Avifaunal Habitat Assessment Farm Weltevreden 746-LS, Polokwane October 2017

The proposed construction of the 90MW PV solar park, and 66kv transmission line to connect to the existing substation over portion 3, 4, 6 and the remainder of the farm Weltevreden 746-LS within the Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province.

Prepared by

Cornel du Toit PhD UP Clayton Cook MSc UP Specialist ecological consultant Specialist faunal consultant Sterkfontein Farm Pri. Sci. Nat. 400084/08 Haenertsburg, Limpopo Munster, Kwazulu-Natal Email: [email protected] Cell: 082 877 3705

Commissioned by

PHAKANANI ENVIRONMENTAL

October 2017 To Phakanani Environmental

Avifaunal Habitat Assessment 1 Avifaunal Habitat Assessment Farm Weltevreden 746-LS, Polokwane October 2017

We have the pleasure in submitting herewith our report as requested and as per your correspondence and appointment in October 2017. This study has been carried out in accordance with regulations stated in DEAT (2005) Guideline 3: General Guide to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2005, Integrated Environmental Management Guideline Series, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria.

The aim of this report was to: 1. Identify detrimental environmental impacts, of the proposed construction of a 90MW PV Solar Park project and associated infrastructure, on avifauna in the survey area. 2. Provide the client with a description of the potential status of threatened bird species and habitats that could be potentially suitable for their presence in the survey area. 3. Provide recommendations for the long term management of the survey area.

Exactly 353 bird species have been recorded in the survey area. This includes twenty one bird species of conservation concern (Table 1).

Table 1. Birds of conservation concern that appear in the grid reference 2329CD. National number Scientific name Common name Regional conservation status

146 Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur Endangered

238 Lissotis melanogaster Bustard Black‐bellied Near Threatened

140 Polemaetus bellicosus Eagle Martial Endangered

132 Aquila rapax Eagle Tawny Endangered

131 Aquila verreauxii Eagle Verreauxs' Vulnerable

172 Falco biarmicus Falcon Lanner Vulnerable

179 Falco vespertinus Falcon Red‐footed Near Threatened

165 Circus raniverus Harrier African Marsh‐ Endangered

167 Circus macrourus Harrier Pallid Near Threatened

233 Eupodotus senegalensis Korhaan White‐bellied Vulnerable

501 Certhilauda chuana Short-clawed lark Near-Threatened

393 Tyto capensis Owl African Grass‐ Vulnerable

772 Buphagus erythrorhynchus Oxpecker, red-billed Near Threatened

716 Anthus crenatus Pipit African Near Threatened

446 Coracias garrulus Roller European Near Threatened

118 Sagittarius serpentarius Secretary bird Vulnerable

85 Ciconia abdimii Stork Abdim's Near Threatened

84 Ciconia nigra Stork Black Vulnerable

89 Leptoptilos crumeniferus Stork Marabou Near Threatened

122 Gyps coprotheres Vulture Cape Endangered

124 Torgos tracheliotos Vulture Lappet‐faced Endangered

123 Gyps africanus Vulture White‐backed Endangered

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Four birds of conservation concern were encountered in the survey area during the survey period. These included Coracias garrulus (European Roller), Anthus crenatus (African Pippet), Certhilauda chuana (Short-clawed Lark) and Lissotis melanogaster (Black-bellied bustard), all listed as Near Threatened. Eupodotus senegalensis (White Bellied Korhaan) and Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretary bird) were not observed but are likely to use the site for foraging and possibly breeding. None of the remaining 14 species of conservation concern were observed. They may however traverse the site or use it for occasional foraging.

The neighbouring Polokwane Nature Reserve is listed as an IBA by Birdlife South Africa. This reserve is located less than 1 km west of the survey area. As mentioned on their website, “it is the only reserve in South Africa in which the isolated eastern population of Short-clawed Lark Certhilauda chuana occurs. Secretary bird Sagittarius serpentarius can be found here and occasionally breeds. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus and Cape Vulture G. coprotheres are occasional visitors. Other woodland specials include Red-crested Korhaan Eupodotis ruficrista, White-throated Robin- Chat Cossypha humeralis, Kalahari Scrub Robin Erythropygia paena, Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis, Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolata, Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis, Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus, Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons, Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus, Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotus and Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia. Globally threatened species are Cape Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus. Regional threatened species include Short-clawed Lark (30–55 pairs, 80–120 individuals). About 75 pairs occur on neighbouring properties. Of the biome-restricted species in the IBA, Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus and Barred Wren-Warbler are common, while White-throated Robin-Chat and Kalahari Scrub Robin are less common.”

According to Birdlife, the protection status of this IBA is not clear. It was formally protected but not formally proclaimed by the Polokwane municipality in terms of NEM: PAA. Birdlife recommends expansion of the IBA’s boundary to include large areas of undeveloped municipal land to the north-east of Polokwane Nature Reserve. This includes portions of the survey area. It is suspected that Certhilauda chuana (Short-clawed Lark) occurs in greater numbers on neighbouring properties than in Polokwane Nature Reserve itself, as it prefers degraded areas. Uncontrolled fires are a major threat to this species, especially fires that occur after October when the species is breeding. Should any development be allowed then a fire control plan will have to be implemented and adhered to.

Urban expansion, quarrying, and trampling and over-grazing by cattle are important contributing factors to the decline in suitable habitats of the survey area. These activities have continued in and adjacent to the survey area for some time, which has caused habitat modification, and transformation of the survey site. Small species such as larks will be most affected as they have relatively small territories, which may be completely destroyed.

Approximately 85% of the survey area (unit 1) is comprised of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld that remains in a largely natural condition. This vegetation unit is considered as Least Concern, however

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only 2% is statutorily conserved and approximately one third of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld is considered as degraded. Unit 1 land is used mainly for cattle grazing by local communities. There are however few signs of overgrazing and relatively few alien invasive plants occur in unit 1 of the survey area. Soil erosion in unit one is minimal. The property is fenced; however, access can easily be obtained through holes in this fence line or by simply climbing over dilapidated sections. Signs of snaring were evident towards the northeast of the survey area, where rural communities reside.

Polokwane is considered a central point from where bushveld birds radiate outwards with eastern species overlapping with western species and northern species meeting their southern counterparts. The Polokwane Game Reserve lists 343 birds on their checklist. Not all of these species were observed for the following reasons: (1) the time of year when the survey was conducted not all migratory species have returned to the area, (2) relatively less abundant food resources occur in the survey area than in the adjacent Polokwane Game Reserve, and nearby Kuschke Nature Reserve, where habitats have a higher degree of ecological integrity, (3) time constraint of the study, and (4) the degree to which the environment and land surface of the survey area had been modified/ transformed.

Currently the high voltage power lines pose a threat to raptors and vultures. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays do not have any direct negative consequences on birds. Only phototactic species, such as swallows, may be exposed to a very low risk of collision with the solar panels if they mistake the panels for a waterbody and attempt to drink on the wing (swallows) or land on it (ducks). Overall the construction of a PV solar array may assist in lowering risk factors, such as the danger of collision with power lines, to certain bird species, such as Verreaux’s eagle.

Vultures are unlikely to breed or regularly frequent the survey area due to reduced probability of finding sufficient carrion resources. This is mainly because most large mammalian herbivores are absent from the site. Sufficient small mammal diversity does however occur for the raptors to feed and possibly even breed in the survey area. No evidence of poisoning was observed in the survey area, although this is something that is difficult to detect in a short survey period. There are few large trees for raptors to breed in and those that are suitable constitute exotic species. There are no cliffs that occur on the site and therefore no nesting sites for species such as the Cape Vulture.

Ninety-five percent of the survey area is located within a CBA1. The remainder of the site is considered to be a CBA2. The urgent environmental issue on the property is the proliferation of exotic tree species in unit 2. The removal of these species should be considered a high priority. Soil erosion is prominent in this area. As long as the mining and smelting activities are practised on neighbouring properties, it is highly unlikely that this portion of the survey site will be restored to the original vegetation type. LDEDET considers CBA 1’s to be irreplaceable and necessary to meet conservation targets. CBA 2’s are considered as best design sites required to meet biodiversity targets. The survey area has been

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assigned a high conservation priority by LDEDET because it’s a buffer zone to Polokwane Nature Reserve, a protected area and a globally recognised IBA.

The survey area is located adjacent to a mine to the south-west and a silicon smelter to the east. For this reason, a small portion of the site has been transformed from Polokwane Plateau Bushveld into an artificial wetland, which is heavily invaded by alien plant species. There is limited connectivity between the survey area and the Polokwane Nature Reserve. The connection point between the survey area and the reserve is comprised of severely degraded mining areas, a smeltering plant, Silicon Road, and habitat that has been transformed by the seepage of mine water into the survey area as well as invasion by exotic species. Nevertheless, despite the survey area being encircled by public roads to the west, agricultural holdings to the south and east, urbanised areas to the north and mines to the west, there is a degree of connectivity with other natural stands of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld. These stands of natural vegetation indirectly connect the survey area to Polokwane Nature Reserve.

The potential impacts of the development of a solar park to local avifauna include habitat destruction, disturbance, electrocution and collision on associated infrastructure, and impacts on quality of food supply. Four of the five impacts are judged to be of low significance. The habitat destruction associated with the development of a 90MW solar park will however be considerable, and will almost certainly have detrimental impacts for local avifauna. A decision on whether the proposed development should be approved will depend on LDEDET priorities. The question at hand will be whether the provincial demand for clean energy should be prioritised over the necessity to maintain a natural buffer zone surrounding a small municipal reserve that constitutes safe space for twenty bird species of conservation concern.

CONTENTS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2

BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ...... 7

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND STUDY AREA ...... 9

AVIFAUNA ...... 13

RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 30

REFERENCES ...... 33

BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms on earth, including the variability within and between species and within and between ecosystems. The biodiversity of Limpopo province is under constant threat from human settlement and societal development. Natural land is being degraded and transformed by the rapid expansion of human settlements as well as the establishment of mines, manufacturing plants, storage dams, transport and agricultural infrastructure. The loss, fragmentation and degradation of natural habitat through urbanisation and exponential human population growth, represent the greatest threats to biodiversity in Limpopo province.

Sustainable development is an evolving concept, which is continually being redefined and reinterpreted and should form the basis of the planning processes of new developments. Reducing the burden of environmental impacts is necessary if development is to become sustainable. The process of planning new developments should be based on scientific, ecological principles and used as a planning tool to promote sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into a wide range of proposed actions. Development proposals should not undermine critical resource and ecological functions. These proposals should improve the way environmental resources are utilised as well as the well-being, lifestyle and livelihood of the communities who depend on them.

According to NWDCE (2008) sustainable development refers to “the integration of social, economic and environmental factors into planning, implementation and decision-making so as to ensure that development serves present and future generations”. It rests on three namely economic viability, social equity and ecological integrity (Figure 4.). To ensure that sustainable development is achieved it is critical that government has strategies and policies in place that dictate the rate of consumption of non- renewable and renewable resources, thereby ensuring ecosystem integrity whilst still providing the necessary services to humans.

Figure 1. The three pillars on which sustainable utilisation and therefore economic viability rests.

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Any strategy aimed at ensuring sustainable development must, according to the European Commission (1993), focus on maintaining overall quality of life (for all living organisms), guarantee continued access to these natural resources and avoid permanent damage to ecosystems. The European commission further stresses three important elements of such programmes: 1. Preventative action should be preferable to remedial measures; 2. Environmental damage should be restored at the source and; 3. The transgressor should pay the cost of corrective measures taken to protect/restore the environment. Although the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) has developed a national Framework to improve communication between organs of state and the public and to provide sufficient information for decision-making for development, it is important that each province define their own set of priorities to ensure sustainable development and utilisation of its natural resources. From a national perspective, Section 24 of the constitution of RSA enshrines the right to - The Environment. Everyone has the right:

1. to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

2. to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; b) promote conservation; and c) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

3. Sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the following: a) That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied; b) that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied; c) that the disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nation's cultural heritage is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimized and remedied; d) that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimized and reused or recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner; e) that the use and exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is responsible and equitable, and takes into account the consequences of the depletion of the resource; f) that the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardized; g) that a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions; and h) that negative impacts on the environment and on people's environmental rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are minimized and remedied.

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PROJECT BACKGROUND AND STUDY AREA

Jeka Resources (Pty) Ltd has appointed Phakanani Environmental to undertake an EIA process for the proposed construction of a 90MW PV solar park project and associated infrastructure on a portion of the farm Weltevreden 746-LS, within the Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo.

The proposed project triggers the following activities: Activities 11 and 29 (ii) in GN R.327 under Listing Notice 1; Activities 1 and 15 in GN R.325 under Listing Notice 2; and Activities 4 and 12 GN R.324 under Listing Notice 3.

On the 6th of October 2017 Phakanani Environmental requested an ecological survey of the property to gauge what environmental impacts may result from these construction activities. This ecological survey has been carried out with a special focus on: 1. providing the client with an avifaunal habitat assessment of the survey area; 2. identifying potential bird species of conservation concern and habitat that could be potentially suitable for their presence in the areas where developments are to take place on the Farm Weltevreden 746-LS, in the Polokwane Local Municipality.

This will include: 1. a bird survey based on sightings and literature, with comments on preferred habitats 2. preparation of bird species list for species observed and those likely to occur in the study area 3. an environmental sensitivity map and comments on ecological sensitive areas 4. a description of impacts on birds 5. recommendations for long-term management of natural areas.

Location of the study area: The Farm Weltevreden 746-LS is located about 8 km from Polokwane city centre, in Limpopo (Figure 2). The site is accessible via a road that leads to the Polokwane Game Reserve and Silicon Smelter, which turns off the R71 road. The construction of a solar park will take place within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA 1 & 2) as per the Limpopo Conservation Plan.

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Figure 2. The location of the survey site on a portion of the Farm Weltevreden 746-LS South West of Polokwane.

Figure 3. Location of the proposed development area within the Limpopo Conservation Plan.

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Figure 6. Location of the Polokwane Nature Reserve IBA (outlined in orange) in relation to the survey area (outlined in red).

Duration of survey: The site visit was carried out on 15th, 16th and 17th October 2017 soon after the first spring rains were recorded for the area. The site visit was performed by Cornel du Toit. Vincent van der Merwe visited the survey area on the 13th October 2017. The purpose of these site visits was to become acquainted with the development area, to document bird diversity and assess habitat integrity. And to investigate the possibility of bird species of conservation concern or sensitive habitat being impacted by listed activities on the site.

Conditions during survey: Conditions for an avifaunal survey were satisfactory. The study area had received some early summer rainfall prior to the site visit. Temperatures exceeded 25°C during the site visit and it was sunny with no cloud cover during the sampling effort. Invertebrate activity was low due to the survey period (early summer). Few plant species were flowering, which may be used as food resources by birds. Follow up site visits after good summer rains would be preferable to enable a more complete list of bird species to be recorded.

Topography and land use: The survey area is a moderately undulating plain that slopes downwards in a south westerly direction, at about 1100m above sea level (a.s.l.). The majority of the Farm Weltevreden 746-LS is used to graze cattle, except for the south western portion, which is wedged between a silicon smelter and a mining site. Several drainage ponds were built in this section and mine dumps flank this area to the west. Thus, economic activities take place in the larger, relatively natural portion of the survey area, away from the smelter and mine. These economic activities include only

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subsistence cattle farming. Most of the anthropogenic disturbance is concentrated in the south-western section, where the vast majority of the site has been transformed by alien invasives and dam building activities. This resulted in the transformation of the Polokwane Plateau Bushveld that is the only vegetation type on the Farm Weltevreden 746-LS. The exotic trees Eucalyptus spp. and Melia azedarach have become established in this portion of the survey area. Elements of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld have persisted away from the dams and dense eucalypt stands.

Geology and soils: Migmatites and gneisses of the Hout River Gneiss and the Turfloop Granite are dominant. Some ultra-mafic and mafic metavolcanics, quartzite and chloride schists of the Pietersburg group are present. Soils are variable (freely drained soils) with Mispah and Glenrosa soil forms. (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).

Climate: Summer rainfall with very dry winters. Mean Annual Precipitation is approximately 400mm per year in the northwest to about 600mm where it borders the foot of mountains to the east. The highest monthly rainfall is recorded in December and January. Almost no precipitation occurs in winter. Mean Annual Temperature is 16.9 ºC. Frost is fairly infrequent. The survey area has low climatic variation due to the homogenous nature of the study site.

Figure 4. Climate data values for the survey area.

Vegetation: The survey area is located within the Savanna Biome of southern Africa and specifically within the Central Bushveld (SVcb) (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). A bioregion is a composite terrestrial unit that is defined on the basis of broadly similar biotic and physical features. The vegetation of the location where the solar park will be built, is classified as Polokwane Plateau Bushveld (SVcb23) (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). This vegetation unit was previously classified as Pietersburg Plateau Grassveld (50%) (VT 67) by Acocks (1953); and Mixed Bushveld (88%) (LR 18) by Low & Rebelo (1996).

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Recent urban expansion occurred in the north western parts; and rural human settlements are burgeoning in a densely concentrated region in the east of this vegetation unit. Erosion potential is high to moderate (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). Alien invasive plants grow in scattered populations in some regions of this unit. Plants of concern include the species: Agave spp., Jacaranda mimosifolia, Melia azedarach, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Rhicinus communis.

Two vegetation types were identified during the survey: 1. Polokwane Plateau Bushveld 2. Transformed Marsh Zone

1.Polokwane Plateau Bushveld

Mapping unit 1 Tree cover >10% Soil Soils variable. Glenrosa and Mispah soil forms Shrub cover <5% Rock cover Low Herb cover <5% Topography Slightly undulating plain. About 1100m a.s.l. Grass cover >80% Status: The vegetation unit is largely natural although some areas are invaded by alien plant species and low levels of over grazing by cattle Ground cover of site: 65% Need for rehabilitation: Removal of exotic vegetation, implement adequate measures to prevent erosion. Litter removal. Agricultural potential: Low Conservation priority: Medium-High

This vegetation unit comprises of a moderately undulating plain with short open tree layer with a well- developed grass layer and a grass plain with occasional trees. Vegetation unit 1 covers most of the survey site, except for a small area in the south-western portion. Although this unit is largely naturally intact, some anthropogenic disturbances are evident. These disturbances include (1) the establishment of roads and other agricultural infrastructure (cattle feeding troughs), (2) the erection of power lines, (3)

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dumping of litter, and (4) invasion by alien and invasive species. Low levels of over grazing by cattle are evident. Although alien and invasive species were observed, the level of invasion by these species is relatively low.

Table 1. Plant species identified in unit 1 during the survey (invasive species bolded). Trees Shrubs Graminoids Climbers Herbs Acacia caffra Lippia javanica Panicum maximum Rubia petiolaris Hypoxis hemerocallidea Acacia karroo Seersia pyroides Aristida congesta Asparagus africanus Eulophia petersii Acacia tortilis Triumfetta pilosa Hyparrhenia hirta Felicia mossamedensis Acacia rehmanniana Anthospermum rigidum Eragrostis curvula Aloe greatheadii Acacia permixta Gymnosporia glaucophylla Themeda triandra Bidens pilosa Aloe marlothii Senecio burchelli Cymbopogon excavates Tagetes minuta Ziziphus mucronata Solanum panduriforme Cynodon dactylon Combretum molle Helichrysum spp. Digitaria diagonalis Seersia lancea Opuntia stricta Eragrostic curvula Gymnosporia senegalensis Ricinus communis Urchloa mosambicensis Diospyros lycioides Seriphium plumosum Sporobolus africanus Euclea crispa Sorghum bicolor Ehritia rigida Dombeya rotundifolia Peltophorum africanum Dichrostachys cinerea Melia azedarach Agave sisalana Cereus jamarca

Conclusion:  Despite anthropogenic disturbance, this vegetation unit remains in a relatively natural condition.  This vegetation type is classified as Least Threatened.  Indirectly, there is a degree of connectivity with larger portions of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld to the South of the survey area, where it is separated from the Polokwane Nature Reserve by two fences and the Silicon Road.  This unit is regarded as having Medium-High conservation value.

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2. Transformed Marsh Zone

Mapping unit 2 Tree cover ±60% Soil Soils variable. Glenrosa and Mispah soil forms Shrub cover ±10% Rock cover <5% Herb cover ±10% Topography Moderately undulating marshy area, about 1100m a.s.l. Grass cover ±20% Status: Transformed marshy area characterised by man-made dams that are filled by mine seepage water and severely invaded by alien plant species. Ground cover of site: >90% Need for rehabilitation: Removal of alien invasive plant species. Agricultural potential: Low Conservation priority: Low

This vegetation unit was formerly comprised of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld. Due to its proximity to a silicon smelter and an adjacent mine the area had become completely transformed by the construction of man-made dams and rubble heaps. Alien invasive plants, mainly Eucalyptus sp., abound in this unit. These factors have facilitated the transition of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld into a transformed marsh vegetation. The restoration of this unit back to Polokwane Plateau Bushveld is unlikely. However, the regulation of the water levels in the ponds (dams) and eradication of all alien and invasive plants should go a long way in restoring some of the ecological integrity of the unit. This unit has a relatively low species richness. No plant species of conservation concern were observed.

Table 2. Plant species identified in unit 2 during the survey (invasive species bolded). Trees Shrubs Graminoids Climbers Herbs Acacia tortilis Gymnosporia senegalensis Themeda triandra Hypoxis hemerocallidea Acacia rhemanniana Diospyros lycioides Panicum maximum Aloe greatheadii Acacia caffra Lippia javanica Hyparrhena hirta Typha capensis Combretum molle Seersia pyroides Eragrostis gummiflua Cyperus spp. Melia azedarach Bidens pilosa Eucalyptus spp.

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Conclusion:  This unit is in a transformed state and very few elements of the original Polokwane Plateau Bushveld remain.  Alien vegetation is abundant in this south-western corner of this unit, outcompeting indigenous woody vegetation. These alien elements should be cleared and the area rehabilitated as a high priority.  The artificial wetland areas provide habitat for a large variety of bird, insect and amphibian species. For this reason, the artificial wetland areas should not be considered for development.  This unit is currently a mosaic of transformed marshland and Polokwane Plateau Bushveld. It should be regarded as having low conservation value because it is invaded by alien plant species, mainly Eucalyptus spp.

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Figure 5. Map indicating the different vegetation units in the survey area namely (1) Polokwane Plateau Bushveld, (2) Transformed Marsh Zone.

AVIFAUNA OF THE SURVEY AREA

Introduction: It is widely accepted that vegetation structure, rather than actual plant species, influences bird species distribution and abundance. Vegetation physiognomy affects insect community structure and composition, which in turn directly affects the availability of food to insectivorous birds, and indirectly to other birds higher up in a food chain through cascade effects.

Methods: Birds were identified using a pair of 10x50 Bushnell Legend binoculars as well as from species specific calls, nests and feathers. Incidental observations were also made during the amphibian, reptile and mammal surveys. Of the 353 bird species known to occur in the survey area, 55 were directly observed during the surveys (Table 3). No trapping or mist netting was conducted, and bird surveys were done in transects in all habitat types in the two vegetation units of the survey area.

At the onset of the study, various maps and satellite images (1: 50 000 topo-cadastral maps, Google Earth etc.) were sourced and studied to identify landscape features within the study area, e.g. aquatic habitats, rocky outcrops, roads, agricultural areas, suburban areas, drainage lines, wooded areas etc. A comprehensive list of species recorded within the study area was compiled using, published (Bird Atlas reports) and unpublished literature (previous EIA reports, bird club reports, dissertations, thesis‟s etc.), as well as various electronic databases such as the second South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2).

Species of conservation concern that have been recorded or that may potentially occur in the study area were noted and their habitat requirements were determined by consulting relevant literature. Knowledge of the species’ habitat requirements was then used in conjunction with Google Earth mapping programs, information obtained during the field surveys and the author’s experience of the area to establish whether and where suitable habitat for the species exists within the study site. The comprehensive bird list and the list of species of conservation concern were then used to identify “Priority Species‟.

Twenty bird species of conservation interest occur in the grid reference 2329CD:  Endangered: Terathopius ecaudatus (Bateleur), Polemaetus bellicosus (Martial eagle), Aquila rapax (Tawny eagle), Circus raniverus (African marsh-harrier), Gyps coprotheres (Cape vulture), Torgos tracheliotos (Lapped-faced vulture), Gyps africanus (White-backed vulture). No permanent water resources are found in the survey area. From a large mammal perspective, are diminished food resources available to vultures compared to the Polokwane and Kuschke Nature Reserves adjacent, or very close to the study area. Smaller mammal diversity is

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sufficient to support the abovementioned raptor species that will almost certainly utilise the survey area for foraging. The presence of large exotic trees in unit could constitute nesting sites for some of these raptor species.

 Vulnerable: Aquila verreauxii (Verreaux’s eagle), Falco biarmicus (Lanner falcon), Eupodotus senegalensis (White-bellied korhaan), Tyto capensis (Grass owl), Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretary bird), Ciconia nigra (Black stork). Although none of these species were observed, habitat is certainly suitable.

 Near Threatened: Lissotis melanogaster (Black-bellied bustard), Falco vespertinus (Red- footed falcon), Circus macrourus (Pallid harrier), Anthus crenatus (African pipit), Coracias garrulous (European roller), Ciconia abdimii (Abdim’s stork), Leptoptilos crumeniferus (Maribou stork) and Certhilauda chuana (Short-clawed Lark),

Four birds of conservation concern were encountered in the survey area during the survey period. These included Coracias garrulus (European Roller), Anthus crenatus (African Pippet), Certhilauda chuana (Short-clawed Lark) and Lissotis melanogaster (Black-bellied bustard), all listed as Near Threatened. Eupodotus senegalensis (White Bellied Korhaan) and Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretary bird) were not observed but are likely to use the site for foraging and possibly breeding. None of the remaining 14 species of conservation concern were not observed, however they are likely to traverse the site or use it for occasional foraging.

With regards to endemism, five species on the assessment list are considered to be Southern African Endemics (a species found only within the southern Africa sub-region). These are Cape Longclaw Macronyx capensis, Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silans, Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paena, Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afroides and Short-clawed Lark Certhilauda chuana. A further 17 species are considered to be near-endemics (a species whose distribution range is almost entirely within southern Africa but extends just beyond the borders of the sub-region).

As a result of breeding evidence such as nests which were observed during the field survey and the presence of suitable breeding habitat, it is expected that at least 100 species breed within the study area.

The Cape Vulture and Sothern Bald Ibis the only two species of the eleven priority species that are also listed as a specially protected species in the Limpopo Province under the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (act No 7 of 2003). Five of the six “vulnerable‟ species are resident species while one, the Lesser Kestrel is a summer non-breeding migrant.

Two of the smaller “priority‟ bird species are the highly localized Short-clawed Lark Certhilauda chuana and Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus (Fig 13). Both species are listed under the “Near- threatened‟ category of the South African Red Data list. The well-grazed, open habitats of the study area is the preferred habitat for the lark where they were recorded during the field survey. Red billed Oxpeckers were recordedflying in groups across the study site.

Avifaunal Habitat Assessment 18 Avifaunal Habitat Assessment Farm Weltevreden 746-LS, Polokwane October 2017

Although not listed as a red data or priority species the Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afroides is a highly localised species in the Limpopo Province and is mainly found on the few remaining open patches in the Polokwane Plateau Bushveld vegetation type. This species as with the White-bellied Korhaan are susceptible to collisions with overhead power lines.

No significant water bodies, which would attract waterfowl, are present on the survey site nor were any notable bird breeding colonies or permanent roosting sites observed during the field survey.

All birds recorded for the reference grid 2329CD are tabled below (Table 2). Bird species that were observed during the surveys are marked with an asterix.

Table 3. Bird species that were observed* or likely to occur in the study area. National number Common name Scientific name 1 Ostrich Common Struthio camelus 8 Grebe Little Tachybaptus ruficollis 55 Cormorant White‐breasted Phalacrocorax lucidus 58 Cormorant Reed Phalacrocorax africanus 60 Darter African Anhinga rufa 62 Heron Grey Ardea cinerea 63 Heron Black‐headed Ardea melanocephala 65 Heron Purple Ardea purpurea 66 Egret Great Egretta alba 67 Egret Little Egretta garzetta 68 Egret Yellow‐billed Egretta intermedia 71 Egret Cattle* Bubulcus ibis 72 Heron Squacco Ardeola ralloides 74 Heron Green‐backed Butorides striata 76 Heron Black‐crowned Night‐ Nycticorax nycticorax 78 Bittern Little Ixobrychus minutus 81 Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 83 Stork White Ciconia ciconia 84 Stork Black Ciconia nigra 85 Stork Abdim's Ciconia abdimii 89 Stork Marabou Leptoptilos crumeniferus 91 Ibis African Sacred Threskiornis aethiopicus 94 Ibis Hadeda* Bostrychia hagedash 95 Spoonbill African Platalea alba 99 Duck White‐faced Dedrocygna viduata 100 Duck Fulvous Dendrocygna bicolor 102 Goose Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiaca 104 Duck Yellow‐billed Anas undulata 105 Duck African Black Anas sparsa 106 Teal Cape Anas capensis 107 Teal Hottentot Anas hottentota 108 Teal Red‐billed Anas erythrorhicha 112 Shoveler Cape Anas smithii

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113 Pochard Southern Netta erythrophthalma 115 Duck Comb Sarkidiornis melanotos 116 Goose Spur‐winged Plectropterus gambensis 118 Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius 122 Vulture Cape Gyps coprotheres 123 Vulture White‐backed Gyps africanus 124 Vulture Lappet‐faced Aegypius tracheliotos 126 Kite Black Milgus migrans 126 Kite Yellow‐billed Milvus aegyptius 127 Kite Black‐shouldered Elanus caeruleus 130 Buzzard European Honey‐ Pernis apivorus 131 Eagle Verreauxs' Aquila verreauxii 132 Eagle Tawny Aquila rapax 133 Eagle Steppe Aquila nipalensis 134 Eagle Lesser Spotted Aquila pomarina 135 Eagle Wahlberg's Aquila wahlbergi 136 Eagle Booted Aquila pennatus 137 Eagle African Hawk‐ Aquila spilogaster 139 Eagle Long‐crested Lophaetus occipitalis 140 Eagle Martial Polemaetus bellicosus 142 Eagle Brown Snake‐ Circaetus cinereus 143 Eagle Black‐chested Snake‐ Circaetus pectoralis 146 Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus 148 Eagle African Fish‐ Haliaeetus vocifer 149 Buzzard Steppe Buteo vulpinus 154 Buzzard Lizard Kaupifalco monogrammicus 156 Sparrowhawk Ovambo Accipiter ovampensis 157 Sparrowhawk Little Accipiter minullus 158 Sparrowhawk Black Accipiter melanoleucus 159 Shikra Accipiter badius 160 Goshawk African Accipiter tachiro 161 Goshawk Gabar Melierax gabar 162 Goshawk Southern Pale Chanting Melierax canorus 165 Harrier African Marsh‐ Circus ranivorus 166 Harrier Montagu's Circus pygarus 167 Harrier Pallid Circus macrourus 169 Hawk African Harrier‐ Polyboroides typus 171 Falcon Peregrine Falco peregrinus 172 Falcon Lanner Falco biarmicus 173 Hobby Eurasian Falco subbuteo 179 Falcon Red‐footed Falco vespertinus 180 Falcon Amur Falco amurensis 181 Kestrel Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus 182 Kestrel Greater Falco rupicoloides 183 Kestrel Lesser Falco naumanni 188 Francolin Coqui Peliperdix coqui 191 Francolin Shelley's Scleroptila shelleyi 196 Spurfowl Natal* Pternistis natalensis 199 Spurfowl Swainson's Pternistis swainsonii

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200 Quail Common Coturnix coturnix 201 Quail Harlequin Coturnix delagorguei 203 Guineafowl Helmeted* Numida meleagris 205 Buttonquail Kurrichane Turnix sylvaticus 210 Rail African Rallus caerulescens 211 Crake Corn Crex crex 212 Crake African Crecopsis egregia 213 Crake Black Amaurornis flavirostra 215 Crake Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 223 Swamphen African Purple Porphyrio madagascariensis 226 Moorhen Common Gallinula chloropus 228 Coot Red‐knobbed Fulica cristata 233 Korhaan White‐bellied Eupodotis senegalensis 238 Bustard Black‐bellied* Lessoitis melanogaster 239 Korhaan Northern Black Afrotis afraoides 240 Jacana African Actophilornis africanus 242 Snipe Greater Painted‐ Rostratula benghalensis 248 Plover Kittlitz's Charadrius pecuarius 249 Plover Three‐banded Charadrius tricollaris 255 Lapwing Crowned* Vanellus coronatus 258 Lapwing Blacksmith Vanellus armatus 260 Lapwing African Wattled Vanellus senegallus 264 Sandpiper Common Actitis hypoleucos 265 Sandpiper Green Tringa ochropus 266 Sandpiper Wood Tringa glareola 269 Sandpiper Marsh Tringa stagnatilis 270 Greenshank Common Tringa nebularia 272 Sandpiper Curlew Calidris ferruginea 274 Stint Little Calidris minuta 279 Sandpiper Pectoral Calidris melanotos 284 Ruff Ruff Philomachus pugnax 286 Snipe African Gallinago nigripennis 295 Stilt Black‐winged Himantopus himantopus 300 Courser Temminck's Rhinoptilus temminckii 301 Courser Double‐banded Rhinoptilus africanus 303 Courser Bronze‐winged Rhinoptilus chalcopterus 345 Sandgrouse Burchell's Pterocles burchelli 348 Dove Rock Columba livia 349 Pigeon Speckled Columba guinea 352 Dove Red‐eyed* Streptopelia semitorquata 354 Dove Cape Turtle‐* Streptopelia capicola 355 Dove Laughing* Streptopelia senegalensis 356 Dove Namaqua Oena capensis 358 Dove Emerald‐spotted Wood‐ Turtur chalcospilos 361 Pigeon African Green‐ Treron calvus 373 Go‐away‐bird Grey* Corythaixoides concolor 374 Cuckoo Common Cuculus canorus 375 Cuckoo African Cuculus gularis 377 Cuckoo Red‐chested Cuculus solitarius

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378 Cuckoo Black* Cuculus clamosus 380 Cuckoo Great Spotted Clamator glandarius 381 Cuckoo Levaillant's Clamator levaillantii 382 Cuckoo Jacobin Clamator jacobinus 385 Cuckoo Klaas's Chrysococcyx klaas 391 Coucal Burchell's Centropus burchelli 392 Owl Barn Tyto alba 393 Owl African Grass‐ Tyto capensis 395 Owl Marsh Asio capensis 397 Owl Southern White‐faced Scops‐ Ptilopsis granti 398 Owlet Pearl‐spotted Glaucidium perlatum 401 Owl Spotted Eagle‐ Bubo africanus 402 Owl Verreaux's Eagle‐ Bubo lacteus 404 Nightjar European Caprimulgus europaeus 405 Nightjar Fiery‐necked Caprimulgus pectoralis 406 Nightjar Rufous‐cheeked Caprimulgus rufigena 411 Swift Common* Apus apus 412 Swift African Black Apus barbatus 415 Swift White‐rumped* Apus caffer 417 Swift Little Apus affinis 418 Swift Alpine Tachymarptis melba 421 Swift African Palm‐ Cypsiurus parvus 424 Mousebird Speckled* Colius striatus 426 Mousebird Red‐faced* Urocolius indicus 428 Kingfisher Pied Ceryle rudis 429 Kingfisher Giant Megaceryle maxima 431 Kingfisher Malachite Alcedo cristata 432 Kingfisher African Pygmy‐ Ispidina picta 433 Kingfisher Woodland Halcyon senegalensis 435 Kingfisher Brown‐hooded* Halcyon albiventris 436 Kingfisher Grey‐headed Halcyon leucocephala 437 Kingfisher Striped Halcyon chelicuti 438 Bee‐eater European* Merops apiaster 440 Bee‐eater Blue‐cheeked Merops persicus 441 Bee‐eater Southern Carmine Merops nubicoides 443 Bee‐eater White‐fronted Merops bullockoides 444 Bee‐eater Little* Merops pusillus 445 Bee‐eater Swallow‐tailed Merops hirundineus 446 Roller European* Coracias garrulus 447 Roller Lilac‐breasted Coracias caudatus 449 Roller Purple Coracias naevius 451 Hoopoe African Upupa africana 452 Wood‐Hoopoe Green Phoenicilus purpureus 454 Scimitarbill Common Rhinopomastus cyanomelas 457 Hornbill African Grey Tockus nasutus 459 Hornbill Southern Yellow‐billed Tockus leucomelas 464 Barbet Black‐collared* Lynius torquatus 465 Barbet Acacia Pied* Tricholaema leucomelas 471 Tinkerbird Yellow‐rumped* Pogoniulus chrysoconus

Avifaunal Habitat Assessment 22 Avifaunal Habitat Assessment Farm Weltevreden 746-LS, Polokwane October 2017

473 Barbet Crested* Trachyphonus vaillantii 474 Honeyguide Greater Indicator indicator 476 Honeyguide Lesser Indicator minor 478 Honeybird Brown‐backed Prodotiscus regulus 481 Woodpecker Bennett's Campethera benettii 483 Woodpecker Golden‐tailed Campethera abingoni 486 Woodpecker Cardinal Dendropicos fuscescens 487 Woodpecker Bearded Dendropicos namaquus 489 Wryneck Red‐throated Jynx ruficollis 493 Lark Monotonous Mirafra passerina 494 Lark Rufous‐naped Mirafra africana 498 Lark Sabota Calendulauda sabota 501 Lark Short‐clawed* Certhilauda chuana 506 Lark Spike‐heeled Chersomanes albofasciata 507 Lark Red‐capped Calandrella cinerea 515 Sparrowlark Chestnut‐backed Eremopterix leucotis 518 Swallow Barn Hirundo rustica 520 Swallow White‐throated Hirundo albigularis 523 Swallow Pearl‐breasted Hirundo dimidiata 524 Swallow Red‐breasted Hirundo semirufo 526 Swallow Greater Striped* Hirundo cucullata 527 Swallow Lesser Striped* Hirundo abyssinica 529 Martin Rock Hirundo fuligula 530 Martin Common House‐ Delichon urbicum 532 Martin Sand Riparia riparia 533 Martin Brown‐throated Riparia paludicola 534 Martin Banded Riparia cincta 538 Cuckooshrike Black Campephaga flava 541 Drongo Fork‐tailed* Dicrurus adsimilis 543 Oriole Eurasian Golden Oriolus oriolus 545 Oriole Black‐headed Oriolus larvatus 548 Crow Pied Corvus albus 552 Tit Ashy Parus cinerascens 554 Tit Southern Black* Parus niger 557 Tit Cape Penduline‐ Anthoscopus minutus 558 Tit Grey Penduline‐ Anthoscopus caroli 560 Babbler Arrow‐marked* Turdoides jardineii 567 Bulbul African Red‐eyed Pycnonoyus nigricans 568 Bulbul Dark‐capped* Pycnonotus tricolor 569 Brownbul Terrestrial Phyllastrephus terrestris 572 Greenbul Sombre Andropadus importunus 574 Greenbul Yellow‐bellied Chlorocichla flaviventris 576 Thrush Kurrichane* Turdus libonyana 577 Thrush Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi 580 Thrush Groundscraper Psophocichla litsitsirupa 583 Thrush Short‐toed Rock‐ Monticola brevipes 587 Wheatear Capped Oenanthe pileata 589 Chat Familiar* Cercomela familiaris 593 Chat Mocking Cliff‐ Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris

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595 Chat Ant‐eating Myrmecococichla formicivora 596 Stonechat African* Saxicola torquatus 601 Robin‐Chat Cape* Cossypha caffra 602 Robin‐Chat White‐throated Cossypha humeralis 613 Robin White‐browed Scrub‐ Cercotrichas leucophrys 615 Robin Kalahari Scrub‐ Cercotrichas paena 619 Warbler Garden Sylvia borin 620 Whitethroat Common Sylvia communis 621 Tit‐Babbler Chestnut‐vented Parisoma subcaeruluem 625 Warbler Icterine Hippolais icterina 626 Warbler Olive‐tree Hippolais olivetorum 627 Warbler River Locustella fluviatilis 628 Warbler Great Reed‐ Acrocephalus arundinaceus 631 Warbler African Reed‐ Acrocephalus scirpaceus 633 Warbler Marsh Acrocephalus palustris 634 Warbler Sedge Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 635 Warbler Lesser Swamp‐ Acrocephalus gracilirostris 638 Warbler Little Rush‐ Bradypterus baboecala 643 Warbler Willow Phylloscopus trochilus 645 Apalis Bar‐throated* Apalis thoracica 648 Apalis Yellow‐breasted Apalis flavida 651 Crombec Long‐billed* Sylvietta rufescens 653 Eremomela Yellow‐bellied Eremomela icteropygialis 655 Eremomela Green‐capped Eremomela scotops 656 Eremomela Burnt‐necked* Eromomela usticollis 657 Camaroptera Grey‐backed* Camaroptera brevicaudata 658 Warbler Barred Wren‐ Calomonastes fasciolatus 664 Cisticola Zitting Cisticola juncidis 665 Cisticola Desert Cisticola aridulus 666 Cisticola Cloud Cisticola textrix 671 Cisticola Tinkling Cisticola rufilatus 672 Cisticola Rattling* Cisticola chiniana 677 Cisticola Levaillant's Cisticola tinniens 678 Cisticola Croaking Cisticola natalensis 681 Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla 683 Prinia Tawny‐flanked Prinia subflava 685 Prinia Black‐chested Prinia flavicans 689 Flycatcher Spotted Muscicapa striata 690 Flycatcher African Dusky* Muscicapa adusta 694 Flycatcher Southern Black Malaenornis pammelaina 695 Flycatcher Marico Bradornis mariquensis 698 Flycatcher Fiscal Sigelus silens 701 Batis Chinspot* Batis molitor 706 Flycatcher Fairy Stenostira scita 710 Flycatcher African Paradise‐ Terpsiphone viridis 713 Wagtail Cape* Motacilla capensis 716 Pipit African* Anthus cinnamomeus 717 Pipit Long‐billed Anthus similis 718 Pipit Plain‐backed Anthus leucophrys

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719 Pipit Buffy Anthus vaalensis 723 Pipit Bushveld Anthus caffer 727 Longclaw Cape Macronyx capensis 731 Shrike Lesser Grey Lanius minor 732 Fiscal Common* Lanius collaris 733 Shrike Red‐backed Lanius collurio 735 Shrike Magpie Corvinella melanoleuca 736 Boubou Southern Laniarius ferrogineus 739 Shrike Crimson‐breasted Laniarius atrococcineus 740 Puffback Black‐backed Dryoscopus cubla 741 Brubru* Nilaus afer 743 Tchagra Brown‐crowned Tchagra australis 744 Tchagra Black‐crowned* Tchagra senegalus 748 Shrike Orange‐breasted Bush‐* Telophrorus sulphureopectus 751 Shrike Grey‐headed Bush‐ Malaconotus blanchoti 753 Helmet‐Shrike White‐crested Prionops plumatus 758 Myna Common* Acridotheres tristis 760 Starling Wattled* Creatophora cinerea 761 Starling Violet‐backed Cinnyricinclus leucogaster 764 Starling Cape Glossy* Lamprotornis nitens 769 Starling Red‐winged Onychognathus morio 772 Oxpecker Red‐billed Buphagus erythrorhynchus 775 Sunbird Malachite Nectarinia famosa 779 Sunbird Marico Cinnyris mariquensis 785 Sunbird Greater Double‐collared Cinnyris afer 787 Sunbird White‐bellied* Cinnyris talatala 792 Sunbird Amethyst Chalcomitra amythestina 796 White‐eye Cape Zosterops virens 798 Weaver Red‐billed Buffalo‐ Bubalornis niger 799 Sparrow‐Weaver White‐browed Plocepasser mahali 801 Sparrow House* Passer domesticus 802 Sparrow Great Passer motitensis 803 Sparrow Cape* Passer melanurus 804 Sparrow Southern Grey‐headed Passer diffusus 805 Petronia Yellow‐throated Petronia superciliaris 806 Finch Scaly‐feathered Sporopipes squamifrons 807 Weaver Thick‐billed Amblyospiza albifrons 810 Weaver Spectacled Ploceus ocularis 811 Weaver Village Ploceus cucullatus 813 Weaver Cape Ploceus capensis 814 Weaver Southern Masked Ploceus velatus 815 Weaver Lesser Masked‐ Ploceus intermedius 820 Finch Cuckoo Anomalospiza imberbis 821 Quelea Red‐billed* Quelea quelea 824 Bishop Southern Red Euplectes orix 826 Bishop Yellow‐crowned Euplectes afer 829 Widowbird White‐winged Euplectes albonotatus 831 Widowbird Red‐collared Euplectes ardens 832 Widowbird Long‐tailed Euplectes progne

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834 Pytilia Green‐winged Pytilia melba 840 Firefinch African Lagonosticta rubricata 841 Firefinch Jameson's* Lagonosticta rhodopareia 842 Firefinch Red‐billed Lagonosticta senegala 844 Waxbill Blue* Uraeginthus angolensis 845 Waxbill Violet‐eared Granatina granatina 846 Waxbill Common Estrilda astrild 847 Waxbill Black‐faced Estrilda erythronotos 852 Quailfinch African Ortygospiza atricollis 854 Waxbill Orange‐breasted Sporaeginthus subflavus 855 Finch Cut‐throat Amadina fasciata 856 Finch Red‐headed Amadina erethrocephala 857 Mannikin Bronze Spermestes cucullata 860 Whydah Pin‐tailed* Vidua macroura 861 Whydah Shaft‐tailed Vidua regina 862 Whydah Long‐tailed Paradise‐ Vidua paradisaea 865 Indigobird Purple Vidua purpurascens 867 Indigobird Village Vidua chalybeata 869 Canary Yellow‐fronted Crithagra mozambica 870 Canary Black‐throated Crithagra atrogularis 877 Canary Brimstone Crithagra sulphurata 878 Canary Yellow* Crithagra flaviventris 881 Seedeater Streaky‐headed Crithagra gularis 884 Bunting Golden‐breasted* Emberiza flaviventrus 886 Bunting Cinnamon‐breasted Emberiza tahapisi 887 Bunting Lark‐like Emberiza impetauni

Avifaunal Habitat Assessment 26 Avifaunal Habitat Assessment Farm Weltevreden 746-LS, Polokwane October 2017

Description of the proposed activities and aspects relevant to avifauna

The solar park itself will cover a significant portion of the survey area. In this area, large portions of surface area will be cleared, levelled and covered (mainly through bulldozing) by a combination of gravel concrete and building infrastructure. In addition, an access road corridor will be built from Silicon Road which will take up additional land surface area.

Negative interactions between wildlife and electricity structures take many forms, but two common problems in southern Africa are electrocution of birds and birds colliding with power lines. Other problems are electrical faults caused by bird excreta when roosting or breeding on electricity infrastructure, and disturbance and habitat destruction during construction and maintenance activities.

The implications for avifauna are as follows:  Natural habitat covering a considerable area will be totally altered and rendered artificial and hence almost totally unsuitable to birds.  During construction, disturbance levels will be significantly higher in the immediate vicinity than previously. This will consist of machinery, vehicle and other activities.  During the operational phase, there will be some vehicle activity and hence some disturbance, particularly within the road access corridor.  Solar plant infrastructure provides perching and nesting substrate for certain bird species, in particular crows and smaller species such as sparrows, and swallows. There is a possibility that species such as crows, and owls could be electrocuted on substation infrastructure.

Description of typical bird interactions with PV solar infrastructure

In general the site is moderately to highly sensitive in terms of avifauna, based on the occurrence of a number of listed species in the study area, as well as the various micro-habitats available to avifauna. It is noted however, that certain areas are more attractive to the larger priority species and therefore more sensitive, while others (e.g. Acacia thickets and closed savannah) are less attractive to the large terrestrial foraging species.

Vegetation unit 1 is the most sensitive area in terms of avifuana, on the study site. The municipal landfill site is about 1.5km from the study area and large scavenging birds use this facility on a regular basis. The open grassland areas host several large priority bird species including the terrestrial foraging White- bellied Korhaan and Secretarybird. These open areas are also the preferred habitat of the localised Short-clawed Lark. Several stands of Aloe marlothii are present too. The flowers of this plant provide large amounts of nectar, a very important food source for a large diversity of birds during the mid-winter.

Habitat destruction. During the construction phase of PV solar parks, habitat destruction and alteration inevitably takes place on the site. This happens with the construction of access roads, the clearing of

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the site itself and any associated infrastructure. The solar power infrastructure itself is often maintained free of any natural vegetation, to minimise the risk of fire amongst other reasons. These activities have an impact on birds breeding, foraging and roosting in or in close proximity of the solar park through modification of habitat. A 90MW PV solar park will result in considerable destruction of avifaunal habitat across the survey area.

Disturbance. The above mentioned construction and maintenance activities impact on bird through disturbance, particularly during breeding activities. The potential exists for the impact of disturbance to influence a greater area than the site itself. Of particular concern in this respect is the management and positioning of construction camps for staff.

Electrocution of birds on associated solar park infrastructure. Electrocution of birds on overhead lines is an important cause of unnatural mortality of large bird species. Electrocution refers to the scenario where a bird is perched or attempts to perch on the electrical structure and causes an electrical short circuit by physically bridging the air gap between live components and/or live and earthed components. Electrocution is possible on 66kV lines, depending on the exact pylon structure used. For this study, it is assumed that a bird friendly structure will be used, and the detailed impact assessment below, is based on this assumption. Therefore, the impact of electrocution is likely to be of low significance for the proposed power line. Since there is live hardware in the substation yard, potential exists for birds to bridge the gap between two phases or a phase and earth, thereby becoming electrocuted. Very few, if any, electrocutions have been reported on transmission substations and this infrastructure is already in place adjacent to the survey area. Species likely to be affected are raptors, storks, crows, possibly owls, and other larger species that are less manoeuvrable species, as well as those that are tolerant of disturbance.

Small raptors such as Lanner Falcons are sometimes attracted into substation yards in pursuit of species nesting there such as sparrows.

Collisions Collisions are the biggest single threat posed by transmission lines to birds in southern Africa (van Rooyen 2004). Most heavily impacted upon are bustards, korhaans, storks, cranes and various species of water birds. These species are mostly heavy-bodied birds with limited manoeuvrability, which makes it difficult for them to take the necessary evasive action to avoid colliding with power lines (van Rooyen 2004, Anderson 2001). Unfortunately, many of the collision sensitive species are considered threatened in southern Africa. The Red Data species vulnerable to power line collisions are generally long living, slow reproducing species under natural conditions. Some require very specific conditions for breeding, resulting in very few successful breeding attempts, or breeding might be restricted to very small areas. These species have not evolved to cope with high adult mortality, with the result that consistent high adult mortality over an extensive period could have a serious effect on a population’s ability to sustain itself in the long or even medium term. Many of the anthropogenic threats to these species are non-discriminatory as far as age is concerned (e.g. habitat destruction,

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disturbance and power lines) and therefore contribute to adult mortality, and it is not known what the cumulative effect of these impacts could be over the long term. Collision with the proposed line of certain large flying bird species such as Marabou Stork, Secretarybird, White-bellied Bustard, Black Stork, may occur.

Collision with PV solar arrays. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays have any direct negative consequences on birds. Only phototactic species, such as swallows, may be exposed to a very low risk of collision with the solar panels if they mistake the panels for a waterbody and attempt to drink on the wing. Furthermore, water fowl, such as ducks and geese may mistake the PV array as a water body and attempt to land on it. However, this threat should be relatively low, because there are no suitable waterbodies on the site that currently attract any water fowl. Also, the neighbouring Polokwane Game Reserve has sufficient water bodies that attract these birds.

Impact of birds on quality of supply. Birds such as sparrows, swallows, and crows are known to utilise solar park infrastructure and associated substation yards for nesting and roosting. The potential exists then for faults to be caused by nesting material (often includes wire in the case of crows) and bird pollution build up on certain hardware. Extensive bird pollution in the park is also a nuisance factor for substation and PV solar park operation.

Identification of risk sources

Five of the six impacts are judged to be of low significance. The habitat destruction associated with the development of a 90MW solar park will however be considerable, and will almost certainly have detrimental impacts for local avifauna. Mitigation of habitat destruction and disturbance will not easily make a significant difference to these impacts, but can avoid unnecessary levels of the impacts. As a general principle, if the development is approved, then:

 All construction and maintenance activities for the solar park should be undertaken according to generally accepted environmental best practice.  Care should be taken not to disturb or degrade the area any more than is absolutely necessary.  If any breeding pairs of priority bird species are identified on or close to the site, the EWT or Birdlife Polokwane should be notified. Guidelines as to how to manage the situation will then be developed.  The construction camp should be constructed in an area that is already ecological degraded (unit 2).  Strict control of off duty staff should be maintained at all times.  Mitigation of the impacts of electrocution, and impact on quality of supply, will only need to be implemented if necessary once the solar park is operational.

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 Once operational, the solar park should be monitored in order to detect any bird electrocutions, bird impacts on the substation, and bird collisions with the communications tower. If necessary, mitigation measures for these impacts can be recommended reactively.

The anticipated low significance of these impacts does not warrant implementing mitigation measures from the start.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following standard mitigation measures are recommended for future developments in the survey area. These recommendations are important because the survey area contains sensitive habitat types and uncontrolled development in or around these habitats is expected to impact significantly on their associated Red Data species, populations, assemblages or communities. Sensitive habitats include:

Vegetation unit 1 Polokwane Plateau Bushveld Reasoning: Despite some level of anthropogenic disturbance, this unit has moderate species richness and constitutes suitable habitat for several species of conservation concern that occur in the survey area. Indirectly, there exists a corridor between Polokwane Nature Reserve and the southern boundary of the survey area through other portions of Polokwane Plateau Bushveld. Conservation value: Medium-high

Vegetation unit 2 Transformed Marsh Zone Reasoning: This vegetation unit has low species richness and is currently facilitating the spread of alien invasive plants. Numerous aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, birds and amphibians will however use the artificial dams as habitat. Many avifaunal species will however utilise this unit for moving between unit 1 and Polokwane Nature Reserve. Although unit 2 is ecologically degraded, it does constitute the only direct link between the survey area and Polokwane Nature Reserve. Although it has been heavily invaded by exotic tree, some of these trees may be utilised by raptor species as nest sites. Conservation value: Medium-high

General mitigation measures

Vegetation unit 2 is ecologically degraded. The Polokwane Municipality needs to take steps to remove all the alien invasive plant species and employ further restrictions and control, as specified by CARA Regulations. Exotic trees that have raptors nesting in them should not be removed whist these trees are still in use. An ecological management plan must be generated by a suitably qualified specialist for implementation by the appropriate management authority. This ecological management must include an ongoing monitoring and eradication programme for all non-indigenous species, with specific emphasis on invasive and weedy species. Where removal of alien species may leave soil exposed,

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alternative indigenous species should be established to prevent any erosion. Plants growing naturally in the proposed development areas should, as far as possible, be retained and incorporated into landscaping. When additional plant species are used for landscaping, special emphasis should be focused on forage and host plants required by herbivores and pollinators present in the area and must otherwise only be limited to those indigenous to South Africa. The integrity of natural vegetation that falls outside developed areas should be preserved (as in Polokwane Nature Reserve).

Figure 5. Sensitivity map of the survey area from an avifaunal perspective.

Although birds can and will move away from the area temporarily any construction activities must be carefully monitored to keep disturbance to a minimum, and must be appropriately rehabilitated and

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managed. This entails the removal and proper disposal of all rubble and litter. All scrap materials, building rubble and rubbish accumulated during construction should be relocated to official municipal dumping grounds. Dumping of any materials in undeveloped open areas should not be allowed and this must be actively managed. All areas must be, as far as possible, rehabilitated after construction activities so as to restore the ecological integrity as best possible.

Construction must preferably take place during the dry season when most birds are not breeding. Temporary housing, temporary ablutions and the storing of equipment should be administered in such a manner that natural habitat is subject to as little disturbance as possible during the construction phase. A concerted effort should be made to limit construction-related impacts to natural habitat. Care should be taken not to disturb or degrade the area any more than is absolutely necessary. If any breeding pairs of birds of conservation concern are identified on the site, all effort must be made to prevent disturbing them, and local birdlife organisations, such as the EWT or BirdLife should be contacted. Guidelines as to how to manage the situation should be established.

It is imperative that adequate erosion preventative mechanisms continue to be implemented should any further construction take place. Erosion resulting from these developments should be appropriately rehabilitated preventing further habitat deterioration. Stormwater runoff must be correctly managed during all phases of construction.

No vehicles must be allowed to move off-road on site and must use existing roads. Off-roading leaves visible scars and destroys habitat. It is important to conserve areas where there are tall grass as it constitutes important breeding and feeding areas for some of the rare species found in the area (such as grass owls).

It must be ensured that no birds are hunted, disturbed, trapped, or killed during the construction phase. During the construction phase noise must be kept to a minimum to reduce the impact of the development on the birds residing on the site.

An integrated pest management programme, where the use of chemicals is considered as a last option, should be employed. However, if chemicals are used to clear invasive vegetation and weedy species, species-specific chemicals should be applied and in the recommended dosages. General spraying should be prohibited and the application of chemicals as part of a control programme should not be permitted to take place on windy days.

The survey site has no formal fire management plan and burning hasn’t taken place at any regularly maintained interval. This may lead to bush encroachment and the degradation of breeding sites for

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ground nesting birds, and modification of the habitat may further lead to changes in available food resources to birds. Furthermore, uncontrolled fires that burn with a high fuel load may destroy habitat suitable for birds to breed in, and pose a major threat to nesting birds. The fire management policy that has been formulated for the Polokwane Game Reserve (involving a four-year rotational burning programme) should be implemented. Late summer burns are not recommended, as this is the breeding season for Certhilauda chuana (Short-clawed Lark).

Since many factors (e.g. species, season, topography, land use, power line structure and height, power line orientation, meteorological conditions etc.) influence the likelihood of negative interactions between birds and power infrastructure in a given area, it is impossible to mitigate for all potentially negative impacts that the infrastructure may present. Below are some general considerations which have been published in bird/power line impact assessments and generic mitigation measures applicable to the current proposed development. This is of particular importance due to the fact that the majority of the priority species are large birds that run the risk of colliding with power line structures.

 As far as practically possible, the power line infrastructure should be well set back from the ridge edge and should avoid dips or passes along ridges as many species use these as fly- ways.  Only pole structures that are approved as “bird friendly” by Eskom’s ENVIROTECH Forum (Jenkins 2008) should be used.  All jumpers at transformers, t-offs and strain structures should be insulated (Jenkins 2008).  Clear-felled transmission line corridors vary in breadth from 30–60m depending on the type of habitat and the voltage. This may have far-reaching but subtle ecological effects through habitat fragmentation, alteration and changes in predator-prey composition. It is therefore of utmost importance that the line corridors be as narrow as practically possible.  It is imperative to increase the conspicuousness of the power line cables and earth-wires by fitting them with appropriate devices, e.g. brightly coloured marker balls, thickened wire coils or bird diverters in the areas marked as avian sensitive zones. It has been proven that bird collision risk can be reduced by 50–60% when power lines are been fitted with these devices (Jenkins 2010).

REFERENCES

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ANDERSON, M.D. (2001). The effectiveness of two different marking devices to reduce large terrestrial bird collisions with overhead electricity cables in the eastern Karoo, South Africa.

BARNES, K.N. (ed.). 1998. The Important Bird Areas of southern Africa. Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa.

BARNES, K.N. (ed.) 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa: Johannesburg.

CHITTENDEN, H. 2007. Roberts Bird Guide. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.

BROMILOW, C. 2001. Problem plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

ENGELBRECHT, D. 2005. Breeding biology of the eastern population of the Short-clawed Lark in South Africa. Ostrich 76 (2&4): 154–161.

ERICKSON, W.P., JOHNSON, G.D., STRICKLAND, M.D., YOUNG, D.P., SEMKA, K.J., GOOD, R.E. 2001. Avian collisions with wind turbines: a summary of existing studies and comparison to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States. National Wind Co-ordinating Committee Resource Document.

HOCKEY, P.A.R., DEAN, W.R.J. & RYAN, P.G. 2005. Roberts Birds of Southern Africa VIIth Edition, The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.

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.

MCKINNELY, M. L. 1999. High rates of extinction and threat in poorly studied taxa. Conservation Biology 13: 1273-1281.

MUCINA, L., RUTHERFORD, M. C. & POWRIE, L.W. (eds) 2005. Vegetation Map of South Africa,

LEDGER, J. (1983). Guidelines for Dealing with Bird Problems of Transmission Lines and Towers. Eskom Test and Research Division Technical Note TRR/N83/005.

TARBOTON, W.R., Kemp, M.I., & Kemp, A.C. 1987. Birds of the Transvaal. Transvaal Museum, Pretoria.

VAN ROOYEN, C.S. & LEDGER, J.A. (1999). “Birds and utility structures: Developments in southern Africa” in Ferrer, M. & G..F.M. Janns. (eds.)

VAN ROOYEN, C.S. (2000). “An overview of Vulture Electrocutions in South Africa.” Vulture News, 43, pp 5-22. Vulture Study Group: Johannesburg, South Africa.

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VAN WYK, A. E. & MALAN, S.J. 1998. Field guide to the wild flowers of the highveld. Struik Publishers (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town.

VAN OUDTSHOORN, F. 1999. Gids tot grasse van Suider Afrika. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

VAN WYK, B. & VAN WYK, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town.

APPENDIX 1

Priority Species for the study site, conservation status, potential threats that the proposed development may hold, and suggested conservation related and mitigating measures that should be implemented.

Eupodotis senegalensis (White-bellied Korhaan): Vulnerable. Fairly tall dense grassland interspersed with short open grassy patches in undulating country. Restricted to the patches of typical Polokwane Plateau Grassland and associated open thornveld savannah habitats. Small remnant populations occur to the east of Polokwane. Removal of foraging and possible breeding habitat may affect this species negatively. Displacement of resident family groups and disturbance of neighbouring groups during the construction phase of the project may be detrimental to this population. The threat of collisions with cables is a real concern for this species. Breeding and foraging habitat will be lost. Being a shy and retiring species it expected that the resident birds will vacate the proposed site as soon as the construction of the line begins. Most korhaan and bustard species (including the resident Northern Black Korhaan) are prone to colliding with power lines so it is advised that the associated lines be fitted with bird deterrent devices.

Gyps coprotheres (Cape Vulture): Endangered. Cape Vultures breed on south-facing mountain cliffs but will soar and forage over any habitat. The closest breeding colony to the study site is within the Moletjie Nature Reserve situated approximately 17km to the north-west of the study site. At least three vulture restaurants are situated to the west of the proposed power line site including one in the adjacent Polokwane Game Reserve. The nearby landfill site attracts Marabou Stork which in turn attracts inquisitive vultures. The cattle camps are also well-used foraging areas for vultures which feed on cattle carcasses when available. With the close proximity of the Moletjie Cape Vulture colony, the landfill site and the various other feeding attractions Cape Vultures are expected to continuously fly over the proposed site. Possible collisions with power line cables are real threats to Cape Vultures. Cape Vultures will use the area of the proposed power line for foraging and roosting purposes. In order to decrease the probability of collisions by vultures, bird anti-collision marking devices must be fitted to power line cables at intervals of 10 – 25m. This is particularly relevant to the section of power line that will be running through the study site. Cape vultures will attempt to roost on the pylons so it is advised

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to install an additional roosting T-peace to the top of each pylon in the Weltevreden section of the proposed route or to make roosting impossible for large birds.

Gyps africanus (White-backed Vulture): Endangered. Although White-backed Vultures do not breed within 50km of the proposed power line they certainly forage in the vicinity due to the nearby vulture restaurants and landfill site. At least three vulture restaurants are situated to the west of the proposed power line site including one in the adjacent Polokwane Game Reserve. The nearby landfill site attracts Marabou Stork which in turn attracts inquisitive vultures. The cattle camps are also a well-used foraging area for vultures which feed on cattle carcasses when available. Collisions with power line cables are a real threat to White-backed Vultures. Mitigation measures as with the previous species.

Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretarybird): Vulnerable. The Secretarybird’s threat status has recently been elevated from near-threatened to Vulnerable. This species prefers grassland and open savannah habitats within the bushveld. The open grassy savannah areas of the study site are perfect foraging habitat for this species. Municipal records and personal communications with farmers who rent the grazing camps confirm that at least one pair breeds within the Weltevreden farm. The nest could not be located during the survey. Physical disturbance during the construction phase of the proposed activity should be a temporary one but a permanent threat to this species will be the threat of collisions with cables. Strict control should be maintained over all activities during construction of the line. As with the other large bird species a mitigating measure against the collision threat will be to fit the line with sufficient bird flight diverters (flappers) to make the cables more visible and should lower the possibility of collisions by Secretarybirds.

Ciconia nigra (Black Stork): Vulnerable. Prefers dams, pans, flood plains, shallow rivers, pools in dry river beds and flooded grassland areas. Nests in mountainous regions or in large rocky outcrops. This species is not common on the Polokwane plateau but is known to forage in the wetlands within the neighbouring Polokwane Game Reserve. This species often roosts on power line pylons. This species has been recorded during atlassing surveys in pentad 2350_2930. The overhead cables pose a potential disturbance to flying birds particularly as they fly onto pylons to roost. Electrocutions are also a threat. The same measures as mentioned above should be taken to revoke or minimise the collision threat. The use of bird-friendly support structures as prescribed by ESKOM’s Envirotech forum should mitigate the electrocution threat.

Leptoptilos crumeniferus (Marabou Stork): Near-Threatened. They utilise a wide variety of habitats depending on available food sources. Dams, pans, flood plains, shallow rivers, pools in dry river beds, flooded grassland, open grassland and savannah. A species that has become very common on the

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Polokwane plateau (particularly around the Polokwane City) mainly as a result of the availability of carrion at large poultry farms, piggeries, cattle feedlots and landfill sites in the area. The nearby landfill site is a major attraction as are the waterholes in the Polokwane Game Reserve which offer a safe refuge for roosting. This species has also been recorded during SABAP2 surveys in both pentads. The overhead power line cables will pose a significant risk to this large, slow-flying species. Electrocution of roosting birds is also a threat. The fitting of sufficient bird flappers on the overhead cables in the vicinity of the Polokwane landfill site is imperative to minimise the collision threat. This species has a large wingspan so it is advised to erect mechanisms to deter birds from roosting on the pylon structures or to erect special roosting structures, placed above and out of reach of the cables.

Falco biarmicus (Lanner Falcon): Vulnerable. They use open habitats such as grassland and arid open savannah. Fairly common but localised on the Polokwane Plateau. This species was listed in the datasets for both relevant pentads. Removal of foraging habitat is a threat to this species. Unfortunately the loss of hunting habitat and cannot be mitigated. Fast, low- flying raptors such as Lanner Falcons are susceptible to collisions with power lines and the provision of sufficient bird flappers is obligatory.

Certhilauda chuana (Short-clawed lark): Near-Threatened. They prefer Semi-arid open Acacia savannah with short grass and fallow agricultural fields. A species that is undoubtedly associated with the Polokwane Plateau. Short-clawed Larks were recorded in both SABAP2 pentads and were commonly observed during the field surveys. Threats include displacement of birds due to the removal of foraging and breeding habitat. This species has an aerial display reaching a height of about 20 metres so overhead cables will affect the birds during the breeding season. This species generally co-exists with humans in rural situations and although the proposed development will displace birds for a short period during the construction phase this would not significantly affect the resident population. Bird flappers will prevent male birds from displaying in the vicinity of overhead cables.

Buphagus erythrorhynchus (Red-billed Oxpecker): Near-Threatened. They occur in most bushveld areas where large ungulates exist. Red-billed Oxpeckers are fairly common on the Polokwane Plateau and a significant population occurs within the Polokwane Game Reserve and neighbouring cattle farms. Threats include destruction of suitable breeding sites through the removal of large trees under the power line and disturbance during the construction phase. The removal of potential nesting sites (large trees with cavities) can be mitigated by the erection of nesting boxes in trees near the cleared areas.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

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This study was conducted by Cornel du Toit (PhD, UP).

Cornel du Toit has no business, financial, personal or other interest in the activity or the application in respect of which it was appointed other than fair remuneration for work performed in connection with the activity or application. The findings, results, observations, conclusions and recommendations given in this report are based on the author’s best scientific and professional knowledge as well as available information.

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