Biodiversity & Aquatic Specialists 638 Turf Street Wingate Park, 0181 Tel: 012-345 4891 Fax: 086 675 6136 Email: [email protected]

Herpetofauna Habitat Assessment

of

On Portions of the Remainder of Portion 1 and portion 118 of the farm Rustenburg Town and Townlands 272 JQ (Platinum Village)

January 2013

Report author: Mr. J.C.P van Wyk (Pri. Sci. Nat: M.Sc)

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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE:

I, Jacobus, Casparus Petrus van Wyk (6808045041084) declare that I: • am committed to biodiversity conservation but concomitantly recognise the need for economic development. Whereas I appreciate the opportunity to also learn through the processes of constructive criticism and debate, I reserve the right to form and hold my own opinions and therefore will not willingly submit to the interests of other parties or change my statements to appease them • abide by the Code of Ethics of the S.A. Council for Natural Scientific Professions • act as an independent specialist consultant in the field of zoology • am subcontracted as specialist consultant by Galago Environmental CC for the project “Herpetofauna Habitat Assessment on Portions of the Remainder of Portion 1 and portion 118 of the farm Rustenburg Town and Townlands 272 JQ” described in this report • have no financial interest in the proposed development other than remuneration for work performed • have or will not have any vested or conflicting interests in the proposed development • undertake to disclose to the Galago Environmental CC and its client as well as the competent authority any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority required in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2006 • Our intellectual property in this report will only be transferred to the client (the party/ company that commissioned the work) on full payment of the contract fee. Upon transfer of the intellectual property, we recognise that written consent of the client will be required for release of any part of this report to third parties.

J.C.P. van Wyk

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ...... 4 3. STUDY AREA ...... 4 4. METHOD ...... 5 5. RESULTS ...... 6 6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS ...... 17 7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE...... 18 8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 19 9. CONCLUSIONS ...... 21 10. LITERATURE SOURCES ...... 21

FIGURES:

Figure 1: Locality map of the study area ...... 5 Figure 2: A southerly view of the study site ...... 7 Figure 3: A rocky outcrop on the study site east of the R510 Road...... 8 Figure 4: An easterly view of the study site with extensive bare natural rocks ..... 8 Figure 5: One of numerous building rubble sites on the study area...... 9 Figure 6: The large Townlands Platinum Mine Dam...... 9 Figure 7: One of the temporary man-made dams near the large dam...... 10 Figure 8: Part of the stream, which flows below the large dam ...... 10 Figure 9: Part of the railway line on the study site ...... 11 Figure 10: One of numerous Transvaal Thick-toed geckos observed site...... 16 Figure 11: A Western Olive Toad which was observed on the study site...... 16 Figure 12: A Common River Frog which was observed on the study site...... 16 Figure 13: Herpetofaunal sensitivity map ...... 18

TABLES:

Table 1: Reptile & Amphibian species observed ...... 12 Table 2: Reptile & Amphibian species positively confirmed on the study site ..... 15

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1. INTRODUCTION

Galago Environmental CC. was appointed to undertake a Herpetofauna habitat Assessment on Portions of the Remainder of Portion 1 and portion 118 of the farm Rustenburg Town and Townlands 272 JQ (the study site), which is scheduled commercial, industrial and residential development.

This report focuses on the reigning status of threatened and sensitive reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna) likely to occur on the proposed development site. Special attention was paid to the qualitative and quantitative habitat conditions for Red Data species deemed present on the site, and mitigation measures to ameliorate the effect of the development that is suggested. The secondary objective of the investigation was to gauge which herpetofauna might still reside on the site and compile a complete list of herpetofauna diversity of the study area.

This assignment is in accordance with the 2010 EIA Regulations (No. R. 543-546, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, 18 June 2010) emanating from Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).

2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This report: • Is a survey of reptile and amphibian habitats, with comments on preferred habitats; • Comments on ecologically sensitive areas; • Evaluates the conservation importance and significance of the site with special emphasis on the current status of resident threatened species; • Offers recommendations to reduce or minimise impacts, should the proposed development be approved

3. STUDY AREA

The study site lies in the Quarter Degree Grid Cells 2527CA and 2527CB in the North West Province. The study site is 407.09 hectares in extent and lies on both sides of the R510 Road. Outside the study site and east of the large Townlands Platinum Mine Dam is a Prison, which wedges into the study site along the R510.

The study site is surrounded by suburbs and townships, especially on the south-western, south-eastern and north-eastern sides of the study site. Mining activities occur on the north-western side of the study site. An active railway line runs from the mine on the study site near the north-western and south-western borders of the side.

A very important feature of the study site is the Townlands Platinum Mine Dam with its streams flowing into and from it.

The study site is located in the Marikana Thornved (SVcd 6) and Moot Plain Bushveld (SVcd 8) vegetation units (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). A large part of the study site consists of grey clay or turf soil, but there are areas with red loam soil.

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Unfortunately the study site has been isolated by encroaching urbanisation for a number of decades, as such almost converting it into an ecological island. With the exception of areas along the streams, the chances for immigration are poor. Invasive plants are expanding. Remaining natural elements have been pillaged by overgrazing, fires, dumping and neglect.

Figure 1: Locality map of the study area

4. METHOD

A site visit was conducted on 13 December. During this visit the observed and derived presence of reptiles and amphibians associated with the recognised habitat types of the study site were recorded. This was done with due regard to the well-recorded global distributions of Southern African herpetofauna, coupled with the qualitative and quantitative nature of recognised habitats.

The 500 metres of adjoining properties were scanned for important fauna habitats.

4.1 Field Surveys

During the site visits, reptiles and amphibians were identified by visual sightings through random transect walks. Amphibian diversity was also established by means of acoustic identification. No trapping was conducted, as the terms of reference did not require such intensive work.

4.2 Desktop Surveys

As the majority of reptiles and amphibians are secretive, nocturnal and/or poikilothermic or seasonal, distributional ranges and the presence of suitable habitats were used to

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deduce the presence or absence of these species based on authoritative tomes, scientific literature, field guides, atlases and databases. This can be done irrespective of season.

The probability of the occurrence of reptile and amphibian (herpetofauna) species was based on their respective geographical distributional ranges and the suitability of on-site habitats. In other words, high probability would be applicable to a species with a distributional range overlying the study site as well as the presence of prime habitat occurring on the study site. Another consideration for inclusion in this category is the inclination of a species to be common to the area, i.e. normally occurring at high population densities.

Medium probability pertains to a herpetofaunal species with its distributional range peripherally overlapping the study site, or required habitat on the site being sub-optimal. The size of the site as it relates to its likelihood to sustain a viable breeding population, as well as its geographical isolation is taken into consideration. Species categorised as medium normally do not occur at high population numbers, but cannot be deemed as rare.

A low probability of occurrence would imply that the species’ distributional range is peripheral to the study site and habitat is sub-optimal. Furthermore, some reptiles and amphibians categorised as low are generally deemed to be rare.

Based on the impressions gathered during the site visit, as well as publications, such as FitzSimons’ Snakes of Southern Africa (Broadley, 1990), Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa (Branch, 1998), A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa (Alexander and Marais, 2007), Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa (Channing 2001), Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Minter, et al, 2004) and A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa (Du Preez & Carruthers, 2009), a list of species which may occur on the site was compiled. The latest taxonomic nomenclature was used. The vegetation type was defined according to the standard handbook by Mucina and Rutherford (eds) (2006).

4.3 Specific Requirements

During the visit the site was surveyed and assessed for the potential occurrence of current or past Red Data species such as: • Giant Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus); • The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus); • The Striped Harlequin Snake (Homoroselaps dorsalis); and • The Southern African Python (Python natalensis).

5. RESULTS

The study site falls within the Marikana Thornveld (SVcd 6) and Moot Plain Bushveld (SVcd 8) vegetation units as defined by Mucina and Rutherford (2006).

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Herpetofauna Habitat Assessment: The local occurrences of reptiles and amphibians are closely dependent on broadly defined habitat types, in particular terrestrial, arboreal (tree-living), rupiculous (rock- dwelling) and wetland-associated vegetation cover. It is thus possible to deduce the presence or absence of reptile and amphibian species by evaluating the habitat types within the context of global distribution ranges.

All four habitat types for herpetofauna are present, namely terrestrial, arboreal, rupiculous and wetland-associated vegetation cover.

The terrestrial habitat is spatially the most prominent, although large tracts of land have been altered and thus rendered ecologically non-functional. The grassland has been used for livestock grazing for decades and is, at present, still being used for this purpose. Natural vegetative cover has been grazed short in many areas, and it is expected that floral diversity has been jeopardized as result. In the areas with short basal cover, herpetofauna are placed at a disadvantage by the limited cover against predation.

The substrate varies from reddish sandy soil, in places embedded with rocks and gravel, to heavy clay. Moribund termitaria, which normally provide ideal retreats for small reptiles and amphibians, were absent from most of the study site, especially the area with clay or deep turf soil. A few active termitaria were observed on the clay soil of the study site. The smaller area with reddish loam soil has a high density of Trinervitermes sp. termitaria.

Figure 2: A southerly view of the study site with the Magaliesberg range is in the background. Note the termite mound in the foreground, the grey turf soil and overgrazed grassveld.

Indigenous trees are present along the tributaries of the Hex River and the large Townlands Platinum Mine Dam and herpetofauna narrowly reliant on an arboreal habitat are therefore present.

The southern part of the study site and the part of the study site east of the R510 Road, provide natural thornveld vegetation, which is excellent habitat for arboreal herpetofauna. Scattered exotic trees are present along the water bodies. Fallen logs, which normally provide good habitat for small herpetofauna, are absent from the study site due to the collection of firewood by squatters on the study site.

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Excellent rocky outcrops and bare natural rock occur on the study site east of the R510, especially north of the stream. Bare natural rock occurs in the southern part of the study site and also along the streams. These rocky areas provide prime rock-dwelling habitat for rupiculous herpetofauna. The dumping of building rubble also provides good rupiculous habitat for common herpetofauna species.

Figure 3: A rocky outcrop on the study site east of the R510 Road. These formations are prominent along the streams of the study site and provide excellent rupiculous habitat for reptiles.

Figure 4: An easterly view of the study site with extensive bare natural rocks in the foreground. Near the stream there is natural riparian habitat in the background, which provides arboreal habitats for herpetofauna.

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Figure 5: One of numerous building rubble sites on the study area. These man-made habitats provide good rupiculous habitat for common herpetofauna species.

Aquatic and wetland-associated vegetation cover is provided by the tributaries of the Hex River (streams) and the large Townlands Platinum Mine Dam. Around this large dam there are numerous shallow temporary man-made water bodies, which provide excellent breeding areas for frog species that breed in temporary water to avoid predation from fish.

Figure 6: The large Townlands Platinum Mine Dam, the only permanent source of water on the study site.

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Figure 7: One of the temporary man-made dams near the large dam. These water bodies provide excellent breeding habitat for many frog species, which prefer temporary water bodies to avoid predation from fish.

It is interesting to note that the water flowing from the Townlands Platinum Mine Dam seems to be of a better quality than the water that flows in to the dam. Except for the difference discernible by the naked eye there were also fish (Tilapia sparrmanii) and two frog species observed in the stream east of the R510 Road, which were not observed in the streams before they enter the large dam.

Figure 8: Part of the stream, which flows below the large dam, east of the R510. Fishes were observed at this spot.

The tributaries of the Hex River drainage line form is a distribution corridor for many water-dependent herpetofauna, which may also forage on the study site.

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Except for the water courses, connectivity with natural vegetation is poor due to limitation by roads, a railway line, mining activities and suburbs.

Figure 9: Part of the railway line on the study site that has a very negative effect on connectivity.

Observed and Expected Herpetofauna Species Richness: Of the 56 reptile species which may occur on the study site (Table 1), six were confirmed during the site visit (Table 2) and of the possible 21 amphibian species which may occur on the study site (Table 1); two were confirmed during the site visit (Table 2).

The 77 herpetofauna species are recorded as potential occupants of the study site. Most of these herpetofauna species are robust generalists with the ability to capitalise on disturbed environments. It should be noted that potential occurrence is interpreted as being possible over a period of time, as a result of expansions and contractions of population densities and ranges which stimulate migration.

The American red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans) and the Brahminy blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) are the only two feral reptile or amphibian species known to occur in South Africa (De Moor and Bruton, 1988; Picker and Griffiths, 2011), but with only a few populations, they are not expected to occur on this particular site.

The species assemblage is typical of what can be expected in extensive natural areas with sufficient habitat to sustain populations. Most of the species of the resident diversity (Table 1) are fairly common and widespread (viz. brown house snake, mole snake, common egg eater, Mozambique spitting Cobra, eastern striped skink, guttural toad, raucous toad and red toad).

The relatively high species richness is due to the fair size of the study site and the four different habitat types occurring on the study site.

Red Data Reptiles: The study site falls inside the natural range of the Southern African python.

According to Bradley (1990), Southern African pythons favour moist, rocky, well-wooded valleys, plantations or bush country, but seldom if ever stray far from permanent water. The study site thus provides suitable habitat for the Southern African python, but the

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study site is too small to support a viable population. It is often estimated that a single python needs at least 100ha area to forage.

The striped harlequin snake has not been recorded on this quarter degree square (Ditsong Museum of Natural History or TVL Museum Records), and no moribund termitaria, where this snake species is most likely to be found, are present on the study site. It is very difficult to confirm whether this cryptic snake is present on any study site, but this snake species should not occur on the study site.

The study site falls outside the natural range of the Nile crocodile and it does not occur on the study site.

Red Data Amphibians: There are man-made temporary water bodies, where bullfrogs are most likely to breed, on the study site. Bullfrogs prefer these temporary pans in order to avoid predation from fish, and for tadpoles to swim in schools and stay in the warm, shallow water during the day for rapid development (Van Wyk et al., 1992).

The majority of the soil around the man-made temporary water bodies is deep turf. Despite this, there are also sandy red soil areas to the south and east of the man-made temporary water bodies. This soil type is very suitable as a dispersal area, which combines feeding and aestivation. It is essential that the soil should be suitable for burrowing on a daily basis during the short activity period at the beginning of the rainy season and for deeper retreats during the resting periods.

According to the Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Minter et al, 2004) the giant bullfrogs habitat and population sizes have declined by more than 50% over the past 100 years due to extensive crop agriculture and/or urban and industrial development, which include the North West Province.

It is important to note that in the latest literature (Measey (ed.) 2011 and Carruthers & Du Preez, 2011); the giant bullfrog’s status has changed officially from Near Threatened (Minter et al, 2004) to Least Concern in South Africa.

Table 1: Reptile and Amphibian species observed on or deduced to occupy the site. Systematic arrangement and nomenclature according to Branch (1998), Alexander and Marais (2007), Minter, et.al (2004) & Du Preez and Carruthers (2009). SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME CLASS: REPTILIA REPTILES Order: TESTUDINES TORTOISES & TERRAPINS Family: Pelomedusidae Side-necked Terrapins √ Pelomedusa subrufa Marsh or Helmeted Terrapin Family: Testudinidae Tortoises * Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise ? Psammobates oculiferus Kalahari Tent Tortoise * Kinixys lobatsiana Lobatse Hinged Tortoise Order: Squamata SCALE-BEARING REPTILES Suborder:Lacertilia LIZARDS Family: Gekkonidae Geckos √ Lygodactylus capensis Cape Dwarf Gecko

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SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME √ Pachydactylus affinis Transvaal Thick-toed or Transvaal Gecko * Pachydactylus capensis Cape Thick-toed of Cape Gecko * Hemidactylus mabouia Moreau’s Tropical House Gecko Family: Agamidae Agamas √ Agama aculeate Ground Agama √ Agama atra Southern Rock Agama √ Acanthocercus atricollis Southern Tree Agama Family: Chamaeleonidae Chameleons √ Chamaeleo dilepis Flap-neck Chameleon Family: Scincidae Skinks * Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink √ Trachylepis punctatissima Montane Speckled Skink √ Trachylepis varia Variable Skink ? Panaspis wahlbergi Wahlberg’s Snake-eyed Skink Family:Lacertidae Old World Lizards or Lacertids ? Pedioplanis lineoocellata Spotted Sand Lizard ? Ichnotropis squamulosa Common Rough-scaled Lizard ? Nucras holubi Holub’s Sandveld Lizard Family: Gerrhosauridae Plated Lizards * Gerhosaurus flavigularis Yellow-throated Plated Lizard Family: Cordylidae Girdled Lizards √ Cordylus vittifer Transvaal Girdled Lizard Family: Amphisbeanians Worm Lizards ? Monopeltis infuscata Dusky Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Family: Varanidae Monitors √ Varanus albigularis Rock Monitor √ Varanus niloticus Water Monitor

Suborder: SERPENTES SNAKES Family: Typhlopidae Blind Snakes ? Typhlops bibronii Bibron’s Blind Snake ? Rhinotyphlops lalandei Delalande’s Beaked Blind Snake Family: Leptotyphlopidae Thread Snakes ? Leptotyphlops conjunctus Cape Thread or Worm Snakes ? Leptotyphlops scutifrons Peter’s Thread or Worm Snake Family: Atractaspididae African burrowing Snakes ? Atractapis bibronii Southern Stiletto Snake ? Aparallactus capensis Cape or Black-headed Centipede Eater Family: Colubridae Typical Snakes ? Lycodonomorphus rufulus Common Water Snake √ Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake ? Lamprophis inornatus Olive House snake ? Lycophidion capensis Cape Wolf Snake * Mehelya capensis Southern or Cape File Snake √ Pseudaspis cana Mole Snake ? Prosymna sundevallii Sundevall’s Shovel-snout √ Psammophylax tritaeniatus Striped Skaapsteker

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SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME * Psammophis trinasalis Kalahari Sand Snake * Psammophis brevirostris Short-snouted Sand Snake ? Philothamnus hoplogaster Green Water Snake √ Philothamnus semivariegatus Spotted Bush Snake √ Dasypeltis scabra Common or Rhombic Egg Eater * Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Herald Snake * Telescopus semiannulatus Common Tiger Snake * Dispholidus typus Boomslang ? Thelotornis capensis Vine Snake Family: Elapidae Cobras, Mambas and Others ? Elapsoidea sunderwallii Sundevall’s Garter Snake ? Aspidelaps scutatus Shield Cobra ? Naja annulifera Snouted Cobra √ Naja mossambica Mozambique Spitting Cobra or M’fezi * Dendroaspis polyepis Black Mamba Family: Viperidae Adders √ Causus rhombeatus Rhombic Night Adder √ Brits arietans Puff Adder ? Brits caudalis Horned Adder Family: Pythonidae Pythons VU* Python natalensis Southern African Python

Class: AMPHIBIA AMPHIBIANS Order: ANURA FROGS Family: Pipidae Clawed Frogs √ Xenopus laevis Common Platanna Family: Bufonidae Toads √ Amietaophrynus gutturalis Guttural Toad ? Amietaophrynus rangeri Raucous Toad √ Amietaophrynus poweri Western Olive Toad * Amietaophrynus garmani Eastern Olive Toad √ Schismaderma carens Red Toad √ Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti Northern Pygmy Toad Family: Hyperoliidae Reed frogs √ Kassina senegalesis Bubbling Kassina Family: Breviceptidae Rain frogs √ Breviceps adspersus Bushveld rain Frog Family: Microhylidae Rubber Frogs √ Phrynomantis bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog Family: Phrynobatrachidae Puddle Frog * Phrynobatrachus natalensis Snoring Puddle Frog Family: Ptycadenidae Grass Frogs √ Ptychadena anchietae Plain Grass Frog * Ptychadena mossambica Broad-banded Grass Frog Family: Pyxicephalidae √ Amietia angolensis Common River Frog √ Cocosternum boettgeri Boettger’s Caco or Common Caco NT? Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bullfrog

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SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME ? Pyxicephalus edulis African Bullfrog √ Tomopterna cryptotis Tremolo Sand Frog √ Tomopterna natalensis Natal Sand Frog ? Tomopterna krugerensis Knocking Sand Frog Family: Rhacophoridae Foam Nest Frog * Chriromantis xerampelina Southern Foam Nest Frog √ Definitely there or have a high probability of occurring; * Medium probability of occurring based on ecological and distributional parameters; ? Low probability of occurring based on ecological and distributional parameters.

Red Data species rankings as defined in Branch, The Conservation Status of South Africa’s threatened Reptiles’: 89 – 103..In:- G.H.Verdoorn & J. le Roux (editors), ‘The State of Southern Africa’s Species (2002) and Minter, et.al, Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (2004) are indicated in the first column: CR= Critically Endangered, En = Endangered, Vu = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient. All other species are deemed of Least Concern.

Table 2: Reptile and Amphibian species positively confirmed on the study site, observed indicators and habitat. SCIENTIFIC NAME ENGLISH NAME OBSERVATION HABITAT INDICATOR Trachylepis Montane Sight record Man-made punctatissima Speckled Skink rupiculous habitat and bluegum tree trunk Pachydactylus Transvaal Thick- Sight records of Natural and man- affinis toed or numerous adults made rupiculous Transvaal Gecko and juveniles habitat Boaedon capensis Brown House Skin Man-made Snake rupiculous habitat Psammophylax Striped Sight record Man-made tritaeniatus Skaapsteker rupiculous habitat Trachylepis varia Variable Skink Sight record Natural rupiculous habitat Cordylus vittifer Transvaal Sight record Natural rupiculous Girdled Lizard habitat Amietaophrynus Western Olive Sight record In an open man-hole poweri Toad Amietia angolensis Common River Sight record In an open man-hole Frog

All eight species listed in Table 2 should be very common on the study site and elsewhere in its range

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Figure 10: One of numerous Transvaal Thick-toed geckos observed on the study site.

Figure 11: A Western Olive Toad which was observed on the study site.

Figure 12: A Common River Frog which was observed on the study site.

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6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS

The study site has prominent topographical features in the form of the large dam, wetlands, tributaries of the Hex River, bare natural rock and rocky outcrops. The study site contains all four herpetofauna habitats, i.e. terrestrial, arboreal (tree-living), rupiculous and wetlands. The study site is, however, ecologically disturbed by encroaching urbanisation, invasive plants, overgrazing, fires, dumping and neglect. These factors have a detrimental effect on herpetofauna numbers and diversity.

Species richness: It must be emphasized that the species richness inferred (Table 1) is for the general area and NOT for the study site itself. Endangered species: The Endangered Species treat the site as part of their home ranges / territories. Sensitive species and/or areas (Conservation ranking): It is likely that Red Listed and sensitive species such as Giant Bullfrogs and the Southern African Python will migrate to aquatic and semi-aquatic conditions in and along the water sources from time to time. All water bodies like the large dam wetlands, tributaries of the Hex River (streams) must be regarded as sensitive. The Ridge Policy of the GDARD offers a good framework to exclude any development on the rocky outcrop, bare natural rock and slopes within the study site, because of its pristine nature and high species diversity Habitat(s) quality and extent: The terrestrial habitat quality is seriously jeopardised by dumping, urbanisation, invasive plants, overgrazing, fires and informal rubbish dumping. Arboreal habitat has been destroyed by felling of trees. Water pollution by rubbish and invasive plants threaten the aquatic habitat. At some places the rocky outcrops and bare natural rock were damaged by human activities. Impact on species richness and conservation: The construction of the commercial, industrial and residential developments will have a significant and sometimes lasting effect on species richness and conservation, because of the construction of buildings and new roads with more vehicles. These buildings and roads will form an even larger barrier for herpetofauna movement and it will result in a decrease in connectivity. The development will have a large and permanent footprint. Connectivity: Connectivity is poor. Emigration and immigration are more likely along the streams, with water sources serving in places as a dispersal corridor. This implies a buffer zone of 100 metres from the edge of the riparian zone (as prescribed for areas outside the urban edge). Management recommendation: After the development of the site, measures will have to be taken to reduce water pollution of the streams, wetlands and dams and to stop illegal rubbish dumping. Keeping the footprint of all three developments as small as possible will be the initial focus for conservation and mitigation action, followed by the best possible practices for the rehabilitation of the disturbed areas close to sensitive areas. General: Considering the scale of the intended development, the loss/displacement of some herpetofauna is a foregone conclusion, particularly that of terrestrial species, but in the overall picture of the affected species, it will be minimal.

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Figure 13: Herpetofaunal sensitivity map

7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE

The Galago Environmental specialists are amply qualified and experienced to gauge absences or presences of species on a location such as this. The team has access to ample data bases and information resources, and has earlier conducted numerous intensive field surveys allowing the extrapolation of habitat diversity and quality into species occurrences. In this instance an intensive survey will be lucrative for the specialists, but it is deemed an expensive and fruitless experience with no or little chance of altering the opinion presented here.

Even though every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this report, environmental assessment studies are limited in scope, time and budget. To some extent, discussions and proposed mitigations are made on reasonable and informed assumptions base on bone fide information sources, as well as deductive reasoning. Deriving a 100% factual report based on field collecting and observations can only be done over several years and seasons to account for fluctuating environmental conditions and migrations. Since environmental impact studies deal with dynamic natural systems, additional information may come to light at a later stage. Galago Environmental Fauna and Flora Specialists can therefore not accept responsibility for conclusions and mitigation measures made in good faith based on own databases or on the information provided at the time of the directive. This report should therefore be viewed and acted upon with these limitations in mind.

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8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES

Protection of the large dam, wetlands and the tributaries of the Hex River (streams):

Every effort should be made to retain the linear integrity, flow dynamics and water quality of the the large dam, wetlands and the tributaries of the Hex River (streams) and its associated riparian vegetation. It will be necessary to ensure that the water diverted from the catchment area is returned to the original drainage line in a manner that duplicates, as close as possible, the natural flow, quality and functional regime of the original ecosystem.

The following mitigation measures are proposed by the specialist.

• If the Southern African Python or any herpetological species be encountered or exposed during the construction phase, they should be removed and relocated to natural areas in the vicinity. This remedial action requires the employment of a herpetologist to oversee the removal of any herpetofauna during the initial ground clearing phase of construction (i.e. initial ground-breaking by earthmoving equipment). Giant Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus) should be released at the nearest breeding site. The contractor must ensure that no herpetofauna species are disturbed, trapped, hunted or killed during the construction phase. Any herpetofauna that are inadvertently killed during earthmoving operations should be preserved as museum voucher specimens. Conservation-orientated clauses should be built into contracts for construction personnel, complete with penalty clauses for non-compliance. • The following mitigation measures were developed by GDARD (Directorate of Nature Conservation, 2012) and are applicable to the study site. Where appropriate, specific elaborations by the specialist are given in brackets.

• An appropriate management authority (e.g. the body corporate) that must be contractually bound to implement the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Record of Decision (ROD) during the operational phase of the development should be identified and informed of their responsibilities in terms of the EMP and ROD. • All areas designated as sensitive in a sensitivity mapping exercise should be incorporated into an open space system. Development should be located on the areas of lowest sensitivity. (At the large dam, wetlands and the tributaries of the Hex River (streams) on the study site, a 100 metre buffer zone is considered as sensitive and should thus be treated as an open space system. The rocky outcrops and bare natural rocks should also be excluded from any development) • The open space system (the water ways) should be managed in accordance with an Ecological Management Plan that complies with the Minimum Requirements for Ecological Management Plans and forms part of the EMP. • The Ecological Management Plan should: o include a fire management programme to ensure persistence of grassland

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o include an ongoing monitoring and eradication programme for all non- indigenous species, with specific emphasis on invasive and weedy species o include a comprehensive surface runoff and storm water management plan, indicating how all surface runoff generated as a result of the development (during both the construction and operational phases) will be managed (e.g. artificial wetlands / storm water and flood retention ponds) prior to entering any natural drainage system or wetland and how surface runoff will be retained outside of any demarcated buffer/flood zones and subsequently released to simulate natural hydrological conditions o ensure the persistence of all Red List species o include a monitoring programme for all Red List species o facilitate/augment natural ecological processes o provide for the habitat and life history needs of important pollinators o minimise artificial edge effects (e.g. water runoff from developed areas & application of chemicals) o include a comprehensive plan for limited recreational development (trails, bird hides, etc.) within the open space system o include management recommendations for neighbouring land, especially where correct management on adjacent land is crucial for the long-term persistence of sensitive species present on the development site o result in a report back to the Directorate of Nature Conservation on an annual basis o investigate and advise on appropriate legislative tools (e.g. the NEMA: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003) for formally protecting the area (as well as adjacent land where it is crucial for the long-term persistence of sensitive species present on the development site) • The open space system should be fenced off prior to construction commencing (including site clearing and pegging). All construction-related impacts (including service roads, temporary housing, temporary ablution, disturbance of natural habitat, storing of equipment/building materials/vehicles or any other activity) should be excluded from the open space system. Access of vehicles to the open space system should be prevented and access of people should be controlled, both during the construction and operational phases. Movement of indigenous fauna should however be allowed (i.e. no solid walls, e.g. through the erection of palisade fencing). • The appropriate agency should implement an ongoing monitoring and eradication program for all invasive and weedy plant species growing within the servitude. • Rehabilitation of natural vegetation should proceed in accordance with a rehabilitation plan compiled by a specialist registered in terms of the Natural Scientific Professions Act (No. 27 of 2003) in the field of Ecological Science. • Any post-development re-vegetation or landscaping exercise should use species indigenous to South Africa. Plant species locally indigenous to the area are preferred. As far as possible, indigenous plants naturally growing along the route, that would otherwise be destroyed during construction, should be used for re- vegetation / landscaping purposes

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9. CONCLUSIONS

The proposed development will inevitably transform large areas of natural habitat. Keeping the footprint of all activities as small as possible will be the focus of conservation and mitigation actions.

Considering the scale of the intended development, the loss/displacement of some fauna is a foregone conclusion, particularly that of terrestrial species.

Maintaining and improving the conservation integrity of the tributaries of the Hex River (streams), wetlands and the large Townlands Platinum Mine Dam is imperative and non- negotiable. This water source should be regarded as sensitive, as such providing indispensable habitat for Red Listed and sensitive species as well as serving in places as a dispersal corridor. This implies a buffer zone of 100 metres from the edge of the riparian zone (as prescribed for areas outside the urban edge) or 32 metres from the edge of the riparian zone (as prescribed for areas inside the urban edge).

If the development should go ahead, an important indirect effect would be the likely impact that the proposed development might have on the surface water runoff and water quality of the catchment area of the streams and dam. This could have a negative impact on the herpetofauna. These effects could be ameliorated by the construction of retention ponds, which would retard discharge into the catchment area and improve the discharge water quality.

The TOPS listed Southern African Python may occur within the study site and there is a marginal possibility that the contentious Red Data Giant Bullfrog may also occur within the study site.

10. LITERATURE SOURCES

Alexander, G. & Marais J. 2007. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town 408pp. Branch, W.R. (Editor), August 1988. South African Red Data Book – Reptiles and Amphibians. S.A. National Scientific Programmes, Report No. 151, 244 pp. Branch, W.R. 1998. Field Guide to the Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. 3rd edition. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. 399 pp., maps, 112 plates. Branch, W.R. 2002. ‘The Conservation Status of South Africa’s threatened Reptiles’: 89 – 103..In:- G.H. Verdoorn & J. le Roux (editors), ‘The State of Southern Africa’s Species’, Proceedings of a conference held at the Rosebank Hotel, 4 – 7 September 2001. World Wildlife Fund. Broadley, D.G. 1990. Fitz Simons’ Snakes of Southern Africa. Jonathan Ball & Ad Donker Publishers. 387pp. Carruthers, V. & Du Preez, L. 2011. Frogs & Frogging. Struik Nature, Cape Town. p108. Channing, A. 2001. Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa. Protea Bookhouse Pretoria. 470pp. De Moor, I.J. & Bruton, M.N. 1988. Atlas of alien and translocated indigenous aquatic animals in southern Africa. S.A. National Scientific Programmes, Report No. 144, 310pp. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. 2007. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004): Publication of Lists of

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Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Protected Species. Government Notices. Directorate of Nature Conservation, GDACE. 2008 and revised on February 2009. GDACE requirements for Biodiversity Assessments, Version 2. Gauteng Provincial Government Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, GDARD. 2011. GDARD Gauteng Conservation Plan, Version 3.3. Gauteng Provincial Government Du Preez, L. & Carruthers, V. 2009. A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. 488 pp. Measey, G.J. (ed.) 2011. Ensuring a future for South Africa’s frogs: a strategy for conservation research. SANBI Biodiversity Series 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.84pp Minter, L.R., Burger, M., Harrison, J.A., Braack, H.H., Bishop, P.J. and Kloepfer, D. eds. 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.SI/MAB Series #9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Picker M. & Griffiths C. 2011. Alien & Invasive Animals. A South African Perspective. Struik Nature, Cape Town. P240. Van Wyk, J.C.P., Kok, D.J. & Du Preez, L.H. 1992. Growth and behaviour of tadpoles and juveniles of the African Bullfrog, Pyxicephalus adspersus Tschudi 1838. J Herp. Assoc. Afr. 40:56. The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) The Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) The National Environment Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004. (Act No. 10 0f 2004). Government Gazette RSA Vol. 467, 26436, Cape Town, June 2004. The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004. (Act No. 10 of 2004). Draft List of Threatened Ecosystems. Government Gazette RSA Vol. 1477, 32689, Cape Town, 6 Nov 2009. The National Forests Act, 2006 (Act No. 84 of 1998 as amended). Government Gazette RSA Vol. 897, 29062, Cape Town, 8 Sept 2006. The Natural Scientific Professions Act (Act No. 27 of 2003).

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