habitat and the clearance of vegetation: It is anticipated that the power line servitude will be cleared to facilitate the constriction and placement of pylon structures and access roads. This impact is considered to be more severe when corresponding to untransformed bushveld and closed-canopy riparian woodland could alter the ecological condition of the habitat units and the faunal species specific to it.

Loss of conservation important faunal and floral species: During the construction phase, it is possible that areas corresponding to the footprint of the proposed tower structures could provide habitat for threatened or protected fauna species. However, the impact is predicted to be more eminent when the placement of the tower structures occurs along riparian woodland or along perennial and seasonal rivers/streams. In some instances it is possible that protected tree species will become lost.

Disturbances caused during the construction phase and disruption of functional ecological habitat types (drainage lines, rivers and streams): It is possible that areas with high ecological function could become disrupted during the construction phase, especially during the demarcation of access roads on landscapes with a linear configuration which act as important dispersal corridors.

The following impacts are anticipated during the operational/maintenance phase (see Appendix 1):

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Disturbances associated with maintenance procedures: Maintenance procedures (e.g. pruning of trees, fault detection) are generally believed to produce lower ambient noise levels in contrast to those experienced during the construction phase.

Maintenance of the vegetation on the power line servitude: Fires and tall trees are detrimental to the proper functioning of power lines, which necessitates the early burning of the graminoid cover and/or pruning of emergent trees. The removal of vegetation along the power line servitude and persistent maintenance procedures (e.g. clearing) could change the floristic properties (both structurally and compositionally) of the vegetation sere along the servitude. For example, it is expected that maintenance procedures will favour the establishment of a "good" secondary basal cover of graminoid species, which will - in turn - attract grazing game species to the servitude.

Increased hunting, poaching and removal of firewood: It is possible that the labour force could engage in activities that could lead to the hunting of game for food or medicinal purposes. In addition, the removal of firewood could alter the natural structure of the vegetation, which could eventually lead to shifts in the natural faunal species composition and increased competition between species for resources.

Infestation by alien invasive plant taxa: Post-disturbances to the soil and clearing of indigenous vegetation after the construction phase could result in the increased infestation by alien and invasive plant species (especially Cereus jamacaru and Opuntia ficus-indica) into vegetation of untransformed ecological condition.

In general, the impacts on vertebrate fauna and floristic compositions are anticipated to be moderate (without management) to low (with management).

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Table 4: A list of threatened, near-threatened and conservation important faunal species likely to occur on the study area (excluding introduced game). The conservation status and distributions of mammal, amphibian and reptile taxa was based on IUCN Red List (2017), Child et al. (2016), Measey (2010) and Bates et al. (2014) respectively. MammalMap, ReptileMap and FrogMap projects that are administered by the Animal Demography Unit were also consulted.

Global Conservation National Conservation Scientific Name Common Name Probability of Occurrence Habitat Status Status Mammals Leptailurus serval Serval Near threatened High, known to occur. Along moist grassland near rivers and dams. Felis nigripes Black-footed Cat Vulnerable Vulnerable Moderate, although no Widespread, although partial to habitat with shelter (aardvark burrows or confirmed records from area termitaria) and a high abundance of murid prey and terrestrial passerine but habitat is available birds. Panthera pardus Leopard Vulnerable Vulnerable High, regarded to be Widespread, from open woodland to hills and ridges. widespread on study area. Parahyaena brunnea Brown Hyaena Near-threatened Near threatened Recorded Widespread and possibly regular visitor to the area Smutsia temminckii Temminck's Ground Pangolin Vulnerable Vulnerable Moderate, although probably Widespread, could occur on nearly every habitat with open bushveld. severely persecuted for its meat and muthi. Aonyx capensis Cape Clawless Otter Near-threatened Near-threatened High, likely to occur. Perennial streams and rivers including artificial dams. Atelerix frontalis South African Hedgehog Near threatened Moderate, could occur. A widespread species that prefer dry habitat types and will often utilise urban gardens. Crocidura mariquensis Swamp Musk Shrew Near-threatened High, could occur Moist habitats, e.g. thick grass along riverbanks and edge of inundated wetlands.

#Probability of occurrence, as follows: LOW – no suitable habitats occur within the study site based on available habitat descriptions for the species and authors personal observations; MODERATE – habitats on site match available general habitat description for the species, but based on authors experience available microhabitat does not meet the requirements for the species (e.g. rocky grassland on shallow, moist soils overlying dolomite) OR, seemingly suitable microhabitat present but species is conspicuous and most available microhabitats searched and species not found and therefore probability of occurrence not considered high, HIGH – habitats on site strongly match the general and microhabitat description for the species, RECORDED – species found within study area.

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3.10 Avifauna: Bird populations likely to be affected

3.10.1 Bird impacts associated with power lines

Birds are impacted in three ways by power lines. It is however a common rule that large and heavy-bodied terrestrial bird species are more at risk of being affected in a negative way when interacting with power lines. These include the following:

 Electrocution

Electrocution happens when a bird bridges the gap between the live components or a combination of a live and earth component of a power line, thereby creating a short circuit. This happens when a bird, mainly a species with a fairly large wingspan attempts to perch on a pylon or attempts to fly-off a pylon. Many of these species include vultures (of the genera Gyps, Torgos and Trigonoceps) as well as other large birds of prey such as the Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus (Ledger & Annegarn, 1981; Kruger, 1999; Van Rooyen, 2000). These species will attempt to roost and even breed on the pylon structures if available nesting platforms are a scarce commodity. Other types of electrocutions happen by means of so-called “bird- streamers”. This happens when a bird, especially when taking off, excretes and thereby causing a short-circuit through the fluidity excreta (Van Rooyen & Taylor, 1999). This method of electrocution is however a rare phenomena. Most of these species are uncommon to rare in the study area and the impact is more likely to occur to other species that are prone towards roosting on the pylons such as the Black-headed Heron Ardea cinerea and Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus.

Large transmission lines (from 220 kV to 765 kV) are seldom a risk of electrocution, although smaller distribution lines (88 – 132kV) pose a higher risk. However, for this project, the design of the pylon is an important consideration in preventing bird electrocutions. Therefore, the proposed pylon design must incorporate the following design parameters:

 The clearances between the live components should exceed the wingspan of any bird species;  The height of the tower should allow for unrestricted movement of terrestrial birds between successive pylons;  The live components should be “bundled” to increase the visibility for approaching birds;  “Bird streamers” should be eliminated by discouraging birds from perching above the conductors.

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It is therefore recommended that the pylon design incorporates "features as illustrated by Figure 136.

a b

Figure 13: Two bird-friendly pylon designs.

From Figure 13 it is clear that both designs allow for enough clearance between the live conductors (being positioned in an off-set manner to each other) to eliminate the risk of electrocution. In addition, perching is discouraged by the addition of diagonal crossbars (Figure 13:a) or by doing away with the crossbars that holds the conductors in place (Figure 13:b). Bird “streamers” are also eliminated by fitting the poles with bird guards/spikes above the conductors (Figure 13:a). However, safe perching is facilitated by the fitment of a horizontal bar on top of the pole structure (Figure 13:b) without the risk of electrocution (due to the perpendicular orientation of the bar relative to the conductors).

 Collision

Collisions with earth wires have probably accounted for most bird-transmission line interactions in South Africa. In general, the earth wires are much thinner in diameter when compared to the live components, and therefore less visible to approaching birds. Many of the species likely to be affected include heavy, large-bodied terrestrial species such as cranes, storks, flamingos, bustards, korhaans, Secretarybirds and a variety of waterbirds that are not very agile or manoeuvrable once airborne. These species, especially those with the habit of flying with outstretched necks (e.g. most species of storks and flamingos) find it difficult to make a sudden change in direction while flying – resulting in the bird flying into the earth wires.

6 Please note that these are examples of recommended pylon designs. These are taken from steel monopole pylons.

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Areas where bird collisions are likely to be high could be ameliorated by marking the lines with bird devices such as “bird diverters” and “flappers” to increase the visibility of the lines. For the current project it is proposed that sections of the line in close proximity to rivers, streams, drainage lines and dams, including proximal areas of arable land and pastures be fitted with "Double Loop Bird Flight Diverters" (BFDs) (see Figure 14 – 16). This includes sections of the line spanning rivers, streams, and dams. However, the risk of collision is particularly high where the proposed corridors traverse across, or between dams and drainage lines that are in general within 300 m of the power line. During the site visit it was evident that terrestrial gamebird carcasses (mainly Swainsons Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii and Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena) were observed (n=3) below the cabling structures of a smaller power line that is currently under construction. These carcasses are definitely of birds that collided with the cabling structures, thereby re-iterating the need to apply bird diverters to the wires (Figure 17 and Figure 18).

In addition, by placing the power line parallel to existing power lines7 or other linear infrastructure such as roads will also greatly increase the visibility of the overhead cables.

 Physical disturbances and habitat destruction caused during construction and maintenance

It is anticipated that a number of access roads and laydown areas need to be constructed, including the clearing of vegetation as part of the power line servitude. Therefore, intensive clearing and removal of vegetation is likely to take place underneath the power line when corresponding to the sandstone or dolerite hills and riparian thicket.

The placement of access roads and laydown areas (for the poles and stringing material) next to habitat features with a high probability of sustaining congregations of bird species (e.g. dams) or along drainage lines and rivers is likely to disrupt the natural movement of bird species or it could result in the abandoning of these areas. Therefore, special care should be taken near drainage lines, rivers, pans and dams as not to disturb the bird community or the vegetation structure.

In addition, construction activities go hand in hand with high ambient noise levels. Although construction is considered temporary, many species will vacate the study area during the construction phase and will become temporarily displaced.

The reservoirs and artificial livestock watering points deserve special consideration since these features are often overlooked or neglected during the construction of transmission lines as they often attract cranes. Construction activities in close

7 A large section of the preferred corridor will be located parallel to an existing line (c. 66 kV) that is currently under construction.

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proximity to these features could possibly displace crane individuals from the area. In addition, the placement of a power line near these features could increase the risk of birds of prey (e.g. vultures) colliding with the power line wires.

a b

Figure 14: The recommended bird diverter to be used (copyright Preformed Line Products, www. preformedsa.co.za).

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Figure 15: An example of the Double Loop Bird Flight Diverter fitted to the earth wires of a 132 kV power line.

Figure 16: An example of a Double Loop Bird Flight Diverter fitted to the earth wire of a 132 kV power line.

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Figure 17: Decomposed carcass of a gamebird found below the live cabling structures of a recently constructed power line located adjacent to the preferred corridor.

Figure 18: A recently constructed power line located adjacent to the proposed preferred corridor. Note the servitude is cleared of vegetation below the power line during the construction. Also note the pylon structure which provides perching opportunities for large-bodied birds although the area above the conductors has not been fitted with bird guards/spikes to prevent "streaming".

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3.10.2 Bird species likely to be impacted

General Richness

In general, the study area supports a high richness of bird species with an average of 302 species8 recorded for the region. During the site visit a 123 bird species were observed which are approximately 41 % of the expected bird richness on the study area (Appendix 2). It should be noted that this total would have been much higher during the austral summer season when most many of the Palearctic and Intra- African Migratory species are present. The majority of the composition consists of typical "thornveld" species with their distribution ranges centred within the arid west and Kalahari-Highveld biome of the country. In addition, the composition also consists of many species that are restricted to the Kalahari-Highveld biome as evidenced by the occurrence of Kalahari Scrub-robin Erythropygia (=Cercotrichas) paena and Barred Wren-warbler Calamonastes fasciolata (Marnewick et al., 2015). Large-bodied bird species (especially birds of prey and waterbirds) were uncommon and represented by taxa such as Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis, Brown Snake Eagle C. cinereus, Pale chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus, Red- crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista, Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca and Hamerkop Scopus umbretta. It is possible that these species are augmented by storks during the austral summer (e.g. White Stork Ciconia ciconia and Abdim's Stork C. abdimii).

A comparison of bird richness values (based on SABAP2) showed that the highest number of species was recorded from a pentad grid corresponding to the alternative corridor (south-western section of study site), with moderate numbers occurring on most of the pentad grids coinciding to the preferred and alternative corridors (Figure 19).

Threatened and Near-threatened Species

A total of 18 threatened and near threatened birds species (sensu Taylor et al., 2015) have historically been recorded in the study region during SABAP1 (according to Harrison et al., 1997; see Table 5). However, recent observation (sensu SABAP2) revealed that the occurrence and diversity of threatened and near threatened birds species on the study area are low and highly unpredictable. Typical species recently observed include the nationally endangered Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus, vulnerable Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus, near threatened Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus and the near threatened Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo

8 Based on two quarter-degree grid squares and nine pentad grids. The SABAP2 data was based on 22 full protocol cards. The total was adjusted by removing species that are erroneously listed for the region and not likely to be sympatric to the study area (e.g. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura, White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus, Damara Hornbill Tockus damarensis, Hornbill Hybrids T. damarensis/erythrorhynchus, Agulhas Clapper Lark Mirafra marjoriae, Cape Clapper Lark M. apiata and Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus).

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semitorquata and the vulnerable Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius. Of these, only the kingfisher, Secretarybird and Lanner Falcon are regarded as fairly regular visitors to the study area. The perennial Marico and Tholwane River provide suitable foraging and breeding habitat for the Half-collared Kingfisher, while the Secretarybird is predicted to utilise the old cultivated lands (when covered in secondary grass) and open Bushveld during foraging bouts. In addition, the latter habitat also provides suitable foraging habitat for the near threatened Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori (which is also predicted to be present). The Lanner Falcon is predicted to utilise the high floodlight lamps in the villages as perches when hunting birds (e.g. pigeons) on the study area.

However, no threatened or near threatened bird species was recorded during the site visits, although it is eminent that the highest recording rates (according to SABAP2) on the study area occur in the north (both alternative and preferred corridor) and along the alternative corridor in the south of the study area (Figure 20). However, caution should be exercised during the interpretation of the reporting rates since many of the pentad grids are under-sampled, thereby producing biased results.

Figure 19: A spatial presentation of the mean bird species richness recorded from the pentad grids (SABAP2) on the study area.

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Figure 20: A spatial presentation of the mean reporting rates (%) for threatened and near threatened bird taxa recorded from the pentad grids (SABAP2) on the study area.

Collision-Prone Species

75 collision-prone species could be present on the study area based on reporting rates obtained from nine pentad grids (according to 22 full protocol cards) (Table 5). These include species with a high probability to occur based on the presence of suitable habitat along the power line servitude and known distribution ranges. Some of these species are only predicted to be present when the dams in the area are inundated with water (e.g. for waterbird taxa). These taxa include gamebird taxa (francolins, guineafowl and spurfowl), Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus Ibis, Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash, Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus, Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca and Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis.

Thirteen (13) of the 75 species (c. 17 %) were observed during the site visit. However, the collision-prone species include mainly birds of prey, gamebirds, waterbird and wading bird taxa (ducks, geese, cormorants, ibises, darters and storks), korhaan species and sandgrouse.

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Table 5: Collision-prone birds species recorded from SABAP1 and SABAP2 pentads grids sympatric to the study area. Species highlighted in Red are Red listed taxa.

Rep. Rate Rep. Rate (%) (%) National likelihood likelihood Probability of Recorded Species name Taxonomic name Conservation Status of of occurrence on site (Taylor et al., 2015) occurrence occurrence - SABAP2 - SABAP1

Francolin, Crested Dendroperdix sephaena 81.82 88.89 High Yes

Ibis, Hadeda Bostrychia hagedash 59.09 88.89 High No

Spurfowl, Swainson's Pternistis swainsonii 54.55 91.11 High Yes

Egret, Cattle Bubulcus ibis 50 73.33 High No Kingfisher, Pied Ceryle rudis 45.45 93.33 High No

Kite, Black-shouldered Elanus caeruleus 45.45 86.67 High No

Spurfowl, Natal Pternistis natalensis 40.91 68.89 High Yes

Goose, Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiacus 36.36 82.22 High Yes

Guineafowl, Helmeted Numida meleagris 31.82 84.44 High Yes

Crow, Pied Corvus albus 31.82 46.67 High Yes Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 27.27 75.56 High Yes

Cormorant, Reed Microcarbo africanus 27.27 33.33 High No

Coot, Red-knobbed Fulica cristata 27.27 15.56 Moderate No

Duck, Yellow-billed Anas undulata 22.73 73.33 High No

Kingfisher, Giant Megaceryle maximus 22.73 13.33 High No

Duck, White-faced Dendrocygna viduata 18.18 46.67 High No

Heron, Green-backed Butorides striata 18.18 46.67 High No

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Rep. Rate Rep. Rate (%) (%) National likelihood likelihood Probability of Recorded Species name Taxonomic name Conservation Status of of occurrence on site (Taylor et al., 2015) occurrence occurrence - SABAP2 - SABAP1

Cormorant, White-breasted Phalacrocorax carbo (=lucidus) 18.18 42.22 Moderate No

Darter, African Anhinga rufa 18.18 28.89 Moderate No

Egret, Little Egretta garzetta 18.18 26.67 Moderate No

Heron, Grey Ardea cinerea 13.64 82.22 Moderate No

Goose, Spur-winged Plectropterus gambensis 13.64 73.33 High No

Fish-eagle, African Haliaeetus vocifer 13.64 51.11 Moderate No

Snake-eagle, Brown Circaetus cinereus 13.64 17.78 High Yes

Heron, Black-headed Ardea melanocephala 13.64 11.11 High No

Goshawk, Gabar Melierax gabar 9.09 8.89 High Yes

Korhaan, Red-crested Lophotis ruficrista 9.09 66.67 High Yes

Falcon, Lanner Falco biarmicus Vulnerable 9.09 6.67 High No

Goshawk, Southern Pale Chanting Melierax canorus 9.09 55.56 High Yes

Egret, Great Egretta alba 9.09 4.44 Moderate No

Secretarybird, Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius Vulnerable 9.09 26.67 High No

Stork, White Ciconia ciconia 9.09 22.22 High (summer) No

Duck, African Black Anas sparsa 9.09 2.22 Low No

Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea 9.09 2.22 Low No

Buzzard, Steppe Buteo vulpinus 9.09 11.11 High (summer) No Ibis, African Sacret Treskiornis aethiopicus 9.09 11.11 High Yes

Duck, Knob-billed Sarkidiornis melanotos 4.55 71.11 Moderate No

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Rep. Rate Rep. Rate (%) (%) National likelihood likelihood Probability of Recorded Species name Taxonomic name Conservation Status of of occurrence on site (Taylor et al., 2015) occurrence occurrence - SABAP2 - SABAP1

Kingfisher, Half-collared Alcedo semitorquata Near threatened 4.55 6.67 High No

Vulture, Cape Gyps coprotheres Endangered 4.55 6.67 Low No

Francolin, Coqui Peliperdix coqui 4.55 48.89 Moderate No

Eagle-owl, Spotted Bubo africanus 4.55 46.67 High No

Spoonbill, African Platalea alba 4.55 46.67 Moderate No

Snake-eagle, Black-chested Circaetus pectoralis 4.55 42.22 High Yes

Eagle-owl, Verreaux's Bubo lacteus 4.55 35.56 Moderate No

Teal, Red-billed Anas erythrorhyncha 4.55 26.67 Low No

Pochard, Southern Netta erythrophthalma 4.55 2.22 Low No

Stork, Abdim's Ciconia abdimii Near threatened 4.55 17.78 Moderate (summer) No

Ibis, Glossy Plegadis falcinellus 8.89 Moderate No

Eagle, Martial Polemaetus bellicosus Endangered 62.22 Moderate No

Crow, Cape Corvus capensis 6.67 Low No

Pratincole, Black-winged Glareola nordmanni Near threatened 6.67 Low No

Bustard, Kori Ardeotis kori Near threatened 4.44 High No

Crane, Blue Anthropoides paradiseus Near threatened 4.44 Low No

Flamingo, Greater Phoenicopterus roseus Near threatened 4.44 Low No

Stilt, Black-winged Himantopus himantopus 4.44 Moderate No

Korhaan, Northern Black Afrotis afraoides 33.33 Low No

Stork, Black Ciconia nigra Vulnerable 33.33 Low No

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Rep. Rate Rep. Rate (%) (%) National likelihood likelihood Probability of Recorded Species name Taxonomic name Conservation Status of of occurrence on site (Taylor et al., 2015) occurrence occurrence - SABAP2 - SABAP1

Vulture, White-backed Gyps africanus Critically Endangered 33.33 Low No

Eagle, Wahlberg's Aquila wahlbergi 28.89 High No

Hawk-eagle, African Aquila spilogaster 22.22 Low No

Kite, Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius 22.22 High (summer) No

Stork, Yellow-billed Mycteria ibis Endangered 22.22 Moderate No

Avocet, Pied Recurvirostra avosetta 2.22 Low No

Eagle, Tawny Aquila rapax Endangered 2.22 Low No

Eagle, Verreaux's Aquila verreauxii Vulnerable 2.22 Low No

Harrier-Hawk, African Polyboroides typus 2.22 High No

Heron, Squacco Ardeola ralloides 2.22 Low No

Kestrel, Greater Falco rupicoloides 2.22 Moderate No

Kestrel, Rock Falco rupicolus 2.22 Moderate No

Stork, Marabou Leptoptilos crumeniferus Near threatened 2.22 Moderate No

Night-Heron, Black-crowned Nycticorax nycticorax 17.78 Low No

Kite, Black Milvus migrans 15.56 Low (summer) No

Vulture, Lappet-faced Torgos tracheliotus Endangered 15.56 Low No

Duck, Maccoa Oxyura maccoa Near threatened 11.11 Low No

Kestrel, Lesser Falco naumanni 11.11 Moderate No

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3.10.3 Bird impacts

Potential bird impacts regarding transmission lines comprise of electrocution, collision and disturbances caused during the construction and maintenance of transmission lines. These were discussed in some detail earlier on in this report. A summary table of impacts are provided under Appendix 3.

 Electrocution

It is recommended from an avifaunal perspective a "bird friendly" pylon design be used which poses little electrocution risk. The proposed design is similar to Figure 13:b with extending clearances between the live components and the earth wires, and the absence of bird perching areas directly above the conductors to minimise potential streaming (Figure 21).

 Collision

The main impact associated with the proposed power line is collision which was described in detail under section 3.10.1.

 Loss of habitat

Habitat destruction is not considered to be a major impact since many of the bird species will temporarily vacate the area during the construction phase. It is inevitable that most bird species (including the smaller passerine) will be affected by road construction, the construction of pylons and stringing operations. However, the impact is considered to be more severe within or in close proximity to dams, rivers, streams and drainage lines, and could displace large-bodied bird species (especially if these are breeding in the proximal vicinity - c. within 100 m):

Typical species include foraging and breeding large-bodied terrestrial bird taxa.

 Disturbances caused by construction/decommissioning activities and maintenance of the transmission line

It is inevitable that disturbances during construction and maintenance will occur. These will especially be significant near or in close proximity to dams. Although it is not anticipated to pose a significant impact on bird species, special care should be exercised during the crossing of wetland systems to prevent unnecessary disturbances caused to potential breeding and roosting species.

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Figure 21: The proposed pylon structure to be used.

3.11 Ecological sensitivity

A sensitivity map was compiled, illustrating areas comprising of potential sensitive elements based on the land cover categories (Figure 22):

All habitat relevant to (1) riparian woodland, (2) dams and floodplains, tall untransformed Swartruggens Mountain Bushveld, tall microphyllous woodland and secondary bushveld with a good graminoid cover are regarded as sensitive. These areas consist of the highest floristic richness and ecological connectivity. Thereby facilitating fauna dispersal and provide ephemeral foraging habitat for collision-prone

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bird species. These habitat types also contain the highest densities of protected tree species.

All untransformed Zeerust Bushveld is identified with medium sensitivities since it is regionally widespread, while the short dense to open microphyllous bushveld units are identified with a low ecological sensitivity since they are subjected and induced by persistent grazing regimes.

It should be borne in mind that the sensitivity map shows a large surface area that is earmarked with low ecological sensitivity. This is based on information as provided by the national land cover dataset (2013-2014). It is unlikely that all of bushveld units are of low ecological sensitivity due to current habitat modifications or poor habitat management. It is therefore expected that some of the bushveld units represent untransformed compositions.

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Figure 22: A map illustrating the ecological sensitivity of the habitat types corresponding to the proposed corridors.

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3.12 Analysis of proposed alternatives & an opinion regarding the feasibility of the project (as per Appendix 6)

As per Appendix 6 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2014 (No. R. 982) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) a reasoned opinion should be provided as to whether the proposed activity or portions thereof should be authorised:

3.12.1 Analysis of alternatives

From a bird impact perspective, for any corridor to be regarded as a suitable candidate it must (a) traverse the least number of vegetation types, in particular vegetation in pristine condition, (b) traverse the least number of wetland/drainage lines/rivers (c) correspond to an area with low reporting rates for bird species considered to be threatened or near-threatened (in this case referring to areas with low occurrence of large terrestrial bird taxa, bird of prey and stork taxa), and (d) should follow existing servitudes (or power lines).

In summary, two corridors are proposed for the study area of which the alternative corridor transects a larger surface area of untransformed Zeerust Bushveld which is also less intensively grazed (and which has a higher basal cover of graminoid plant species) when compared to the preferred option. The preferred corridor traverses more surface area that is intensively grazed and therefore human-induced or human -associated activities (e.g. pastoralism) has a higher potential to displace large- bodied mammal and bird species from the area. In addition, the southern section of the alternative corridor coincided with game and rotational cattle farms which are more conducive towards the preservation of mammal, avifaunal and floristic richness, whereby grazing capacities are maintained within functional limits.

In addition, the alternative corridor traverses a higher number of perennial and seasonal drainage lines and is also located more or less in close proximity to a higher number of small-surfaced waterbodies and dams (n=16; Figure 23). However, considering the larger number of drainage lines and dams on the alternative corridor, it is of the opinion that concentrations of waterfowl and wading birds associated with these wetland features are exposed to a higher risk to potential bird collisions when compared to the preferred corridor. On the other hand, the preferred corridor traverses fewer drainage lines and perennial rivers features when compared to the alternative option, and fewer dams are located in close proximity to the preferred corridor (n=12; Figure 23), thereby rendering this corridor "more feasible". The preferred corridor also contains slightly lower faunal and bird recorded richness values, and has lower reporting rates for threatened and near threatened birds when compared to the alternative corridor. Lastly, a large section of the preferred corridor is located alongside an existing and recently constructed distribution line, which emphasises the "feasibility" of the preferred corridor as opposed to the alternative corridor. More intensive mitigation (and costs incurred) will be required to minimise

Ecological & Avifauna Report 52 June 2017 Ecological Evaluation Straatsdrift - Silwerkraans 88kV powerline potential bird collisions along the alternative corridor (approx. 13 sections in need of bird flight diverter installation as opposed to 11 sections along the preferred section (see Figure 23).

Although the preferred corridor is "more feasible" from an ecological perspective, a re-alignment along its northern section is highly recommended to avoid potential damage to the floodplains of the Marico River and to minimise the potential risk of bird collisions since this particular area is perceived as a potential bird flyway. Therefore, two re-alignment options are proposed of which both should run south of the recently constructed power line (see Figure 24).

3.13 Recommendations & mitigation measures

As a general rule the following recommendations should be taken into consideration by the engineers and civil planning units when the actual power line servitude is established within the proposed feasible corridor:

1. Where possible the servitude should aim to cross the least number of drainage lines and perennial rivers and streams. 2. Where possible, the direct crossing of any dam, reservoir or waterhole should be avoided. 3. River/stream and drainage line crossings should be perpendicular to the natural channel of the river/stream/drainage line. 4. Where possible, the proposed power line should be positioned adjacent (concurrent) to existing power lines. 5. Where possible, the servitude should be positioned 200 m or more from any dam, impoundment, depression or pan with the ability to hold surface water for most of the year.

3.13.1 Avifauna

There are many ways to ameliorate or mitigate bird impacts imposed by power line interactions. Probably the best way is to proactively avoid areas where the potential for bird interaction is evident by means of subsequent route deviations or modifications. However, route deviations are not always financially plausible unless significant bird mortalities or habitat destruction is inevitable. An option to overcome bird collisions is to replace overhead lines with underground cables. This method does come at a huge expense, and construction activities could irreparably damage sensitive habitat types. It is also more time-consuming to repair faults on underground versus overhead cables.

The following obligatory recommendations are applicable to the project:

1. A “walk-through” of the selected route must be conducted prior to the construction phase:

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 The ”walk-through” will aim to identify areas where marking of lines by means of “bird flight deterrent devices” is considered to be beneficial or compulsory. Initial (preliminary) areas/zones have been identified in Figure 23, but these should be verified during a pre-construction "walk down";  All river/stream and drainage line crossings should by default be marked;  Where the line crosses a river or drainage line, the actual crossover span as well as one span on either side of the river/drainage line should be marked;  At least two consecutive spans of the alignment should be marked by means of appropriate "deterrent devices" where the alignment is in close proximity to any dam;  Default marking devices to be used should include large Double Loop Bird Flight Diverters; and  Double Loop Bird Flight Diverters should be applied in a staggered fashion to the phase while alternating between black and white diverters. The maximum distance between the diverters should not exceed 5 m.

2. Mandatory measures to be implemented during the construction phase:  All construction sites must be confined to disturbed areas or those identified with low conservation importance. All construction sites must be demarcated on site layout plans (preferably), and no construction personnel or vehicles may leave the demarcated area except those authorised to do so. Those areas surrounding the construction sites that are not part of the demarcated development area should be considered as “no-go” areas for employees, machinery or even visitors;  A natural buffer zone (to be announced by the wetland specialist) should be allowed between the line servitude and any river/stream or any drainage line.  All road networks must be planned with care to minimize dissection or fragmentation of important avifaunal habitat type. Where possible, the use of existing roads/tracks is encouraged. Access must be determined during the “walk-through” process;  Open fires is strictly prohibited and only allowed at designated areas; and  Killing or poaching of any bird species should be avoided by means of awareness programs presented to the labour force. The labour force should be made aware of the conservation issues pertaining to the bird taxa occurring on the study area. Any person found deliberately harassing any bird species in any way should face disciplinary measures, following the possible dismissal from the site.

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Figure 23: Preliminary areas/zones along the proposed corridors to be fitted with "bird flight diverters".

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Figure 24: Preliminary options of re-alignment along the northern part of the preferred corridor.

3.11.2 General ecological considerations

The following obligatory recommendations are applicable to the project:

1. A “walk-through” of the selected route must be conducted prior to the construction phase:  The ”walk-through” will aim to identify and mark areas where conservation-dependant or protected plant species are likely to occur; and to apply for the necessary permits prior to construction (as per Figure 23); and  When a threatened or near threatened faunal/plant species or sub- population is identified, a route/pylon deviation is advised to minimise the interference of the servitude/pylon footprint on the respective species/sub-population.

2. Mandatory measures to be implemented during the construction and operational phases:  The attached sensitivity map should be used as a decision tool to guide the layout design of the proposed development - all rivers, streams and drainage

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lines and riverine woodland with eminent canopy constituents, are regarded as sensitive habitat units;  The construction of “new” access roads should be limited, and existing roads are encouraged for use during the construction phase;  Unnecessary loss (or destruction) of termitaria should be avoided;  The extent of the construction sites and access roads should be demarcated on site layout plans and should be restricted to disturbed areas or those identified with low conservation importance. Therefore, no construction personnel or vehicle may leave the demarcated area except those authorised to do so. Those areas surrounding the construction site that are not part of the demarcated development area should be considered as “no-go” areas for employees, machinery or even visitors;  Checks must be carried out at regular intervals to identify areas where erosion is occurring. Appropriate remedial action, including the rehabilitation of eroded areas should be undertaken;  Open fires is strictly prohibited and only allowed at designated areas;  Harvesting of firewood or any plant material (for medicinal or cultural purpose) during the construction phase is strictly prohibited. Labour or personnel shall only assist with the removal of plant matter if requested to do so by the ECO;  Hunting/snaring is strictly prohibited. Any person found hunting or in the possession of any indigenous animal (including invertebrate taxa) should face disciplinary measures, following the possible dismissal from the site.  Intentional killing of any faunal species (in particular invertebrates and snakes) should be avoided by means of awareness programs presented to the labor force. The labor force should be made aware of the conservation issues pertaining to the taxa occurring on the study area. Any person found deliberately harassing any animal in any way should face disciplinary measures, following the possible dismissal from the site;  If any subterranean/fossorial reptile, scorpion or mammal species is recovered during the construction phase, this species must be relocated to the nearest area or natural open space with suitable habitat for the particular species to continue its life history. If accidentally killed, then this species should be adequately preserved as a “voucher” specimen (with the assistance and knowledge of the ECO). These specimens may contribute towards a better understanding of biogeography and animal systematics; and  All construction activities must be limited to daylight hours.

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4. REFERENCES

Bates, M.F, Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & De Villiers, M.S. (eds). 2014. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Child, M.F., Roxburgh, L., Do Linh San, E., Raimondo, D. & Davies-Mostert, H.T. (eds). 2016. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Convention on Biological Diversity. Signed 1993 and ratified 2 November 1995.

Friedmann, Y. & Daly, B. 2004. Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment. CBSG South Africa, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Geoterraimage. 2015. The 2012-2013 national land cover dataset.

Germishuizen, G., Meyer, N.L., Steenkamp, Y. & Keith, M. (eds.). 2006. A checklist of South African Plants. Southern African Botanical Biodiversity Network Report No. 41, SABONET, Pretoria.

Goff, F.G., Dawson, G.A. & Rochow, J.J. 1982. Site examination for threatened and Endangered plant species. Environmental Management: 6 (4): 307-316.

Golding, J. 2002. Southern African Plant Red Data Lists. South African Botanical Diversity Network Report no 14. SABONET. Pretoria

Harrison, J.A., Allan, D.G., Underhill, L.G., Herremans, M., Tree, A.J., Parker, V. & Brown, C.J. (eds.). 1997. The Atlas of Southern African Birds. Vol. 1 & 2. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

Henderson, L 2001. Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants: a complete guide to declared weeds and invaders in South Africa. ARC Publications. Pretoria.

Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red Data List of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.

Hilton-Taylor, C. 2000. The IUCN/SSC Red List Program: Toward the 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Species 33: 21-29.

Hockey, P.A.R., Dean, W.R.J. & Ryan, P.G. (eds.) 2005. Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.

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Huebner, C.D. 2007. Detection and Monitoring of Invasive Exotic Plants: a comparison of four sampling methods. North-eastern Naturalist: 14 (2): 183-206.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017. http://www.iucnredlist.org/.

Kent, M & Coker, P. 1996. Vegetation Description and Analysis. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Kruger, R. 1999. Towards solving raptor electrocutions on Eskom Distribution Structures in South Africa. M. Phil. Mini-thesis. University of the Orange Free State. Bloemfontein. South Africa.

Ledger, J. & Annegarn, H.J. 1981. Electrocution Hazards to the Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) in South Africa. Biological Conservation 20: 15-24.

Marnewick M.D., Retief E.F., Theron N.T, Wright D.R. & Anderson T.A. 2015. Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of South Africa. Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa.

Measey, G.L. (ed). 2010. Ensuring a future for South Africa’s frogs: a strategy for conservation research on South African amphibians. SANBI Biodiversity Series 19, National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998).

Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Mayama, P.A. (eds). 2009. Red List of South African plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Skinner, J.D. & Chimimba, C.T. (Revisers). 2005. Mammals of the Southern African Subregion. Cambridge University Press, London.

Stuart, C. & Stuart, M. 2015. Stuart's Field Guide To Mammals Of Southern Africa, including Angola, Zambia and Malawi. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Taylor, M.R., Peacock, F. And Wanless, R. (eds.). 2015. The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No.12 of 1983).

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Victor, J.E. & Archer, R.H. 2017. Searsia maricoana (Baker f.) Moffett. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Accessed on 2017/06/21.

Victor, J.E. & Keith, M. 2004. The Orange List: a safety net for biodiversity in South Africa. South African Journal of Science 100: 139-141.

Van Rooyen, C.S. 2000. An overview of Vulture Electrocutions in South Africa. Vulture News 43: 5-22.

Van Rooyen, C.S. & Taylor, P.V. 1999. Bird streamers as probable cause of electrocutions in South Africa. EPRI Workshop on Avian Interactions with Utility Structures, Charleston, South Carolina.

Vosloo, H. 2003. Birds and power lines. ESI Africa 3: 38.

Wood, J., Low, A.B., Donaldson, J.S., & Rebelo, A.G. 1994. Threats to plant species through urbanisation and habitat fragmentation in the Cape Metropolitan Area, South Africa. In: Huntley, B.J. (Ed.) Botanical Diversity in Southern Africa. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. www.sabap2.adu.org.za

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5. APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Fauna and Vegetation impact table and description of impact ratings.

The construction impacts associated with the proposed corridors are detailed in the table below:

Impact Corridor Management Magnitude Scale Duration Probability Significance Measures

Alternative Without High Local Long-term Highly Management probable 8 1 4 4 52 Moderate With Medium Local Medium- Highly Management term Probable 6 1 3 4 48 Moderate Loss of important habitat (mainly riparian woodland) Preferred Without High Local Medium Highly Management term Probable 8 1 3 4 48 Moderate With Medium Local Medium- Highly Management term Probable 6 1 3 4 40 Low Alternative Without High Local Long-term Definite Management 8 1 4 5 55 Moderate Loss of threatened/near-threatened/protected taxa With Medium Local Long-term Highly Management Probable 6 1 4 4 44 Moderate Preferred Without High Local Long-term Highly

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Management Probable 8 1 4 4 52 Moderate With Medium Local Long-term Highly Management Probable 6 1 4 4 44 Moderate Alternative Without High Local Medium Highly Management term probable 8 1 3 4 48 Moderate With Medium Local Medium- Highly Management term Probable 6 1 3 4 40 Low Disturbances Preferred Without High Local Medium Highly Management term probable 8 1 3 4 48 Moderate With Medium Local Medium- Highly Management term Probable 6 1 3 4 40 Low Alternative Without High Site Long-term Highly Management probable 8 2 4 4 56 Moderate With Medium Local Medium- Highly Management term Probable 6 1 3 4 48 Moderate Loss of ecological function/dispersal corridors Preferred Without High Site Medium Highly Management term Probable 8 2 3 4 52 Moderate With Medium Local Medium- Highly Management term Probable 6 1 3 4 40 Low

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Alternative Without High Local Long term Probable Management 8 1 4 2 26 Low With Medium Local Medium- Probable Management term 6 1 3 2 20 Negligible Hunting/snaring/poaching Preferred Without Medium Local Long term Probable Management 6 1 4 2 22 Low With Medium Local Medium- Probable Management term 6 1 3 2 20 Negligible

The operational impacts associated with the proposed corridors are detailed in the table below:

Impact Corridor Management Measures Magnitude Scale Duration Probability Significance

Alternative Without Highly Medium Local Short term Management Probable 6 1 1 4 32 Low With Medium Local Short term Probable Management

Disturbances 6 1 1 2 16 Negligible Preferred Without Highly Medium Local Short term Management Probable 6 1 1 4 32 Low With Medium Local Short term Probable

Management 6 1 1 2 16 Negligible Alternative Without Highly Maintenance of servitude (fire/clearing/composition shifts) Medium Site Long term Management Probable

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6 2 4 4 48 Moderate With Medium Site Long term Probable

Management 6 2 4 2 24 Low Preferred Without Medium Site Long term Probable Management 6 2 4 2 24 Low With Low Site Long term Probable

Management 2 2 4 2 16 Negligible Alternative Without High Local Long term Probable Management 8 1 4 2 26 Low With Medium- Medium Local Probable Management term 6 1 3 2 20 Negligible Hunting/snaring/poaching Preferred Without Medium Local Long term Probable

Management 6 1 4 2 22 Low With Medium- Medium Local Probable Management term 6 1 3 2 20 Negligible Alternative Without Medium Local Long term Probable Management 6 1 4 2 22 Low With Medium- Medium Local Probable Management term Proliferation of alien plant species 6 1 3 2 20 Negligible Preferred Without High Site Long term Probable

Management 8 2 4 2 28 Low With Medium- Medium Local Probable Management term

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6 1 3 2 20 Negligible

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Appendix 2: A shortlist of bird species recorded along the power line corridors and immediate surroundings during 12 - 15 June 2017.

Species primary name Species tertiary name Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus African Hoopoe Upupa africana African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus African Quail-Finch Ortygospiza atricollis African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii Ashy Tit Melaniparus cinerascens Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolatus Bearded Woodpecker Chloropicus namaquus Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus

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Species primary name Species tertiary name Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris Brubru Nilaus afer Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchellii Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens Cape Penduline Tit Anthoscopus minutus Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis Cape White-eye Zosterops virens Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler Sylvia subcaerulea Chinspot Batis Batis molitor Common Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos

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Species primary name Species tertiary name Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita Fiscal Flycatcher Melaenornis silens Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni Great Sparrow Passer motitensis Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Jameson's Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens

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Species primary name Species tertiary name Long-tailed Paradise Whydah Vidua paradisaea Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Natal Spurfowl Pternistis natalensis Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum Pied Crow Corvus albus Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura Purple Indigobird Vidua purpurascens Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorynchus Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia

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Species primary name Species tertiary name Shikra Accipiter badius Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea Western Barn Owl Tyto alba White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus White-throated Robin-Chat Cossypha humeralis Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus

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Appendix 3: Bird impact table and description of impact ratings.

The overall bird impacts associated with the proposed corridors are detailed in the table below:

Alternative Corridor Management Impact Measures Magnitude Scale Duration Probability Significance

Highly Without management High Site Permanent Probable

Electrocution (operational only) 8 2 5 4 60 Moderate High Site Long term Probable With management

8 2 4 2 28 Low High Site Permanent Definite Without management

8 2 5 5 75 High Collision (operational only) Highly With management High Local Long term Probable

8 1 4 4 52 Moderate Highly Without management High Site Long-term Probable

Loss of habitat & disturbance (construction & 8 2 4 4 56 Moderate operational) Medium Local Long-term Probable With management

6 1 4 2 22 Low Preferred Corridor Management Impact Measures Magnitude Scale Duration Probability Significance Highly Electrocution (operational only) Without management High Site Permanent Probable

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8 2 5 4 60 Moderate With management High Site Long term Probable

8 2 4 2 28 Low High Local Permanent Definite Without management

8 1 5 5 70 High Collision (operational only) Highly With management Medium Local Long term Probable

6 1 4 4 44 Moderate Highly Without management High Local Long-term Probable

Loss of habitat & disturbance (construction & 8 1 4 4 52 Moderate operational) Medium Local Long-term Probable With management

6 1 4 2 22 Low

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Impact Assessment Methodology

The impact methodology concentrates on addressing key issues. Activities within the framework of the proposed project give rise to certain impacts. For the purposes of assessing these impacts, the project has been divided into three phases from which impact activities can be identified, namely:

Construction phase

This phase is concerned with all the construction and construction related activities on site, until the contractor leaves the site. Thus, the main activities will be the establishment of construction camp sites, access routes, clearance of servitude to facilitate access, digging the foundations for towers, excavation of pits for transformer foundation, erection of transformer and associated structures, movement of construction workforce, equipment, construction vehicles and materials, etc. The above-mentioned activities result in different types of impacts and some contribute to cumulative impacts.

Operational phase

This phase involve activities that are post construction, i.e. the transmission of power between substations. This phase requires a rehabilitation plan and monitoring system that will ensure the impacts of construction, such as vegetation pruning, erosion, colonisation of area by alien species, etc. are monitored and inspected as an ongoing process. This involves the maintenance of the facilities to ensure continuous proper functioning of the equipment or resource

The impact rating enables the analysis of the impact results, in terms of: 1. The severity criteria applicable as an indicator of influence/ severity; 2. The changes in number of low, moderate and high ratings before and after mitigation, and 3. The changes in quantitative/weighted magnitude before and after mitigation.

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Assessment Criteria An impact can be defined as any change in the physical-chemical, biological, cultural and/or socio-economic environmental system that can be attributed to human activities related to alternatives under study for meeting a project need. The significance of the aspects/impacts of the process will be rated by using a matrix derived from Plomp (2004) and adapted to some extent to fit this process. These matrices use the consequence and the likelihood of the different aspects and associated impacts to determine the significance of the impacts. The significance of the impacts will be determined through a synthesis of the criteria below:

Probability: This describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring.  Improbable: The possibility of the impact occurring is very low, due to the circumstances, design or experience.  Probable: There is a probability that the impact will occur to the extent that provision must be made therefore.  Highly Probable: It is most likely that the impact will occur at some stage of the development.  Definite: The impact will take place regardless of any prevention plans and there can only be relied on mitigatory measures or contingency plans to contain the effect.

Duration: The lifetime of the impact.  Short Term: The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural processes in a time span shorter than any of the phases.  Medium Term: The impact will last up to the end of the phases, where after it will be negated.

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 Long Term: The impact will last for the entire operational phase of the project but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter.  Permanent: The impact is non-transitory. Mitigation either by man or natural processes will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient.

Scale: The physical and spatial size of the impact.  Local: The impacted area extends only as far as the activity, e.g. footprint.  Site: The impact could affect the whole, or a measurable portion of the above mentioned properties.  Regional: The impact could affect the area including the neighbouring residential areas.

Magnitude/ Severity: Does the impact destroy the environment, or alter its function.  Low: The impact alters the affected environment in such a way that natural processes are not affected.  Medium: The affected environment is altered, but functions and processes continue in a modified way.  High: Function or process of the affected environment is disturbed to the extent where it temporarily or permanently ceases.

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Significance: This is an indication of the importance of the impact in terms of both physical extent and time scale, and therefore indicates the level of mitigation required.  Negligible: The impact is non-existent or unsubstantial and is of no or little importance to any stakeholder and can be ignored.  Low: The impact is limited in extent, has low to medium intensity; whatever its probability of occurrence is, the impact will not have a material effect on the decision and is likely to require management intervention with increased costs.  Moderate: The impact is of importance to one or more stakeholders, and its intensity will be medium or high; therefore, the impact may materially affect the decision, and management intervention will be required.  High: The impact could render development options controversial or the project unacceptable if it cannot be reduced to acceptable levels; and/or the cost of management intervention will be a significant factor in mitigation.

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The following weights were assigned to each attribute:

Aspect Description Weight

Probability Improbable 1 Probable 2 Highly Probable 4 Definite 5

Duration Short term 1 Medium term 3 Long term 4 Permanent 5

Scale Local 1 Site 2 Regional 3

Magnitude/Severity Low 2 Medium 6 High 8

Significance Sum (Duration, Scale, Magnitude) x Probability Negligible ≤20 Low >20 ≤40 Moderate >40 ≤60 High >60

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Appendix 4: CV of specialist.

Name: LUKAS JURIE NIEMAND Company: Pachnoda Consulting cc (Director) Date of Birth: 1974-03-12 Nationality: South African Languages: English and Afrikaans

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1992 Hoërskool Hartbeespoort, Hartbeespoort - Senior Certificate.

1996 University of Pretoria, Pretoria - B.Sc. (Zoology and Entomology).

1997 University of Pretoria, Pretoria - B.Sc. (Hons) (Entomology).

2001 University of Pretoria, Pretoria - M.Sc. (Restoration Ecology/Zoology).

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY  Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat.) (Reg. no. 400095/06)  BirdLife South Africa  Hartbeespoort Natural Heritage Society

EXPERIENCE

A. Work conducted in South Africa

1. General Ecological Assessments:  Belvedere Trust, Proposed retirement village on Amorosa Agricultural Holdings, Roodepoort, Gauteng (2004);  City of Joburg Property Development Company, Proposed upgrade and development of the Orlando Dam Intersection, Soweto, Gauteng (2004);  PDNA, Proposed NASREC development, Johannesburg, Gauteng (2004);  17 Shaft Conference and Education Centre, Proposed establishment of the Veteran’s Heritage Education Centre, Crown Mines, Gauteng (2004);  GAUTRANS, Proposed re-alignment of Road D781 and construction of a road bridge over the Rietvleispruit, Kempton Park, Gauteng (2004);  Mr. N. Lang, Ecological Opinion on the proposed establishment of a township, Muldersdrift, Gauteng (2004);  AGES, Proposed Equestrian Centre, Leeufontein 299 IR, Gauteng (2004);  PDNA, Proposed new bridge and re-alignment of a portion of provincial road P101-2 (R51), Laversburg, Gauteng (2004);  Blenneerville Investment (Pty) Ltd, Proposed construction of a residential and commercial development on of Paradiso Estate, Tweefontein 372 JR, Gauteng (2004);  Les Roches (Pty) Ltd, Proposed zoning of holdings 1, 2 & 3 of Hyde Park Agricultural Holdings, Gauteng (2004);  Transnet Limited, Terrestrial Faunal Ecological Opinion: Phase 1B expansion of the Sishen-Saldanha Iron ore export corridor, Saldanha Bay, Western Cape (2005);  Celebration North Riding (Pty) Ltd, Proposed mixed land-use development, North Riding, Gauteng (2005);

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 Wilderness Safaris, Proposed upgrade of the Manzengwenya Dive Camp, Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, KwaZulu-Natal (2005);  Wilderness Safaris, Proposed upgrade of the Rocktail Bay Camp, Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, KwaZulu-Natal (2005);  GAEA Projects, Corridor Assessment for the proposed Sibaya Precinct, KwaZulu-Natal (2005);  Computer Domain Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Red Data Floral Scan on portion 3 of the farm Elandshoek, portions 12 & 27 of the farm Groot Suikerboschkop, and portions 5 & 10 of the farm Palmietfontein, Dullstroom (2005);  Zong’s Property Investments, Proposed establishment of a residential development on a portion of Pomona Estates Agricultural Holdings, Pomona, Gauteng (2005);  GJ van Zyl Trust, Proposed development of a resort on the Farm Witpoort 216 JS, Mpumalanga (2005);  Mr. Howard Walker, Proposed subdivision of the Farm Lunsklip 105 JT, and the Farm Morgenzon 122 JT, for the establishment of a private resort, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga (2005);  Lavender Manor cc, Proposed establishment of a retail, commercial and Lavender Manor Township on part of farm Rietfontein 189 IQ, Muldersdrift, Gauteng (2005);  Geo Pollution Technologies, Proposed establishment of a residential development: Noordwyk Ext 65 & 80 on Erand Agricultural Holdings, Midrand, Gauteng (2005);  Mr. A. Le Roux, Proposed Cradle View Country Estate, Muldersdrift, Gauteng (2006);  Viking Bay Development Company (Pty) Ltd, Proposed Viking Bay freshwater marina and hotel development, Vaal Dam, Gauteng (2006);  Land for Africa (Pty) Ltd, Ecological Opinion for the proposed establishment of a residential township on holding 122 Erand Agricultural Holding Extension 1, Halfway House, Midrand, Gauteng (2006);  Brickot Developments cc, Ecological opinion for the proposed Bethal Retirement Village on the remainder of portion 3 of the farm Mooifontein 108 IS, Bethal, Mpumalanga (2006);  Brawild (Pty) Ltd, Red Data Scan for the proposed Annlin Ex 117, Pretoria, Gauteng (2006);  Mbombela Local Municipality, Ecological Opinion for the proposed extension of the Lowveld Botanical Gardens, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga (2006);  Natural Scientific Services cc, Botanical survey for the SASOL Mafutha coal project near Lephalale, Limpopo Province, RSA (2008);  SRK Consulting, Ecological assessment on Vlakfontein area, NW of Ogies, Mpumalanga. Report compiled in association with EkoInfo (2009); and  Aurecon, Desktop biodiversity assessment and wetland scan: upgrade of the River View waste water treatment works, eMalahleni, Mpumalanga province. Report compiled in association with Imperata Consulting (2009).

2. Mining and Industrial related projects (ecological):  Lonmin Platinum (Western Platinum Limited), Ecological Assessment for the proposed MK3 Shaft Complex on the farm Wonderkop 400 JQ, Rustenburg, North West Province (2004);  Impala Platinum Limited, Ecological Assessment for prospecting SEMPs on the farms Buffelshoek 386 KT, Kalkfontein 367 KT, Spitskop 333 KT, Steelpoortpark 366 Kt and Tweefontein 360 KT and Hackney 116 KT (all Sekhukhuneland), Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province (2004);  Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), Ecological Assessment for borrow pit SEMPs on the TCTA pipeline, Vaal Marina to Secunda (2005);  Boynton Platinum (Pty) Ltd, Ecological Assessment for the proposed establishment of platinum mines on the farms Tuschenkomst 135 JP, Witkleifontein 136 JP and Ruighoek 169 JP, North West Province (2005);  Impala Platinum Holdings, Ecological Assessment for prospecting SEMPs on the Impala Platinum Bafokeng Mining Complex, North West Province (2005);  Ceramic Industries Limited, Ecological Assessment of the Rietspruit Clay Quarries, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng (2005);

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 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Ecological Assessment Report for the proposed GLB Landfill Site on the farm Zesfontein 27 IR, Benoni, Gauteng (peer reviewed, 2006);  Ceramic Industries Limited, Ecological Assessment of the Leeukuil Clay Quarries, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng (2006);  Council for Geoscience, Habitat sensitivity assessment scoping report for Bon Accord quarry on a portion of the farm de Onderstepoort 300-JR, Tshwane, Gauteng (2007);  Fraser Alexander, Biodiversity action plan for Lonmin Limpopo & Platinum, North West & Limpopo Province, RSA (2008-2009);  Envirolution Consulting (Pty) Ltd., Ecological screening report and site selection process for an Eskom general landfill and hazardous waste storage facility near Lephalale, Limpopo Province, RSA (2009);  Envirolution Consulting (Pty) Ltd., Ecological assessment for the proposed construction of an Eskom general landfill and hazardous waste storage facility at the Matimba Power Station, Limpopo Province, RSA (2009);  Shangoni/Vergenoeg Mining Company, Ecological assessment for the proposed construction of a slurry pipeline and waste rock dump at the Vergenoeg Mine, Gauteng (2011);  ENVASS, An ecological evaluation (vertebrate & avifaunal component) for the proposed alternative energy plant on Portion 3, 4 & 5 of the Farm Groenwater 453, Northern cape (2012); and  ENVASS, Ecological evaluation (vertebrate & avifaunal component) for the proposed alternative energy plant on !xun & khwe, Northern cape (2012).

3. Avifaunal and Invertebrate Assessments:  Lavender Manor cc, Red Data Bird Assessment for the proposed establishment of a retail, commercial and Lavender Manor Township on part of the farm Rietfontein 189 IQ, Muldersdrift, Gauteng (2004);  Helga Schneider & Associates, Avifaunal & Invertebrate Red Data Assessment for the proposed rezoning & subdivision on Erf 6486 Orange Farm Ext 2, Johannesburg, Gauteng (2005);  TOWNDEV, Avifaunal and Arachnid Assessment for the proposed subdivision of Grootfontein 349 JR, Rievlei Dam, Gauteng (2006);  Prof. Van Rensburg, Red Data Invertebrate Scan for the proposed Rietvalleirand Extension 59, Gauteng (2006);  Group Five Property Development, Invertebrate Assessment for the proposed Buccleuch Ex 1, Gauteng (2006);  Zong’s Property Investments, Avifaunal and Metisella meninx assessment for the establishment of a residential development on a portion of Pomona Estates Agricultural Holdings, Pomona, Gauteng (2006);  Waterval Islamic Institute, Avifaunal and Invertebrate Assessment for the proposed Northern Golf Course Development, Midrand, Gauteng (2006);  Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Avifaunal & Invertebrate Red Data Assessment for the proposed low-cost housing development on Olifantsfontein 410 JR, Gauteng (2006);  City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Invertebrate Red Data Scan for the proposed flood remediation and river upgrade at Soshanguve, Gauteng (2006);  AGES, Invertebrate assessment for the proposed mining activities on the farm Thorncliffe 374 KT, Xstrata Eastern Mines, Mpumalanga (2007)  AGES, Mammal and invertebrate assessment for the proposed Kalplats project, Stella, North West Province (2007)  Exigent Engineering Consultants, Invertebrate assessment for the proposed Derdepoort X 11, Derdepoort, Gauteng (2007);  Exigent Engineering Consultants, Invertebrate and Avifaunal scan for the proposed Cutty Sark hotel extension, Scottburgh, Kwazulu-Natal (2007);  Strategic Environmental Focus, African Grass Owl assessment on the proposed Cradle View country estate on portion 60 of the farm Driefontein 179 IQ, Muldersdrift, Gauteng (2007);  GEOLAB, Ecological assessment for the West Rand Gold Operations (WERGO) Witfontein tailings disposal facility, Mintails, Gauteng, RSA (2008);

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 Coastal Environmental Services, Avifaunal Assessment for the proposed mining of heavy minerals at Port Durnford (Exxaro KZN-Sands), KwaZulu-Natal (2008);  SRK & Natural Scientific Services cc, A feasibility study for the mining of coal north of the Limpopo Province. Avifaunal & invertebrate assessment, Rio Tinto Exploration, Limpopo Province, RSA (2009);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An environmental management plan (avifaunal & faunal component) for the proposed Dinaledi - Spitskop 400 kV transmission line, North West Province (2010);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An avifaunal impact report for the proposed 400 kV Ariadne- Venus transmission line between Estcourt and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (2010);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An avifaunal impact assessment report for a 275 kV power line between the substations of Glockner and Kookfontein, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng (2010);  Groundwater Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd/EkoInfo, An invertebrate and avifaunal specialist report for the proposed expansion of Exxaro’s Glisa coal mine, Belfast, Mpumalanga (2010);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An environmental management plan (avifauna component) for the proposed 400 kV Medupi-Massa transmission lines, Limpopo Province (2011);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An avifaunal and fauna impact assessment report for the proposed 400 kV Arnott-Gumeni transmission line, Mpumalanga Province (2012);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An environmental management plan (avifaunal component) for the proposed 400 kV Ngwedi transmission line and substation, North West Province (2012);  Exxaro/EkoInfo, An avifaunal and invertebrate assessment (as part of a Biodiversity Assessment and action plan) for the Gravelotte MagVanTi Mining Area, Limpopo Province (2012);  Groundwater Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd/EkoInfo, An invertebrate and avifaunal specialist report for the proposed Paardeplaats coal mine area, Belfast, Mpumalanga (2012);  Groundwater Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd/EkoInfo, An invertebrate and avifaunal specialist report for the proposed Leeuwpan coal mine area, Belfast, Mpumalanga (2013);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An environmental management plan (avifaunal component) for the proposed Medupi - Borutho 400 kV transmission line, Limpopo Province (2012);  Eskom/Baagi Environmental, An environmental management plan (avifaunal component) for the proposed Gromis - Oranjemund 400 kV transmission line, Northern Cape (2013);

4. Other Assessments:  Facilitation, project management and conduction of environmental scoping exercises, Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, Feasibility Reports, for a range of projects and issues such as: o Housing Projects (West Rand Housing Projects) for the Gauteng Department of Housing; o Planning and facilitation of environmental awareness workshops (Winterveltd Workshops for the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism); o Compilation and evaluation of EIA reports and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for both the private and public sector (e.g. Scoping Report for the relocation of oxidation ponds for the Moqhaka Local Municipality and the installation of an underground additive tank for Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd). o Urban Renewal Projects: Bekkersdal Urban Renewal Project and the Greater Evaton Urban Renewal Project for the Gauteng Department of Housing.  Douglas Collieries (Inkwe Collieries), Biodiversity Assessment and database compilation of the Douglas Collieries (2005);  Orion Group, Ecological Sensitivity Map for the proposed golf course and related facilities, Mont-Aux-Sources (2005);  City of Joburg Property Development Company, Specialist Lepidium mossii assessment for the proposed upgrade and development of the Orlando Dam intersection, Soweto, Gauteng (2005);  Johannesburg Roads Agency, Alien Eradication and Rehabilitation Programme for the proposed upgrade of 14th Avenue, Randburg, Gauteng (2006);

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 City of Joburg Property Development Company, Ecological Management Plan for the Orlando Dam intersection, Soweto, Gauteng (2006);  GJ van Zyl Trust, Alien Eradication Programme for the proposed development of a resort on the Farm Witpoort 216 JS, Mpumalanga (2006);  GJ van Zyl Trust, Fire Management Plan for the proposed development of a resort on the Farm Witpoort 216 JS, Mpumalanga (2006); and  Khutala Collieries (Inkwe Collieries), Biodiversity Assessment and database compilation (2006)

5. Linear Assessments:  Johannesburg Roads Agency, Ecological Assessment for the Proposed upgrade of 14th Avenue, Randburg, Gauteng (2004).  Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), Proposed Vaal River Eastern Sub-Augmentation (VRESAP) pipeline from Vaal Marina to Secunda (2005);  PBA International (in association with Bathusi EC), Ecological Scoping Report for the proposed Eskom Delta-Epsilon 765 kV Transmission lines (2007);  Bohlweki Environmental (in association with Bathusi EC), Ecological Scoping Report for the proposed Eskom Malelane-Boulders 132 kV Distribution line (2007);  Bohlweki Environmental (in association with Bathusi EC), Ecological Scoping Report for the proposed Eskom Marathon-Delta 132 kV Distribution line (2007);  Strategic Environmental Focus, Avifaunal EIA Report for the proposed Eskom Hendrina- Prairie-Marathon 400 kV Transmission line, Mpumalanga (2007);  Natural Scientific Services cc, Botanical survey for the proposed upgrade of the Transnet railway line between Hotazel, Northern Cape and the Port of Ngqura, Eastern Cape, RSA (2008);  Envirolution Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Ecological Report for the proposed Eskom Apollo-Lepini 400kV transmission line (2009);  Arcus Gibb, An ecological investigation for the Tumelo 132 kV distribution line and power line near Kagiso, Gauteng (2010);  Ekoinfo/SANRAL, Faunal investigation for the upgrade of the N3 highway (2011); and  Aurecon (Pty) Ltd, Baseline vegetation survey for the Mokolo – Crocodile River Augmentation Project (MCWAP) pipeline from Mokolo Dam to Thabazimbi (2011).

B. Work conducted in other African countries:  Rural Maintenance, Invertebrate study for four mini-hydroelectric generation plants, Northern Malawi, Africa (2010);  Impacto, An avifaunal study (Phase 1) for the proposed Mpanda Nkwua Dam in the Zambezi River, Mozambique, Tete Province (2010);  Conseil Régional des Pays de la Loire, An avifaunal investigation of the Rusizi and Ruvubu National Parks (Burundi), and the feasibility of establishing an avi-tourism network with specific emphasis on the protection of important flyways used by Palearctic birds - of - prey (2010);  Impacto, An avifaunal study (Phase 2) for the proposed Mpanda Nkwua Dam in the Zambezi River, Mozambique, Tete Province (2011);  Rural Maintenance, Invertebrate scan for the expansion of coal mining activities at Kayelekera, Northern Malawi, Africa (2011);  Rural Maintenance, Invertebrate study for a mini-hydroelectric plant at the Chisanga Falls, Nyika National Park, Malawi (2011);  Impacto/ERM/Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the proposed Ncondezi Coal Mine, Tete Province, Mozambique (2011);  Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the Riversdale Coal Mine complex, Tete Province, Monzambique (2011);  Anadarko Petroleum/ERM/Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the proposed Anadarko Mozambique Area 1 Liquefied Natural Gas plant in northern Mozambique, Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique (2012);

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 Coffey Environments/EkoInfo, Avifaunal investigation for the mining of iron ore by Baobab Resources, Tete Province, Mozambique (a scoping-level assessment); and  SRK/Flora, Fauna and Man Ecological Services, An avifaunal and invertebrate assessment for the establishment of a potash mine at Konkoati, Republic of the Congo (2012);  China Union/ERM/Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the proposed mining of iron ore in Bong County, Liberia (2012);  SRK/Flora, Fauna and Man Ecological Services, An invertebrate assessment for the mining of iron ore by DMC Congo Mining/Exxaro at Mayoko, Republic of the Congo (2012);  Western Cluster/ERM/Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the proposed mining of iron ore at Bomi Hills, ,Bomi County, Liberia (2013);  SRK/Flora, Fauna and Man Ecological Services, An invertebrate assessment for the establishment of an ecological offset for the DMC Congo Mining/Exxaro Iron Ore Mine at Mayoko, Republic of the Congo (2013);  Western Cluster/ERM/Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the proposed mining of iron ore at Bea Mountain, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia (2013);  Western Cluster/ERM/Enviro-Insight, Avifaunal investigation for the proposed mining of iron ore at Mano River, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia (2013); and  WSP/Flora, Fauna and Man Ecological Services, An invertebrate assessment for the establishment of a phosphate mine, Hinda Phosphate Project, Republic of the Congo (current); and  Aureus Mine/Enviro-Insight, An avifaunal investigation for the proposed mining of gold at the New Liberty Gold Mine, Liberia (current)

C. Additional Experience:  Monitoring and evaluation of the rehabilitation programme for the mining company Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) with special reference to vegetation, bird, small mammal and millipede assemblages.  Other responsibilities include assessment of the ecological standard operating procedures (SOP) according to RBM’s environmental management programme in compliance with ISO 14001 environmental standards accreditation process.  Participated in the annual relief programme on the S.A Agulhas voyage to Sub-antarctic Marion Island (Prins Edward group). Took part in the research to estimate the population dynamics and demography of the alien house mouse (Mus musculus) on the island (under supervision of the University of Pretoria).  Participated in the preparation of a conservation management plan for a game and trout farm in conjunction with Mpumalanga Parks Board (in charge of the bird section) for the farm Nu-Scotland Bavaria.  Lead a successful professional bird tour (party of 12) to the Eastern Zimbabwean highlands and adjacent Mashonaland Plato (10 days).  Lead a successful professional bird tour (party of 9) to the Cape Peninsula, Karoo and West Coast (10 days).  Lead a successful professional bird tour (party of 12) to the Swaziland and Northern Zululand (10 days).  Lead a successful professional bird tour (party of 15) to the Namibia (10 days).  Lead a successful professional bird tour (party of 14) to the Eastern Drakensberg and Lesotho (10 days).

Employment History: March 2007 – Current: of Director of Pachnoda Consulting cc 2004- January 2007: Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) - Terrestrial Ecologist

2003 – 2004: Enviro-Afrik (Pty) Ltd– Environmental Consultant

2001 – 2003: University of Pretoria - Research Assistant

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PUBLICATIONS:

 McEWAN, K.L., ALEXANDER, G.J., NIEMAND, L.J. & BREDIN, I.P. 2007. The effect of land transformation on diversity and abundance of reptiles. Paper presented at the 50th Anniversary Conference of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa.  NIEMAND, L. 1997. Distribution and consumption of a rust fungus Ravenelia macowaniana by micro-lepidopteran larvae across an urban gradient: spatial autocorrelation and impact assessment. Hons publication, University of Pretoria, Pretoria  NIEMAND, L. 2001. The contribution of the bird community of the regenerating coastal dunes at Richards Bay to regional diversity. MSc Thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.  VAN AARDE, R.J., WASSENAAR, T.D., NIEMAND, L., KNOWLES, T., FERREIRA, S. 2004. Coastal dune forest rehabilitation: a case study on small mammal and bird assemblages in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In: Martínez, M.L. & Psuty, N. (Eds.) Coastal sand dunes: Ecology and Restoration. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg.  VAN AARDE, R., DELPORT, J. & NIEMAND, L. 1999. Of frogs and men. Mechanical Technology, June: 32-33.  VAN AARDE, R., DELPORT, J. & NIEMAND, L. 1999. Gone Frogging. Getaway, January: 80-83.

PRESENTATIONS:

 Co-presenter at the Wetland Training Course (30 July – 3 August 2007) entitled: “Wetland-associated fauna”. University of Pretoria, Pretoria.  Co-presenter and lecturer of the pre-conference training course (entitled "Can rehabilitation contribute towards biodiversity?") at the 3rd Annual LaRSSA (Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa) Conference (8-11 September 2015), Glenburn Lodge, Muldersdrift, Gauteng. 

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