Terrestrial Ecology Screening Report Orion Graspan Prospecting Project Copperton, Northern Cape

August 2019

Prepared for: ABS Africa (Pty) Ltd Block C Suite 2, Carlswald Close Office Park c/o New and 7th Roads, Carlswald 1685 Gauteng, South Africa

Prepared by: ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC PostNet Suite 192, Private Bag X2 Raslouw 0109 Gauteng, South Africa

Authors: Warren McCleland (ECOREX)

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Contents Contents ...... 2 List of Tables ...... 3 List of Figures ...... 3 Declaration of Independence ...... 4 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 5 1.1. Background ...... 5 1.2 Project Description ...... 5 1.3 Aims of this report ...... 6 1.4 Study Team ...... 6 2. TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 7 3. PROJECT AREA ...... 7 4. METHODS ...... 9 4.1 Flora ...... 9 4.2 Terrestrial Fauna ...... 9 4.3 Assumptions and Limitations ...... 11 5. BIODIVERSITY BASELINE DESCRIPTION ...... 12 5.1 Flora ...... 12 5.1.1 Regional Context ...... 12 5.1.2 Local Context – Plant Species Richness and Vegetation Assemblages ...... 15 5.1.3 Species of Conservation Concern...... 17 5.1.4 Endemic Species...... 18 5.1.5 Protected Species...... 18 5.2 Terrestrial Fauna ...... 19 5.2.1 Mammals ...... 19 5.2.2 Birds ...... 21 5.2.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians) ...... 26 5.3 Ecological Importance ...... 27 5.3.1 Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas ...... 27 5.3.2 Environmental Screening Tool ...... 28 5.3.3 Site-specific Importance ...... 29 6. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 30 7. REFERENCES ...... 31 8. APPENDICES ...... 33 ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Appendix 1. List of Plants recorded from the Vicinity of the Project Area (SANBI) ...... 34 Appendix 2. Mammals recorded from the vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual Museum) ...... 50 Appendix 3. Bird Species recorded from the vicinity of the Project Area (SABAP2) ...... 53 Appendix 4. List of Herpetofauna recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual Museum) ...... 56 Appendix 5. CV of Report Author ...... 58

List of Tables

Table 1. Floristic composition and important taxa in Bushmanland Basin Shrubland ...... 13 Table 2. Mammal SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area ...... 20 Table 3. Biome-restricted endemic species recorded from the vicinity of the project area * ...... 21 Table 4. Avifauna SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area ...... 24

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location of the Project Area ...... 8 Figure 2: National Vegetation Types represented in the vicinity of the Project Area...... 14 Figure 3: Location of Project Area in the context of the Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas ... 27 Figure 4: Environmental Screening Tool assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity Features in the Prospecting Right Area ...... 29

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Declaration of Independence

We declare that we have been appointed as independent consulting ecologists with no affiliation with or vested financial interests in the proponent, other than remuneration for work performed. We have no conflicting interests in the undertaking of this activity and have no interests in secondary developments resulting from the authorisation of this project. Remuneration for our services by the proponent is not linked to approval by any decision- making authority responsible for authorising this development.

W.L.McCleland 11 August 2019

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND

Orion Exploration No. 5 (Pty) Ltd (“Orion”) is applying for a Prospecting Right for various minerals within the Copperton Subvolcanic area, in the Northern Cape. The proposed prospecting will involve both non-inasive and invasive activities, some of which are listed activities under Listing Notice 1 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), and thus trigger the requirement for a Basic Assessment (BA). ABS Africa (Pty) Ltd (“ABS”) was appointed by Orion to conduct the BA, which was completed in April 2019. However, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) indicated that the prospecting right area included part of a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA), thus triggering the requirement for a terrestrial biodiversity / ecology study. It was confirmed that such a study would need to be submitted before the application can be finalised.

ABS appointed ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC (“ECOREX”) to undertake an ecology screening study of the proposed prospecting right area. This specialist report concerns the terrestrial ecosystems that may be impacted by the project and is based on a desktop review of available data, as well as the author’s field experience on adjacent properties. The relevant disciplines covered by this study are vegetation / flora, mammals, avifauna and herpetofauna.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project will involve prospecting for a variety of minerals by means of non-invasive and invasive prospecting methods, including diamond-core drilling and minor trenching. More details are available in the Basic Assessment Report (BAR).

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

1.3 AIMS OF THIS REPORT

The aims of this report are:

• Review: To collate and review relevant and available ecological information for the project area;

• Baseline Overview: To summarise the baseline ecological conditions in the project area, based on a desktop review and assessments of ecological importance from EIAs conducted on nearby properties;

• Recommendations: To identify and assess any conflicts of the proposed development with outputs of the EST, including current conservation plans or bioregional plans.

1.4 STUDY TEAM

Warren McCleland – Terrestrial Ecologist. Warren is the owner and director of ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC, a consultancy of flora and vertebrate fauna specialists with offices in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, South Africa. He has been involved in specialist biodiversity assessments for a wide range of developments, particularly mining, throughout sub-Saharan Africa over the past 15 years. Countries of work experience outside of South Africa include Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. Warren is the co-author of the “Field Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park” published in 2002, and is currently working on a field guide to the Wildflowers of the Kruger National Park. Warren is a registered Natural Scientist (Ecological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) (Reg.No.003973).

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2. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference are as follows:

• Provide an overview of the ecology of the terrestrial ecosystems that are represented in the prospecting right area; • Provide an assessment of the ecological sensitivity of these ecosystems; • Identify and assess any conflicts of the proposed development with outputs of the EST, including current conservation plans or bioregional plans.

3. PROJECT AREA The proposed prospecting right area is located about 8 km south-west of Copperton and 58 km south-west of Prieska, Siyathemba Local Municipality, in the Northern Cape Province (Figure 1). The area covers portions of the farms Graspan 112 and Uitspan 115, and has a spatial extent of 8 955 ha.

Figure 1: Location of the Project Are 4. METHODS An initial screening of the Project Area was undertaken using the Environmental Screening Tool (EST) of the Department of Enviornmental Affairs (DEA). This indicated that the Project Area had a Very High Terrestrial Biodiversity theme. More detail in this regard is provided in section 5.3 of this report.

4.1 FLORA

The Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), which is curated by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), was queried for a list of plant species that have been recorded from the quarter-degree grid cells (QDGCs) in which the project area is situated (2922CC, 3022AA), as well as all adjacent grids. BODATSA contains records from the National Herbarium in Pretoria (PRE), the Compton Herbarium in Cape Town (NBG & SAM) and the KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium in Durban (NH).

Version 2017.1 of the Red List of South African plants (http://redlist.sanbi.org/index.php), which is managed as part of SANBI’s Threatened Species Programme, was consulted for the current conservation status of each species in the above list. The term “Species of Conservation Concern” (SCC) as defined by Raimondo et al. (2009) was followed in this report, namely all species classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable), as well as species classified as Near Threatened, Critically Rare and Rare.

Mucina & Rutherford (2006) was the primary reference for determining the regional context of the vegetation occurring in the vicinity of the project area, while MacDonald (2013) was used to provide a description of the vegetation communities represented in the project area.

4.2 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

Mammals Friedmann & Daly (2004) and the Virtual Museum of African Mammals (MammalMAP, 2017) were used to prepare a list of mammal species that have been confirmed to occur within 2922CC and 3022AA as well as adjacent QDGCs. Conservation status assessments for each species were obtained from Child et al. (2016).

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Birds The online database of the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2) was queried for a list of bird species confirmed to occur in the five relevant pentads (mapping units) that the project area is located in, namely 2955_2205, 2955_2210, 2955_2215, 3000_2205 and 3000_22101. This list is included in Appendix 5. Taylor et al. (2016) was consulted for the most current conservation status of each species of conservation concern on the list. Likelihood of occurrence of avifauna SCC was determined using references such as ECOREX (2018) and Jenkins (2011).

Herpetofauna The primary references for compiling a list of potentially occurring reptiles were Bates et al. (2016) and Branch (1998), and Du Preez & Carruthers (2009) and Minter et al. (2004) for a list of potentially occurring amphibians. The Reptile Atlas of Southern Africa (ReptileMAP, 2017)2 and Frog Atlas of Southern Africa (FrogMAP, 2017)3 are continuously updated online databases that reflect the most current distribution data for reptiles and amphibians in South Africa and were used in this project to supplement the data from the above references and to indicate the most current taxonomy. Both ReptileMAP and FrogMAP provide species geographic distribution data at QDGC resolution. These references were used to produce a list of potentially occurring species for the relevant QDGCs in which the prospecting right area is located, as well as adjacent QDGCs. Including the adjacent QDGCs decreases the likelihood of underestimating the number of species present within the focal QDGCs but also artificially inflates the total number of species likely to occur within the focal QDGCs (some habitats may be present in adjacent QDGCs that are not present in the focal QDGCs). Therefore, the resulting species list was refined to exclude those species unlikely to occur within the project area, based on habitat availability and knowledge of habitat selection by particular species.

Reptile species nomenclature follows ReptileMAP (2019) as new distribution data and taxonomic changes have already occurred since publication of Bates et al. (2014). Similarly, the Frog Atlas of Southern Africa (FrogMAP, 2019) provides information on the geographic distributions of amphibians and keeps current with the latest taxonomic changes.

1 http://sabap2.adu.org.za/gap_analysis.php?DGC=SE2629#content_90perc 2 http://vmus.adu.org.za/, formerly SARCA

3 http://vmus.adu.org.za/, formerly SAFAP ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

4.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This ecological screening report was based on a desktop review of available information and the author’s field experience on adjacent properties, but did not involve any fieldwork to verify any of the findings in the report. However, this is considered appropriate given the nature and extent of the intended prosecting activities, the fact that the terrestrial biodiversity status in the Environmental Screening Tool report was driven by landscape-scale features that are not relevant to the entire project area, and the applicant declaration that they will not be prospecting within the designated CBAs. • Assessments of likelihood of occurrence of Species of Conservation Concern have not been verified by field observations within the project area and thus have some measure of uncertainty.

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

5. BIODIVERSITY BASELINE DESCRIPTION

5.1 FLORA

5.1.1 Regional Context

5.1.1.1 National Vegetation Types

The project area is situated within the Nama-Karoo Biome, a large area on the central plateau of western South Africa that is characterised by high variability in temperature and annual rainfall, although most rainfall occurs in summer (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). The flora of the Nama-Karoo is not as diverse and rich in endemics as the adjacent Succulent Karoo and does not contain any centres of plant endemism. Three geographically distinct bioregions are present within this biome, namely Bushmanland, Upper Karoo and Lower Karoo. The project area is situated within the Bushmanland Bioregion in the Bushmanland Basin Shrubland (NKb6) vegetation type, near the boundary with Bushmanland Arid Grassland (NKb3). One azonal vegetation type, Bushmanland Vloere (AZi5), and a small patch of Northern Upper Karoo (NKu3) (Upper Karoo Bioregion) are present on adjacent properties but are not represented within the project area. Bushmanland Basin Shrubland is described in more detail below (following Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) and the spatial context of the project area is illustrated in Figure 2.

Bushmanland Basin Shrubland Bushmanland Basin Shrubland is also confined to Northern Cape province, occurring in the Bushmanland Basin that is located between Granaatboskolk in the west, Copperton in the east, Kenhard in the north and Williston in the south, and covering an area of about 34 100km2. Terrains comprises extensive plains covered in dwarf shrubland that is dominated by spiny, woody shrubs. Soils are shallow Glenrosa and Mispah forms and, to a lesser extent, red- yellow apedal, freely drained soils with a high base status; soil salt content is high. As with Bushmanland Arid Grassland, rain falls primarily in late summer to autumn. Mean annual precipitation varies from 100 – 200 mm. Floristic composition and important taxa are indicated in Table 1 below. Bushmanland Basin Shrubland is not represented in any official conservation areas, but shows no sign of serious habitat transformation and has a conservation status of Least Threatened.

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Table 1. Floristic composition and important taxa in Bushmanland Basin Shrubland

Important Taxa Aristida adscensionis, Enneapogon desvauxii, Stipagrostis ciliata, S. Dominant Grasses obtusa.

Lycium cinereum, Rhigozum trichotomum, Aptosimum spinescens, Hermannia spinosa, Pentzia spinescens, Zygophyllum microphyllum, Aptosimum elongatum, Eriocephalus microphyllus var. pubescens, E. Selected Woody Shrubs pauperrimus, Osteospermum armatum, O. spinescens, Pegolettia retrofracta, Phaeoptilum spinosum, Plinthus karooicus, Pteronia glauca, P. inflexa, P. leucoclada, P. sordida, Selago albida, Tetragonia arbuscula, Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum.

Salsola tuberculata, Aridaria noctiflora subsp. straminea, Brownanthus ciliatus subsp. ciliatus, Galenia sarcophylla, Lycium bosciifolium, Succulent Shrubs Ruschia intricata, Salsola namibica, Sarcocaulon patersonii, S. salmoniflorum, Tripteris sinuata var. linearis, Zygophyllum flexuosum

Gazania lichtensteinii, Leysera tenella, Amaranthus praetermissus, Chamaesyce inaequilatera, Dicoma cape¬nsis, Indigastrum argyraeum, Herbaceous Plants Lepidium desertorum, Monsonia umbellata, Radyera urens, Sesamum capense, Tribulus terrestris, T. zeyheri

Biogeographically Important Taxon (Bushmanland endemic) Succulent Herb Tridentea dwequensis Species endemic to the vegetation type Geophytes Ornithogalum bicornutum, O. ovatum subsp. oliverorum Herbaceous Plants Cromidon minutum

Figure 2: National Vegetation Types represented in the vicinity of the Project Area

5.1.1.2 Centres of Plant Endemism

The prospecting right area is situated at the southern boundary of the Griqualand West Centre of Plant Endemism (GWCPE) as defined by Frisby (2016). This centre of endemism is confined to the Northern Cape from Pomfret in the north to Prieska in the south, and with Upington and Vryburg forming the western and eastern boundaries respectively. Van Wyk & Smith (2001) predicted at least 40 endemic plant species for the GWCPE, while Frisby (2016) refined this list to 26 endemic and near-endemic species.

5.1.1.3 Threatened Ecosystems

The prospecting right area is not located within or close to any listed Threatened Ecosystems as described under Notice 1002 of Government Gazette 34809, 9 December 2011.

5.1.2 Local Context – Plant Species Richness and Vegetation Assemblages

The Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), which is curated by SANBI, lists 731 plant species from 83 families for the QDSs 2922CC and 3022AA, as well as all adjacent grids (Appendix 1). The dominant plant families in the flora are the Asteraceae (108 spp), Poaceae (100 spp), Fabaceae (49 spp), Aizoaceae (40 spp) and Scrophulariaceae (38 spp). This is obviously a significantly higher plant species diversity than that which is in the project area as these grids represent a far greater variety of habitats.

The description of broad-scale vegetation assemblages below is based primarily on MacDonald (2013), who conducted fieldwork in 2011 on the farms Hoekplaas (Remainder of Farm 146), Klipgats Pan (Portion 4 of Farm 117) and Struisbult (Farm No. 104 Portion 1), which are adjacent to the project area. Even though MacDonald (2013) was conducted on adjacent properties, satellite imagery indicates similar vegetation on Graspan and this is considered to be the most relevant floristic data for the area.

MacDonald (2013) classified eight different vegetation communities on the farms Hoekplaas and Klipgats Pan, which are summarized as follows:

• Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland: scattered throughout Klipgats Pan but concentrated in areas of fairly deep red sand; dominated by R. trichotomum and grasses such as Stipagrostis species; low botanical sensitivity. Highly likely to be present in the Graspan project area.

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• Asteraceous Shrubland: the most widespread vegetation type at Klipgats Pan and highly likely to be present in the Graspan project area as well; has the greatest diversity of species, mainly low shrubs in the family Asteraceae, with lower diversity of grasses and other herbaceous species; occurs on shallow sandy-loam soils often with calcrete hardpan just below the surface; low botanical sensitivity.

• Salsola spp. – Pentzia incana Shrubland: low shrubland on red sands that forms an ecotone between Asteraceous Shrubland and Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland; low species richness and dominated by one or two Salsola species and Pentzia incana; low botanical sensitivity. Very likely to be present in the Graspan project area as well.

• ‘Leegte’ Shrubland: found in shallow seasonal drainage lines at Klipgats Pan and Hoekplaas; vegetation dominated by grasses (e.g. Setaria verticillata) and low shrubs such as Lycium species (especially L. bosciifolium) and Psilocaulon junceum; merges with Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland along some drainage lines; high botanical sensitivity. A large seasonal drainage line is present in the Graspan project area and this vegetation community is likely to be well-represented.

• Psilocaulon junceum – Lycium spp. Shrubland: characteristic of disturbed sites and often dominated by Psilocaulon junceum and Lycium species; also found around ‘heuweltjies’ where fossorial mammals disturb the soil; low botanical sensitivity. Possibly present in the Graspan project area.

• Shale Koppie Shrubland: typical vegetation community on elevated shale hills in the southern part of Klipgats Pan; open to mid-dense shrubland dominated by Lycium species, with a moderate to good cover of grasses, and other low shrubs and forbs including Aptosimum species, Pentzia incana, Stipagrostis ciliata, Tribulus cristatus and Zygophyllum retrofractum; scattered Boscia albitrunca trees and Aloe claviflora are diagnostic of this community; high botanical sensitivity. There don’t appear to be any hills in the Graspan project area, so this vegetation community is probably not represented.

• Psilocaulon junceum – Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata Shrubland: similar to Psilocaulon junceum – Lycium spp. Shrubland but Lycium species shrubs are absent and the low shrub, Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata, is co-dominant with P. junceum; this community is characteristic of areas that have been intensely disturbed; very low botanical sensitivity. Possibly present in the Graspan project area.

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• Endorheic Pans: these shallow pans fill briefly during periods of rainfall, but soon dry out; pans at Hoekplaas and Klipgats Pan are vegetated with grasses, forbs and patches of dwarf shrubs, a number of which are habitat specialists confined to this community; pan plant communities were not studied in detail but were recognized as a specific and important habitat; high botanical sensitivity. Several pans are present in the Graspan project area and this vegetation community is highly likely to be present.

5.1.3 Species of Conservation Concern

The vast majority of the plant species occurring in the general vicinity of the project area are currently classified as either Least Concern (661 spp) or Not Evaluated (66 spp) (Appendix 1). One species, Listia minima, is classified as Data Deficient (Taxonomically Problematic) and cannot be assessed until its taxonomy is resolved (Victor, 2006). Five species of conservation concern have been confirmed in the relevant QDGCs and are dealt with in more detail below.

Hoodia officinalis subsp. officinalis This species has been assessed as Near Threatened (NT B1ab(v)) by Victor & Powell (2009). It occurs sparsely in the Desert, Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes, from southern Namibia to the vicinity of Kimberley and Prieska in the Northern Cape. Hoodia officinalis is known from fewer than 15 locations in South Africa and is threatened by collecting when misidentified as the widely used Hoodia gordonii. Has a moderate likelihood of occurring in the project area.

Phyllobolus amabilis This small succulent is currently only known from one site near Prieska in the Northern Cape (Frisby, 2016), although Raimondo & Cholo (2005) state in error that the site is near Sutherland. Very little is known about this species, although it is known to occur in rocky habitat and no population declines have been documented. However, Raimondo & Cholo (2005) have assessed it as Rare as a result of a very small extent of occurrence. Has a low likelihood of occurring in the project area given that it is only known from one site and that rocky habitat is likely to be poorly represented.

Aloidendron dichotomum (Quiver Tree) This iconic tree aloe species occurs from the Brandberg in central Nambia to the Northern Cape between Nieuwoudtville and Olifantsfontein, and is confined to the Desert, Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes. It has been assessed by Foden (2005) as Vulnerable (VU A3ce) because of documented population declines and a modelled vulnerability to climate ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019 change. Has a low likelihood of occurring in the project area, especially since it seems to favour rocky hillsides in the Copperton area (pers.obs.), a habitat that doesn’t appear to be present in the project area.

Dinteranthus pole-evansii

This is an easily overlooked small succulent that occurs in sparsely vegetated quartz pebble fields. It is known from only two localities between Upington and Prieska and is considered to have a global population of less than 1000 plants, resulting in a classification of Vulnerable (VU D1+2) (Burgoyne & Daniels, 2005). Has a low likelihood of occurring in the project area given that it is only known from two sites in habitat that is unlikely to be well represented in the project area.

Tridentea virescens

This is a fairly widespread small succulent that occurs in small, highly fragmented subpopulations in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape provinces, mostly on stony ground, or hard loam in floodplains. It has been assessed as Rare by Victor (2009). Has a moderate likelihood of occurring in the project area.

5.1.4 Endemic Species

The prospecting right area is situated at the southern boundary of the Griqualand West Centre of Plant Endemism as defined by Frisby (2016). Five of the 26 endemic or near-endemic GWCPE species have been confirmed to occur in the general vicinity of the project area, namely Calobota cuspidosa (Fabaceae), Justicia thymifolia (Acanthaceae), Phyllobolus amabilis (Aizoaceae), Putterlickia saxatilis (Celastraceae) and Searsia tridactyla (Anacardiaceae). However, given the position of the project area at the edge of the GWCPE, it is unlikely that a high proportion of the endemics are present.

5.1.5 Protected Species

One hundred and forty-nine plant species occurring in the general vicinity of the project area are protected, either under Schedules 1 and 2 of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (No. 9 of 2009) or under the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) - Threatened or Protected Species regulations (updated in March 2015) (Appendix 1). MacDonald (2013) confirmed the presence of two of these species on an adjacent property, namely Boscia albitrunca and Aloe claviflora. ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

5.2 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

5.2.1 Mammals

Regional Context

The project area is situated within the Namib-Karoo biome, which is confined to the arid western part of South Africa, the western third of Namibia and marginally into south-western Angola White (1983). Numerous small mammal species are endemic to this biome, of which the following have been confirmed to occur within the general vicinity of the project area (Friedman & Daly, 2004): Western Rock Sengi (Elephantulus rupestris), Round-eared Elephant Shrew (Macroscelides proboscideus), Spectacled Dormouse (Graphiurus ocularis), Pygmy Rock Mouse (Petromyscus collinus), Brukkaros Pygmy Rock Mouse (P. monticularis), Bush Vlei Rat (Otomys unisulcatus), Brants's Whistling Rat (Parotomys brantsii) and Littledale's Whistling Rat (P. littledalei).

Species Richness

A list of 56 mammal species that have been recorded in the QDGCs surrounding the project area was compiled using Friedman & Daly (2004) and is presented in Appendix 4. Twenty- two of these species were confirmed to occur on an adjacent property in 2017 (ECOREX, 2018), four of which are endemic or near-endemic to the Namib-Karoo biome, namely Cape Fox (Vulpes chama), Round-eared Sengi, South African Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) and Suricate (Suricata suricatta).

Species of Conservation Concern

Two Vulnerable and five Near Threatened mammal species have been recorded in QDSs in the vicinity of the project area according to distribution maps in Friedman & Daly (2004), three of which have a moderate likelihood of occurring, and one (Brown Hyaena Parahyaena brunnea) which was recorded on an adjacent property (ECOREX 2018) and thus has a high likelihood of occurring (Table 2).

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Table 2. Mammal SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area

Likelihood Conservation Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Preferences of Reason Status Occurrence Wide range of aquatic habitats, such as rivers, No suitable habitat present in the African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis NT/VU * Very Low lakes or even man-made impoundments. project area

Southern African Suitable habitat is present Atelerix frontalis NT Wide range of grassland and savannah types. Moderate Hedgehog throughout the project area.

Occurs in arid grassland and dwarf Karoo Suitable habitat is present Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes VU Moderate shrubland. throughout the project area. Associated with rock outcrops, crevices and Limited suitable habitat present in Spectacled Dormouse Graphiurus ocularis NT stone kraals in the Western Cape and south- Low the project area but no recent western Karoo. records in the general vicinity Although suitable habitat is Occurs in a variety of savannah and shrubland present throughout the project African Leopard Panthera pardus NT Low habitats. area, suitable prey sources are limited.

A recently abandoned den was Occurs in a variety of savannah and shrubland Brown Hyaena Parahyaena brunnea NT High located on an adjacent property habitats. (ECOREX, 2018).

Occurs in arid shrublands, avoiding open Suitable habitat is present Littledale's Whistling Rat Parotomys littledalei NT Moderate areas. throughout the project area. VU = Vulnerable NT = Near Threatened

* = IUCN status ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

5.2.2 Birds

Regional Context The project area is situated within the Namib-Karoo biome as defined by White (1983) and followed by Fishpool & Evans (2001). This biome is confined to the arid western part of South Africa, the western third of Namibia and extends marginally into south-western Angola. Twenty-three species are listed by Barnes (1998) as being endemic to the Namib-Karoo biome i.e. not occurring outside of the biome, of which 15 species (65%) have been recorded within the general vicinity of the project area during the current Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2) (Table 3). Two species that are endemic to the Kalahari-Highveld biome and one species that is endemic to the Zambezian biome have also been recorded in the same area (Table 3).

Table 3. Biome-restricted endemic species recorded from the vicinity of the project area *

Namib - Kalahari- Common Name Scientific Name Zambezian Karoo Highveld Black-eared Sparrowlark Eremopterix australis 43.52 Black-headed Canary Serinus alario 3.76 Kalahari Scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena 53.36 Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii 12.69 Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis 2.12 Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii 71.99 Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata 21.86 Layard's Tit-babbler Parisoma layardi 3.32 Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii 57.41 Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata 0.74 Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup 16.97 Red Lark Calendulauda burra 0.79 Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri 20.19 Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata 7.6 Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius 55.89 Stark's Lark Spizocorys starki 43.97 Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac 30.76 White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala 1.23

* Figures represent SABAP2 mean reporting rates for relevant pentads at date of download (23/07/2019)

The project area is also situated in a designated secondary Endemic Bird Area, namely the Karoo EBA (s047) (Barnes et al., 2001).

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There are no Important Bird Areas within the vicinity of the project area, the closest being the Platberg-Karoo Conservancy IBA (ZA037), approximately 130 km to the east (Barnes, 1998).

Species Richness

Data from the ongoing second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2)4 indicate that 99 species have been recorded from the five pentads (mapping units) relevant to the project area (Appendix 5). A pentad measures approximately 77 km2, and is a reasonable scale for predicting which species are likely to occur in the project area. One of these pentads (2955_2205) has not yet been surveyed during SABAP2, and two of the other pentads (2955_2210, 3000_2210) have only been surveyed once, indicating the project area has been inadequately sampled during SABAP2. True species richness is likely to be higher than 99 species.

Fieldwork on an adjacent property recorded 72 species, which occurred in three distinct avifaunal assemblages present, namely a Shrubland assemblage, Woodland / Thicket assemblage and a modified Garden assemblage (ECOREX, 2018). While the Garden assemblage is unlikely to be present in the project area, and additional assemblage is likely to be present when the ephemeral pans are filled.

Species of Conservation Concern

One Endangered (EN), one Vulnerable (VU) and four Near Threatened (NT) species have been recorded from the pentads within which the project area is situated during SABAP2 (Table 4). However, the project area has been poorly sampled during SABAP2 and this may not be an accurate indication of potentially occurring SCC in the project area. Adjacent pentads that have been more thoroughly sampled have recorded an additional Critically Endangered (CR) species, four more EN species, four other VU species and one other NT species. These species have also been included in Table 4.

Six of these species have a high likelihood of occurring in the project area, based on known habitat requirements of these species and confirmed records on adjacent properties. These are Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii (EN), Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus (EN), Double- banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus (NT), Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori (NT), Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii (NT) and Sclater’s Lark Spizocorys sclateri (NT). Another three species

4 http://sabap2.adu.org.za/ Accessed 23 July 2019 ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019 have a moderate likelihood of occurring because of the presence of suitable habitat in the project area, namely Black Harrier Circus maurus (EN), Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius (VU) and Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus (VU). The moderate to high likelihood of nine avifauna SCC occurring in the project area indicates the high value of natural habitat in the area for such species.

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Table 4. Avifauna SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area

Likelihood Conservation Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Preferences of Reason Status Occurrence Associated with mountains, cliffs and rocky Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii VU Low Limited suitable habitat present. ridges in grassland and shrubland habitat

Occurs in arid grassland, open shrubland and Suitable habitat present; recorded Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori NT High open savannah. from one of the relevant pentads

Endemic to Karoo, preferring sand dunes and Red Lark Calendulauda burra VU alluvial plains, particularly where tussock- Low Limited suitable habitat present. grasses are prominent. Suitable habitat present, although Black Harrier Circus maurus EN Grassland, karroid shrubland, coastal scrub Moderate not recorded from relevant pentads Limited suitable habitat present Open short-grass plains, sparse shrubland, Burchell's Courser Cursorius rufus VU Low and not recorded from any sand or gravel desert, saltpans relevant pentads Suitable habitat present; recorded Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii NT Occurs in arid grassland and shrubland. High from 2 relevant pentads, as well as an adjacent property Suitable habitat present, although Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus VU Wide variety of habitat types. Moderate not recorded from relevant pentads Limited suitable habitat present Variety of savannah / woodland types, arid White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus CR Low and not recorded from any shrubland relevant pentads Limited suitable habitat present Arid shrubland, grassland, arid savannah; Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres EN Low and not recorded from any breeding on large cliffs relevant pentads Suitable habitat present; recorded Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii EN Arid shrubland, arid grassland High from one relevant pentad, as well as an adjacent property Suitable habitat present; recorded Wide variety of woodland, savannah and Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus EN High breeding on a nearby property shruband types. (Jenkins, 2011) ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Suitable habitat present; recorded Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus NT Sparse shrubland, arid grassland High from one relevant pentad, as well as an adjacent property Suitable habitat present; recorded Sparse shrubland on arid, stony plains; often Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri NT High from all the pentads in which the in areas with very little vegetation project area is located Suitable habitat present, although Sagittarius Secretarybird VU Various grassland and open savannah types Moderate not recorded from relevant serpentarius pentads Limited suitable habitat present Variety of savannah / woodland types, arid Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus EN Low and not recorded from any shrubland relevant pentads

CR = Critically Endangered EN = Endangered VU = Vulnerable NT = Near Threatened * = IUCN classification ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

5.2.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians)

Regional Context The project area falls within the extensive Nama-Karoo Biome (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) which stretches from the Karoo northwards through Namibia. Herpetofauna adapted to this biome consequently have fairly extensive geographic distributions and because it extends into Namibia and some degree of herpetofaunal affinity overlap occurs with the arid savanna extending into Botswana, very few herpetofauna expected to occur within the project area are endemic to South Africa and the project area is consequently characterized by low levels of endemicity.

Species Richness

A total of 48 reptile species are expected to occur within and surrounding the project area (Appendix 4) of which three are endemic and three are considered as near-endemic (Bates et al., 2014); ReptileMap, 2017). Ten amphibians species are expected to occur within and surrounding the project area (Appendix 4) of which only one species is considered endemic (Du Preez & Carruthers, 2009; (FrogMap, 2017).

The low proportion of observed species per QDGC for expected reptiles and amphibians indicates that the herpetofauna of the general region surrounding the project area has been poorly sampled historically. Consequently, it is advisable to treat the list of expected species as preliminary without field verification.

Species of Conservation Concern No herpetofauna species currently designated as SCC have been observed within the general vicinity of the project area (Appendix 4). However, a single species that potentially occurs in the area is of concern and requires discussion. FrogMAP (2017) lists the Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) as NT, while Du Preez & Carruthers (2009) list it as VU and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) Threatened and Protected Species Lists classify it as Protected. This species breeds in shallow temporary pans which are present within the project area and surroundings. Its NT conservation status arises from loss of its breeding habitat to urbanisation and agricultural use. It is also particularly susceptible to collisions with vehicles on roads and is often targeted as a food source by people.

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5.3 ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

5.3.1 Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas

Holness & Oosthuysen (2016) identified Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) in Northern Cape province using available data on biodiversity features, their current ecological condition, Protected Areas and Conservation Areas, and opportunities and constraints for effective conservation. Most of the Granspan prospecting right area is classified as Other Natural Habitat, while a seasonal drainage line running through the project area is a prioritized Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) wetland feature, as well as being an NFEPA River (Class B: Largely Natural), and is classified as CBA1. Another area on the western boundary of the project area is classified as CBA2 and the scattered pans are classified as Ecological Support Areas (Figure 3). All of the prioritized FEPA wetlands have been designated as CBA1 in the Northern Cape unless they are non-natural or unavailable for conservation.

Figure 3: Location of Project Area in the context of the Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas

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5.3.2 Environmental Screening Tool

The Environmental Screening Tool (EST) of the DEA indicates that the entire prospecting right area has a Very High Terrestrial Biodiversity theme as a result of its location within the sub- quaternary catchment of a FEPA river and the presence of CBAs. (Figure 4).

5.3.3 Site-specific Importance

While no field verification of site sensitivity could be conducted during this study, the recommendations of MacDonald (2013), which were based on fieldwork conducted on an adjacent property, can be applied to the project area as a whole. MacDonald (2013) classified much of the natural habitat in his study area as having low botanical / ecological sensitivity, apart from the ephemeral pans, seasonal drainage lines and rocky hills / koppies, which he rated as having high ecological sensitivity. While rocky hills / koppies don’t appear to be a feature of the project area, seasonal drainage lines and ephemeral pans are present and should be as considered landscape features with high ecologically sensitivity.

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Figure 4: Environmental Screening Tool assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity Features in the Prospecting Right Area ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

6. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS The Graspan Prospecting Right Area covers just under 9 000 ha, most of which can be classified as Natural Habitat that is representative of Bushmanland Basin Shrubland. Scattered small pans are representative of the Bushmanland Vloere vegetational type. MacDonald (2013) classified eight different vegetation communities on adjacent properties and at least five have a high likelihood of being present in the project area. Ephemeral pans and seasonal drainage lines in the project area should be considered to have high ecological sensitivity. Natural Habitat in the project area has a moderate to high likelihood of supporting populations of three plant SCC, four mammal SCC, nine avifauna SCC and one amphibian SCC. Most of this habitat has been classified as Other Natural Habitat by Holness & Oosthuysen (2016), while small pans have been classified as Ecological Support Areas. Seasonal drainage lines are classified as CBA1.

If the prospecting rights application is approved, the following areas need to be excluded from any invasive prospecting activities (drilling, trenching):

• All seasonal drainage lines, particularly the large one in the eastern part of the property that is classified as CBA1, including a 50 meter buffer; • All ephemeral pans, including a 50 metre buffer; • The CBA2 along the western boundary, including a 50 meter buffer.

In addition, if any rocky hills are present in the prospecting right area, these should be surveyed in advance by an ecologist to ascertain whether any plant SCC are present or not. If surveys detect these species, changes to access road routes and drilling sites are recommended. The general mitigation measures for Terrestrial Ecology (Flora and Fauna) as included in the Environmental Management Plan are considered to be satisfactory for other areas of Natural Habitat in the prospecting right area.

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7. REFERENCES Barnes, K.N. (ed.). (1998). The Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg. Barnes, K.N., Johnson, D.J., Anderson, M.D. and Taylor, P.B. (2001). South Africa. In: Fishpool, L. D. C. and Evans, M. I., (eds.) Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: Priority sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge. Bates, M., Branch, W., Bauer, A., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G., et al. (2014). Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (reprint 2014). (M. Bates, W. Branch, A. Bauer, M. Burger, J. Marais, G. Alexander, et al., Eds.) Suricata (1), 1-504. Branch, W.R. (1998). Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town. Burgoyne, P.M. & Daniels, F. (2005). Dinteranthus pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Schwantes. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Child M.F., Roxburgh L., Do Linh San E., Raimondo D., Davies-Mostert H.T., editors. (2016). The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa. Du Preez, L., & Carruthers, V. (2009). A complete guide to the frogs of southern Africa. Cape Town: Random House Struik. ECOREX (2018). Terrestrial Ecology Study of the Orion Prieska Copper Mine. Unpublished report for ABS Africa (Pty) Ltd. Fishpool, L. D. C. and Evans, M. I., (eds.) (2009) Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: Priority sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge. Friedman, Y., & Daly, B. (2004). Red data book of the mammals of South Africa: a conservation assessment: CBSG southern Africa. Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust, Saxonwold, South Africa. Frisby, A.W. (2016). Redefining the Griqualand West Centre of Plant Endemism. Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for MSc Botany. North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. FrogMAP. (2019). The Southern African Frog Atlas Project. Retrieved from http://vmus.adu.org.za/ Holness, S. & Oosthuysen, E. (2016) Critical Biodiversity Areas of the Northern Cape: Technical Report. Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (2012). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Jenkins, A. (2011). Bird Impact Assessment for the Copperton Wind Energy Facility. Unpublished report for Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd. MacDonald, D.J. (2013). Botanical Assessment of the proposed solar energy installations at Klipgats Pan, Portion 4 of Farm 117, near Copperton, Northern Cape Province. Unpublished report for Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Marais, J. (2011). A complete guide to the snakes of southern Africa. Penguin Random House South Africa. Marneweck, M.D., Retief, E.F., Theron, N.T., Wright, D.R. & Anderson, T.A. (2015). Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of South Africa. Johannesburg, BirdLife South Africa. Minter, L., Burger, M., Harrison, J., Braack, H., Bishop, P., & Kloepfer, D. (2004). Atlas and Red Data Book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series #9. Smithsonian Institution, Willbehington DC. Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M. C. (2006). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. (2009). Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. ReptileMap. (2019). The Southern African Reptile Atlas Project. Retrieved from http://vmus.adu.org.za/ Taylor, M.R., Peacock, F., Wanless, R.W. (eds). (2016). The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Birdlife South Africa, Johannesburg. Van Wyk, A. E. & Smith, G. F. (2001). Regions of floristic endemism in southern Africa: A review with emphasis on succulents. Umdaus Press, Pretoria. Victor, J.E. (2006). Listia minima (B.-E.van Wyk) B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Accessed on 2017/09/17 Victor, J.E. (2009). Tridentea virescens (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Victor, J.E. & Powell, E. (2009). Hoodia officinalis (N.E.Br.) Plowes subsp. officinalis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Accessed on 2017/09/17 White, F. (1983). The vegetation of Africa, a descriptive memoir to accompany the UNESCO/AETFAT/UNSO Vegetation Map of Africa. UNESCO. Paris.

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8. APPENDICES Appendix 1. List of Plants recorded in the general vicinity of the Project Area (SANBI)

Appendix 2. Mammals recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual Museum)

Appendix 3. Birds recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (SABAP2)

Appendix 4. Herpetofauna recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual Museum, other references)

Appendix 5. CV of Report Author

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APPENDIX 1. LIST OF PLANTS RECORDED FROM THE VICINITY OF THE

PROJECT AREA (SANBI)

Conservation Invasive Taxon Endemic Protected Status Alien PTERIDOPHYTES Family Aspleniaceae Asplenium cordatum LC Family Marsiliaceae Marsilea capensis LC Family Pteridaceae Cheilanthes eckloniana LC Cheilanthes hirta LC Pellaea calomelanos LC

ANGIOSPERMS: DICOTS Family Acanthaceae Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana LC Barleria irritans LC Barleria lichtensteiniana LC Barleria rigida LC Blepharis integrifolia LC Blepharis mitrata LC Justicia australis LC Justicia distichotricha LC Justicia divaricata LC Justicia incana LC Justicia petiolaris LC Justicia spartioides LC Justicia thymifolia LC GWCPE Monechma sp. NE Family Aizooaceae Aizoon asbestinum LC NCNA Aizoon burchellii LC NCNA Aizoon canariense LC NCNA Aizoon schellenbergii LC NCNA Antimima vanzylii LC NCape NCNA Aridaria sp. NE NCNA Drosanthemum hispidum LC NCNA Galenia africana LC NCNA Galenia collina LC NCNA Galenia crystallina LC NCNA Galenia papulosa LC NCNA Galenia pubescens LC NCNA Galenia sarcophylla LC NCNA Galenia secunda LC NCNA Galenia sp. NE NCNA Lithops hallii LC NCape NCNA Lithops hookeri LC NCape NCNA Mesembryanthemum articulatum LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum coriarium LC NCNA ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum geniculiflorum LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum granulicaule LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum guerichianum LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum LC NCNA Mesembryanthemum tetragonum LC NCNA Mestoklema arboriforme LC NCNA Phyllobolus amabilis Rare GWCPE NCNA Pleiospilos compactus LC NCNA Plinthus cryptocarpus LC NCNA Plinthus sericeus LC NCNA Psilocaulon sp. NE NCNA Ruschia intricata LC NCNA Ruschia sp. NE NCNA Stomatium trifarium LC NCape NCNA Tetragonia arbuscula LC NCNA Tetragonia calycina LC NCNA Tetragonia reduplicata LC NCNA Tetragonia spicata LC NCNA Titanopsis calcarea LC NCape NCNA Trianthema parvifolia LC NCNA Family Amaranthaceae Alternanthera pungens * LC Amaranthus schinzianus LC Atriplex eardleyae LC Atriplex lindleyi LC Atriplex rosea * LC Atriplex semibaccata * LC x Atriplex suberecta * LC x Atriplex vestita LC Chenopodium mucronatum LC Hermbstaedtia fleckii LC Hermbstaedtia odorata LC Hermbstaedtia sp. NE Salicornia meyeriana LC Salsola aphylla LC Salsola apterygea LC Salsola calluna LC Salsola geminiflora LC Salsola glabrescens LC Salsola kalaharica LC Salsola kali * LC x Salsola tuberculata LC Sericocoma avolans LC Sericocoma pungens LC Sericorema remotiflora LC Family Anacampserotaceae Anacampseros filamentosa LC NCNA Avonia albissima LC NCNA Family Anacardiaceae Searsia angustifolia LC Searsia burchellii LC Searsia leptodictya LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Searsia pendulina LC Searsia pyroides LC Searsia tridactyla LC GWCPE Family Apiaceae Conium sp. NE NCNA Deverra burchellii LC NCNA Deverra denudata LC NCNA Family Apocynaceae Cynanchum orangeanum LC NCNA Cynanchum pearsonianum LC NCNA Cynanchum virens LC NCNA Duvalia maculata LC NCNA Fockea angustifolia LC NCNA Gomphocarpus fruticosus LC NCNA Gomphocarpus tomentosus LC NCNA Hoodia flava LC NCNA Hoodia officinalis NT B1ab(v) NCNA Larryleachia marlothii LC NCNA Larryleachia picta LC NCNA Microloma armatum LC NCNA Microloma incanum LC NCNA Microloma longitubum LC NCNA Orbea lutea LC NCNA Pachypodium succulentum LC ToPS Piaranthus decipiens LC NCNA Stapelia flavopurpurea LC NCNA Stapelia olivacea LC NCNA Family Asteraceae Amellus coilopodius LC NCape Arctotheca calendula LC Arctotis arctotoides LC Arctotis leiocarpa LC Arctotis microcephala LC Athanasia flexuosa LC NCape Athanasia minuta LC Berkheya annectens LC Berkheya pinnatifida LC Chrysocoma ciliata LC Chrysocoma obtusata LC Conyza podocephala LC Cotula anthemoides LC Cotula sp. NE Cuspidia cernua LC Dicoma capensis LC Dimorphotheca cuneata LC Dimorphotheca polyptera LC Doellia cafra LC Eriocephalus africanus LC Eriocephalus ambiguus LC Eriocephalus eximius LC Eriocephalus glandulosus LC Eriocephalus merxmuelleri LC Eriocephalus pauperrimus LC Eriocephalus spinescens LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Euryops subcarnosus LC Felicia burkei LC Felicia clavipilosa LC Felicia filifolia LC Felicia hirsuta LC Felicia hirta LC Felicia muricata LC Felicia namaquana LC Felicia ovata LC Foveolina dichotoma LC Garuleum schinzii LC Gazania heterochaeta LC Gazania jurineifolia LC Gazania krebsiana LC Gazania lichtensteinii LC Geigeria filifolia LC Geigeria ornativa LC Geigeria pectidea LC Gnaphalium confine LC Helichrysum argyrosphaerum LC Helichrysum gariepinum LC Helichrysum herniarioides LC Helichrysum lucilioides LC Helichrysum nudifolium LC Helichrysum pentzioides LC Helichrysum pumilio LC Helichrysum subglomeratum LC Helichrysum zeyheri LC Hirpicium echinus LC Ifloga glomerata LC Ifloga molluginoides LC Kleinia longiflora LC Laggera decurrens LC Lasiopogon glomerulatus LC Lasiospermum bipinnatum LC Leysera tenella LC Nidorella resedifolia LC Nolletia ciliaris LC Nolletia gariepina LC Oncosiphon piluliferus LC Osteospermum armatum LC Osteospermum calendulaceum LC Osteospermum leptolobum LC Osteospermum microphyllum LC Osteospermum muricatum LC Osteospermum rigidum LC Osteospermum spinescens LC Othonna auriculifolia LC Othonna lasiocarpa LC Othonna lobata LC Othonna sp. NE Pegolettia retrofracta LC Pentzia calcarea LC Pentzia globosa LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Pentzia incana LC Pentzia lanata LC Pentzia pinnatisecta LC Pentzia spinescens LC Pentzia viridis LC Phymaspermum aciculare LC Phymaspermum parvifolium LC Psiadia punctulata LC Pteronia erythrochaeta LC Pteronia glauca LC Pteronia mucronata LC Pteronia sordida LC Pteronia sp. NE Pteronia unguiculata LC Rosenia humilis LC Senecio angustifolius LC Senecio consanguineus LC Senecio gariepiensis LC Senecio harveianus LC Senecio niveus LC Senecio repandus LC Senecio sisymbriifolius LC Sonchus oleraceus * LC x Symphyotrichum squamatum * LC Tagetes minuta * NE x Troglophyton capillaceum LC Ursinia nana LC Verbesina encelioides LC Family Bignoniaceae Rhigozum obovatum LC Rhigozum trichotomum LC Family Boraginaceae Anchusa riparia LC Ehretia alba LC Ehretia rigida LC Heliotropium ciliatum LC Heliotropium curassavicum * NE Heliotropium lineare LC Lappula capensis LC Trichodesma africanum LC Family Brassicaceae Brassica tournefortii * NE Coronopus integrifolius LC Coronopus sp. NE Heliophila deserticola LC Heliophila seselifolia LC Heliophila trifurca LC Lepidium africanum LC Lepidium desertorum LC Lepidium trifurcum LC Matthiola sp. NE Sisymbrium burchellii LC Family Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia androsacea LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Wahlenbergia nodosa LC Family Capparaceae Boscia albitrunca LC NCNA Boscia foetida LC NCNA Cadaba aphylla LC Family Caryophyllaceae Dianthus namaensis LC NCNA Herniaria erckertii LC Scleranthus annuus * NE Spergularia media * NE Family Celastraceae Maytenus undata LC Putterlickia pyracantha LC Putterlickia saxatilis LC GWCPE Family Cleomaceae Cleome angustifolia LC Cleome gynandra LC Cleome monophylla LC Cleome rubella LC Family Convolvulaceae Convolvulus ocellatus LC Convolvulus sagittatus LC Cuscuta hyalina LC Family Corbichoniaceae Corbichonia decumbens LC Family Crassulaceae Adromischus trigynus LC NCNA Cotyledon orbiculata LC NCNA Cotyledon sp. NE NCNA Crassula capitella LC NCNA Crassula corallina LC NCNA Crassula deltoidea LC NCNA Crassula muscosa LC NCNA Kalanchoe brachyloba LC NCNA Kalanchoe rotundifolia LC NCNA Tylecodon rubrovenosus LC NCNA Family Cucurbitaceae Acanthosicyos naudinianus LC Citrullus lanatus LC Coccinia rehmannii LC Corallocarpus schinzii LC Cucumis africanus LC Cucumis myriocarpus LC Cucumis sp. NE Cucumis zeyheri LC Kedrostis africana LC Trochomeria debilis LC Family Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides LC Euclea crispa LC Euclea undulata LC Family Elatinaceae Bergia anagalloides LC Family Euphorbiaceae ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Clutia heterophylla LC Croton gratissimus LC Euphorbia braunsii LC NCNA Euphorbia crassipes LC NCNA Euphorbia gariepina LC NCNA Euphorbia inaequilatera LC NCNA Euphorbia juttae LC NCNA Euphorbia prostrata LC NCNA Euphorbia rhombifolia LC NCNA Euphorbia spinea LC NCNA Euphorbia wilmaniae LC NCape NCNA Family Fabaceae Calobota cuspidosa LC GWCPE Calobota spinescens LC Crotalaria sphaerocarpa LC Cullen biflora LC Cullen tomentosum LC Cyamopsis serrata LC Indigastrum argyraeum LC Indigofera alternans LC Indigofera auricoma LC Indigofera damarana LC Indigofera heterotricha LC Indigofera pechuelii LC Indigofera sessilifolia LC Indigofera sp. NE Leobordea platycarpa LC Lessertia annularis LC NCNA Lessertia frutescens LC NCNA Lessertia macrostachya LC NCNA Lessertia pauciflora LC NCNA Lessertia sp. NE Listia marlothii LC Listia minima DDT Lotononis leptoloba LC NCape Lotononis rabenaviana LC Medicago laciniata LC Melilotus indicus * LC x Melolobium adenodes LC Melolobium calycinum LC Melolobium candicans LC Melolobium macrocalyx LC Melolobium microphyllum LC Parkinsonia africana LC Pomaria lactea LC Prosopis glandulosa * NE x Prosopis pubescens * NE Prosopis sp. NE Prosopis velutina * NE x Ptycholobium biflorum LC Rhynchosia totta LC Senegalia mellifera LC Senna italica LC Tephrosia burchellii LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Tephrosia dregeana LC Vachellia erioloba LC Vachellia haematoxylon LC Vachellia karroo LC Vachellia permixta LC Wiborgia monoptera LC Xerocladia viridiramis LC Family Frankeniaceae Frankenia pulverulenta LC Family Gentianaceae Sebaea pentandra LC Family Geraniaceae Monsonia angustifolia LC Monsonia burkeana LC Monsonia crassicaulis LC Monsonia glauca LC Monsonia luederitziana LC Monsonia salmoniflora LC Pelargonium minimum LC NCNA Family Gisekiaceae Gisekia africana LC Gisekia pharnacioides LC Family Kewaceae Kewa salsoloides LC Family Lamiaceae Acrotome inflata LC Leonotis pentadentata LC Mentha longifolia LC Ocimum americanum LC Salvia disermas LC Salvia namaensis LC Salvia stenophylla LC Salvia verbenaca * LC x Stachys burchelliana LC Stachys cuneata LC Stachys hyssopoides LC Stachys spathulata LC Family Limeaceae Limeum aethiopicum LC Limeum arenicolum LC Limeum argute-carinatum LC Limeum fenestratum LC Limeum myosotis LC Limeum pterocarpum LC Family Loasaceae Kissenia capensis LC Family Lophiocarpaceae Lophiocarpus polystachyus LC Family Loranthaceae Septulina glauca LC Tapinanthus oleifolius LC Tapinanthus sp. NE Family Malvaceae Abutilon austro-africanum LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Abutilon dinteri LC Althaea ludwigii LC Corchorus asplenifolius LC Grewia flava LC Hermannia abrotanoides LC Hermannia auricoma LC Hermannia bicolor LC Hermannia burkei LC Hermannia comosa LC Hermannia desertorum LC Hermannia erodioides LC Hermannia gariepina LC Hermannia leucantha LC Hermannia marginata LC Hermannia minutiflora LC Hermannia modesta LC Hermannia pulchella LC Hermannia pulverata LC Hermannia sp. NE Hermannia spinosa LC Hermannia tomentosa LC Hibiscus aethiopicus LC Hibiscus elliottiae LC Hibiscus trionum LC Malva aegyptia * NE Malva parviflora * NE Malva verticillata * NE Melhania integra LC Melhania rehmannii LC Pavonia burchellii LC Radyera urens LC Family Meliaceae Nymania capensis LC NCNA Family Melianthaceae Melianthus comosus LC Family Menispermaceae Antizoma miersiana LC Cissampelos capensis LC Family Moraceae Ficus cordata LC Family Neuradaceae Grielum humifusum LC Grielum sinuatum LC Family Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia cordobensis LC Phaeoptilum spinosum LC Family Oleaceae Olea europaea LC NCNA Family Oxalidaceae Oxalis beneprotecta LC NCNA Oxalis haedulipes LC NCNA Oxalis lawsonii LC NCNA Oxalis sp. NE NCNA Oxalis stenoptera LC NCNA ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Family Papaveraceae Papaver sp. NE Family Passifloraceae Adenia repanda LC Family Pedaliaceae Harpagophytum procumbens LC ToPS Pterodiscus sp. NE Pterodiscus speciosus LC Rogeria longiflora LC Sesamum capense LC Family Phrymaceae Mimulus gracilis LC Family Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus incurvus LC Phyllanthus maderaspatensis LC Phyllanthus parvulus LC Family Plantaginaceae Veronica anagallis-aquatica * NE Family Plumbaginaceae Dyerophytum africanum LC Limonium dregeanum LC Family Polygalaceae Polygala leptophylla LC Polygala pungens LC Polygala seminuda LC Polygala sp. NE Family Polygonaceae Fagopyrum esculentum * NE Oxygonum alatum LC Persicaria hystricula LC Persicaria lapathifolia LC Polygonum plebeium LC Rumex lanceolatus LC Family Portulacaceae Talinum arnotii LC Talinum caffrum LC Talinum sp. NE Talinum tenuissimum LC Family Resedaceae Oligomeris dipetala LC Family Rhamnaceae Ziziphus mucronata LC Family Rosaceae Potentilla supina * NE Family Rubiaceae Anthospermum rigidum LC Galium sp. NE Kohautia caespitosa LC Kohautia cynanchica LC Nenax microphylla LC Family Rutaceae Agathosma sp. NE Clausena anisata LC Family Salicaceae ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Salix mucronata LC Family Santalaceae Lacomucinaea lineata LC Thesium hystricoides LC Thesium hystrix LC Family Sapindaceae Pappea capensis LC Family Scrophulariaceae Aptosimum albomarginatum LC Aptosimum indivisum LC Aptosimum marlothii LC Aptosimum procumbens LC Aptosimum spinescens LC Buddleja glomerata LC Chaenostoma halimifolium LC Diascia runcinata LC NCNA Diclis petiolaris LC Gomphostigma virgatum LC Hebenstretia cordata LC Jamesbrittenia atropurpurea LC NCNA Jamesbrittenia aurantiaca LC NCNA Jamesbrittenia canescens LC NCNA Jamesbrittenia integerrima LC NCNA Jamesbrittenia sp. NE NCNA Jamesbrittenia tysonii LC NCNA Limosella africana LC Limosella maior LC Limosella sp. NE Lyperia tristis LC Manulea fragrans LC NCape NCNA Manulea schaeferi LC NCNA Nemesia fruticans LC NCNA Nemesia hanoverica LC NCape NCNA Nemesia sp. NE NCNA Peliostomum leucorrhizum LC Peliostomum origanoides LC Selago albida LC Selago centralis LC Selago densiflora LC Selago divaricata LC Selago geniculata LC Selago mixta LC Selago saxatilis LC Selago sp. LC Sutera griquensis LC Zaluzianskya diandra LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Family Solanaceae Lycium arenicola LC Lycium bosciifolium LC Lycium cinereum LC Lycium hirsutum LC Lycium horridum LC Lycium oxycarpum LC Lycium pilifolium LC Lycium pumilum LC Lycium schizocalyx LC Nicotiana glauca * NE x Nicotiana longiflora * NE Physalis angulata " NE x Solanum burchellii LC Solanum capense LC Solanum namaquense LC Solanum sp. NE Solanum triflorum * NE x Withania somnifera LC Family Tamaricaceae Tamarix usneoides LC Family Thymelaeaceae Lasiosiphon polycephalus LC Family Urticaceae Forsskaolea candida LC Family Vahliaceae Vahlia capensis LC Vahlia sp. NE Family Verbenaceae Chascanum garipense LC Chascanum pinnatifidum LC Chascanum pumilum LC Lantana rugosa LC Lippia javanica LC Verbena litoralis * NE Family Zygophyllaceae Fagonia isotricha LC Roepera incrustata LC Roepera lichtensteiniana LC Roepera microphyllum LC Roepera pubescens LC Tetraena chrysopteron LC Tetraena microcarpa LC Tetraena retrofracta LC Tetraena rigida LC Tetraena simplex LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Tribulus cristatus LC Tribulus terrestris LC Tribulus zeyheri LC Zygophyllum dregeanum LC Zygophyllum sp. NE

ANGIOSPERMS: MONOCOTS Family Amaryllidaceae Ammocharis coranica LC NCNA Brunsvigia radulosa LC NCNA Haemanthus humilis LC NCNA Nerine laticoma LC NCNA Family Asparagaceae Asparagus bechuanicus LC Asparagus capensis LC Asparagus exuvialis LC Asparagus glaucus LC Asparagus mucronatus LC Asparagus retrofractus LC Asparagus striatus LC Asparagus suaveolens LC Family Asphodelaceae Aloe claviflora LC NCNA Aloe hereroensis LC NCNA Aloe sp. NE NCNA Aloidendron dichotomum VU A3ce ToPS Bulbine abyssinica LC NCNA Bulbine frutescens LC NCNA Gonialoe variegata LC NCNA Haworthia nigra LC NCNA Trachyandra acocksii LC NCNA Trachyandra karrooica LC NCNA Trachyandra laxa LC NCNA Family Colchicaceae Colchicum albomarginatum LC NCape NCNA Colchicum asteroides LC NCape NCNA Colchicum melanthoides LC NCNA Ornithoglossum dinteri LC Ornithoglossum vulgare LC Family Cyperaceae Cyperus fulgens LC Cyperus indecorus LC Cyperus laevigatus LC Cyperus marginatus LC Cyperus marlothii LC Cyperus sp. NE Isolepis setacea LC Schoenoplectus leucanthus LC Schoenoplectus muricinux LC Family Hyacinthaceae Albuca cooperi LC Albuca dyeri LC Albuca namaquensis LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Albuca prasina LC Albuca seineri LC Albuca virens LC Dipcadi bakerianum LC Dipcadi gracillimum LC Dipcadi papillatum LC Dipcadi viride LC Drimia fasciata LC Drimia intricata LC Drimia physodes LC Drimia sp. NE Lachenalia dasybotrya LC NCape NCNA Lachenalia karooica LC NCNA Ledebouria apertiflora LC Ledebouria cooperi LC Ledebouria undulata LC Ornithogalum flexuosum LC NCNA Ornithogalum nannodes LC NCNA Family Iridaceae Babiana hypogaea LC NCNA Freesia andersoniae LC NCNA Gladiolus orchidiflorus LC NCNA Gladiolus permeabilis LC NCNA Lapeirousia plicata LC NCNA Moraea cookii LC NCNA Moraea falcifolia LC NCNA Moraea pallida LC NCNA Moraea polystachya LC NCNA Moraea simulans LC NCNA Moraea venenata LC NCNA Syringodea bifucata LC NCNA Syringodea concolor LC NCNA Tritonia karooica LC NCape NCNA Family Poaceae Agrostis lachnantha LC Anthephora pubescens LC Aristida adscensionis LC Aristida congesta LC Aristida diffusa LC Aristida meridionalis LC Aristida stipitata LC Aristida vestita LC Bothriochloa insculpta LC Brachiaria marlothii LC Brachiaria nigropedata LC Bromus pectinatus LC Bromus sp. NE Cenchrus ciliaris LC Centropodia glauca LC Chloris virgata LC Coelachyrum yemenicum LC Cymbopogon pospischilii LC Digitaria eriantha LC Digitaria sanguinalis LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Digitaria sp. NE Echinochloa colona LC Echinochloa crus-galli LC Echinochloa jubata LC Ehrharta ramosa LC Eleusine coracana LC Enneapogon cenchroides LC Enneapogon desvauxii LC Enneapogon scaber LC Enneapogon scoparius LC Eragrostis annulata LC Eragrostis barrelieri LC Eragrostis bicolor LC Eragrostis biflora LC Eragrostis brizantha LC Eragrostis cilianensis LC Eragrostis curvula LC Eragrostis cylindriflora LC Eragrostis echinochloidea LC Eragrostis homomalla LC Eragrostis lehmanniana LC Eragrostis macrochlamys LC Eragrostis mexicana * NE Eragrostis nindensis LC Eragrostis obtusa LC Eragrostis porosa LC Eragrostis procumbens LC Eragrostis rotifer LC Eragrostis sp. NE Eragrostis trichophora LC Eragrostis truncata LC Eriochrysis pallida LC Fingerhuthia africana LC Hemarthria altissima LC Heteropogon contortus LC Leptochloa fusca LC Lolium temulentum * NE x Melica decumbens LC Melinis repens LC Merxmuellera sp. NE Oropetium capense LC Panicum coloratum LC Panicum gilvum LC Panicum impeditum LC Panicum lanipes LC Panicum maximum LC Panicum schinzii LC Paspalum dilatatum * NE Paspalum distichum LC Phalaris minor * NE Polypogon monspeliensis * NE Polypogon viridis LC Puccinellia acroxantha LC Schismus barbatus LC ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Schmidtia kalahariensis LC Schmidtia pappophoroides LC Setaria incrassata LC Setaria sp. NE Setaria verticillata LC Sorghum halepense * NE Sporobolus coromandelianus LC Sporobolus discosporus LC Sporobolus fimbriatus LC Sporobolus ioclados LC Sporobolus nebulosus LC Sporobolus nervosus LC Sporobolus sp. NE Stipagrostis anomala LC Stipagrostis ciliata LC Stipagrostis namaquensis LC Stipagrostis obtusa LC Stipagrostis uniplumis LC Themeda triandra LC Tragus berteronianus LC Tragus racemosus LC Tribolium uniolae LC Tricholaena capensis LC Tricholaena monachne LC Triraphis purpurea LC Urochloa panicoides LC Family Potamogetonaceae Zannichellia palustris LC Family Ruscaceae Eriospermum flagelliforme LC Eriospermum porphyrium LC Sansevieria aethiopica LC Family Tecophilaeaceae Cyanella lutea LC NCNA TOTAL 731 20 149 13

Conservation Status DDT = Data Deficient (Taxonomy Uncertain) LC = Least Concern NE = Not Evaluated NT = Near Threatened VU = Vulnerable

Endemism GWCPE = Griqualand West Centre of Plant Endemism

Protection Status NCNA = Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act of 2009 ToPS = National Environment Management Act: Biodiversity (Threatened and Protected Species) ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

APPENDIX 2. MAMMALS RECORDED FROM THE VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA (VIRTUAL MUSEUM)

Conservation Common Name Scientific Name Source Status Family: Macroscelididae (Sengis, Elephant Shrews) Western Rock Sengi Elephantulus rupestris LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Round-eared Elephant Shrew Macroscelides proboscideus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Orycteropodidae (Aardvark) Aardvark Orycteropus afer LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Procaviidae (Hyraxes) Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis LC MammalMAP No. 19060 Family: Cercopithecidae (Old World Monkeys) Vervet Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus pygerythrus LC MammalMAP No. 4042 Family: Bathyergidae (Mole-rats) Common Mole-rat Cryptomys hottentotus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Hystricidae (Old World Porcupines) Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Pedetidae (Springhare) Springhare Pedetes capensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Sciuridae (Squirrels) South African Ground Squirrel Xerus (Geosciurus) inauris LC MammalMAP No. 11537 Family: Gliridae (Dormice) Spectacled Dormouse Graphiurus ocularis NT www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Family: Nesomyidae Large-eared Mouse Malacothrix typica LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Pygmy Rock Mouse Petromyscus collinus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Brukkaros Pygmy Rock Mouse Petromyscus monticularis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Muridae (mice, rats, voles, gerbils, hamsters, etc.) Namaqua Rock Rat Aethomys namaquensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Cape Short-eared Gerbil Desmodillus auricularis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Bushveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus leucogaster LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus paeba LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Southern Multimammate Mouse Mastomys coucha LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Bush Vlei Rat Otomys unisulcatus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Brants's Whistling Rat Parotomys brantsii LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Littledale's Whistling Rat Parotomys littledalei NT www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Leporidae (rabbits, hares) Cape Hare Lepus capensis LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Family: Erinaceidae (hedgehogs) Southern African Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis NT Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Soricidae (shrews) Reddish-grey Musk Shrew Crocidura cyanea LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Family: Vespertilionidae (vesper

bats) Lesueur's Hairy Bat Cistugo lesueuri LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Cape Serotine Neoromicia capensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Molossidae (molossid bats) Egyptian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida aegyptiaca LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Nycteridae (slit-faced bats) Egyptian Slit-faced Bat Nycteris thebaica LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats) Geoffroy's Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus clivosus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Darling's Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus darlingi LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Felidae (cats) Caracal Caracal caracal LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes VU Friedman & Daly, 2004 African Wild Cat Felis silvestris LC MammalMAP No. 11542 African Leopard Panthera pardus pardus VU Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Viverridae (civets, genets) Small-spotted Genet Genetta genetta LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Herpestidae (mongooses) Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Small Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta LC MammalMAP No. 11534 Slender Mongoose Galerella sanguinea LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Meerkat Suricata suricatta LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Hyaenidae (hyaenas) Brown Hyena Parahyaena brunnea NT Friedman & Daly, 2004 Aardwolf Proteles cristatus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Canidae (dogs, foxes) Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas LC MammalMAP No. 19082 ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis LC MammalMAP No. 11541 Cape fox Vulpes chama LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Mustelidae (mustelids) African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis NT www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/ Striped Polecat Ictonyx striatus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Honey Badger Mellivora capensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Family: Bovidae (cattle, antelope, sheep, goats) Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis LC MammalMAP No. 19058 Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi LC MammalMAP No. 3853 Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004 Gemsbok Oryx gazella LC MammalMAP No. 11538 Steenbok Raphicerus campestris LC MammalMAP No. 19057 Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

LC = Least Concern NT = Near Threatened VU = Vulnerable

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

APPENDIX 3. BIRD SPECIES RECORDED FROM THE VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA (SABAP2)

Pentads Common Name Scientific Name FREQ 2955_2210 2955_2215 3000_2205 3000_2210 Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides 100 77.8 100 100 4 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus 22.2 100 2 Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala 100 44.4 2 Cape Penduline-tit Anthoscopus minutus 11.1 100 2 Little Swift Apus affinis 66.7 1 Common Swift Apus apus 11.1 1 Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi 11.1 1 White-rumped Swift Apus caffer 100 44.4 2 Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus 11.1 1 Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii 11.1 1 Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori 11.1 1 Pririt Batis Batis pririt 22.2 100 2 Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus 55.6 100 2 Spotted Eagle-owl Bubo africanus 33.3 100 100 3 Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis 22.2 1 Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus 11.1 1 Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus 11.1 1 Fawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides 22.2 100 100 3 Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota 100 66.7 100 100 4 Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena 11.1 1 Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris 100 66.7 100 100 4 Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata 11.1 1 Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac 50 100 2 Karoo Scrub-robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus 100 44.4 100 3 Kalahari Scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena 55.6 1 Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata 11.1 100 2 Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris 100 11.1 100 3 Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata 100 66.7 100 100 4 Diderick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius 11.1 1 Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus 22.2 1 White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala 11.1 1 Black-chested Snake-eagle Circaetus pectoralis 22.2 1 ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus 33.3 1 Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla 11.1 1 White-backed Mousebird Colius colius 44.4 1 Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea 100 66.7 100 3 Rock Dove Columba livia 22.2 1 Pied Crow Corvus albus 100 88.9 100 100 4 Cape Robin-chat Cossypha caffra 11.1 1 White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis 100 44.4 100 100 4 Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis 100 22.2 2 Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris 44.4 100 2 African Palm-swift Cypsiurus parvus 11.1 1 Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani 100 33.3 100 3 Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis 100 22.2 2 Black-eared Sparrowlark Eremopterix australis 100 33.3 2 Grey-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis 100 44.4 100 3 Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii 66.7 100 2 Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides 100 11.1 2 Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus 33.3 1 Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris 11.1 1 Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata 100 77.8 100 3 Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula 100 77.8 100 3 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 33.3 1 Common (Southern) Fiscal Lanius collaris 100 55.6 2 Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor 11.1 1 Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis 100 77.8 100 100 4 Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus 77.8 100 100 3 Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata 55.6 100 2 Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis 100 55.6 2 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 11.1 1 Anteating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora 66.7 100 100 3 Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii 100 1 Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris 11.1 1 Namaqua Dove Oena capensis 100 44.4 100 3 Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola 100 11.1 100 3 Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata 100 22.2 2 Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup 100 11.1 100 3 Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum 33.3 1 ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 100 66.7 100 3 Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus 100 88.9 100 100 4 Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius 100 88.9 2 White-browed Sparrow-weaver Plocepasser mahali 55.6 1 Southern Masked-weaver Ploceus velatus 66.7 100 2 Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus 44.4 1 Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans 66.7 100 100 3 Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua 100 44.4 100 100 4 African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans 100 11.1 2 Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea 11.1 1 Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus 22.2 1 Black-headed Canary Serinus alario 100 1 Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens 100 22.2 2 Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris 50 100 2 Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri 100 11.1 100 100 4 Stark's Lark Spizocorys starki 100 22.2 2 Cape Turtle-dove Streptopelia capicola 88.9 1 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata 22.2 1 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis 33.3 1 Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens 100 11.1 2 South African Shelduck Tadorna cana 100 1 Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus 100 77.8 100 3 Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii 11.1 1 Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas 66.7 1 Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi 22.2 1 Barn Owl Tyto alba 11.1 1 African Hoopoe Upupa africana 22.2 1 Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus 11.1 100 2 Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus 11.1 1 Cape White-eye Zosterops virens 11.1 1 TOTAL 99 38 94 27 30

Numbers refer to SABAP2 reporting rates

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

APPENDIX 4. LIST OF HERPETOFAUNA RECORDED FROM THE

GENERAL VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA (VIRTUAL MUSEUM)

#

$

Scientific Name Common name

QDS

Status*

2922CD

Endemic

Surrounding Surrounding Conservation Conservation Reptiles Family Agamidae Agama aculeata aculeata Common Ground Agama LC x Agama anchietae Anchieta's Agama LC x x Agama atra Southern Rock Agama LC x (near) Family Amphisbaenidae Monopeltis infuscata Dusky Worm Lizard LC Zygaspis quadrifrons Kalahari Dwarf Worm Lizard LC Family Chamaeleonidae Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis Common Flap-neck Chameleon LC x Family Colubridae Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater LC x Dipsina multimaculata Dwarf Beaked Snake LC Telescopus beetzii Beetz's Tiger Snake LC x x Karusasaurus polyzonus Karoo Girdled Lizard LC x (near) Family Elapidae Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus Coral Shield Cobra LC Elapsoidea sundevallii media Highveld Garter Snake LC Naja nigricincta woodi Black Spitting Cobra LC x Naja nivea Cape Cobra LC Family Gekkonidae Chondrodactylus angulifer angulifer Common Giant Ground Gecko LC x x Chondrodactylus bibronii Bibron's Gecko LC x x Pachydactylus capensis Cape Gecko LC x Pachydactylus latirostris Quartz Gecko LC x x Pachydactylus mariquensis Quartz Gecko LC x Pachydactylus purcelli Purcell's Gecko LC x Pachydactylus rugosus Common Rough Gecko LC x Ptenopus garrulus maculatus Spotted Barking Gecko LC x x Family Lacertidae Heliobolus lugubris Bushveld Lizard LC x Meroles suborbitalis Spotted Desert Lizard LC Nucras tessellata Western Sandveld Lizard LC x Pedioplanis inornata Plain Sand Lizard LC x Pedioplanis laticeps Karoo Sand Lizard LC x Pedioplanis lineoocellata lineoocellata Spotted Sand Lizard LC x x Pedioplanis lineoocellata pulchella Spotted Sand Lizard LC (near) Pedioplanis namaquensis Namaqua Sand Lizard LC x Family Lamprophiidae Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake LC x x Prosymna sundevallii Sundevall's Shovel-snout LC Psammophis namibensis Namib Sand Snake LC x Psammophis notostictus Karoo Sand Snake LC x Family Scincidae Acontias gracilicauda Thin-tailed Legless Skink LC x ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Acontias lineatus Striped Dwarf Legless Skink LC x Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink LC x Trachylepis occidentalis Western Three-striped Skink LC x Trachylepis sparsa Karasburg Tree Skink LC x Trachylepis spilogaster Kalahari Tree Skink LC x Trachylepis sulcata sulcata Western Rock Skink LC x Trachylepis variegata Variegated Skink LC x Family Testudinidae Psammobates tentorius verroxii Verrox's Tent Tortoise LC x x Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise LC x x Family Typhlopidae Rhinotyphlops lalandei Delalande's Beaked Blind Snake LC x Rhinotyphlops schinzi Schinz's Beaked Blind Snake LC Family Viperidae Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder LC x Bitis caudalis Horned Adder LC Amphibians Family Bufonidae Poyntonophrynus vertebralis Southern Pygmy Toad LC Sclerophrys gutturalis Guttural Toad LC x Vandijkophrynus gariepensis gariepensis Karoo Toad (subsp. gariepensis) LC x Family Pipidae Xenopus laevis Common Platanna LC Family Pyxicephalidae Amietia delalandii Delalande's River Frog LC x Amietia fuscigula Cape River Frog LC x Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco LC x x Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bull Frog NT Tomopterna cryptotis Tremelo Sand Frog LC x Tomopterna tandyi Tandy's Sand Frog LC x

LC = Least Concern NT = Near Threatened

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

APPENDIX 5. CV OF REPORT AUTHOR

Name : Warren Lee McCleland Profession : Terrestrial Ecologist Date of Birth : 7 Sep 1972 Name of Firm : ECOREX Consulting Ecologists cc Position in Firm : Sole Member Years with firm : 11 Nationality : South African

Qualifications : • N.Dip. [Nature Conservation] Cape Peninsula University of Technology 1993

Membership in Professional Societies: • South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Reg.No.003973) • South African Association of Botanists • International Association for Impact Assessment (SA)

Languages : Speaking Reading Writing English (home): Excellent Excellent Excellent Afrikaans: Good Good Good isiZulu: Good Fair Fair siSwati: Fair Poor Poor

Countries of Work Experience : Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. OVERVIEW OF EXPERIENCE • 15 years experience in conducting baseline surveys, data analysis and report writing in various biomes in southern and tropical Africa, particularly savannah, forest and grassland biomes. • 5 years experience game reserve management (KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga) • Co-author of acclaimed Field Guide to Trees and Woody Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park, Jacana Publishers, 2002. • Specialist knowledge of identification of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs. • Experience in reporting according to IFC Performance Standards for numerous international projects in Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Guinea, Tanzania, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique and Zambia. • Accredited with the discovery of a number of new plant species, most notably Gladiolus diluvialis Goldblatt & Manning (Fish River Canyon, Namibia), Streptocarpus sekhukhuniensis ms (Stoffberg, Mpumalanga – manuscript currently being edited) and Barleria lebomboensis Darbyshire, McCleland & Froneman (Lebombo Mts, Swaziland). • 2014 Recipient of the Marloth Medal from the Botanical Society of South Africa for co- authoring the Kruger tree field guide.

Employment Record: 2005 - present ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC Ecologist; Sole Member 2001 - 2005 Lawson’s Birding Tours Specialist Guide 2000 - 2001 Escarpment Ecological Consultants cc Founder Director 1996 – 2000 Crystal Springs Game Reserve Reserve Manager 1995 Mutemwa Lodge, western Zambia Lodge manager, guide 1993 - 1994 Natal Parks Board Cadet field ranger

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

SELECTED RECENT PROJECTS & EXPERIENCE West Africa Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Epoch Resources – Fanie Coetzee 2014 Assessment for Kalana Gold Mine, Yanfolila ([email protected]) Mali Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Epoch Resources – Fanie Coetzee 2013 Assessment for Fekola Gold Mine, Fedougou ([email protected]) Review of Specialist Studies conducted for an EIA Republic of Epoch Resources – Fanie Coetzee 2012 for an aluminium mine near Bel-Air, in Bofa Guinea ([email protected]) Prefecture. Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Sierra Leone 2011 SRK (U.K.) - Nicola Rump ([email protected]) Assessment for Marampa Iron Ore Mine, Lunsar East Africa Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Epoch Resources – Fanie Coetzee Tanzania 2011 Assessment for Mkuju River Uranium Project, ([email protected]) Selous Game Reserve, Songea Southern and South-central Africa Biodiversity Management Plan for the raising of ERM – Jessica Hughes Angola 2013 the Cambambe Dam wall, Kwanza River, Dondo ([email protected]) Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Epoch Resources – Fanie Coetzee 2014 Assessment for Pumpi Copper Mine, Kolwezi ([email protected]) Biodiversity Assessment of selected wetland Wetland Consulting Services – Gary 2013 Democratic habitats, Kamoa Copper Mine, Kolwezi Marneweck ([email protected]) Republic of Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Knight Piesold - Amelia Briel the Congo 2009-2011 Assessment for Kinsevere Copper Mine, ([email protected]) Lubumbashi Biodiversity Baseline Study for Ulindi Hydropower Knight Piesold - Amelia Briel 2008 Scheme, Itombwe Mts, Kivu South ([email protected]) Terrestrial Ecology Survey of sugar mill site, 2015 ERM - Rachel Conti ([email protected]) Ethco, Dwangwa Malawi Terrestrial Ecology Survey of Kanyika Uranium Synergistics - Bronwyn Williams 2010 Mine, Kasungu ([email protected]) Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact ERM – Jessica Hughes 2016 Assessment for an onshore gas pipeline, ([email protected]) Inhassoro, Inhambane province Critical Habitat Assessment for coastal dry forest Enviro-Insight - Luke Verburgt (luke@enviro- 2015 in Palma District, Cabo Delgado province insight.co.za) Biodiversity Baseline Study for a Regional ESIA of 2015 Golder - Warren Aken ([email protected]) Seismic Exploration blocks, SASOL, Inhassoro

Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact ERM – Jessica Hughes 2014 Assessment for a coastal road between Pemba Mozambique ([email protected]) and Palma, Cabo Delgado province Biodiversity Monitoring Plan for Benga Coal Mine, Rio Tinto - Isaac Ndlovu 2013 Moatize ([email protected]) Biodiversity Baseline Study and Action Plan for Nepid Consultants – Dr Rob Palmer 2012 the Muanza Quarry, Gorongosa NP, Sofala [email protected]) province Terrestrial Ecology component of the Biodiversity Study for the Four Dams Project (Corumana Dam, Austral-Cowi - Jacob Ulrich 2011 Gorongosa Dam, Metuchira Weir, Ressano Weir), ([email protected]) Maputo and Sofala provinces Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Knight Piesold - Amelia Briel Namibia 2009 Assessment for Neckartal Dam, Keetmanshoop ([email protected]) Faunal Baseline Study and Impact Assessment Aurecon - Nelis Bezuidenhout 2013 for Riemvasmaak Hydro-electric Scheme, ([email protected]) Augrabies Falls NP Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Metago Environmental Engineers - Hylton South Africa 2010 Assessment for Hoogland Chrome Mine, Allison ([email protected]) Steenkampsberg Mts, Mpumalanga Assessment of the status of Pelargonium South African National Biodiversity Institute - 2010 sidoides and harvesting potential in Lesotho and Domitilla Raimondo ([email protected]) South Africa Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Knight Piesold - Neal Neervoort Assessment for Ethemba Dam, Hlatikulu ([email protected]) Swaziland 2014 Biodiversity Value Assessment for the Mhlumeni Rod de Vletter ([email protected]) Community Conservation land, Siteki Botanical survey for ESIA for Ngonye Falls Ecotone - Michiel Jonker (michiel@ecotone- 2015 Hydropower Project, Zambezi River, Senanga sa.co.za) Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Zambia 2013 Assessment for Mulungushi Hydropower Project, ERM – Zoe Daniels ([email protected]) Kabwe Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Knight Piesold - Amelia Briel 2008 Assessment for Lumwana Copper Mine, Solwezi ([email protected]) Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact Epoch Resources - Fanie Coetzee Zimbabwe 2011 Assessment for Bokai Platinum Mine, Gweru ([email protected]) ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

PUBLICATIONS

Books Schmidt, E., Lötter, M.C. & McCleland, W.L. 2002. Field Guide to Trees and Woody Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park. Jacana Publishers, Houghton.

Peer-reviewed Journals Darbyshire, I., McCleland, W.L. & Froneman, W. 2017. Barleria lebomboensis (Acanthaceae), an endangered new species from the Lebombo Mountains of Swaziland. Phytotaxa 323(2):173-181.

Cheek, M., Lawrence, P. & McCleland, W.L. 2018. Cola dorrii sp. nov. (Sterculiaceae) a threatened Maputaland Forest endemic of South Africa. Kew Bulletin 73(2).

McCleland, W.L. & Massingue, A. 2018. New populations and a conservation assessment of Ecbolium hastatum Vollesen. Bothalia 48(1).

Manning J., Goldblatt, P., McCleland, W.L. & Wightman, N. 2019. Zygotritonia atropurpurea (Iridaceae: Crocoideae), a new local endemic species from northern Zambia of this small tropical African genus. South African Journal of Botany 124:20-22.

DECLARATION

I declare that the particulars above are accurate and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SIGNATURE: DATE: 11 August 2019