Initial Ecological Report
BLYDEVILLE MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
DRAFT INITIAL ECOLOGICAL REPORT
AUGUST 2016
Compiled for:
Tholoana Sustainable and Development Consultants
Compiled by:
Ecological & Environmental Consultants
Eco Assessments cc PO Box 441037 LINDEN 2104
Tel. 011 782 3428 Fax: 011 888 9588 [email protected]
Project Reference: 1317/16
i Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures ...... iii List of Appendices ...... iii 1. Introduction ...... 1 2. Scope of work/Approach ...... 1 3. Project description, locality and landuse ...... 1 4. Provincial sensitivities and ecological context ...... 2 4.1 PRIMARY VEGETATION ...... 2 4.2 WETLANDS, RIVER COURSES & STREAMS ...... 7 4.3 THREATENED SPECIES AND SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN ...... 7 4.4 RED DATA FAUNA HABITAT ...... 7 4.5 VEGETATION TYPES ...... 7 5. Key ecological issues ...... 8 5.1 IMPACTS ON ECOSYSTEMS AND DISRUPTION TO ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES ...... 8 5.2 LOSS OF SENSITIVE SPECIES ...... 8 5.3 PROVINCIAL POLICY CONSTRAINTS ...... 8 5.4 BUFFER AREAS ...... 9 6. Limitations ...... 9 6.1 ECOLOGICAL CYCLES ...... 9 7. Discussion and Conclusion ...... 9 8. References ...... 9 Appendix 1 Threatened plant species ...... 11 Appendix 2 Threatened bird species ...... 12 Appendix 3 Threatened mammals ...... 13
ii Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
List of Figures
Figure 1. Regional Locality
Figure 2. Aerial map
Figure 3. Vegetation Type
Figure 4. Critical Biodiversity Areas
List of Appendices
Appendix 1 Threatened plants species – North West Province
Appendix 2 Threatened Bird Species – North West Province
Appendix 3 Threatened Mammal Species – North West Province
iii Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
1. Introduction
A housing project of 63 hectares is proposed for a site in the town Blydeville, located in the North West province (Figure 1). Blydeville is one of the neighbourhoods of the town of Lichtenburg.
Eco Assessments, as expert ecological specialists, has been contracted to assess the ecological impact of the proposed development on the ecological habitats present.
This report provides an initial ecological assessment of the study area and presents key issues and constraints for the proposed development.
The focus of this report is to guide the applicant, environmental consultant as well as relevant specialists in the impact assessment phase of the project.
A detailed and more thorough ecological impact assessment of the development will be compiled after this report in an appropriate time of year for fauna and flora occurrences.
2. Scope of work/Approach
The initial assessment has included two key elements –
Desk top assessment Project Evaluation & Issue Assessment
The following steps/activities were undertaken for this screening level assessment:
Red Data fauna and flora information was obtained from the affected provincial authorities to identify threatened Red Data flora and fauna species in the area; Various maps such as aerial, land type and google maps further provided information necessary to assess the habitats and subsequently the issues pertaining to fauna and flora of the study site; Initial literature searches were done to obtain information.
The screening level assessment included evaluating a number of potential ecological impacts as these related to the proposed development and the features of the site and its surrounds.
3. Project description, locality and landuse
The proposed development is predominantly a housing development that includes elements such as a crèche, a church, a community facility, clinic, local shopping centre and schools.
The closest town to Lichtenburg is Coligny, 23 km southwest of Blydeville, with Mafikeng and Sannieshof being other closely located larger towns, approximately 60 km away respectively. Blydeville is located in the south of Lichtenburg and directly east of Ottosdal street (R505) that goes south south-westwards towards several towns as well as Ottosdal.
1 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
The site is presently vacant (Figure 2). Residential areas of Blydeville houses are located west of the site, the Lichtenburg Golf Club east of the site with some commercial development to the north and tree plantation blocks located to the south.
4. Provincial sensitivities and ecological context
The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) of the North West province developed a North West Biodiversity Sector plan 2015. The purpose of this document is to assist civil society, amonst others, with landuse planning. Several biodiversity factors are discussed in this document. The matter relevant to the Blydeville site, is listed below.
4.1 Primary Vegetation
Primary vegetation refers to vegetation that has not significantly been disturbed by human related activities. These habitats generally have a low to very low abundance of alien species, has not been significantly transformed by grazing, ploughing or regular burning and normally has a sound vegetation structure and diversity of plant species.
Primary vegetation is categorized according to certain classes listed below starting at highest importance:
Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) (1 - covers 8.4% of province; 2 – covers 20.7%) Ecological Support Area (ESA) (1- covers 22.4% of the province; 2 – covers 5.2%)
CBAs are terrestrial and aquatic areas of the landscape that need to be maintained in a natural or near-natural state in order to ensure continued existence and functioning of species and ecosystems and the delivery of ecosystem services (e.g. flood mitigation). These areas need to be maintained in a natural or near natural state to meet biodiversity targets. (READ 2015)
ESAs are terrestrial and aquatic areas that are not essential for meeting biodiversity targets, but which nevertheless play an important role in supporting the ecological functioning of critical biodiversity areas and/or delivering ecosystem services that support socio-economic development, such as water provision, flood mitigation or carbon sequestration. (READ 2015).
No section of the site has been classified as ecologically sensitive as per these definition classes (Figure 4). This categorization and sensitivity will however be groundtruthed during the site visit. A CBA1 area is located directly north of the site and will be assessed as a secondary focus and specifically to limit impacts on potentially sensitive surrounding areas.
2 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
3 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
4 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
5 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
6 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
4.2 Wetlands, River courses & Streams
These are distinct habitat types identified by their position in the topography, presence of water or degree of saturation of the soil, nature of the soil present as well as type of vegetation occurring at a site. Riparian and wetland areas typically include a diversity of plant types, animal types and ecosystem processes that regulate the ecological integrity of a site or area. Much like ridges, river courses are instrumental in allowing species movement and act as corridors between areas and habitats.
A small river (Groot Hartsrivier – to be confirmed) runs through the town. The site is approximately 1 km away from this river. No obvious smaller drainage lines are present on site. Should any wet areas however be found during the site assessment, they will be mapped and described in the impact assessment sections of the report.
4.3 Threatened species and species of special concern
A total of 15 threatened plant species have been recorded in the North West province to date (Appendix 1 READ 2015). These species mostly decline as a result of habitat transformation and habitat loss. Red Data plant species are often associated with areas that are natural and less transformed. These species are also normally less obvious and typically observed in the prime flowering times of the year. These times vary tremendously between early spring to late autumn.
During the site visit, the habitats and distribution range of such species will be assessed and compared to the habitats in which such species may occur. The flowering time will also be considered when species are searched for.
4.4 Red Data Fauna Habitat
A number of faunal species are listed with conservation importance and are threatened by habitat transformation and habitat loss. The province includes 24 threatened bird species (Appendix 2), 40 threatened mammal (Appendix 3) species and several threatened fish, reptile, frogs spider and scorpion species. Habitats on site will be assessed and compared to the distribution of such species. Species will also be assessed on site.
4.5 Vegetation types
The North west province falls mainly in the grassland and savanna biomes. The vegetation types of South Africa, compiled by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) provides the baseline information for this ecological assessment (Figure 4). 41 vegetation types occur in North west, of which 13 are threatened and 8 are endemic to the province. The proposed development is located within the Western Highveld Sandy Grassland, but close to the Carltonville Dolomite Grassland. The implications of this is that some elements of the Dolomite grassland may also be found in the vegetation on site.
Nr Name Conservation status Conserved % transform ed GH14 Western Highveld Sandy Endangered Small 60%
7 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
Grassland extent Gh15 Carltonville Dolomite Vulnerable Small 25% Grassland extent
The Western Highveld grassland vegetation type is listed to be Endangered (less remaining than the biodiversity target plus 15%) due to mainly ploughing. A small section is conserved in the Baberspan Nature Reserve. It is also endemic to the Province. The Carltonville Dolomite Grassland is rated as Vulnerable (Less than 60% remaining) with equally small parts of this vegetation type conserved in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Abe Baily Nature Reserve, Boskopdam and some smaller private Nature Reserves. The nature of disturbance in this vegetation type is mainly urban sprawl, construction of dams and mining activities.
The quality of the vegetation will be assessed during the site assessment and will be a key factor in the overall ecological sensitivity of the site.
5. Key ecological issues
Potential ecological issues with the construction of the proposed mixed use development:
5.1 Impacts on ecosystems and disruption to ecological processes
The development site does not include Critical Biodiversity Zoning as per the present provincial policy documents. The site will however still be assessed for ecological processes and sensitivities that may be impacted upon by development. Faunal species is typically not strictly affected by vegetation quality and may utilize the site for some of their ecological requirements.
Connectivity of habitats helps populations to increase their gene pool by connecting with other populations. If connectivity is limited, the populations, and specifically faunal populations, are vulnerable to diseases or environmental factors which they cannot escape from. Presently, within the study area, internal connectivity is moderate to good as there is limited infrastructure on the site but the grassland is short and altered and disturbed.
The connectivity value of the site will be assessed and also the impact that development may have on the natural habitat connectivity of the area. Open space development within the development site, can play in important role in ensuring some ecological link between the site and surrounding land.
5.2 Loss of sensitive species
Sensitive fauna or flora species may occur on the site. The likelihood of such species occurring on site will first be assessed to focus in on the critical species for this area. If species can be removed with low risk to the species, this will be considered. If the sensitive species cannot be removed due to policy constraints or conservation concerns, the development team and the ecologist must engage to find a solution.
5.3 Provincial policy constraints
The READ has development detailed maps of the biodiversity elements in the province
8 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report which may affect new developments in identified sensitive areas. These constrains will be fleshed out and investigated.
5.4 Buffer areas
In many instances, provincial and national policy prescribes buffer zones alongside sensitive elements such as stream, rivers or natural habitats such as rocky outcrops and indigenous bush clumps, to protect such features against development.
6. Limitations
6.1 Ecological cycles
In order to obtain a better understanding of the dynamics and composition of both the floral and faunal communities in a study area, as well as the status of endemic, rare or threatened species in any area, assessments should always consider investigations at different time scales (across seasons/years) and through replication. However, due to time constraints such long-term studies are not feasible, especially during a screening or once off assessment that will be used for these projects.
The most optimal time for vegetation and ecological studies in the Blydeville area, is from November onwards until early April.
7. Discussion and Conclusion
The impact assessment phase will focus on the following:
A description of the vegetation units found on the site as well as the conservation status of such vegetation units. Species lists will form part of this assessment; An indication of the presence, or likely occurrence, of any Red Data flora and faunal species; An assessment of the conservation status of the site as well as major habitat concerns should habitats of exceptional value be recorded. This includes an ecological scan and evaluation of the likelihood of occurrence of mammal, amphibian, reptile and avian species; Impact Assessment that considers the nature and intensity of the impact of the on the fauna and flora of the site; Preparation of an Ecological Sensitivity Map Compilation of an Ecological Assessment Report that includes relevant mitigation measures as part of an Environmental Management Plan.
8. References
Barnes, K.N. (ed.) 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.
Branch, W. R. 1988. South African Red Data Book – Reptiles and Amphibians. South African National Scientific Programmes Report No. 151.
9 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments Initial Ecological Report
Bromilow, C. 1995. Problem Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Friedmann,Y. & Daly, B. 2004. Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment. CBSG South Africa, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.
Grobler (Custers), C. H., Bredenkamp, G. J. and Brown, L. R. 2002. Natural woodland vegetation and plant species richness of the urban open spaces in Gauteng, South Africa. Koedoe 45 (1): 19-34.
Grobler (Custers), C. H., Bredenkamp, G. J. and Brown, L. R. 2006. Primary grassland communities of urban open spaces in Gauteng, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany. 72: 367-377.
Harrison, J.A., Allan, D.G., Underhill, L.G., Herremans, M., Tree, A.J., Parker, V. & Brown, C.J. (eds.). 1997. The Atlas of Southern African Birds. Vol. 1 & 2. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.
North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ). (2015) North West Biodiversity Sector Plan. North West Provincial Government, Mahikeng. December 2015
SANBI – PRECIS Plant species list. SIBIS.SANBI.org. 2014
Mucina L. & Rutherford m.C. (eds) 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Van Oudtshoorn, F. 1999. Guide to Grasses of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Van Wyk, B., Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 1997. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza. Pretoria.
Van Wyk, B and Malan, S. 1988. Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of the Witwatersrand and Pretoria Region. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.
10 Blydeville
Compiled by Eco Assessments
Appendix 1 Threatened plant species
CE – Critically Endangered DD – data Deficient E – Endangered V - Vulnerable Name Status Brachystelma canum CE Possibly extinct Brachystelma gracillimum CE Possibly extinct Senecio holubii DD CE Only known from type locality Ceropegia insignis E Euphorbia knobelii E Anacampseros dicapitata V Aloe peglerea V Brachystelma incanum V Brachystelma dimorphum V Barleria media V Ceropegia stentiae V Indigofera commixta V Lobelia cuneifolia var ananda V Miraglossum laeve V Prunus africana Red V stinkwood/African cherry tree Searsia maricoana/ciliata V
Appendix 2 Threatened bird species
CE – Critically Endangered DD – data Deficient E – Endangered V - Vulnerable Name Status Saddlebilled stork E (possibly only a vagrant) African Finfoot V - African Grass-owl V African marsh-harrier V Bataleur V Blue Crane V Cape vulture V Kori Bustard V Denhams bustard V Lappet faced vulture V Lesser kestrel V Martial eagle V Pinked backed pelican V Tawny eagle V White backed night heron V White backed vulture V African openbill NT Ayre-s hawk-eagle NT Black harrier NT Blackwinged pratincole NT Caspian tern NT Chestnut banded plover NT Great white pelican NT Greater flamingo NT Greater painted snipe NT Halfcollared kingfisher NT Lanner falcon NT Lesser flamingo NT Marabou stork NT Melodius lark NT Pallid harrier NT Peregrine falcon NT Redbilled oxpecker NT Secretarybird NT Short-clawed lark NT Yellow billed stork NT Yellow throated sandgrouse NT
Appendix 3 Threatened mammals
CE – Critically Endangered DD – data Deficient E – Endangered V - Vulnerable Name Status Short-eared trident bat CE White tailed mouse E Ground pangolin V African marsh rat NT Darlings horseshoe bat NT Dents horseshoebat NT Geoffreys horseshoe bat NT Honey badger NT Ruste pipstrelle NT Schreibers longfingered bat NT Serval NT Southern African Hedhehog V Spotted hyaena NT Spotted necked otter NT Straw coloroured fruit bat NT Temmincks hairy bat NT