Avifauna Assessment for the Msenge Emoyeni Powerline and Substation

AVIFAUNA ASSESSMENT FOR THE MSENGE EMOYENI POWERLINE AND SUBSTATION

Bedford, Eastern Cape

October 2020

CLIENT

Prepared by: The Biodiversity Company Cell: +27 81 319 1225 Fax: +27 86 527 1965 [email protected] www.thebiodiversitycompany.com Avifauna Impact Assessment Msenge Emoyeni

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1

Background...... 1

Assumptions and Limitations ...... 3

2 Specialist details ...... 3

3 Scope of Work ...... 3

4 Project Area ...... 4

5 Key Legislative Requirements ...... 4

6 Desktop Assessment ...... 6

Ecologically Important Landscape Features ...... 6

Avifauna Assessment ...... 7

7 Methods ...... 7

Field Assessment...... 7

8 Results & Discussion ...... 8

Desktop Assessment ...... 8

Ecologically Important Landscape Features ...... 8

Expected Avifauna ...... 4

Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount (CAR) ...... 6

Review of previous reports ...... 7

Field Assessment...... 1

Avifauna Species ...... 1

Fine-scale Habitat Use ...... 7

Sensitivity ...... 11

9 Avifauna Risk Assessment ...... 14

Risk Assessment Method ...... 14

Present Impacts to Avifauna ...... 14

Identification of Additional Potential Impacts ...... 15

Alternatives ...... 16

Assessment of Impact Significance ...... 16

Construction Phase...... 17

Operational Phase ...... 19

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Decommissioning Phase ...... 22

Cumulative Impacts ...... 23

Biodiversity Management Outcomes ...... 24

10 Conclusion and Impact Statement ...... 26

Conclusion ...... 26

Impact Statement ...... 26

11 References ...... 27

12 Appendix Items ...... 29

Appendix A - Declaration ...... 29

Appendix B – Avifauna species expected to occur within the project area ...... 30

Appendix C - Some of the bird species most commonly impacted by powerlines (The Endangered Wildlife Trust, 2017)...... 36

List of Tables

Table 5-1 A list of key legislative requirements relevant to biodiversity and conservation in Eastern Cape ...... 5

Table 8-1 Summary of relevance of the proposed Msenge Emoyeni to ecologically important landscape features...... 8

Table 8-2 List of bird species of regional or global conservation importance that are expected to occur in close vicinity to the project area...... 4

Table 8-3 A risk summary for the species they regarded at risk most from electrocution, collision and habitat (Avisense, 2018) ...... 1

Table 8-4 Summary of avifauna species recorded within the assessment area associated with the proposed Msenge Emoyeni during the field survey. EN = Endangered, LC = Least Concern and VU = Vulnerable. CGD, carnivore ground diurnal; CGN, carnivore ground nocturnal; CAN, carnivore air nocturnal; CWD, carnivore water diurnal; FFD, frugivore foliage diurnal; GGD, granivore ground diurnal; HWD, herbivore water diurnal; IAD, insectivore air diurnal; IGD, insectivore ground diurnal; IWD, insectivore water diurnal; NFD, nectivore foliage diurnal; OMD, omnivore multiple diurnal; IAN, Insectivore air nocturnal; OGD, omnivore ground diurnal ...... 1

Table 8-5 Summary of avifauna species within the assessment area that are prone to impacts by the energy production and distribution and their respective SABAP 2 pentad reporting rate 4

Table 8-6 The species highlighted by the screening tool with high sensitivities and likelihood of occurrence ...... 11

Table 9-1 Summary of expected impacts due to the proposed development ...... 16

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Table 9-2 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 17

Table 9-3 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 18

Table 9-4 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 18

Table 9-5 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 19

Table 9-6 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 19

Table 9-7 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 20

Table 9-8 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 21

Table 9-9 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 21

Table 9-10 Decommissioning activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 22

Table 9-11 Decommissioning activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation ...... 22

Table 9-12 Cumulative impact of the powerline and substation ...... 23

Table 9-13 Summary of management outcomes pertaining to impacts to avifauna and their habitats ...... 24

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List of Figures

Figure 1-1 The powerline and substation associated with the Msenge Emoyeni project ... 2

Figure 4-1 Map illustrating the location of the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area .... 4

Figure 7-1 Map illustrating the field survey area ...... 8

Figure 8-1 The project area showing the regional ecosystem threat status of the associated terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2018) ...... 9

Figure 8-2 The project area showing the regional level of protection of terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2018) ...... 10

Figure 8-3 Map illustrating the location of protected areas and National Protected Area Expansion Strategy focus areas proximal to the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area .... 1

Figure 8-4 Map illustrating the locations of Critical Biodiversity Areas proximal to the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area ...... 2

Figure 8-5 Map illustrating the location of the nearest Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas to the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area ...... 3

Figure 8-6 Map illustrating the hydrological setting of the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area ...... 4

Figure 8-7 The project area in relation to the Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount route ...... 7

Figure 8-8 Some of the avifauna species recorded in the project area: A) Ant eating Chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora), B) African Hoopoe (Upupa africana), C) Southern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra), D) Bar Throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica), E) Red faced Mouse Bird (Urocolius indicus), F) Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) and G) Bleu Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) ...... 6

Figure 8-9 The habitats found in the project area as delineated with the use of Google Earth and SAIIAE (2018) spatial data ...... 8

Figure 8-10 The habitats found in the project area as delineated with the use of Google Earth and SAIIAE (2018) spatial data ...... 9

Figure 8-11 Photographs illustrating examples of the habitat types delineated within the assessment area associated with the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project. A) Grassland, B) Shrubland/thicket, C) drainage line and D) Disturbed/transformed ...... 10

Figure 8-12 Terrestrial Biodiversity Theme Sensitivity, TBC Screening Report ...... 11

Figure 8-13 Animal species Theme Sensitivity, TBC Screening Report ...... 12

Figure 8-14 Terrestrial biodiversity sensitivity of the project area ...... 13

Figure 8-15 Terrestrial biodiversity sensitivity of the project area ...... 13

Figure 9-1 Some of the impacts observed in the project area; A & C) Existing Windfarm and powerlines, B) Fences, D) Roads, E) Livestock and F &G) Invasive plant species ...... 15

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1 Introduction

The Biodiversity Company was commissioned to compile and avifauna assessment report for the proposed amendment to the 132kV overhead powerline and associated substation. A terrestrial ecology (fauna & flora) assessment was conducted for various components of the Msenge Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility (WEF) project, and the information has been considered to supplement the requirements for the avifauna assessment.

Background

The authorised Msenge Emoyeni WEF is located approximately 20 km south of the town of Bedford in the Eastern Cape Province. The addition of a 132kV overhead powerline and new substation has been initiated by Amakhala Emoyeni Renewable Energy (Pty) Ltd in response to the procurement process initiated by the Independent Power Producer Office (IPP Office) for the procurement of up to 2000MW of dispatchable generation capacity from a range of technologies. This allocation is in accordance with the new generation capacity required as specified in the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 and accompanying ministerial determination from the Minister for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to which the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has concurred. The IPP Office has initiated procurement for the 2000MW of capacity under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP). The proposed project will entail the establishment of the following infrastructure:

• 132kV overhead powerline (double circuit line) approximately 4 km long in a 300 m assessment corridor, from authorized onsite substation that will loop in loop out into new onsite substation; and

• Additional onsite 132kV substation and compound clearance area (200 m x 200 m) (Figure 1-1).

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Figure 1-1 The powerline and substation associated with the Msenge Emoyeni project

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Assumptions and Limitations

The following assumptions and limitations are applicable for this assessment:

• A single season survey was conducted for the respective study, which would constitute a winter dry season survey; • This assessment has not assessed any temporal trends for the project;

• The fieldwork component (terrestrial assessment and not avifaunal priority assessment) of the project only focussed on the southern end of the line and area around the substation as this was part of the original scope for the separate terrestrial study (TBC, 2020);

• The powerline and new substation were added retrospectively to the fieldwork and is largely a desktop exercise. Information for these features were extrapolated from the previous studies done (section 8.1.4) for the wind farm as well as desktop information;

2 Specialist details

AVIFAUNA ASSESSMENT FOR THE MSENGE EMOYENI POWERLINE AND SUBSTATION Report Name

Reference Msenge Emoyeni Avifauna

Submitted to

Lindi Steyn Report Writer Dr. Lindi Steyn has a PhD in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Johannesburg. She specialises in avifauna and has worked in this specialisation since 2013.

Andrew Husted

Andrew Husted is Pr Sci Nat registered (400213/11) in the following fields of practice: Ecological Reviewer Science, Environmental Science and Aquatic Science. Andrew is an Aquatic, Wetland and Biodiversity Specialist with more than 12 years’ experience in the environmental consulting field. Andrew has completed numerous wetland training courses, and is an accredited wetland practitioner, recognised by the DWS, and also the Mondi Wetlands programme as a competent wetland consultant.

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, 2017. We have no conflicting interests in the Declaration 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 principals of science.

3 Scope of Work

The principle aim of the assessment was to provide information to guide the risk of the proposed activity to the avifauna community of the associated ecosystems within the project area/corridor. This was achieved through the following:

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• Desktop assessment to identify the relevant ecologically important geographical features within the proposed development area and surrounding landscape;

• Desktop assessment to compile an expected species list and possible threatened avifauna species that occur within the proposed landscape;

• Field survey (as part of terrestrial survey) to ascertain the species and guild structure of the present avifauna community and their habitat associations within the proposed development area;

• Identify the manner that the proposed development impacts the avifauna community and evaluate the level of risk of these potential impacts; and

• The prescription of mitigation measures and recommendations for identified risks.

4 Project Area

The Msenge Emoyeni project area is situated approximately 19 km south of Bedford and 28 km of Cookhouse. The predominant land uses surrounding the project area includes livestock farming (Marino sheep and Cattle), game farms and natural areas (Figure 4-1). A locality map of the project area is shown in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1 Map illustrating the location of the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area

5 Key Legislative Requirements

The legislation, policies and guidelines listed below in Table 5-1 are applicable to the current project in terms of biodiversity and ecological support systems. The list below, although

www.thebiodiversitycompany.com 4 Avifauna Impact Assessment Msenge Emoyeni extensive, may not be complete and other legislation, policies and guidelines may apply in addition to those listed below. Table 5-1 A list of key legislative requirements relevant to biodiversity and conservation in Eastern Cape

Region Legislation Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1993) The Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR Convention, 1971) International 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 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 Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) Section 24 , No 42946 (January 2020) The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) Section 24 , No 43110 (March 2020) 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) and associated EIA Regulations National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004) National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES) Environmental Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1983) Natural Scientific Professions Act (Act No. 27 of 2003) National National Biodiversity Framework (NBF, 2009) National Forest Act (Act No. 84 of 1998) National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998) 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 National Water Act (NWA, 1998) Eastern Cape Conservation Plan Provincial Transkei Environmental Conservation Decree 9 of 1992 Eastern Cape Environmental Management Bill, in terms of Rule 147 (2019)

www.thebiodiversitycompany.com 5 Avifauna Impact Assessment Msenge Emoyeni 6 Desktop Assessment

The desktop assessment was principally undertaken using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to access the latest available spatial datasets in order to develop digital cartographs and species lists. These datasets and their date of publishing are provided below.

Ecologically Important Landscape Features

Existing ecologically relevant data layers were incorporated into a GIS to establish how the proposed development might interact with any ecologically important entities. Emphasis was placed around the following spatial datasets:

• National Biodiversity Assessment 2018 (Skowno et al, 2019) - The purpose of the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) is to assess the state of South Africa’s biodiversity based on best available science, with a view to understanding trends over time and informing policy and decision-making across a range of sectors. The NBA deals with all three components of biodiversity: genes, species and ecosystems; and assesses biodiversity and ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine environments. The two headline indicators assessed in the NBA are:

o Ecosystem Threat Status – indicator of an ecosystem’s wellbeing, based on the level of change in structure, function or composition. Ecosystem types are categorised as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT) or Least Concern (LC), based on the proportion of the original extent of each ecosystem type that remains in good ecological condition; and

o Ecosystem Protection Level – indicator of the extent to which ecosystems are adequately protected or under-protected. Ecosystem types are categorised as Well Protected (WP), Moderately Protected (MP), Poorly Protected (PP), or Not Protected (NP), based on the proportion of the biodiversity target for each ecosystem type that is included within one or more protected areas. Not Protected, Poorly Protected or Moderately Protected ecosystem types are collectively referred to as under-protected ecosystems.

• Protected areas:

o South Africa Protected Areas Database (SAPAD) (DEA, 2020) – The South African Protected Areas Database (SAPAD) contains spatial data for the conservation of South Africa. It includes spatial and attribute information for both formally protected areas and areas that have less formal protection. SAPAD is updated on a continuous basis and forms the basis for the Register of Protected Areas which is a legislative requirement under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003; and

o National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES) (SANBI, 2010) – The National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) provides spatial information on areas that are suitable for terrestrial ecosystem protection. These focus areas are large, intact and unfragmented and are therefore, of high importance for biodiversity, climate resilience and freshwater protection.

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• Critical Biodiversity Areas (Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP, 2020) – Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) are natural or near-natural features, habitats or landscapes that include terrestrial, aquatic and marine areas that are considered critical for:

o meeting national and provincial biodiversity targets and thresholds;

o safeguarding areas required to ensure the persistence and functioning of species and ecosystems, including the delivery of ecosystem services; and/or

o conserving important locations for biodiversity features or rare species.

• Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (BirdLife South Africa, 2015) – Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) constitute a global network of over 13 500 sites, of which 112 sites are found in South Africa. IBAs are sites of global significance for bird conservation, identified through multi-stakeholder processes using globally standardised, quantitative and scientifically agreed criteria; and

• South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE) (Van Deventer et al., 2018) – A South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE) was established during the National Biodiversity Assessment of 2018. It is a collection of data layers that represent the extent of river and inland wetland ecosystem types as well as pressures on these systems.

Avifauna Assessment

The desktop component of the avifauna assessment comprised of: • Literature review of avifauna species that are likely to be impacted by the development of developments;

• Compiling an expected avifauna list using the South African Bird Atlas Project 2 (SABAP2) using the 3240_2555, 3245_2555, 3250_2555, 3250_2600 pentads (2020);

• Compiling an expected avifauna list with records from the Co-ordinated Avifaunal Road Count (CAR) project (Taylor et. al. 1999);

• Review of the previous avifaunal assessments (Section 8.1.4)

7 Methods

Field Assessment

A single field survey was undertaken during the 17th to the 18th of September 2020 (dry season) to determine the presence of Species of Conservation Concern (SCC). A survey was only performed in the southern portion of the project area as it was the area stipulated in the original scope for the terrestrial assessment (Figure 7-1). Effort was made to cover all the different habitat types within the limits of time and access.

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Figure 7-1 Map illustrating the field survey area

8 Results & Discussion

Desktop Assessment Ecologically Important Landscape Features

The GIS analysis pertaining to the relevance of the proposed development to ecologically important landscape features are summarised in Table 8-1. Table 8-1 Summary of relevance of the proposed Msenge Emoyeni to ecologically important landscape features.

Desktop Information Considered Relevant/Irrelevant Section Ecosystem Threat Status Irrelevant – Located within a Least Concern ecosystem 3.1.1.1 Ecosystem Protection Level Relevant – Located in a Not Protected ecosystem 3.1.1.2 Protected Areas Relevant – Located within a NPAES focus area 3.1.1.3 Critical Biodiversity Area Irrelevant – Intersects CBAs 3.1.1.4 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Irrelevant – More than 38 km to the closest IBA 3.1.1.5 South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems and Relevant – intersect 2 not protected NFEPA rivers 3.1.1.6 NFEPA Coordinated Avifaunal Count Relevant – intersect 1 CAR route 3.1.3

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8.1.1.1 Ecosystem Threat Status

The Ecosystem Threat Status is an indicator of an ecosystem’s wellbeing, based on the level of change in structure, function or composition. Ecosystem types are categorised as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT) or Least Concern (LC), based on the proportion of the original extent of each ecosystem type that remains in good ecological condition. According to the spatial dataset the proposed development is located within a LC ecosystem (Figure 8-1).

Figure 8-1 The project area showing the regional ecosystem threat status of the associated terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2018) 8.1.1.2 Ecosystem Protection Level

Indicator of the extent to which ecosystems are adequately protected or under-protected. Ecosystem types are categorised as Well Protected (WP), Moderately Protected (MP), Poorly Protected (PP), or Not Protected (NP), based on the proportion of the biodiversity target for each ecosystem type that is included within one or more protected areas. Not Protected, Poorly Protected or Moderately Protected ecosystem types are collectively referred to as under- protected ecosystems. The proposed development is located within a NP ecosystem (Figure 8-2).

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Figure 8-2 The project area showing the regional level of protection of terrestrial ecosystems (NBA, 2018) 8.1.1.3 Protected Areas

According to the protected area spatial datasets from SAPAD (2019), the proposed development does not occur within any protected area (Figure 8-3). The Molweni Protected Environment is approximately 36km from the project area.

The proposed development is located within the Amathole Tarkastad focus area for the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) (Figure 8-3). Focus areas for land-based protected area expansion are large, intact and unfragmented areas of high importance, suitable for the creation or expansion of large protected areas. These areas should not be seen as future boundaries of protected areas, as in many cases only a portion of a particular focus area would be required to meet the protected area targets set in the NPAES. Therefore, development, depending on its level of impact, may occur within a portion of these areas.

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Figure 8-3 Map illustrating the location of protected areas and National Protected Area Expansion Strategy focus areas proximal to the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area

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8.1.1.4 Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan

Eastern Cape’s Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP, 2018) addresses the urgent need to identify and map critical biodiversity areas and priorities for conservation in the Province. It also provides land use planning guidelines, recommending biodiversity-friendly activities in priority areas. The ECBCP is intended for use by technical users and decision-makers in the spheres of planning, development and environment. Spatial mapping information can be used both reactively and strategically to guide future development away from sensitive and priority biodiversity areas.

The key output of a systematic biodiversity plan is a map of biodiversity priority areas. The CBA map delineates Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), Ecological Support Areas (ESAs), Other Natural Areas (ONAs), Protected Areas (PAs), and areas that have been irreversibly modified from their natural state (ECBCP, 2007). The ECBCP uses the following terms to categorise the various land used types according to their biodiversity and environmental importance:

• CBA – 1;

• CBA –2;

• CBA –3;

• ONA; and

• PA.

CBAs are terrestrial and aquatic areas of the landscape 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. CBAs are areas of high biodiversity value and need to be kept in a natural state, with no further loss of habitat or species. Thus, if these areas are not maintained in a natural or near natural state then biodiversity targets cannot be met. Maintaining an area in a natural state can include a variety of biodiversity compatible land uses and resource uses (SANBI-BGIS, 2007).

The Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan specifies two different CBA areas, Irreplaceable CBA’s and Optimal CBA’s. Irreplaceable CBA’s include: (1) areas required to meet targets and with irreplaceability biodiversity values of more than 80%; (2) critical linkages or pinch-points in the landscape that must remain natural; or (3) critically Endangered ecosystems.

ONAs consist of all those areas in good or fair ecological condition that fall outside the protected area network and have not been identified as CBAs or ESAs. A biodiversity sector plan or bioregional plan must not specify the desired state/management objectives for ONAs or provide land-use guidelines for ONAs (SANBI-BGIS, 2017).

Figure 8-4 shows the project area does not overlap with a CBA area, it does however come into close proximity to an area classified as CBA 2.

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Figure 8-4 Map illustrating the locations of Critical Biodiversity Areas proximal to the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area 8.1.1.5 Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas

The proposed development is not located within an IBA. The Amathole Katberg Mountain IBA is located approximately 38 km to the east of the proposed development and the Cambedoo National Park IBA is located approximately 120 km to the west of the proposed development (Figure 8-5).

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Figure 8-5 Map illustrating the location of the nearest Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas to the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area 8.1.1.6 Hydrological Setting

This spatial dataset is part of the South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE) which was released as part of the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) 2018. National Wetland Map 5 includes inland wetlands and estuaries, associated with river line data and many other data sets within the South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE) 2018. (Van Deventer et al., 2019; Skowno et al., 2019). The rivers that run across the project area is classified as poorly protected (PP) (Figure 8-6).

The NFEPA spatial data has been incorporated in the above mentioned SAIIAE spatial data set. However, to ensure that this data sets are considered we included it as the Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs) (Driver et al., 2011). FEPAs are intended to be conservation support tools and are 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 overlaps with any true FEPA wetlands, the rivers classified as PP are also FEPA rivers (Figure 8-6).

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Figure 8-6 Map illustrating the hydrological setting of the proposed Msenge Emoyeni project area Expected Avifauna

Based on the South African Bird Atlas Project, Version 2 (SABAP2) database, 236 bird species have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the project area. The full list of potential bird species is provided in Appendix B.

Of the potential bird species, nineteen (19) species are listed as SCC either on a regional or global scale (Table 8-2). The SCC include the following:

• Six (6) species that are listed as EN on a regional basis;

• Nine (9) species that are listed as VU on a regional basis; and

• Three (3) species that are listed as NT on a regional basis.

On a global scale three (3) as EN, five (5) as VU and five (5) species as NT (Table 8-2). Of the 19 species seven have a low likelihood of occurrence due to the lack of suitable habitat, while the other 12 species were all given a high likelihood of occurrence. Table 8-2 List of bird species of regional or global conservation importance that are expected to occur in close vicinity to the project area.

Conservation Status Species Common Name Likelihood of Occurrence Regional (SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017) Afrotis afra Korhaan, Southern Black VU VU High Anthropoides paradiseus Crane, Blue NT VU High

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Aquila verreauxii Eagle, Verreaux's VU LC High Ardeotis kori Bustard, Kori NT NT High Balearica regulorum Crane, Grey Crowned EN EN High Calidris ferruginea Sandpiper, Curlew LC NT Low Campethera notata Woodpecker, Knysna NT NT Low Circus maurus Harrier, Black EN VU High Circus ranivorus Marsh-harrier, African EN LC Low Cursorius rufus Courser, Burchell's VU LC Low Eupodotis senegalensis Korhaan, White-bellied VU LC High Falco biarmicus Falcon, Lanner VU LC High Gyps coprotheres Vulture, Cape EN EN High Neotis denhami Bustard, Denham’s VU NT High Neotis ludwigii Bustard, Ludwig’s EN EN High Polemaetus bellicosus Eagle, Martial EN VU High Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird VU VU High Stephanoaetus coronatus Eagle, African Crowned VU NT Low Sterna caspia Tern, Caspian VU LC Low

Afrotis afra (Southern Black Korhaan) is listed as VU on a regional and global scale (IUCN, 2017). They are endemic to the South-Western side of South Africa. Their habitat varies from non-grassy areas to the Fynbos biome, Karoo biome and the western coastline of South Africa. The main threat to them is habitat loss, in an eight year span they loss 80% of their range due to agricultural developments. Their diet consists of insects, small reptiles and plant material, including seeds and green shoots (Hockey et al. 2005). This species was observed 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. Numerous breeding pairs of this species were observed in the project area.

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). Habitat and preferred prey species can be found in and around the project area. Personal communications with one of the landowners confirmed the presence of this species.

Ardeotis kori (Kori Bustard) is listed as NT both on a regional and global scale. It occurs in flat, arid, mostly open country such as grassland, karoo, bushveld, thornveld, scrubland and savanna but also including modified habitats such as wheat fields and firebreaks. Collisions with high voltage power lines are a major threat to this species in the Karoo of South Africa (IUCN, 2007). The grassland habitat in the project area provide suitable habitat for this species.

Balearica regulorum (Crane, Grey Crowned) is listed as EN on a regional scale as well as global scale. The species inhabits wetlands such as marshes, pans and dams with tall emergent

www.thebiodiversitycompany.com 5 Avifauna Impact Assessment Msenge Emoyeni vegetation, open riverine woodland, shallowly flooded plains and temporary pools with adjacent grasslands, open savannas, croplands and breeds within or at the edges of wetlands. Based on the presence of the Blue crane, this species was given a high likelihood of occurrence.

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, which is present in the project area thus likelihood of occurrence was rated as high.

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 high due to the natural veld condition and the presence of many bird species on which Lanner Falcons may predate.

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 over open country, although they are usually found near steep terrain, where they breed and roost on cliffs (IUCN, 2017). The presence of Vultures was confirmed by the landowner.

Neotis denhami (Denhams Bustard) is listed as VU on a regional scale and NT on a global scale. It occurs in flat, arid, mostly open country such as grassland, karoo, bushveld, thornveld, scrubland and savanna but also including modified habitats such as wheat fields and firebreaks Collisions with power lines may be a significant threat in parts of the range, particularly South Africa (IUCN, 2007). The habitat at the project site does provide suitable habitat for this species and therefore it’s likelihood of occurrence is rated as high.

Neotis ludwigii (Ludwig’s Bustard) is listed as EN both locally and internationally. This species is found in the desert, grassland and shrubland specifically in rocky areas such as mountains and cliffs. The main reason for the decline in the numbers are ascribed to the collisions with power lines. This species has a high likelihood of occurrence based on the highly suitable habitat found in the project area.

Polemaetus bellicosus (Martial Eagle) is listed as EN on a regional scale and VU on a global scale. This species has an extensive range across much of sub-Saharan Africa, but populations are declining due to deliberate and incidental poisoning, habitat loss, reduction in available prey, pollution and collisions with power lines (IUCN, 2017). It inhabits open woodland, wooded savanna, bushy grassland, thornbush and, in southern Africa, more open country and even sub- desert (IUCN, 2017). With the presence of good grassland habitat in the project area but an absence of large trees for roosting and nesting this species may only use the site for foraging.

Sagittarius serpentarius (Secretarybird) 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 high due to the extensive grasslands areas present in the project area. Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount (CAR)

The ADU/Cape bird club pioneered avifaunal roadcount of larger birds in 1993 in South Africa. Originally it was started to monitor the Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus and Denham’s/Stanley's Bustard Neotis denhami. Today it has been expanded to the monitoring of

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36 species of large terrestrial birds (cranes, bustards, korhaans, storks, Secretarybird and Southern Bald Ibis) along 350 fixed routes covering over 19 000 km. Twice a year, in midsummer (the last Saturday in January) and midwinter (the last Saturday in July), roadcounts are carried out using this standardised method. These counts are important for the conservation of these larger species that are under threat due to loss of habitat through changes in land use, increases in crop agriculture and human population densities, poisoning as well as man-made structures like power lines. With the prospect of wind and solar farms to increase the use of renewable energy sources monitoring of these species is most important (CAR, 2020). Figure 8-7 shows that one of these CAR routes run through the project area.

Figure 8-7 The project area in relation to the Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount route Review of previous reports

A number of studies has been conducted in the area including a long term monitoring study. These studies are:

• Avisense Consulting (2010). Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility Avian Basic Impact Assessment

• Avisense Consulting (2011/2012). Construction of the proposed Kopleegte Substation and Kopleegte-Poseidon 132kv power line, including deviations of two existing Eskom power lines in the vicinity of Poseidon substation to facilitate grid connection, Eastern Cape Province Basic Assessment;

• Avisense Consulting (2012). Msenge Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility. Avian Impact Risk Assessment and Mitigation Scheme.

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• Avisense Consulting (2018). Environmental Authorisation amendment application for the proposed Msenge Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility: implications for bird impacts;

In the Avisense (2010) study it was found that the area could support 280 species, including 16 red-listed species and 70 endemics. In this study they assessed various components of the windfarm including, wind turbines, powerlines and substations. The field assessment for this study was conducted in July of 2010. Species of conservation concern identified in this study include; Denhams Bustard (Neotis denhami), White-bellied Korhaan (Eupodotis senegalensis), Melodius Lark (Mirafra cheniana), Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus), Black Harrier (Circus maurus), Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus), Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres). Their impact assessment highlighted the mortalities of larger birds due to collisions, disturbance and displacement of larger terrestrial birds and displacement of grassland endemics. They also highlighted that if the features of the wind farm are viewed in isolation it has a moderate effect but cumulatively it has a high impact.

The Avisense (2011/2012) report assessed a new powerline, re-alignment of a powerline and a substation. The habitats identified in this report is hilly grasslands, areas with thicker thornveld or thickets including riparian strips and wetlands. These habitats supported the same species assemblages as mentioned in the Avisense (2010) report. The impact assessment found four main impacts;

1. Mortalities of Cape Vulture through collisions or electrocutions;

2. Disturbance and displacements of large terrestrial birds;

3. Displacement of visiting/resident raptors from foraging areas; and

4. Disturbance and displacement of resident/breeding Grassland endemics.

Avisense (2012) objective was to refine the findings of the original avifauna impact assessment in the form of a monitoring study. The monitoring study was conducted over 12 months from Aug 2011 till July 2012, consisting of 5 day visits on 5 occasions. They recorded the following SCC during the various seasons; Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus), Denhams Bustard (Neotis denhami), White-bellied Korhaan (Eupodotis senegalensis), Ludwigs Bustard (Neotis ludwigii), Melodius Lark (Mirafra cheniana), Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus), Black Harrier (Circus maurus), Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus), Secretarybird (Sagitarrius serpentarius), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Verreaux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii), Black Strork (Ciconia nigra) and Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis). All of these species are regarded as high risk for collisions with the exception of the Melodius Lark (Mirafra cheniana) that will be sensitive to habitat disturbance. In total 159 of the 283 expected species were recorded.

The Avisense (2018) study was compiled to assess an amendment to the powerline network. This study summarized the findings of the previous reports and again highlighted that the cumulative impact will be extensive on species such as the Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus). They compiled a risk table for the species they regarded at risk most from electrocution, collision and habitat disturbance (Table 8 3).

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Table 8-3 A risk summary for the species they regarded at risk most from electrocution, collision and habitat (Avisense, 2018)

SA conservation Risk posed by status/ Estimated Regional Common name Scientific name (Global importance of local Preferred habitat endemism Collision Electrocution Disturbance / conservation population habitat loss status) VU Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami - Moderate Open grassland High - High (NT) Eupodotis White-bellied Korhaan VU - High Open grassland Moderate - High senegalensis VU Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra Endemic Moderate Open grassland Moderate - High (VU) Anthropoides NT Open grassland, Blue Crane Endemic Moderate High - Moderate paradiseus (VU) wetlands EN Open grassland Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres Endemic Moderate High - - (EN) (ridges) EN Open grassland, Black Harrier Circus maurus Endemic Moderate Moderate - Moderate (EN) wetlands EN Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus - Moderate Open grassland High High Moderate (VU) Sagittarius VU Secretarybird - Moderate Open grassland High - Moderate serpentarius (VU) Open grassland Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus VU - Moderate High Moderate - (ridges) Black Stork Ciconia nigra VU - Moderate Wetlands High Moderate - Melodious Lark Mirafra cheniana - Endemic High Open grasslands - - High

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Two ecological reports were provided, Savannah Environmental (2014) and David Hoare Consulting (2010). The Savannah Environmental (2014) study was conducted in February 2014 with constitutes a wet season survey, the focus of the report was the turbines themselves and a 100 m radius around them. This report mainly focussed on the habitat and vegetation found in the project area. The David Hoare Consulting (2010) report assessed the whole Amakhala Emoyeni Wind facility which was essentially split into phases including Msenge Emoyeni Wind Energy (Amakhala Emoyeni Phase 2), the footprint of the Msenge Emoyeni WEF does fall in their much larger footprint. This report also focussed mainly on the habitat and ecological sensitivities of these areas. The habitat features in these reports are relevant to this report as a destruction of the habitat will result in a loss of avifaunal species.

Field Assessment Avifauna Species

Seventy one (71) bird species were recorded in the project area survey footprint. The Southern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra) were observed in the project area. It is likely that these species are using the project area for breeding as a juvenile was recorded along with the male and female. Approximately 10 breeding pairs of Blue Cranes (Anthropoides paradiseus) were observed in the project area, and it is likely that these species are local residents. Sixty-five of the species are also protected under schedule 2 of the EC Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 19 of 1974. The species recorded in the project area is shown in Table 8-4 and some of the species recorded is shown in Figure 8-8. About 34% of the species were found to be species that were insectivorous species that catch their prey in the air during the day (IAD), while the granivorous ground dwelling diurnal species (GGD) made up 21% of the total species composition. Table 8-4 Summary of avifauna species recorded within the assessment area associated with the proposed Msenge Emoyeni during the field survey. EN = Endangered, LC = Least Concern and VU = Vulnerable. CGD, carnivore ground diurnal; CGN, carnivore ground nocturnal; CAN, carnivore air nocturnal; CWD, carnivore water diurnal; FFD, frugivore foliage diurnal; GGD, granivore ground diurnal; HWD, herbivore water diurnal; IAD, insectivore air diurnal; IGD, insectivore ground diurnal; IWD, insectivore water diurnal; NFD, nectivore foliage diurnal; OMD, omnivore multiple diurnal; IAN, Insectivore air nocturnal; OGD, omnivore ground diurnal

Conservation Status EC Nature Conservation Common Name Guild Species Regional (SANBI, IUCN Ordinance No. 19 of 2016) (2017) 1974 Afrotis afra Korhaan, Southern Black VU VU Schedule 2 OGD Alopochen aegyptiacus Goose, Egyptian Unlisted LC Schedule 2 HWD Amadina erythrocephala Finch, Red-headed Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Anas capensis Teal, Cape Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IWD Anas undulata Duck, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC Schedule 2 HWD Andropadus importunus Greenbul, Sombre Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD Anthropoides paradiseus Crane, Blue NT VU Schedule 2 OMD Anthus cinnamomeus Pipit, African Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Anthus leucophrys Pipit, Plain-backed Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Apalis thoracica Apalis, Bar-throated Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Apus apus Swift, Common Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Apus caffer Swift, White-rumped Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD

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Ardea cinerea Heron, Grey Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CWD Ardea melanocephala Heron, Black-headed Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CGD Batis molitor Batis, Chinspot Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Bostrychia hagedash Ibis, Hadeda Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD Calandrella cinerea Lark, Red-capped Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Caprimulgus pectoralis Nightjar, Fiery-necked Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CAN Cercotrichas coryphoeus Scrub-robin, Karoo Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Cercotrichas leucophrys Scrub-robin, White-browed Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Certhilauda semitorquata Lark, Eastern Long-billed Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Chalcomitra amethystina Sunbird, Amethyst Unlisted LC Schedule 2 NFD Charadrius tricollaris Plover, Three-banded Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IWD Cisticola juncidis Cisticola, Zitting Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Cisticola textrix Cisticola, Cloud Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Coccopygia melanotis Waxbill, Swee Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Columba livia Dove, Rock Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CWD Corvus albus Crow, Pied Unlisted LC OMD Corvus capensis Crow, Cape Unlisted LC OMD Coturnix coturnix Quail, Common Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Crithagra sulphuratus Canary, Brimstone Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Emberiza capensis Bunting, Cape Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Emberiza tahapisi Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Estrilda astrild Waxbill, Common Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Euplectes capensis Bishop, Yellow Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Falco rupicolus Kestrel, Rock Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CGD Hirundo rustica Swallow, Barn Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Lagonosticta rubricata Firefinch, African Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Lamprotornis nitens Starling, Cape Glossy Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD Laniarius ferrugineus Boubou, Southern Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD Lanius collaris Fiscal, Common (Southern) Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Melaenornis pammelaina Flycatcher, Southern Black Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Goshawk, Southern Pale Melierax canorus Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CGD Chanting Mirafra africana Lark, Rufous-naped Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Motacilla aguimp Wagtail, African Pied Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Motacilla capensis Wagtail, Cape Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Muscicapa striata Flycatcher, Spotted Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Myrmecocichla formicivora Chat, Anteating Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Numida meleagris Guineafowl, Helmeted Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD Oena capensis Dove, Namaqua Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Oenanthe monticola Wheatear, Mountain Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Onychognathus morio Starling, Red-winged Unlisted LC IAD

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Phylloscopus trochilus Warbler, Willow Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Plectropterus gambensis Goose, Spur-winged Unlisted LC Schedule 2 HWD Ploceus capensis Weaver, Cape Unlisted LC OMD Pogoniulus pusillus Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CWD Prinia maculosa Prinia, Karoo Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Pternistis swainsonii Spurfowl, Swainson's Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD Pycnonotus tricolor Bulbul, Dark-capped Unlisted Unlisted OMD Quelea quelea Quelea, Red-billed Unlisted LC GGD Saxicola torquatus Stonechat, African Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Spreo bicolor Starling, Pied Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Streptopelia capicola Turtle-dove, Cape Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Laughing Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Thamnolaea Cliff-chat, Mocking Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD cinnamomeiventris Upupa africana Hoopoe, African Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Uraeginthus angolensis Waxbill, Blue Unlisted LC Schedule 2 GGD Urocolius indicus Mousebird, Red-faced Unlisted LC Schedule 2 CWD Vanellus armatus Lapwing, Blacksmith Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IWD Vanellus coronatus Lapwing, Crowned Unlisted LC Schedule 2 IAD Zosterops virens White-eye, Cape Unlisted LC Schedule 2 OMD

Majority of the avifauna species recorded are protected under provincial legislation, with two (2) species regarded as red-listed.

Afrotis afra (Southern Black Korhaan) is endemic to southwestern South Africa. The species is restricted to the non-grassy, winter rainfall or mixed winter-summer rainfall fynbos, renosterveld and succulent Karoo biomes, and the extreme south of the Nama-Karoo biome, in a narrow strip along the southern and western coastlines of South Africa. The diet comprises of insects, small reptiles and plant material. The global population has not been quantified. The principle threat is habitat loss and fragmentation due to expanding agriculture (BirdLife International, 2016a). Moreover, agricultural activity decreases breeding success due to increased chick and egg predation because of a general decrease in vegetation cover and an increase in predators such as Pied Crows. Collisions with power lines are also an emerging threat. It is unknown if the size of the power lines affects the probability of collision. A juvenile was observed along with two adults, it can thus be assumed the species breeds in the project areas vicinity. Considering the decrease in breeding success within the species’ range, the area is considered vital for the continued population wellbeing.

Anthropoides paradiseus (Blue Crane) are endemic to Southern Africa occurring mainly in the southern and eastern Mpumalanga Highveld through the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Bleu cranes are omnivorous with their diet consisting of plant material such as small bulbs, seeds and roots, and animals such as insects (especially grasshoppers), small reptiles, frogs, fish, crustaceans and small mammals (SANBI, 2015). 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. Numerous breeding pairs of this species

www.thebiodiversitycompany.com 3 Avifauna Impact Assessment Msenge Emoyeni were observed in the project area. The risk of powerline collisions is enhanced by their habit to fly in a v-shape formation sometimes at a rate of 60-70km, this increases the likelihood of multiple bird strikes at once.

The SABAP 2 reporting rate for these species as well as those species that are known to occur within the broader landscape that are identified as exhibiting a high potential for impacts by energy generation and distribution are provided in Table 8-5. Some of the bird species commonly impacted by powerlines are shown in Appendix C as per EWT (2017). Table 8-5 Summary of avifauna species within the assessment area that are prone to impacts by the energy production and distribution and their respective SABAP 2 pentad reporting rate

Pentads reporting rate Common Name Scientific Name 3240_2555 3245_2555 3250_2555 3250_2600 Denham's Bustard Neotis denhami 3.7 14.3 23.5 Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii 21.4 23.5 Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus 11.1 50 56.5 23.5 Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus 7.4 28.6 17.4 11.8 Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus 7.1 White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 7.1 Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus 55.6 71.4 87 70.6 Cape Crow Corvus capensis 29.6 85.7 52.2 52.9 Pied Crow Corvus albus 48.1 100 91.3 76.5 Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata 40.7 35.7 8.7 Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus 4.3 Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus 3.7 0 13 5.9 Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii 7.1 4.3 Spotted Eagle-owl Bubo africanus 7.1 8.7 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 5.9 African Fish-eagle Haliaeetus vocifer 5.9 Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus 70.4 57.1 39.1 47.1 Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis 3.7 7.1 11.8 Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus 7.4 71.4 52.2 23.5 Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar 3.7 5.9 Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris 59.3 28.6 34.8 5.9 Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 3.7 African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus 11.1 7.1 13 11.8 Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala 33.3 7.1 34.8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 18.5 14.3 4.3 29.4 African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus 3.7 7.1 4.3 5.9 Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash 77.8 50 43.5 29.4 Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra 30.4 35.3 White-bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis 40.7 5.9

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White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis 25.9 14.3 11.8 Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius 21.7 17.6 South African Shelduck Tadorna cana 35.7 8.7 African Spoonbill Platalea alba 3.7 4.3 5.9 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 0 Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres 42.9 13 5.9

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Fine-scale Habitat Use

The grassland habitat made up majority of the project area and consisted of flat open areas and ridges/slopes. The ridges possessed a lower richness and abundance of passerine birds than the open areas. This habitat type supported a large number of insectivorous and granivorous ground dwelling species such as Cinamon-breasted Buntings (Emberiza tahapisi), Namaqua Doves (Oena capensis), Red-billed Queleas (Quelea quelea), Red Capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea) and Mountain Wheatear (Oenanthe monticola). Both priority species were found in this habitat Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) and Southern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra).

The shrubland/thicket habitat unit was dominated by shrubs up to a height of 1m-1.5m. In some areas, drainage lines ran through this habitat and the density of the shrubs increased. The shrub density then decreased up the sides of the ridges. Both of the raptor sightings were done in this habitat type, Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus), and Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolus). Both species were observed perching on the vegetation and it was assumed that they utilise the area for hunting as no nests were seen. Prey species for the former, Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and latter, Cape Turtle Dove (Streptopelia capicola) were present in this habitat type.

All of the drainage areas were dry during the survey, some dams/wetlands still had water and this is where majority of the waterbird sightings were made. Species such as the Cape Teal (Anas capensis), Black Headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala), Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) and Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata) were observed here. In the vegetation adjacent to the drainage lines species such as Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis), Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis) and Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica) were found. These species exhibited a preference for the more dense areas with a higher level of coverage from predatory birds.

The disturbed/transformed habitat unit represents areas such as the roads, areas cleared for the existing substations and farm houses. Although these areas are disturbed, they do still support some generalist avifauna species. Adjacent to the roads existing powerlines can be found, a large number of Cape Crow (Corvus capensis) and Pied Crow (Corvus albus) nests were observed on the poles. Large numbers of Common Swifts (Apus apus) were seen flying over the houses and barns in and around the project area, it is assumed that they congregate to these areas as there were a high density of insects found here.

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Figure 8-9 The habitats found in the project area as delineated with the use of Google Earth and SAIIAE (2018) spatial data

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Figure 8-10 The habitats found in the project area as delineated with the use of Google Earth and SAIIAE (2018) spatial data

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The biodiversity theme sensitivity as indicated in the screening report was derived to be Very High and Low (Figure 8-12), while the animal species theme sensitivity shows that majority of the area is classified as High sensitivity with small sections of Low sensitivity (Figure 8-13). The completion of the avifaunal assessment confirmed the areas classified as Very High sensitivity of the project area, however the assessment disagrees with the low sensitivity and believes it should also be classified as predominantly High (at least) to Very High sensitivity. Hoare (2010) classified the sensitivity of the area from medium to medium-high, which is again in contrast to the low sensitivity classification depicted in Figure 8-12 and Figure 8-13. The screening report highlighted the following species as sensitive and likely to occur in the area (Table 8-6). Table 8-6 The species highlighted by the screening tool with high sensitivities and likelihood of occurrence

Conservation Status Species Common Name Screening Tool sensitivity Regional (SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017) Circus maurus Harrier, Black EN VU High Neotis denhami Bustard, Denham’s VU NT High Campethera notata Woodpecker, Knysna NT NT High Neotis ludwigii Bustard, Ludwig’s EN EN High

Figure 8-12 Terrestrial Biodiversity Theme Sensitivity, TBC Screening Report

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Figure 8-13 Animal species Theme Sensitivity, TBC Screening Report

In terms of habitats, areas that were classified as having a low sensitivity are those areas which were deemed by the specialists to have been impacted upon and/or were modified from their original condition due to factors such as clearing of vegetation and removing topsoil.

The habitats rated as high are habitats that still;

• Serve as and represent CBA, as identified by the ECBCP (2007 and 2018);

• Area that form part of the Amathole Tarkastad NPAES;

• Serve as crucial habitat for SCCs; and

• Support various avifaunal species as habitat and a movement corridor (Figure 8-14 and Figure 8-15).

It is important to note that this map does not replace any local, provincial or government legislation relating to these areas or the land use capabilities or sensitivities of these environments but is done in relation to the legislation.

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Figure 8-14 Terrestrial biodiversity sensitivity of the project area

Figure 8-15 Terrestrial biodiversity sensitivity of the project area

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9 Avifauna Risk Assessment

The proposed project will entail the establishment of the following infrastructure: A 132kV overhead powerline (double circuit line) approximately 4km long in a 300m assessment corridor, from authorized onsite substation that will loop in loop out into new onsite substation; and an additional onsite 132kV substation and compound clearance area (200 m x 200 m).

Risk Assessment Method

The assessment of the significance of direct, indirect and cumulative impacts was undertaken using the method as developed by Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd. The assessment of the impact considers the following:

• The nature of the impact, which shall include a description of what causes the effect, what will be affected, and how it will be affected;

• The extent of the impact, indicating whether the impact will be local or regional;

• The duration of the impact, very short-term duration (0-1 year), short-term duration (2- 5 years), medium-term (5-15 years), long-term (> 15 years) or permanent;

• The probability of the impact, describing the likelihood of the impact actually occurring, indicated as improbable, probable, highly probable or definite;

• The severity/beneficial scale indicating whether the impact will be very severe/beneficial (a permanent change which cannot be mitigated/permanent and significant benefit with no real alternative to achieving this benefit), severe/beneficial (long-term impact that could be mitigated/long-term benefit), moderately severe/beneficial (medium- to long-term impact that could be mitigated/ medium- to long-term benefit), slight, or have no effect;

• The significance which shall be determined through a synthesis of the characteristics described above and can be assessed as low medium or high;

• The status which will be described as either positive, negative or neutral;

• The degree to which the impact can be reversed;

• The degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and

• The degree to which the impact can be mitigated.

Present Impacts to Avifauna

Considering the anthropogenic activities and influences within the landscape, several negative impacts to the avifauna community were observed within the assessment area. These include:

• Existing Wind farm;

• Livestock trampling habitat and nests;

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• Invasive Alien Plants;

• Roads and associated vehicle traffic;

• Powerlines; and

• Fences.

Figure 9-1 Some of the impacts observed in the project area; A & C) Existing Windfarm and powerlines, B) Fences, D) Roads, E) Livestock and F &G) Invasive plant species

Identification of Additional Potential Impacts

This section describes the potential impacts on avifauna associated with the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the proposed development. During the construction phase vegetation clearing for the associated infrastructure will lead to direct

www.thebiodiversitycompany.com 15 Avifauna Impact Assessment Msenge Emoyeni habitat loss. Vegetation clearing will create a disturbance and will therefore potentially lead to the displacement of avifaunal species. The operation of construction machinery on site will create will generate noise and dust pollution. Increased human presence can lead to poaching and the increase in vehicle traffic will potentially lead to roadkill.

The principle impacts of the operational phase are electrocution and collisions due to the powerlines. Birds prone to collisions can be divided into five categories; 1) large species with high body weight ratio to wing span resulting in low manoeuvrability, 2) species that are distracted in flight this include predatory birds and smaller species with areal displays, 3) species flying at high speeds, 4) crepuscular species that are active in low light conditions, and 5) species with limited narrow forward vision (Jenkins et al., 2010; Noguera et al., 2010). Species that tend to fly in flocks also may be influenced more by collisions as the birds flying in the rear will not be able to detect the powerlines. Large passerines are particularly susceptible to electrocution because owing to their relatively large bodies, they are able to touch conductors and ground/earth wires or earthed devices are simultaneously. The chances of electrocution are increased when feathers are wet, during periods of high humidity or during defecation. Prevailing wind direction also influences the rate of electrocution casualties. Winds parallel or diagonal to cross-arms are the most detrimental, due to exacerbating the difficulty in manoeuvrability during landing or take-off.

The decommissioning phase will cause disturbance due to the removal of associated infrastructure. Furthermore, if the area is not rehabilitated, this will likely result in habitat degradation due to erosion and the encroachment of invasive alien plants.

A summary of the potential impacts during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the proposed activity are presented in Table 9-1. Table 9-1 Summary of expected impacts due to the proposed development

Phase Expected Impacts • Habitat loss and degradation • Noise and dust pollution from heavy machinery use Construction Phase • Collection of eggs and poaching • Roadkill • Collisions with powerlines • Electrocution with powerlines Operational Phase • Roadkill during maintenance procedures • Habitat degradation • Disturbance Decommissioning Phase • Habitat degradation

Alternatives

No alternatives were considered in this assessment as the locations of the turbines and other substation have been assessed in a separate report (Assessed and authorised).

Assessment of Impact Significance

The assessment of impact significance considers pre-mitigation as well as implemented of post-mitigation scenarios. Although different species and groups will react differently to the development, the risk assessment was undertaken bearing in mind the potential impacts to the priority species listed in section 8.2.1 of this report. More mitigations can be seen in section 8.9.

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Construction Phase

The construction of the powerline and substation has been assessed collectively as their impacts overlap.

The following potential impacts were considered (Table 9-2 till Table 9-5):

• Destruction, fragmentation and degradation of habitats;

• Displacement of avifaunal community (Including several SCC) due to disturbance such as noise, light, dust, vibration;

• Collection of eggs and poaching;

• Roadkill.

Table 9-2 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Destruction, fragmentation and degradation of habitats; Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Regional (2) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Moderate term (3) Magnitude High (8) Moderate (6) Probability Highly probable (4) Probable (3) Significance Medium Medium Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility Low Low Irreplaceable loss of resources? No No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • Construction activity to only be within the project footprint and the area is to be well demarcated. • Areas where vegetation has been cleared must be re-vegetated within local indigenous plant species. • The affected area must be monitored for invasive plant encroachment and erosion and must be controlled. • The use of laydown areas within the corridor should be used where feasible, to avoid habitat loss and disturbance to adjoining areas. • All areas to be developed must be walked through prior to any activity to ensure no nests or avifauna species are found in the area. Should any Species of Conservation Concern not move out of the area or their nest be found in the area a suitably qualified specialist must be consulted to advise on the correct actions to be taken.

Residual Impacts:

The loss of habitat is a residual impact that is unavoidable. The disturbance may still cause some erosion and invasive alien plant encroachment. Movement corridors will be disrupted in the areas where the powerline span drainage lines.

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Table 9-3 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature:

Displacement of avifaunal community (Including several SCC) due to disturbance such as noise, light, dust, vibration

Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Regional (2) Local area (1) Duration Moderate term (3) Short term (2) Magnitude Moderate (6) Low (4) Probability Probable (3) Probable (3) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility None Moderate Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • Minimize disturbance impact by abbreviating construction time. • Schedule the activities to avoid breeding and movement times (as per the Avisense 2012) report. • Ensure lights at the substation is kept to a minimum, lights must be red or green and not white to reduce confusion for nocturnal migrants. • Dust management need to be done in the areas where the vegetation will be removed, this includes wetting of the soil.

Residual Impacts: Displacement of endemic and SCC avifauna species.

Table 9-4 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Collection of eggs and poaching Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Permanent (5) Short term (2) Magnitude Moderate (6) Low (4) Probability Highly probable (4) Probable (3) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility High High Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • All personnel should undergo environmental induction with regards to avifauna and in particular awareness about not harming, collecting or hunting terrestrial species (e.g. bustards, korhaans, francolin), and owls, which are often persecuted out of superstition. • Signs must be put up stating that should any person be found poaching any species they will be fined.

Residual Impacts: There is a possibility that the eggs to be poached could be that of an SCC with decreasing numbers

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Table 9-5 Construction activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Roadkill Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Short term (2) Short term (2) Magnitude Moderate (6) MIinor (2) Probability Highly probable (4) Improbable (2) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility High High Irreplaceable loss of resources? No No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • All construction vehicles should adhere to clearly defined and demarcated roads. No off-road driving to be allowed outside of the construction area. • All vehicles (construction or other) accessing the site should adhere to a low speed limit on site (40 km/h max) to avoid collisions with susceptible avifauna, such as nocturnal and crepuscular species (e.g. nightjars and owls) which sometimes forage or rest on roads, especially at night.

Residual Impacts: Roadkills could still occur

Operational Phase

The operational phase of the impact of daily activities is anticipated to lead to powerline collisions and electrocutions. Moving vehicles don’t only cause sensory disturbances to avifauna, affecting their life cycles and movement, but will lead to direct mortalities due to collisions. The corridor of the powerline will be maintained to prevent uncontrolled events such as fire, this practice will however result in the disturbance and displacement of breeding and non-breeding species.

The following potential impacts were considered (Table 9-6 to Table 9-9):

• Collisions with powerlines;

• Electrocution with powerlines;

• Roadkill during maintenance procedures; and

• Habitat degradation and displacement of resident, visiting and breeding species (as well as SCCs).

Table 9-6 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Collisions with powerlines

Without mitigation With mitigation

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Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Long term (4) Magnitude High (8) Moderate (6) Probability Highly probable (4) Probable (3) Significance Medium Medium Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility Low Low Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • The design of the proposed power line must be of a type or similar structure as endorsed by the Eskom-EWT Strategic Partnership on Birds and Energy, considering the mitigation guidelines recommended by Birdlife South Africa. • Infrastructure should be consolidated where possible in order to minimise the amount of ground and air space used. This would involve using existing/approved pylons and associated infrastructure for different lines. • Marking of entire length of power line with industry standard bird flight diverters, use of bird friendly power hardware (refer to Avisense 2011/2012).

Residual Impacts: Some collisions of SCCs might still occur regardless of mitigations

Table 9-7 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature:

Electrocution with powerlines

Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Moderate term (3) Magnitude High (8) Moderate (6) Probability Highly probable (4) Improbable (2) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility Low High Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • The design of the proposed power line must be of a type or similar structure as endorsed by the Eskom-EWT Strategic Partnership on Birds and Energy, considering the mitigation guidelines recommended by Birdlife South Africa. • Infrastructure should be consolidated where possible/practical in order to minimise the amount of ground and air space used. This would involve using the existing/approved pylons and associated infrastructure for different lines. • Ensure that monitoring is sufficiently frequent to detect electrocutions reliably and that any areas where electrocutions occurred are repaired as soon as possible. • During the first year of operation quarterly reports, summarising interim findings should be complied and submitted to BirdLife South Africa. If the findings indicate that electrocutions have not occurred or are minimal with no red-listed species, an annual report can be submitted.

Residual Impacts: Electrocutions might still occur regardless of mitigations

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Table 9-8 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Roadkill during maintenance procedures Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Long term (4) Magnitude Moderate (6) Low (4) Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility Low Low Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • All personnel should undergo environmental induction with regards to avifauna and their behaviour on roads. • All vehicles should adhere to clearly defined and demarcated roads. No off-road driving to be allowed. • All vehicles accessing the site should adhere to a low speed limit on site (40 km/h max) to avoid collisions with susceptible avifauna, such as nocturnal and crepuscular species (e.g. nightjars and owls) which sometimes forage or rest on roads, especially at night.

Residual Impacts: Road collisions can still occur regardless of mitigations

Table 9-9 Operational activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Habitat degradation and displacement of resident, visiting and breeding species (as well as SCCs). Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Moderate term (3) Magnitude Moderate (6) Low (4) Probability Probable (3) Improbable (2) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility Low Low Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • Minimising habitat destruction caused by the maintenance by demarcating the footprint so that it does not increase yearly. • All areas where maintenance must be for example grass cutting walked through prior to any activity to ensure no nests or fauna species are found in the area. Should any Species of Conservation Concern not move out of the area or their nest be found in the area a suitably qualified specialist must be consulted to advise on the correct actions to be taken.

Residual Impacts: Migratory routes of avifauna species could change, and the species composition could also change regardless of mitigations

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Decommissioning Phase

This phase is when the scaling down of activities ahead of temporary or permanent closure is initiated. During this phase, the operational phase impacts will persist until of the activity reduces and the rehabilitation measures are implemented.

The following potential impacts were considered (Table 9-10 to Table 9-11):

• Continued fragmentation and degradation of habitats;

• Displacement of faunal community (including SCC) due disturbance (road collisions, noise, dust, vibration).

Table 9-10 Decommissioning activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature:

Continued fragmentation and degradation of habitats

Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Local area (1) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Very short term (1) Magnitude High (8) MIinor (2) Probability Highly probable (4) Very improbable (1) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative Reversibility Low High Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • Implementation of a rehabilitation plan. • Implementation of an alien invasive management plan and monitoring on an annual basis for 3 years post construction. • There should be follow-up rehabilitation and revegetation of any remaining bare areas with indigenous flora.

Residual Impacts: No significant residual risks are expected, although IAP encroachment and erosion might still occur but would have a negligible impact if effectively managed.

Table 9-11 Decommissioning activities impacts on the avifauna for the powerline and substation

Nature: Displacement of faunal community (including SCC) due disturbance (road collisions, noise, dust, vibration). Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Regional (2) Local area (1) Duration Long term (4) Moderate term (3) Magnitude High (8) Low (4) Probability Highly probable (4) Probable (3) Significance Medium Low Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative

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Reversibility Low Moderate Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes No Can impacts be mitigated? Yes Mitigation: • Minimize disturbance impact by abbreviating construction time • Schedule the activities to avoid breeding and movement times (as per the Avisense 2012) report • Dust management need to be done in the areas where the vegetation will be removed, this includes wetting of the soil. This area must be rehabilitated as soon as possible. • All construction vehicles should adhere to clearly defined and demarcated roads. No off-road driving to be allowed outside of the decommissioning area. • All vehicles (construction or other) accessing the site should adhere to a low speed limit on site (40 km/h max) to avoid collisions with susceptible avifauna, such as nocturnal and crepuscular species (e.g. nightjars and owls) which sometimes forage or rest on roads, especially at night.

Residual Impacts: If this is mitigated and monitored correctly no residual impacts should be present

Cumulative Impacts

The impacts of projects are often assessed by comparing the post-project situation to a pre- existing baseline. Where projects can be considered in isolation this provides a good method of assessing a project’s impact. However, in areas where baselines have already been affected, or where future development will continue to add to the impacts in an area or region, it is appropriate to consider the cumulative effects of development. This is similar to the concept of shifting baselines, which describes how the environmental baseline at a point in time may represent a significant change from the original state of the system. This section describes the potential impacts of the project that are cumulative for terrestrial fauna and flora.

Localised cumulative impacts include the cumulative effects from operations that are close enough to potentially cause additive effects on the environment or sensitive receivers (such as nearby wind farm activities within the area). These include dust deposition, noise and vibration, disruption of corridors or habitat, groundwater drawdown, groundwater and surface water quality, and transport.

Long-term cumulative impacts due to extensive wind farm footprint, powerlines and substations can lead to the loss of endemic species and threatened species, loss of habitat and vegetation types and even degradation of well conserved areas. A number of turbines and powerlines can already be found in the project area, this combination of obstacles increases the risk of bird collisions and habitat loss (Table 9-12). In the light of all above, the expected cumulative impact is expected to be highly detrimental. Table 9-12 Cumulative impact of the powerline and substation

Nature: Loss of habitat and increase in bird collisions Without mitigation With mitigation Extent Regional (2) Regional (2) Duration Permanent (5) Permanent (5) Magnitude Very high (10) Very high (10) Probability Highly probable (4) Definite (5) Significance High High Status (positive or negative) Negative Negative

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Reversibility None None Irreplaceable loss of resources? Yes Yes Can impacts be mitigated? No Mitigation: The overall combined habitat loss is extensive and cannot be replaced. Even though collisions can be mitigated for individual lines/turbines their combined densities will increase the rate of collisions. Residual Impacts: Loss of habitat for endemic and SCC. Loss of SCCs due to collisions.

Biodiversity Management Outcomes

The purpose of the management outcomes is to allow for the mitigations associated with the impact assessment to be incorporated into the EMPr. These are provided in Table 9-13. Table 9-13 Summary of management outcomes pertaining to impacts to avifauna and their habitats

Implementation Monitoring Impact Management Actions Responsible Phase Aspect Frequency Party Management outcome: Habitats Areas of indigenous vegetation, even secondary communities outside of the Project direct project footprint, should under no manager, Areas of indigenous Life of operation Ongoing circumstances be fragmented or disturbed Environmental vegetation further. Clearing of vegetation should be Officer minimized and avoided where possible. Environmental Where possible, existing access routes Construction/Operational Officer & Roads and paths Ongoing and walking paths must be made use of. Phase Design used Engineer Areas that are denuded during construction need to be re-vegetated with Assess the state of indigenous vegetation to prevent erosion Closure Environmental Quarterly for up rehabilitation and during flood and wind events. This will Phase/Rehabilitation Officer & to two years after encroachment of also reduce the likelihood of phase Contractor the closure alien vegetation encroachment by alien invasive plant species. Rehabilitation of the disturbed areas existing in the project area must be made Operational/Closure Environmental a priority. Topsoil must also be utilised, Road edges and Phase/ Post Closure Officer & Ongoing and any disturbed area must be re- BESS footprint Phase Contractor vegetated with plant and grass species which are endemic to this vegetation type. Any woody material removed can be Environmental shredded and used in conjunction with the Closure Phase/ Post Road edges and Officer & During Phase topsoil to augment soil moisture and Closure Phase BESS footprint Contractor prevent further erosion. Environmental Erosion control and alien invasive Erosion and alien Life of operation Officer & Ongoing management plan invasive species Contractor A fire management plan needs to be Environmental complied and implemented to restrict the Life of operation Officer & Fire Management During Phase impact fire might have on the surrounding Contractor areas. Management outcome: Avifauna Impact Management Actions Implementation Monitoring

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Responsible Phase Aspect Frequency Party The areas to be developed must be specifically demarcated to prevent Project movement of staff or any individual into Construction/Operational manager, Infringement into Ongoing the surrounding environments, Phase Environmental these areas • Signs must be put up to Officer enforce this All personnel should undergo environmental induction with regards to avifauna and in particular awareness about not harming, collecting or hunting Environmental Evidence of trapping Life of operation Ongoing terrestrial species (e.g. bustards, Officer etc korhaans, francolin), and owls, which are often persecuted out of superstition. Signs must be put up to enforce this. Project The duration of the construction should be manager, minimized to as short term as possible, to Construction/Operational Environmental Construction/Closure Ongoing reduce the period of disturbance on Phase Officer & Phase avifauna Design Engineer Outside lighting should be designed and Project limited to minimize impacts on fauna. All manager, outside lighting should be directed away Construction/Operational Environmental Light pollution and from highly sensitive areas. Fluorescent Ongoing Phase Officer & period of light. and mercury vapor lighting should be Design avoided and sodium vapor (red/green) Engineer lights should be used wherever possible. All construction and maintenance motor vehicle operators should undergo an environmental induction that includes instruction on the need to comply with Health and Compliance to the Life of operation Ongoing speed limit (40km/h), to respect all forms Safety Officer training. of wildlife. Speed limits must still be enforced to ensure that road killings and erosion is limited. Project manager, Schedule activities and operations during Activities should take Environmental least sensitive periods, to avoid migration, Life of operation place during the day Ongoing Officer & nesting and breeding seasons. in the case. Design Engineer All areas to be developed must be walked through prior to any activity to ensure no nests or avifauna species are found in the Project Planning, area. Should any Species of Conservation Planning, Construction manager, Presence of Nests Construction and Concern not move out of the area or their and Decommissioning Environmental and faunal species Decommissioning nest be found in the area a suitably Officer qualified specialist must be consulted to advise on the correct actions to be taken. The design of the proposed power line must be of a type or similar structure as Environmental Presence of endorsed by the Eskom-EWT Strategic Planning and Officer & electrocuted birds or Ongoing Partnership on Birds and Energy, construction Contractor, bird strikes considering the mitigation guidelines Engineer recommended by Birdlife South Africa. Infrastructure should be consolidated where possible in order to minimise the Environmental amount of ground and air space used. This Planning and Officer & Presence of Ongoing would involve using existing/approved construction Contractor, electrocuted birds pylons and associated infrastructure for Engineer different lines. Bird flappers must be installed on the lines Planning and Environmental Presence of bird at 10m intervals. This must be done for the Ongoing construction Officer & strikes whole powerline.

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Contractor, Engineer Environmental Perch structures must be installed. South Planning and Officer & Presence of African standards state 270cm above the Ongoing construction Contractor, electrocuted birds cross arm (Prinsen et al., 2012). Engineer Ensure that the phase cables are spaced far enough apart to reduce the risk of large Environmental birds touching both simultaneously (2 m for Planning and Officer & Presence of large raptors) (Prinsen et al., 2012). If such Ongoing construction Contractor, electrocuted birds separation (isolation) cannot be provided, Engineer exposed parts must be covered (insulated) to reduce electrocution risk. Environmental All carcasses must be removed as they are Presence of Lifetime of project Officer & Ongoing seen to avoid collisions for vultures carcasses Contractor

10 Conclusion and Impact Statement

Conclusion

Seventy one (71) bird species were recorded in the project area survey footprint. The Southern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra) were observed and it is likely that these species are using the project area for breeding as a juvenile was recorded along with the male and female. Approximately 10 breeding pairs of Blue Cranes (Anthropoides paradiseus) were also observed and is likely that these species are local residents. Sixty-five of the species are also protected under schedule 2 of the EC Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 19 of 1974. About 34% of the recoded species were found to be species that were insectivorous species that catch their prey in the air during the day (IAD), while the granivorous ground dwelling diurnal species (GGD) made up 21% of the total species composition.

Fine-scale habitats within the landscape are important in supporting a diverse avifauna community as they provide differing nesting, foraging and reproductive opportunities. The assessment area overlaps with four avifaunal fine-scale habitats, namely grasslands, drainage lines/wetlands, shrublands and disturbed/transformed areas. These habitats all supported a range of species including raptors, waterbirds, grassland species and tree dwellers. As thirteen species of conservation concern are expected to occur in the project area and were confirmed by the Avisense (2012) monitoring the habitat are all regarded as highly sensitive with the exception of the degraded areas that had a low sensitivity.

Collisions and electrocutions are regarded as the greatest impact for the powerline, while the habitat destruction is the greatest impact for the substation. The cumulative impact of all the various components of the wind farm is extensive and the loss of habitat for species that are endemic and of conservation concern is highly detrimental.

Impact Statement

Considering the above-mentioned information, a number of sensitive features were identified for the project. It is the opinion of the specialist that the project may be cautiously considered for approval, but all prescribed mitigation measures and recommendations must be considered by the issuing authority.

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11 References

ADU (Animal Demography Unit) Virtual Museum. http://vmus.adu.org.za/. Accessed Oct 2020.

Avisense Consulting (2010). Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility Avian Basic Impact Assessment.

Avisense Consulting (2011/2012). Construction of the proposed Kopleegte Substation and Kopleegte-Poseidon 132kv power line, including deviations of two existing Eskom power lines in the vicinity of Poseidon substation to facilitate grid connection, Eastern Cape Province Basic Assessment.

Avisense Consulting (2012). Msenge Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility. Avian Impact Risk Assessment and Mitigation Scheme.

Avisense Consulting (2018). Environmental Authorisation amendment application for the proposed Msenge Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility: implications for bird impacts.

Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount project. CAR: http://car.adu.org.za/. Accessed Oct 2020.

Dough Hoare Consulting (2010). Specialist ecological study on the potential impacts of the proposed Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility Project, Eastern Cape.

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). 2014. Pre-construction Bird Monitoring Report and Updated Avifaunal Assessment: Three Phased Hidden Valley Wind Energy Facility. Unpublished Report

González-Salazar, C., Martínez-Meyer, E. and López-Santiago, G. 2014. A hierarchical classification of trophic guilds for North American birds and mammals. Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad 85: 931-941.

IUCN. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed September 2020.

Jenkins, A.R., Shaw, J.M., Smallie, J.J., Gibbons, B., Visagie, R. & Ryan, P.R. 2011. Estimating the impacts of power line collisions on Ludwig’s Bustards Neotis ludwigii. Bird Conservation International 21: 303-310.

Jenkins, A.R., Smallie, J.J. & Diamond, M. 2010. Avian collisions with power lines: a global review of causes and mitigation with a South African perspective. Bird Conservation International 20: 263-278.

Martin, G. R. & Shaw, J. M. 2010. Bird collisions with power lines: Failing to see the way ahead? Biological Conservation 143: 2695-2702.

Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (Eds.). 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelizia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South African.

Mucina, L., Rutherford, M.C. & Powrie, L.W. (Eds.). 2007. Vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. 1:1 000 000 scale sheet maps. 2nd ed. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

National Biodiversity Assessment spatial data. 2018. http://bgis.sanbi.org/. Accessed OCt 2020.

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Noguera, J.C. Perez, I., Minguez, E. (2010). Impacts of terrestrial wind farms on diurnal raptors: developing a spatial vulnerability index and potential vulnerability maps. Ardeola 57: 41-53.

Prinsen, H.A.M., G.C. Boere, N. Píres and J.J. Smallie (Compilers), 2012. Review of the conflict between migratory birds and electricity power grids in the African-Eurasian region. CMS Technical Series No. XX, AEWA Technical Series No. XX. Bonn, Germany.

SABAP2 (Bird Atlas Project). http://vmus.adu.org.za/. Accessed September 2020.

SANBI-BGIS. 2017. Technical guidelines for CBA Maps: Guidelines for developing a map of Critical Biodiversity Areas & Ecological Support Areas using systematic biodiversity planning.

SADAP (South Africa Protected Areas Database) and SACAD (South Africa Conservation Areas Database) (2019). http://egis.environment.gov.za

Savannah Environmental (2014). Pre-commencement ecological footprint investigation Msenge Emoyeni wind energy facility near cookhouse, Eastern Cape.

Sinclair, I., Hockey, P. and Tarboton, W. 2002. SASOL Birds of Southern Africa 3rd Edition. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Skowno, A.L., Raimondo, D.C., Poole, C.J., Fizzotti, B. & Slingsby, J.A. (eds.). 2019. South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2018 Technical Report Volume 1: Terrestrial Realm. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Taylor, M.R., Peacock, F. & Wanless, R.M. (Eds). 2015. The 2015 Eskom Red Data Book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

Van Deventer H, Smith-Adao L, Collins NB, Grenfell M, Grundling A, Grundling P-L, Impson D, Job N, Lötter M, Ollis D, Petersen C, Scherman P, Sieben E, Snaddon K, Tererai F. and Van der Colff D. 2019. South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2018: Technical Report. Volume 2b: Inland Aquatic (Freshwater) Realm. CSIR report number CSIR/NRE/ECOS/IR/2019/0004/A. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12143/6230.

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12 Appendix Items

Appendix A - Declaration

I, Lindi Steyn, 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 Act, regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity;

• I will comply with the Act, 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.

Lindi Steyn

Biodiversity Specialist

The Biodiversity Company

October 2020

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Appendix B – Avifauna species expected to occur within the project area

Conservation Status Species Common Name Regional (SANBI, 2016) IUCN (2017) Accipiter minullus Sparrowhawk, Little Unlisted LC Accipiter tachiro Goshawk, African Unlisted LC Acrocephalus baeticatus Reed-warbler, African Unlisted Unlisted Acrocephalus gracilirostris Swamp-warbler, Lesser Unlisted LC Actitis hypoleucos Sandpiper, Common Unlisted LC Afrotis afra Korhaan, Southern Black VU VU Alcedo cristata Kingfisher, Malachite Unlisted Unlisted Alopochen aegyptiacus Goose, Egyptian Unlisted LC Amadina erythrocephala Finch, Red-headed Unlisted LC Amblyospiza albifrons Weaver, Thick-billed Unlisted LC Anas capensis Teal, Cape Unlisted LC Anas erythrorhyncha Teal, Red-billed Unlisted LC Anas smithii Shoveler, Cape Unlisted LC Anas sparsa Duck, African Black Unlisted LC Anas undulata Duck, Yellow-billed Unlisted LC Andropadus importunus Greenbul, Sombre Unlisted LC Anhinga rufa Darter, African Unlisted LC Anthoscopus minutus Penduline-tit, Cape Unlisted LC Anthropoides paradiseus Crane, Blue NT VU Anthus cinnamomeus Pipit, African Unlisted LC Anthus leucophrys Pipit, Plain-backed Unlisted LC Anthus nicholsoni Nicholson's pipit Unlisted Unlisted Apalis thoracica Apalis, Bar-throated Unlisted LC Apus affinis Swift, Little Unlisted LC Apus barbatus Swift, African Black Unlisted LC Apus caffer Swift, White-rumped Unlisted LC Aquila verreauxii Eagle, Verreaux's VU LC Ardea cinerea Heron, Grey Unlisted LC Ardea melanocephala Heron, Black-headed Unlisted LC Ardeotis kori Bustard, Kori NT NT Balearica regulorum Crane, Grey Crowned EN EN Batis capensis Batis, Cape 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 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 Calandrella cinerea Lark, Red-capped Unlisted LC

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Calidris ferruginea Sandpiper, Curlew LC NT Calidris minuta Stint, Little LC LC Camaroptera brachyura Camaroptera, Green-backed Unlisted LC Campephaga flava Cuckoo-shrike, Black Unlisted LC Campethera notata Woodpecker, Knysna NT NT Caprimulgus pectoralis Nightjar, Fiery-necked Unlisted LC Cercomela familiaris Chat, Familiar Unlisted LC Cercomela sinuata Chat, Sickle-winged Unlisted LC Cercotrichas coryphoeus Scrub-robin, Karoo Unlisted LC Cercotrichas leucophrys Scrub-robin, White-browed 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 pecuarius Plover, Kittlitz's Unlisted LC Charadrius tricollaris Plover, Three-banded Unlisted LC Chersomanes albofasciata Lark, Spike-heeled Unlisted LC Chlidonias hybrida Tern, Whiskered Unlisted LC Chrysococcyx caprius Cuckoo, Diderick Unlisted LC Chrysococcyx klaas Cuckoo, Klaas's Unlisted LC Ciconia ciconia Stork, White Unlisted LC Cinnyris afer Sunbird, Greater Double-collared Unlisted LC Cinnyris chalybeus Sunbird, Southern Double-collared Unlisted LC Circus maurus Harrier, Black EN VU Circus ranivorus Marsh-harrier, African EN LC Cisticola aberrans Cisticola, Lazy Unlisted LC Cisticola ayresii Cisticola, Wing-snapping Unlisted LC Cisticola fulvicapilla Neddicky, Neddicky Unlisted LC Cisticola juncidis Cisticola, Zitting Unlisted LC Cisticola lais Cisticola, Wailing Unlisted LC Cisticola subruficapilla Cisticola, Grey-backed 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 Coccopygia melanotis Waxbill, Swee Unlisted LC Colius striatus Mousebird, Speckled Unlisted LC Columba guinea Pigeon, Speckled Unlisted LC Columba livia Dove, Rock Unlisted LC Corvus albicollis Raven, White-necked Unlisted LC Corvus albus Crow, Pied Unlisted LC Corvus capensis Crow, Cape Unlisted LC Cossypha caffra Robin-chat, Cape Unlisted LC Coturnix coturnix Quail, Common Unlisted LC

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Creatophora cinerea Starling, Wattled Unlisted LC Crithagra albogularis White-throated Canary LC LC Crithagra atrogularis Canary, Black-throated Unlisted LC Crithagra gularis Seedeater, Streaky-headed Unlisted LC Crithagra mozambicus Canary, Yellow-fronted Unlisted LC Crithagra sulphuratus Canary, Brimstone Unlisted LC Cuculus clamosus Cuckoo, Black Unlisted LC Cuculus solitarius Cuckoo, Red-chested Unlisted LC Cursorius rufus Courser, Burchell's VU LC Cypsiurus parvus Palm-swift, African Unlisted LC Dendropicos fuscescens Woodpecker, Cardinal Unlisted LC Dendropicos griseocephalus Woodpecker, Olive Unlisted LC Dicrurus adsimilis Drongo, Fork-tailed Unlisted LC Dryoscopus cubla Puffback, Black-backed Unlisted LC Egretta garzetta Egret, Little Unlisted LC Elanus caeruleus Kite, Black-shouldered Unlisted LC Emberiza capensis Bunting, Cape Unlisted LC Emberiza flaviventris Bunting, Golden-breasted Unlisted LC Emberiza impetuani Bunting, Lark-like Unlisted LC Emberiza tahapisi Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Unlisted LC Eremomela icteropygialis Eremomela, Yellow-bellied Unlisted LC Eremopterix verticalis Sparrowlark, Grey-backed Unlisted LC Estrilda astrild Waxbill, Common Unlisted LC Euplectes ardens Widowbird, Red-collared 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 rupicolus Kestrel, Rock Unlisted LC Fulica cristata Coot, Red-knobbed Unlisted LC Galerida magnirostris Lark, Large-billed Unlisted LC Gallinago nigripennis Snipe, African Unlisted LC Gallinula chloropus Moorhen, Common Unlisted LC Gyps coprotheres Vulture, Cape EN EN Halcyon albiventris Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Unlisted LC Haliaeetus vocifer Fish-eagle, African Unlisted LC Himantopus himantopus Stilt, Black-winged 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

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Hirundo rustica Swallow, Barn Unlisted LC Indicator indicator Honeyguide, Greater Unlisted LC Indicator minor Honeyguide, Lesser Unlisted LC Jynx ruficollis Wryneck, Red-throated Unlisted LC Lagonosticta rubricata Firefinch, African Unlisted LC Lamprotornis nitens Starling, Cape Glossy Unlisted LC Laniarius ferrugineus Boubou, Southern Unlisted LC Lanius collaris Fiscal, Common (Southern) Unlisted LC Lanius collurio Shrike, Red-backed Unlisted LC Lybius torquatus Barbet, Black-collared Unlisted LC Macronyx capensis Longclaw, Cape Unlisted LC Malcorus pectoralis Warbler, Rufous-eared Unlisted LC Megaceryle maximus Kingfisher, Giant Unlisted Unlisted Melaenornis pammelaina Flycatcher, Southern Black Unlisted LC Melierax canorus Goshawk, Southern Pale Chanting Unlisted LC Melierax gabar Goshawk, Gabar Unlisted LC Milvus aegyptius Kite, Yellow-billed Unlisted Unlisted 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 capensis Wagtail, Cape Unlisted LC Muscicapa adusta Flycatcher, African Dusky Unlisted LC Myrmecocichla formicivora Chat, Anteating Unlisted LC Nectarinia famosa Sunbird, Malachite Unlisted LC Neotis denhami Bustard, Denham’s VU NT Neotis ludwigii Bustard, Ludwig’s EN EN Netta erythrophthalma Pochard, Southern Unlisted LC Numida meleagris Guineafowl, Helmeted 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 Ortygospiza atricollis Quailfinch, African Unlisted LC Otus senegalensis Scops-owl, African Unlisted LC Parisoma subcaeruleum Tit-babbler, Chestnut-vented Unlisted Unlisted Parus afer Tit, Grey Unlisted Unlisted Parus niger Tit, Southern Black Unlisted Unlisted Passer diffusus Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed Unlisted LC Passer domesticus Sparrow, House Unlisted LC Passer melanurus Sparrow, Cape Unlisted LC Petronia superciliaris Petronia, Yellow-throated Unlisted LC Phalacrocorax africanus Cormorant, Reed Unlisted LC

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Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant, White-breasted LC LC Philomachus pugnax Ruff Unlisted 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 Ploceus capensis Weaver, Cape Unlisted LC Ploceus cucullatus Weaver, Village Unlisted LC Ploceus ocularis Weaver, Spectacled Unlisted LC Ploceus velatus Masked-weaver, Southern Unlisted LC Podiceps nigricollis Grebe, Black-necked Unlisted LC Pogoniulus pusillus Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Unlisted LC Polemaetus bellicosus Eagle, Martial EN VU Polyboroides typus Harrier-Hawk, African Unlisted LC Prinia maculosa Prinia, Karoo Unlisted LC Prinia subflava Prinia, Tawny-flanked Unlisted LC Pternistis afer Spurfowl, Red-necked Unlisted LC Pycnonotus nigricans Bulbul, African Red-eyed Unlisted LC Pycnonotus tricolor Bulbul, Dark-capped Unlisted Unlisted Quelea quelea Quelea, Red-billed Unlisted LC Riparia paludicola Martin, Brown-throated Unlisted LC Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird VU VU Saxicola torquatus Stonechat, African Unlisted LC Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Unlisted LC Serinus alario Canary, Black-headed Unlisted LC Serinus canicollis Canary, Cape Unlisted LC Sigelus silens Flycatcher, Fiscal Unlisted LC Spreo bicolor Starling, Pied Unlisted LC Stephanoaetus coronatus Eagle, African Crowned VU NT Sterna caspia Tern, Caspian VU 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 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 senegalus Tchagra, Black-crowned Unlisted LC Telophorus olivaceus Bush-shrike, Olive Unlisted LC Telophorus sulfureopectus Bush-shrike, Orange-breasted Unlisted LC Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie Unlisted LC

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Terpsiphone viridis Paradise-flycatcher, African Unlisted LC Thalassornis leuconotus Duck, White-backed Unlisted LC Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris Cliff-chat, Mocking Unlisted LC Threskiornis aethiopicus Ibis, African Sacred Unlisted LC Tockus alboterminatus Hornbill, Crowned Unlisted LC Tricholaema leucomelas Barbet, Acacia Pied Unlisted LC Tringa glareola Sandpiper, Wood Unlisted LC Tringa nebularia Greenshank, Common Unlisted LC Turdus olivaceus Thrush, Olive Unlisted LC Turdus smithi Thrush, Karoo Unlisted LC Turnix sylvaticus Buttonquail, Kurrichane Unlisted LC Turtur chalcospilos Wood-dove, Emerald-spotted Unlisted LC Upupa africana Hoopoe, African Unlisted LC Urocolius indicus Mousebird, Red-faced Unlisted LC Vanellus armatus Lapwing, Blacksmith Unlisted LC Vanellus coronatus Lapwing, Crowned Unlisted LC Vidua funerea Indigobird, Dusky Unlisted LC Vidua macroura Whydah, Pin-tailed Unlisted LC Zosterops virens White-eye, Cape Unlisted LC

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Appendix C - Some of the bird species most commonly impacted by powerlines (The Endangered Wildlife Trust, 2017).