BIODIVERSITY AND WETLAND ASSESSMENT FOR THE SOWETO CLUSTER DUMPS RECLAMATION AND REPROCESSING PROJECT
Soweto, Gauteng
Date September 2019
Prepared for: Prepared by: The Biodiversity Company Cell: +27 81 319 1225 Fax: +27 86 527 1965 [email protected] www.thebiodiversitycompanycom Biodiversity and Wetland Assessment
Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project
BIODIVERSITY AND WETLAND ASSESSMENT FOR THE SOWETO Report Name CLUSTER DUMPS RECLAMATION AND REPROCESSING PROJECT
Submitted to
Martinus Erasmus
Report Writer Martinus Erasmus (Cand Sci Nat) obtained his B-Tech degree in Nature Conservation in 2016 at the Tshwane University of Technology. Martinus has been conducting EIAs, basic assessments and assisting specialists in the field during his studies since 2015.
Tyron Clark
Tyron has 9 years of experience conducting wetland and biodiversity assessments in a Report Writer number of African countries, affording him good experience in variety of development types. He attained his MSc in Zoological science from the University of the Witwatersrand. His research interests centre on biogeography and ecological niche modelling. Tyron has completed courses in wetland deliniation and management hosted by the University of the Free State.
Anita Rautenbach
Report Anita Rautenbach is a Zoologist/Ecologist with over 11 years of experience in the Reviewer environmental field. She gained Invaluable experience through the involvement in various research projects, biodiversity assessments, ecological assessments and threatened fauna species assessments throughout southern Africa. She is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with the Council of Natural Scientific Professions in South Africa.
The Biodiversity Company and its associates operate as independent consultants under the auspice of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. We declare that we have no affiliation with or vested financial interests in the proponent, other than for work performed under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (as amended). Declaration 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. We have no vested interest in the project, other than to provide a professional service within the constraints of the project (timing, time and budget) based on the principles of science.
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DECLARATION I, Martinus Erasmus, declare that:
I act as the independent specialist in this application;
I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant;
I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work;
I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Acts, regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity;
I will comply with the Acts, regulations and all other applicable legislation;
I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity;
I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority;
All the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct; and
I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 71 and is punishable in terms of Section 24F of the Act.
Martinus Erasmus
Terrestrial Ecologist
The Biodiversity Company September 2019
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DECLARATION I, Tyron Clark, declare that:
I act as the independent specialist in this application;
I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant;
I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work;
I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Acts, regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity;
I will comply with the Acts, regulations and all other applicable legislation;
I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity;
I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority;
All the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct; and
I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 71 and is punishable in terms of Section 24F of the Act.
Tyron Clark
Wetland & Terrestrial Ecologist
The Biodiversity Company September 2019
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project Table of Contents
1 Introduction ...... 1
2 Project Area ...... 1
3 Terms of Reference ...... 3
4 Methodologies ...... 3
Terrestrial Biodiversity ...... 3
Desktop Assessment ...... 3
Faunal Assessment (Avifauna &) Mammals ...... 5
Herpetology (Reptiles & Amphibians) ...... 5
Wetlands ...... 6
Desktop Assessment ...... 6
Wetland Identification and Mapping ...... 6
Wetland Delineation ...... 7
Wetland Functional Assessment ...... 7
Determining the Present Ecological Status of Wetlands ...... 8
Determining the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity of Wetlands ...... 8
Ecological Classification and Description ...... 9
Buffer Determination ...... 9
Risk Assessment ...... 9
5 Limitations ...... 9
6 Key Legislative Requirements ...... 10
7 Results ...... 12
Desktop Spatial Assessment ...... 12
The Gauteng Conservation Plan (Version 3.3) ...... 12
Gauteng Ridges ...... 14
National Biodiversity Assessment ...... 15
Ecosystem Threat Status ...... 15
Ecosystem Protection Level ...... 16
National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Status and Inland Water Courses 17
Protected Areas ...... 19
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Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines ...... 19
Vegetation Assessment ...... 22
Vegetation Types ...... 22
Soweto Highveld Grassland ...... 23
Carletonville Dolomite Grassland ...... 24
Plant Species of Conservation Concern ...... 25
Faunal Assessment ...... 26
Avifauna ...... 26
Mammals ...... 29
Herpetofauna (Reptiles & Amphibians) ...... 32
8 Field Survey ...... 33
Habitat Assessment ...... 33
Vegetation Assessment ...... 37
Alien and Invasive Plants ...... 42
Faunal Assessment ...... 43
Avifauna ...... 43
Mammals ...... 45
Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians) ...... 45
Wetlands ...... 46
Wetland Classification and Extent ...... 47
Wetland Description ...... 51
8.5.2.1 Hydrogeomorphic Setting ...... 51
8.5.2.2 Soils and lithology ...... 52
8.5.2.3 Wetland vegetation ...... 54
Wetland Ecosystem Services ...... 54
Wetland Health ...... 56
The Ecological Importance and Sensitivity Assessment ...... 58
9 Sensitivity Assessment ...... 59
10 Impact Assessment ...... 64
Impact Assessment Methodology ...... 64
Current Impacts ...... 65
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Terrestrial Ecology Impact Assessment ...... 67
Anticipated Impact Framework ...... 67
Construction Phase...... 69
Operational Phase ...... 69
Decommissioning & Closure Phase ...... 69
Assessment of significance ...... 69
Mitigation Measures ...... 73
Mitigation Actions ...... 73
Wetland Impact Risk Assessment ...... 75
Anticipated Impacts...... 75
Pertinent Mitigation ...... 76
Recommendations for Rehabilitation...... 85
Target ...... 85
Recommendations ...... 87
11 Conclusion ...... 88
12 Impact Statement ...... 89
13 References ...... 91
Tables
Table 1: Classes for determining the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied ...... 7
Table 2: The PES categories (Macfarlane, et al., 2009) ...... 8
Table 3: Description of Ecological Importance and Sensitivity categories...... 8
Table 4: Significance ratings matrix ...... 9 Table 5: A list of key legislative requirements relevant to biodiversity and conservation in Gauteng ...... 11
Table 6: Summary of Desktop spatial features examined...... 12
Table 7: The mining and Biodiversity guidelines categories ...... 20
Table 8: Expected flora SCC ...... 25 Table 9: List of bird species of regional or global conservation importance that are expected to occur in pentads 2605_2740; 2605_2745; 2605_2750; 2610_2740; 2610_2745; 2610_2750; 2615_2740; 2615_2745; 2615_2750 (SANBI, 2017, ESKOM, 2014; IUCN, 2017) ...... 26
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Table 10: List of mammal species of conservation concern that may occur in the project area as well as their global and regional conservation statuses (IUCN, 2017; SANBI, 2016) ...... 30
Table 11: Herpetofauna SCC that may occur in the project area ...... 32
Table 12: Trees, shrubs and weeds recorded at the proposed project area ...... 37
Table 13: A list of the avifaunal species recorded in the project area ...... 43
Table 14: Wetland classification as per SANBI guideline (Ollis et al. 2013) ...... 47
Table 15: The ecosystem services being provided by the identified wetlands ...... 55
Table 16: Summary of the scores for the wetland PES ...... 56
Table 17: The Ecological Importance and Sensitivity results ...... 59
Table 18: Anticipated Impact Framework for the project ...... 68 Table 19: Assessment of significance of potential construction impacts of the development area pre- and post- mitigation...... 70 Table 20: Assessment of significance of potential operational impacts of the development pre- and post- mitigation...... 71 Table 21:Assessment of significance of potential decommissioning of the development pre- and post- mitigation ...... 72
Table 22: DWS Risk Impact Matrix for the proposed development ...... 79 Table 23: Current and anticipated PES ratings for the relevant HGM units following successful implementation of rehabilitation measures ...... 86
Figures
Figure 1: The general location of the project area ...... 2 Figure 2: Cross section through a wetland, indicating how the soil wetness and vegetation indicators change (Ollis et al. 2013) ...... 7
Figure 3: The project area superimposed on the Gauteng CBA dataset ...... 13
Figure 4: Mine dumps in the project area seen as possible ridges...... 14
Figure 5: The project area in relation to the rocky ridges...... 15 Figure 6: The project area showing the ecosystem threat status of the associated terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2012) ...... 16 Figure 7: The project area showing the level of protection of terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2012) ...... 17
Figure 8: The project area in relation to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (BGIS, 2018) ...... 18
Figure 9: The project area in relation to the formally protected area ...... 19
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Figure 10: The project area superimposed on the Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines spatial dataset (2013) ...... 22 Figure 11: Project area showing the vegetation type based on the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (BGIS, 2017) ...... 23 Figure 12: Map showing the grid drawn to compile an expected flora species list (BODATSA- POSA, 2016) ...... 25
Figure 13: Habitats identified within the project area...... 33 Figure 14: Habitats identified within the project area ...... 34
Figure 15: Habitats identified within the project area ...... 35
Figure 16: Habitats identified within the project area ...... 36 Figure 17: The habitats observed within the project area; A) Degraded Grassland, B) Natural Grassland...... 39
Figure 18: The habitats observed within the project area; A) Transformed, B) Wetlands ..... 40 Figure 19: Plant species recorded during the survey: A) Felicia muricata, B) Argemone ochroleuca (Alien), C)Delosperma herbeum, D) Gazania krebsiana, E) Helichrysum caespititium, F) Dimorphotheca spectabilis, G) Asclepias stellifera and H) Pinus pinaster .. 41
Figure 20: Avifaunal species recorded during the survey: A) Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), B) Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus,), C) African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) , D) Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), E) African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) and F) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) ...... 45
Figure 21:View of the Klipspruit (HGM 5) ...... 46
Figure 22: Delineation of wetlands within the 500m regulation area, overview ...... 48
Figure 23: Delineation of wetlands within the 500m regulation area, western region ...... 49
Figure 24: Delineation of wetlands within the 500m regulation area, eastern region ...... 50 Figure 25: Photographs of the four main hydrogeomorphic types encountered within the project area; A) unchanneled valley-bottom, B) channelled valley-bottom, C) seep and D) depression ...... 52 Figure 26: Soils identified within the project area; A) Westleigh soil form B) Katspruit soil form, C) Clovelly soil form and D) Fibrous organic material (likely peat sampled from the Wonderfonteinspruit) ...... 54 Figure 27: Examples of the dominant hydrophytes within the project area; A) Juncus rigidus, B) J. dregeanus, C) Phragmites australis and D) Typha capensis ...... 54 Figure 28: Examples of some the existing impacts influencing the PES ratings; A) domestic waste disposal, B) canalisation, C) burst water mains D) dams, E) alien and invasive vegetation, F) sulphate precipitation G) domestic effluent runoff, H) iron oxide precipitation in acid mine drainage...... 57
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Figure 29: Airborne radiometric image of the Wonderfonteinspruit catchment within the project area, showing elevated areas of elevated radioactivity in red, particularly round tailings dumps and within wetlands (source: Coetzee et al. 2005) ...... 58
Figure 30: Habitat sensitivity within project area...... 60
Figure 31: Habitat sensitivity within project area...... 61
Figure 32: Habitat sensitivity within project area ...... 62
Figure 33: Habitat sensitivity within project area ...... 63 Figure 34: Some of the impacts observed: A) Littering and dumping, B) Powerlines, C) Sewerage run-off, D) Poaching/Snares, E) Livestock and F) Old mining tailings ...... 66 Figure 35:Some of the impacts observed in the project area, A) Unregulated burned areas, B) Unregulated excavations C) Old mine dump run-off, D) Soil harvesting for building material or artisanal mining, E) Alien plant species and D) Use of plants for building/muti/firewood...... 67
Appendices
Appendix A: Flora species expected to occur in the project area ...... 95
Appendix B: Avifaunal species expected to occur in the project area ...... 122
Appendix C: Mammals species expected to occur in the project area ...... 130
Appendix D: Reptile species expected to occur within the project area ...... 132
Appendix E: Amphibian species expected to occur within the project area ...... 134
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1 Introduction
The Biodiversity Company was appointed to conduct terrestrial biodiversity and wetland baseline assessments, for the proposed Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project. The project area will stretch across several areas within northern Soweto, and is located within the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng Province (Figure 1). Crown Gold intends to reclaim and reprocess gold from historic slimes dams as well as historic sand dumps.
Based on the scope of work provided by the client the Ergo Processing Plant and the Brakpan / Withok Tailings Facility (TSF) is excluded from the study programme for this report. Alternative 3 and its associated pipelines, reclamation, processing plants and depositional areas have already been authorised and as such are not dealt with in this report. Minimal built infrastructure (aside from the satellite reclamation stations) is required for the reclamation areas, the majority of construction-related activities are expected to centre on the installation of the two pipelines (50 cm diameter) set to convey clean water and process slurry to and from the reclamation areas respectively.
This assessment was in accordance with the 2014 EIA Regulations (No. R. 982-985, Department of Environmental Affairs, 4 December 2014) emanating from Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998). The findings and information herein are in terms of Appendix 6 of the 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations (amended in 2017). This project was also completed in accordance with the requirements of the Water Use Authorisation in terms of Section 21(c) and (i) of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA). The GDARD requirements for biodiversity assessments was also taken into consideration.
2 Project Area
The center of the project area can be seen at a latitude of 26°12'5.55"S and a longitude of 27°51'16.40"E. Figure 1 shows the layout of the project extend (sections already authorized), as well as the 500m regulated area that were surveyed during the field work component. The area surrounding the proposed project sites consist of built up informal and formal housing and the associated power and telephone lines as well as other urban infrastructure.
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Figure 1: The general location of the project area
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3 Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference (ToR) included the following:
Desktop description of the baseline receiving environment specific to the field of expertise (general surrounding area as well as site specific environment);
Identification and description of any sensitive receptors in terms of relevant specialist disciplines that occur in the project area, and the manner in which these sensitive receptors may be affected by the activity;
Identification of significant ecological and faunal features within the proposed development areas;
Identification of potential environmental impacts on the receiving environment;
Provision of suitable mitigation measures;
Identification of critical issues (potential fatal flaws) that may result in project delays or rejection of the application.
4 Methodologies
Terrestrial Biodiversity Desktop Assessment
A comprehensive desktop study was carried out to document all baseline ecological information for the area and mapped at a desktop level. Emphasis was placed -on the following spatial datasets available from the SANBI BGIS website:
National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA 2011);
National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES 2010);
2011 Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3 (C-Plan 3.3);
Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina &Rutherford, 2018 vegetation delineation);
Supplementary datasets:
Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality open spaces (JMOSS areas);
Important Bird Areas (2015);
RAMSAR sites;
Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines (2013)
Descriptions of the - methodologies applied in each of the specialist disciplines are provided below.
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4.1.1.1 Botanical Assessment
Literature review
The Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) was accessed to compile a species list of flora species previously recorded from the area. The Red List of South African Plants website (SANBI, 2016) was utilized to provide the most current account of the national conservation status of these flora species.
Field survey
The field survey consisted of an assessment of local vegetation communities and habitat types within the project area, and the identification of any red-data species potentially present. The following survey techniques were used:
Timed meanders. The random meander method is a highly efficient method for conducting floristic analysis specifically in detecting flora SCC and maximising floristic coverage. In addition, the method is time and cost effective and highly suited for compiling flora species lists and therefore gives a rapid indication of flora diversity. Current impacts (e.g. burning, slash and burn agriculture etc.), subjective recording of dominant vegetation species and any sensitive features (e.g. riparian, restricted habitat types etc.). In addition, opportunistic observations were made while moving through the project area.;
Sensitivity analysis;
Identification of red data flora species.
Relevant field guides and texts consulted for identification purposes in the field during the surveys included the following:
Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of the Highveld (Van Wyk & Malan, 1997);
A Field Guide to Wild flowers (Pooley, 1998);
Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa (Van Oudtshoorn, 1999);
Orchids of South Africa (Johnson & Bytebier, 2015);
Guide to the Aloes of South Africa (Van Wyk & Smith, 2014);
Medicinal Plants of South Africa (Van Wyk et al., 2013);
Freshwater Life: A field guide to the plants and animals of southern Africa (Griffiths & Day, 2016); and
Identification Guide to Southern African Grasses. An identification manual with keys, descriptions and distributions (Fish et al., 2015).
Additional information regarding ecosystems, vegetation types, and species of conservation concern (SCC) included the following sources:
The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina & Rutherford, 2012);
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Grassland Ecosystem Guidelines: landscape interpretation for planners and managers (SANBI, 2013); and
Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality open spaces (JMOSS areas). Faunal Assessment (Avifauna &) Mammals
The faunal desktop assessment included the following:
Compilation of expected species lists;
Identification of any Red Data or species of conservation concern (SCC) present or potentially occurring in the area; and
Emphasis was placed on the probability of occurrence of species of provincial, national and international conservation importance.
The field survey component of the study utilised a variety of sampling techniques including, random transect walks throughout the project area whereby the following methods are used but not limited to record species:
Visual observations;
Identification of tracks and signs; and
Utilization of local knowledge. Herpetology (Reptiles & Amphibians)
Herpetofauna distributional data was obtained from the following information sources:
South African Reptile Conservation Assessment (SARCA) (sarca.adu.org);
A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa (Alexander & Marais, 2007);
Field guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa (Branch, 1998);
Atlas and Red list of Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Bates et al., 2014);
A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa (du Preez & Carruthers, 2009);
Animal Demography Unit (ADU) - FrogMAP (frogmap.adu.org.za);
Atlas and Red Data Book of Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mintner et al., 2004); and
Ensuring a future for South Africa’s frogs (Measey, 2011).
The herpetological field survey comprised of the following techniques:
Diurnal hand searches - used for reptile species that shelter in or under particular microhabitats (typically rocks, exfoliating rock outcrops, fallen timber, leaf litter, bark etc.);
Visual searches - typically undertaken for species whose behaviour involves surface activity or for species that are difficult to detect by hand-searches or pitfall trapping.
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May include walking transects or using binoculars to view species from a distance without them being disturbed;
Amphibians – of the survey techniques listed above will be able to detect species of amphibians. Over and above these techniques, vocalisation sampling techniques, which refer to listening to the call/sound made by the frogs, are often the best to detect the presence of amphibians as each species has a distinct call; and
Opportunistic sampling - Reptiles, especially snakes, are incredibly illusive and difficult to observe. Consequently, all possible opportunities to observe reptiles are taken, to augment the standard sampling procedures described above. This will include talking to local people and staff at the site and reviewing photographs of reptiles and amphibians that the other biodiversity specialists may come across while on site.
Wetlands Desktop Assessment
The following information sources were considered for the desktop assessment: Aerial imagery (Google Earth Pro);
Vegetation and climate information (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006);
Land Type Data (Land Type Survey Staff, 1972 – 2006).
The inland water dataset;
Topographical river line data;
The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (Nel et al., 2011); and
Contour data (5m).
Wetland Identification and Mapping
An early wet season wetland survey was conducted by a wetland ecologist. The survey primarily focussed on the development footprint area, but also considered the extended 500 m regulation area. The wetland areas were delineated in accordance with the DWAF (2005) guidelines, a cross section is presented in Figure 2. The outer edges of the wetland areas were identified by considering the following four specific indicators: The Terrain Unit Indicator identifies those parts of the landscape where wetlands are more likely to occur;
The Soil Form Indicator identifies the soil forms, as defined by the Soil Classification Working Group (1991), which are associated with prolonged and frequent saturation.
o The soil forms (types of soil) found in the landscape were identified using the South African soil classification system namely; Soil Classification: A Taxonomic System for South Africa;
The Soil Wetness Indicator identifies the morphological "signatures" developed in the soil profile as a result of prolonged and frequent saturation; and
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The Vegetation Indicator identifies hydrophilic vegetation associated with frequently saturated soils.
Vegetation is used as the primary wetland indicator. However, in practise the soil wetness indicator tends to be the most important, and the other three indicators are used in a confirmatory role.
Figure 2: Cross section through a wetland, indicating how the soil wetness and vegetation indicators change (Ollis et al. 2013) Wetland Delineation
The wetland indicators described above were used to delineate the boundaries of the wetlands within the project area. These delineations were illustrated by means of maps accompanied by descriptions. Wetland Functional Assessment
Wetland functionality refers to the ability of wetlands to provide healthy conditions for the wide variety of organisms found in wetlands as well as humans. EcoServices serve as the main factor contributing to wetland functionality.
The assessment of the ecosystem services supplied by the identified wetlands was conducted per the guidelines as described in WET-EcoServices (Kotze et al., 2008). An assessment was undertaken that examines and rates the following services according to their degree of importance and the degree to which the services are provided (Table 1).
Table 1: Classes for determining the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied
Score Rating of likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied
< 0.5 Low
0.6 - 1.2 Moderately Low
1.3 - 2.0 Intermediate
2.1 - 3.0 Moderately High
> 3.0 High
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Determining the Present Ecological Status of Wetlands
The overall approach is to quantify the impacts of human activity or clearly visible impacts on wetland health, and then to convert the impact scores to a PES score. This takes the form of assessing the spatial extent of impact of individual activities/occurrences and then separately assessing the intensity of impact of each activity in the affected area. The extent and intensity are then combined to determine an overall magnitude of impact. The Present State categories are provided in Table 2.
Table 2: The PES categories (Macfarlane, et al., 2009) Impact Impact Score Description PES Category Range None Unmodified, natural 0 to 0.9 A Largely Natural with few modifications. A slight change in ecosystem processes is discernible and a Small 1.0 to 1.9 B small loss of natural habitats and biota may have taken place. Moderately Modified. A moderate change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural habitats has Moderate 2.0 to 3.9 C taken place, but the natural habitat remains predominantly intact. Largely Modified. A large change in ecosystem Large processes and loss of natural habitat and biota has 4.0 to 5.9 D occurred. Seriously Modified. The change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural habitat and biota is great, Serious 6.0 to 7.9 E but some remaining natural habitat features are still recognizable. Critical Modification. The modifications have reached a critical level and the ecosystem processes have been Critical 8.0 to 10 F modified completely with an almost complete loss of natural habitat and biota. Determining the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity of Wetlands
The method used for the EIS determination was adapted from the method as provided by DWS (1999) for floodplains. The method takes into consideration PES scores obtained for WET-Health as well as function and service provision to enable the assessor to determine the most representative EIS category for the wetland feature or group being assessed. A series of determinants for EIS are assessed on a scale of 0 to 4, where 0 indicates no importance and 4 indicates very high importance. The mean of the determinants is used to assign the EIS category as listed in Table 3 (Rountree et al., 2012).
Table 3: Description of Ecological Importance and Sensitivity categories Recommended Ecological EIS Category Range of Mean Management Class Very High 3.1 to 4.0 A
High 2.1 to 3.0 B
Moderate 1.1 to 2.0 C
Low Marginal < 1.0 D
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Ecological Classification and Description
The National Wetland Classification Systems (NWCS) developed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) will be considered for this study. This system comprises a hierarchical classification process of defining a wetland based on the principles of the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach at higher levels, and then also includes structural features at the lower levels of classification (Ollis et al., 2013). Buffer Determination
All delineated wetlands were assigned a buffer in accordance with GDARD requirements for biodiversity assessments (Version 3), which stipulates 30 m buffer on wetlands inside of urban areas. Risk Assessment
The DWS risk matrix assessed impacts in terms of consequence and likelihood. The significance of the impact is calculated according to Table 4.
Table 4: Significance ratings matrix
Rating Class Management Description Acceptable as is or consider requirement for mitigation. Impact to 1 – 55 (L) Low Risk watercourses and resource quality small and easily mitigated. Wetlands may be excluded. Risk and impact on watercourses are notably and require mitigation 56 – 169 (M) Moderate Risk measures on a higher level, which costs more and require specialist input. Wetlands are excluded. Always involves wetlands. Watercourse(s) impacts resulting from the 170 – 300 (H) High Risk activities are of such a nature that they impose a long-term threat on a large scale and lowering of the Reserve.
5 Limitations
The following limitations are relevant for this project: As per the scope of work, the fieldwork component of the assessment comprised of one assessment only, which was conducted during the early wet season;
A single season survey was conducted in spring. Although faunal activity is lower during this time, based on TBC’s experience and knowledge of biodiversity in the region, the timing of the survey was unlikely to preclude the detection of any potentially occurring species of conservation concern.
The use of two of the main wetland indicators namely hydromorphic soils and hydrophytic vegetation was limited in many of the project areas due to clearing and infilling;
Infield wetland sampling was focussed within a 50 corridor along the pipeline route and within the Soweto Cluster and Cooke TSF and Processing Plant areas. As such, wetland delineations beyond these areas into the 500 m regulated area should be considered field- validated desktop delineations;
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The GPS used for wetland delineations is accurate to within five meters. Therefore, the wetland delineation plotted digitally may be offset by at least five meters to either side; and
Despite these limitations, a comprehensive desktop study was conducted, in conjunction with the detailed results from the surveys, and as such there is a high confidence in the information provided.
6 Key Legislative Requirements
The legislation, policies and guidelines listed below are applicable to the current project in terms of biodiversity and wetlands. The list below, although extensive, may not be complete and other legislation, policies and guidelines may apply in addition to those listed below (Table 5).
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Table 5: A list of key legislative requirements relevant to biodiversity and conservation in Gauteng
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1993)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC,1994)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES 1973) The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL Convention, 1979) Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 2006) The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) The National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008); The Environment Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1989) National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004) National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES) Natural Scientific Professions Act (Act No. 27 of 2003) National Biodiversity Framework (NBF, 2009) National Forest Act (Act No. 84 of 1998) National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA’s) NATIONAL NATIONAL National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) World Heritage Convention Act (Act No. 49 of 1999) National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999) Municipal Systems Act (Act No. 32 of 2000) Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2014 South Africa’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act 43 of 1983) Sustainable Utilisation of Agricultural Resources (Draft Legislation). White Paper on Biodiversity Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines
GDARD Requirements for Biodiversity Assessments (Version 3, 2014a)
Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD): Checklist for
PROVINCIAL PROVINCIAL Biodiversity Assessments
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project 7 Results
Desktop Spatial Assessment
Environmental features relevant to the project area are listed in Table 6.
Table 6: Summary of Desktop spatial features examined.
Desktop Information Considered Relevant/Not relevant Section 2011 Gauteng Conservation Plan Multiple sections of the proposed development intersects 7.1 3.3 (C-Plan 3.3) with CBA: Important and ESA. A Class 3 ridge occurs in one of the proposed reclamation Rocky Ridges 7.2 areas. Ecosystem Threat Status Falls within ecosystems which are listed as CR, VU and LT. 7.3.1 The ecosystem of the project area is rated as not protected Ecosystem Protection Level 7.3.2 and poorly protected The project area does not overlap with a true FEPA river nor does it overlap with a true FEPA wetland. It does however NFEPA Rivers and Wetlands 7.4 overlap with a number of unclassified FEPA rivers and wetlands. The project area is found 4.2 km south of the Kloofendal Protected Areas 7.5 Municipal Nature Reserve According to these guidelines, the project area falls within an Mining and Biodiversity area which is considered to be ‘highest risk for mining’, ‘high 7.6 Guidelines risk for mining’’ and ‘moderate risk for mining’ Important Bird and Biodiversity Irrelevant: Closest IBA (Magaliesburg IBA) is 12 km North of
Areas the project area.
The Gauteng Conservation Plan (Version 3.3)
The Gauteng Conservation Plan (Version 3.3) (GDARD, 2014b) classified areas on the basis of their contribution to reach the conservation targets within the province. These areas are classified as Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) to ensure sustainability in the long term. The CBAs are classified as either ‘Irreplaceable’ (must be conserved), or ‘Important’.
CBAs are terrestrial and aquatic areas that need to be maintained in a natural or near-natural state to ensure the continued existence and functioning of species and ecosystems and the delivery of ecosystem services. Thus, if these areas are not maintained in a natural or near natural state then biodiversity targets cannot be met.
According to the Gauteng Terrestrial CBA Plan (C-Plan), multiple sections of the proposed development intersects with CBA: Important and ESA (Figure 3).
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Figure 3: The project area superimposed on the Gauteng CBA dataset
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Gauteng Ridges
According to the Gauteng Conservation C-Plan (2014), ridges are characterized by high spatial heterogeneity due to the range of differing aspects, slopes and altitudes all resulting in differing soil, temperature, elevation, light and hydrological conditions. This variation is an especially important predictor of biodiversity.
Ridges are characterized by a particularly high biodiversity and it follows that their protection will contribute significantly to the conservation of biodiversity in Gauteng. The ridges of Gauteng are vital habitat for many threatened plant species. Sixty-five percent of Gauteng's threatened plant species and 71% of Gauteng’s endemic plant species have been recorded on ridges.
The different classifications mean that: Class 1: >= 95% natural;
Class 2: >= 65% and < 95% natural;
Class 3: >= 35% and < 65% natural; and
Class 4: < 35% natural.
According to the spatial data the project area falls on a class 3 ridge and will thus affect the ridge (Figure 5). Class 3 ridges include ridges of which 35% or more, but less than 65%, of their surface area has been converted to urban development, quarries and/or alien vegetation. It appears that these areas which have been mapped as ridges are, however, entirely artificial (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Mine dumps in the project area seen as possible ridges.
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Figure 5: The project area in relation to the rocky ridges.
National Biodiversity Assessment
The National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) was completed as a collaboration between the SANBI, the DEA and other stakeholders, including scientists and biodiversity management experts throughout the country over a three-year period (Driver et al., 2011).
The two headline indicators assessed in the NBA are ecosystem threat status and ecosystem protection level (Driver et al., 2011). Ecosystem Threat Status
Ecosystem threat status outlines the degree to which ecosystems are still intact or alternatively losing vital aspects of their structure, function and composition, on which their ability to provide ecosystem services ultimately depends (Driver et al., 2011).
Ecosystem types are categorised as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) or Least Threatened (LT), based on the proportion of each ecosystem type that remains in good ecological condition (Driver et al., 2011).
The project area falls within ecosystems which are listed as CR, VU and LT.
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Figure 6: The project area showing the ecosystem threat status of the associated terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2012) Ecosystem Protection Level
Ecosystem protection level -indicates whether ecosystems are adequately protected or under- protected. Ecosystems were categorised as not protected, poorly protected, moderately protected or well protected, based on the proportion of each ecosystem type that occurs within a protected area recognised in the Protected Areas Act (Driver et al., 2011).
The project area falls within areas categorised as not protected and poorly protected (Figure 6).
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project
Figure 7: The project area showing the level of protection of terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2012) National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Status and Inland Water Courses
In an attempt to better conserve aquatic ecosystems, South Africa has recently categorised its river systems according to set ecological criteria (i.e. ecosystem representation, water yield, connectivity, unique features, and threatened taxa) to identify Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs) (Driver et al., 2011). The FEPAs are intended to be conservation support tools and envisioned to guide the effective implementation of measures to achieve the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) biodiversity goals (Nel et al., 2011).
The project area does not overlap with a true FEPA river nor does it overlap with a true FEPA wetland. It does however overlap with a number of unclassified FEPA rivers and wetlands (Figure 8).
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Figure 8: The project area in relation to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (BGIS, 2018)
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Protected Areas
Formally protected areas refer to areas protected either by national or provincial legislation. Based on the SANBI (2018) Protected Areas Map and the National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES) the project area does not overlap with any formally or informally protected area, the closest protected area to the project area is found 7.8 km north which is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden (Figure 9).
Figure 9: The project area in relation to the formally protected area Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines
The Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines (2013) was developed by the Department of Mineral Resources, the Chamber of Mines, the South African National Biodiversity Institute and the South African Mining and Biodiversity Forum, with the intention to find a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The Guideline provides a tool to facilitate the sustainable development of South Africa’s mineral resources in a way that enables regulators, industry and practitioners to minimise the impact of mining on the country’s biodiversity and ecosystem services. It provides the mining sector with a practical, user- friendly manual for integrating biodiversity considerations into the planning processes and managing biodiversity during the operational phases of a mine, from exploration through to closure. The Guideline provides explicit direction in terms of where mining-related impacts are legally prohibited, where biodiversity priority areas may present high risks for mining projects, and where biodiversity may limit the potential for mining.
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project
Since the historic mineral deposits that are intended to be reclaimed through this project are not governed by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No 28 of 2002) (MPRDA), no mining right is required and the project proponent is applying only for an environmental authorisation. Nonetheless, the Guideline has some bearing on the project.
Table 7 shows the four different categories and the implications for mining within each of these categories.
According to these guidelines, the project area falls within an area which is considered to be ‘highest risk for mining’, ‘high risk for mining’’ and ‘moderate risk for mining’ (Figure 10). Refer to Table 7 for an explanation of limitations related to mining in these areas.
Table 7: The mining and Biodiversity guidelines categories Biodiversity priority Risk for Category Implications for mining areas mining • Protected areas (including National Mining projects cannot commence as mining is legally Parks, Nature prohibited. Although mining is prohibited in Protected Reserves, World Areas, it may be allowed in Protected Environments if Heritage Sites, both the Minister of Mineral Resources and Minister of Protected Environmental Affairs approve it. A. Legally Environments, Nature Mining In cases where mining activities were conducted lawfully protected Reserves) prohibited in protected areas before Section 48 of the Protected Areas declared under Areas Act (No. 57 of 2003) came into effect, the Minister Section 49 of the of Environmental Affairs may, after consulting with the Mineral and Petroleum Minister of Mineral Resources, allow such mining Resources activities to continue, subject to prescribed conditions Development Act (No. that reduce environmental impacts. 28 of 2002) Environmental screening, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and their associated specialist studies should focus on confirming the presence and significance of these biodiversity features, and to provide site-specific basis on which to apply the mitigation hierarchy to inform regulatory decision- • Critically endangered making for mining, water use licenses, and and endangered environmental authorisations. ecosystems If they are confirmed, the likelihood of a fatal flaw for new • Critical Biodiversity mining projects is very high because of the significance Areas (or equivalent of the biodiversity features in these areas and the areas) from provincial associated ecosystem services. These areas are B. Highest spatial biodiversity Highest viewed as necessary to ensure protection of biodiversity plans risk for biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and human importance • River and wetland mining well-being. Freshwater An EIA should include the strategic assessment of Ecosystem Priority optimum, sustainable land use for a particular area and Areas (FEPAs) and a will determine the significance of the impact on 1km buffer around biodiversity. This assessment should fully take into these FEPAs account the environmental sensitivity of the area, the • Ramsar Sites overall environmental and socio-economic costs and benefits of mining, as well as the potential strategic importance of the minerals to the country. Authorisations may well not be granted. If granted, the authorisation may set limits on allowed activities and impacts and may specify
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biodiversity offsets that would be written into license agreements and/or authorisations.
• Protected area buffers (including buffers around National Parks, World Heritage Sites* and These areas are important for conserving biodiversity, Nature Reserves) for supporting or buffering other biodiversity priority • Transfrontier areas, and for maintaining important ecosystem Conservation Areas services for particular communities or the country as a (remaining areas whole. outside of formally C. High An EIA should include an assessment of optimum, proclaimed protected High risk biodiversity sustainable land use for a particular area and will areas) for mining importance determine the significance of the impact on biodiversity. • Other identified Mining options may be limited in these areas, and priorities from limitations for mining projects are possible. provincial spatial Authorisations may set limits and specify biodiversity biodiversity plans offsets that would be written into license agreements • High water yield and/or authorisations. areas • Coastal Protection Zone • Estuarine functional zone These areas are of moderate biodiversity value. • Ecological support EIAs and their associated specialist studies should areas focus on confirming the presence and significance of • Vulnerable D. these biodiversity features, identifying features (e.g. ecosystems Moderate Moderate threatened species) not included in the existing • Focus areas for risk for biodiversity datasets, and on providing site-specific information to protected area mining importance guide the application of the mitigation hierarchy. expansion (land- Authorisations may set limits and specify biodiversity based and offshore offsets that would be written into license agreements protection) and/or authorisations.
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Figure 10: The project area superimposed on the Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines spatial dataset (2013) Vegetation Assessment
The project area is -located within the grassland biome. This biome is centrally located in southern Africa, and adjoins all biomes except the desert, fynbos and succulent Karoo biomes (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). Major macroclimatic traits that characterise the grassland biome include:
a) Seasonal precipitation; and
b) The minimum temperatures in winter (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).
The grassland biome is found chiefly on the high central plateau of South Africa, and the inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The topography is mainly flat and rolling but includes the escarpment itself. Altitude varies from near sea level to 2 850 m above sea level.
Grasslands are dominated by a single layer of grasses. The amount of cover depends on rainfall and the degree of grazing. The grassland biome experiences summer rainfall and dry winters with frost (and fire), which are unfavourable for tree growth. Thus, trees are typically absent, except in a few localized habitats. Geophytes (bulbs) are often abundant. Frosts, fire and grazing maintain the -grasslands and prevent the establishment of trees.
Vegetation Types
The project area falls within two vegetation types: Soweto Highveld Grassland and Carletonville Dolomite Grassland (Mucina & Rutherford, 2018 vegetation delineation) (Figure 11).
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Figure 11: Project area showing the vegetation type based on the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (BGIS, 2017) Soweto Highveld Grassland
The Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation type is found in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and to a - small extent in the Free State and North-West Provinces. This vegetation type typically comprises of an undulating landscape on the Highveld plateau, supporting short to medium- high, dense, tufted grassland dominated almost entirely by Themeda triandra and accompanied by a variety of other grasses such as Elionurus muticus, Eragrostis racemosa, Heteropogon contortus and Tristachya leucothrix. Scattered small wetlands, narrow stream alluvia, pans and occasional ridges or rocky outcrops interrupt the continuous grassland cover (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). 7.9.1.1 Important Plant Taxa
Important plant taxa are those species that have a high abundance, a frequent occurrence or are prominent in the landscape within a particular vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). The following species are important in the Soweto Highveld Grassland (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006):
Graminoids: Andropogon appendiculatus, Brachiaria serrata, Cymbopogon pospischilii, Cynodon dactylon, Elionurus muticus , Eragrostis capensis, E. chloromelas, E. curvula, E. plana, E. planiculmis, E. racemosa, Heteropogon contortus, Hyparrhenia hirta, Setaria nigrirostris, S. sphacelata, Themeda triandra, Tristachya leucothrix, Andropogon schirensis, Aristida adscensionis, A. bipartita, A. congesta, A. junciformis subsp. galpinii, Cymbopogon caesius, Digitaria diagonalis, Diheteropogon amplectens, Eragrostis micrantha, E. superba, Harpochloa falx, Microchloa caffra, Paspalum dilatatum .
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Herbs: Hermannia depressa, Acalypha angustata, Berkheya setifera, Dicoma anomala, Euryops gilfillanii, Geigeria aspera var. aspera, Graderia subintegra, Haplocarpha scaposa, Helichrysum miconiifolium, H. nudifolium var. nudifolium, H. rugulosum, Hibiscus pusillus, Justicia anagalloides, Lippia scaberrima, Rhynchosia effusa, Schistostephium crataegifolium, Selago densiflora, Senecio coronatus, Vernonia oligocephala, Wahlenbergia undulata.
Geophytic Herbs: Haemanthus humilis subsp. hirsutus, H. montanus.
Herbaceous Climber: Rhynchosia totta .
Low Shrubs: Anthospermum hispidulum, A. rigidum subsp. pumilum, Berkheya annectens, Felicia muricata, Ziziphus zeyheriana. 7.9.1.2 Conservation Status
The Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation type is classified as Endangered. The national target for conservation protection for this vegetation types is 24%, but only a few patches are statutorily conserved in Waldrift, Krugersdorp, Leeuwkuil, Suikerbosrand, Rolfe’s Pan Nature Reserves or privately conserved in Johanna Jacobs, Tweefontein, Gert Jacobs, Nikolaas and Avalon Nature Reserves and the Heidelberg Natural Heritage Site.
By 2006, nearly half of this vegetation type was already transformed by cultivation, urban sprawl, mining and building of road infrastructure. The amount of area transformed since 2006 has most likely increased substantially. Some Soweto Grassland areas have been flooded by dams such as Grootdraai, Leeukuil, Trichardtsfontein, Vaal and Willem Brummer (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). Carletonville Dolomite Grassland
This vegetation type occurs on slightly undulating plains dissected by prominent rocky chert ridges. The species-rich grasslands form a complex mosaic pattern dominated by a number of species (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). This vegetation type occurs in the North-West, Gauteng and extends marginally into the Free State Province: In the region of Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp and Carletonville, extending westwards to the vicinity of Ottoshoop, but also occurring as far east as Centurion and Bapsfontein in Gauteng Province. 7.9.2.1 Important Plant Taxa
The following species are important in the Carletonville Dolomite Grassland vegetation type:
Graminoids: Aristida congesta , Brachiaria serrata, Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria tricholaenoides , Diheteropogon amplectens, Eragrostis chloromelas, E. racemosa, Heteropogon contortus, Loudetia simplex, Schizachyrium sanguineum, Setaria sphacelata, Themeda triandra, Alloteropsis semialata subsp. eckloniana, Andropogon schirensis, Aristida canescens, A. diffusa, Bewsia biflora, Bulbostylis burchellii, Cymbopogon caesius, C. pospischilii, Elionurus muticus, Eragrostis curvula, E. gummiflua, E. plana, Eustachys paspaloides, Hyparrhenia hirta, Melinis nerviglumis, M. repens subsp. repens, Monocymbium ceresiiforme, Panicum coloratum, Pogonarthria squarrosa, Trichoneura grandiglumis, Triraphis andropogonoides, Tristachya leucothrix, T. rehmannii.
Herbs: Acalypha angustata, Barleria macrostegia, Chamaecrista mimosoides, Chamaesyce inaequilatera, Crabbea angustifolia, Dianthus mooiensis, Dicoma anomala, Helichrysum
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project caespititium, H. miconiifolium, H. nudifolium var. nudifolium, Ipomoea ommaneyi, Justicia anagalloides, Kohautia amatymbica, Kyphocarpa angustifolia, Ophrestia oblongifolia, Pollichia campestris, Senecio coronatus, Vernonia oligocephala.
Geophytic Herbs: Boophone disticha, Habenaria mossii.
Low Shrubs: Anthospermum rigidum subsp. pumilum, Indigofera comosa, Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri var. rogersii, Rhus magalismontana, Tylosema esculentum, Ziziphus zeyheriana.
Geoxylic Suffrutices: Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Parinari capensis subsp. capensis. 7.9.2.2 Conservation Status
This vegetation type is classified as Vulnerable. The national target for conservation protection for this vegetation types is 24%, but only a small extent is conserved in statutory (Sterkfontein Caves — part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Oog Van Malmanie, Abe Bailey, Boskop Dam, Schoonspruit, Krugersdorp, Olifantsvlei, Groenkloof) and in at least six private conservation areas. Almost a quarter already transformed for cultivation, by urban sprawl or by mining activity as well as the building of the Boskop and Klerkskraal Dams.
Plant Species of Conservation Concern
Based on the Plants of Southern Africa (BODATSA-POSA, 2016) database, 940 plant species were previously recorded in the area (Figure 12; Appendix A), Of these, five species are listed as being SCC and is described in Table 8.
Site Location
Figure 12: Map showing the grid drawn to compile an expected flora species list (BODATSA-POSA, 2016)
Table 8: Expected flora SCC
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Family Taxon IUCN Ecology Asteraceae Cineraria austrotransvaalensis NT Indigenous; Endemic Asteraceae Cineraria longipes VU Indigenous; Endemic Aizoaceae Delosperma leendertziae NT Indigenous; Endemic Orchidaceae Habenaria barbertoni NT Indigenous; Endemic Fabaceae Pearsonia bracteata NT Indigenous; Endemic
Cineraria austrotransvaalensis is listed as NT and is known to be found among rocks on steep hills and ridges as well as on the edges of dense bush or under trees on rocky habitats such as: quartzite, dolomite and shale (SANBI, 2017).
Cineraria longipes is listed as VU and generally found on rocky areas as well as along seepage lines, entirely on basalt koppies on south-facing slopes (SANBI, 2017).
Delosperma leendertziae is listed as NT and can be found in the Savanna Veld type. It prefers steep, south-facing slopes of quartzite in mountain grassland. Major threats identified at more than 10 existing locations that cause a decline in population numbers includes soil erosion, alien plant invasion and inappropriate fire management (Victor et al., 2005).
Habenaria barbertoni (endemic) is listed as NT and can be found on rocky hillsides and in bushveld in association with thorn tree species (SANBI, 2017).
Pearsonia bracteata is listed as NT and it is found in the plateau grasslands of the savanna and grassland biomes. This endemic species is threatened by habitat loss to agriculture, urban expansion, mining, quarrying and alien invasive plants (SANBI, 2017).
Faunal Assessment Avifauna
Based on the South African Bird Atlas Project, Version 2 (SABAP2) database, 384 bird species are known to occur in the vicinity of the project area (pentads 2605_2740; 2605_2745; 2605_2750; 2610_2740; 2610_2745; 2610_2750; 2615_2740; 2615_2745; 2615_2750). The full list of regionally occurring bird species is provided in Appendix B.
Of the regionally occurring bird species, twenty-two (22) species are listed as SCC (Table 9). The SCC include the following: The bird species protected under provincial legislation is indicated by *
Three (3) species that are listed as EN on a regional basis;
Seven (7) species that are listed as VU on a regional basis; and
Eight (8) species that are listed as NT on a regional basis.
Of these only one species namely Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) is considered likely to occur (sporadically, breeding is highly unlikely) within the project area.
Table 9: List of bird species of regional or global conservation importance that are expected to occur in pentads 2605_2740; 2605_2745; 2605_2750; 2610_2740; 2610_2745; 2610_2750; 2615_2740; 2615_2745; 2615_2750 (SANBI, 2017, ESKOM, 2014; IUCN, 2017)
Conservation Status Desktop Species Common Name Regional IUCN likelihood of (SANBI, 2016) (2017) Occurrence
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Alcedo semitorquata Kingfisher, Half-collared NT LC Low Anthropoides paradiseus Crane, Blue NT VU Low Aquila verreauxii Eagle, Verreaux's VU LC Low Bubo capensis* Eagle-Owl, Cape Unlisted LC Low Ciconia abdimii Stork, Abdim's NT LC Low Ciconia nigra Stork, Black VU LC Low Circus ranivorus Marsh-harrier, African* EN LC Low Eupodotis caerulescens Korhaan, Blue LC NT Low Coracias garrulus Roller, European NT LC Low Eupodotis senegalensis Korhaan, White-bellied* VU LC Low Falco biarmicus Falcon, Lanner VU LC Moderate Falco peregrinus* Falcon, Peregrine Unlisted LC Low Geocolaptes olivaceus Woodpecker, Ground Unlisted NT Low Gorsachius leuconotus Night Heron, White-backed VU LC Low Gyps coprotheres Vulture, Cape EN EN Low Mycteria ibis Stork, Yellow-billed EN LC Low Mirafra cheniana Lark, Melodious LC NT Low Monticola brevipes* Rock-thrush, Short-toed Unlisted LC Low Oxyura maccoa Duck, Maccoa NT NT Low Phoenicopterus minor Flamingo, Lesser NT NT Low Phoenicopterus ruber Flamingo, Greater NT LC Low Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird VU VU Low
Alcedo semitorquata (Half-collared Kingfisher) is listed as NT on a regional scale and occurs across a large range. This species generally prefers narrow rivers, streams, and estuaries with dense vegetation onshore, but it may also move into coastal lagoons and lakes. It mainly feeds on fish (IUCN, 2017). The likelihood of occurrence is low due to the disturbed nature of the waterbodies in the project area.
Anthropoides paradiseus (Blue Crane) is listed as NT on a regional scale and as VU on a global scale. This species has declined, largely owing to direct poisoning, power-line collisions and loss of its grassland breeding habitat owing to afforestation, mining, agriculture and development (IUCN, 2017). This species breeds in natural grass- and sedge-dominated habitats, preferring secluded grasslands at high elevations where the vegetation is thick and short. Due to the lack of open grassland areas or extensive natural wetlands within the project site the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Aquila verreauxii (Verreaux’s Eagle) is listed as VU on a regional scale and LC on a global scale. This species is locally persecuted in southern Africa where it coincides with livestock farms, but because the species does not take carrion, is little threatened by poisoned carcasses. Where hyraxes are hunted for food and skins, eagle populations have declined (IUCN, 2017). Suitable habitat and roosting mountains cannot be found in the project area and therefore the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Ciconia abdimii (Abdim's Stork) is listed as NT on a local scale and the species is known to be found in open grassland and savanna woodland often near water but also in semi-arid areas, gathering beside pools and waterholes. They tend to roost in trees or cliffs (IUCN, 2017). The proximity to the urban footprint reduces the likelihood of occurrence in the area, which is rated as low.
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Ciconia nigra (Black Stork) is native to South Africa, and inhabits old, undisturbed, open forests. They are known to forage in shallow streams, pools, marshes swampy patches, damp meadows, floodplains, pools in dry riverbeds and occasionally grasslands, especially where there are stands of reeds or long grass (IUCN, 2017). It is unlikely that this species would occur in the project area due to the lack of forested areas, and the disturbed nature of the waterbodies in the area.
Circus ranivorus (African Marsh Harrier) is listed as EN in South Africa (ESKOM, 2014). This species has an extremely large distributional range in sub-equatorial Africa. South African populations of this species are declining due to the degradation of wetland habitats, loss of habitat through over-grazing and human disturbance and possibly, poisoning owing to over- use of pesticides (IUCN, 2017). This species breeds in wetlands and forages primarily over reeds and lake margins. Suitable wetlands are not present in the project area; as such the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Coracias garrulous (European Roller) is a winter migrant from most of South-central Europe and Asia occurring throughout sub-Saharan Africa (IUCN, 2017). The European Roller has a preference for bushy plains and dry savannah areas (IUCN, 2017). The likelihood of occurrence is rated as low as open natural areas for foraging is not present in the project area.
Eupodotis senegalensis (White-bellied Korhaan) is Near-endemic to South Africa, occurring from the Limpopo Province and adjacent provinces, south through Swaziland to KwaZulu- Natal and the Eastern Cape. It generally prefers tall, dense sour or mixed grassland, either open or lightly wooded, occasionally moving into cultivated or burnt land (Hockey et al., 2005), which does not seem present in the project area thus likelihood of occurrence was rated as low.
Falco biarmicus (Lanner Falcon) is native to South Africa and inhabits a wide variety of habitats, from lowland deserts to forested mountains (IUCN, 2017). They may occur in groups up to 20 individuals but have also been observed solitary. Their diet is mainly composed of small birds such as pigeons and francolins. The likelihood of incidental records of this species in the project area is rated as moderate due to the presence of many bird species on which Lanner Falcons may predate.
Geocolaptes olivaceus (Ground Woodpecker) is categorised as NT on a global scale. It occurs on rocky slopes, mostly in areas dominated by grass and shrubs; including road cuttings or derelict buildings (Hockey et al. 2005). It is mainly sedentary but there is some suggestion that it could be an altitudinal migrant, and individuals may wander away from mountainous areas in the non-breeding season. Afforestation may be a threat to the species and this species has also been considered to be potentially under threat from climate change, and temperatures in South Africa have been reported to be rising. The likelihood of occurrence in the project area is rated as low.
Gorsachius leuconotus (White-backed Night Heron) is listed as VU on a regional scale. The species is threatened in southern Africa by habitat loss and degradation. Overgrazing, increased water offtake, soil erosion and poor river management are leading to siltation, reduced river flows, and increased water turbidity, and riparian vegetation is being cleared for agriculture (del Hoyo et al. 1992). The likelihood of occurrence in the project area is low.
Gyps coprotheres (Cape Vulture) is listed as EN on both a regional and global scale. Cape Vultures are long-lived carrion-feeders specialising on large carcasses, they fly long distances
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project over open country, although they are usually found near steep terrain, where they breed and roost on cliffs (IUCN, 2017). Occurrence of this species is unlikely as the chance of persecution is very high for the muti market.
Mirafra cheniana (Melodious Lark) is mainly restricted to South Africa with scattered populations observed in Zimbabwe and Botswana. It has a preference for dry grasslands dominated by Themeda triandra (IUCN, 2017). The likelihood of occurrence is rated as low for the project area.
Mycteria ibis (Yellow-billed Stork) is listed as EN on a regional scale and LC on a global scale. This species is migratory and has a large distributional range which includes much of sub- Saharan Africa. It is typically associated with freshwater ecosystems, especially wetlands and the margins of lakes and dams (IUCN, 2017). Suitable waterbodies cannot be found in the project area; therefore the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Oxyura maccoa (Maccoa Duck) has a large northern and southern range, South Africa is part of its southern distribution. During the species’ breeding season, it inhabits small temporary and permanent inland freshwater lakes, preferring those that are shallow and nutrient-rich with extensive emergent vegetation such as reeds (Phragmites spp.) and cattails (Typha spp.) on which it relies for nesting (IUCN, 2017). The likelihood of occurrence of this species in the project area is rated as low.
Phoeniconaias minor (Lesser Flamingo) is listed as NT on a global and regional scale whereas Phoenicopterus roseus (Greater Flamingo) is listed as NT on a regional scale only. Both species have similar habitat requirements and the species breed on large undisturbed alkaline and saline lakes, salt pans or coastal lagoons, usually far out from the shore after seasonal rains have provided the flooding necessary to isolate remote breeding sites from terrestrial predators and the soft muddy material for nest building (IUCN, 2017). Due to the absence of its preferred habitat within the project area, combined the proximity of the urban area, the likelihood of occurrence is low.
Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretary bird) occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and inhabits grasslands, open plains, and lightly wooded savanna. It is also found in agricultural areas and sub-desert (IUCN, 2017). The likelihood of occurrence is rated as low due to the absence of open natural grasslands which this species forages in. Mammals
The IUCN Red List Spatial Data (IUCN, 2017) lists 88 mammal species likely to occur within the project area (Appendix C). Of these species, 9 are medium to large conservation dependant species, such Ceratotherium simum (Southern White Rhinoceros) and Tragelaphus oryx (Common Eland) that, in South Africa, are generally restricted to protected areas such as game reserves. These species are not expected to occur in the project area and are removed from the expected SCC list. They are however still included (highlighted in red) in Appendix C.
Of the remaining 79 small to medium sized mammal species, fifteen (15) (18.99%) are listed as being of conservation concern on a regional or global -scale (Table 10). The list of potential species includes:
Two (2) that are listed as EN on a regional scale;
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Five (5) that are listed as VU on a regional scale; and
Nine (9) that are listed as NT on a regional scale (Table 10).
On a global scale, 1 species is listed as EN, 2 are listed as VU and 4 as NT (Table 10).
Table 10: List of mammal species of conservation concern that may occur in the project area as well as their global and regional conservation statuses (IUCN, 2017; SANBI, 2016)
Conservation Status Desktop Species Common Name Regional likelihood of IUCN (2017) (SANBI, 2016) occurrence Aonyx capensis Cape Clawless Otter NT NT Moderate Atelerix frontalis South Africa Hedgehog NT LC Low Crocidura maquassiensis Makwassie musk shrew VU LC Low Dasymys incomtus African Marsh rat NT LC Moderate Felis nigripes Black-footed Cat VU VU Low Hydrictis maculicollis Spotted-necked Otter VU NT Low Leptailurus serval Serval NT LC Moderate Mystromys albicaudatus White-tailed Rat VU EN Low Ourebia ourebi Oribi EN LC Low Panthera pardus Leopard VU VU None Parahyaena brunnea Brown Hyaena NT NT Low Pelea capreolus Grey Rhebok NT LC Low Poecilogale albinucha African Striped Weasel NT LC Low Redunca fulvorufula Mountain Reedbuck EN LC Low Rhinolophus blasii Blasius's horseshoe bat NT LC Low Aonyx capensis (Cape Clawless Otter) is the most widely distributed otter species in Africa (IUCN, 2017). This species is predominantly aquatic, and it is seldom found far from water. Based on the absence of a perennial river within the project area but the presence of a nearby seasonal stream, the likelihood of occurrence of this species occurring in the project area is considered to be moderate.
Atelerix frontalis (South African Hedgehog) has a tolerance of a degree of habitat modification and occurs in a wide variety of semi-arid and sub-temperate habitats (IUCN, 2017). Based on the Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (2016), A. frontalis populations are decreasing due to the threats of electrocution, veld fires, road collisions, predation from domestic pets and illegal harvesting. Suitable habitat is not present in the project area and as such the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Crocidura maquassiensis (Maquassie Musk Shrew) is listed as VU on a regional basis and is known to be found in rocky, mountain habitats. It may tolerate a wider range of habitats and individuals have been collected in Kwa-Zulu Natal from a garden, and in mixed bracken and grassland alongside a river at 1,500 m (IUCN, 2017). There is a lack of suitable habitat for this species in the project area and therefore the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Dasymys incomtus (African Marsh Rat) is listed as NT on a regional scale and LC on a global scale. This species has a wide distributional range that includes Central Africa, East Africa and parts of Southern Africa. This species has been recorded from a wide variety of habitats, including forest and savanna habitats, wetlands and grasslands (IUCN, 2017). Based on the
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project presence of a rivers in the project area the likelihood of occurrence of this species in the project area is rated as moderate, the proximity of the urban area may cause the species to be absent.
Felis nigripes (Black-footed Cat) is endemic to the arid regions of southern Africa. This species is naturally rare, has cryptic colouring is small in size and is nocturnal. These factors have contributed to a lack of information on this species. Given that the highest densities of this species have been recorded in the more arid Karoo region of South Africa, the habitat in the project area can be considered to be sub-optimal for the species and the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Hydrictis maculicollis (Spotted-necked Otter) inhabits freshwater habitats where water is un- silted, unpolluted, and rich in small to medium sized fishes (IUCN, 2017). Suitable habitat is not available in the project area and therefore the likelihood of occurrence is low.
Leptailurus serval (Serval) occurs widely through sub-Saharan Africa and is commonly recorded from most major national parks and reserves (IUCN, 2017). The Serval’s status outside reserves is not certain, but they are inconspicuous and may be common in suitable habitat as they are tolerant of farming practices provided there is cover and food available. In sub-Saharan Africa, they are found in habitat with well-watered savanna long-grass environments and are particularly associated with reedbeds and other riparian vegetation types. Some suitable habitat is present adjacent to the project area, combined with the high number of rodents that can be found in the project area the likelihood of occurrence is rated as moderate.
Mystromys albicaudatus (White-tailed Rat) is listed as VU on a regional basis and EN on a global scale. It is relatively widespread across South Africa and Lesotho; the species is known to occur in shrubland and grassland areas. A major requirement of the species is black loam soils with good vegetation cover. Suitable soil and vegetation are not present in the project area decreasing the likelihood of occurrence.
Ourebia ourebi (Oribi) has a patchy distribution throughout Africa and is known to occur in South Africa. Populations are becoming more fragmented as it is gradually eliminated from moderately to densely settled areas (IUCN, 2017). The urbanization in the project area decreases the likelihood of occurrence, due to the chance of being persecuted.
Panthera pardus (Leopard) has a wide distributional range across Africa and Asia, but populations have become reduced and isolated, and they are now extirpated from large portions of their historic range (IUCN, 2017). Impacts that have contributed to the decline in populations of this species include continued persecution by farmers, habitat fragmentation, increased illegal wildlife trade, excessive harvesting for ceremonial use of skins, prey base declines and poorly managed trophy hunting (IUCN, 2017). Although known to occur and persist outside of formally protected areas, the presence of this species within the project area is precluded by a complete lack of suitable habitat.
Parahyaena brunnea (Brown Hyaena) is endemic to southern Africa. This species occurs in dry areas, generally with annual rainfall less than 100 mm, particularly along the coast, semi- desert, open scrub and open woodland savanna. Due to the lack of suitable prey species in the project area the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Pelea capreolus (Grey Rhebok) is endemic to a small region in southern Africa, inhabiting montane and plateau grasslands of South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho. In South Africa,
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project their distribution is irregular and patchy, and they no longer occur north of the Orange River in the Northern Cape, or in parts of the North-West Province (IUCN, 2017). Grey Rhebok can be found in suitable habitat which has rocky hills, grassy mountain slopes, and montane and plateau grasslands in southern Africa. They are predominantly browsers, and largely water independent, obtaining most of their water requirements from their food. Based on the lack of their favoured habitat within the project area, the likelihood of occurrence of this species is rated as low.
Poecilogale albinucha (African Striped Weasel) is usually associated with savanna habitats, although it probably has a wider habitat tolerance (IUCN, 2017). Due to its secretive nature, it is often overlooked in many areas where it does occur. There is not sufficient habitat for this species in the project area and the likelihood of occurrence of this species is therefore considered to be low.
Redunca fulvorufula (Mountain Reedbuck) is listed as EN both regionally and globally. The South African population has undergone a decline of 61-73% in the last three generations (15 years) (IUCN, 2017). Mountain Reedbuck live on ridges and hillsides in broken rocky country and high-altitude grasslands (often with some tree or bush cover). There is not extensive mountainous regions in the project area and as such the likelihood of occurrence is rated as low.
Rhinolophus blasii (Blasius’s Horsehoe Bat) is categorised as NT on a regional scale. It typically forages in shrubland and woodland, where it roosts in the summer in natural and artificial underground sites. This species is not very common in South Africa. Threats to the species include loss of woodlands, disturbance and loss of underground habitats, and destruction of roost sites. Due to the lack of suitable roosting areas the likelihood of the species occurring in the project area is rated as low. Herpetofauna (Reptiles & Amphibians)
Based on the IUCN Red List Spatial Data (IUCN, 2017) and the ReptileMap database provided by the Animal Demography Unit (ADU, 2017) 56 reptile species are expected to occur in the project area (Appendix D). One (1) SCC should be present according to the above-mentioned sources within the project area.
Based on the IUCN Red List Spatial Data (IUCN, 2017) and the AmphibianMap database provided by the Animal Demography Unit (ADU, 2019) 21 amphibian species are expected to occur in the project area (Appendix E). One (1) amphibian SCC could be present in the project area according to the above-mentioned sources (Table 11).
Table 11: Regionally occurring faunal SCC
Conservation Status Desktop Species Common Name likelihood of Regional (SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017) occurrence Reptiles Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile VU VU None Amphibians Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bull Frog NT LC Moderate
Crocodylus niloticus (Nile Crocodile) is listed as VU on a regional basis. The Nile crocodile is quite widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, in different types of aquatic environments
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project such as lakes, rivers, and marshlands. Based on the location of the project area and its proximity to the urban area no crocodiles are considered likely to occur within the project area.
The Giant Bull Frog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) is a species of conservation concern that will possibly occur in the project area. The Giant Bull Frog is listed as NT on a regional scale. It is a species of drier savannahs. It is fossorial for most of the year, remaining buried in cocoons. They emerge at the start of the rains, and breed in shallow, temporary waters in pools, pans and ditches (IUCN, 2017). This species is known to occur in this area, the likelihood of occurrence is increased by the presence of wetlands.
8 Field Survey
The project area, including a 100 m (wide) survey corridor was ground truthed on foot, which included spot checks in pre-selected areas to validate or refute desktop data. Photographs were recorded during the site visits and some are provided under the results section in this report. All site photographs are available on request.
Habitat Assessment
Habitats identified during the field visit can be seen in Figure 13 - 15. Four primary habitats were delineated for this assessment, namely: Degraded Grassland, Natural grassland habitat, Transformed habitat and Wetlands;
The degraded grassland habitats are fragmented areas which have been disturbed by historic mining practises and development, as well as by the ongoing impact received from unregulated agriculture and informal settlement. Due to the extent of the previous and current disturbance, the area is in a degraded state. This area does however host small green islands which acts as refuge for the urban dwelling faunal species.
The natural grassland habitat is considered to be areas in a natural ecological state, albeit currently and historically somewhat disturbed by the surround land use. This area serves as vital habitat for all fauna within the area and in this case considered to be viable CBA habitat as identified by the conservation plan. Within a local context, habitats like this function as an island for fauna and flora to survive within the ever-expanding human environment. This habitat has a high sensitivity.
The transformed areas are the areas which have little to no natural areas left due to being transformed by the build-up informal and formal housing, roads, old mining practise and other infrastructure such as powerlines. Indirect impacts arise from the extensive anthropogenic presence from the current and historic land use (Figure 13-15). This habitat contributed to the high amount of alien vegetation recorded.
The wetland habitats are the habitats identified by the wetland specialist, for more information refer to section 9.5.
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Figure 13: Habitats identified within the project area
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Figure 14: Habitats identified within the project area
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Figure 15: Habitats identified within the project area
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Vegetation Assessment
The vegetation assessment was conducted throughout the extent of the project area. A total of 73 tree, shrub and herbaceous plant species were recorded in the project area (Table 12). Plants listed as Category 1 alien or invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) appear in green text. Plants listed in Category 2 or as ‘not indigenous’ or ‘naturalised’, appear in blue text. No provincially listed plants or National listed trees were recorded.
Table 12: Trees, shrubs and weeds recorded at the proposed project area Threat Status (SANBI, SA Scientific Name Alien Category 2017) Endemic Acacia mearnsii NEMBA Category 2 Acacia melanoxylon NEMBA Category 2 Naturalized exotic Agave americana weed Agave sisalana Naturalized exotic Aloe greatheadii var. davyana LC No Amaranthus hybridus Naturalized exotic Argemone ochroleuca NEMBA Category 1b Aristida congesta subsp. congesta LC No Asclepias stellifera LC No Naturalized exotic Bidens pilosa weed Canna indica NEMBA Category 1b Combretum erythrophyllum LC No Naturalized exotic Conyza bonariensis weed Cortaderia selloana NEMBA Category 1b Cymbopogon nardus LC No Cynodon dactylon NEMBA Category 2 Datura stramonium NEMBA Category 1b Delosperma herbeum LC No Digitaria eriantha LC No Dimorphotheca spectabilis LC No Eragrostis chloromelas LC No Eragrostis curvula LC No Eragrostis gummiflua LC No Eragrostis lehmanniana LC No Eucalyptus camaldulensis NEMBA Category 1b Felicia muricata LC No Flaveria bidentis NEMBA Category 1b Gazania krebsiana LC No Gnidia kraussiana LC No Gomphocarpus fruticosus LC No Helichrysum caespititium LC No Helichrysum lancifolia LC No Helichrysum nudifolium LC No Helichrysum rugulosum LC No Hermannia depressa LC No
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Heteropogon contortus LC No Hyparrhenia hirta LC No Imperata cylindrica LC No Lantana camara NEMBA Category 1b Leonotis leonurus LC No Lopholaena coriifolia LC No Melia azedarach NEMBA Category 1b Melinis repens LC No Morus alba NEMBA Category 3 Opuntia ficus-indica NEMBA Category 1b Paspalum dilatatum Naturalized exotic Pennisetum clandestinum NEMBA Category 1b Pennisetum setaceum NEMBA Category 1b Phragmites australis LC No Phytolacca octandra NEMBA Category 1b Pinus pinaster NEMBA Category 1b Plantago lanceolata LC No Populus alba NEMBA Category 3 Quercus sp. Naturalized exotic Ricinus communis NEMBA Category 1b Robinia pseudo-acacia NEMBA Category 1b Salix babylonica Naturalized exotic Naturalized exotic Schkuhria pinnata weed Searsia lancea LC No Searsia leptodictya LC No Searsia rigida LC Yes Senecio oxyriifolius LC No Solanum mauritianum NEMBA Category 1b Solanum sisymbriifolium NEMBA Category 1b Sporobolus africanus LC No Stoebe plumosa LC No Naturalized exotic Tagetes minuta weed Themeda triandra LC No Tipuana tipu NEMBA Category 3 Typha capensis LC No Urochloa mosambicensis LC No Naturalized exotic Verbena astrigera weed Verbena bonariensis NEMBA Category 1b
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Figure 16: The habitats observed within the project area; A) Degraded Grassland, B) Natural Grassland.
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Figure 17: The habitats observed within the project area; A) Transformed, B) Wetlands
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Figure 18: Plant species recorded during the survey: A) Felicia muricata, B) Argemone ochroleuca (Alien), C)Delosperma herbeum, D) Gazania krebsiana, E) Helichrysum caespititium, F) Dimorphotheca spectabilis, G) Asclepias stellifera and H) Pinus pinaster
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Alien and Invasive Plants
Declared weeds and invader plant species have the tendency to dominate or replace the canopy or herbaceous layer of natural ecosystems, thereby transforming the structure, composition and function of ecosystems. Therefore, it is important that these plants are controlled and eradicated by means of an eradication and monitoring programme. Some invader plants may also degrade ecosystems through superior competitive capabilities to exclude native plant species.
The NEMBA is the most recent legislation pertaining to alien invasive plant species. In August 2014, the list of Alien Invasive Species was published in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (Government Gazette No 78 of 2014). The Alien and Invasive Species Regulations were published in the Government Gazette No. 37886, 1 August 2014, and amended in February 2018. The legislation calls for the removal and / or control of alien invasive plant species (Category 1 species). In addition, unless authorised thereto in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), no land user shall allow Category 2 plants to occur within 30 meters of the 1:50 year flood line of a river, stream, spring, natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently, lake, dam or wetland. Category 3 plants are also prohibited from occurring within proximity to a watercourse.
Below is a brief explanation of the three categories in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA):
Category 1a: Invasive species requiring compulsory control. Remove and destroy. Any specimens of Category 1a listed species need, by law, to be eradicated from the environment. No permits will be issued.
Category 1b: Invasive species requiring compulsory control as part of an invasive species control programme. Remove and destroy. These plants are deemed to have such a high invasive potential that infestations can qualify to be placed under a government sponsored invasive species management programme. No permits will be issued.
Category 2: Invasive species regulated by area. A demarcation permit is required to import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift any plants listed as Category 2 plants. No permits will be issued for Category 2 plants to exist in riparian zones.
Category 3: Invasive species regulated by activity. An individual plant permit is required to undertake any of the following restricted activities (import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift) involving a Category 3 species. No permits will be issued for Category 3 plants to exist in riparian zones.
Note that according to the regulations, a person who has under his or her control a category 1b listed invasive species must immediately:
Notify the competent authority in writing
Take steps to manage the listed invasive species in compliance with:
o Section 75 of the Act;
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o The relevant invasive species management programme developed in terms of regulation 4; and
o Any directive issued in terms of section 73(3) of the Act. Eighteen (18) Category 1b invasive species were recorded within the project area and must therefore be removed by implementing an alien invasive plant management programme in compliance of section 75 of the Act as stated above. The NEMBA listed species identified within the project area are marked in green (Table 12).
Faunal Assessment Avifauna
During the surveys 43 bird species were recorded (Table 13 and Figure 19). None of the species recorded were SCCs. As per the desktop assessment, the highest likelihood of occurrence was rated as moderate (Table 9), which corresponds to the field results.
Table 13: A list of the avifaunal species recorded in the project area
Conservation Status Species Common Name Regional (SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017) Acridotheres tristis Myna, Common Unlisted LC Anas undulata Duck, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC Bostrychia hagedash Ibis, Hadeda Unlisted LC Calendulauda sabota Lark, Sabota Unlisted LC Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Gull, Grey-headed Unlisted LC Columba guinea Pigeon, Speckled Unlisted LC Corvus albus Crow, Pied Unlisted LC Cossypha caffra Robin-chat, Cape Unlisted LC Cypsiurus parvus Palm-swift, African Unlisted LC Elanus caeruleus Kite, Black-shouldered Unlisted LC Hirundo fuligula Martin, Rock Unlisted Unlisted Lanius collaris Fiscal, Common (Southern) Unlisted LC Motacilla capensis Wagtail, Cape Unlisted LC Passer domesticus Sparrow, House Unlisted LC Passer melanurus Sparrow, Cape Unlisted LC Phalacrocorax africanus Cormorant, Reed Unlisted LC Ploceus velatus Masked-weaver, Southern Unlisted LC Pycnonotus tricolor Bulbul, Dark-capped Unlisted Unlisted Quelea quelea Quelea, Red-billed Unlisted LC Saxicola torquatus Stonechat, African Unlisted LC Scleroptila levaillantoides Francolin, Orange River Unlisted LC Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Unlisted LC Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Laughing Unlisted LC Threskiornis aethiopicus Ibis, African Sacred Unlisted LC Turdus smithi Thrush, Karoo Unlisted LC Vanellus armatus Lapwing, Blacksmith Unlisted LC Vanellus coronatus Lapwing, Crowned Unlisted LC Vanellus senegallus Lapwing, African Wattled Unlisted LC
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Plegadis falcinellus Ibis, Glossy Unlisted LC Bubulcus ibis Egret, Cattle Unlisted LC Bradypterus baboecala Rush-warbler, Little Unlisted LC Oenanthe monticola Wheatear, Mountain Unlisted LC Cisticola tinniens Cisticola, Levaillant's Unlisted LC Oenanthe pileata Wheatear, Capped Unlisted LC Anas smithii Shoveler, Cape Unlisted LC Charadrius tricollaris Plover, Three-banded Unlisted LC Hirundo albigularis Swallow, White-throated Unlisted LC Gallinago nigripennis Snipe, African Unlisted LC Himantopus himantopus Stilt, Black-winged Unlisted LC Anas sparsa Duck, African Black Unlisted LC Platalea alba Spoonbill, African Unlisted LC Plectropterus gambensis Goose, Spur-winged Unlisted LC Colius striatus Mousebird, Speckled Unlisted LC
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Figure 19: Avifaunal species recorded during the survey: A) Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), B) Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus,), C) African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) , D) Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), E) African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) and F) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) Mammals
No mammal species were observed in the project area, the absence of species is ascribed to the large number of hunting/feral dogs that were observed on the property. As per the desktop assessment, the highest likelihood of occurrence was rated as moderate (Table 10), which corresponds to the field results. Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians)
No herpetofauna species were recorded in the project area. The low number of species recorded is ascribed to the early wet season conditions in which the survey was done. As well as the disturbance factor from the unnatural state of the are resulting in an absence of suitable habitat, and the large number of hunting/feral dogs and cats. As per the desktop assessment,
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project the highest likelihood of occurrence was rated as moderate (Table 11), which corresponds to the field results.
Wetlands
Drainage within the project area occurs in a southerly direction via a series of wetlands that are associated with three main watercourses, the Wonderfonteinspruit in the far west, the Klip River in the central regions and the Klipspruit / Russel stream in the far east of the project area. All of the identified wetlands have been considerably impacted by artificially increased water inputs from mining and industrial effluent seepage and / or discharge as well as sewerage and grey water inputs from the large expanse of high density, predominantly informal, urban areas that surrounds them.
For well over a century (since the 1890’s) these systems have been receiving mine water discharge as well as tailings sediments and the contaminants that accompany it, the most serious of which being heavy metals, salts and radioactive materials associated with mine water discharge and tailings sediments. Although the wetlands act as sinks in this regard, helping to remove toxicants and nutrients, their capacity to do so is finite which has resulted in an accumulation of these toxicants in their sediments. Additionally, most of the systems, or their drainage lines, are used as waste and refuse disposal dumps further compounding the issue.
Due to the increased water inputs, most of the systems are considerably larger and more saturated than their historical reference state. Examination of historical aerial imagery reveals systems that were narrower with a proportionally smaller permanent zone and larger seasonal / temporary zone. Historically the systems would have supported a more diverse compliment of low sedges and hydromorphic grassland species but are now dominated by dense, tall, relatively monospecific reedbeds.
Figure 20:View of the Klipspruit (HGM 5)
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Wetland Classification and Extent
Eight wetland hydrogeomorphic units HGM units were identified and delineated within the 500 m regulated area surrounding the project area based on a combination of desktop and in-field delineation. The level 1-4 classification for these systems as per the national wetland classification system (Ollis et al., 2013) is presented in Table 14 (Figure 21, Figure 22 and Figure 23). These HGM units were further distinguished on account of their drainage patterns and were grouped according to the named system into which they flow. Note HGM unit 6 was not assessed as it occurs upstream of the proposed activities and is likely to remain unaffected.
Table 14: Wetland classification as per SANBI guideline (Ollis et al. 2013)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Wetland NFEPA DWS Landscape System System Wet Veg 4A (HGM) 4B 4C Ecoregion/s Unit Group* Wonderfonteinspruit Valley Unchannelled HGM 1 Inland Highveld MHGG3 N/A N/A Bottom valley-bottom Klip MHGG3 Valley Unchannelled HGM 2 Inland Highveld N/A N/A Bottom valley-bottom MHGG3 Without HGM 3 Inland Highveld Slope Seep channelled N/A outflow MHGG3 Valley Channelled HGM 6 Inland Highveld N/A N/A Bottom valley-bottom Klipspruit MHGG3 Valley Unchannelled HGM 4 Inland Highveld N/A N/A Bottom valley-bottom Endorheic Without HGM 5 Inland Highveld MHGG3 Bench Depression Endorheic channelled inflow
*MHGG3 = Mesic Highveld Grasslands Group 3
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Figure 21: Delineation of wetlands within the 500m regulation area, overview
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Figure 22: Delineation of wetlands within the 500m regulation area, western region
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Figure 23: Delineation of wetlands within the 500m regulation area, eastern region
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Wetland Description 8.5.2.1 Hydrogeomorphic Setting
The six wetland HGM units identified on site represent four main hydro morphological types namely unchanneled valley-bottoms, channelled valley-bottoms, seeps and depressions. A brief description of the three assessed HGM Units is provided below with on-site photographs of each presented in Figure 24 (Ollis et al., 2013).
Channelled Valley-bottoms (HGM 6): These are typically found on valley floors with a clearly defined, finite stream channel and lacks floodplain features, referring specifically to meanders. Channelled valley-bottom wetlands are known to undergo loss of sediment in cases where the wetlands’ slope is high and the deposition thereof in cases of low relief. Unchanneled valley- bottom wetlands are typically found on valley floors where the landscape does not allow high energy flows.
Unchannelled Valley-bottoms (HGM 1, 2 and 4): These are typically found on valley-floors where the landscape does not allow high energy flows. Unchanneled valley-bottoms are characterised by sediment deposition, a gentle gradient with streamflow generally being spread diffusely across the wetland, ultimately ensuring prolonged saturation levels and high levels of organic matter. The assimilation of toxicants, nitrates and phosphates are usually high for unchanneled valley-bottom wetlands, especially in cases where the valley is fed by sub-surface interflow from slopes.
The Seeps (HGM 3): These systems contribute significantly to recharge and stream flow regulation of the valley-bottom systems. Seeps are wetlands that tend to occur on slopes in situations where the underlying geology and topography facilitates either the discharge of groundwater to the land surface or rainwater to seep down-slope as subsurface interflow (Ollis et al. 2013). Either way flows are typically unidirectional and diffuse.
Depressions (HGM 5: These are inward draining basins with an enclosed topography that allows for water to accumulate within the system. Depressions, in some cases, are also fed by lateral sub-surface flows in cases where the dominant geology allows for these types of flows. The depressions in the project area were classified as inward draining (endorheic) systems.
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Figure 24: Photographs of the four main hydrogeomorphic types encountered within the project area; A) unchanneled valley-bottom, B) channelled valley-bottom, C) seep and D) depression 8.5.2.2 Soils and lithology
The site is situated within the Central Rand Goldfields of the Witwatersrand Supergroup. Within this Supergroup the project is situated in a transitional area between Witwatersrand quartzites which predominate in the south-eastern regions and argillaceous and arenaceous rocks which predominate in the north and west. Both lithologies form part of the Central Rand Group. At a finer scale the project area traverses three land types namely AB7 (south-west), BA35 (north) and Ba36 (central) which suggests that areas on hillcrests / higher up on the catena are dominated by Mispah and Glenrosa soil forms while those lower down on the catena are characterised by Hutton, Katspruit, Longloads, Dundee Rensburg soil forms (Land Type Survey Staff, 1972 – 2006).
Of significance is the potential for some of the wetlands within the project area to harbour peat based on their size, location and general geomorphology. Closer inspection of the available research and data suggested that this may indeed be the case. Point locality data provided within the South African Peat Database (Grundling et al. 2017) reveals that peat has been sampled in the downstream reaches of the two large unchanneled valley bottoms in the far western regions of the project area associated with the Wonderfonteinspruit (HGM1) and Klip respectively (HGM 2). Downstream reaches of the Wonderfonteinspruit near Potchefstroom are well known for its peat where it is farmed, inter alia, to support the mushroom industry. Using this information these two wetlands were specifically sampled for peat and the samples sent to Nvirotek Labs for analysis of percentage organic carbon. Samples from these wetlands are both characterised by a black, fibrous organic topsoil visibly resembling peat (Figure 25d) which gives way to a black alluvial subsoil below 40 cm. The laboratory results of the Carbon (Walkley Black) test revealed although a high carbon content is present in the soil 1.15 %. It
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project is still below what normally constitutes peat, suggesting that peat may not occur at these locations, or, that the precise location and depth at which the samples were taken missed the main deposit. Nevertheless, the presence of peat within at these localities should not be conclusively ruled out. Peatlands are under threat due to gold mining-related contaminants including AMD (Acid Mine Drainage), radiation and other toxic heavy metals and trace elements. Sampling in the rest of the project area revealed a high degree of anthropogenically transformed soils consisting of building rubble and other infill material. All wetlands sampled showed at least some evidence of tailings sediment deposition. In relatively less disturbed and more natural areas wetland soils typically comprised either a dark brown, sandy-loam orthic A-horizon underlain a deep soft plinthic B-horizon which was classified as a Westleigh soil form (Figure 25a) or a dark brown sand-clay-loam underlain by a clay rich G-horizon with prominent mottling which was classified as a Katspruit soil form (Figure 25b). Some of the larger, non-peat, systems are predominantly alluvial supporting Dundee soil forms. Terrestrial soils comprised mainly Clovelly soil forms (Figure 25c).
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Figure 25: Soils identified within the project area; A) Westleigh soil form B) Katspruit soil form, C) Clovelly soil form and D) Fibrous organic material (likely peat sampled from the Wonderfonteinspruit) 8.5.2.3 Wetland vegetation
Hydromorphic vegetation plays a large role in identifying, classifying and accurately delineating wetlands, (DWAF, 2005). Many of the larger systems (e.g. HGM 1 and HGM 2) on site receive considerable anthropogenic water inputs which has significantly enlarged and effectively drowned these systems. The water-logged nutrient-rich environment provides ideal conditions for the proliferation of reeds and rushes such as Typha capensis and Phragmites australis which have all but replaced the natural and more diverse compliment of sedges and hydromorphic grasses. However, most of the seeps and depressions still retain much of their vegetation integrity (albeit a relatively low diversity). In these wetlands, plants such as Juncus dregeanus, J. rigidus and Imperata cylindrica predominate. Some examples of these hydrophytes are provided in Figure 26.
Figure 26: Examples of the dominant hydrophytes within the project area; A) Juncus rigidus, B) J. dregeanus, C) Phragmites australis and D) Typha capensis Wetland Ecosystem Services
The ecosystem services provided by the wetlands identified on site were assessed and rated using the WET-EcoServices method (Kotze et al. 2008). Overall the systems provide mainly indirect regulating and supporting services providing little in the way of direct services related to the provision of water or cultivated foods nor recreational or educational services. HGMs 1, 2, 3 and 5 provide the most meaningful ecosystem services with an overall rating of Moderately High while the rest are considered Intermediate (Table 15).
All of the HGM units have a high opportunity to receive stormflows, sediments and contaminants from the mining, urban and industrial developments in the area. However, the wide shallow slopes, high surface roughness, disproportionately large permanent zone and
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project dense emergent vegetation cover within HGMs 1, 2, 3 and 5 have created a depositional environment that makes them particularly effective at attenuating floods, trapping sediments, removing nutrients and assimilating toxicants. These wetlands have, and still do, play a very important role in mitigating the impact associated with gold mining in Johannesburg. Due to their size and habitat complexity these systems also play an important role in biodiversity maintenance, particularly from an avifaunal perspective. However, contamination with heavy metals and / or radioactive substances (Figure 28) as well as eutrophication from raw sewerage inputs means that the systems are not capable of providing clean water or harvestable resources nor are they aesthetically pleasing or safe enough to be utilised from a recreational, cultural, tourism or even educational perspective. HGM’s 1 and 2 play an important role in carbon storage due to their size and moderate abundance of peat.
Table 15: The ecosystem services being provided by the identified wetlands
Wetland HGM Unit 1 2 3 4 5 Flood attenuation 3 2.9 2.3 2.6 2.5 Streamflow regulation 3.3 3.3 2.7 2.5 2.8
Sediment trapping 3.1 2.9 3 2.3 2.8 Phosphate 3.1 3.5 3.3 2.7 2.9 assimilation Nitrate assimilation 3.1 3.3 3.1 2.6 3 benefits Toxicant assimilation 3.2 3.5 3.3 2.6 3 Indirect Benefits Indirect WaterQuality Erosion control 3 2.8 2.4 1.7 2.4 enhancement benefits enhancement Regulating andRegulatingsupporting Carbon storage 2.7 2.7 1.3 0.7 1 Biodiversity maintenance 3.5 Provisioning of water for human 1.7 1.7 0.9 1.3 1 use Provisioning of harvestable 2 2 1.6 1.6 1.6 resources benefits Provisioning of cultivated foods 3 3 1.6 3 1.6 Provisioning
Ecosystem Ecosystem ServicesSupplied by Wetlands Cultural heritage 1 1 1 1 1 Direct BenefitsDirect Tourism and recreation 1.3 1.1 0.4 0.1 0.7 Cultural benefits Education and research 2 2.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 Overall 38.9 39.5 30.9 26.9 30.4 Average 2.6 2.6 2.1 1.8 2.0 Threats 4 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Opportunities 4 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
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Wetland Health
The least hydrologically impacted system are the depressions which due to their largely isolated and endorheic (inward draining) nature have remained less affected by effluent discharge and were rated as Moderately Modified (class: C). HGM 2 was rated as Moderately Modified (class: D). All other HGM units were rated as Seriously Modified (class E) mainly on account of the artificially increased flows, extent hardened surfaces within their catchments and presence of impeding features.
From geomorphological perspective the impacted systems are HGM 1, 3, 5 and 7 (E: Seriously Modified) while the least where HGMs 6 and 8. The most readily apparent impact to these systems has been the long-standing deposition of gold mining tailings sediments within the wetlands. All of the identified wetlands showed evidence of tailings sediments in auger samples but was particularly high in HGM 1, 2, 3, 5 and notably HGM 7 (channelled valley- bottom associated with the Russel Stream). Although a depositional environment predominates upstream of all impeding features (e.g. roads and railway lines), narrow culverts and increased flow volumes and velocities has led to erosion in HGMs 4, 5 and 7.
In terms of wetland vegetation, the artificially increased flow volumes has led to the proliferation of dense, tall reed beds dominated by Phragmites australis and Typha capensis in most of the systems at the expense of a more diverse and shorter mix of sedges and hydromorphic grasses which likely prevailed in the reference state. The largest reedbeds occur in the two unchanneled valley-bottoms to the east namely HGM 1 and 2. Some of the most diverse short wetland vegetation occurs in HGM 3, however, like all other systems faces impacts from sediment drowning as well as sulphate and iron oxide precipitation from acid mine drainage.
Table 16: Summary of the scores for the wetland PES
Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Wetland Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score E: Seriously E: Seriously B: Largely HGM 1 Modified 7 Modified 6.2 Natural 5 Overall PES Score 6.2 Overall PES Class E: Seriously Modified E: Seriously D: Largely C: Moderately HGM 2 Modified 6.5 Modified 5.1 Modified 3.4 Overall PES Score 5.2 Overall PES Class D: Largely Modified E: Seriously E: Seriously B: Largely HGM 3 Modified 7 Modified 7.5 Natural 3.4 Overall PES Score 6.1 Overall PES Class E: Seriously Modified E: Seriously E: Seriously D: Largely HGM 4 Modified 7.5 Modified 4.5 Modified 5.6 Overall PES Score 6.1 Overall PES Class E: Seriously Modified D: Largely C: Moderately C: Moderately HGM5 Modified 4 Modified 2.1 Modified 2.9 Overall PES Score 3.2 Overall PES Class C: Moderately Modified
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Figure 27: Examples of some the existing impacts influencing the PES ratings; A) domestic waste disposal, B) canalisation, C) burst water mains D) dams, E) alien and invasive vegetation, F) sulphate precipitation G) domestic effluent runoff, H) iron oxide precipitation in acid mine drainage.
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Figure 28: Airborne radiometric image of the Wonderfonteinspruit catchment within the project area, showing elevated areas of elevated radioactivity in red, particularly round tailings dumps and within wetlands (source: Coetzee et al. 2005) The Ecological Importance and Sensitivity Assessment
The results of the assessment are shown in Table 17. From a regional perspective no Code 1 NFEPA rivers or wetlands are located within the 500 m regulated area. The only rivers recognised on the NFEPA database within the project area are the Wonderfonteinspruit which is listed as a Code 4 Upstream management Area and the Klip River which is listed as Code 0 Unclassified. The NFEPA Wetveg database recognises Mesic Highveld Grassland Group 3 wetlands (all HGM types) as Critically Endangered and Not Protected and the regional vegetation type is classified as Endangered. Wetlands in this region are highly threatened by mining, urban and industrial developments. Due to their long-standing contamination and degradation none of the systems are considered sensitive, however, some are considered important. These include HGMs 1, 2, 3 and 5 which were rated as having a High ecological importance on account of their size, presence peat (HGM 1 and 2), open water, dense emergent vegetation and overall habitat diversity which, like the Blesbokspruit, may support large congregations of local and migratory waterfowl and may. These systems are large and provide important corridors for wildlife movement in a heavily developed landscape.
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Table 17: The Ecological Importance and Sensitivity results
Wetland Importance and Sensitivity HGM 1 HGM 2 HGM 3 HGM 4 HGM 5
Ecological Importance & Sensitivity 3.0 3.0 2.7 1.7 2.7
Hydrological/Functional Importance 3.1 3.1 2.7 3.1 2.7
Direct Human Benefits 0.5 1.9 1.0 1.9 1.0
9 Sensitivity Assessment
As per the terms of reference for the project, GIS sensitivity maps are required to identify sensitive features in terms of the relevant specialist discipline/s within the study area. The sensitivity scores identified during the field survey for each terrestrial habitat and wetland are mapped in Figure 29 to Figure 32 respectively. These sensitivity maps were made by combining the terrestrial sensitivities with the wetland sensitivities.
In terms of terrestrial habitats, areas that were classified as having a low sensitivity are those areas which were deemed by the specialists to have been most impacted upon and/or were modified from their original condition due to factors such as previous and current human activity and/or presence of alien invasive species. A low-moderate sensitivity was given to the degraded grassland habitats. These habitats function as an ecosystem, habitat and/or important corridors for various species within the transformed areas in the project area and the immediate local area. The high sensitivity areas are the natural grassland areas that are still viable portions of CBA as identified by the C-plan (Figure 3).
In terms of wetlands, all identified HGM units were classified as having a High sensitivity while their associated 30 m buffers were assigned a Moderate sensitivity. All other artificial wetlands and non-wetland areas within the 500 m regulated area were assigned a Low sensitivity.
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Figure 29: Habitat sensitivity within project area.
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Figure 30: Habitat sensitivity within project area.
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Figure 31: Habitat sensitivity within project area
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Figure 32: Habitat sensitivity within project area
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10 Impact Assessment
Impacts were assessed in terms of the construction and operational phases. The operational phase refers to that phase of the project where the construction has been completed. The closure and decommissioning phase include recommendations for the reinstatement of the area.
It should be noted that the impacts described are not exhaustive, and more impacts may be identified at a later stage as more project specific information becomes available. Mitigation measures were only applied to impacts deemed relevant based on the impact analysis.
The standard impact assessment methodology may be used in the capture of generic anticipated impacts and potential mitigation measures for Basic Assessment Reports and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports. The methodology described herein complies with the requirements of the EIA Regulations (2014), promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).
The proposed mining method which will be used to remove the slimes dams are referred to as top-down hydraulic mining. This technique uses high-pressure water monitors (or mobile tracked hydraulic monitors) to deliver a high-pressure water jet to hydraulically excavate unconsolidated tailings material within the slimes dams. The water from the cannon mixes with the tailings and forms a slurry with a high solids content. The slurry then flows under gravity along trenches at the base of the dump to a collection sump which is positioned at the lowest elevation of the bench being mined. At the sump, finger screens remove any debris that may impact pumping operations, and a penstock will control water flow into the sump. The position of the collection sump will change as the reclamation progresses. To control the volume of water reporting to the reclamation station, flapper valves are used to hold, and release, slurry contained in the collection sump. This slurry is then pumped via new and existing pipelines to one of the three alternative processing plants where the slurry is prepared and treated for gold extraction and beneficiation.
The sand dumps, in contrast will be mechanically excavated with front end loaders. The material will be placed onto a conveyor belt and fed though a screen, to remove oversize material while water is sprayed to turn the sand into a slurry. As above the slurry is pumped via pipelines to the processing plant where it is prepared and treated for gold extraction and beneficiation.
The major environment problems associated with the mines relate to the mining method used, the nature of minerals present in the ore body and the management of solid-waste mine residue. In particular, mine dewatering, the presence of pyrite and uraninite with the gold and their contamination of both groundwater and slimes dams that are formed as a result of ore processing, are regarded as the major environment problems of the industry. The main environmental impacts of gold mining are the waste dumps, dust, disturbance of the water table, acid mine water and visual effects. Impact Assessment Methodology
Potential impacts were evaluated against the data captured during the desktop and field assessments to identify relevance to the project area. The methodology used in determining
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project the significance of potential environmental impacts relating to the Project was supplied by Kongiwe. The details of this methodology can be made available on request.
Current Impacts
The impacts identified during the various ecological surveys that are having a negative ecological impact in the project area were identified, are listed below and can be seen in Figure 33 and Figure 34. Due to the nature (mainly built up urban environment) and locality of the project area, the impacts were extensive, especially within the transformed areas. Impacts in the project area include:
Presence of alien and invasive plant species which have altered natural vegetation communities;
Human encroachment;
Dumping of building litter, general waste and sewerage run-off;
Old Mine tailing and the associated run-off;
Snaring and animal trapping/Poaching and hunting with dogs;
Existing mining and urban infrastructure;
Unregulated burning and excavations;
Fencing; and
Telephone lines and power lines within the vicinity of the project area.
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Figure 33: Some of the impacts observed: A) Littering and dumping, B) Powerlines, C) Sewerage run-off, D) Poaching/Snares, E) Livestock and F) Old mining tailings
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Figure 34:Some of the impacts observed in the project area, A) Unregulated burned areas, B) Unregulated excavations C) Old mine dump run-off, D) Soil harvesting for building material or artisanal mining, E) Alien plant species and F) Use of plants for building/muti/firewood. Terrestrial Ecology Impact Assessment
The proposed development is to reprocess and reclaim gold with the associated infrastructure as mentioned in the introduction. Anticipated Impact Framework
Potential impacts were evaluated against the data captured during the desktop and field assessment to identify relevance to the study area. The following list provides a framework for the anticipated impacts associated with the project.
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Table 18: Anticipated Impact Framework for the project Project activities that can cause loss of habitat (especially with regard to the Main Impact Secondary impacts anticipated proposed infrastructure areas): Physical removal of vegetation Displacement/loss of flora & fauna (including possible Access roads and servitudes SCC) Pipelines Increased potential for soil erosion 1. Loss / degradation of ecosystems Soil dust precipitation Habitat fragmentation Water leakages Increased potential for establishment of alien & invasive Dumping of waste products vegetation Random events such as fire (cooking fires or cigarettes)
Vegetation removal Vehicles potentially spreading seed Unsanitary conditions surrounding infrastructure promoting the establishment of Habitat loss for native flora & fauna (including SCC) alien and/or invasive rodents Spreading of potentially dangerous diseases due to 2. Spread and/or establishment of alien Creation of infrastructure suitable for breeding activities of alien and/or invasive invasive and pest species and/or invasive species birds Alteration of fauna assemblages due to habitat Vehicles potentially spreading seed modification Unsanitary conditions surrounding infrastructure promoting the establishment of alien and/or invasive rodents
Clearing of vegetation Roadkill due to vehicle collision Displacement/loss of fauna (including possible SCC) Pollution of water resources due to dust effects, chemical spills, acid mine drainage Loss of ecosystem services 3. Direct mortality of fauna etc. Increase in rodent populations and associated disease Intentional killing of fauna for food (hunting) or otherwise (killing of snakes) risk Bird collisions with electrical lines
Loss of landscape used as corridor Loss of ecosystem services 4. Reduced dispersal/migration of fauna Compacted roads Reduced plant seed dispersal Removal of vegetation Secondary impacts associated with pollution in water Chemical (organic/inorganic) spills courses and the surrounding environment 5. Environmental pollution due to water/ Erosion Faunal mortality (direct and indirectly) mine drainage runoff Acid mine drainage Groundwater pollution Loss of ecosystem services 6.Disruption/alteration of ecological life Operation of machinery (Large earth moving machinery, generators, water cannons, cycles (breeding, migration, feeding) due to Loss of ecosystem services slurry pumps, vehicles) noise 7. Disruption/alteration of ecological life Vehicles cycles (breeding, migration, feeding) due to Loss of ecosystem services Exposed mine dumps dust 8. Staff and others interacting directly with Loss of ecosystem services potentially dangerous fauna or poaching of All unregulated/supervised activities outdoors Introduction of diseases and feral species such as cats. animals
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Construction Phase
The following potential impacts on the biodiversity were considered for the construction phase of the proposed development. This phase refers to the period during construction when the proposed features are constructed or upgraded. This phase is considered to have the largest direct impact on biodiversity. The following potential impacts to terrestrial biodiversity were considered: Destruction, further loss and fragmentation of the remaining natural vegetation community, including CBA: Important and ESA;
Introduction of alien species, especially plants; and
Displacement of faunal community due to habitat loss, direct mortalities and disturbance (road collisions, noise, dust, vibration and possible poaching).
Operational Phase
The following potential impacts were considered on biodiversity (fauna and flora) during operational phase: Continued encroachment and displacement of the natural vegetation community due to alien invasive plant species and erosion;
Erosion and dust dispersal;
Water runoff and acid mine drainage;
Continued displacement and fragmentation of the faunal community; and
Infringement by humans into the few remaining natural grassland and wetlands areas, with associated impacts such as poaching, litter as well as introduction of diseases and feral species such as cats.
Decommissioning & Closure Phase
The following potential impacts were considered on biodiversity (including flora and fauna):
Further impacts due to the spread and/or establishment of alien and/or invasive species;
Continued displacement, direct mortalities and disturbance of faunal community (including multiple threatened species) due to habitat loss and disturbances (such as dust and noise); and
If reinstatement is not done correctly erosion and dust dispersal is a major impact as it can result in habitat loss as well as impact the growth and health of both fauna and flora. Assessment of significance The significance of the potential impacts associated with biodiversity for the three phases can be seen in Table 19,Table 20 and Table 21. .
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Table 19: Assessment of significance of potential construction impacts of the development area pre- and post- mitigation. BEFORE AFTER Affected Cumulative Impact Activity Impact Description MITIGATION Mitigation measures / Recommendations MITIGATION No. Environment Impact SIGNIFICANCE SIGNIFICANCE Construction Site clearance for Loss of areas development of new and classified as CBA Avoid CBA and high sensitivity areas and 1 Biodiversity upgrade of infrastructure Medium Yes Low and ESA and high implement buffer zones as well as disturbances sensitivity areas such as noise and dust Site clearance for development of new and Loss of CR, EN and Avoid high biodiversity sensitivity areas (natural 2 Biodiversity upgrade of infrastructure VU listed habitat Medium Yes vegetations & wetlands) and comply to Low as well as disturbances (NBA, 2011) prescribed buffer zones. such as noise and dust Site clearance for An alien invasive plant management plan needs development of new and Encroachment of to be compiled and implemented during 3 Flora upgrade of infrastructure alien invasive plant Medium Yes Low construction to prevent the growth of invasive as well as disturbances species plants on cleared areas such as noise and dust Site clearance for development of new and Avoid high biodiversity sensitivity areas (natural Loss of habitat for 4 Fauna upgrade of infrastructure Medium Yes vegetations & wetlands) and comply to Low potential SCC as well as disturbances prescribed buffer zones. such as noise and dust Avoid high biodiversity sensitivity areas (natural Site clearance for vegetation & wetlands) and comply to prescribed development of new and Loss of potential buffer zones; Implement training to ensure that 5 Fauna upgrade of infrastructure Medium Yes Low SCC. all staff are aware of faunal sensitivity. Put as well as disturbances protocols in place to deal with fauna that are such as noise and dust encountered during construction.
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Table 20: Assessment of significance of potential operational impacts of the development pre- and post- mitigation. BEFORE AFTER Affected Impact Cumulative Impact Activity MITIGATION Mitigation measures / Recommendations MITIGATION No. Environment Description Impact SIGNIFICANCE SIGNIFICANCE Operation Dust-reducing mitigation measures must be put in place and Reclamation must be strictly adhered to. This includes wetting of exposed 1 Biodiversity of tailing Erosion and dust High Yes soft soil surfaces and not conducting activities on windy Medium facility days which will increase the likelihood of dust being generated. Reclamation Acid mine drainage needs to be mitigated and the spread Water and acid 2 Biodiversity of tailing High Yes must be restricted; runoff of water must be limited by Medium mine drainage facility installing gabions and drainage systems. Reclamation Encroachment of Implementation of alien invasive plant management plan 3 Flora of tailing alien invasive plant Medium Yes needs to be continued during operation to prevent the Medium facility species growth of invasive plants on cleared areas. Mitigation measures can be added to infrastructure such as flappers to powerlines to avoid bird strikes; Monitoring Continued impacts of operational activities on fauna so that adaptive Reclamation displacement and management practises can be implemented if required; 4 Fauna of tailing fragmentation of Medium Yes Low Implement speed control measures on all roads to prevent facility the faunal road killings; Implement training to ensure that all staff are community aware of faunal sensitivity. Put protocols in place to deal with fauna that are encountered during operation.
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Table 21:Assessment of significance of potential decommissioning of the development pre- and post- mitigation BEFORE AFTER Impact Cumulative Mitigation measures / Impact Affected Environment Activity MITIGATION MITIGATION No. Description Impact Recommendations SIGNIFICANCE SIGNIFICANCE Decommissioning Implementation of alien invasive plant management plan needs to be Encroachment of continued during decommissioning to Decommissioning alien invasive prevent the growth of invasive plants on 1 Flora Medium Yes Low activities plant species and reinstatement areas; The area must be erosion developed as soon as the dump has been removed to prevent erosion of the area. All infrastructure that could have a Loss of species Decommissioning negative impact on faunal species 2 Fauna of conservation Medium Yes Low activities (powerlines etc) needs to be concern decommissioned and removed. Loss of habitat Dust-reducing mitigation measures and impact on Decommissioning must be put in place and must be strictly 3 Biodiversity the growth and Medium Yes Low activities adhered to. This includes wetting of health of both exposed soft soil surfaces. fauna and flora
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Mitigation Measures
The focus of mitigation measures should be to reduce the significance of potential impacts associated with the project and thereby to:
Prevent the unnecessary destruction of, and fragmentation, of the vegetation community (including areas classified as an CBA: Important);
Prevent the spread of acid mine drainage and restrict the runoff of water;
Prevent the loss of the faunal community (including potentially occurring species of conservation concern) associated with these vegetation communities; and
Limiting the construction area to the defined project areas and only impacting those areas where it is unavoidable to do so otherwise. Mitigation Actions
The mitigation actions provided below are important to consider with other specialist assessments. These mitigation measures should be implemented in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) should the project go-ahead.
The focus of mitigation measures is to reduce the significance of potential impacts associated with the development:
As far as possible, the proposed developments should be placed in areas that have already been disturbed (low sensitivity areas). No further loss of secondary grassland should be permitted as construction of the pipelines should only take place in the transformed areas. It is recommended that areas to be developed be specifically demarcated so that during the construction phase, only the demarcated areas be impacted upon (including fencing off the defined project area);
o The primary mitigation measure recommended for the project area is for there to be no new development in remaining natural CBA areas;
All dumping and storage must be within the existing infrastructure footprint and the low sensitivity areas;
All laydown, storage areas etc should be restricted to transformed areas close to the preferred option and existing roads should be used as far as possible;
The number (and size) of laydown, storage and staff facilities must be kept to a minimum for the duration of the project. These areas must be designated in already disturbed areas, adhering to the avoidance of moderately sensitive areas;
Building material must be stored in areas that has previously been disturbed and is classified as a low risk according to the sensitivity map in this report;
Building materials may not be stored for extended periods of time and must be removed from the site once the project has been concluded;
Infrastructure including the pipeline needs to be removed once the project has been concluded;
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project
Dumping in highly sensitive areas and on natural vegetation must be prevented;
Dust-reducing mitigation measures must be put in place and must be strictly adhered to. This includes wetting of exposed soft soil surfaces;
A spill management plan must be put in place to ensure that should there be any chemical spill out or over that it does not run into the surrounding areas and particularly the natural grassland and wetland habitats;
During construction activities, all rubble generated must be removed from the site;
No vehicles or activities, dumping or clearing is permitted within the sensitive areas as defined in this report;
The contractors used for the construction should have spill kits available prior to construction to ensure that any fuel, oil or hazardous substance spills are cleaned-up and discarded correctly;
Environmental protection activities during the reclamation process are;
o Keep storm water away from the working/mining areas;
o Prevent rainwater and the process water that has fallen on site from leaving the site in an uncontrolled and unregulated fashion; and
o Prevent dust pollution during dry, windy conditions.
If any faunal are recorded during construction, activities should temporarily cease, and time permitted for the species to move away. In the event the species does not move away (voluntarily), the species must be removed safely from the area and relocated to a suitable area that will not be directly disturbed by the project;
Fauna species such as frogs and reptiles that have not moved away should be carefully and safely removed to a suitable location beyond the extent of the development footprint by a suitably qualified ECO trained in the handling and relocation of animals;
Waste management must be a priority and all waste must be collected and stored adequately. It is recommended that all waste be removed from site on a weekly basis to prevent rodents and pests entering the site;
The intentional killing of any animals including snakes, insects, lizards, birds or other animals should be strictly prohibited;
Inspections and monitoring of the pipelines for leaks must be done on a regular basis for the life of the project;
Drip trays or any form of oil absorbent material must be placed underneath vehicles/machinery and equipment when not in use;
Dust monitoring must be done on a continued basis for the life of the project;
Monitoring of Alien Invasive Plant species and their presence, in conjunction with the alien invasive plant management plan for the life of the project;
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Aquatic monitoring should be done on a bi-annual basis for the life of the project;
Leaking equipment must be repaired immediately or be removed from site to facilitate repair; and
All personnel and contractors to undergo Environmental Awareness Training. A signed register of attendance must be kept for proof. Discussions are required on sensitive environmental receptors within the project area, with particular reference to the wetland systems.
Wetland Impact Risk Assessment Anticipated Impacts
A risk assessment was conducted in line with Section 21 (c) and (i) of NWA to investigate the level of risk posed by the project. This study forms part of a larger Crown Gold Recoveries (Pty) Ltd reclamation project involving other separate environmental and water use authorisations. As such this risk assessment covers only a portion of the greater picture, specifically, the reclamation of gold bearing tailings sediments from three areas within the historic Soweto Clusters tailings areas, the establishment of reclamation stations at each of these sites and the transport of water and process slurry along separate above-ground 50 mm pipelines (Alternative 1) between these areas and the Cooke Reclamation Plants and ultimately the depositional area at Cooke Tailings Storage Facility (TSF). These represent Alternative 1. The assessment also covers pipeline Alternative 2 but based on the SoW provided by the client excludes the Ergo Processing Plant and the Brakpan / Withok TSF. Alternative 3 and its associated pipelines, reclamation, processing plants and depositional areas have already been authorised and as such are not dealt with in this report.
Table 22 lists the potential risks posed by the project to wetlands within the project area as well as those within the 500m regulated area surrounding it. The risk matrix provides risk significance ratings for scenarios both without and with successful implementation of mitigation.
As minimal built infrastructure (aside from the satellite reclamation stations) is required for the reclamation areas, the majority of construction-related activities are expected to centre on the installation of the two pipelines (50 cm diameter) set to convey clean water and process slurry to and from the reclamation areas respectively. The above ground design of these pipelines is preferential to below-ground installation as it poses less of disturbance risk to wetland soils, vegetation and flow regimes. Despite this, pipeline installation has the potential to result in several Moderate risks related to clearing of wetland vegetation along pipeline route, disruption of wetland soil profile through the installation of pipeline plinths, increased bare surfaces, runoff and potential for erosion. However, these risks can be reduced to a Low significance through mitigation. Both pipeline alternatives (1 and 2) represent viable options, however, the number of significant wetlands crossed would be reduced by opting for the east- bound route Alternative 2. Alternative 1, in contrast, crosses HGM 1, 2 and 3 some of the larger, more ecologically important systems within the project area. and is the less preferable option. If this route is ultimately opted for it is recommended that the Wonderfonteinspruit crossing be shifted marginally to align with the existing dam wall (as opposed to traversing the wetland as is currently the case).
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Of somewhat greater significance will be the risks associated with the reclamation of the Soweto Clusters during the operational phase. Although any wet areas within the Soweto cluster dumps areas themselves should be considered artificial due to the extreme levels of transformation within them, each of the three reclamation sites does, however, have a wetland draining from one of their sides (clearly identifiable as such by the natural and well defined inward draining topography among other indicators (e.g. soil mottling and wtland vegetation). These wetlands include HGMs 2, 3 and 7. It must be noted, however, that extent to which these systems are being fed by water infiltration through the mine dump as opposed to subsurface inputs from their upstream catchments remains unclear. The removal of dumps may remove a water input but there remains the possibility that some wetland area will persist. These systems have the potential to be impacted by the reclamation process and given their proximity. Two highly probable and potentially significant impacts were identified for which mitigation is limited and the residual impact considered Moderate. These include, exacerbated contamination of downstream watercourses through the upheaval and liberation of accumulated toxins trapped in the sediments as well as sedimentation and increased turbidity in downstream watercourses and the cumulative risk from upstream reclamation projects to downstream users. However, these impacts ought to be temporary and should only last the lifetime of the reclamation activities with the long-term benefits associated with rehabilitation outweighing the short-term impacts associated with reclamation (in theory). However, this is entirely contingent on the responsible party's commitment (in this Case CROWN GOLD RECOVERIES (PTY) LTD) to reinstatement. Pertinent Mitigation
A number of mitigation measures are provided in Table 22. Of these, - the most significant mitigation measures are as follows:
Pipeline construction
Ensure pipeline alternative 1 spans the Wonderfonteinspruit via the proposed dam wall crossing point.
Request the wetland shapefiles from TBC and use them to demarcate (on the ground) where the pipeline enters and exits the 30 m buffer assigned to the boundary of each wetland.
In these wetland crossing areas restrict all pipeline construction activities to a 10 m corridor on either side of the route. Demarcate the construction corridor with high visibility plastic fencing and minimize unnecessary clearing of vegetation beyond this area.
Pipelines crossings should preferably span the watercourses and be above-ground. This prevents disruptions to sub surface flow dynamics and allows the pipeline to be monitored for leaks. It should be noted that; as the pipeline is temporary, it will cross most wetlands on existing structures, thereafter it will be laid directly onto the ground without plinths or concrete. However, the pipeline must be secured and attached to existing structures avoiding direct risks. Preferably sleeved to avoid leaks and spills
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When a pipeline spans a water resource, it should be attached to any existing crossing or bridge structures. This will limit the need to disturb new areas of the systems with the construction of new structures.
Do not situate any of the construction material laydown areas within any wetland.
Document the soil profile on removal and check the order in which soil is replaced.
Make sure that the soil is backfilled and compacted
The number and size of supporting plinths must be kept to a minimum and avoid wetland areas and the associated buffer as much as possible.
If the plinth support structures are needed for the pipeline to span a water resource, then plinths should be placed outside of preferential flow paths.
Make sure all excess consumables and building materials / rubble is removed from site and deposited at an appropriate waste facility.
Mixing of concrete must under no circumstances take place within the permanent or seasonal zones of the wetland.
Pre-fabricated structures should be made use of (where possible) to avoid the mixing of these materials on site, reducing the likelihood of onsite contamination.
Operation of reclamation facility
Mitigation is limited and reinstatement is critical, as per the WUL requirements. Commission and implement a wetland reinstatement and monitoring plan.
The plan must be presented to and approved by the relevant authorities (i.e. DWS head office Pretoria).
It is imperative that a budget be allocated for the planned reinstatement efforts and likewise that it be approved by the relevant authorities.
Given the nature of the project mitigations limited and contamination of downstream watercourses is highly probable. However, as above this is likely to be a temporary impact which, following effective implementation of planned reinstatement, should ultimately result in the removal / reduction of an existing source of wetland contamination.
Although a trench already exists around 2L24 it is recommended that the depth and suitability of all temporary cut-off trenches around the Soweto Cluster dumps be assessed and deepened and / or widened if deemed necessary to help contain contaminants that are mobilised during the reclamation process and prevent contaminated tailings material from ending up in the downstream watercourses namely HGMs 2 and 7 and ultimately the Klip River.
Stay within the proposed reclamation areas and avoid extending earthmoving activities outside of these areas.
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Monitor water quality in HGM 2, 3 and 7. Begin several months prior to construction commences to establish the pre-construction baseline.
Within the reclamation areas identify areas of higher soil saturation and the preferential flow paths. Take measures to effectively steer clear of these areas or divert these flows around the reclamation area.
Water leaving the site should do so via appropriately engineered stormwater structures that serve to spread and dissipate flows to prevent the erosion of downstream watercourses.
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Table 22: DWS Risk Impact Matrix for the proposed development Andrew Husted Pr Sci Nat 400213/11 Severity
Activity Aspect Impact Control Measures Total Duration Biota Detection Habitat Likelihood Alternative Risk RatingRisk Significance Legal Legal Issues Spatialscale Consequence FlowRegime WaterQuality Frequency ofimpact Frequency ofactivity
Construction Site clearing and Direct Disturbance of Without • Use the wetland shapefiles from TBC instalation of disturbance. wetland to demarcate (on the ground) where the pipelines. vegetation pipeline enters and exits the 30 m along pipeline buffer assigned to the boundary of each route. wetland. • In these wetland crossing areas restrict all pipeline construction 1 3 3 3 2.5 2 3 7.5 1 1 5 1 8 60 M activities to a 10 m corridor on either side of the route. Demarcate the construction corridor with high visibility plastic fencing. • Restrict all construction activities to within the proposed infrastructure area and minimize the disturbance footprint and the unnecessary clearing of With vegetation outside of this area. • Do not situate any of the construction material laydown areas within any wetland. • No machinery should be allowed to parked in any wetlands. • Pipelines crossings should span the watercourses above ground as is the current plan. This prevents disruptions 1 2 2 2 1.8 1 2 4.8 1 1 5 1 8 38 L to sub surface flow dynamics and allows the pipeline to be monitored for leaks; • When a pipeline spans a water resource, it should be attached to any existing crossing or bridge structures. This will limit the need to disturb new areas of the systems with the construction of new structures.
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Andrew Husted Pr Sci Nat 400213/11 Severity
Activity Aspect Impact Control Measures Total Duration Biota Detection Habitat Likelihood Alternative Risk RatingRisk Significance Legal Legal Issues Spatialscale Consequence Flow Regime WaterQuality Frequency ofimpact Frequency ofactivity
Disruption of Without • Document the soil profile on removal wetland soil and check the order in which soil is profile through replaced. the instaltion 3 2 2 1 2 2 4 8 1 1 5 2 9 72 M • Ensure that topsoil is appropriately of pipeline stored and re-applied during trench plinths. backfilling. • Make sure that the soil is backfilled With and compacted •The proposed pipeline will be aboveground. The number and size of plinths must be kept to a minimum, and avoid wetland areas and the associated 2 1 1 1 1.3 1 1 3.3 1 1 5 2 9 29.25 L buffer as much as possible. •If plinth support structures are needed for the pipeline to span a water resource, then plinths should be placed outside of preferential flow paths. Indirect wetland Increased Without • Minimize unnecessary clearing of disturbance. bare surfaces, vegetation. runoff and 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 8 1 1 5 1 8 64 M • Landscape and re-vegetate all large potential for denuded areas as soon as possible. erosion • Appropriately stockpile topsoil cleared With from the project area. • Clearly demarcate construction footprint, and limit all activities to within this area. •Silt traps and fences must be placed in the preferential flow paths along the 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 4 1 1 5 2 9 36 L route to prevent sedimentation of the watercourse. •Temporary stormwater channels should be filled with aggregate and/or logs (branches included) to dissipate flows.
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Andrew Husted Pr Sci Nat 400213/11 Severity
Activity Aspect Impact Control Measures Total Duration Biota Detection Habitat Likelihood Alternative Risk RatingRisk Significance Legal Legal Issues Spatialscale Consequence Flow Regime WaterQuality Frequency ofimpact Frequency ofactivity
Contamination. Contamination Without • Make sure all excess consumables of wetlands and building materials / rubble is with removed from site and deposited at an hydrocarbons 1 4 2 2 2.3 1 1 4.3 1 1 5 2 9 38.25 L appropriate waste facility. due to leaks • Appropriately contain any generator and spillages diesel storage tanks, machinery spills from (e.g. accidental spills of hydrocarbons machinery, oils, diesel etc.) or construction With equipment & materials on site (e.g. concrete) in such vehicles as a way as to prevent them leaking and well as entering the environment. Contamination • Mixing of concrete must under no and circumstances take place within the eutrophication permanent or seasonal zones of the of wetland wetland. Scrape the area where mixing systems with 1 4 2 2 2.3 1 1 4.3 1 1 1 2 5 21.25 L and storage of sand and concrete human occurred to clean once finished sewerage and (preferably store on the south-eastern litter. side of the project area). • Pre-fabricated structures should be made use of (where possible) to avoid the mixing of these materials on site, reducing the likelihood of onsite contamination. Operation Reclamation Direct loss Loss of Without • This ought to be a temporary impact activities wetlands and that will only last the lifetime of the associated reclamation activities. However, this is 4 4 3 3 5 3 5 13 2 2 5 3 12 156 H organic entirely contingent on the responsible material and party's commitment (in this Case vegetation CROWN GOLD RECOVERIES (PTY)
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Andrew Husted Pr Sci Nat 400213/11 Severity
Activity Aspect Impact Control Measures Total Duration Biota Detection Habitat Likelihood Alternative Risk RatingRisk Significance Legal Legal Issues Spatialscale Consequence Flow Regime WaterQuality Frequency ofimpact Frequency ofactivity
through site With LTDGold) to reinstatement as, due to excavation. the nature of the project, mitigation during operation is limited in this regard. • A wetland reinstatement and monitoring plan must be commissioned. The study must make use of independent and appropriately qualified professionals. • The plan must be presented to and 3 3 3 3 5 3 4 12 2 2 5 3 12 144 M approved by the relevant authorities (i.e. DWS head office Pretoria). • It is imperative that a budget be allocated for the planned reinstatement efforts and likewise that it be approved by the relevant authorities. • The plan must be effectively implemented and its efficacy monitored and the approach adapted accordingly. Contamination. Hightened Without • Given the nature of the project contamination mitigation is limited and contamination of of downstream watercourses is highly downstream probable. However, as above this is watercourses likely to be a temporary impact which through the following effective implementation of upheaval and 4 5 3 3 5 3 5 13 3 3 5 3 14 182 H carefully planned reinstatement should liberation of ultimately result in the removal / toxins reduction of an existing source of accumulated wetland contamination. / trapped in • Check depths and widths of cut-off the trenches around reclamation areas to sediments. ensure they are sufficient to effectively
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Andrew Husted Pr Sci Nat 400213/11 Severity
Activity Aspect Impact Control Measures Total Duration Biota Detection Habitat Likelihood Alternative Risk RatingRisk Significance Legal Legal Issues Spatialscale Consequence Flow Regime WaterQuality Frequency ofimpact Frequency ofactivity
With trap sediments and contaminants. • Stay within the proposed reclamation areas and avoid extending earthmoving activities outside of these areas. • Attempt to limit the wetting of sediments with water canons in the very height of the rainy season or immediately before predicted major rainfall events / fronts. Attempt to keep wetting to minimum (i.e. proportional to what can be conveyed through pipelines to the processing facility) 3 3 3 3 5 3 4 12 2 2 5 3 12 144 M • Work systematically targeting one area at a time while re-instating the recently completed area as the operation progresses. Reinstatement in this manner will allow for problems or inadequacies to be identified and rectified in the successive reinstatement phases. • Monitor water quality in HGM 2 and 7 on a weekly basis. Begin several months prior to construction commences to establish the pre- construction baseline. Flow path Flow Without modification impediment 4 2 2 2 2.5 2 4 8.5 1 1 5 2 9 76.5 M • Within the reclamation areas identify leading to areas of higher soil saturation and the flooding, With preferential flow paths. Take measures backlogging to effectively steer clear of these areas or wetland or divert these flows around the drowning reclamation area. upstream of 1 2 2 2 1.8 2 1 4.8 1 1 5 2 9 42.75 L • Avoid completely blocking off flow the paths with excavated material. reclamation activities
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Andrew Husted Pr Sci Nat 400213/11 Severity
Activity Aspect Impact Control Measures Total Duration Biota Detection Habitat Likelihood Alternative Risk RatingRisk Significance Legal Legal Issues Spatialscale Consequence Flow Regime WaterQuality Frequency ofimpact Frequency ofactivity
Flow Without concentration 4 2 2 2 2.5 2 4 8.5 1 1 5 2 9 76.5 M leading to • Water leaving the site should do so increased via appropriately engineered erosion and With stormwater structures that serve to scouring spread and dissipate flows to prevent downstream 1 2 2 2 1.8 2 1 4.8 1 1 5 2 9 42.75 L the erosion of downstream of the watercourses. reclamation activities Sedimentation Sedimentation Without •Silt traps and fences must be placed in and increased 4 4 2 2 3 2 4 9 1 1 5 2 9 81 M the preferential flow paths stemming turbidity in With from the reclamation areas. downstream •Eroded stormwater channels should be watercourses 4 3 2 2 2.8 2 3 7.8 1 1 5 2 9 69.75 M filled with soil and/or logs (branches included) to dissipate flows. Inputs and Pipeline leaks Without ontamination. increased 1 2 2 2 1.8 2 2 5.8 1 1 5 2 9 51.75 water inputs L and With • Conduct regular inspections along the contamination pipeline route and fix leaks timeously. (leaks on 1 1 1 2 1.3 2 2 5.3 1 1 5 2 9 47.25 slurry pipeline) L Closure Decommissioning Rehabilitation Potential loss Without 4 5 4 4 4.3 3 5 12 3 3 5 3 14 171.5 H of the operation or degradation With of wetlands or Develop and implement a reinstatement djoining and closure plan. Appropriately terrestrial reinstatement the project area as per habitat the WUL requirements. through innapprpriate closure. 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 5 1 1 5 2 9 45 L
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Recommendations for Reinstatement
Based on the outcome of the risk assessment it is evident that, given the proximity of the reclamation areas to the delineated wetlands and the nature of the reclamation process that mitigation of several key potential impacts is limited and as such the level of risks associated with the proposed activity cannot be adequately minimised (remain a Moderate residual impact). Therefore, as per mitigation hierarchy (DEA, 2013), reinstatement of all affected areas must be undertaken if the responsible party wishes to proceed with the proposed activity.
It has become increasingly evident over the years that wetlands within the Witwatersrand gold fields have become contaminated with by-product from the gold mining process. This contamination has been occurring for well over a hundred years leading to a significant accumulation of heavy metals, salts and radionuclides. This has been accompanied by significant organic nutrient loading in the form of sewerage effluent from ailing / or inappropriately managed waste-water treatment works. Although the wetlands in the regions have played vital role in assisting to trap and assimilate these nutrients and toxins, their ability to do so is finite.
Consequently, we have arrived at a situation where these systems are, themselves beginning to pose hazards to biodiversity and human health. A study by Coetzee et al. (2005) reveals that based on the levels of contaminants, wetlands in this region would qualify as contaminated land in need of remediation. However, the sheer scale of the contamination and complexities associated with successfully reinstating these wetlands comes at significant financial cost which in the current status economic state of the country will in all reality not be realised. A potential solution lies in utilising a portion of the profits from gold reclamation projects to fund the reinstatement of contaminated wetlands. This solution is, however, entirely contingent on the reclamation company’s commitment to reinstatement the site, the development of an adequate budget and the safeguarding of those funds for reinstatement let alone the actual successful design and implementation of the reinstatement project itself.
Wetland reinstatement is essentially the process of recovering and maintaining the integrity of a wetland that has been degraded (Macfarlane, 2008). The importance of conserving and reinstatement wetlands has gained increased acceptance in recent years as the appreciation for their critical ecosystem services they provide such as the provision of clean water, harvestable resources, nutrient and toxicant removal, flood attenuation and stream flow regulation become more appreciated.
Although a full reinstatement plan lies beyond the scope of work, a few key considerations and recommendations are given below together with a preliminary assessment of the target state of the wetlands post reinstatement to help inform the reinstatement plan. Note: The following section on wetland re-instatement is for conceptual purposes only, and whether these measures will need to be taken depends on the desired and agreed upon end land use. The targets are only required if the agreement is to natural condition. But if the areas will be developed then these do not apply. Target
Ideally, reinstatement efforts should strive towards re-instating the reference state integrity of the system, however, this is rarely realised (and given the longstanding history of gold mining in the area is difficult to establish). Consequently, following best practice principles as
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project presented in the guideline document Wet-Rehab Evaluate (Cowden and Kotze, 2008), the targets for this reinstatement project are based on the predicted (post reinstatement) ecosystem health of the wetland, following successful implementation of the reinstatement measures. This predicted health score is expressed as hectare equivalents, or the area of functional wetland, and represents the quantifiable target against which the outcomes of the rehabilitation efforts can be evaluated during the monitoring phase.
Reinstatement efforts as a result of the reclaiming of the Soweto Clusters (based on the three polygons assessed in this report) would centre on two unchanneled valley-bottom wetlands namely HGM 2 and 7 and one seep namely HGM 3. It should be noted, however, that the complete removal of toxicants is, however, unlikely and the contamination of downstream water courses through the liberation of toxins trapped in sediments is highly possible. However, these impacts ought to be temporary provided reinstatement is successfully implemented and the benefits to the health of the wetlands over the long term should outweigh the short-term risks. Preliminary targets for the successful implementation of reinstatement efforts are given below. Note the exact areas to be reinstatement and the final wetland reinstatement targets and benchmarks will have to be set during the reinstatement plan and approved by the relevant authorities (e.g. DWS Head Office Pretoria).
HGM 2: The portion of this unchanneled valley bottom to be reinstatement is situated on the western side of the north-western most Soweto Cluster reclamation sites and occupies an extent of 23.6 ha (from the site to the edge of the 500 m regulated area) and has a current overall PES score of Largely Modified (class: D) which equates to 11.3 ha of functional wetland (hectare equivalents). The target for the reinstatement project should be to at least restore the integrity of the system to an overall rating of Moderately Modified (class: C) and hectare equivalent of 15.1 representing a net gain of 3.8 ha of functional wetland habitat.
HGM 3: This seep emanates from beneath the south-western most Soweto Cluster reclamation area and runs towards the Wonderfonteinspruit. This seep is 54.1 ha in extent and has a current overall PES score of Seriously Modified (Class: E) which equates to 21.1 ha of functional wetland (hectare equivalents). The target for the reinstatement project should be to at least restore the integrity of the system to an overall rating of Largely Modified (class: D) and hectare equivalent of 26.5 representing a net gain of 5.4 ha of functional wetland habitat.
HGM 7: This system is situated to the east of the northern most Soweto Cluster reclamation site and is 14.4 ha in extent (from the site to the edge of the 500 m regulated area) and has a current overall PES score of Critically Modified (class: F) which equates to 2.9 ha of functional wetland (hectare equivalents). The target for the reinstatement project should be to at least restore the integrity of the system to an overall rating of Largely Modified (class: D) and hectare equivalent of 6.1 representing a net gain of 3.2 ha of functional wetland habitat.
Table 23: Current and anticipated PES ratings for the relevant HGM units following successful implementation of reinstatement measures
State Hydrology Geomorpholgy Vegetation Overall Extent Hectare Equivalents Gain (ha) HGM 2 Current 6.5 5.1 3.4 5.2 (D) 23.6 11.3 Target 4 3.9 2.5 3.6 (C) 23.6 15.1 3.8 HGM 3 Current 7 7.5 3.4 6.1 (E) 54.1 21.1 Target 6 6.2 2.5 5.1 (D) 54.1 26.5 5.4
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HGM 7 Current 9.5 7.4 6.3 8 (F) 14.4 2.9 Target 6 6.1 5 5.8 (D) 14.4 6.1 3.2 Recommendations
Of primary importance is to adopt a preventative approach towards contamination. Before any reinstatement can commence and indeed before reclamation begins it is essential to comprehensively assess the extent and intensity of contamination on site. This will inform decisions on the most appropriate waste disposal measures and authorisations and help to reduce potential contamination issues. This typically takes the form of a comprehensive taxological risk assessment aimed at establishing the potential impact on human beings as well as the impacts on agriculture and natural ecosystems. A risk assessment of this nature conducted by Coetzee et al (2005) for wetlands in the nearby vicinity identified nickel, arsenic, uranium, copper and cobalt as priority contaminants with a maximal risk quotient (>2) meaning that they pose an environmental risk. The same study highlights the region, particularly the Wonderfonteinspruit as being contaminated by radiation with airborne surveys revealing that the wetland emits significantly more gamma radiation than the surrounding environment.
Before reinstatement commences the contaminant, sources must be removed or minimized.
It is highly likely that reclamation and even reinstatement efforts will result in some downstream contamination. Therefore, it is important that water quality assessed in all downstream reaches begins several months prior to construction and extends into the post reinstatement monitoring phase.
It is recommended that as much of the contaminated tailings sediments be removed from the site and the reinstatement wetlands as possible.
Thereafter a subsoil layer should be introduced. The soil type, texture and level of compaction should be informed by geotechnical analyses.
Landscaping is required to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the wetland following scraping (clean-up) but to restore the drainage properties of the wetland and promote effective plant succession and in so doing improve the distribution and retention time of water within the systems.
Landscaping will involve the use of a bulldozer / TLB to smooth uneven ground and contour the flow path
such that it has a shallow slope in cross-sectional profile
Care should also be taken to maintain the general catena in soil texture from more sandy soils on the outer margins to more clay rich soils in the centre of the flow path.
To assist in improving the cation exchange capacity of the soil and hence its toxicant retention capacity consider adding clays (e.g. montmorillonite) or organic materials (compost and manures).
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Thereafter the topsoil layer should be re-instated / introduced. This layer should comprise soils of a high organic content and be supplemented with lime nd compost.
Once completed soils should be loosened and aerated to a fine seed bed in preparation for re-vegetation
Once the soil profile has been successfully re-instated one of the main end objectives of the reinstatement process will be to establish a dense, diverse and self-sustaining cover of vegetation.
Successful re-vegetation in these situations is often hindered by a low availability of plant nutrients and soil moisture following closure as well as low soil pH and the precipitation of sulphates and iron oxides. The removal of contaminants and addition of lime should help to lower the uptake of toxic trace elements by plants while a good topsoil layer, and fertilizers should aid to increase nutrients, decrease water loss and provide suitable conditions for sustained vegetation growth.
Re-vegetation should involve the use of both re-seeding and mechanical transplanting.
Only locally indigenous species that are adapted to local climatic conditions should be used
It is very important to note that no chemical or hormonal control of AIS must be employed within any wetland area or their associated buffers.
For general guidance regarding reinstatement the responsible party is encouraged to read the Water Research Commission (WRC) guideline documents such as Wetland Rehabilitation in Mining Landscapes: An Introductory Guide, Wet-Rehab Plan, Wet- Rehab Methods and Wet-Rehap Evaluate.
Other important documents include:
o “Contamination of wetlands by Witwatersrand gold mines – processes and the economic potential of gold in wetlands” (Coetzee et al. 2005).
o “The environmental impact of seepage from gold mine tailings dams near Johannesburg, South Africa” (Rösner, 1999).
o “South African Peatlands: Ecohydrological Characteristics and Socio- economic Value” (Grundling et al. 2017).
11 Conclusion
The completion of a study, in conjunction with the detailed results from the survey means that there is a high confidence in the information provided. The survey, which was completed, and the corresponding studies resulted in good site coverage, within the proposed footprint area, assessing the major habitats and ecosystems, obtaining a general species (fauna and flora) overview and observing the major current impacts.
It is clear from the regional ecological overview, as well as the baseline data collected to date that the project area has been altered (historically and currently) by mining activities but to a larger extent the human encroachment with the associated impacts. It can be concluded that the majority of the area covered by habitats associated with the development have a low
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project sensitivity, only the wetlands and natural grassland have a high sensitivity. It is imperative that the mitigations be strictly followed and adhered to to decrease the impact the proposed project is expected to have on the environment.
Six wetland HGM units were identified within the 500m regulated area surrounding the proposed infrastructure options. Two of these systems (HGM1 and 2) are potential peatlands and should be dealt with sensitively. The least hydrologically impacted system are the depressions (HGM 5) which due to their largely isolated and endorheic (inward draining) nature have remained less affected by effluent discharge and were rated as Moderately Modified (class: C). HGM 2 was classified as Largely Modified (class: D). All other HGM units were rated as Seriously Modified (class E) mainly on account of the artificially increased flows, extent hardened surfaces within their catchments and presence of impeding features. Due to the longstanding impacts, none of these systems can be considered particularly sensitive, however, some are considered ecologically important. These include HGMs 1, 2, 3 and 5 which were rated as having a High ecological importance on account of their size, presence peat (HGM 1 and 2), open water, dense emergent vegetation and overall habitat diversity which, like the Blesbokspruit, may support large congregations of local and migratory waterfowl and may provide suitable habitat for some of the regions potentially occurring conservation important species.
From a risk perspective pipeline alternative 1 represent a viable option. Operation of the reclamation facility, however, poses more direct and potentially adverse risks to receiving wetlands. Each of the three reclamation sites have a wetland draining from one of their sides. namely HGMs 2, 3 and 7. These systems have the potential to be indirectly impacted by sedimentation and harmful toxicants liberated during the excavation of the gold bearing sediments. However, these impacts should temporary and should only last the lifetime of the reclamation activities with the long-term benefits associated with reinstatement outweighing the short-term impacts associated with reclamation (in theory). However, this is entirely contingent on CROWN GOLD RECOVERIES (PTY) LTD’s commitment to reinstatement as mitigation is somewhat limited. It is important that a wetland reinstatement and monitoring plan be commissioned and implemented. The plan and budget must be approved by the relevant authorities (i.e. DWS head office Pretoria). It is also recommended that a temporary cut-off trench be excavated around the Soweto Cluster dumps to help contain contaminants. Reinstatement should occur in a phased approach as operation progresses to allow for problems or inadequacies to be identified and rectified in the successive reinstatement phases. Monitor water quality in HGM 2, 3 and 7. Begin several months prior to construction commences to establish the pre-construction baseline.
12 Impact Statement
Considering the findings of the respective studies, from a terrestrial ecology perspective no fatal flaws were identified for the proposed project. Should the avoidance and mitigation measures prescribed be implemented, the significance of the considered impacts for all aspects is expected to be low. It is thus the opinion of the specialists that the project can proceed, but only if the prescribed mitigation measures and recommendations are implemented.
From a wetland perspective this project provides a means to fund the much needed and overdue reinstatement of some of the most dangerously contaminated wetlands in the
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project province. However, temporary contamination of downstream watercourses during operation is highly likely and, if authorised, every measure should be taken to minimise such contamination by following the prescribed mitigation stipulated in this, the water use licence and all relevant best practice guidelines and legislation regarding the reinstatement of contaminated land.
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Soweto Cluster Dumps Reclamation and Reprocessing project 13 References
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Appendix A: Flora species expected to occur in the project area
Family Taxon Author IUCN Ecology Malvaceae Abutilon piloso-cinereum A.Meeuse LC Indigenous A.Cunn. ex Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Acacia cyclops NE G.Don Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Acacia dealbata Link NE Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Acacia decurrens Willd. NE Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Acacia paradoxa DC. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Euphorbiaceae Acalypha angustata Sond. LC Indigenous Acalypha caperonioides var. Euphorbiaceae Baill. DD Indigenous caperonioides Euphorbiaceae Acalypha glabrata var. pilosa Thunb. LC Indigenous E.Mey. ex Euphorbiaceae Acalypha peduncularis LC Indigenous Meisn. Euphorbiaceae Acalypha villicaulis Hochst. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Sapindaceae Acer negundo L. Naturalised; Invasive Amaranthacea Not Indigenous; Achyranthes aspera var. aspera L. e Naturalised Apocynaceae Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Acrotome hispida Benth. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Adenostemma caffrum DC. LC Indigenous Pteridaceae Adiantum capillus-veneris L. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Aeollanthus buchnerianus Briq. LC Indigenous Amaranthacea Aerva leucura Moq. LC Indigenous e (Bolus) Asteraceae Afroaster peglerae J.C.Manning & LC Indigenous; Endemic Goldblatt (Harv.) Asteraceae Afroaster serrulatus J.C.Manning & LC Indigenous Goldblatt (N.E.Br.) Rubiaceae Afrocanthium gilfillanii LC Indigenous Lantz (Cham. & Rubiaceae Afrocanthium mundianum LC Indigenous Schltdl.) Lantz (Sond.) Apiaceae Afrosciadium magalismontanum LC Indigenous P.J.D.Winter E.Mey. ex Rosaceae Agrimonia bracteata LC Indigenous C.A.Mey. Not Indigenous; Rosaceae Agrimonia procera Wallr. LC Naturalised; Invasive Poaceae Agrostis eriantha var. eriantha Hack. LC Indigenous Poaceae Agrostis lachnantha var. lachnantha Nees LC Indigenous Hyacinthaceae Albuca setosa Jacq. LC Indigenous (Ker Gawl.) Hyacinthaceae Albuca virens subsp. virens J.C.Manning & LC Indigenous Goldblatt Not Indigenous; Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica L. NE Naturalised; Invasive Alloteropsis semialata subsp. Poaceae (R.Br.) Hitchc. LC Indigenous eckloniana
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Asphodelaceae Aloe arborescens Mill. LC Indigenous (Dinter) Asphodelaceae Aloe bergeriana Boatwr. & DD Indigenous J.C.Manning Asphodelaceae Aloe davyana Schonland Indigenous; Endemic Asphodelaceae Aloe mutabilis Pillans Indigenous Asphodelaceae Aloe pienaarii Pole-Evans Indigenous (Baker) Asphodelaceae Aloe subspicata Boatwr. & Indigenous J.C.Manning Asphodelaceae Aloe verecunda Pole-Evans LC Indigenous; Endemic Alysicarpus rugosus subsp. Fabaceae (Willd.) DC. LC Indigenous perennirufus Amaranthacea Not Indigenous; Amaranthus hybridus subsp. hybridus L. e Naturalised Boraginaceae Anchusa riparia A.DC. LC Indigenous Apocynaceae Ancylobotrys capensis (Oliv.) Pichon LC Indigenous Poaceae Andropogon appendiculatus Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Andropogon chinensis (Nees) Merr. LC Indigenous Poaceae Andropogon eucomus Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Andropogon huillensis Rendle LC Indigenous (Schrad. ex G.Gaertn., Bryaceae Anomobryum julaceum B.Mey. & Indigenous Schreb.) Schimp. Poaceae Anthephora pubescens Nees LC Indigenous E.Mey. ex Rubiaceae Anthospermum hispidulum LC Indigenous Sond. Rubiaceae Anthospermum rigidum subsp. rigidum Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Icacinaceae Apodytes dimidiata subsp. dimidiata E.Mey. ex Arn. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Apocynaceae Araujia sericifera Brot. Naturalised; Invasive Argemone ochroleuca subsp. Not Indigenous; Papaveraceae Sweet ochroleuca Naturalised; Invasive Fabaceae Argyrolobium speciosum Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Argyrolobium tuberosum Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Poaceae Aristida adscensionis L. LC Indigenous Poaceae Aristida aequiglumis Hack. LC Indigenous (Nees) Trin. & Poaceae Aristida bipartita LC Indigenous Rupr. Poaceae Aristida canescens subsp. canescens Henrard LC Indigenous Roem. & Poaceae Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis LC Indigenous Schult. Roem. & Poaceae Aristida congesta subsp. congesta LC Indigenous Schult. Poaceae Aristida diffusa subsp. burkei Trin. LC Indigenous Poaceae Aristida junciformis subsp. junciformis Trin. & Rupr. LC Indigenous Poaceae Aristida scabrivalvis subsp. scabrivalvis Hack. LC Indigenous Poaceae Aristida stipitata subsp. graciliflora Hack. LC Indigenous Poaceae Aristida transvaalensis Henrard LC Indigenous Asteraceae Artemisia afra var. afra Jacq. ex Willd. LC Indigenous
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Poaceae Arundinella nepalensis Trin. LC Indigenous (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Asclepias adscendens LC Indigenous Schltr. (E.Mey.) Apocynaceae Asclepias albens LC Indigenous Schltr. (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Asclepias aurea LC Indigenous Schltr. (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Asclepias brevipes LC Indigenous; Endemic Schltr. Apocynaceae Asclepias crispa var. crispa P.J.Bergius LC Indigenous; Endemic Apocynaceae Asclepias eminens (Harv.) Schltr. LC Indigenous Apocynaceae Asclepias stellifera Schltr. LC Indigenous Asparagaceae Asparagus africanus Lam. LC Indigenous (Jessop) J.- Asparagaceae Asparagus angusticladus P.Lebrun & LC Indigenous Stork Asparagaceae Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce LC Indigenous Asparagaceae Asparagus cooperi Baker LC Indigenous (Oberm.) Asparagaceae Asparagus flavicaulis subsp. flavicaulis Fellingham & LC Indigenous N.L.Mey. Asparagaceae Asparagus laricinus Burch. LC Indigenous Asparagaceae Asparagus suaveolens Burch. LC Indigenous (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Aspidoglossum lamellatum LC Indigenous Kupicha (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Aspidoglossum ovalifolium LC Indigenous Kupicha (Burm.f.) Aspleniaceae Asplenium aethiopicum LC Indigenous Bech. (Kunze) Bir, Aspleniaceae Asplenium capense Fraser-Jenk. & LC Indigenous Lovis (Nees) Aytoniaceae Asterella marginata Indigenous; Endemic S.W.Arnell Astragalus atropilosulus subsp. (Hochst.) Fabaceae NE Indigenous burkeanus Bunge Asteraceae Athrixia elata Sond. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Poaceae Avena fatua L. NE Naturalised; Invasive Iridaceae Babiana bainesii Baker LC Indigenous Acanthaceae Barleria macrostegia Nees LC Indigenous Acanthaceae Barleria obtusa Nees LC Indigenous Planch. ex Elatinaceae Bergia decumbens LC Indigenous Harv. Asteraceae Berkheya insignis (Harv.) Thell. LC Indigenous (Harv.) De Asteraceae Berkheya radula LC Indigenous Wild. Asteraceae Berkheya seminivea Harv. & Sond. LC Indigenous; Endemic Asteraceae Berkheya setifera DC. LC Indigenous (DC.) Asteraceae Berkheya speciosa subsp. lanceolata LC Indigenous O.Hoffm. Asteraceae Berkheya zeyheri subsp. zeyheri Oliv. & Hiern LC Indigenous (Hiern) Spalik Apiaceae Berula repanda LC Indigenous & S.R.Downie
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(Hack. ex Poaceae Bewsia biflora Schinz) LC Indigenous Gooss. Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Bidens bipinnata L. Naturalised Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Bidens pilosa L. Naturalised Acanthaceae Blepharis innocua C.B.Clarke LC Indigenous; Endemic (Nees) Acanthaceae Blepharis squarrosa LC Indigenous; Endemic T.Anderson Acanthaceae Blepharis stainbankiae C.B.Clarke LC Indigenous; Endemic (Retz.) Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii LC Indigenous S.T.Blake Not Indigenous; Poaceae Brachiaria advena Vickery NE Naturalised Poaceae Brachiaria brizantha (A.Rich.) Stapf LC Indigenous Poaceae Brachiaria eruciformis (Sm.) Griseb. LC Indigenous Poaceae Brachiaria serrata (Thunb.) Stapf LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Brachycorythis tenuior Rchb.f. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Brachylaena rotundata S.Moore LC Indigenous
Asteraceae Brachylaena sp. (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Brachystelma chloranthum LC Indigenous Peckover (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Brachystelma nanum LC Indigenous; Endemic N.E.Br. (Kuntze) Rubiaceae Bridsonia chamaedendrum Verstraete & Indigenous A.E.van Wyk Not Indigenous; Poaceae Briza minor L. NE Naturalised; Invasive Bryaceae Bryum alpinum Huds. ex With. Indigenous Bryaceae Bryum argenteum Hedw. Indigenous (Dixon) Bryaceae Bryum pycnophyllum Indigenous Mohamed Orobanchacea (Thunb.) Buchnera simplex LC Indigenous e Druce Scrophulariace Buddleja saligna Willd. LC Indigenous ae Scrophulariace Buddleja salviifolia (L.) Lam. LC Indigenous ae Asphodelaceae Bulbine capitata Poelln. LC Indigenous (Thunb.) Asphodelaceae Bulbine favosa Schult. & LC Indigenous Schult.f. (Ficalho & Cyperaceae Bulbostylis burchellii Hiern) LC Indigenous C.B.Clarke (Nees) Cyperaceae Bulbostylis contexta LC Indigenous M.Bodard (Kunth) Cyperaceae Bulbostylis humilis LC Indigenous C.B.Clarke (Ridl.) Cyperaceae Bulbostylis oritrephes LC Indigenous C.B.Clarke (Kunth) Cyperaceae Bulbostylis schoenoides LC Indigenous C.B.Clarke Asteraceae Callilepis leptophylla Harv. LC Indigenous Rutaceae Calodendrum capense (L.f.) Thunb. LC Indigenous
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Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Less.) DC. Naturalised; Invasive Leucobryaceae Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid. Indigenous (F.W.Schultz) Leucobryaceae Campylopus pyriformis Indigenous Brid. Not Indigenous; Cannaceae Canna indica L. NE Naturalised; Invasive Cyperaceae Carex spartea Wahlenb. Indigenous (L.) Desf. ex Apocynaceae Carissa bispinosa LC Indigenous Brenan (Hochst.) Icacinaceae Cassinopsis ilicifolia LC Indigenous Kuntze Cannabaceae Celtis africana Burm.f. LC Indigenous Apiaceae Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. LC Indigenous Dipsacaceae Cephalaria zeyheriana Szabo LC Indigenous Caryophyllace E.Mey. ex Cerastium arabidis LC Indigenous ae Fenzl Caryophyllace Cerastium capense Sond. LC Indigenous ae Ceratodon purpureus subsp. Ditrichaceae (Hedw.) Brid. Indigenous stenocarpus Apocynaceae Ceropegia rendallii N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Cestrum aurantiacum Lindl. Naturalised; Invasive Scrophulariace (Hiern) Chaenostoma leve LC Indigenous ae Kornhall (Steyaert) Fabaceae Chamaecrista biensis LC Indigenous Lock (Thunb.) Fabaceae Chamaecrista capensis var. flavescens LC Indigenous E.Mey. Fabaceae Chamaecrista comosa var. capricornia E.Mey. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene LC Indigenous (Kunze) Mett. Pteridaceae Cheilanthes contracta LC Indigenous; Endemic ex Kuhn (Schelpe) Pteridaceae Cheilanthes dolomiticola Schelpe & LC Indigenous; Endemic N.C.Anthony Pteridaceae Cheilanthes eckloniana (Kunze) Mett. LC Indigenous Pteridaceae Cheilanthes hirta var. brevipilosa Sw. LC Indigenous Pteridaceae Cheilanthes hirta var. hirta Sw. LC Indigenous (Sw.) Schelpe Pteridaceae Cheilanthes involuta var. involuta & LC Indigenous N.C.Anthony (Sw.) Schelpe Pteridaceae Cheilanthes involuta var. obscura & LC Indigenous N.C.Anthony Pteridaceae Cheilanthes multifida subsp. lacerata (Sw.) Sw. LC Indigenous Pteridaceae Cheilanthes multifida var. multifida (Sw.) Sw. LC Indigenous Pteridaceae Cheilanthes viridis var. glauca (Forssk.) Sw. LC Indigenous Pteridaceae Cheilanthes viridis var. viridis (Forssk.) Sw. LC Indigenous Amaranthacea Chenopodium mucronatum Thunb. LC Indigenous e Gentianaceae Chironia palustris subsp. transvaalensis Burch. LC Indigenous (E.Mey.) Gentianaceae Chironia purpurascens subsp. humilis Benth. & LC Indigenous Hook.f.
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Poaceae Chloris pycnothrix Trin. LC Indigenous Poaceae Chloris virgata Sw. LC Indigenous Agavaceae Chlorophytum bowkeri Baker LC Indigenous Agavaceae Chlorophytum cooperi (Baker) Nordal LC Indigenous Agavaceae Chlorophytum fasciculatum (Baker) Kativu LC Indigenous Agavaceae Chlorophytum transvaalense (Baker) Kativu LC Indigenous Thelypteridace (Mett.) Christella gueinziana Indigenous ae Holttum Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Cichorium intybus subsp. intybus L. Naturalised; Invasive Asteraceae Cineraria albicans N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Cineraria aspera Thunb. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Cineraria austrotransvaalensis Cron NT Indigenous; Endemic Asteraceae Cineraria lobata subsp. lobata L'Her. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Cineraria longipes S.Moore VU Indigenous; Endemic Asteraceae Cineraria parvifolia Burtt Davy LC Indigenous; Endemic
Asteraceae Cineraria sp. Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Naturalised; Invasive Ranunculaceae Clematis brachiata Thunb. LC Indigenous
Ranunculaceae Clematis oweniae Harv. Indigenous (Sond.) Cleomaceae Cleome maculata LC Indigenous Szyszyl. Cleomaceae Cleome monophylla L. LC Indigenous Rosaceae Cliffortia linearifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous (Engl.) R.E.Fr. Rosaceae Cliffortia nitidula subsp. pilosa Indigenous & T.C.E.Fr. Euphorbiaceae Clutia natalensis Bernh. LC Indigenous Euphorbiaceae Clutia pulchella var. pulchella L. LC Indigenous (A.Rich.) Cucurbitaceae Coccinia adoensis LC Indigenous Cogn. Combretum apiculatum subsp. Combretaceae Sond. LC Indigenous apiculatum Combretaceae Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. LC Indigenous Commelinacea Commelina africana var. africana L. LC Indigenous e Commelinacea Commelina africana var. krebsiana L. LC Indigenous e Commelinacea Commelina africana var. lancispatha L. LC Indigenous e Commelinacea Commelina benghalensis L. LC Indigenous e Commelinacea Commelina subulata Roth LC Indigenous e Convolvulacea Convolvulus ocellatus var. ocellatus Hook. LC Indigenous e Convolvulacea Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. LC Indigenous e Convolvulacea Roem. & Convolvulus thunbergii LC Indigenous e Schult. Asteraceae Conyza podocephala DC. Indigenous Asteraceae Conyza scabrida DC. Indigenous
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(Retz.) Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Conyza sumatrensis var. sumatrensis E.Walker Naturalised; Invasive (Willd.) Rubiaceae Cordylostigma virgata Groeninckx & Indigenous Dessein (Schult.) Asch. Not Indigenous; Poaceae Cortaderia selloana NE & Graebn. Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. Naturalised Asteraceae Cotula hispida (DC.) Harv. LC Indigenous Crassulaceae Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga L. LC Indigenous
Asteraceae Crassocephalum picridifolium (DC.) S.Moore Indigenous Crassulaceae Crassula alba var. alba Forssk. NE Indigenous Crassulaceae Crassula expansa subsp. expansa Aiton LC Indigenous Crassulaceae Crassula setulosa var. jenkinsii Harv. NE Indigenous; Endemic Crassulaceae Crassula setulosa var. setulosa Harv. NE Indigenous Crassulaceae Crassula vaginata subsp. vaginata Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Herincq ex Rosaceae Crataegus lavalleei Cultivated; Lavallee Naturalised Cucurbitaceae Cucumis hirsutus Sond. LC Indigenous Cucurbitaceae Cucumis zeyheri Sond. LC Indigenous Convolvulacea Not Indigenous; Cuscuta campestris Yunck. e Naturalised; Invasive Araliaceae Cussonia paniculata subsp. paniculata Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous; Endemic Araliaceae Cussonia paniculata subsp. sinuata Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Commelinacea Cyanotis speciosa (L.f.) Hassk. LC Indigenous e Amaranthacea (Schrad.) Cyathula uncinulata LC Indigenous e Schinz (Hampe ex Pilotrichaceae Cyclodictyon vallis-gratiae Mull.Hal.) Indigenous Kuntze (Pers.) Sprague ex Not Indigenous; Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Britton & Naturalised P.Wilson Orobanchacea Cycnium tubulosum subsp. tubulosum (L.f.) Engl. LC Indigenous e (Hook. & Arn.) Poaceae Cymbopogon caesius LC Indigenous Stapf Stapf ex Poaceae Cymbopogon dieterlenii LC Indigenous E.Phillips Poaceae Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle LC Indigenous (Stapf) Poaceae Cymbopogon prolixus LC Indigenous E.Phillips Poaceae Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. LC Indigenous Poaceae Cynodon hirsutus Stent LC Indigenous Poaceae Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy LC Indigenous Boraginaceae Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forssk. LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus albostriatus Schrad. LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus congestus Vahl LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis Lam. Naturalised Cyperaceae Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus L. LC Indigenous
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Cyperaceae Cyperus leptocladus Kunth LC Indigenous Cyperus margaritaceus var. Cyperaceae Vahl LC Indigenous margaritaceus Cyperaceae Cyperus obtusiflorus var. flavissimus Vahl LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus obtusiflorus var. obtusiflorus Vahl LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus rupestris var. rupestris Kunth LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus semitrifidus Schrad. LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus sexangularis Nees LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Cyperus sphaerospermus Schrad. LC Indigenous (Steud.) Cyperaceae Cyperus uitenhagensis C.Archer & LC Indigenous Goetgh. Lobeliaceae Cyphia stenopetala Diels LC Indigenous (Harv.) Desc. Vitaceae Cyphostemma lanigerum ex Wild & LC Indigenous R.B.Drumm. Vitaceae Cyphostemma sandersonii (Harv.) Desc. LC Indigenous Thymelaeacea Dais cotinifolia L. LC Indigenous e Euphorbiaceae Dalechampia capensis A.Spreng. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Datura ferox L. Naturalised; Invasive Aizoaceae Delosperma leendertziae N.E.Br. NT Indigenous; Endemic
Aizoaceae Delosperma sp. Fabaceae Desmodium repandum (Vahl) DC. LC Indigenous Caryophyllace Dianthus mooiensis subsp. kirkii F.N.Williams NE Indigenous ae Caryophyllace Dianthus mooiensis subsp. mooiensis F.N.Williams NE Indigenous; Endemic ae Fabaceae Dichilus lebeckioides DC. LC Indigenous Conrath ex Fabaceae Dichilus pilosus LC Indigenous; Endemic Schinz Fabaceae Dichilus strictus E.Mey. LC Indigenous Scrophulariace (Hiern) Hilliard Diclis rotundifolia LC Indigenous ae & B.L.Burtt Asteraceae Dicoma anomala subsp. gerrardii Sond. LC Indigenous
Pottiaceae Didymodon tophaceus (Brid.) Lisa Indigenous (Thunb.) Friis Urticaceae Didymodoxa caffra LC Indigenous & Wilmot-Dear Not Indigenous; Poaceae Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler NE Naturalised Poaceae Digitaria diagonalis var. diagonalis (Nees) Stapf LC Indigenous Poaceae Digitaria eriantha Steud. LC Indigenous Poaceae Digitaria eylesii C.E.Hubb. LC Indigenous Poaceae Digitaria monodactyla (Nees) Stapf LC Indigenous
Poaceae Digitaria sp. Poaceae Digitaria ternata (A.Rich.) Stapf LC Indigenous (Forssk.) Poaceae Digitaria velutina LC Indigenous P.Beauv. Diheteropogon amplectens var. (Nees) Poaceae LC Indigenous amplectens Clayton Asteraceae Dimorphotheca spectabilis Schltr. LC Indigenous; Endemic
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Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea retusa Mast. LC Indigenous Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides subsp. guerkei Desf. LC Indigenous Ebenaceae Diospyros lycioides subsp. lycioides Desf. LC Indigenous (Hiern) Ebenaceae Diospyros whyteana LC Indigenous F.White Hyacinthaceae Dipcadi marlothii Engl. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Disa patula var. transvaalensis Sond. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Disperis anthoceros var. anthoceros Rchb.f. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Disperis micrantha Lindl. LC Indigenous (Mull.Hal.) Ditrichaceae Ditrichum brachypodum Indigenous Broth. Fabaceae Dolichos angustifolius Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous (Hochst.) Malvaceae Dombeya rotundifolia var. rotundifolia LC Indigenous Planch. Salicaceae Dovyalis zeyheri (Sond.) Warb. LC Indigenous Muasya, Cyperaceae Dracoscirpoides surculosa Reynders & LC Indigenous Goetgh. Hyacinthaceae Drimia calcarata (Baker) Stedje LC Indigenous (Baker) Hyacinthaceae Drimia depressa LC Indigenous Jessop (Baker) Hyacinthaceae Drimia intricata J.C.Manning & LC Indigenous Goldblatt (Baker) Hyacinthaceae Drimia multisetosa LC Indigenous Jessop N.E.Br. ex Droseraceae Drosera collinsiae LC Indigenous Burtt Davy Dryopteridacea (Kunze) Dryopteris athamantica LC Indigenous e Kuntze Acanthaceae Dyschoriste costata (Nees) Kuntze LC Indigenous; Endemic (R.Br.) Amaranthacea Not Indigenous; Dysphania pumilio Mosyakin & e Naturalised; Invasive Clemants Poaceae Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv. LC Indigenous Poaceae Echinochloa haploclada (Stapf) Stapf LC Indigenous (Thunb.) Boraginaceae Ehretia rigida subsp. nervifolia LC Indigenous Druce Poaceae Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Lam. LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Eleocharis dregeana Steud. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. LC Indigenous (Burch.) Fabaceae Elephantorrhiza elephantina LC Indigenous Skeels Poaceae Eleusine coracana subsp. africana (L.) Gaertn. LC Indigenous (Spreng.) Poaceae Elionurus muticus LC Indigenous Kunth (Sond.) Sapotaceae Englerophytum magalismontanum LC Indigenous T.D.Penn. Poaceae Enneapogon pretoriensis Stent LC Indigenous Poaceae Enneapogon scoparius Stapf LC Indigenous Onagraceae Epilobium salignum Hausskn. LC Indigenous Poaceae Eragrostis aspera (Jacq.) Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin. LC Indigenous
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Poaceae Eragrostis chloromelas Steud. LC Indigenous (All.) Vignolo Poaceae Eragrostis cilianensis LC Indigenous ex Janch. (Schrad.) Poaceae Eragrostis curvula LC Indigenous Nees Poaceae Eragrostis gummiflua Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Eragrostis heteromera Stapf LC Indigenous Eragrostis lehmanniana var. Poaceae Nees LC Indigenous lehmanniana (Hornem.) Not Indigenous; Poaceae Eragrostis mexicana subsp. virescens NE Link Naturalised Poaceae Eragrostis patentipilosa Hack. LC Indigenous Poaceae Eragrostis plana Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Eragrostis planiculmis Nees LC Indigenous (Thunb.) Poaceae Eragrostis racemosa LC Indigenous Steud. Poaceae Eragrostis sclerantha subsp. sclerantha Nees LC Indigenous
Poaceae Eragrostis sp. Poaceae Eragrostis superba Peyr. LC Indigenous (Zuccagni) Not Indigenous; Poaceae Eragrostis tef NE Trotter Naturalised Ericaceae Erica alopecurus var. glabriflora Harv. LC Indigenous; Endemic Benth. ex Fabaceae Eriosema burkei var. burkei LC Indigenous Harv. Fabaceae Eriosema cordatum E.Mey. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Eriosema nutans Schinz LC Indigenous Fabaceae Eriosema salignum E.Mey. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Eriosema transvaalense C.H.Stirt. LC Indigenous Ruscaceae Eriospermum cooperi var. cooperi Baker LC Indigenous (Baker) Ruscaceae Eriospermum flagelliforme LC Indigenous J.C.Manning Ruscaceae Eriospermum porphyrium Archibald LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Brassicaceae Eruca sativa Mill. Naturalised Fabaceae Erythrina lysistemon Hutch. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; F.Muell. ex Myrtaceae Eucalyptus cinerea Cultivated; Benth. Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Myrtaceae Eucalyptus globulus subsp. maidenii Labill. Cultivated; Naturalised (Thunb.) Ebenaceae Euclea crispa subsp. crispa LC Indigenous Gurke Ebenaceae Euclea undulata Thunb. LC Indigenous Hyacinthaceae Eucomis autumnalis subsp. clavata (Mill.) Chitt. NE Indigenous Orchidaceae Eulophia calanthoides Schltr. LC Indigenous; Endemic Orchidaceae Eulophia hians var. hians Spreng. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Eulophia hians var. inaequalis Spreng. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Eulophia ovalis var. bainesii Lindl. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Eulophia tuberculata Bolus LC Indigenous
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Not Indigenous; Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia hirsuta L. Naturalised; Invasive Bernh. ex Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia natalensis LC Indigenous Krauss Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia pseudotuberosa Pax LC Indigenous Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia spartaria N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia striata Thunb. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Euryops chrysanthemoides (DC.) B.Nord. LC Indigenous; Endemic (Harv.) Burtt Asteraceae Euryops laxus LC Indigenous Davy Euryops transvaalensis subsp. Asteraceae Klatt LC Indigenous transvaalensis (Vahl) Lanza Poaceae Eustachys paspaloides LC Indigenous & Mattei Convolvulacea Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. LC Indigenous e (E.Mey.) Gentianaceae Exochaenium grande LC Indigenous Griseb. Not Indigenous; Polygonaceae Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Holub Naturalised Felicia fruticosa subsp. (L.) Asteraceae LC Indigenous; Endemic brevipedunculata G.Nicholson Asteraceae Felicia muricata subsp. muricata (Thunb.) Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Festuca caprina Nees LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Ficinia stolonifera Boeck. LC Indigenous Moraceae Ficus abutilifolia (Miq.) Miq. LC Indigenous Moraceae Ficus cordata subsp. cordata Thunb. LC Indigenous
Moraceae Ficus ingens var. ingens (Miq.) Miq. Indigenous Moraceae Ficus salicifolia Vahl LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Fimbristylis complanata (Retz.) Link LC Indigenous
Fissidentaceae Fissidens bryoides Hedw. Indigenous Not Indigenous; Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare Mill. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Iridaceae Freesia grandiflora subsp. grandiflora (Baker) Klatt LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Fuirena pubescens var. pubescens (Poir.) Kunth LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Fuirena stricta var. stricta Steud. LC Indigenous Sond. ex Not Indigenous; Fumariaceae Fumaria muralis subsp. muralis W.D.J.Koch Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Galinsoga parviflora Cav. Naturalised Rubiaceae Galium spurium subsp. africanum L. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Gazania krebsiana subsp. serrulata Less. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Geigeria burkei subsp. burkei Harv. NE Indigenous; Endemic Asteraceae Geigeria burkei subsp. burkei Harv. NE Indigenous (Cass.) Asteraceae Gerbera ambigua LC Indigenous Sch.Bip. Asteraceae Gerbera piloselloides (L.) Cass. LC Indigenous Iridaceae Gladiolus antholyzoides Baker LC Indigenous; Endemic Iridaceae Gladiolus crassifolius Baker LC Indigenous Iridaceae Gladiolus dalenii subsp. dalenii Van Geel LC Indigenous Iridaceae Gladiolus longicollis subsp. platypetalus Baker LC Indigenous
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Iridaceae Gladiolus papilio Hook.f. LC Indigenous Iridaceae Gladiolus permeabilis subsp. edulis D.Delaroche LC Indigenous Iridaceae Gladiolus woodii Baker LC Indigenous Thymelaeacea (C.A.Mey.) Gnidia gymnostachya LC Indigenous e Gilg Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. Apocynaceae (L.) W.T.Aiton LC Indigenous decipiens Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. Apocynaceae (L.) W.T.Aiton LC Indigenous fruticosus Amaranthacea Not Indigenous; Gomphrena celosioides Mart. e Naturalised Orobanchacea Graderia subintegra Mast. LC Indigenous e Malvaceae Grewia occidentalis var. occidentalis L. LC Indigenous (Hook.f.) Asteraceae Gymnanthemum myrianthum LC Indigenous H.Rob. Celastraceae Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. LC Indigenous Gymnosporia polyacantha subsp. (Sond.) Celastraceae LC Indigenous; Endemic vaccinifolia Szyszyl. Kraenzl. & Orchidaceae Habenaria barbertoni NT Indigenous; Endemic Schltr. Amaryllidaceae Haemanthus humilis subsp. hirsutus Jacq. LC Indigenous Stilbaceae Halleria lucida L. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Haplocarpha scaposa Harv. LC Indigenous Poaceae Harpochloa falx (L.f.) Kuntze LC Indigenous Orobanchacea Harveya pumila Schltr. LC Indigenous e Not Indigenous; Zingiberaceae Hedychium gardnerianum Ker Gawl. Naturalised; Invasive Asteraceae Helichrysum acutatum DC. LC Indigenous (Kuntze) Asteraceae Helichrysum athrixiifolium LC Indigenous Moeser Asteraceae Helichrysum aureonitens Sch.Bip. LC Indigenous Helichrysum aureum var. Asteraceae (Houtt.) Merr. NE Indigenous monocephalum Asteraceae Helichrysum caespititium (DC.) Harv. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum callicomum Harv. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum cephaloideum DC. LC Indigenous Helichrysum cerastioides var. Asteraceae DC. LC Indigenous cerastioides Asteraceae Helichrysum chionosphaerum DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum difficile Hilliard LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum lepidissimum S.Moore LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum mundtii Harv. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum nudifolium var. nudifolium (L.) Less. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum nudifolium var. oxyphyllum (L.) Less. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum oreophilum Klatt LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum paronychioides DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum polycladum Klatt LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum rugulosum Less. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum setosum Harv. LC Indigenous
Asteraceae Helichrysum sp.
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Asteraceae Helichrysum stenopterum DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Helichrysum uninervium Burtt Davy LC Indigenous; Endemic (Stapf) Poaceae Helictotrichon turgidulum LC Indigenous Schweick. Rhamnaceae Helinus integrifolius (Lam.) Kuntze LC Indigenous Brassicaceae Heliophila rigidiuscula Sond. LC Indigenous Boraginaceae Heliotropium nelsonii C.H.Wright LC Indigenous (Poir.) Stapf & Poaceae Hemarthria altissima LC Indigenous C.E.Hubb. (E.Mey. ex Malvaceae Hermannia cordata E.Phillips) De LC Indigenous; Endemic Winter Malvaceae Hermannia depressa N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Hermannia floribunda Harv. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Hermannia lancifolia Szyszyl. LC Indigenous; Endemic Malvaceae Hermannia umbratica I.Verd. LC Indigenous; Endemic (Backh. & Harv.) Iridaceae Hesperantha coccinea LC Indigenous Goldblatt & J.C.Manning Iridaceae Hesperantha leucantha Baker LC Indigenous (Spreng.) Heteromorpha arborescens var. Apiaceae Cham. & LC Indigenous abyssinica Schltdl. (L.) Roem. & Poaceae Heteropogon contortus LC Indigenous Schult. Malvaceae Hibiscus aethiopicus var. ovatus L. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Hibiscus engleri K.Schum. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Hibiscus lunariifolius Willd. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Hibiscus microcarpus Garcke LC Indigenous Malvaceae Hibiscus subreniformis Burtt Davy LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Malvaceae Hibiscus trionum L. Naturalised Asteraceae Hilliardiella aristata (DC.) H.Rob. LC Indigenous (DC.) Asteraceae Hilliardiella elaeagnoides Swelank. & Indigenous J.C.Manning Asteraceae Hilliardiella hirsuta (DC.) H.Rob. LC Indigenous
Asteraceae Hilliardiella sutherlandii (Harv.) H.Rob. Indigenous Araliaceae Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. LC Indigenous Poaceae Hyparrhenia anamesa Clayton LC Indigenous (Nees) Stapf Poaceae Hyparrhenia dregeana LC Indigenous ex Stent (Hochst.) Poaceae Hyparrhenia filipendula var. pilosa LC Indigenous Stapf Poaceae Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf LC Indigenous Poaceae Hyparrhenia tamba (Steud.) Stapf LC Indigenous Hypericaceae Hypericum aethiopicum subsp. sonderi Thunb. LC Indigenous Hypericaceae Hypericum lalandii Choisy LC Indigenous Hypericaceae Hypericum revolutum subsp. revolutum Vahl LC Indigenous (Sch.Bip.) Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Hypochaeris microcephala var. albiflora Cabrera Naturalised
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Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata L. Naturalised Acanthaceae Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br. LC Indigenous Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis acuminata Baker LC Indigenous Harv. ex Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis argentea var. argentea LC Indigenous Baker Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis filiformis Baker LC Indigenous Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis galpinii Baker LC Indigenous Fisch., Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis hemerocallidea C.A.Mey. & LC Indigenous Ave-Lall. Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis interjecta Nel LC Indigenous; Endemic Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis iridifolia Baker LC Indigenous Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis oblonga Nel LC Indigenous; Endemic Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis rigidula var. pilosissima Baker LC Indigenous Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis rigidula var. rigidula Baker LC Indigenous
Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis sp. Aquifoliaceae Ilex mitis var. mitis (L.) Radlk. LC Indigenous Poaceae Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. LC Indigenous (Benth. ex Fabaceae Indigastrum burkeanum LC Indigenous Harv.) Schrire Fabaceae Indigofera comosa N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Prain & Baker Fabaceae Indigofera confusa LC Indigenous f. Benth. ex Fabaceae Indigofera cryptantha var. cryptantha LC Indigenous Harv. Vogel ex Fabaceae Indigofera dimidiata LC Indigenous Walp. Fabaceae Indigofera frondosa N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Indigofera hedyantha Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous
Fabaceae Indigofera hilaris Eckl. & Zeyh. Indigenous Fabaceae Indigofera hilaris var. hilaris Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Benth. ex Fabaceae Indigofera melanadenia LC Indigenous Harv. Welw. ex Fabaceae Indigofera oxalidea LC Indigenous Baker Benth. ex Fabaceae Indigofera oxytropis LC Indigenous Harv. Spreng. ex Fabaceae Indigofera zeyheri LC Indigenous Eckl. & Zeyh. Convolvulacea Not Indigenous; Ipomoea alba L. e Naturalised; Invasive Convolvulacea Ipomoea bathycolpos Hallier f. LC Indigenous; Endemic e Convolvulacea Ipomoea crassipes var. crassipes Hook. LC Indigenous e Convolvulacea Not Indigenous; Ipomoea indica (Burm.f.) Merr. e Naturalised; Invasive Convolvulacea Ipomoea obscura var. obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. LC Indigenous e Convolvulacea Ipomoea ommanneyi Rendle LC Indigenous e Convolvulacea Not Indigenous; Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth e Naturalised; Invasive Convolvulacea Ipomoea simplex Thunb. LC Indigenous e
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Not Indigenous; Iridaceae Iris pseudacorus L. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Poaceae Ischaemum fasciculatum Brongn. LC Indigenous Hochst. ex Cyperaceae Isolepis costata LC Indigenous A.Rich. Pylaisiadelpha Isopterygium sp. ceae Scrophulariace (Burch.) Jamesbrittenia aurantiaca LC Indigenous ae Hilliard Scrophulariace (Benth.) Jamesbrittenia burkeana LC Indigenous ae Hilliard Scrophulariace (Galpin) Jamesbrittenia grandiflora LC Indigenous ae Hilliard Oleaceae Jasminum angulare Vahl LC Indigenous Oleaceae Jasminum multipartitum Hochst. LC Indigenous Juncaceae Juncus dregeanus subsp. dregeanus Kunth LC Indigenous Juncaceae Juncus effusus L. LC Indigenous Juncaceae Juncus exsertus Buchenau LC Indigenous Juncaceae Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng. LC Indigenous E.Mey. ex Juncaceae Juncus oxycarpus LC Indigenous Kunth Crassulaceae Kalanchoe paniculata Harv. LC Indigenous Crassulaceae Kalanchoe rotundifolia (Haw.) Haw. LC Indigenous Crassulaceae Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Harv. LC Indigenous (N.E.Br.) Aizoaceae Khadia acutipetala LC Indigenous; Endemic N.E.Br. Achariaceae Kiggelaria africana L. LC Indigenous Asphodelaceae Kniphofia porphyrantha Baker LC Indigenous Poaceae Koeleria capensis (Steud.) Nees LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Kohautia amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Kohautia caespitosa subsp. brachyloba Schnizl. LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Kyllinga alata Nees LC Indigenous Cyperaceae Kyllinga erecta var. erecta Schumach. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Lablab purpureus subsp. uncinatus (L.) Sweet LC Indigenous Asteraceae Lactuca inermis Forssk. LC Indigenous Hydrocharitace Lagarosiphon muscoides Harv. LC Indigenous ae (Vahl) Hepper Asteraceae Laggera crispata LC Indigenous & J.R.I.Wood Anacardiaceae Lannea edulis var. edulis (Sond.) Engl. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Verbenaceae Lantana camara L. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Verbenaceae Lantana rugosa Thunb. LC Indigenous Thymelaeacea Lasiosiphon caffer Meisn. LC Indigenous e Thymelaeacea Lasiosiphon canoargenteus C.H.Wright LC Indigenous; Endemic e Thymelaeacea (L.f.) Burtt Lasiosiphon capitatus LC Indigenous e Davy Thymelaeacea (Meisn.) Lasiosiphon kraussianus Indigenous e Meisn.
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(Meisn.) Thymelaeacea Lasiosiphon microcephalus J.C.Manning & Indigenous e Magee Laurembergia repens subsp. (L.) Haloragaceae LC Indigenous brachypoda P.J.Bergius (Baker) Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria burkei J.C.Manning & Indigenous Goldblatt (Hook.f.) Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria cooperi LC Indigenous Jessop Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria luteola Jessop LC Indigenous (Baker) Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria marginata LC Indigenous Jessop Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria revoluta (L.f.) Jessop LC Indigenous
Hyacinthaceae Ledebouria sp. (N.E.Br.) B.- Fabaceae Leobordea adpressa subsp. leptantha E.van Wyk & DD Indigenous; Endemic Boatwr. (E.Mey.) B.- Fabaceae Leobordea carinata E.van Wyk & LC Indigenous Boatwr. Fabaceae Leobordea divaricata Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous (Benth.) B.- Fabaceae Leobordea eriantha E.van Wyk & LC Indigenous Boatwr. (Bolus) B.- Fabaceae Leobordea foliosa E.van Wyk & LC Indigenous Boatwr. (Schinz) B.- Fabaceae Leobordea hirsuta E.van Wyk & LC Indigenous; Endemic Boatwr. (Conrath) B.- Fabaceae Leobordea mucronata E.van Wyk & Indigenous Boatwr. (Burm.f.) Lamiaceae Leonotis ocymifolia LC Indigenous Iwarsson Lamiaceae Leonotis schinzii Gurke LC Indigenous Brassicaceae Lepidium africanum subsp. africanum (Burm.f.) DC. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Brassicaceae Lepidium bonariense L. Naturalised Brassicaceae Lepidium transvaalense Marais LC Indigenous Polypodiaceae Lepisorus schraderi (Mett.) Ching LC Indigenous (L.) Goldblatt Fabaceae Lessertia frutescens subsp. frutescens LC Indigenous & J.C.Manning Fabaceae Lessertia stricta L.Bolus LC Indigenous Leucaena leucocephala subsp. Not Indigenous; Fabaceae (Lam.) de Wit NE leucocephala Naturalised Rosaceae Leucosidea sericea Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense Lour. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Linaceae Linum thunbergii Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Linzia glabra Steetz LC Indigenous (Burm.f.) Verbenaceae Lippia javanica LC Indigenous Spreng. Fabaceae Listia heterophylla E.Mey. LC Indigenous Boraginaceae Lithospermum cinereum A.DC. LC Indigenous
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Lobeliaceae Lobelia erinus L. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Poaceae Lolium multiflorum Lam. NE Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Poaceae Lolium perenne L. NE Naturalised; Invasive Poaceae Lophacme digitata Stapf LC Indigenous (Sond.) Asteraceae Lopholaena coriifolia E.Phillips & LC Indigenous C.A.Sm. Fabaceae Lotononis laxa Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Lotus discolor subsp. discolor E.Mey. LC Indigenous (Nees) Poaceae Loudetia simplex LC Indigenous C.E.Hubb. (L.) Dumort. Lunulariaceae Lunularia cruciata Indigenous ex Lindb. (Sond.) Asteraceae Macledium zeyheri subsp. zeyheri LC Indigenous S.Ortiz Capparaceae Maerua cafra (DC.) Pax LC Indigenous Scrophulariace Manulea paniculata Benth. LC Indigenous ae Scrophulariace Manulea parviflora var. parviflora Benth. LC Indigenous ae Marchantiacea Marchantia polymorpha subsp. Not Indigenous; L. e ruderalis Naturalised (Thunb.) Celastraceae Maytenus undata LC Indigenous Blakelock Orobanchacea Melasma scabrum var. scabrum P.J.Bergius LC Indigenous e Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Melilotus indicus (L.) All. NE Naturalised; Invasive (Franch.) Poaceae Melinis nerviglumis LC Indigenous Zizka Poaceae Melinis repens subsp. repens (Willd.) Zizka LC Indigenous Oleaceae Menodora africana Hook. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Mentha aquatica L. LC Indigenous Poaceae Microchloa caffra Nees LC Indigenous Phrymaceae Mimulus gracilis R.Br. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis jalapa L. Naturalised; Invasive Poaceae Miscanthus junceus (Stapf) Pilg. LC Indigenous Anemiaceae Mohria vestita Baker LC Indigenous Poaceae Monocymbium ceresiiforme (Nees) Stapf LC Indigenous Lobeliaceae Monopsis decipiens (Sond.) Thulin LC Indigenous E.Mey. ex Geraniaceae Monsonia angustifolia LC Indigenous A.Rich. Geraniaceae Monsonia attenuata Harv. LC Indigenous (Baker) Iridaceae Moraea pallida LC Indigenous Goldblatt Iridaceae Moraea stricta Baker LC Indigenous Myricaceae Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick LC Indigenous (Willd.) Fabaceae Mundulea sericea subsp. sericea LC Indigenous A.Chev. Myricaceae Myrica sp.
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Not Indigenous; Haloragaceae Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. Celastraceae (Thunb.) Loes. LC Indigenous; Endemic aethiopicum Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. Celastraceae (Thunb.) Loes. LC Indigenous; Endemic burkeanum Not Indigenous; Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale R.Br. Naturalised; Invasive Scrophulariace (Thunb.) Nemesia fruticans LC Indigenous ae Benth. Scrophulariace Nemesia rupicola Hilliard LC Indigenous ae Amaryllidaceae Nerine angustifolia (Baker) Baker LC Indigenous (Sond.) Lythraceae Nesaea sagittifolia var. sagittifolia LC Indigenous Koehne Lythraceae Nesaea schinzii Koehne LC Indigenous Asteraceae Nidorella anomala Steetz LC Indigenous Asteraceae Nidorella hottentotica DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Nolletia rarifolia (Turcz.) Steetz LC Indigenous; Endemic R.Br. ex Stilbaceae Nuxia congesta LC Indigenous Fresen. (C.A.Sm.) Stilbaceae Nuxia glomerulata LC Indigenous; Endemic I.Verd. E.Mey. ex Lamiaceae Ocimum obovatum subsp. obovatum NE Indigenous Benth. Not Indigenous; Onagraceae Oenothera jamesii Torr. & A.Gray Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Onagraceae Oenothera rosea L'Her. ex Aiton Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Onagraceae Oenothera stricta subsp. stricta Ledeb. ex Link Naturalised; Invasive Rubiaceae Oldenlandia herbacea var. herbacea (L.) Roxb. LC Indigenous (Sond.) Rubiaceae Oldenlandia rupicola var. rupicola LC Indigenous Kuntze (Hochst.) Rubiaceae Oldenlandia tenella LC Indigenous Kuntze Oleaceae Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata L. Indigenous Oliniaceae Olinia emarginata Burtt Davy LC Indigenous (Harv.) H.Rob. Asteraceae Oocephala staehelinoides Indigenous; Endemic & Skvarla (N.E.Br.) Apocynaceae Orbea lutea subsp. lutea LC Indigenous Bruyns Ornithogalum juncifolium var. Hyacinthaceae Jacq. NE Indigenous juncifolium Colchicaceae Ornithoglossum vulgare B.Nord. LC Indigenous (Rchb.f.) Orchidaceae Orthochilus leontoglossus LC Indigenous Bytebier Orchidaceae Orthochilus welwitschii Rchb.f. LC Indigenous Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis L. LC Indigenous Osteospermum muricatum subsp. Asteraceae E.Mey. ex DC. LC Indigenous muricatum Hochst. & Santalaceae Osyris lanceolata LC Indigenous Steud. Asteraceae Othonna natalensis Sch.Bip. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Oxalidaceae Oxalis latifolia Kunth Naturalised; Invasive
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(Sond.) Anacardiaceae Ozoroa paniculosa var. paniculosa R.Fern. & LC Indigenous A.Fern. (Schltr.) Apocynaceae Pachycarpus schinzianus LC Indigenous N.E.Br. (Schltr.) Rubiaceae Pachystigma pygmaeum LC Indigenous Robyns Poaceae Panicum coloratum L. LC Indigenous Poaceae Panicum maximum Jacq. LC Indigenous Poaceae Panicum natalense Hochst. LC Indigenous Poaceae Panicum schinzii Hack. LC Indigenous Sapindaceae Pappea capensis Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Chrysobalanac Parinari capensis subsp. capensis Harv. LC Indigenous eae Not Indigenous; Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Poir. NE Naturalised; Invasive Poaceae Paspalum scrobiculatum L. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Poaceae Paspalum urvillei Steud. NE Naturalised; Invasive Poaceae Paspalum vaginatum Sw. LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Pavetta eylesii S.Moore LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Pavetta gardeniifolia var. subtomentosa A.Rich. LC Indigenous
Rubiaceae Pavetta zeyheri Sond. Indigenous Rubiaceae Pavetta zeyheri subsp. zeyheri Sond. LC Indigenous (DC.) Malvaceae Pavonia burchellii LC Indigenous R.A.Dyer Malvaceae Pavonia columella Cav. LC Indigenous (Schinz) Fabaceae Pearsonia aristata LC Indigenous Dummer Fabaceae Pearsonia bracteata (Benth.) Polhill NT Indigenous; Endemic Fabaceae Pearsonia cajanifolia subsp. cajanifolia (Harv.) Polhill LC Indigenous; Endemic (Harv.) Fabaceae Pearsonia sessilifolia subsp. sessilifolia LC Indigenous Dummer (Andrews) Geraniaceae Pelargonium luridum LC Indigenous Sweet Pteridaceae Pellaea calomelanos var. calomelanos (Sw.) Link LC Indigenous Fabaceae Peltophorum africanum Sond. LC Indigenous Poaceae Pennisetum thunbergii Kunth LC Indigenous (Hochst.) Rubiaceae Pentanisia angustifolia LC Indigenous Hochst. Asteraceae Pentzia monocephala S.Moore LC Indigenous Cucurbitaceae Peponium caledonicum (Sond.) Engl. LC Indigenous (R.Br.) Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens LC Indigenous K.L.Wilson Not Indigenous; Polygonaceae Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre Naturalised (Meisn.) Polygonaceae Persicaria madagascariensis S.Ortiz & Indigenous Paiva (Cham. & Polygonaceae Persicaria meisneriana Schltdl.) LC Indigenous M.Gomez Not Indigenous; Poaceae Phalaris arundinacea L. NE Naturalised Bartramiaceae Philonotis falcata (Hook.) Mitt. Indigenous
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(Duby) Wijk & Bartramiaceae Philonotis hastata Indigenous Margad. Poaceae Phragmites mauritianus Kunth LC Indigenous Rhamnaceae Phylica paniculata Willd. LC Indigenous Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus glaucophyllus Sond. LC Indigenous Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus incurvus Thunb. LC Indigenous (S.Moore) Asteraceae Phymaspermum athanasioides LC Indigenous Kallersjo Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Physalis angulata L. Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Physalis peruviana L. Cultivated; Naturalised; Invasive Phytolaccacea Not Indigenous; Phytolacca dioica L. e Naturalised; Invasive Phytolaccacea Not Indigenous; Phytolacca octandra L. e Naturalised; Invasive Pittosporaceae Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims LC Indigenous (J.R.Forst. & Aytoniaceae Plagiochasma rupestre var. rupestre G.Forst.) Indigenous Steph. Plantaginaceae Plantago longissima Decne. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Plantaginaceae Plantago major L. Naturalised Lamiaceae Plectranthus grallatus Briq. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Plectranthus hereroensis Engl. LC Indigenous
Lamiaceae Plectranthus montanus Benth. Indigenous Plumbaginacea Not Indigenous; Plumbago zeylanica L. e Naturalised Not Indigenous; Poaceae Poa annua L. NE Naturalised (Roem. & Poaceae Pogonarthria squarrosa LC Indigenous Schult.) Pilg. (Hampe) Polytrichaceae Pogonatum capense Indigenous A.Jaeger Mniaceae Pohlia elongata Hedw. Indigenous Caryophyllace Pollichia campestris Aiton LC Indigenous ae (Steetz) Asteraceae Polydora angustifolia LC Indigenous H.Rob. Polygalaceae Polygala gerrardii Chodat LC Indigenous; Endemic Polygalaceae Polygala gracilenta Burtt Davy LC Indigenous Polygalaceae Polygala hottentotta C.Presl LC Indigenous Polygalaceae Polygala ohlendorfiana Eckl. & Zeyh. LC Indigenous Polygalaceae Polygala rehmannii Chodat LC Indigenous Polygala transvaalensis subsp. Polygalaceae Chodat LC Indigenous transvaalensis Polygalaceae Polygala virgata var. virgata Thunb. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Poaceae Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. NE Naturalised (Gouan) Not Indigenous; Poaceae Polypogon viridis NE Breistr. Naturalised Polytrichaceae Polytrichum commune Hedw. Indigenous Potamogetona Potamogeton nodosus Poir. LC Indigenous ceae
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Potamogetona Potamogeton octandrus Poir. LC Indigenous ceae (Moldenke) Verbenaceae Priva flabelliformis LC Indigenous R.Fern. Proteaceae Protea caffra Meisn. Indigenous Proteaceae Protea caffra subsp. caffra Meisn. LC Indigenous Proteaceae Protea mundii Klotzsch LC Indigenous; Endemic
Proteaceae Protea roupelliae Meisn. Indigenous Proteaceae Protea roupelliae subsp. roupelliae Meisn. LC Indigenous Proteaceae Protea welwitschii Engl. LC Indigenous Molluginaceae Psammotropha myriantha Sond. LC Indigenous (L.) Hilliard & Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum LC B.L.Burtt Naturalised (DC.) Hilliard Asteraceae Pseudognaphalium oligandrum LC Indigenous & B.L.Burtt (DC.) H.Rob., Asteraceae Pseudopegolettia tenella Skvarla & Indigenous V.A.Funk Pteridaceae Pteris cretica L. LC Indigenous Celastraceae Pterocelastrus echinatus N.E.Br. LC Indigenous (Thunb.) Asteraceae Pulicaria scabra LC Indigenous Druce Amaranthacea Pupalia lappacea var. lappacea (L.) A.Juss. LC Indigenous e (E.Mey.) Lamiaceae Pycnostachys reticulata LC Indigenous Benth. (Boeck.) Cyperaceae Pycreus macranthus LC Indigenous C.B.Clarke Cyperaceae Pycreus mundii Nees LC Indigenous (Sond.) Rubiaceae Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri var. zeyheri LC Indigenous Robyns Not Indigenous; (Franch.) Rosaceae Pyracantha angustifolia Cultivated; C.K.Schneid. Naturalised; Invasive J.C.Manning & Ranunculaceae Ranunculus dregei LC Indigenous Goldblatt Ranunculaceae Ranunculus multifidus Forssk. LC Indigenous Apocynaceae Raphionacme galpinii Schltr. LC Indigenous (E.Mey.) Apocynaceae Raphionacme hirsuta LC Indigenous R.A.Dyer (Rendle) Poaceae Rendlia altera LC Indigenous Chiov. Rhamnaceae Rhamnus prinoides L'Her. LC Indigenous (L.f.) Wild & Vitaceae Rhoicissus tridentata subsp. cuneifolia NE Indigenous R.B.Drumm. Fabaceae Rhynchosia caribaea (Jacq.) DC. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Rhynchosia monophylla Schltr. LC Indigenous Benth. ex Fabaceae Rhynchosia nervosa var. nervosa LC Indigenous Harv. (E.Mey.) Fabaceae Rhynchosia sordida LC Indigenous Schinz Fabaceae Rhynchosia totta var. totta (Thunb.) DC. LC Indigenous
Fabaceae Rhynchosia totta var. venulosa (Thunb.) DC. Indigenous Roem. & Cyperaceae Rhynchospora brownii LC Indigenous Schult.
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Ricciaceae Riccia atropurpurea Sim Indigenous Not Indigenous; Rubiaceae Richardia brasiliensis Gomes NE Naturalised Apocynaceae Riocreuxia polyantha Schltr. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Robinia pseudoacacia L. NE Naturalised; Invasive (E.Mey. ex Brassicaceae Rorippa fluviatilis var. fluviatilis Sond.) LC Indigenous R.A.Dyer Brassicaceae Rorippa nudiuscula Thell. LC Indigenous (Hochst.) Lamiaceae Rotheca hirsuta LC Indigenous R.Fern. Rubiaceae Rothmannia capensis Thunb. LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Rubia horrida (Thunb.) Puff LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Rubia petiolaris DC. LC Indigenous
Rosaceae Rubus proteus C.H.Stirt. Indigenous Rosaceae Rubus rigidus Sm. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Polygonaceae Rumex acetosella subsp. angiocarpus L. Naturalised Polygonaceae Rumex conglomeratus Murb. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Polygonaceae Rumex crispus L. Naturalised; Invasive Polygonaceae Rumex dregeanus subsp. montanus Meisn. LC Indigenous Polygonaceae Rumex sagittatus Thunb. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Salicaceae Salix babylonica var. babylonica L. Naturalised Salicaceae Salix mucronata subsp. woodii Thunb. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Salvia radula Benth. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Salvia runcinata L.f. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Lamiaceae Salvia tiliifolia Vahl Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Adoxaceae Sambucus nigra L. Naturalised; Invasive (Buch.-Ham. Lamiaceae Satureja biflora ex D.Don) LC Indigenous Briq. Orchidaceae Satyrium cristatum var. cristatum Sond. LC Indigenous Orchidaceae Satyrium hallackii subsp. ocellatum Bolus LC Indigenous Dipsacaceae Scabiosa columbaria L. LC Indigenous (L.) Friis & Amaryllidaceae Scadoxus puniceus LC Indigenous Nordal Not Indigenous; Anacardiaceae Schinus molle L. NE Naturalised; Invasive (DC.) Fenzl ex Asteraceae Schistostephium crataegifolium LC Indigenous Harv. Poaceae Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston LC Indigenous (Burch.) Van Hyacinthaceae Schizocarphus nervosus LC Indigenous der Merwe (Lam.) Kuntze Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Schkuhria pinnata ex Thell. Naturalised (Roth ex Roem. & Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus corymbosus LC Indigenous Schult.) J.Raynal Hochst. ex Cyperaceae Scleria bulbifera LC Indigenous A.Rich.
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Salicaceae Scolopia zeyheri (Nees) Harv. LC Indigenous (Thunb.) Anacardiaceae Searsia dentata LC Indigenous F.A.Barkley (E.Mey. ex Anacardiaceae Searsia discolor LC Indigenous Sond.) Moffett (Diels) T.S.Yi, Anacardiaceae Searsia leptodictya forma leptodictya A.J.Mill. & NE Indigenous J.Wen Searsia magalismontana subsp. (Sond.) Anacardiaceae LC Indigenous magalismontana Moffett (Burch.) Anacardiaceae Searsia pyroides var. integrifolia LC Indigenous Moffett (Burch.) Anacardiaceae Searsia pyroides var. pyroides LC Indigenous Moffett (Mill.) Anacardiaceae Searsia rigida var. dentata LC Indigenous; Endemic F.A.Barkley (Mill.) Anacardiaceae Searsia rigida var. margaretae LC Indigenous; Endemic F.A.Barkley (Mill.) Anacardiaceae Searsia rigida var. rigida LC Indigenous; Endemic F.A.Barkley (Sond.) Anacardiaceae Searsia zeyheri LC Indigenous; Endemic Moffett Gentianaceae Sebaea exigua (Oliv.) Schinz LC Indigenous Gentianaceae Sebaea junodii Schinz LC Indigenous Gentianaceae Sebaea sedoides var. schoenlandii Gilg LC Indigenous Apocynaceae Secamone alpini Schult. LC Indigenous Selaginellacea (C.Presl) Selaginella dregei LC Indigenous e Hieron. Scrophulariace Selago capitellata Schltr. LC Indigenous; Endemic ae Scrophulariace Selago densiflora Rolfe LC Indigenous ae Asteraceae Senecio affinis DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio consanguineus DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio coronatus (Thunb.) Harv. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio erubescens var. erubescens Aiton NE Indigenous; Endemic Volkens & Asteraceae Senecio glanduloso-pilosus LC Indigenous; Endemic Muschl. Asteraceae Senecio gregatus Hilliard LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio harveianus MacOwan LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio hieracioides DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio inaequidens DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio inornatus DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio isatideus DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio laevigatus var. integrifolius Thunb. LC Indigenous; Endemic Asteraceae Senecio laevigatus var. laevigatus Thunb. LC Indigenous; Endemic Hutch. & Burtt Asteraceae Senecio lydenburgensis LC Indigenous Davy Asteraceae Senecio othonniflorus DC. LC Indigenous
Asteraceae Senecio oxyriifolius DC. Indigenous Asteraceae Senecio oxyriifolius subsp. oxyriifolius DC. LC Indigenous Hutch. & Burtt Asteraceae Senecio scitus LC Indigenous Davy Asteraceae Senecio venosus Harv. LC Indigenous
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(DC.) Kyal. & Fabaceae Senegalia ataxacantha LC Indigenous Boatwr. (Thunb.) Fabaceae Senegalia caffra P.J.H.Hurter & LC Indigenous Mabb. Fabaceae Senna italica subsp. arachoides Mill. LC Indigenous
Asteraceae Seriphium plumosum L. Indigenous Poaceae Setaria lindenbergiana (Nees) Stapf LC Indigenous (Steud.) Poaceae Setaria megaphylla T.Durand & LC Indigenous Schinz (Nees) Poaceae Setaria nigrirostris T.Durand & LC Indigenous Schinz (Hochst.) Poaceae Setaria plicatilis LC Indigenous Hack. ex Engl. (Poir.) Roem. Poaceae Setaria pumila LC Indigenous & Schult. (Schumach.) Stapf & Poaceae Setaria sphacelata Indigenous C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss (Schumach.) Stapf & Poaceae Setaria sphacelata var. sericea LC Indigenous C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss (Schumach.) Stapf & Poaceae Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata LC Indigenous C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss (Schumach.) Stapf & Poaceae Setaria sphacelata var. torta LC Indigenous C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss Poaceae Setaria verticillata (L.) P.Beauv. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Sida alba L. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Sida chrysantha Ulbr. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Sida dregei Burtt Davy LC Indigenous
Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia L. Indigenous Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia subsp. rhombifolia L. LC Indigenous Malvaceae Sida ternata L.f. LC Indigenous Caryophyllace Silene burchellii subsp. modesta Otth ex DC. LC Indigenous ae Caryophyllace Not Indigenous; Silene gallica L. ae Naturalised Caryophyllace Silene undulata Aiton Indigenous ae Not Indigenous; Brassicaceae Sisymbrium orientale L. Naturalised Apocynaceae Sisyranthus randii S.Moore LC Indigenous Hochst. ex Solanaceae Solanum campylacanthum Indigenous A.Rich. Solanaceae Solanum capense L. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Solanum chenopodioides Lam. Naturalised; Invasive Solanaceae Solanum giganteum Jacq. LC Indigenous Solanaceae Solanum lichtensteinii Willd. LC Indigenous
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Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum Scop. Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Solanum pseudocapsicum L. Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Solanum seaforthianum Andrews Naturalised; Invasive Not Indigenous; Solanaceae Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. Naturalised; Invasive Asteraceae Sonchus dregeanus DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Sonchus integrifolius var. integrifolius Harv. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus L. Naturalised; Invasive Asteraceae Sonchus wilmsii R.E.Fr. LC Indigenous Poaceae Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii (L.) Moench LC Indigenous Sphedamnocarpus pruriens subsp. (A.Juss.) Malpighiaceae LC Indigenous galphimiifolius Szyszyl. Sphedamnocarpus pruriens subsp. (A.Juss.) Malpighiaceae LC Indigenous pruriens Szyszyl. Fabaceae Sphenostylis angustifolia Sond. LC Indigenous (Poir.) Robyns Poaceae Sporobolus africanus LC Indigenous & Tournay Poaceae Sporobolus fimbriatus (Trin.) Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Sporobolus pectinatus Hack. LC Indigenous; Endemic Poaceae Sporobolus stapfianus Gand. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Stachys natalensis var. natalensis Hochst. LC Indigenous Apocynaceae Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. LC Indigenous Poaceae Stipa dregeana var. elongata Steud. LC Indigenous Orobanchacea Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze LC Indigenous e Orobanchacea (Thunb.) Striga bilabiata subsp. bilabiata LC Indigenous e Kuntze Orobanchacea Striga elegans Benth. LC Indigenous e Orobanchacea Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke LC Indigenous e Loganiaceae Strychnos pungens Soler. LC Indigenous Pallaviciniacea Symphyogyna brasiliensis Nees & Mont. Indigenous e (Spreng.) Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Symphyotrichum squamatum G.L.Nesom Naturalised (Gurke) Lamiaceae Syncolostemon pretoriae LC Indigenous D.F.Otieno Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Tagetes minuta L. Naturalised; Invasive (Thunb.) Eckl. Talinaceae Talinum caffrum LC Indigenous & Zeyh. Loranthaceae Tapinanthus rubromarginatus (Engl.) Danser LC Indigenous Asteraceae Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Tarchonanthus parvicapitulatus P.P.J.Herman LC Indigenous Fabaceae Tephrosia capensis var. capensis (Jacq.) Pers. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Tephrosia elongata var. elongata E.Mey. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Tephrosia multijuga R.G.N.Young LC Indigenous Fabaceae Tephrosia semiglabra Sond. LC Indigenous Lamiaceae Teucrium trifidum Retz. LC Indigenous
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Thelypteridace (Thunb.) Thelypteris confluens LC Indigenous ae C.V.Morton Poaceae Themeda triandra Forssk. LC Indigenous Santalaceae Thesium costatum var. costatum A.W.Hill LC Indigenous Santalaceae Thesium costatum var. juniperinum A.W.Hill LC Indigenous Santalaceae Thesium racemosum Bernh. LC Indigenous (A.W.Hill) Santalaceae Thesium rasum LC Indigenous N.E.Br. Santalaceae Thesium translucens A.W.Hill LC Indigenous; Endemic Santalaceae Thesium transvaalense Schltr. LC Indigenous; Endemic Santalaceae Thesium utile A.W.Hill LC Indigenous (Benth.) Not Indigenous; Fabaceae Tipuana tipu Kuntze Naturalised; Invasive Asteraceae Tolpis capensis (L.) Sch.Bip. LC Indigenous Asphodelaceae Trachyandra asperata var. swaziensis Kunth LC Indigenous (Baker) Asphodelaceae Trachyandra saltii var. saltii LC Indigenous Oberm. Pterigynandrac (Welw. & Trachyphyllum gastrodes Indigenous eae Duby) A.Gepp Poaceae Trachypogon spicatus (L.f.) Kuntze LC Indigenous Euphorbiaceae Tragia minor Sond. LC Indigenous Euphorbiaceae Tragia okanyua Pax LC Indigenous Poaceae Tragus berteronianus Schult. LC Indigenous Zygophyllacea Tribulus terrestris L. LC Indigenous e Poaceae Trichoneura grandiglumis (Nees) Ekman LC Indigenous (Steud.) Poaceae Triraphis andropogonoides LC Indigenous E.Phillips Poaceae Tristachya leucothrix Trin. ex Nees LC Indigenous Poaceae Tristachya rehmannii Hack. LC Indigenous Iridaceae Tritonia nelsonii Baker LC Indigenous Ficalho & Malvaceae Triumfetta sonderi LC Indigenous; Endemic Hiern Trochomeria macrocarpa subsp. (Sond.) Cucurbitaceae LC Indigenous macrocarpa Hook.f. Alliaceae Tulbaghia acutiloba Harv. LC Indigenous Alliaceae Tulbaghia leucantha Baker LC Indigenous (Rohrb.) Typhaceae Typha capensis LC Indigenous N.E.Br. Poaceae Urelytrum agropyroides (Hack.) Hack. LC Indigenous Poaceae Urochloa brachyura (Hack.) Stapf LC Indigenous Poaceae Urochloa panicoides P.Beauv. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Ursinia nana subsp. leptophylla DC. LC Indigenous Asteraceae Ursinia tenuiloba DC. LC Indigenous (Hayne) Banfi Fabaceae Vachellia karroo LC Indigenous & Galasso Vahliaceae Vahlia capensis subsp. capensis (L.f.) Thunb. LC Indigenous Rubiaceae Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta Burch. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Verbenaceae Verbena aristigera S.Moore Naturalised Not Indigenous; Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis L. Naturalised; Invasive
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Not Indigenous; Verbenaceae Verbena brasiliensis Vell. Naturalised; Invasive Plantaginaceae Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Vigna vexillata var. davyi (L.) A.Rich. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Vigna vexillata var. vexillata (L.) A.Rich. LC Indigenous Santalaceae Viscum rotundifolium L.f. LC Indigenous Campanulacea Schltr. & Wahlenbergia lycopodioides LC Indigenous e Brehmer Campanulacea Wahlenbergia magaliesbergensis Lammers LC Indigenous; Endemic e Campanulacea Wahlenbergia sp. e Campanulacea Wahlenbergia undulata (L.f.) A.DC. LC Indigenous e Campanulacea Wahlenbergia virgata Engl. LC Indigenous e Solanaceae Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Xanthium strumarium L. Naturalised; Invasive Velloziaceae Xerophyta retinervis Baker LC Indigenous Olacaceae Ximenia caffra var. caffra Sond. LC Indigenous Xysmalobium undulatum var. Apocynaceae (L.) W.T.Aiton LC Indigenous undulatum Scrophulariace Zaluzianskya katharinae Hiern LC Indigenous; Endemic ae Rutaceae Zanthoxylum capense (Thunb.) Harv. LC Indigenous Not Indigenous; Asteraceae Zinnia peruviana (L.) L. Naturalised; Invasive Rhamnaceae Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata Willd. LC Indigenous Rhamnaceae Ziziphus zeyheriana Sond. LC Indigenous Fabaceae Zornia linearis E.Mey. LC Indigenous
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Appendix B: Avifaunal species expected to occur in the project area
Conservation Status Species Common Name Regional (SANBI, IUCN 2016) (2017) Accipiter badius Shikra Unlisted LC Accipiter melanoleucus Sparrowhawk, Black Unlisted LC Accipiter minullus Sparrowhawk, Little Unlisted LC Accipiter ovampensis Sparrowhawk, Ovambo Unlisted LC Acridotheres tristis Myna, Common Unlisted LC Acrocephalus arundinaceus Reed-warbler, Great Unlisted LC Acrocephalus baeticatus Reed-warbler, African Unlisted Unlisted Acrocephalus gracilirostris Swamp-warbler, Lesser Unlisted LC Acrocephalus palustris Warbler, Marsh Unlisted LC Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Warbler, Sedge Unlisted LC Actitis hypoleucos Sandpiper, Common Unlisted LC Actophilornis africanus Jacana, African Unlisted LC Afrotis afraoides Korhaan, Northern Black Unlisted LC Agapornis roseicollis Lovebird, Rosy-faced Unlisted LC Alcedo cristata Kingfisher, Malachite Unlisted Unlisted Alcedo semitorquata Kingfisher, Half-collared NT LC Alopochen aegyptiacus Goose, Egyptian Unlisted LC Amadina erythrocephala Finch, Red-headed Unlisted LC Amadina fasciata Finch, Cut-throat Unlisted Unlisted Amandava subflava Waxbill, Orange-breasted Unlisted Unlisted Amaurornis flavirostris Crake, Black Unlisted LC Amblyospiza albifrons Weaver, Thick-billed Unlisted LC Anas capensis Teal, Cape Unlisted LC Anas erythrorhyncha Teal, Red-billed Unlisted LC Anas hottentota Teal, Hottentot Unlisted LC Anas platyrhynchos Duck, Mallard Unlisted LC Anas smithii Shoveler, Cape Unlisted LC Anas sparsa Duck, African Black Unlisted LC Anas undulata Duck, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC Anhinga rufa Darter, African Unlisted LC Anomalospiza imberbis Finch, Cuckoo Unlisted LC Anser anser Goose, Domestic Unlisted LC Anthus cinnamomeus Pipit, African Unlisted LC Anthus leucophrys Pipit, Plain-backed Unlisted LC Anthus lineiventris Pipit, Striped Unlisted LC Anthus similis Pipit, Long-billed Unlisted LC Anthus vaalensis Pipit, Buffy Unlisted LC Apalis thoracica Apalis, Bar-throated Unlisted LC Apus affinis Swift, Little Unlisted LC Apus apus Swift, Common Unlisted LC Apus barbatus Swift, African Black Unlisted LC Apus caffer Swift, White-rumped Unlisted LC Apus horus Swift, Horus Unlisted LC Aquila pennatus Eagle, Booted Unlisted LC
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Aquila spilogaster Hawk-eagle, African Unlisted LC Aquila verreauxii Eagle, Verreaux's VU LC Aquila wahlbergi Eagle, Wahlberg's Unlisted LC Ardea cinerea Heron, Grey Unlisted LC Ardea goliath Heron, Goliath Unlisted LC Ardea melanocephala Heron, Black-headed Unlisted LC Ardea purpurea Heron, Purple Unlisted LC Ardeola ralloides Heron, Squacco Unlisted LC Asio capensis Owl, Marsh Unlisted LC Aviceda cuculoides Hawk, African Cuckoo Unlisted LC Batis molitor Batis, Chinspot Unlisted LC Bostrychia hagedash Ibis, Hadeda Unlisted LC Bradypterus baboecala Rush-warbler, Little Unlisted LC Bubo africanus Eagle-owl, Spotted Unlisted LC Bubo lacteus Eagle-owl, Verreaux's Unlisted LC Bubulcus ibis Egret, Cattle Unlisted LC Burhinus capensis Thick-knee, Spotted Unlisted LC Buteo rufofuscus Buzzard, Jackal Unlisted LC Buteo vulpinus Buzzard, Common Unlisted Unlisted Butorides striata Heron, Green-backed Unlisted LC Calandrella cinerea Lark, Red-capped Unlisted LC Calendulauda sabota Lark, Sabota Unlisted LC Calidris minuta Stint, Little LC LC Camaroptera brevicaudata Camaroptera, Grey-backed Unlisted Unlisted Campephaga flava Cuckoo-shrike, Black Unlisted LC Campethera abingoni Woodpecker, Golden-tailed Unlisted LC Caprimulgus pectoralis Nightjar, Fiery-necked Unlisted LC Caprimulgus rufigena Nightjar, Rufous-cheeked Unlisted LC Caprimulgus tristigma Nightjar, Freckled Unlisted LC Centropus burchellii Coucal, Burchell's Unlisted Unlisted Cercomela familiaris Chat, Familiar Unlisted LC Cercotrichas leucophrys Scrub-robin, White-browed Unlisted LC Cercotrichas paena Scrub-robin, Kalahari Unlisted LC Certhilauda semitorquata Lark, Eastern Long-billed Unlisted LC Ceryle rudis Kingfisher, Pied Unlisted LC Chalcomitra amethystina Sunbird, Amethyst Unlisted LC Charadrius hiaticula Plover, Common Ringed Unlisted LC Charadrius tricollaris Plover, Three-banded Unlisted LC Chersomanes albofasciata Lark, Spike-heeled Unlisted LC Chlidonias hybrida Tern, Whiskered Unlisted LC Chlidonias leucopterus Tern, White-winged Unlisted LC Chrysococcyx caprius Cuckoo, Diderick Unlisted LC Chrysococcyx klaas Cuckoo, Klaas's Unlisted LC Ciconia abdimii Stork, Abdim's NT LC Ciconia ciconia Stork, White Unlisted LC Ciconia nigra Stork, Black VU LC Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Starling, Violet-backed Unlisted LC Sunbird, Greater Double- Cinnyris afer Unlisted LC collared
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Cinnyris mariquensis Sunbird, Marico Unlisted LC Cinnyris talatala Sunbird, White-bellied Unlisted LC Circaetus cinereus Snake-eagle, Brown Unlisted LC Circaetus pectoralis Snake-eagle, Black-chested Unlisted LC Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier Unlisted LC Circus ranivorus Marsh-harrier, African EN LC Cisticola aberrans Cisticola, Lazy Unlisted LC Cisticola aridulus Cisticola, Desert Unlisted LC Cisticola ayresii Cisticola, Wing-snapping Unlisted LC Cisticola chiniana Cisticola, Rattling Unlisted LC Cisticola fulvicapilla Neddicky, Neddicky Unlisted LC Cisticola juncidis Cisticola, Zitting Unlisted LC Cisticola lais Cisticola, Wailing Unlisted LC Cisticola textrix Cisticola, Cloud Unlisted LC Cisticola tinniens Cisticola, Levaillant's Unlisted LC Clamator glandarius Cuckoo, Great Spotted Unlisted LC Clamator jacobinus Cuckoo, Jacobin Unlisted LC Clamator levaillantii Cuckoo, Levaillant's Unlisted LC Colius colius Mousebird, White-backed Unlisted LC Colius striatus Mousebird, Speckled Unlisted LC Columba arquatrix Olive-pigeon, African Unlisted LC Columba guinea Pigeon, Speckled Unlisted LC Columba livia Dove, Rock Unlisted LC Coracias garrulus Roller, European NT LC Corvus albus Crow, Pied Unlisted LC Corvus capensis Crow, Cape Unlisted LC Corythaixoides concolor Go-away-bird, Grey Unlisted LC Cossypha caffra Robin-chat, Cape Unlisted LC Coturnix coturnix Quail, Common Unlisted LC Creatophora cinerea Starling, Wattled Unlisted LC Crecopsis egregia Crake, African Unlisted LC Crithagra atrogularis Canary, Black-throated Unlisted LC Crithagra flaviventris Canary, Yellow Unlisted LC Crithagra gularis Seedeater, Streaky-headed Unlisted LC Crithagra mozambicus Canary, Yellow-fronted Unlisted LC Cuculus canorus Cuckoo, Common Unlisted LC Cuculus clamosus Cuckoo, Black Unlisted LC Cuculus gularis Cuckoo, African Unlisted LC Cuculus solitarius Cuckoo, Red-chested Unlisted LC Cursorius temminckii Courser, Temminck's Unlisted LC Cypsiurus parvus Palm-swift, African Unlisted LC Delichon urbicum House-martin, Common Unlisted LC Dendrocygna bicolor Duck, Fulvous Unlisted LC Dendrocygna viduata Duck, White-faced Whistling Unlisted LC Dendroperdix sephaena Francolin, Crested Unlisted LC Dendropicos fuscescens Woodpecker, Cardinal Unlisted LC Dendropicos namaquus Woodpecker, Bearded Unlisted LC Dicrurus adsimilis Drongo, Fork-tailed Unlisted LC
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Dryoscopus cubla Puffback, Black-backed Unlisted LC Egretta alba Egret, Great Unlisted LC Egretta ardesiaca Heron, Black Unlisted LC Egretta garzetta Egret, Little Unlisted LC Egretta intermedia Egret, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC Elanus caeruleus Kite, Black-shouldered Unlisted LC Emberiza capensis Bunting, Cape Unlisted LC Emberiza tahapisi Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Unlisted LC Eremopterix leucotis Sparrowlark, Chestnut-backed Unlisted LC Estrilda astrild Waxbill, Common Unlisted LC Euplectes afer Bishop, Yellow-crowned Unlisted LC Euplectes albonotatus Widowbird, White-winged Unlisted LC Euplectes ardens Widowbird, Red-collared Unlisted LC Euplectes capensis Bishop, Yellow Unlisted LC Euplectes orix Bishop, Southern Red Unlisted LC Euplectes progne Widowbird, Long-tailed Unlisted LC Eupodotis senegalensis Korhaan, White-bellied VU LC Falco amurensis Falcon, Amur Unlisted LC Falco biarmicus Falcon, Lanner VU LC Falco naumanni Kestrel, Lesser Unlisted LC Falco peregrinus Falcon, Peregrine Unlisted LC Falco rupicoloides Kestrel, Greater Unlisted LC Falco rupicolus Kestrel, Rock Unlisted LC Falco subbuteo Hobby, Eurasian Unlisted LC Fulica cristata Coot, Red-knobbed Unlisted LC Gallinago nigripennis Snipe, African Unlisted LC Gallinula angulata Moorhen, Lesser Unlisted LC Gallinula chloropus Moorhen, Common Unlisted LC Glaucidium perlatum Owlet, Pearl-spotted Unlisted LC Granatina granatina Waxbill, Violet-eared Unlisted LC Gyps coprotheres Vulture, Cape EN EN Halcyon albiventris Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Unlisted LC Halcyon senegalensis Kingfisher, Woodland Unlisted LC Himantopus himantopus Stilt, Black-winged Unlisted LC Hippolais icterina Warbler, Icterine Unlisted LC Hirundo abyssinica Swallow, Lesser Striped Unlisted LC Hirundo albigularis Swallow, White-throated Unlisted LC Hirundo cucullata Swallow, Greater Striped Unlisted LC Hirundo dimidiata Swallow, Pearl-breasted Unlisted LC Hirundo fuligula Martin, Rock Unlisted Unlisted Hirundo rustica Swallow, Barn Unlisted LC Hirundo semirufa Swallow, Red-breasted Unlisted LC Hirundo spilodera Cliff-swallow, South African Unlisted LC Indicator indicator Honeyguide, Greater Unlisted LC Indicator minor Honeyguide, Lesser Unlisted LC Ispidina picta Pygmy-Kingfisher, African Unlisted LC Ixobrychus minutus Bittern, Little Unlisted LC Jynx ruficollis Wryneck, Red-throated Unlisted LC
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Kaupifalco monogrammicus Buzzard, Lizard Unlisted LC Lagonosticta rhodopareia Firefinch, Jameson's Unlisted LC Lagonosticta rubricata Firefinch, African Unlisted LC Lagonosticta senegala Firefinch, Red-billed Unlisted LC Lamprotornis nitens Starling, Cape Glossy Unlisted LC Laniarius atrococcineus Shrike, Crimson-breasted Unlisted LC Laniarius ferrugineus Boubou, Southern Unlisted LC Lanius collaris Fiscal, Common (Southern) Unlisted LC Lanius collurio Shrike, Red-backed Unlisted LC Lanius minor Shrike, Lesser Grey Unlisted LC Larus cirrocephalus Gull, Grey-headed Unlisted LC Lophaetus occipitalis Eagle, Long-crested Unlisted LC Lybius torquatus Barbet, Black-collared Unlisted LC Macronyx capensis Longclaw, Cape Unlisted LC Malaconotus blanchoti Bush-shrike, Grey-headed Unlisted LC Megaceryle maximus Kingfisher, Giant Unlisted Unlisted Melaenornis pammelaina Flycatcher, Southern Black Unlisted LC Melierax gabar Goshawk, Gabar Unlisted LC Merops apiaster Bee-eater, European Unlisted LC Merops bullockoides Bee-eater, White-fronted Unlisted LC Merops hirundineus Bee-eater, Swallow-tailed Unlisted LC Merops persicus Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked Unlisted LC Milvus aegyptius Kite, Yellow-billed Unlisted Unlisted Milvus migrans Kite, Black Unlisted LC Mirafra africana Lark, Rufous-naped Unlisted LC Mirafra cheniana Lark, Melodious LC LC Mirafra fasciolata Lark, Eastern Clapper Unlisted LC Monticola rupestris Rock-thrush, Cape Unlisted LC Motacilla aguimp Wagtail, African Pied Unlisted LC Motacilla capensis Wagtail, Cape Unlisted LC Motacilla cinerea Wagtail, Grey Unlisted LC Motacilla flava Wagtail, Western Yellow Unlisted LC Muscicapa striata Flycatcher, Spotted Unlisted LC Mycteria ibis Stork, Yellow-billed EN LC Myrmecocichla formicivora Chat, Anteating Unlisted LC Nectarinia famosa Sunbird, Malachite Unlisted LC Netta erythrophthalma Pochard, Southern Unlisted LC Nilaus afer Brubru Unlisted LC Numida meleagris Guineafowl, Helmeted Unlisted LC Nycticorax nycticorax Night-Heron, Black-crowned Unlisted LC Oena capensis Dove, Namaqua Unlisted LC Oenanthe monticola Wheatear, Mountain Unlisted LC Oenanthe pileata Wheatear, Capped Unlisted LC Onychognathus morio Starling, Red-winged Unlisted LC Oriolus larvatus Oriole, Black-headed Unlisted LC Oriolus oriolus Oriole, Eurasian Golden Unlisted LC Ortygospiza atricollis Quailfinch, African Unlisted LC Oxyura maccoa Duck, Maccoa NT NT
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Parisoma subcaeruleum Tit-babbler, Chestnut-vented Unlisted Unlisted Parus cinerascens Tit, Ashy Unlisted LC Parus niger Tit, Southern Black Unlisted Unlisted Sparrow, Southern Grey- Passer diffusus Unlisted LC headed Passer domesticus Sparrow, House Unlisted LC Passer melanurus Sparrow, Cape Unlisted LC Passer motitensis Sparrow, Great Unlisted LC Pavo cristatus Peacock, Common Unlisted LC Peliperdix coqui Francolin, Coqui Unlisted LC Pernis apivorus Honey-buzzard, European Unlisted LC Petronia superciliaris Petronia, Yellow-throated Unlisted LC Phalacrocorax africanus Cormorant, Reed Unlisted LC Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant, White-breasted LC LC Philomachus pugnax Ruff Unlisted LC Phoenicopterus minor Flamingo, Lesser NT NT Phoenicopterus ruber Flamingo, Greater NT LC Phoeniculus purpureus Wood-hoopoe, Green Unlisted LC Phyllastrephus terrestris Brownbul, Terrestrial Unlisted LC Phylloscopus trochilus Warbler, Willow Unlisted LC Platalea alba Spoonbill, African Unlisted LC Plectropterus gambensis Goose, Spur-winged Unlisted LC Plegadis falcinellus Ibis, Glossy Unlisted LC Plocepasser mahali Sparrow-weaver, White-browed Unlisted LC Ploceus capensis Weaver, Cape Unlisted LC Ploceus cucullatus Weaver, Village Unlisted LC Ploceus intermedius Masked-weaver, Lesser Unlisted LC Ploceus velatus Masked-weaver, Southern Unlisted LC Podiceps cristatus Grebe, Great Crested Unlisted LC Pogoniulus chrysoconus Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted Unlisted LC Polyboroides typus Harrier-Hawk, African Unlisted LC Porphyrio madagascariensis Swamphen, African Purple Unlisted Unlisted Prinia flavicans Prinia, Black-chested Unlisted LC Prinia subflava Prinia, Tawny-flanked Unlisted LC Prodotiscus regulus Honeybird, Brown-backed Unlisted LC Psittacula krameri Parakeet, Rose-ringed Unlisted LC Psophocichla litsipsirupa Thrush, Groundscraper Unlisted Unlisted Pternistis natalensis Spurfowl, Natal Unlisted LC Pternistis swainsonii Spurfowl, Swainson's Unlisted LC Pycnonotus nigricans Bulbul, African Red-eyed Unlisted LC Pycnonotus tricolor Bulbul, Dark-capped Unlisted Unlisted Pytilia melba Pytilia, Green-winged Unlisted LC Quelea quelea Quelea, Red-billed Unlisted LC Rallus caerulescens Rail, African Unlisted LC Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet, Pied Unlisted LC Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Scimitarbill, Common Unlisted LC Riparia cincta Martin, Banded Unlisted LC Riparia paludicola Martin, Brown-throated Unlisted LC Riparia riparia Martin, Sand Unlisted LC
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Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird VU VU Sarothrura rufa Flufftail, Red-chested Unlisted LC Saxicola torquatus Stonechat, African Unlisted LC Scleroptila levaillantii Francolin, Red-winged Unlisted LC Scleroptila levaillantoides Francolin, Orange River Unlisted LC Scleroptila shelleyi Francolin, Shelley's Unlisted LC Scopus umbretta Hamerkop, Hamerkop Unlisted LC Serinus canicollis Canary, Cape Unlisted LC Sigelus silens Flycatcher, Fiscal Unlisted LC Spermestes cucullatus Mannikin, Bronze Unlisted Unlisted Sphenoeacus afer Grassbird, Cape Unlisted LC Spizocorys conirostris Lark, Pink-billed Unlisted LC Sporopipes squamifrons Finch, Scaly-feathered Unlisted LC Spreo bicolor Starling, Pied Unlisted LC Stenostira scita Flycatcher, Fairy Unlisted LC Streptopelia capicola Turtle-dove, Cape Unlisted LC Streptopelia semitorquata Dove, Red-eyed Unlisted LC Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Laughing Unlisted LC Struthio camelus Ostrich, Common Unlisted LC Sturnus vulgaris Starling, Common Unlisted LC Sylvia borin Warbler, Garden Unlisted LC Sylvia communis Whitethroat, Common Unlisted LC Sylvietta rufescens Crombec, Long-billed Unlisted LC Tachybaptus ruficollis Grebe, Little Unlisted LC Tachymarptis melba Swift, Alpine Unlisted LC Tadorna cana Shelduck, South African Unlisted LC Tchagra australis Tchagra, Brown-crowned Unlisted LC Tchagra senegalus Tchagra, Black-crowned Unlisted LC Telophorus sulfureopectus Bush-shrike, Orange-breasted Unlisted LC Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie Unlisted LC Terpsiphone viridis Paradise-flycatcher, African Unlisted LC Thalassornis leuconotus Duck, White-backed Unlisted LC Thamnolaea Cliff-chat, Mocking Unlisted LC cinnamomeiventris Threskiornis aethiopicus Ibis, African Sacred Unlisted LC Tockus nasutus Hornbill, African Grey Unlisted LC Trachyphonus vaillantii Barbet, Crested Unlisted LC Treron calvus Green-pigeon, African Unlisted LC Tricholaema leucomelas Barbet, Acacia Pied Unlisted LC Tringa glareola Sandpiper, Wood Unlisted LC Tringa nebularia Greenshank, Common Unlisted LC Turdoides jardineii Babbler, Arrow-marked Unlisted LC Turdus libonyanus Thrush, Kurrichane Unlisted Unlisted Turdus smithi Thrush, Karoo Unlisted LC Turnix sylvaticus Buttonquail, Kurrichane Unlisted LC Turtur chalcospilos Wood-dove, Emerald-spotted Unlisted LC Tyto alba Owl, Barn Unlisted LC Upupa africana Hoopoe, African Unlisted LC Uraeginthus angolensis Waxbill, Blue Unlisted LC
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Urocolius indicus Mousebird, Red-faced Unlisted LC Vanellus armatus Lapwing, Blacksmith Unlisted LC Vanellus coronatus Lapwing, Crowned Unlisted LC Vanellus senegallus Lapwing, African Wattled Unlisted LC Vidua funerea Indigobird, Dusky Unlisted LC Vidua macroura Whydah, Pin-tailed Unlisted LC Vidua paradisaea Paradise-whydah, Long-tailed Unlisted LC Vidua purpurascens Indigobird, Purple Unlisted LC Zosterops virens White-eye, Cape Unlisted LC
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Appendix C: Mammals species expected to occur in the project area
Conservation Status Species Common Name Regional (SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017) Aethomys ineptus Tete Veld Rat LC LC Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua rock rat LC LC Alcelaphus buselaphus Hartebeest LC LC Antidorcas marsupialis Sclater's Shrew LC LC Aonyx capensis Cape Clawless Otter NT NT Atelerix frontalis South Africa Hedgehog NT LC Atilax paludinosus Water Mongoose LC LC Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal LC LC Caracal caracal Caracal LC LC Ceratotherium simum White Rhinoceros NT NT Connochaetes gnou Black Wildebeest LC LC Connochaetes taurinus Blue Wildebeest LC LC Crocidura cyanea Reddish-grey Musk Shrew LC LC Crocidura maquassiensis Makwassie musk shrew VU LC Crocidura silacea Lesser Grey-brown Musk Shrew LC LC Cryptomys hottentotus Common Mole-rat LC LC Cynictis penicillata Yellow Mongoose LC LC Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok LC LC Dasymys incomtus African Marsh rat NT LC Desmodillus auricularis Short-tailed Gerbil LC LC Diceros bicornis Black Rhinoceros EN CR Eidolon helvum African Straw-colored Fruit Bat LC NT Elephantulus brachyrhynchus Short-snouted Sengi LC LC Elephantulus myurus Eastern Rock Sengi LC LC Epomophorus wahlbergi Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat LC LC Eptesicus hottentotus Long-tailed Serotine Bat LC LC Equus quagga Plains Zebra LC NT Felis nigripes Black-footed Cat VU VU Felis silvestris African Wildcat LC LC Genetta genetta Small-spotted Genet LC LC Gerbilliscus brantsii Highveld Gerbil LC LC Gerbilliscus leucogaster Bushveld Gerbil LC LC Graphiurus platyops Rock Dormouse LC LC Herpestes sanguineus Slender Mongoose LC LC Hydrictis maculicollis Spotted-necked Otter VU NT Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine LC LC Ichneumia albicauda White-tailed Mongoose LC LC Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat LC LC Kerivoula lanosa Lesser Woolly Bat LC LC Leptailurus serval Serval NT LC Lepus saxatilis Scrub Hare LC LC Lepus victoriae African Savanna Hare LC LC Mastomys coucha Multimammate Mouse LC LC Mastomys natalensis Natal Multimammate Mouse LC LC Mellivora capensis Honey Badger LC LC Mungos mungo Banded Mongoose LC LC Mus musculus House Mouse Unlisted LC Myotis tricolor Temminck's Hairy Bat LC LC Myotis welwitschii Welwitsch's Hairy Bat LC LC Mystromys albicaudatus White-tailed Rat VU EN Neoromicia capensis Cape Serotine Bat LC LC Neoromicia zuluensis Aloe Bat LC LC Nycteris thebaica Egyptian Slit-faced Bat LC LC Orycteropus afer Aardvark LC LC
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Otomys angoniensis Angoni Vlei Rat LC LC Otomys irroratus Vlei Rat (Fynbos type) LC LC Ourebia ourebi Oribi EN LC Panthera pardus Leopard VU VU Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon LC LC Parahyaena brunnea Brown Hyaena NT NT Pedetes capensis Springhare LC LC Pelea capreolus Grey Rhebok NT LC Phacochoerus africanus Common Warthog LC LC Poecilogale albinucha African Striped Weasel NT LC Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax LC LC Pronolagus randensis Jameson's Red Rock Rabbit LC LC Proteles cristata Aardwolf LC LC Raphicerus campestris Steenbok LC LC Rattus rattus House Rat Exotic (Not listed) LC Redunca fulvorufula Mountain Reedbuck EN LC Rhabdomys pumilio Xeric Four-striped Mouse LC LC Rhinolophus blasii Blasius's horseshoe bat NT LC Rhinolophus clivosus Geoffroy's Horseshoe Bat LC LC Rhinolophus darlingi Darling's Horseshoe Bat LC LC Saccostomus campestris Pouched Mouse LC LC Sauromys petrophilus Flat-headed Free-tail Bat LC LC Scotophilus dinganii Yellow House Bat LC LC Steatomys krebsii Krebs's Fat Mouse LC LC Steatomys pratensis Fat Mouse LC LC Suncus varilla Lesser Dwarf Shrew LC LC Suricata suricatta Suricate LC LC Sylvicapra grimmia Common Duiker LC LC Syncerus caffer African Buffalo LC LC Tadarida aegyptiaca Egyptian Free-tailed Bat LC LC Taphozous mauritianus Mauritian Tomb Bat LC LC Thallomys paedulcus Tree Rat LC LC Tragelaphus oryx Common Eland LC LC Vulpes chama Cape Fox LC LC
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Appendix D: Regionally occurring reptile species
Conservation Status Species Common Name Regional (SANBI, IUCN 2016) (2017) Acontias gracilicauda Thin-tailed Legless Skink LC LC Afroedura nivaria Drankensberg Flat Gecko LC LC Afrotyphlops bibronii Bibron's Blind Snake LC LC Agama atra Southern Rock Agama LC LC Black-headed Centipede- Aparallactus capensis LC LC eater Atractaspis bibronii Bibron's Stiletto Snake LC LC Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder LC LC Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake LC LC Causus rhombeatus Rhombic Night Adder LC LC Common Flap-neck Chamaeleo dilepis LC LC Chameleon Cordylus vittifer Common Girdled Lizard LC LC Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile VU VU Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Red-lipped Snake LC LC Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater LC LC Dispholidus typus Boomslang LC LC Duberria lutrix Common Slug-eater LC LC Yellow-throated Plated Gerrhosaurus flavigularis LC LC Lizard Hemachatus haemachatus Rinkhals LC LC Common Tropical House Hemidactylus mabouia LC LC Gecko Homoroselaps lacteus Spotted Harlequin Snake LC LC Lobatse hinged-back Kinixys lobatsiana LC LC Tortoise Speke's Hinged-Back Kinixys spekii LC LC Tortoise Lamprophis aurora Aurora House Snake LC LC Lycodonomorphus inornatus Olive House Snake LC LC Lycodonomorphus laevissimus Dusky-bellied Water Snake LC LC Lycodonomorphus rufulus Brown Water Snake LC LC Lycophidion capense capense Cape Wolf Snake LC LC Lygodactylus capensis capensis Common Dwarf Gecko LC LC Lygodactylus ocellatus Spotted Dwarf Gecko LC LC Naja annulifera Snouted Cobra LC LC Nucras lalandii Delalande's Sandveld Lizard LC LC Pachydactylus affinis Transvaal Gecko LC LC Pachydactylus capensis Cape Gecko LC LC Wahlberg's Snake-eyed Panaspis wahlbergi LC LC Skink Pedioplanis lineoocellata Spotted Sand Lizard LC Unlisted lineoocellata South African Marsh Not Pelomedusa galeata Not evaluated Terrapin evaluated Pelomedusa subrufa Central Marsh Terrapin LC Unlisted Philothamnus semivariegatus Spotted Bush Snake LC LC Prosymna ambigua Angolan Shovel-snout Unlisted Unlisted Prosymna sundevallii Sundevall's Shovel-snout LC LC
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Psammophis brevirostris Short-snouted Grass Snake LC LC Psammophis crucifer Cross-marked Grass Snake LC LC Psammophis subtaeniatus Stripe-bellied Sand Snake LC LC Psammophis trinasalis Fork-marked Sand Snake LC Unlisted Psammophylax rhombeatus Spotted Grass Snake LC LC Psammophylax tritaeniatus Striped Grass Snake LC LC Pseudaspis cana Mole Snake LC LC Python natalensis Southern African Python LC LC Delalande's Beaked Blind Rhinotyphlops lalandei LC LC Snake Smaug vandami Van Dam's Dragon Lizard LC LC Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise LC LC Telescopus semiannulatus Eastern Tiger Snake LC LC semiannulatus Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink LC LC Trachylepis punctatissima Speckled Rock Skink LC LC Trachylepis varia Variable Skink LC LC Varanus niloticus Water Monitor LC LC
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Appendix E: Amphibian species expected to occur within the project area
Conservation Status Species Common Name Regional (SANBI, IUCN 2016) (2017) Amietia delalandii Delalande's River Frog LC Unlisted Amietia fuscigula Cape River Frog LC LC Amietia poyntoni Poynton's River Frog LC LC Breviceps adspersus Bushveld Rain Frog LC LC Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco LC LC Chiromantis xerampelina Southern Foam Nest Frog LC LC Kassina senegalensis Bubbling Kassina LC LC Phrynobatrachus natalensis Snoring Puddle Frog LC LC Ptychadena anchietae Plain Grass Frog LC LC Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bullfrog NT LC Schismaderma carens African Red Toad LC LC Sclerophrys capensis Raucous Toad LC LC Sclerophrys garmani Olive Toad LC LC Sclerophrys gutturalis Guttural Toad LC LC Sclerophrys poweri Power's Toad LC LC Semnodactylus wealii Rattling Frog LC LC Strongylopus fasciatus Striped Stream Frog LC LC Tomopterna cryptotis Tremelo Sand Frog LC LC Tomopterna natalensis Natal Sand Frog LC LC Tomopterna tandyi Tandy's Sand Frog LC LC Xenopus laevis Common Platanna LC LC
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