TERRESTRIAL FAUNA and FLORA ASSESSMENT REPORT PMG Mining

TERRESTRIAL FAUNA AND FLORA ASSESSMENT REPORT

PMG Mining (Pty) Ltd

Paling Manganese Mine

PMG Mining (Pty) Ltd

Address: PO Box 3560 Diamond 8305 Remainder of the farm Paling 434

Tel: 082 992 1261 Email: [email protected] District of Hay

Northern Cape Province

Terrestrial Fauna and Flora Assessment Report for the proposed Paling Manganese Mine

August 2015

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PMG Mining Pty (Ltd) is proposing the mining of Manganese Ore near Postmasburg on the Remainder of the Farm Paling 434, in the District of Hay, Northern Cape Province. This terrestrial fauna and flora assessment report describes the ecological characteristics of the proposed mining area, identifies the source of impacts from the mining operation, and assesses these impacts, as well as the residual impacts after closure.

A desktop study and field investigation was performed to obtain ecological information for the proposed area and identify the ecological characteristics and sensitivity of the site. Four broad-scale vegetation types occur within the mining area; i.e. Kuruman Mountain Bushveld, Kuruman Thornveld, Postmasburg Thornveld and Olifantshoek Plains Thornveld. None of these vegetation units have been significantly transformed and are classified as least threatened. Seven fine-scale plant communities were identified on site of which Thornveld on the plains and the Open shrubland on deep sand host a large population of by Boscia albitrunca and Vachellia erioloba trees respectively. The Pristine and Isolated Rocky Hills are identified as being most sensitive and most unsuitable for mining activities.

The Senegalia mellifera – Ziziphus mucronata shrubveld on historically mined hills and the Euclea undulata – Calobota cuspidosa open shrubland on pristine rocky hills comprise the core mining area. The first have already been impacted in the past by historic mining activities and is therefore not considered highly sensitive, and impacts on vegetation and fauna are likely to be relatively low after mitigation here. Re-established stunted Boscia albitrunca shrubs are however widespread across this community and are expected to be destroyed by the mining activities. The second community however, is regarded as highly sensitive due to the high number of provincially protected species occurring here as well as the unique habitat this community potentially provides to fauna. Impacts on vegetation and fauna are likely to be relatively high even after mitigation here.

A licence application regarding protected trees need to be lodged with Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries prior to any removal or damage of the protected trees. Similarly, a permit application regarding protected flora and for the large-scale clearance of indigenous vegetation needs to be lodged with the Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation prior to any clearance of vegetation.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..i TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….ii LIST OF FIGURES..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………iv LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..v LIST OF APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….vi

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 7 1.1. Background information ...... 7 1.2. Details of the specialist consultant ...... 8 1.3. Scope of study ...... 9 1.4. Description of the proposed activity ...... 9

2. METHODOLOGY ...... 10 2.1. Flora ...... 11 2.1.1. Field survey ...... 11 2.1.2. Desktop survey ...... 11 2.2. Fauna ...... 12 2.2.1. Desktop survey ...... 12 2.2.2. Field survey ...... 12 2.3. Sensitivity mapping and assessment ...... 13 2.4. Sampling limitations ...... 14

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...... 15 3.1. Current and historic land use ...... 15 3.2. Geology, soils and landtype ...... 15 3.3. Vegetation ...... 17 3.3.1. Broad-scale vegetation patterns ...... 17 3.3.2. Fine-scale vegetation patterns ...... 19 3.3.3. Population of sensitive, threatened and protected plant species ...... 30 3.3.4. Critical biodiversity areas and broad-scale processes ...... 32 3.3.5. Weeds and invader plant species ...... 34 3.3.6. Indicators of bush encroachment ...... 35 3.4. Faunal communities ...... 35 3.4.1. Mammals ...... 35 3.4.2. Reptiles ...... 37

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.4.3. Amphibians ...... 37 3.4.4. Avifauna ...... 38 3.5. Site sensitivity ...... 39

4. IDENTIFICATION AND NATURE OF IMPACTS ...... 41 4.1. Vegetation and floristics ...... 42 4.1.1. Loss of natural and unique habitats ...... 42 4.1.2. Loss of Red data and/or protected floral species ...... 42 4.1.3. Introduction or spread of alien species ...... 43 4.1.4. Encouraging bush encroachment ...... 43 4.2. Fauna ...... 43 4.2.1. Habitat fragmentation ...... 43 4.2.2. Intentional/accidental killing of fauna ...... 44 4.2.3. Anthropogenic disturbances ...... 44 4.2.4. Loss of Red listed species ...... 44 4.3. Topography, soil erosion and associated degradation of ecosystems ...... 44 4.4. Broad-scale ecological processes ...... 45

5. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 46 5.1. Vegetation and floristics ...... 46 5.1.1. Loss of, and disturbance to indigenous vegetation ...... 46 5.1.2. Loss of flora with conservation concern ...... 47 5.1.3. Proliferation of alien vegetation ...... 48 5.1.4. Encouragement of bush encroachment ...... 49 5.2. Fauna ...... 50 5.2.1. Loss, damage and fragmentation of natural habitats ...... 50 5.2.2. Disturbance, displacement and killing of fauna ...... 51 5.3. Topography, soil erosion and associated degradation of ecosystems ...... 52 5.3.1. Changes to surface topography ...... 52 5.3.2. Soil erosion ...... 53 5.3.3. Loss of soil fertility ...... 55 5.3.4. Soil pollution ...... 56 5.4. Broad-scale ecological processes ...... 57

6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 58

7. REFERENCES ...... 59

iii

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Location of the proposed mining area...... 7

Figure 2. The locality of the core mining area on the farm Paling indicated in white. The red lines indicate the border of the Farm Paling, while the yellow lines indicate the railway servitude...... 10

Figure 3. The distribution of geological features in the study area...... 16

Figure 4. The distribution of soil land types in the study area...... 16

Figure 5. The distribution of four broad-scale vegetation units (Mucina et al. 2005) that are present in the study area...... 17

Figure 6. The distribution of fine-scale vegetation units in the study area...... 20

Figure 7. Vegetation that has re-established on historically mined rocky hills is dominated by shrubs like Senegalia mellifera and Ziziphus mucronata...... 21

Figure 8. Boscia albitrunca occurring as stunted shrubs on historically mined rocky hills...... 22

Figure 9. A large solitary Vachellia erioloba found near an old mining structure on the historically mined rocky hills...... 22

Figure 10. The open shrubland of pristine hills, where vegetation is scattered among the rocks...... 23

Figure 11. The dominance of Croton gratissimus on isolated hills, separate them from the larger hills in the study area...... 24

Figure 12. The vegetation community on plains predominantly host a variety of tall and short shrubs...... 25

Figure 13. Boscia albitrunca occurs widespread in the shrubland on the plains...... 26

Figure 14. A large patch of Crassula corallina noted in the shrubland on the plains...... 26

Figure 15. The plant community on shallow calcrete soil, where Boscia albitrunca is scattered in a matrix of short karroid shrubs...... 27

Figure 16. The open shrubland on deep red sand is locally very patchy, where Vachellia erioloba is scattered in a matrix of either Eriocephallus ericoides (top), or Tarchonanthus camphoratus dominated shrubland...... 28

Figure 17. The plant community in the far south-west corner of the study area transitions from an open shrubland to form grassland, where termitaria are scattered across the landscape (visible in the background)...... 29

Figure 18. The distribution of mining properties in the Sishen/Postmasburg Manganese Field (Bonga 2005)...... 33

Figure 19. A sensitivity map for the proposed mining area...... 40

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Plant species found in the study area that are of conservation concern...... 31

Table 2. The categorisation of weeds and invader plant species, according to NEMBA and CARA. .. 34

Table 3. A list of declared weeds and invasive species recorded in the study area...... 34

Table 4. A list of declared indicators of bush encroachment in the Northern Cape recorded in the study area...... 35

Table 5. A list of mammal species found in the study area, which are of conservation concern...... 36

Table 6. Bird species found in the study area that are of conservation concern...... 39

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Plant species list APPENDIX 2: Faunal species list

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background information

PMG Mining Pty (Ltd) is proposing the mining of Manganese Ore on the Remainder of the Farm Paling 434 (excluding the railway servitude), in the Hay District Municipality of the Northern Cape Province. It lies 30 km north of Postmasburg on the Beeshoek road, with an extent of 3 278.6 ha (Figure 1).

Dr Elizabeth (Betsie) Milne has been appointed by PMG Mining to provide a terrestrial fauna and flora assessment in order to highlight the ecological characteristics of the proposed mining area, and to determine the possible impact of mining on the diversity and ecological status of fauna and flora.

This terrestrial fauna and flora assessment report describes the ecological characteristics of the proposed mining area, identifies the source of impacts from mining operation, and assesses the impacts, as well as the residual impacts after closure. A variety of avoidance and mitigation measures associated with each identified impact are recommended to reduce the likely impact of the mining operation, which should be included in the EMPR.

Figure 1. Location of the proposed mining area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

1.2. Details of the specialist consultant

Company Name Betsie Milne Environmental Consultants cc Registration no 2011/048041/23

PO Box 3560 Address Diamond 8305

Contact Person Dr Elizabeth (Betsie) Milne

Contact Details Cell: 082 992 1261

Email: [email protected]

Qualifications PhD Botany (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) Masters Environmental Management (University of the Free State) BTech Nature Conservation (Tshwane University of Technology)

Declaration of I, Elizabeth (Betsie) Milne declare that I: independence  act as the independent specialist in this application;  regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct;  do not have, and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity; other than the remuneration of work performed in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific environmental management Act;  have and will not have any vested interest in the activity proceedings;  have no, and will not engage in conflicting interest in the undertaking of the activities;  undertake to disclose to the component authority any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority, or the objectivity of any report, plan or document required in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific environmental management Act;  will provide the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the study.

……………………………….……………………………………..

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

1.3. Scope of study

The specific terms of reference for the study include the following:

 conduct a desktop study and field investigation in order to identify and describe different habitats and associated species of conservation concern within the environment that may be affected by the proposed activity;  identify the relative ecological sensitivity of the project area;  produce an assessment report that: - indicates identified habitats and fauna and flora species and their ecological sensitivity, - determines the potential impacts of the project on biodiversity, - provides mitigation measures and recommendations to limit project impacts.

1.4. Description of the proposed activity

The manganese ore deposits on the Farm Paling 434 are relatively shallow, located primarily on the hills and ridges in the centre of the property (Figure 2). The ore is mined by means of conventional opencast techniques (drilling-blasting-load-haul) and requires heavy earth-moving equipment. Vegetated soil is stripped; whereafter drill rigs are used to drill and blast overburden and ore separately. Bench blocks are drilled using drill rigs to produce blast holes, which are then charged with emulsion explosives. The blasted rock is loaded with excavators into articulated dump trucks and the ore is hauled to the crusher and ore stockpiles. The estimated production is between an initial 600 000 tons per year to 2 000 000 tons annually at full capacity. The expected lifespan of the mine is 24 years.

Mining activities will primarily make use of existing roads created by previous mining activities, but additional roads will most likely be created. A crushing and screening plant will also be erected on site, but the precise specifications, footprint and locality of these facilities have not yet been confirmed.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 2. The locality of the core mining area on the farm Paling indicated in white. The red lines indicate the border of the Farm Paling, while the yellow lines indicate the railway servitude.

2. METHODOLOGY

The study comprised a combination of field and desktop surveys for fauna and flora data collection in order to obtain the most comprehensive data set for the assessment. The fieldwork component was conducted during July 2015 and most data for the desktop component was obtained from the quarter degree squares that include the study area (2822BB and 2823AA).

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

2.1. Flora

2.1.1. Field survey

For the field work component, satellite images were used to identify homogenous vegetation units within the proposed mining area, excluding the railway servitude. Representative sampling plots were allocated in these units and sampled with the aid of a GPS in order to characterise the species composition. The following quantitative data was collected:

 Species composition  Species percentage cover  Amount of bare soil and rock cover  Presence of biotic and anthropogenic disturbances

Additional checklists of plant species were compiled during the surveys by traversing a linear route and recording species as they were encountered in each unit.

2.1.2. Desktop survey

For the desktop component, the South African National Vegetation Map (Mucina and Rutherford 2006) was used to obtain data on broad scale vegetation types and their conservation status. The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) BGIS database was also consulted to obtain information on biodiversity information for the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, in which the study area falls. No Critical Biodiversity Area mapping or systematic conservation planning has been conducted for the area and therefore no detailed conservation priority area information is available for the study site.

Further searches were undertaken specifically for Red List plant species within the current study area. Historical occurrences of Red List plant species were obtained from the SANBI SIBIS:SABIF database for the quarter degree squares that includes the study area. The IUCN conservation status of plants in the species list was also extracted from the SANBI database and is based on the Threatened Species Programme (SANBI 2014).

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

2.2. Fauna

2.2.1. Desktop survey

A desktop survey was undertaken to obtain lists of mammals, reptiles and amphibians which are likely to occur in the study area. These were derived based on distribution records from the literature and various spatial databases, i.e. SANBI’s SIBIS and BGIS databases. Literature consulted includes Friedmann and Daly (2004) and Skinner and Chimimba (2005) for mammals, Branch (1998) and Alexander and Marais (2007) for reptiles, Du Preez and Carruthers (2009) for amphibians.

Apart from the literature sources, additional information on faunal presence was extracted from the various databases hosted by the ADU web portal, http://adu.org.za, as well as from Robert’s Multimedia Birds of Southern Africa (Gibbon 2006). The faunal species lists provided are based on species which are known to occur in the broad geographical area, as well as a preliminary assessment of the availability and quality of suitable habitat at the site.

The likelihood of Red Data species occurring on site has been determined using the distribution maps in the Red Data reference books and comparing their habitat preferences with the habitat described from the field survey. The conservation status of each species is also listed, based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2014) and Friedmann and Daly (2004).

2.2.2. Field survey

The faunal field survey was conducted concurrent with the vegetation survey. The habitats on site were assessed to compare with the habitat requirements of Red Data species determined during the literature survey. The presence of faunal species was determined using the following methods:

 Identification by visual observation  Identification of bird and mammal calls  Identification of signs (spoor, faeces, burrows and nests)

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

2.3. Sensitivity mapping and assessment

An ecological sensitivity map of the site was produced by integrating the information collected on site with the available ecological and biodiversity information available in the literature and various spatial databases.

The sensitivity mapping entails delineating different habitat units identified on the satellite images and assigning likely sensitivity values to the units based on their ecological properties, conservation value and the potential presence of species of conservation concern. The ecological sensitivity of the different units identified in the mapping procedure was rated according to the following scale:

Low: Areas of natural or transformed habitat with a low sensitivity where there is likely to be a negligible impact on ecological processes and terrestrial biodiversity. Most types of activities can proceed within these areas with little ecological impact.

Medium: Areas of natural or previously transformed land where the impacts are likely to be largely local and the risk of secondary impact such as erosion low. These areas usually comprise the bulk of habitats within an area. Activities within these areas can proceed with relatively little ecological impact provided that appropriate mitigation measures are taken.

High: Areas of natural or transformed land where a high impact is anticipated due to the high biodiversity value, sensitivity or important ecological role of the area. These areas may contain or be important habitat for faunal species or provide important ecological services such as water flow regulation or forage provision. Activities within these areas are undesirable and should only proceed with caution as it may not be possible to mitigate all impacts appropriately.

Very High: Critical and unique habitats that serve as habitat for species of conservation concern, or perform critical ecological roles. These areas are essentially no-go areas for activities and should be avoided as much as possible.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

2.4. Sampling limitations

Due to the brief duration of the survey and the lack of seasonal coverage, the species list obtained during the site visit cannot be regarded as comprehensive. Ideally, a site should be visited several times during different seasons to ensure that the full complement of plant and animal species present are captured. However, this is rarely possible due to time and cost constraints. The surveys are likely to have included the majority of the dominant and common species present.

The site visit for the study took place during mid-winter, which is not an optimal time of the year. Most grasses and annuals present were not flowering, and was therefore not in a favourable state for the assessment at the time of the site visit. The best time to evaluate vegetation in the study area is after at least some summer or late-summer rain when the vegetation has had a chance to respond and is in an actively growing state. The urgency of the survey for this project dictated that it should be done in July 2015. The results presented here can therefore only reflect the condition of the vegetation. Consequently, the timing of the site visit is considered to be a limiting factor which might compromise the results, as it is likely that there are species of conservation concern that were not visible at the time of sampling.

During the time of the site visit, entrance to the property was restricted to the western half and no access was provided to the area east of the railway. It was however possible to conduct field work up to 600 m east of the railway. Consequently, community assumptions and sensitivity mapping in the east was mainly based on available satellite images, broad-scale vegetation maps and landtype maps. This is a limiting factor for an ecological assessment in general; however the main mining ore deposits are situated in the western half of the property and therefore this limitation should not affect the overall significance of this report.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

3.1. Current and historic land use

The property was mined by ASSMAG between the early 1930’s to 1940 and substantial evidence of the mining activities and associated disturbances are visible today. The majority of the study area is currently utilized for grazing by livestock such as goats and cattle, but a section in the far west of the property is managed as a private game farm.

3.2. Geology, soils and landtype

The study area is predominantly underlain by the rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup, Griqualand West Sequence. Here, dolomitic limestone with subordinate coarsely crystalline dolomite of the Ghaapplato formation from the Campbell group covers the majority of the area; especially the eastern half (Figure 3). Shale, flagstone, quartzite and conglomerate from the Gamagara formation of the Postmasburg group are found in the centre of the study area, while quaternary wind-blown sand is evident in the far west (Figure 3). The manganese deposits of the study area falls within the Postmasburg Manganese Field and belong to its western belt deposits, which is mainly composed of ferruginous type ore.

Soils of the study area are of the Hutton form and range from shallow stony to deep sandy soils. The land type is predominantly Ag, but Ib and Ae are also present (Figure 4).

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 3. The distribution of geological features in the study area.

Figure 4. The distribution of soil land types in the study area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.3. Vegetation

3.3.1. Broad-scale vegetation patterns

The study area falls within the Savanna Biome (Mucina and Rutherford 2006), and according to the vegetation map of Mucina et al. (2005) four vegetation units are present on site (Figure 5), i.e. Kuruman Mountain Bushveld, Kuruman Thornveld, Postmasburg Thornveld and Olifantshoek Plains Thornveld. The vegetation map however does not reflect the true character of the site, because it has not been mapped at a very fine scale.

Figure 5. The distribution of four broad-scale vegetation units (Mucina et al. 2005) that are present in the study area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Kuruman Mountain Bushveld is distributed in the Northern Cape and North-West Provinces at altitutes between 1 100 and 1 800 m. It stretches from the Asbestos Mountains southwest and northwest of Griekwastad, along the Kuruman Hills north of Danielskuil, passing west of Kuruman and re-emerging as isolated hills. The unit is typically presented as rolling hills with gentle to moderate slopes and hill pediment areas with an open shrubveld. Here, Calobota cuspidosa is conspicuous within a well-developed grass layer. The Hills consist of banded iron formation, with jasper, chert and riebeckite-asbestos of the Asbestos Hills Subgroup of the Griqualand West Supergroup. Soils are shallow sandy soils of the Hutton form, with the most common land type being Ib, followed by Ae, Ic and Ag. The unit is classified as being least threatened with very little being transformed and with little erosion being present. It is not currently conserved within any formal conservation areas and the succulent Euphorbia planiceps is the only endemic species known from this unit.

Kuruman Thornveld is distributed in the North-West and Northern Cape Provinces, and lies at altitutes between 1 300 and 1 500 m. This unit is distributed East of Kuruman to Lykso, and south of Bendell towards Good Hope. The unit is presented as flat rocky plains and some sloping hills with very well-developed, closed shrub layer and well-developed open tree stratum consisting Vachellia erioloba. The unit mainly consists of Superficial Kalahari Group sediments, with deep red wind-blown sand, but Campbell Group dolomite and chert also occur. The dominant land types are Ae, Ai, Ag and Ah. The unit is not currently conserved within any formal conservation areas and is classified as being least threatened with very low erosion and 2% transformation. The herb Gnaphalium englerianum is the only endemic plant species know to occur in this unit.

Postmasburg Thornveld is only found in the Northern Cape Province, restricted to areas around Postmasburg and lies at altitudes between 1 180 and 1 440 m. It is represented as flats surrounded by mountains supporting open, shrubby Thornveld characterised by a dense shrub layer, where trees and grasses are sparse. Shrubs are often low and of a karroid affinity. The unit occurs on red aeolian sand (Hutton form) of the Kalahari Group overlying the volcanics and sediments of the Griqualand West Supergroup that outcrop in places. The dominant land type is Ag. The unit is classified as being least threatened with very low erosion and very little transformation. It is not currently conserved within any formal conservation areas and no endemic plant species is known from this unit.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Olifantshoek Plains Thornveld is found in the Northern Cape at altitudes between 1 000 and 1 500 m. It is mostly restricted to the pediments of the Korannaberg, Langeberg and Asbestos Mountains. The plains are typically represented by an open tree and shrub layer, with a usually sparse grass layer. The unit occurs on red aeolian sand of the Kalahari Groups with silcrete and calcrete and some andesitic and basaltic lava of the Griqualand West Supergroup. Soils are deep and the most dominant landtype is Ae, but Ah also occur. Only 1 % of the unit has been transformed and erosion is very low. It is classified as being least threatened and a very small proportion is being conserved in the Witsand Nature Reserve. The shrub Amphiglossa tecta is the only endemic plant species known from this unit.

3.3.2. Fine-scale vegetation patterns The plant communities within the study area are delineated according to plant species correspondences, change in soil structure, topographical changes and disturbance regimes. The vegetation on site can be divided into seven distinct units (Figure 6) and are described below. These community descriptions include unique characteristics and the dominant species found in each unit. A complete plant species list, including those species likely to occur in the area is presented in Appendix 1.

i) Senegalia mellifera – Ziziphus mucronata shrubveld on historically mined hills This community occurs on the ferruginous rocky hills that stretches from the northern to southern border of the property. These hills have been mined in the past, but vegetation has re-established on the tailings, in the excavated areas and on the associated disturbed areas (Figure 7). Here, the large shrubs Senegalia mellifera and Ziziphus mucronata dominate the area, but Vachellia karroo, Euclea crispa, Searsia lancea, Searsia tridactyla, Grewia flava, Searcia byrchellii and Tarchonanthus camphoratus are very common. Boscia albitrunca is also present and occurs widespread across the mined hills as stunted shrubs (Figure 8). A single large Vachellia erioloba was noted near an old mining structure (Figure 9). The undergrowth is poorly developed, but includes shrubs like Lycium cinereum, Pentzia incana and Eriocephalus ericoides. Other species that were found during the survey include Melolobium microphyllum, Pegolettia retrofracta, Rhigozum obovatum, Themeda triandra, Putterlickia saxatilis, Ehretia alba, Cadaba aphylla, Chrysocoma ciliata, Diospyros lycioides, Felicia muricata subsp. muricata, Kleinia longiflora and Monechma divaricatum.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 6. The distribution of fine-scale vegetation units in the study area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 7. Vegetation that has re-established on historically mined rocky hills is dominated by shrubs like Senegalia mellifera and Ziziphus mucronata.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 8. Boscia albitrunca occurring as stunted shrubs on historically mined rocky hills.

Figure 9. A large solitary Vachellia erioloba found near an old mining structure on the historically mined rocky hills.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

ii) Euclea undulata – Calobota cuspidosa open shrubland on pristine rocky hills

This community occurs predominantly on western slopes of the Gamagara Ridge and show very little to no signs of previous mining activities. The vegetation occurs on shallow soils of the Hutton form, scattered among the rocks (Figure 10). Here, Euclea undulata and Calobota cuspidosa dominate the shrub layer, but other shrubs like Senegalia mellifera, Ziziphus mucronata, Searsia tridactyla, Searsia burchellii, Lycium cinereum, Grewia flava, Boscia albitrunca, Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Ehretia alba are also found. Anthephora pubescens, Heteropogon contortus and Melinis repens are dominant grasses, while forbs like Monechma incanum, Gomphocarpus tomentosum, Lopholaena cneorifolia, and Pellaea calomelanos are conspicuous. Other species that were found during the survey include Pegolettia retrofracta, Cadaba aphylla, Chrysocoma ciliata, Kyphocarpa angustifolia, Senna italica, Phyllanthus parvulus, Blepharis marginata, Corchorus asplenifoliusora, Hermannia comosa, Kleinia longiflora and Pteronia glauca.

Figure 10. The open shrubland of pristine hills, where vegetation is scattered among the rocks.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

iii) Croton gratissimus – Putterlickia saxatilis shrubland on isolated hills

This plant community is found on the isolated hills of the property and occurs on shallow soils of the Hutton form. The plant species composition of this unit is markedly different than those of the larger hills. It corresponds with the description of Koranna-Langeberg Mountain Bushveld from Mucina and Rutherford (2006), by Croton gratissimus being very common (Figure 11). Putterlickia saxatilis is also a very common shrub, followed by Searsia ciliata, Euclea crispa and Diospyros lycioides. The undergrowth is well developed and includes grasses like Anthephora pubescens, Digitaria eriantha and Eragrostis chloromelas, while species like Asparagus striatus and Cheilanthes ecklonii are also conspicuous. Other species that were found during the survey include Melolobium microphyllum, Cadaba aphylla, Chrysocoma ciliata, Felicia muricata subsp. muricata, Kleinia longiflora, Leucas capensis, Monechma divaricatum, Phyllanthus parvulus and Sansevieria aethiopica.

Figure 11. The dominance of Croton gratissimus on isolated hills, separate them from the larger hills in the study area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

iv) Senegalia mellifera – Pentzia incana shrubland on plains

This plant community is restricted to the plains and pediments of nearby hills. The vegetation occurs on rather shallow soils of the Hutton form. Here, the vegetation predominantly host a variety of taller shrubs interspersed with small shrubs and grasses (Figure 12). Senegalia mellifera is a prominent shrub in this unit, where it occurs widespread. Its dominance is more pronounced in certain parts, where it forms dense stands. This is most likely due to overutilization and past disturbances. Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Grewia flava, Olea europaea subsp. africana and Ziziphus mucronata are also important shrubs in this unit. Boscia albitrunca trees and shrubs occur widespread (Figure 13). The short shrub component is dominated by Pentzia incana, Chrysocoma ciliata, Asparagus sp. and Lycium cinereum, while Anthephora pubescens, Heteropogon contortus, Stipagrostis obtusa, Aristida congesta subsp. congesta, Eragrostis echinochloidea and E. lehmanniana, are the dominant grasses. Monechma divaricatum is a very conspicuous forb in this unit. Other species include Diospyros lycioides, Ehretia alba, Searsia lancea, Tapinanthus oleifolius, Eriocephalus ericoides, E. africanus, Pteronia glauca, Pegolettia retrofracta, Blepharis marginata, Kleinia longiflora, Calobota cuspidosa, Leucas capensis, Hermannia comosa, Chaenostoma halimifolium, Geigeria filifolia, Helichrysum argyrosphaerum, Ammocharis coranica, Euphorbia bergii and Sansevieria aethiopica. A large patch of Crassula corallina (Figure 14) was also noted. This unit is currently being utilised by cattle.

Figure 12. The vegetation community on plains predominantly host a variety of tall and short shrubs.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 13. Boscia albitrunca occurs widespread in the shrubland on the plains.

Figure 14. A large patch of Crassula corallina noted in the shrubland on the plains.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

v) Boscia albitrunca - Pentzia incana shrubland on shallow calcrete soils

This plant community is characterised by Boscia albitrunca trees scattered in a matrix of short karroid shrubs (Figure 15). It is restricted to shallow calcrete soils. Dominant shrubs include Pentzia incana, Rhigozum obovatum, Pteronia glauca and Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum, but grasses like Eragrostis obtusa, E. lehmanniana and Anthephora bupescens are also common. Other species found here include Senegalia mellifera, Thesium lineatum and Blepharis marginata.

Figure 15. The plant community on shallow calcrete soil, where Boscia albitrunca is scattered in a matrix of short karroid shrubs.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

vi) Vachellia erioloba – Tarchonanthus camphoratus open shrubland on deep sand

This community is restricted to the private game farm in the west of the study area, and is found on deep, red, sandy soil of the Hutton form. This unit is locally very patchy, where Vachellia erioloba trees are scattered in a matrix of shrubby grassland. Here, both Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Eriocephalus ericoides are respectively conspicuous (Figure 16). The grass layer is dominated by Schmidtia pappophoroides and Stipagrostis obtusa, while other species like Pteronia glauca is also common.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

vii) Schmidtia pappophoroides– Stipagrostis obtusa grassland on deep sand

The grassland community occurs on rather deep, red, sandy soil of the Hutton form. It lies in the far south-east corner of the study area, also within the private game farm. Here it transitions from the previous shrubland community to form open grassland that expands beyond the borders of the study area. Termitaria is scattered across the landscape (Figure 17), where grasses Schmidtia pappophoroides and Stipagrostis obtusa are dominant, followed by Aristida congesta subsp. congesta and Eragrostis lehmanniana. Shrubs, like Eriocephalus ericoides, Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Lycium cinereum are also found.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.3.3. Population of sensitive, threatened and protected plant species

Most of the species recorded for the area are classified as least concern; a category which include widespread and abundant taxa. Four listed species are however known from the study area (Table 1). Amphiglossa tecta is classified as critically rare, and although it was not encountered during the survey, it is known to be associated with the Olifantshoek Plains Thornveld (Mucina and Rutherford 2006). Boophone disticha is most likely to occur within the rocky hills, but no species were encountered during the site visit. Of the remaining species, Vachellia erioloba is confirmed to be very abundant on the property. However, the majority of the V. erioloba population occurs on wind- blown sand in the game farm and will most likely not be impacted by the mining activities. A single mature individual is found in the vicinity of the historically mined hills (see section 3.3.2) and is likely to be destroyed.

The latter species is also protected in terms of the National Forests (NFA) Act No 84 of 1998. In order to damage or remove any protected trees (seedlings to adults) an application must be submitted to the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and a licence obtained from DAFF prior to any removal. Other species from the study area that are protected in terms of NFA include Boscia albitrunca and Vachellia haematoxylon. No V. haematoxylon individuals were encountered on site, but B. albitrunca occurs widespread on the plains and rocky hills. It is estimated that more than 100 individuals will be affected by the mining operation.

Species known from the region, which are protected in terms of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation (NCNCA) Act No. 9 of 2009 are listed in Table 1. Of these, Crassula corallina, Euphorbia bergii, Olea europaea subsp. africana, Lessertia spp. and Mesembryanthemaceae spp. are relatively evident in the Thornveld of the plains, while Oxalis spp. and Jamesbrittenia spp. occur on the pristine rocky hills.

Furthermore, according to Section 51(2) of the above-mentioned Act, no person may, without a permit, pick any indigenous plant (Schedule 3) in such manner that it constitutes large-scale harvesting. Therefore, a permit is required from the Northern Cape, Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) before clearing vegetation for mining.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Table 1. Plant species found in the study area that are of conservation concern.

FAMILY Scientific name Status NFA NCNCA AIZOACEAE Aizoon asbestinum X Ebracteola wilmaniae X Plinthus sericeus X AMARYLLIDACEAE Ammocharis coranica X Boophone disticha Declining X Crinum sp. X APOCYNACEAE Fockea angustifolia X Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. fruticosus X Gomphocarpus tomentosum X Hoodia sp. X Piaranthus decipiens X ASTERACEAE Amphiglossa tecta CR CAPPARACEAE Boscia albitrunca X X CELASTRACEAE Gymnosporia buxifolia X CRASSULACEAE Crassula corallina X Crassula nodulosa var. nodulosa X Kalanchoe rotundifolia X EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia bergii X Euphorbia mauritanica var. mauritanica X Euphorbia wilmaniae X FABACEAE Vachellia erioloba Declining X Vachellia haematoxylon X Lessertia frutescens X Lessertia sp. X IRIDACEAE Babiana bainesii X Freesia andersoniae X MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE Mesembryanthemaceae sp. X OLEACEAE Olea europaea subsp. africana X OXALIDACEAE Oxalis haedulipes X Oxalis sp. X Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. PEDALIACEAE X procumbens SCROPHULARIACEAE Jamesbrittenia aurantiaca X VAHLIACEAE Vahlia capensis subsp. vulgaris DDT

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.3.4. Critical biodiversity areas and broad-scale processes

All vegetation units that fall within the study area are classified as least threatened and therefore no fine-scale conservation planning has been conducted for the area. The area has also not been identified for long term-term maintenance of broad-scale ecological processes, and does not host exceptional biodiversity. It does not fall within a National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy Focus Area. The study area does however fall within the Griqualand West Centre of Endemism (Van Wyk and Smith 2001). A centre of plant endemism is an area with high concentrations of plant species with very restricted distributions, known as endemics. They are extremely vulnerable; relatively small disturbances in a centre of endemism may easily pose a serious threat to its many range restricted species. The GWC is considered a priority in the Northern Cape, because the number of threats to the area is increasing rapidly. It has been little researched and is poorly understood.

The mine itself is expected to cause habitat transformation through the excavation of large open pits, and will thereby contribute to cumulative habitat loss and the disruption of the broad-scale landscape connectivity in the region. Much of the earmarked hills have already been transformed through historic mining activities, but new habitats have been created with the re-establishment of vegetation on the tailings and in open pits. Nevertheless, the total extent of habitat loss is expected to be low, because the vegetation units within the study area are still more than 95% intact. Therefore, the mining activities on the Paling mine will only have a local impact and the extent of habitat loss within these vegetation units will be low.

The study area also falls within a zone where South Africa’s largest economically most important deposits of manganese and the principle deposits of iron ore are found. The manganese zone extends northwards over a distance of 150 km, from just south of Postmasburg to as far as the Wessels and black rock Mines north of Hotazel, while the most significant iron ore deposits occur in the vicinity of Postmasburg and Sishen (Figure 18). The cumulative impacts in the vicinity of the study area are therefore considered to be high.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Figure 18. The distribution of mining properties in the Sishen/Postmasburg Manganese Field (Bonga 2005).

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.3.5. Weeds and invader plant species

Weeds and invasive species are controlled in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act 10 of 2004, as well as the Conservation of Agricultural Resources (CARA) Act 43 of 1993. These are species that do not naturally occur in a given area and exhibit tendencies to invade that area, and others; at the cost of locally indigenous species. To govern the control of such species, NEMBA and CARA have divided weeds and invader species into categories (see Table 2). All declared weeds and invasive species recorded in and around the study area are listed in Table 3, along with their categories according to CARA and NEMBA.

Table 2. The categorisation of weeds and invader plant species, according to NEMBA and CARA.

NEMBA CARA

1a Listed invasive species 1 Plant species that must be removed and destroyed immediately. that must be combatted These plants serve no economic purpose and possess or eradicated. characteristics that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

1b Listed invasive species 2 Plant species that may be grown under controlled conditions. that must be controlled. These plants have certain useful qualities and are allowed in demarcated areas. In other areas they must be eradicated and controlled.

2 Listed invasive species 3 Plant species that may no longer be planted. These are alien plants that require a permit to that have escaped from, or are growing in gardens and are proven carry out a restricted to be invaders. No further planting is allowed. Existing plants may activity within an area. remain (except those within the flood line, 30 m from a watercourse, or in a wetland) and must be prevented from spreading. 3 Listed invasive species that are subject to exemptions and prohibitions

Table 3. A list of declared weeds and invasive species recorded in the study area.

Scientific name Common name CARA NEMBA Prosopis glandulolsa Honey mesquite 2 3 Opuntia aurantiaca Jointed cactus 1 1b Opuntia ficus-indica Sweet prickly pear 1 1b Opuntia imbricata Imbricate cactus 1 1b Opuntia lindheimeri Small round-leaved prickly pear 1 1b

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.3.6. Indicators of bush encroachment

Bush encroacher species are controlled in terms of Regulation 16 of CARA; where land users of an area in which natural vegetation occurs and that contains communities of encroacher indicator plants are required to follow sound practices to prevent the deterioration of natural resources and to combat bush encroachment where it occurs. Declared indicators of bush encroachment in the Northern Cape, which were recorded in and around the study area, are listed in Table 4.

Table 4. A list of declared indicators of bush encroachment in the Northern Cape recorded in the study area.

Scientific name Common name Senegalia mellifera Black thorn Grewia flava Wild raisin Tarchonanthus camphoratus Camphor bush

3.4. Faunal communities

According to Section 3(a) and 4(a) of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation (NCNCA) Act No. 9 of 2009, no person may, without a permit by any means hunt, kill, poison, capture, disturb, or injure any protected or specially protected animals. Furthermore, Section 12 (1) of NCNCA states that no person may, on a land of which he or she is not the owner, hunt a wild animal without the written permission from the landowner.

3.4.1. Mammals

Various habitats are found in the study area and therefore the proposed mining site is likely to host a diverse mammal community. As many as 47 terrestrial mammals have been recorded in the region (see Appendix 2). During the site visit species that were encountered include Steenbok, Yellow Mongoose, South African Ground Squirrel, Cape Hare, Scrub Hare and a number of introduced game in the private game farm. Five listed terrestrial mammal species potentially occur in the area (Table 5).

The Brown Hyaena is likely to occur on the property, especially with the adjacent game farm potentially providing a refuge for this large carnivore. The South African Hedgehog, Black-footed Cat and Ground Pangolin may also occur in the area on account of their preferences for arid areas, but will most likely occur at low densities.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

The Honey Badger has a high potential to occur on site, given its wide habitat tolerance, while the Littledale’s Whistling Rat has a moderate potential to occur on the property on account of its associations with Lycium bushes and riverine vegetation. The site does not host any major riverine habitats, but Lycium species are common.

Virtually all mammals of the study area are protected, either according to Schedule 1 or 2 of NCNCA (see Appendix 2). Those that are specially protected include Honey Badger, Striped Polecat, Bat- eared Fox, Brown hyena, Cape Fox, Black-footed cat, Wild Cat, Aardwolf, South African Hedgehog, Ground Pangolin and Aardvark. Problem animals (Schedule 4) include Black-backed Jackal, Chacma Baboon and Caracal.

Table 5. A list of mammal species found in the study area, which are of conservation concern.

Scientific name Common name Status Parotomys littledalei Littledale’s Whistling Rat Near Threatened (SA RDB) Gerbilliscus leucogaster Bushveld Gerbil Data deficient taxon (SA RDB) Atelerix frontalis South African Hedgehog Near Threatened (SA RDB)

Felis nigripes Black-footed Cat Vulnerable (IUCN) Hyaena brunnea Brown Hyaena Near Threatened (IUCN + SA RDB) Mellivora capensis Honey Badger Near Threatened (SA RDB) Manis temminckii Ground Pangolin Vulnerable (IUCN + SA RDB)

The core mining activities are expected to take place on the rocky hills and ridges of the property. None of these listed species are associated with a rocky habitat and therefore the impact of the proposed mining activities on habitat loss for these species would be minimal. It is therefore also unlikely that the proposed mining activities will have a long-term impact on these species.

Rocky hills are generally known to contain high mammal species richness. Most of the habitats presented by the historically mined rocky hills of the property have already been transformed by historic mining activities and are therefore not expected to host such high mammal diversity. However, those habitats presented on pristine rocky hills are expected to host high mammal diversity and therefore precautions to limit potential impacts on the local fauna population found here, are necessary.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.4.2. Reptiles

The proposed mining site lies within the distribution range of at least 31 reptile species (see Appendix 2). This is a comparatively low total suggesting that the site has relatively low reptile species richness. No species of conservation concern are known to occur in the area, but all reptiles of the study area are protected either according to Schedule 1, 2 or 3 of NCNCA (see Appendix 2).

The habitat diversity for reptiles in the study area is relatively high and includes rocky hills, sandy open shrubland as well as relatively dense Thornveld. Species observed in the area in the past include Cape Cobra, Karoo Sand Snake, Puff Adder, Common Ground Agama, Namaqua Sand Lizard and Western Rock Skink. The pristine rocky hills would clearly be the most important habitat for reptiles at the site. If any of these hills are to be affected by the mining operation, it could cause significant habitat loss for the local reptile population.

It is not clear how the transformation of the historically mined rocky hills have already impacted the reptile habitat here, but these hills currently represent habitats in the form of re-established shrubs on tailings. Future impacts by the proposed mining operations on reptiles are likely to be low on these hills and would not represent significant habitat loss. However, a large area of vegetation and natural ground cover will remain, especially on the plains, and therefore many reptile species would likely continue to use the area.

3.4.3. Amphibians

Only seven amphibian species have been recorded in the region (Appendix 2), indicating that the site does not potentially have a diverse frog community. This is however normal for an arid area. No natural permanent water was observed in site that would represent suitable breeding habitat for most of these species. As a result, only those species which are relatively independent of water are likely to occur in the area. The only species of conservation concern which may occur at the site is the Giant Bull Frog. The site lies at the margin of the known distribution of this species and it has not been recorded from any of the quarter degree squares around the site, suggesting that it is not likely to occur at the site. The Giant Bull Frog is also protected according to Schedule 1 of the NCNCA.

All other amphibians of the study area are protected according to Schedule 2 of NCNCA (see Appendix 2). Impacts on amphibians are however likely to be low and restricted largely to habitat loss from mining.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

3.4.4. Avifauna

The site does not fall within or near any of the Important Bird Areas defined by Birdlife South Africa. A total number of 278 bird species have been recorded from the area (Appendix 2). This suggests that the area has been reasonably well sampled and that the species list is likely to be fairly comprehensive.

All birds of the study area are protected either according to Schedule 1, 2 or 3 of NCNCA (see Appendix 2). Twenty listed bird species are known from the area, all of which are classified as Vulnerable, Near Threatened or Endangered (Table 6). A number of the listed species are expected to occur on site either as residents or by occasionally passing over the area. None of these species were however observed during the site visit and neither is any of them expected to reside in the rocky hills. It is therefore unlikely that they will be directly impacted by any habitat loss.

The bird species of the study area are likely to experience some habitat loss as a result of the mining activities. Habitat loss would be most profound on the pristine rocky hills. The current vegetation on the historically mined hills occurs in the form of re-established shrubs containing species that are also widespread in the adjacent vegetation units. The proposed mining activities would not constitute a significant loss that would compromise the available habitat for any of the resident bird species, if mining activities are restricted to the historically mined rocky hills.

Apart from habitat loss, another potential impact source would come from electrocution and collisions with power lines. This is only applicable if power lines will be erected on site. Not all species are vulnerable to these impacts, but flamingos, bustards and storks are highly vulnerable to collisions, while many of the raptors are susceptible to electrocution as well as collision. Monitoring during the mining operation would be recommended in order to ensure no or low impact.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Table 6. Bird species found in the study area that are of conservation concern.

Scientific name Common name Status Balearica regulorum Grey Crowned-crane Endangered Gyps africanus White-backed Vulture Endangered Neotis ludwigii Ludwig's Bustard Endangered Ardeotis kori Kori Bustard Near Threatened Charadrius pallidus Chestnutbanded Plover Near Threatened Coracias garrulus Eurasian Roller Near Threatened Eupodotis caerulescens Blue Bustard Near Threatened Glareola nordmanni Blackwinged Pratincole Near Threatened Oxyura maccoa Maccoa Duck Near Threatened Phoenicopterus minor Lesser Flamingo Near Threatened Anthropoides paradiseus Blue Crane Vulnerable Bucorvus leadbeateri Southern Ground-hornbill Vulnerable Ciconia episcopus Asian Woollyneck Vulnerable Circus maurus Black Harrier Vulnerable Geronticus calvus Southern Bald Ibis Vulnerable Gyps coprotheres Cape Vulture Vulnerable Polemaetus bellicosus Martial Eagle Vulnerable Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird Vulnerable Torgos tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture Vulnerable

3.5. Site sensitivity

The sensitivity map for the proposed mining operation is illustrated in Figure 19. The historically mined rocky hills are considered to be of medium sensitivity. In general, previously mined areas or areas of large-scale transformation are not considered to be very sensitive. However, due to the age of these historically mined areas the vegetation has significantly re-established and includes many Boscia albitunca individuals. It also falls within the core mining area that will evidently be mined.

The plains are considered to be of high sensitivity on account of the high density of protected species found here. These areas are largely excluded from the core mining area. The deeper sands in the west of the property host a high density of Vachellia erioloba trees, while Boscia albitrunca occurs wide-spread in the Thornveld of the plains in the east. The latter also hosts a number of provincially protected species. The plains also provide important linkages between the different hills at the site and mining within this area would have a greater impact on landscape connectivity.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

The pristine hills host a variety of provincially protected plant species and are considered to be of very high sensitivity. Many of the hills in the area have already been transformed and therefore the pristine hills and ridges could potentially have acted as refuges for neighbouring faunal species that have migrated from transformed areas. It is also known that isolated environments host remarkable and unique species compositions and therefore the isolated hills on the property are deemed important. The mining of the pristine hills would cause a large impact on plant species of conservation concern and significantly impact the broad-scale ecological processes.

Figure 19. A sensitivity map for the proposed mining area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

4. IDENTIFICATION AND NATURE OF IMPACTS

In this section, the potential impacts and associated risk factors that may be generated by the Paling mining operation are identified. In order to ensure that the impacts identified are broadly applicable and inclusive, all the likely or potential impacts that may be associated with the mining activities are listed.

Construction Phase

 Human presence and uncontrolled access to the site may result in negative impacts on fauna and flora through poaching of fauna and uncontrolled collection of plants for traditional medicine or other purpose.  Site clearing and exploration activities for site establishment would have a negative impact on biodiversity if this was not conducted in a sensitive manner.  Vegetation clearing for access roads, etc. could impact listed plant species as well as high- biodiversity plant communities. Vegetation clearing will also lead to habitat loss for fauna and potentially the loss of sensitive faunal species, habitats and ecosystems.  Increased erosion risk would occur due to the loss of plant cover and soil disturbance created during the construction phase. This may impact downstream riparian habitats if a lot of silt enters the drainage systems.  Presence and operation of construction machinery on site. This will create a physical impact as well as generate noise, pollution and other forms of disturbance at the site.  Increased human presence can lead to poaching, illegal plant harvesting and other forms of disturbance such as fire.

Operational Phase

 The mining operation will generate noise and disturbance which may deter some fauna from the area.  Vegetation clearing for mining could impact listed plant species as well as high-biodiversity plant communities. Vegetation clearing will also lead to habitat loss for fauna and potentially the loss of sensitive faunal species, habitats and ecosystems. It will also increase erosion risk.  The mining area will require sound management. If this is not done appropriately, it could impact adjacent intact areas through impacts such as erosion, alien plant invasion and contamination from pollutants, herbicides or pesticides.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

 Overhead power lines will pose a risk to avifauna susceptible to collisions and electrocution with power line infrastructure.

Cumulative Impacts

 The loss of unprotected vegetation types on a cumulative basis from the broad area may impact the countries’ ability to meet its conservation targets.  Transformation of intact habitat would contribute to the fragmentation of the landscape and would potentially disrupt the connectivity of the landscape for fauna and flora and impair their ability to respond to environmental fluctuations.

4.1. Vegetation and floristics

4.1.1. Loss of natural and unique habitats

The vegetation in the path of mining and within the infrastructure areas will be completely removed. Vegetation clearing during construction and mining activities will lead to the loss of currently intact habitat within the mining area and habitat disturbances. This disturbance destroys primary vegetation and allows secondary pioneers species or invasive plants to enter and re-colonise disturbed area. As primary vegetation is more functional in an ecosystem, this could irreversibly transform the vegetation characteristics in the area. The vegetation within the study area consists of primary vegetation in a moderate to moderately good condition.

4.1.2. Loss of Red data and/or protected floral species

There are a number of listed and protected species present at the site, such as Boscia albitrunca and Vachellia erioloba. It is highly likely that many of the Boscia albitrunca in particular, would be impacted by the mining operation. Apart from its conservation concern, this tree is a valuable source of shade, especially in arid areas, where larger mammals seek protection and shade from its canopy. Other fauna also utilise this tree for nesting, like tree rats and birds. Furthermore, the shade that B. albitrunca provides serve as a significant microhabitat for invertebrates, suggesting its importance in continuing biodiversity patterns in the region. Further ecological functions provided by the tree include nutrient cycling, diminishing nutrient leaching, mitigating soil degradation, preventing soil erosion, sequestering carbon and replenishing organic matter.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

4.1.3. Introduction or spread of alien species

The disturbance created during the mining operation is highly likely to encourage the invasion of the disturbed areas by alien species. Although there are not a lot of alien species present within the undisturbed parts of the site, there were some aliens present especially in disturbed areas such as historically mined hills and along the access roads. This includes woody invaders such as Prosopis glandulosa and various Opuntia species. Such species will rapidly increase in abundance and expand into the disturbed areas if given the opportunity. This impact is deemed highly likely to occur.

4.1.4. Encouraging bush encroachment

The disturbance created during the mining operation could potentially encourage bush encroachment. This is especially likely during the clearing of diverse habitats where opportunity is provided for highly competitive encroaching species like Senegalia mellifera to establish. It is however also possible that the mining operation can control the spread of the latter species, by removing it for mining purposes.

4.2. Fauna

4.2.1. Habitat fragmentation

Rock crevices, burrows, nests and vegetation on which small mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles and birds are heavily reliant will be destroyed during the clearing activities associated with mining, causing the permanent displacement of these animals.

During the construction and operational phases of mining vegetation will be cleared and will create unnatural open spaces within the landscape. Some species that habitually seek out protective cover for movement across the landscape may be prevented from moving across this cleared space due to the fear of predation. It restricts the movement of smaller species and limits their access to foraging sites. This causes reduced population density of prey species, which in turn reduces the food availability for predators. It ultimately affects the nutrient cycle and ecological functioning.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

4.2.2. Intentional/accidental killing of fauna

Smaller fauna will inevitable be killed along with their habitat during the clearing of land. Some species, particularly snakes and lizards, are often intentionally killed as they are thought to be dangerous. Large exposed excavations could result in some faunal species falling in and being killed or being unable to escape from the excavation, ultimately leading to death.

4.2.3. Anthropogenic disturbances

Disturbance, like mining activities result in disturbances to the naturally occurring faunal species. These disturbances include increased levels of noise, pollution, vibrations, waste generations, illumination and human presence. Disturbances that alter the natural environment have two effects. Firstly, it may cause the loss of certain species due to the destruction of habitat. Sensitive and shy fauna would move away from the area during the mining operation as a result of the noise and human activities present, while some slow-moving species would not be able to avoid the construction activities and might be killed. Secondly, it may cause the influx of species previously unable to colonise an area owing to the lack of suitable habitat; or because they have been excluded through competition.

4.2.4. Loss of Red listed species

A number of red listed species have the potential t occur in the area and the loss of habitat could result in a reduction or loss of these species from the area. Although important habitats for these animals would still remain within the study area, the increase in the loss of natural vegetation and habitat fragmentation from surrounding mining activities may result a cumulative impact which significantly increase the magnitude of this potential impact.

4.3. Topography, soil erosion and associated degradation of ecosystems

The large amount of disturbance created during construction would potentially leave the site vulnerable to soil erosion. The plains of site are fairly flat, but there are some more sloping areas towards the hills and it is likely that these would generate significant amounts of runoff when disturbed. In addition, disturbance leading to the loss of plant cover over large parts of the site will certainly increase the risk of wind and water erosion at the site.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

The changed topography in the form of infrastructure, tailings and open pits will generate a high runoff and as a result the amount of runoff the site experience is likely to increase. Soil erosion is therefore considered a likely impact during construction and mining.

4.4. Broad-scale ecological processes

Transformation of intact habitat on a cumulative basis would contribute to the fragmentation of the landscape and would potentially disrupt the connectivity of the landscape for fauna and flora and impair their ability to respond to environmental fluctuations. Due to the large amount of mining activities in the area, this is a likely cumulative impact of the mining operation.

Furthermore, the proposed mining area falls within the Griqualand West Centre of Endemism, as does many other mining operations. This is a cause of concern, because the Centre of Endemism is still greatly misunderstood and under researched. Important elements might therefore be lost or disturbed due to a lack of knowledge, which could assist in protecting its fundamental processes. The cumulative effect of mining in this region exacerbate the potential risk of losing information an ecosystem function owing to the lack of basic research information within this area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This section provides a detailed analysis of the impacts associated with the Paling mining operation. The impacts are assessed in terms of the relevant ecological aspects and each impact is associated with an outline of specific mitigation measures, which with proper implementation, monitoring and auditing, will serve to reduce the significance of the impact.

5.1. Vegetation and floristics

5.1.1. Loss of, and disturbance to indigenous vegetation

Source of the impact The construction of roads, plant site, as well as other necessary infrastructure; the placement of stockpiles; and the clearing of vegetation for mining, materials storage and topsoil stockpiles; vehicular movement.

Description of the impact Construction and mining activities on site will reduce the natural habitat for ecological systems to continue their operation. It is not expected that the areas of high ecological function will rehabilitate following disturbance events. Vehicle traffic generates lots of dust which can reduce the growth success and seed dispersal of many small plant species.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY High Local Long Term Definite Low

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low to medium Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring

 Minimise the footprint of transformation.  Encourage proper rehabilitation of mined areas.  Encourage the growth of natural plant species.  Ensure measures for the adherence to the speed limit.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.1.2. Loss of flora with conservation concern

Source of the impact Removal of listed or protected plant species; during the construction of roads, plant site, as well as other necessary infrastructure; the placement of stockpiles; and the clearing of vegetation for mining.

Description of the impact It is possible that protected species (e.g. Boscia albitrunca) will be destroyed during the mining operation. Furthermore, if the pristine rocky hills and Thornveld on the plains are disturbed through mining activities, it is possible that the provincially protected species and other species of conservation concern will be destroyed.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY High Local Long Term Definite Low

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low to medium Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring

 Footprint areas of the mining activities must be scanned for Red Listed and protected plant species prior to mining.  It is recommended that these plants are identified and marked prior to mining.  These plants should, where possible, be incorporated into the design layout and left in situ.  However, if threatened of destruction by mining, these plants should be removed (with the relevant permits from DAFF and DENC) and relocated if possible.  A management plan should be implemented to ensure proper establishment of ex situ individuals, and should include a monitoring programme for at least two years after re- establishment in order to ensure successful translocation.  All those working on site must be educated about the conservation importance of the fauna and flora occurring on site.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.1.3. Proliferation of alien vegetation

Source of the impact Clearing of vegetation; mining activities.

Description of the impact The extent of alien invasive species in the area shows the high level of past disturbance interference in the natural ecosystem. While general clearing of the area and mining activities destroy natural vegetation, invasive plants can increase due to their opportunistic nature in disturbed areas. If invasive plants establish in disturbed areas, it may cause an impact beyond the boundaries of the mining site. These alien invasive species are thus a threat to surrounding natural vegetation and can result in the decrease of biodiversity and ecological value of the area. Therefore, if alien invasive species are not controlled and managed, their propagation into new areas could have a high impact on the surrounding natural vegetation in the long term. With proper mitigation, the impacts can be substantially reduced.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY High Regional Long Term High Medium

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Positive

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring

 Minimise the footprint of transformation.  Encourage proper rehabilitation of mined areas.  Encourage the growth of natural plant species.  Mechanical methods (hand-pulling) of control to be implemented extensively.  Annual follow-up operations to be implemented.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.1.4. Encouragement of bush encroachment

Source of the impact Clearing of vegetation; disturbances through mining activities.

Description of the impact The extent of bush encroaching species on site shows the high level of past disturbance interference in the natural ecosystem. While general clearing of the area and mining activities destroy natural vegetation, bush encroaching plants can increase due to their opportunistic nature in disturbed areas. If encroaching plants establish in disturbed areas, it may the lower potential for future land use and decrease biodiversity. With proper mitigation, the impacts can be substantially reduced.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Long Term Medium High

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Positive

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring

 Minimise the footprint of transformation.  Encourage proper rehabilitation of mined areas.  Encourage the growth of a diverse selection of natural plant species.  Mechanical methods (hand-pulling) of control to be implemented selectively.  Annual follow-up monitoring to be implemented.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.2. Fauna

5.2.1. Loss, damage and fragmentation of natural habitats

Source of the impact Clearance of vegetation; mining activities.

Description of the impact The construction of the mine and associated infrastructure will result in the loss of connectivity and fragmentation of natural habitat. Fragmentation of habitat will lead to the loss of migration corridors, in turn resulting in degeneration of the affected population’s genetic make-up. This results in a subsequent loss of genetic variability between meta-populations occurring within the study site. Pockets of fragmented natural habitats hinder the growth and development of populations.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Short Term Medium High

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low - Medium Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring

 Mining activities must be planned, where possible in order to encourage faunal dispersal and should minimise dissection or fragmentation of any important faunal habitat type.  The extent of the mining area should be demarcated on site layout plans (preferably on disturbed areas or those identified with low conservation importance). No construction personnel or vehicles may leave the demarcated area except those authorised to do so.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.2.2. Disturbance, displacement and killing of fauna

Source of the impact Vegetation clearing; increase in noise and vibration; human and vehicular movement on site resulting from mining activities.

Description of the impact The transformation of natural habitats to mining and associated infrastructure will result in the loss of habitat affected individual species, and ecological processes. In turn this will result in the displacement of faunal species dependent upon such habitat. Increased noise and vibration due to mining activities will disturb and possibly displace birds and other wildlife. Fast moving vehicles take a heavy toll in the form of road kills of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and a large number of invertebrates.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Short Term Medium High

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring

 Careful consideration is required when planning the placement for stockpiling topsoil and the creation of access routes in order to avoid the destruction of pristine habitats and minimise the overall mining footprint.  The extent of the proposed mine should be demarcated on site layout plans, and no construction personnel or vehicles may leave the demarcated area except those authorised to do so. Those areas surrounding the mine site that are not part of the demarcated development area should be considered as a no go zone for employees, machinery or even visitors.  The appointment of a full-time ECO must render guidance to the staff and contractors with respect to suitable areas for all related disturbance, and must ensure that all contractors and workers undergo Environmental Induction prior to commencing with work on site.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

 All those working on site must undergo environmental induction with regards to fauna and in particular awareness about not harming or collecting species such as snakes, tortoises and owls which are often persecuted out of superstition.  All those working on site must be educated about the conservation importance of the fauna and flora occurring on site.  The environmental induction should occur in the appropriate languages for the workers who may require translation.  Reptiles and amphibians that are exposed during the clearing operations should be captured for later release or translocation by a qualified expert.  In the case of any mortalities resulting from birds flying into power lines, these should be recorded including the date of the observation and the species affected and any other relevant information.  Employ measures that ensure adherence to the speed limit.

5.3. Topography, soil erosion and associated degradation of ecosystems

5.3.1. Changes to surface topography

Source of the impact Development of infrastructure; and residue deposits, excavations and blasting.

Description of the impact The infrastructure and residue deposits will alter the topography by adding features to the landscape. Topsoil removal, excavations and blasting will unearth the natural topography. The impact will be definite.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Medium Term High Low

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Mitigation and monitoring  Backfill all excavations continuously.  Employ effective rehabilitation strategies to restore surface topography of excavations and plant site.  Stabilise the mine residue deposits.  All temporary infrastructures should be demolished during closure.

5.3.2. Soil erosion

Source of the impact Construction of infrastructure; topsoil removal; potential runoff.

Description of the impact The construction of infrastructure and various facilities in the mining area can result in loss of soil due to erosion. Vegetation will be stripped in preparation for placement of infrastructure and excavations, and therefore the areas will be bare and susceptible to erosion.

The topsoil that is stripped and piled on surrounding areas can be eroded by wind and rain. The soil will be carried away during runoff. The cleared areas will be rehabilitated, but full restoration of soils might only occur over a number of years, subsequent to the re-establishment of vegetation. Therefore the impact will have a moderate severity, throughout the duration of the mine.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Medium Term High Low

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

Mitigation and monitoring  At no point may plant cover be removed within the no-development zones.  All attempts must be made to avoid exposure of dispersive soils.  Re-establishment of plant cover on disturbed areas must take place as soon as possible, once activities in the area have ceased.  Ground exposure should be minimised in terms of the surface area and duration, wherever possible.  The mining operation must co-ordinate different activities in order to optimise the utilisation of the excavated trenches and thereby prevent repeated and unnecessary excavations.  Construction that requires the clearing of large areas of vegetation and excavation should ideally occur during the dry season only.  Construction during the rainy season (November to March) should be closely monitored and controlled.  The run-off from the exposed ground should be controlled with the careful placement of flow retarding barriers.  The soil that is excavated during construction should be stock-piled in layers and protected by berms to prevent erosion.  All stockpiles must be kept as small as possible, with gentle slopes (18 degrees) in order to avoid excessive erosional induced losses.  Excavated and stockpiled soil material are to be stored and bermed on the higher lying areas of the footprint area and not in any storm water run-off channels or any other areas where it is likely to cause erosion, or where water would naturally accumulate.  Stockpiles susceptible to wind erosion are to be covered during windy periods.  Audits must be carried out at regular intervals to identify areas where erosion is occurring.  Appropriate remedial action, including the rehabilitation of the eroded areas, must occur.  Rehabilitation of the erosion channels and gullies.  The mining operation should avoid land with steep slopes.  Dust suppression must take place, without compromising the sensitive water balance of the area.  Linear infrastructure such as roads and pipelines will be inspected at least monthly to check that the associated water management infrastructure is effective in controlling erosion.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.3.3. Loss of soil fertility

Source of the impact During the removal of topsoil; stockpiling.

Description of the impact Improper stockpiling and soil compaction can result in soil sterilisation. Leaching can also occur, resulting in the loss of nutrients.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Medium Term High Low

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring  Topsoil stockpiles must be kept as small as possible in order to prevent compaction and the formation of anaerobic conditions.  Topsoil must be stockpiled for the shortest possible timeframes in order to ensure that the quality of the topsoil is not impaired.  Topsoil must not be handled when the moisture content exceeds 12 %.  Topsoil stockpiles must be kept separate from sub-soils.  The topsoil should be replaced as soon as possible on to the backfilled areas, thereby allowing for the re-growth of the seed bank contained within the topsoil.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.3.4. Soil pollution

Source of the impact Spillage of hazardous material; runoff.

Description of the impact During the construction and operation of the mine, there is a possibility that equipment might leak oil, thus causing surface spillages. The hydrocarbon soil contamination will render the soil unusual unless they are decontaminated. The storage of fuels on site might have an impact on soil if the tanks that are available on site are not properly monitored and maintained to avoid leakages. Then there is the potential that contaminated soil can be carried through runoff to contaminate water resources and soil stockpiled for rehabilitation. Soil pollution is therefore possible, but through mitigation it can be minimised. The impact will have minimal severity and slight effect on extent.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Local Medium Term Medium Medium

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE High

Mitigation and monitoring  Refuelling must take place in well demarcated areas and over suitable drip trays to prevent soil pollution.  Spill kits to clean up accidental spills from earthmoving machinery must be well-marked and available on site.  Workers must undergo induction to ensure that they are prepared for rapid clean-up procedures.  All facilities where dangerous materials are stored must be contained in a bund wall.  Vehicles and machinery should be regularly serviced and maintained.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

5.4. Broad-scale ecological processes

Source of the impact The construction of roads, plant site, as well as other necessary infrastructure; and the clearing of vegetation for mining.

Description of the impact Transformation of intact habitat on a cumulative basis would contribute to the fragmentation of the landscape and would potentially disrupt the connectivity of the landscape for fauna and flora and impair their ability to respond to environmental fluctuations. Due to the large amount of mining activities in the area, this is a likely cumulative impact of the mining operation.

Significance of the impact

INTENSITY SPATIAL SCOPE DURATION PROBABILITY REVERSIBILITY Medium Regional Long Term Medium Low

SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT IMPACT RATING Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Pre-mitigation Post mitigation Medium Low Negative Negative

CONFIDENCE Medium - High

Mitigation and monitoring  Minimise the footprint of transformation.  Encourage proper rehabilitation of mined areas.  Encourage the growth of natural plant species.  Mining activities must be planned, where possible in order to encourage faunal dispersal and should minimise dissection or fragmentation of any important faunal habitat type.  The extent of the mining area should be demarcated on site layout plans (preferably on disturbed areas or those identified with low conservation importance).

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Seven plant communities were identified on site of which the Pristine and Isolated Rocky Hills are identified as being most sensitive. The Senegalia mellifera – Ziziphus mucronata shrubveld on historically mined hills and the Euclea undulata – Calobota cuspidosa open shrubland on pristine rocky hills comprise the core mining area. The first have already been impacted in the past by historic mining activities and is therefore not considered highly sensitive, and impacts on vegetation and fauna are likely to be relatively low after mitigation here. The second community however, is regarded as highly sensitive due to the high number of provincially protected species occurring here as well as the unique habitat this community potentially provides to fauna. Impacts on vegetation and fauna are likely to be relatively high even after mitigation here.

Re-established stunted Boscia albitrunca shrubs are widespread across the site and more than 100 individuals are expected to be destroyed by the mining activities. A licence application regarding protected trees need to be lodged with Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries prior to the removal or damaging of any of the protected trees.

The construction of infrastructure and the mining operation will result in the removal of provincially protected flora and will constitute large-scale clearance of indigenous vegetation. A permit application regarding protected flora as well as the harvesting of indigenous vegetation need to be lodged with the Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation prior to any clearance of vegetation.

Although there are likely to be a number of listed fauna and avifauna present at the site, the surrounding landscape is still overwhelmingly intact and it is not likely that the mining activities would lead to the regional declines in these species. As faunal abundance in the area is quite high, mitigation measures to reduce the potential impact of the mining activities are important to ensure a low faunal impact.

To conclude, it is clear that the destruction of the natural habitat within the mining area is inevitable. The significance of the impacts will be affected by the success of the mitigation measures implemented and the rehabilitation programme for the mining area.

PMG Mining – Paling Fauna & Flora Assessment

7. REFERENCES

ALEXANDER, G. and MARAIS, J. 2007. A guide to the reptiles of southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

BONGA, M. W. 2005. An overview of the South African iron, manganese and steel industry during the period 1984 - 2003. The Director: Mineral Economics, Pretoria.

BRANCH, W. R. 1998. Field guide to the snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.

DU PREEZ, L. and CARRUTHERS, V. 2009. A complete guide to the frogs of southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

FRIEDMANN, Y. and DALY, B. 2004. Red data book of the mammals of SOuth Africa: a conservation assessment. CBSG-EWT, Johannesburg.

GIBBON, G. 2006. Robert's Multimedia Birds of Southern Africa version 3. Southern African Birding cc.

IUCN. 2014. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2 [Online]. Available: www.iucnredlist.org.

MUCINA, L. and RUTHERFORD, M. C. 2006. The Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SANBI, Pretoria, South Africa.

MUCINA, L., RUTHERFORD, M. C. and POWRIE, L. W. 2005. Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, 1:1 000 000 (2nd ed.). SANBI, Kirstenbosch, South Africa.

SANBI. 2014. Red List of South African Plants. Version 2014.1 [Online]. Available: http://redlist.sanbi.org/.

SKINNER, J. D. and CHIMIMBA, C. T. 2005. The mammals of the South African Subregion. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

VAN WYK, A. E. and SMITH, G. F. 2001. Regions of floristic endemism in southern Africa. Umdaus press, Hatfield.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Plant species list

Family Scientific name Status NFA NCNCA ACANTHACEAE Blepharis marginata LC

ACANTHACEAE Justicia puberula LC

ACANTHACEAE Justicia thymifolia LC

ACANTHACEAE Monechma divaricatum LC

ACANTHACEAE Monechma incanum LC AIZOACEAE Aizoon asbestinum LC S2

AIZOACEAE Ebracteola wilmaniae LC S2

AIZOACEAE Plinthus sericeus LC S2

AMARANTHACEAE Kyphocarpa angustifolia LC

AMARANTHACEAE Sericorema remotiflora LC

AMARYLLIDACEAE Ammocharis coranica LC S2

AMARYLLIDACEAE Boophone disticha Declining S2

AMARYLLIDACEAE Crinum sp. - S2

ANACARDIACEAE Searsia burchellii LC

ANACARDIACEAE Searsia ciliata LC

ANACARDIACEAE Searsia lancea LC

ANACARDIACEAE Searsia pyroides var. pyroides LC

ANACARDIACEAE Searsia tridactyla LC

APOCYNACEAE Fockea angustifolia LC S2

APOCYNACEAE Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. fruticosus LC S2

APOCYNACEAE Gomphocarpus tomentosum LC S2

APOCYNACEAE Hoodia sp. - S2

APOCYNACEAE Piaranthus decipiens LC S2

ASPARAGACEAE Asparagus sp. -

ASPARAGACEAE Asparagus striatus LC

ASTERACEAE Amphiglossa tecta CR

ASTERACEAE Amphiglossa triflora LC

ASTERACEAE Chrysocoma ciliata LC

ASTERACEAE Cichorium intybus subsp. intybus Exotic

ASTERACEAE Dicoma anomala LC

ASTERACEAE Dicoma schinzii LC

ASTERACEAE Eriocephalus africanus LC

ASTERACEAE Eriocephalus ericoides LC

ASTERACEAE Felicia muricata subsp. muricata LC

ASTERACEAE Geigeria filifolia LC

ASTERACEAE Geigeria ornativa LC

ASTERACEAE Gnaphalium englerianum LC

ASTERACEAE Helichrysum argyrosphaerum LC

ASTERACEAE Helichrysum cerastioides LC

ASTERACEAE Helichrysum zeyheri LC

ASTERACEAE Hertia pallens LC

ASTERACEAE Kleinia longiflora LC

ASTERACEAE Lopholaena cneorifolia LC

ASTERACEAE Nolletia ciliaris LC

ASTERACEAE Pegolettia retrofracta LC

ASTERACEAE Pentzia calcarea LC

ASTERACEAE Pentzia incana LC

ASTERACEAE Pteronia glauca LC

ASTERACEAE Pteronia undulata LC

ASTERACEAE Tarchonanthus camphoratus LC

ASTERACEAE Tarchonanthus obovatus LC

ASTERACEAE Tripteris aghillana Not evaluated

BIGNONIACEAE Rhigozum obovatum LC

BORAGINACEAE Ehretia alba LC

BORAGINACEAE Ehretia rigida subsp. rigida LC

BORAGINACEAE Heliotropium strigosum LC

Family Scientific name Status NFA NCNCA BRASSICACEAE Lepidium africanum subsp. divaricatum LC

BRASSICACEAE Heliophila sp. -

CACTACEAE Opuntia aurantiaca Exotic

CACTACEAE Opuntia ficus indica Exotic

CACTACEAE Opuntia imbricata Exotic

CACTACEAE Opuntia lindheimeri Exotic

CAMPANULACEAE Wahlenbergia nodosa LC

CAPPARACEAE Boscia albitrunca LC YES S2 CAPPARACEAE Cadaba aphylla LC

CAPPARACEAE Cleome rubella LC

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Pollichia campestris LC

CELASTRACEAE Gymnosporia buxifolia LC S2

CELASTRACEAE Putterlickia saxatilis LC

CHENOPODIACEAE Chenopodium schraderianum Exotic

CHENOPODIACEAE Salsola geminiflora LC

CHENOPODIACEAE Salsola rabieana LC

COMBRETACEAE Terminalia sericea LC

COMMELINACEAE Commelina africana var. krebsiana LC

CONVOLVULACEAE Ipomoea magnusiana LC

CONVOLVULACEAE Seddera capensis LC

CRASSULACEAE Crassula corallina LC S2

CRASSULACEAE Crassula nodulosa var. nodulosa forma nodulosa LC S2

CRASSULACEAE Kalanchoe rotundifolia LC S2

CUCUBURTACEAE Acanthosicyos naudinianus LC

CUCUBURTACEAE Peponium caledonicum LC

CYPERACEAE Bulbostylis burchellii LC

CYPERACEAE Bulbostylis humilis LC

CYPERACEAE Kyllinga alba LC

DRACAENACEAE Sansevieria aethiopica LC

EBENACEAE Diospyros austro-africana LC

EBENACEAE Diospyros lycioides LC

EBENACEAE Euclea crispa subsp. crispa LC

EBENACEAE Euclea undulata LC

EUPHORBIACEAE Acalypha indica var. indica LC

EUPHORBIACEAE Croton gratissimus LC

EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia bergii Not evaluated S2

EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia mauritanica var. mauritanica Not evaluated S2

EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia wilmaniae LC S2

FABACEAE Cyamopsis serrata LC

FABACEAE Elephantorrhiza elephantina LC

FABACEAE Hoffmannseggia burchellii LC

FABACEAE Indigofera daleoides LC

FABACEAE Calobota cuspidosa LC

FABACEAE Lessertia frutescens LC S1

FABACEAE Lessertia sp. - S1

FABACEAE Melolobium microphyllum LC

FABACEAE Prosopis glandulosa Exotic

FABACEAE Rhynchosia totta var. totta LC

FABACEAE Senegalia mellifera LC

FABACEAE Senna italica LC

FABACEAE Tephrosia longipes LC

FABACEAE Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya LC

FABACEAE Vachellia erioloba Declining YES

FABACEAE Vachellia haematoxylon LC YES

FABACEAE Vachellia hebeclada subsp. hebeclada LC

FABACEAE Vachellia karroo LC

Family Scientific name Status NFA NCNCA FABACEAE Vachellia luederitzii var. luederitzii LC

FABACEAE Vachellia tortilis LC

GISEKIACEAE Gisekia africana LC

GISEKIACEAE Gisekia pharnacioides LC

GISEKIACEAE Gisekia sp. -

HYACINTHACEAE Dipcadi marlothii LC

IRIDACEAE Babiana bainesii LC S2

IRIDACEAE Freesia andersoniae LC S2

LAMIACEAE Leonotis pentadentata LC

LAMIACEAE Stachys burchelliana LC

LORANTHACEAE Tapinanthus oleifolius LC

MALVACEAE Corchorus asplenifolius LC

MALVACEAE Corchorus pinnatipartitus LC

MALVACEAE Grewia flava LC

MALVACEAE Grewia retinervis LC

MALVACEAE Hermannia bryoniifolia LC

MALVACEAE Hermannia burchellii LC

MALVACEAE Hermannia comosa LC

MALVACEAE Hermannia erodioides LC

MALVACEAE Hermannia sp. -

MALVACEAE Hermannia tomentosa LC

MALVACEAE Hibiscus marlothianus LC

MALVACEAE Hibiscus pusillus LC

MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE Mesem sp. - S2

MOLLUGINACEAE Limeum fenestratum LC

MORACEAE Ficus cordata subsp. cordata LC

NYCTAGINACEAE Phaeoptilum spinosum LC

OLEACEAE Olea europaea subsp. africana LC S2

OROBANCHACEAE Striga sp. -

OXALIDACEAE Oxalis haedulipes LC S2

OXALIDACEAE Oxalis sp. - S2

PEDALIACEAE Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbens LC S1

PHYLLANTHACEAE Phyllanthus parvulus LC

POACEAE Andropogon chinensis LC

POACEAE Andropogon schirensis LC

POACEAE Anthephora argentea LC

POACEAE Anthephora pubescens LC

POACEAE Aristida adscensionis LC

POACEAE Aristida congesta subsp. congesta LC

POACEAE Aristida diffusa LC

POACEAE Aristida engleri var. ramosissima LC

POACEAE Aristida meridionalis LC

POACEAE Aristida stipitata subsp. stipitata LC

POACEAE Brachiaria nigropedata LC

POACEAE Brachiaria serrata LC

POACEAE Cenchrus ciliaris LC

POACEAE Cymbopogon dieterlenii LC

POACEAE Cymbopogon pospischilii Exotic

POACEAE Digitaria eriantha LC

POACEAE Digitaria polyphylla LC

POACEAE Diheteropogon amplectens LC

POACEAE Elionurus muticus LC

POACEAE Enneapogon scaber LC

POACEAE Enneapogon scoparius LC

POACEAE Eragrostis chloromelas LC

POACEAE Eragrostis echinochloidea LC

Family Scientific name Status NFA NCNCA POACEAE Eragrostis lehmanniana var. lehmanniana LC

POACEAE Eragrostis macrochlamys var. wilmaniae LC

POACEAE Eragrostis nindensis LC

POACEAE Eragrostis obtusa LC

POACEAE Eustachys paspaloides LC

POACEAE Heteropogon contortus LC

POACEAE Melinis repens LC

POACEAE Microchloa caffra LC

POACEAE Oropetium capense LC

POACEAE Panicum arbusculum LC

POACEAE Schizachyrium sanguineum LC

POACEAE Schmidtia pappophoroides LC

POACEAE Sporobolus fimbriatus LC

POACEAE Stipagrostis obtusa LC

POACEAE Stipagrostis uniplumis LC

POACEAE Themeda triandra LC

POACEAE Trichoneura grandiglumis LC

POACEAE Triraphis andropogonoides LC

POLYGONACEAE Oxygonum alatum var. alatum LC

POLYGONACEAE Oxygonum delagoense LC

PORTULACACEAE Talinum caffrum LC

RHAMNACEAE Ziziphus mucronata LC

RUBIACEAE Anthospermum rigidum subsp. pumilum LC

RUBIACEAE Kohautia cynanchica LC

SANTALACEAE Thesium lineatum LC

SCROPHULARIACEAE Aptosimum procumbens LC

SCROPHULARIACEAE Chaenostoma halimifolium LC

SCROPHULARIACEAE Jamesbrittenia aurantiaca LC S2

SCROPHULARIACEAE Jamesbrittenia sp. - S2

SCROPHULARIACEAE Selago densiflora LC

SCROPHULARIACEAE Sutera griquensis LC

SINOPTERIDACEAE Cheilanthes eckloniana LC

SINOPTERIDACEAE Pellaea calomelanos LC

SOLANACEAE Lycium cinereum LC

SOLANACEAE Lycium hirsutum LC

SOLANACEAE Lycium pilifolium LC

SOLANACEAE Solanum tomentosum LC

THYMELAEACEAE Gnidia polycephala LC

THYMELAEACEAE Gnidia sp. -

VAHLIACEAE Vahlia capensis subsp. vulgaris DDT

VERBENACEAE Chascanum garipense LC

VERBENACEAE Lantana rugosa LC

VISCACEAE Viscum sp. LC

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE Tribulus sp. LC

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum LC

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE Zygophyllum sp. -

APPENDIX 2

Faunal species list

LIST OF MAMMALS Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential of Scientific name Common name IUCN SA RDB Habitat occurrence

2Macroscelides proboscideus Karoo Round-eared Sengi LC LC Species of open country, with High preference for shrub bush and sparse grass cover, also occur on hard gravel plains with sparse boulders for shelter, and on loose sandy soil provided there is some bush cover.

MACROSCELIDIDAE Elephantulus rupestris Western Rock Sengi LC LC Rocky koppies, rocky outcrops High or piles of boulders where these offer sufficient holes and

crannies for refuge.

1Orycteropus afer Aardvark LC LC Wide habitat tolerance, being High found in open woodland, scrub and grassland, especially

associated with sandy soil.

TUBULENTATA

2Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax LC LC Outcrops of rocks, especially High granite formations and dolomite intrusions in the

Karoo. Also erosion gullies. HYRACOIDEA

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat occurrence

2Lepus capensis Cape Hare LC LC Dry, open regions, with Confirmed palatable bush and grass.

2Lepus saxatilis Scrub Hare LC LC Common in agriculturally Confirmed developed areas, especially in crop-growing areas or in fallow

LAGOMORPHA lands where there is some bush development.

1Manis temminckii Ground Pangolin VU VU Prefers savanna woodland in Medium low-lying regions with moderate to dense scrub; average annual rainfall of 250

PHOLIDOTA to 1,400 mm.

2Cryptomys hottentotus African Mole Rat LC LC Wide substrate tolerance; High sandy soils to heavier compact

substrates, e.g. decomposed

schists and stony soils.

2Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine LC LC Catholic in habitat High

RODENTIA requirements.

2Xerus inauris South African Ground Squirrel LC LC Open terrain with a sparse Confirmed bush cover and hard substrate.

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat occurrence

2Pedetes capensis Springhare LC LC Occurs widespread: open High sandy ground, sandy scrub, overgrazed grassland, edges of vleis and dry river beds.

2Graphiurus ocularis Spectacled Dormouse LC LC Rocky habitats, but also trees. High

2Rhabdomys pumilio Four-striped Grass Mouse LC LC Essentially a grassland species, High occurs in wide variety of habitats where there is good

grass cover.

2Mus minutoides Pygmy Mouse LC LC Wide habitat tolerance. High

RODENTIA 2Mastomys coucha Southern Multimammate Mouse LC LC Wide habitat tolerance. High

2Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua Rock Rat LC LC Catholic habitat requirements, High but prefer rocky hills, outcrops or boulder-strewn hillsides.

2Parotomys brantsii Brants' Whistling Rat LC LC Associated with a dry sandy High substrate in more arid parts of the Nama-karoo and Succulent Karoo. Species selects areas of low percentage of plant cover and areas with deep sands.

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat occurrence

2Parotomys littledalei Littledale’s Whistling Rat LC NT Riverine associations or Medium associated with Lycium bushes or Psilocaulon absimile.

2Otomys unisulcatus Karoo Bush Rat LC LC Shrub and fynbos associations Low in areas with rocky outcrops Tend to avoid damp situations but exploit the semi-arid Karoo through behavioural adaptation.

RODENTIA Desmodillus auricularis Cape Short-eared Gerbil LC LC Tend to occur on hard ground, High unlike other gerbil species, with some cover of grass or karroid bush.

2Gerbillurus paeba Hairy-footed Gerbil LC LC Gerbils associated with Nama High and Succulent Karoo preferring sandy soil or sandy alluvium with a grass, scrub or light woodland cover.

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat occurrence

2Gerbilliscus leucogaster Bushveld Gerbil LC DD Predominantly associated with Low light sandy soils or sandy

alluvium.

2Gerbilliscus brantsii Highveld Gerbil LC LC Sandy soils or sandy alluvium Medium with some cover of grass,

scrub or open woodland. RODENTIA

2Malacothrix typica Gerbil Mouse LC LC Found predominantly in Nama Low and Succulent Karoo biomes, in areas with a mean annual

rainfall of 150-500 mm.

4Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon LC LC Can exploit fynbos, montane High grasslands, riverine courses in deserts, and simply need

PRIMATES water and access to refuges.

2Crocidura cyanea Reddish-Grey Musk Shrew LC DD Occurs in relatively dry terrain, High with a mean annual rainfall of less than 500 mm. Occur in karroid scrub and in fynbos

often in association with rocks. EULIPOTYPHLA

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat

occurrence

1Atelerix frontalis South African Hedgehog LC NT Generally found in semi-arid Medium and subtemperate environments with ample

ground cover. ERINACEOMORPHA

1Proteles cristata Aardwolf LC LC Common in the 100-600mm High rainfall range of country, Nama-Karoo, Succulent Karoo Grassland and Savanna biomes.

Caracal caracal Caracal LC LC Caracals tolerate arid regions, High occur in semi-desert and karroid conditions.

1Felis silvestris Wild Cat LC LC Wide habitat tolerance. High CARNIVORA

1Felis nigripes Black-footed cat VU LC Associated with arid country, High particularly areas with open habitat that provides some cover in the form of tall stands of grass or scrub.

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat occurrence

2Genetta genetta Common Genet LC LC Occur in open arid habitats. High

2Suricata suricatta Suricate LC LC Open arid country with hard High and stony substrate. Occur in Nama- and Succulent Karoo but also fynbos.

2Cynictis penicillata Yellow Mongoose LC LC Semi-arid country on a sandy Confirmed

substrate.

2Herpestes pulverulentus Cape Grey Mongoose LC LC Wide habitat tolerance. High

1Vulpes chama Cape Fox LC LC Associated with open country, High

open grassland, grassland with CARNIVORA scattered thickets and coastal or semi-desert scrub.

4Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal LC LC Wide habitat tolerance. High

1Hyaena brunnea Brown hyena NT NT Found in dry areas, generally Medium with annual rainfall of 100 - 700 mm, particularly along the coast, semi-desert, open scrub and open woodland savanna.

LIST OF MAMMALS (continued) Mammals protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Potential Scientific name Common name IUCN RDB Habitat occurrence

1Otocyon megalotis Bat-eared Fox LC LC Open country with mean High annual rainfall of 100-600 mm.

1Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat LC LC Widely distributed throughout High

the sub-region. CARNIVORA 1Mellivora capensis Ratel/Honey Badger LC NT Catholic habitat requirements. High

2Oryx gazella Gemsbok LC LC Open arid country. Confirmed

2Sylvicapra grimmia Common Duiker LC LC Presence of bushes are High important.

2Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok LC LC Arid regions, open grassland. Confirmed

2Raphicerus campestris Steenbok LC LC Inhabits open country. Confirmed

2Giraffa camelopardalis Giraffe LC LC Typically prefer Acacia Confirmed

savannas. RUMINANTIA 2Connochaetes taurinus Common Wildebeest LC LC Short-grass plains, open Confirmed bushland and woodland.

2Alcelaphus buselaphus Hartebeest LC LC Woodland areas with high Confirmed grass; prefer the edge to the middle of open plains.

LIST OF REPTILES

Reptiles protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript IUCN Family Scientific name Common name status

AGAMIDAE 3Agama aculeata subsp. aculeata Common Ground Agama LC 3Agama anchietae Anchieta's Agama LC

COLUBRIDAE 2Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake LC 2Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater LC 3Psammophis namibensis Namib Sand Snake LC 3Psammophis notostictus Karoo Sand Snake LC 3Telescopus beetzii Beetz's Tiger Snake LC

ELAPIDAE 3Naja nivea Cape Cobra Not listed 3Karusasaurus polyzonus Karoo Girdled Lizard LC

3Chondrodactylus angulifer subsp. GEKKONIDAE angulifer Common Giant Ground Gecko LC 3Chondrodactylus bibronii Bibron's Gecko LC 3Pachydactylus capensis Cape Gecko LC 3Pachydactylus latirostris Quartz Gecko LC 3Pachydactylus rugosus Common Rough Gecko LC 3Ptenopus garrulus subsp. maculatus Spotted Barking Gecko LC

LACERTIDAE 2Heliobolus lugubris Bushveld Lizard LC 2Nucras tessellata Western Sandveld Lizard LC 2Pedioplanis inornata Plain Sand Lizard LC 2Pedioplanis lineoocellata subsp. lineoocellata Spotted Sand Lizard LC 2Pedioplanis namaquensis Namaqua Sand Lizard LC

SCINCIDAE 3Acontias lineatus Striped Dwarf Legless Skink LC 3Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink LC 3Trachylepis occidentalis Western Three-striped Skink LC 3Trachylepis sparsa Karasburg Tree Skink LC 3Trachylepis spilogaster Kalahari Tree Skink LC 3Trachylepis sulcata subsp. sulcata Western Rock Skink LC 3Trachylepis variegata Variegated Skink LC

TESTUDINIDAE 2Psammobates tentoriussubsp. verroxii Verrox's Tent Tortoise Not listed 2Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise LC

Delalande's Beaked Blind TYPHLOPIDAE 3Rhinotyphlops lalandei Snake LC

VIPERIDAE 3Bitis arietans Puff Adder LC

LIST OF AMPHIBIANS

Amphibians protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Family Scientific name Common name IUCN status

BUFONIDAE 2Amietophrynus garmani Eastern olive toad LC

HYPEROLIIDAE 2Kassina senegalensis Senegal Land Frog LC

PIPIDAE 2Xenopus laevis Common Platanna LC

PYXICEPHALIDAE 2Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco LC 1Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bull Frog NT

RANIDAE 2Tomopterna cryptotis Common Sand Frog LC 2Amietia angolensis Common River Frog LC

LIST OF BIRDS Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript Scientific name Common name IUCN status

1Accipiter badius Little Banded Goshawk LC 2Acrocephalus baeticatus African Marsh Warbler Not listed 2Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper LC 2Afrotis afraoides Northern Black Bustard LC 2Alario alario Blackheaded Canary Not listed 2Alopochen aegyptiacus Egyptian Goose LC 2Amadina erythrocephala Redheaded Finch LC 2Amaurornis flavirostris Black Crake LC 2Anas capensis Cape Teal LC 2Anas erythrorhyncha Redbilled Teal LC 2Anas smithii Cape Shoveller LC 2Anas sparsa African Black Duck LC 2Anas undulata Yellowbilled Duck LC 2Anhinga rufa Darter LC 2Anthoscopus minutus Cape Penduline Tit LC 2Anthropoides paradiseus Blue Crane VU 2Anthus cinnamomeus Grassveld Pipit Not listed 2Anthus crenatus Rock Pipit LC 2Anthus vaalensis Buffy Pipit LC 2Apus affinis Little Swift LC 2Apus apus Eurasian Swift LC 2Apus bradfieldi Bradfield's Swift LC 2Apus caffer Whiterumped Swift LC 2Apus horus Horus Swift LC 2Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle LC 2Aquila verreauxii Black Eagle LC 2Ardea alba Great White Egret LC 2Ardea cinerea Grey Heron LC 2Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret LC 2Ardea melanocephala Blackheaded Heron LC 2Ardea purpurea Purple Heron LC 2Ardeotis kori Kori Bustard NT 2Balearica regulorum Grey Crowned-crane EN 2Batis pririt Pririt Batis LC 2Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Ibis LC 2Bradornis infuscatus Chat Flycatcher LC 2Bradornis mariquensis Marico Flycatcher LC 2Bubalornis niger Redbilled Buffalo Weaver LC 1Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle Owl LC 1Bubo lacteus Giant Eagle Owl LC 2Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret LC 1Bucorvus leadbeateri Southern Ground-hornbill VU 2Burhinus capensis Spotted Dikkop LC 1Buteo rufofuscus Jackal Buzzard LC

LIST OF BIRDS (continued) Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Scientific name Common name IUCN status

1Buteo vulpinus Steppe Buzzard Not listed 2Calandrella cinerea Redcapped Lark LC 2Calendulauda africanoides Fawncoloured Lark LC 2Calendulauda bradfieldi Bradfield's Lark Not listed 2Calidris alba Sanderling LC 2Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper LC 2Calidris minuta Little Stint LC 2Campethera abingoni Goldentailed Woodpecker LC 1Caprimulgus europaeus Eurasian Nightjar LC 1Caprimulgus rufigena Rufouscheeked Nightjar LC 1Caprimulgus tristigma Freckled Nightjar LC 2Centropus superciliosus Burchell's Coucal LC 2Cercomela familiaris Familiar Chat LC 2Cercomela sinuata Sicklewinged Chat LC 2Cercotrichas coryphoeus Karoo Robin Not listed 2Cercotrichas paena Kalahari Robin LC 2Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher LC 2Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover LC 2Charadrius pallidus Chestnutbanded Plover NT 2Charadrius pecuarius Kittlitz's Plover LC 2Charadrius tricollaris Threebanded Plover LC 2Chersomanes albofasciata Spikeheeled Lark LC 2Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern LC 2Chlidonias leucopterus Whitewinged Tern LC 2Chrysococcyx caprius Diederik Cuckoo LC 2Chrysococcyx klaas Klaas's Cuckoo LC 2Ciconia abdimii Abdim's Stork LC 2Ciconia ciconia White Stork LC 2Ciconia episcopus Asian Woollyneck VU 1Ciconia nigra Black Stork LC 2Cinnyris fusca Dusky Sunbird LC 1Circaetus pectoralis Blackbreasted Snake Eagle LC 1Circus maurus Black Harrier VU 1Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier LC 1Circus ranivorus African Marsh Harrier LC 2Cisticola aridulus Desert Cisticola LC 2Cisticola fulvicapillus Neddicky LC 2Cisticola juncidis Fantailed Cisticola LC 2Cisticola subruficapillus Greybacked Cisticola LC 2Cisticola tinniens Levaillant's Cisticola LC 2Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo LC

LIST OF BIRDS (continued) Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Scientific name Common name IUCN status

2Clamator jacobinus Jacobin Cuckoo LC 3Colius colius White-backed Mousebird LC 2Columba guinea Rock Pigeon LC 2Columba livia Feral Pigeon LC 2Coracias caudata Lilacbreasted Roller LC 2Coracias garrulus Eurasian Roller NT 2Coracias naevia Purple Roller LC 2Corythornis cristatus Malachite Kingfisher LC 3Corvus albus Pied Crow LC 3Corvus capensis Black Crow LC 2Cossypha caffra Cape Robin LC 2Coturnix coturnix Common Quail LC 2Creatophora cinerea Wattled Starling LC 2Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo LC 2Cuculus gularis African Cuckoo LC 2Cursorius rufus Burchell's Courser LC 2Cursorius temminckii Temminck's Courser LC 2Cypsiurus parvus Palm Swift LC 2Dendrocygna viduata Whitefaced Duck LC 2Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker LC 2Dendropicos griseocephalus Olive Woodpecker LC 2Dicrurus adsimilis Forktailed Drongo LC 2Egretta garzetta Little Egret LC 1Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite LC 2Emberiza capensis Cape Bunting LC 2Emberiza flaviventris Goldenbreasted Bunting LC 2Emberiza impetuani Larklike Bunting LC 2Emberiza tahapisi Rock Bunting LC 2Eremomela icteropygialis Yellowbellied Eremomela LC 2Eremopterix verticalis Greybacked Finchlark LC 2Estrilda astrild Common Waxbill LC 2Estrilda erythronotos Blackcheeked Waxbill LC 2Euplectes afer Golden Bishop LC 3Euplectes orix Red Bishop LC 2Eupodotis caerulescens Blue Bustard NT 1Falco biarmicus Lanner Falcon LC 1Falco chicquera Red-headed Falcon NT 1Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel LC 1Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon LC

LIST OF BIRDS (continued) Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript Scientific name Common name IUCN status

1Falco rupicolis Rock Kestrel Not listed 1Falco rupicoloides Greater Kestrel LC 2Fulica cristata Red-knobbed Coot LC 2Gallinago nigripennis Ethiopian Snipe LC 1Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen LC 2Geronticus calvus Southern Bald Ibis VU 1Glareola nordmanni Blackwinged Pratincole NT 1Glaucidium perlatum Pearlspotted Owl LC 2Granatina granatina Violeteared Waxbill LC 1Gyps africanus White-backed Vulture EN 1Gyps coprotheres Cape Vulture VU 2Halcyon chelicuti Striped Kingfisher LC 1Haliaeetus vocifer African Fish Eagle LC 2Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle LC 2Himantopus himantopus Blackwinged Stilt LC 2Hippolais icterina Icterine Warbler LC 2Hirundo albigularis White-throated Swallow LC 2Hirundo cucullata Greater Striped Swallow LC 2Hirundo dimidiata Pearl-breasted Swallow LC 2Hirundo fuligula Rock Martin LC 2Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow LC 2Hirundo semirufa Rufous-chested Swallow LC 2Hirundo spilodera South African Swallow LC 2Indicator indicator Greater Honeyguide LC 2Ixobrychus minutus Common Little Bittern LC 2Lagonosticta rubricata African Firefinch LC 2Lagonosticta senegala Red-billed Firefinch LC 2Lamprotornis nitens Red-shouldered Glossy-starling LC 2Laniarius atrococcineus Crimson-breasted Shrike LC 2Lanius collaris Common Fiscal LC 2Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike LC 2Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike LC 2Larus cirrocephalus Grey-headed Gull LC 2Larus dominicanus Kelp Gull LC 1Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabou Stork LC 2Lophotis ruficrista Red-crested Korhaan LC 2Malcorus pectoralis Rufous-eared Warbler LC 2Megaceryle maxima Giant Kingfisher LC 1Melierax canorus Pale Chanting Goshawk LC 1Melierax gabar Gabar Goshawk LC 2Merops apiaster European Bee-eater LC 2Merops hirundineus Swallowtailed Bee-eater LC 2Milvus aegyptius Yellowbilled Kite Not listed 1Milvus migrans Black Kite LC

LIST OF BIRDS (continued) Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript

Scientific name Common name IUCN status

2Mirafra fasciolata Eastern Clapper Lark Not listed 2Mirafra passerina Monotonous Lark LC 2Mirafra sabota Sabota Lark LC 2Monticola brevipes Shorttoed Rockthrush LC 2Motacilla capensis Cape Wagtail LC 2Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher LC 2Myrmecocichla formicivora Anteating Chat LC 2Nectarinia amethystina Amethyst Sunbird LC 2Nectarinia mariquensis Marico Sunbird LC 1Neotis ludwigii Ludwig's Bustard EN 2Netta erythrophthalma Southern Pochard LC 2Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard LC 2Nilaus afer Brubru LC 2Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel LC 2Numida meleagris Helmeted Guineafowl LC 2Nycticorax nycticorax Blackcrowned Night Heron LC 2Oena capensis Namaqua Dove LC 2Oenanthe monticola Mountain Chat LC 2Oenanthe pileata Capped Wheatear LC 2Onychognathus nabouroup Palewinged Starling LC 2Oriolus oriolus Eurasian Golden Oriole LC 2Ortygospiza atricollis Quail Finch LC 2Oxyura maccoa Maccoa Duck NT 2Parus cinerascens Ashy Tit LC 2Passer diffusus Southern Greyheaded Sparrow LC 3Passer domesticus House Sparrow LC 3Passer melanurus Cape Sparrow LC 2Passer motitensis Great Sparrow LC 2Phalacrocorax africanus Reed Cormorant LC 2Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant LC 2Philetairus socius Sociable Weaver LC 2Philomachus pugnax Ruff LC 1Phoenicopterus minor Lesser Flamingo NT 1Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo LC 2Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler LC 2Pinarocorys nigricans Dusky Lark LC 2Platalea alba African Spoonbill LC 2Plectropterus gambensis Spurwinged Goose LC 2Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis LC 2Plocepasser mahali Whitebrowed Sparrowweaver LC 3Ploceus velatus Masked Weaver LC 2Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe LC 2Podiceps nigricollis Blacknecked Grebe LC 1Polemaetus bellicosus Martial Eagle VU

LIST OF BIRDS (continued) Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript Scientific name Common name IUCN status

1Polihierax semitorquatus Pygmy Falcon LC 1Polyboroides typus Gymnogene LC 2Porphyrio martinicus Purple Gallinule LC 2Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake LC 2Prinia flavicans Blackchested Prinia LC 2Prodotiscus regulus Brown-backed Honeybird LC 2Psophocichla litsipsirupa Groundscraper Thrush LC 2Pternistis adspersus Redbilled Francolin LC 2Pterocles bicinctus Doublebanded Sandgrouse LC 2Pterocles burchelli Burchell's Sandgrouse LC 2Pterocles namaqua Namaqua Sandgrouse LC 1Ptilopsis granti Southern White-faced Owl LC 3Pycnonotus nigricans African Red-eyed Bulbul LC 2Pytilia melba Melba Finch LC 3Quelea quelea Red-billed Quelea LC 2Rallus caerulescens African Rail LC 2Recurvirostra avosetta Pied Avocet LC 2Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Scimitarbilled Woodhoopoe LC 2Rhinoptilus africanus Doublebanded Courser LC 2Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Bronzewinged Courser LC 2Riparia paludicola Brownthroated Martin LC 2Riparia riparia Sand Martin LC 1Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird VU 2Scleroptila gutturalis Orange River Francolin LC 2Scopus umbretta Hamerkop LC 2Serinus albogularis Whitethroated Canary LC 2Serinus atrogularis Blackthroated Canary LC 2Serinus flaviventris Yellow Canary LC 2Sigelus silens Fiscal Flycatcher LC 2Spizocorys conirostris Pinkbilled Lark LC 2Sporopipes squamifrons Scalyfeathered Finch LC 2Spreo bicolor Pied Starling LC 2Stenostira scita Fairy Flycatcher LC 2Streptopelia capicola Cape Turtle Dove LC 2Streptopelia semitorquata Redeyed Dove LC 2Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing Dove LC 2Struthio camelus Ostrich LC 2Sylvia borin Garden Warbler LC 2Sylvia layardi Layard's Titbabbler LC 2Sylvia subcaeruleum Titbabbler LC 2Sylvietta rufescens Longbilled Crombec LC 2Tachybaptus ruficollis Dabchick LC 2Tachymarptis melba Alpine Swift LC 2Tadorna cana South African Shelduck LC 2Tchagra australis Threestreaked Tchagra LC

LIST OF BIRDS (continued) Birds protected according to NCNCA are indicated with their respective Schedule no. in superscript Scientific name Common name IUCN status

2Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie LC 2Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis LC 2Tockus leucomelas Southern Yellowbilled Hornbill LC 2Tockus nasutus Grey Hornbill LC 2Torgos tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture VU 2Tricholaema leucomelas Acacia Pied Barbet LC 2Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper LC 2Tringa nebularia Greenshank LC 2Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper LC 2Turdus smithi Karoo Thrush Not listed 2Turnix sylvatica Kurrichane Buttonquail LC 1Tyto alba Barn Owl LC 2Upupa epops Common Hoopoe LC 3Urocolius indicus Red-faced Mousebird LC 2Urolestes melanoleuca Magpie Shrike LC 2Vanellus armatus Blacksmith Plover LC 2Vanellus coronatus Crowned Plover LC 2Vidua chalybeata Steelblue Widowfinch LC 2Vidua macroura Pintailed Whydah LC 2Vidua regia Shafttailed Whydah LC 2Zosterops pallidus Pale White-eye LC