* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download APPENDIX D: Specialist reports - Sazi Environmental Consulting
Survey
Document related concepts
Occupancy–abundance relationship wikipedia , lookup
Restoration ecology wikipedia , lookup
Latitudinal gradients in species diversity wikipedia , lookup
Introduced species wikipedia , lookup
Theoretical ecology wikipedia , lookup
Mission blue butterfly habitat conservation wikipedia , lookup
Island restoration wikipedia , lookup
Ecological fitting wikipedia , lookup
Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project wikipedia , lookup
Fauna of Africa wikipedia , lookup
Biodiversity action plan wikipedia , lookup
Transcript
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED RAND WATER ADDITIONAL 200ML RESERVOIR IN BRAKPAN, EAST RAND, GAUTENG PROVINCE 04 May 2015 vs 2 Prepared for: Sazi Environmental (Pty) Ltd B16 Lone Creek, Waterfall Park, Vorna Valley, Midrand, 1684 Cell: +27 084 800 0187 E-mail: [email protected] Prepared by: Farai Dondofema Unit 2, 1 Alwyn StreetLouis Trichardt,South AfricaTel: +27 76 5004979Cell: 82 82 65371e-mail: [email protected] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Rand Water intends to construct an additional 200ML reservoir in Brakpan within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng. The proposed development is in line with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Urban Spatial Development Framework. SAZI Environmental Consulting cc was commissioned to undertake the basic assessment process in order to determine the level of impact associated with the proposed development. This report aims to provide information on the Ecological importance of the proposed development site and to provide information to support a variety of decision making and project planning processes on project feasibility and a final site layout. Methods of data collection and analysis included a GIS desktop exercise, a review of aerial imagery, a site visit and sampling exercise, as well as the use of published data. The results were then used to rate the sensitivity within the study area, to compile a species list and classify vegetation communities. These attributes were then rated on their level of sensitivity, ecological functionality and conservation importance. The vegetation type on site was described by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) as the Soweto Highveld Grassland. From the ecological data collected, a sensitivity map was compiled as a precursor to this report. Sections of the site were rated as low, medium or high sensitivity based on the level of disturbance, ecological condition and species composition. Results of the study indicate that the species composition of the vegetation of approximate less than 5% of the species suggested by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). However, species diversity was low on both the preferred and alternative sites due to past human disturbances. This study recommends the construction of the additional 200ML Rand Water reservoir to be undertaken on the preferred site as it constitutes much lower sensitivity than the alternative site. 1|Page TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 1 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 5 TERMS OF REFERENCE...................................................................................................... 7 LIMITATIONS .................................................................................................................... 7 2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 9 LOCATION ......................................................................................................................... 9 LAND USE AND LAND COVER ........................................................................................... 9 GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE .................................................................................................. 9 VEGETATION ..................................................................................................................... 9 3 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 11 DATA COLLECTION, SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ............................................................. 11 3.1.1 Belt transect sampling ............................................................................................ 12 DESCRIPTION OF HABITATS ............................................................................................ 12 ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY RATING ................................................................................. 12 CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT AREAS ........................................ 14 FIELD SURVEYS ............................................................................................................... 14 4 FINDINGS OF ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................... 16 THE ALTERNATIVE SITE ................................................................................................... 18 THE PREFERRED SITE ...................................................................................................... 18 ALIEN VEGETATION ........................................................................................................ 20 RED DATA FLORA SPECIES .............................................................................................. 20 4.4.1 Faunal assessment .................................................................................................. 21 4.4.2 Avifauna Species ..................................................................................................... 22 4.4.3 Invertebrates Species.............................................................................................. 22 2|Page 4.4.4 Mammals Species ................................................................................................... 22 4.4.5 Protected Plant Species .......................................................................................... 22 4.4.6 Medicinal Plant Species .......................................................................................... 23 DECLARED WEEDS AND INVADER PLANTS ..................................................................... 24 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS .......................................................................... 25 CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT AREAS ........................................ 27 5 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION .................................................................................................. 28 NATURE OF THE IMPACT ................................................................................................ 28 SCALE .............................................................................................................................. 28 DURATION ...................................................................................................................... 28 INTENSITY ....................................................................................................................... 28 PROBABILITY ................................................................................................................... 29 DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE – WITH AND WITHOUT MITIGATION ................... 29 CONFIDENCE................................................................................................................... 29 6 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................... 31 7 GLOSSARY.............................................................................................................................. 32 8 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 34 9 APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................... 37 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location of the preferred and alternative site for the construction of the additional Rand Water 200ML reservoir ................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2: The conservation status of the vegetation associated with the preferred and alternative sites ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 3: Portion at the proposed alternative site. ...................................................................... 18 Figure 4: Portion at the proposed preferred site. ........................................................................ 19 3|Page Figure 5: Portion at the proposed preferred site ......................................................................... 19 Figure 6: Alien invasive species at the proposed preferred and alternative sites. ...................... 20 Figure 7: Sensitivity Map ............................................................................................................... 26 Figure 8: Gauteng ecological conservation plan associated with the preferred and alternative sites ....................................................................................................................................................... 27 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Alien and invasive species observed within the study area ........................................... 20 Table 2: Red Data species that may occur within the study area ................................................ 22 Table 3: List of exotic and invasive species found within the study area ..................................... 24 Table 4: Impacts on vegetation..................................................................................................... 30 4|Page 1 INTRODUCTION The increasing human demand for space and life-supporting resources has resulted in a rapid loss of natural open space and ecological degradation in South Africa. When open space systems are rezoned for development, indigenous fauna and flora are replaced by exotic species and the environment is converted to sterile landscapes with no dynamic propensity to regenerate or ecological value (Wood, et al., 1994). Historically, planning of developments did not consider environmental integrity, which consequently led to the wasteful exploitation and the destruction of sensitive habitats, all of which could have been avoided or mitigated. Legislation has noted this shortcoming of the past and now requires that an environmental process and evaluation be undertaken prior to the approval of a development. This ensures that developments are planned in a manner that makes the best possible use of natural resources and avoids environmentally sensitive areas. An ecological assessment forms part of this process. It includes studies relating to faunal and floral communities, and is necessary to identify ecologically sensitive areas, to provide mitigatory measures for potential environmental threats, and to allocate areas for potential development and conservation. The aim of this report is to convey the ecological sensitivities within the study area, and to guide the process in an ecologically sound manner. This document aims to assess the potential impacts of the construction of the Rand Water additional 200ML reservoir in Brakpan, in the East Rand, Gauteng Province. The preferred location of the proposed additional Brakpan reservoir is the vacant land inside the premises of the existing Brakpan reservoir. The alternative site is the land located south of the current Brakpan reservoir and across the 2nd Road as indicated on the locality map below (Figure 1). 5|Page Figure 1: Location of the preferred and alternative site for the construction of the additional Rand Water 200ML reservoir 6|Page TERMS OF REFERENCE The terms of reference were as follows (According to SAZI Environmental Consulting cc (SAZI), 2015): To undertake a vegetation survey on site and provide species lists; To identify possible Red Data floral species and important habitat that may occur within the proposed site; To provide a desktop faunal survey of the area; To provide an indication of the relative conservation importance and ecological function of the study area in terms of flora and fauna. This will be captured in a sensitivity map; To assess the impacts of the proposed activity on the ecological integrity of the area; and To provide recommendation on ecological mitigation measures for the proposed development. LIMITATIONS The following limitations were associated with the fauna and flora assessment: Ideally an ecological assessment should be carried out over a longer time frame and should be replicated over several seasons. Due to the constraints of time and season, the results were collected and concluded from sample plots laid out in areas of natural vegetation. General observations upon walking through the proposed study site and a survey of aerial imagery also assisted in the compilation of the sensitivity map. Information about this study relied heavily on data from representative sections of natural grassland. Flora species composition was used as an indication of disturbance and to identify possible faunal habitat. Presence of a few conserved areas in the Soweto Highveld Grassland, time constraints and a high rate of grassland degradation and transformation, comparison with benchmark 7|Page site was not possible. Instead published species lists from Mucina & Rutherford (2006) were relied upon for data comparison. 8|Page 2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION LOCATION The proposed additional 200ML Rand Water reservoir construction site is located in Brakpan in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality within the Gauteng Province. The preferred construction site is located on the Witpoortjie farm. LAND USE AND LAND COVER The land use around the study area consists of Built-up area, tarred roads, informal settlements and some industrial developments. Community clusters around the proposed project sites include Witpoort Estates, Sallies Village and Ergo Squatters. The primary current land cover can be described as Urban - built-up land used for residential purposes with small holdings that have patches of grass in various parts. Witpoort Estates, Sallies Village and Ergo Squatters house businesses and light industrial developments that support the local industry. GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE The terrain class according to Kruger (1983) comprises mainly “Plains with moderate relief” with a small area of “Plains with low relief” in the far north and an area of “Lowlands with parallel hills” in the south-west. The altitude above sea level falls from around 1 420m in the far south to as low as 1 760m in the north-east. VEGETATION The dominant vegetation type found close to the study site is grasslands. The Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation type extends westwards along the southern edge of the Johannesburg Dome (including part of Soweto) as far as the vicinity of Randfontein. It occurs on gently to moderately undulating landscape on the Highveld plateau, supporting short to medium-high, dense, tufted grassland dominated almost entirely by Themeda triandra. 9|Page The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality provides suitable habitat for numerous threatened floral, faunal and invertebrate species. The environmentally sensitive areas/hotspots include Nature Reserves, Conservancies, rivers and drainage lines, riparian buffer zones, wetlands, natural vegetation areas and rocky ridges and hills. It is evident from the various assessments that the study area is representative of a high and intricate biodiversity as a result of the grasslands-Bushveld ecotone, which is similarly supported by a diverse physical, geological and mineral landscape, as well as rich cultural/ historical past. 10 | P a g e 3 METHODOLOGY Satellite images (Google-Earth, 2013) and topographical maps (scale: 1:1 000) were used to delineate relatively homogeneous units within the study area. Transects were walked within the perceived habitat types on the site, concentrating on moving through environmental gradients encountered within the habitat type in order to identify species and communities. This was continued until few to no new species were encountered. Any additional information on any other feature thought to have ecological significance within the site, such as fauna or evidence of fauna, soil type, altitude, erosion, rocky cover, alien/exotic/invasive plants as well as Red Data Species and/or their habitat was also recorded. DATA COLLECTION, SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS The site visits and formal sampling was done from the 30th of March 2015. Vegetation refers to the great diversity of plant species which occur in repeating assemblages. A combination of physiognomy, floristic composition, and profile was used to identify and describe plant communities. The following brief descriptions of most common vegetation parameters were used in the current ecological assessments as follows: Species Occurrence: The species component is the fundamental structure of a plant community. A species list is an essential part of all vegetation survey activities. Frequency: The frequency of a species is defined as the probability of finding it within a plot when the plot is placed on the ground. The prime requirement in estimating frequency is to use as large a sample size as possible. Cover: The cover of a species is defined as the proportion of ground occupied by vertical projection. Cover is normally expressed as a percentage and the maximum cover of any one species is 100 percent. For classification purposes, the most common practice is estimation of cover in field. There are a number of "scales" or ratings based on cover 11 | P a g e (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974; Causton, 1988). Sampling of percentage cover is very similar in principle to the sampling of frequency. In this study a GIS desktop exercise and literature review preceded the site visits. Areas of natural vegetation were identified from imagery and groundtruthed upon arrival on site. Vegetation sampling within the project area was then focused on the identified areas, data was collected during the sampling visit. The adopted methodology comprised of scientific vegetation sampling (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974) method, where data was collected using the Belt transect sampling. 3.1.1 Belt transect sampling The Belt transect sampling method was undertaken during the site visits at the same time, species were recorded at 10m intervals whilst walking along the altitudinal gradient of the site. DESCRIPTION OF HABITATS The ecological status of the vegetation is discussed below in terms of species composition, ecological sensitivity and conservation importance. These sections of the sites were walked and a corridor width of 100 m wide was covered and examined for the presence of protected or sensitive species. In addition, data gathered from databases such as the Gauteng Conservation Plan (C-Plan 3.3) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) were consulted. ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY RATING The ecological sensitivity rating was based on the ecological function and conservation importance of the project site. The relative ecological function (e.g. connectivity & presence of wetland systems) of an area was based upon the inherent function of the system or portion of land. For example, highly sensitive or dynamic systems will be those systems contributing to ecosystem service (e.g. wetlands) or the total preservation of biodiversity. Secondly, it relates to 12 | P a g e the degree of ecological connectivity between systems within a landscape matrix. Systems with a high degree of landscape connectivity among each other are perceived to be more sensitive. On the other hand, ecological conservation importance relates to species diversity, endemism (unique species or unique processes) and the high occurrence of threatened species and species (or ecosystems) protected by legislation. The following categories were used to describe the ecological sensitivity of the study site: High ecological function: Sensitive ecosystems with either low inherent resistance or resilience towards disturbance factors or highly dynamic systems considered to be stable and important for the maintenance of ecosystems integrity and offering ecosystem services (e.g. large pristine grasslands, wetlands and ridge systems). These areas are not suitable for development. Medium ecological function: Relatively important ecosystems at gradients of intermediate disturbances. An area may also be considered to be of medium ecological function if it is directly adjacent to sensitive/pristine ecosystem. These areas may be considered suitable for development, if mitigation measures are included. Low ecological function: Degraded and highly disturbed systems with no ecological function. These areas are suitable for development. High conservation importance: Ecosystems with high species richness and usually provide suitable habitat for a number of threatened species. Usually termed ‘no-go’ areas and unsuitable for development, and should be protected. Medium conservation importance: Ecosystems with intermediate levels of species diversity without any threatened species. These areas may be considered suitable for development, if mitigation measures are included. Low conservation importance: Areas with little or no conservation potential and usually species poor (most species are usually exotic). These areas are considered suitable for development. 13 | P a g e CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT AREAS A Gauteng Conservation plan (C-Plan 3) was used to determine the ecological status of the Brakpan reservoir construction sites. Landscape features associated with ESAs (termed spatial surrogates for ESAs) that are essential for the maintenance and generation of biodiversity in sensitive areas and that require sensitive management were incorporated into C-Plan 3. Spatial surrogates included dolomite, rivers, wetlands, pans, corridors for climate change and species migration, ridges and low cost areas for Gauteng received from Dr S Holness). FIELD SURVEYS The fieldwork component of this survey was conducted on the 30th of March 2015. The preferred and alternative sites were examined for the presence of protected or sensitive species. Data gathered from databases such as the Gauteng Conservation Plan (C- PlanV3) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was consulted. Quantitative data was collected in natural vegetation by undertaking vegetation sampling according to the Braun-Blanquet approach (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg 1974; Westhoff & van der Maarel 1978). In each sample site the following data was collected: • Species present; • Cover estimation of each species according to the Braun-Blanquet scale; • Vegetation height; • Amount of bare soil and rock cover; • Slope, aspect in degrees, latitude and longitude position (from GPS) in decimal degrees; and • Presence of biotic disturbances, e.g. grazing, animal burrows, etc. Additional checklists of plant species were compiled by traversing areas around each site on foot and recording species as they were encountered. Plant names follow Germishuizen & Meyer (2003). The field survey was conducted during the growing season as per GDARD’s guidelines as site visits were planned to coincide with the flowering seasons of the various Gauteng Red Data 14 | P a g e species. The study concentrated on identified biodiversity hotspots (identified according to GDARD information and the ESS) and is therefore not a comprehensive list of species for the vegetation type. The species lists provided do however contain many of the dominant and common species within the Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation. Searches were undertaken specifically for Red List plant species (according to SANBI and GDARD), and any other species with potential conservation value (according to GDARD). Historical occurrences of threatened plant species were obtained from the South African National Biodiversity Institute and GDARD for the quarter degree squares 2528AC. For all threatened plant species that may occur along the proposed site, a rating of the likelihood of it occurring is given as follows: LOW: no suitable habitats occur on site / habitats on site do not match habitat description for species; MEDIUM: habitats on site match general habitat description for species (e.g. grassland), but detailed microhabitat requirements (e.g. rocky grassland on shallow soils overlying dolomite) are absent on the site or are unknown from the descriptions given in the literature or from the authorities; HIGH: habitats found on site match very strongly the general and microhabitat description for the species (e.g. rocky grassland on shallow soils overlying dolomite); DEFINITE: species found on site. All exotic species categorised as alien invaders or weeds (as listed in amendments to Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983, Act No. 43 of 1983) were recorded. 15 | P a g e 4 FINDINGS OF ASSESSMENT Routine communication with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), a GIS scan and site observations revealed that no red data fauna and flora were historically confirmed on site. The alternative and preferred sites for the proposed reservoir contains plant communities that may be broadly classified as Soweto Highveld Grassland (Figure 2). The Soweto Highveld Grassland is considered as Endangered with a conservation target of 24%. Data from the sites was collected in the field, the vegetation types on the proposed sites are described in more detail below and alien invasive species are indicated with an asterisk. 16 | P a g e Figure 2: The conservation status of the vegetation associated with the preferred and alternative sites 17 | P a g e THE ALTERNATIVE SITE The remaining patches of grassland are considered to have elevated conservation importance due to the poor rates of conservation of this vegetation type nationally and specifically within the Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation type within which the study area is located as well as the fact that four species, including two high priority threatened plant species are likely to occur within this vegetation type. Remaining patches of untransformed Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation are therefore considered to have a HIGH sensitivity and conservation importance within the study area. Figure 3: Portion at the proposed alternative site. The alternative site contained patches of endemic Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation like the clusters of Cymbopogon pospischilii, Heteropogon contortus, Aristida congesta, Themeda triandra and Eragrostis plana. Very few herbaceous and tree species were evident on the alternative site, with the exception of a few alien invasive species. THE PREFERRED SITE This site showed higher levels of disturbance with no remaining patches of grasses of high conservation importance within the Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation type. Potentially remaining patches of untransformed Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation are therefore 18 | P a g e considered to have a LOW sensitivity and conservation importance within the study area along the proposed development site. There was evidence of Acacia karroo invasion of the site due to the disturbance of the site Figure 4: Portion at the proposed preferred site. The preferred site contained species that are typical of disturbed areas in the Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation like the clusters of Sporobolus africanus, Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum dilatatum and Aristida congesta. They was evidence of Medicago Sativa, Bidens pilosa, Datura ferox, Pennisetum clandestinum invasion of the site due to the disturbance of the site. Very few herbaceous and tree species were evident on the preferred site, with the exception of a few alien invasive species. Figure 5: Portion at the proposed preferred site 19 | P a g e ALIEN VEGETATION Due to the fact that the fieldwork component of this survey was only undertaken during a limited period during summer, the species list provided is unlikely to be comprehensive but is likely to provide a good indication of the species diversity and composition of plant communities at the site. Both the Preferred and alternative site had a few notable alien invasive species shown in figure 6 and table 1. C B A Figure 6: Alien invasive species at the proposed preferred and alternative sites. A. Large thorn apple (Datura ferox) – preferred site B. Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) – preferred site C. Tall Khakiweed (Tagetes minuta) – alternative site Table 1: Alien and invasive species observed within the study area SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME INVADER CATEGORY Cynodon dactylon Couch Gras Category 2 Datura ferox Large Thorn Apple Declared weed Category 1 Pinus taeda Loblolly pine Category 2 Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Declared weed Category 2 Tagetes minuta Tall Khakiweed Declared weed Category 1 RED DATA FLORA SPECIES No threatened species were encountered during the field surveys of the study area. None of the plant species recorded in the study area are found in the “Red Data List of Southern African 20 | P a g e Plants” (Craig Hilton-Taylor, 1996) or on the updated PRECIS database of the National Botanical Institute (NBI), Pretoria. South Africa has been recognised globally as a country with remarkable plant diversity and high levels of endemism. Almost ten percent of the earth’s plants are found within South Africa approximating 23 420 species (Golding, 2002). Of the 948 taxa assessed, 414 species are ‘threatened with extinction’, while 270 of these have populations with extremely localised geographic distributions (Golding, 2002). In terms of conserving biodiversity, there has been a shift towards focussing on ecosystems and landscapes (habitats) rather than efforts in conserving specific species. This is the case due to the variety of living organisms, which make up ecosystems relying on suitable habitats to which they have become adapted over long periods of time. Habitat degradation is one of the main reasons for species becoming extinct in a particular area. However, it can be viewed that threatened species are seen as indicators of the overall health of an ecosystem and serve, with varying degrees of success, as ‘umbrellas’ for the protection of other organisms as well as ecosystems (Hilton-Taylor, 1996; 2000). According to HiltonTaylor (1996) threatened species can be seen as “biodiversity attention grabbers”. The Threatened Plant Species Programme (TSP) is currently revising all threatened plant species assessments made by Craig Hilton-Taylor (1996) using IUCN Version 2.3 criteria. The following assessment made reference to the current TSP interim assessment (updated August, 2006). 4.4.1 Faunal assessment Reductions in fauna numbers and occurrence in the Gauteng Province can be attributed to the introduction of alien and invasive plants that do not offer a variation in plant communities, with most of the plant species being unpalatable. 21 | P a g e 4.4.2 Avifauna Species No Red Data bird species were identified on the study site during the site visit. However Appendix 1 provides a list of the common bird species of the Gauteng province and the possibility of occurrence on the study site. 4.4.3 Invertebrates Species No Red Data invertebrates were observed during the site visit. The conservation status of many invertebrates in the Gauteng Province is still in the process of being established with the 21 species listed as priority invertebrates for conservation. 4.4.4 Mammals Species No Red data mammals were identified during the field studies. 4.4.5 Protected Plant Species It is important to note that no person shall remove, donate, sell, export or disturb a protected plant unless he/she is a holder of a permit that authorises him/her to do so. The table below lists the red data species that may occur in the preferred and alternative sites. Table 2: Red Data species that may occur within the study area SPECIES STATUS LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ACCORDING * TO MAIN HABITAT PREFERENCES Central Sandy Bushveld Aloe vryheidensis (succulent shrub) R Unlikely Brachystelma minor (herb) R Likely Bulbine brunsvigiaefolia (herb) R Likely Gladiolus dolomiticus (herb) R Unlikely Sartidia jucunda (grass) R Likely Tetradenia barberae (shrub) R Unlikely Barleria rehmannii (herb) K Likely Bowiea volubilis (herb) K Likely Melhania integra (herb) K Likely Mosdenia leptostachyus (grass) K Likely Parapodium costatum (herb) K Possible Rhynchosia nitens (shrub) K Likely 22 | P a g e Tristachya biseriata (grass) K Likely R – Rare; V – Vulnerable; K – Insufficiently known Endangered Species: At least one species that is categorised as Endangered (Euphorbia groenewaldii, dwarf succulent) may occur in the study area, with a high likelihood of occurrence in the Soweto Highveld Grassland, which occurs within corridors 1 and 5. A permit is required to be obtained for the removal of any Red Data plant species, in terms of Article 98 of the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No 12 of 1983), which applies to the old Transvaal area including the Gauteng Province. Apart from the Red Data species, several species occurring in the study area are listed in the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No 12 of 1983) as protected and specially protected plants: • Scadoxis multiflora • Huernia hystrix • Amocharis coranica • Aloe – several species • Cussonia - several species • Protea- several species 4.4.6 Medicinal Plant Species South Africa is home to a diversity of cultural groups all of which utilise plant species for some purpose. A number of these species are highly prized for their traditional healing properties; especially for “muthi” (they have ethno-medicinal value). An estimated 28 million people in South Africa consume about 19 500 tonnes of medicinal plant material per annum (Mander, 1998). The Gauteng Province alone has around 1 049 plant taxa utilised for medicinal properties, 31 % of the total estimated number of ethno-medicinal plants in South Africa (Arnold et al, 2002). It is therefore imperative that the population demographics of these species (especially the more conspicuous and sought-after species) be closely monitored and utilised in a sustainable manner. The proposed increase in development, and at a local scale 23 | P a g e the construction phase of any developmental project will increase human activities within the area, leading to uncontrolled harvesting of such resources. Although most of these plant species are regionally widespread and abundant, some of the more economically important species should be envisaged as high priority conservation entities (Van Wyk et al, 1997; Pooley, 1998). DECLARED WEEDS AND INVADER PLANTS Concern is growing over the way in which alien/exotic plants are invading large areas within South Africa. Invasive species are a major threat to the ecological functioning of natural systems as well as the productive use of the land, and should ideally be removed if they are serving no ecological function. In terms of the amendments to the regulations under the Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983), landowners are legally responsible for the control of invasive alien plants on their properties. There are currently 198 alien species listed as declared weeds and invaders, and have been divided into three categories (Henderson, 2001): Category 1 plants are prohibited and must be controlled; Category 2 plants (commercially used plants) may be grown in demarcated areas proving that there is a permit and that steps are taken to prevent their spread; and Category 3 plants (ornamentally used plants) may no longer be planted; existing plants may remain, as long as all reasonable steps are taken to prevent the spreading there of, except within the flood line of watercourses and wetlands. Table 3: List of exotic and invasive species found within the study area SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME INVADER CATEGORY Datura stramonium Common Thorn Apple Declared weed Category 1 Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Declared weed Category 2 Solanum alaeagnifolium Silver Leaf Bitter Apple Declared weed Category 1 24 | P a g e There were a few locations which were infested by stands of the Australian wattle. These species invade riparian and seep zones with disastrous impacts on water resources, especially within the upper catchment regions. These species should be controlled to prevent further infestation and it is recommended that all individuals of the above invader species be removed and eradicated. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS Environmentally sensitive habitats such as proclaimed nature reserves, private nature reserves, conservancies, permanent wetlands, perennial rivers (Rietspruit), non-perennial rivers/streams (Withokspruit), dams (VanDyk Dam), seasonal wetlands (pans and drainage lines), primary vegetation, rocky ridges and hills are located close to the study area within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The majority of threatened faunal species are likely to occur in these habitats none of which a located within a distance of 500m from the project site. Figure 7 below illustrates the ecological sensitivity of the preferred and alternative sites based on the baseline species composition likely to occur as well as site observations. 25 | P a g e Figure 7: Sensitivity Map 26 | P a g e CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL SUPPORT AREAS The study site is located in Unit 206400 and 924852 close to the Ecological Support Areas (ESA) 206400 and 924852. ESAs are an imperative part of C-Plan 3 to ensure sustainability in the long term (persistence principle, Margules and Pressey, 2000b, Cowling, et al., 2003e). According to the Gauteng C-Plan the Rand Water Brakpan reservoir proposed alternative site falls within important areas for terrestrial biodiversity and ecological support. The preferred site falls outside of the CBA and ESA as indicated on figure 8 below. Figure 8: Gauteng ecological conservation plan associated with the preferred and alternative sites 27 | P a g e 5 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION NATURE OF THE IMPACT The reservoir construction within the preferred and alternative sites will have minimal impact on the ecology of the area as it is already highly disturbed. The grasslands area that exist on the site has been greatly manipulated and changed by human activities, with evidence of disturbance by construction waste dumping which left significant scars in the areas which are now covered by Kikuyu grass and a few endemic grass species. The low plant species diversity precludes the site from being a potential habitat for red data species both flora and fauna. Since the area has been affected and continually disturbed by human being over a long period, the introduction of new developments is not expected to affect the area’s integrity. SCALE The scale of the impact can be described as site specific during the construction phase and will include removal of the existing vegetation and change in landscape. DURATION The time frame over which the impact is expected to occur can be classified as short term for the construction phase as there will be heavy movement and disturbance by construction machinery for about a year. The duration becomes permanent as the development involves replacement of existing flora and fauna habitat with artificial and inhabitable surfaces. INTENSITY The intensity of the development can be categorised as medium since the impacts of the activity will alter the environment during the construction phase due to increased disturbance of the site by heavy construction machinery. The increased human activities within the project site during and after development will tend to increase the levels of pollution and disturbance of the few floral and faunal species that are resident to the area. 28 | P a g e PROBABILITY There is a medium probability that the impact of constructing the residential area on the project site will occur. Provisions must therefore be made to mediate the undesirable impacts like pollution, erosion and disturbance of the site. In the operational phase the probability is still medium since the residential area will be inhabited. Pollution levels and disturbance to the remaining habitat will be increased. DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE – WITH AND WITHOUT MITIGATION The significance without mitigation is medium; meaning that the impact of constructing the residential area is of importance and is considered to have a medium negative impact. During the operational phase the significance without mitigation is medium thus mitigation measures are necessary to reduce the impact during the operational phase to acceptable levels. The significance of the impact with mitigation is low. CONFIDENCE The confidence level can be classified as medium during the construction phase. The confidence level becomes low during the operational phase as there is not enough information to decide on the possible response of the environment to continuous human disturbance. 29 | P a g e Table 4: Impacts on vegetation Significance Destruction construction populations of a Scale of local storm water Duration Intensity Probability Confidence Without With mitigation mitigation Permanent Medium Probable Medium Medium Low Off-site Clearance of land for Permanent Medium Probable Medium Medium Low Reservoir Tarred Operation Nature of impact Local Construction Source of impact surfaces, Increase concrete bridge and drainage and pollution increased traffic levels to the Blesbokspruit 30 | P a g e 6 CONCLUSION Even though no protected plant and animal species were identified on the site, the site warrants a careful approach to development through keeping the lay-out and construction footprints to a minimum. In general, the majority of the site is suitable for development but the remaining unsuitable portions should be afforded formal protection. Therefore a development with its associated footprint and impacts can only be possible under strict environmental protection guidelines to ensure prevention of further habitat loss for present flora and fauna as it causes irreversible damage to high biodiversity ecosystems within the Soweto Highveld Grassland vegetation type in the Savanna biome. This study recommends the construction of the additional 200ML Rand Water reservoir to be undertaken on the preferred site as it constitutes much lower sensitivity than the alternative site. 7 GLOSSARY Alien species: Plant taxa in a given area, whose presence there, is due to the intentional or accidental introduction as a result of human activity Biodiversity: Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Biome: A major biotic unit consisting of plant and animal communities having similarities in form and environmental conditions, but not including the abiotic portion of the environment. Conservation: The management of the biosphere so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. Ecosystem: Organisms together with their abiotic environment, forming an interacting system, inhabiting an identifiable space. Ecosystem services: Activities that help to maintain an ecosystem but are not directly part of energy flows and nutrient cycles. Examples include pollination, dispersal, population regulation, and provision of clean water and the maintenance of liveable climates (carbon sequestration). Endangered: A taxon is endangered when it is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Endemic: Occurring in a particular region, and nowhere else. Environment: NEMA defines “environment” as “the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of the land, water and atmosphere of the earth; micro organisms, plant and animal life; any interrelationships among and between them and the physical, chemical aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions that influence human health and well-being”. Forb: An herbaceous plant other than grasses. Habitat: Type of environment in which a plant or animal lives. Indigenous: Any species of plant, shrub or tree that occurs naturally in South Africa Invasive species: Naturalised alien plants that have the ability to reproduce, often in large numbers. Aggressive invaders can spread and invade large areas. Rare species: Species, which have naturally small populations, and species, which have been reduced to small (often unstable) populations by man's activities. Threatened species: Species, which have naturally small populations, and species, which have been reduced to small (often unstable) populations by man's activities. Red Data: A list of species, fauna and flora that require environmental protection. Based on the IUCN definitions. Soil: A mixture of organic and inorganic substances, the composition and structure of the latter is derived from the parent rock material. Soil also contains bacteria, fungi, viruses and microarthropods, nematodes and worms. Species diversity: A measure of the number and relative abundance of species (see biodiversity). Species richness: The number of species in an area or habitat. 8 REFERENCES Acocks, J. P. H. 1988. Veld types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa 57:1-146. Allen, T.F.H. and T.B. Starr. 1982. Hierarchy: perspectives for ecological complexity. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois. Barnes K. N. (2000). The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg. Barnes, K.N. 1998. The Important Bird Areas of southern Africa. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg. Bredenkamp, B. & N. van Rooyen (1996a). Rocky Highveld Grassland. In: Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Dept Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Bredenkamp, G. & N. van Rooyen (1996b). Moist Cool Highveld Grassland. In: Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Dept Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Geographical Overview of Ekurhuleni 26 Ekurhuleni SoER 2003 Butcher, C. (2003). Continuity and Change. Professional Management Review Online. http://www.pmr.co.za/magazines/March2003/csEkurhuleni.htm Causton, D.R. 1988. Introduction to vegetation analysis. Unwin Hyman. London, England. Coates Palgrave K & Coates Palgrave M (2002). Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983. Davies, B. & Day, J. 1998. Vanishing Waters. University of Cape Town Press, Cape Town. Department of Environment and Tourism, 2001. Environmental Potential Atlas. DEAT, Pretoria Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (DACE) (1997). State of the Environment in Gauteng: a preliminary report. Pretoria. Gillison, A.N. and K.R.W. Brewer. 1985. The use of gradient directed transects or gradsects in natural resource survey. Journal of Environmental Management. 20:103 127. Godron, M. and R.T.T. Forman. 1983. Landscape modification and changing ecological characteristics. In: H.A. Mooney and M. Godron (editors). Disturbance and ecosystems: components of response. Springer-Verlag, pp. 12 28. New York, USA. Golding, J. 2002. Southern African Plant Red Data Lists. South African Botanical Diversity Network Report no 14. SABONET. Pretoria Google-Earth (2008). Google Earth Satellite Images. Google, California. Green, R.H. 1980. Multivariate approaches in ecology: the assessment of ecological similarity. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 11:1 14. Henderson l. (2001). Alien weeds and invasive plants. Plant Protection Research Institute, ARC. Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red Data List of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. Hilton-Taylor, C. 2000. The IUCN/SSC Red List Program: Toward the 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Species 33: 21-29 Kuchler, A.W. and I.S. Zonneveld. 1988. Vegetation Mapping (Handbook of vegetation science, v. 10). Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht. Le Roux, J. (2002). The Biodiversity of South Africa 2002: Indicators, trends and human impacts. Struik Publishers. Cape Town Loafer, D., eds. 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Low, A.E. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds). 1998. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Madden, D. (1987). Help comes to the endangered Pamamanian Tamarin. Journal of Natural Science of California State University Fresno 2: 10-11. Mander, M. 1998. The marketing of medicinal plants in South Africa: a case study in KwaZuluNatal. FAO of the UN, Rome Minter, L.R., BURGER, M., HARRISON, J.A., BRAACK, H.H., BISHOP, P.J. & Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.). 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland, Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute Pretoria.University Press. Muller-Dombois, D. & H. Ellenberg (1974) Aims and Methods of Vegetation Ecology. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Chapters 1, 4-6. Pfab, M.F. & Victor, J.E. (2002). Threatened plants of Gauteng, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany. 68:370-375. Pooley E. (1998). A Field guide to Wild-Flowers KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region. Flora Publications Trust. Durban. Smithers, R.H.N. 1986. South African Red Data Book – Terrestrial Mammals. South African National Scientific Programmes Report No 125. Sugihara, G. (1982) Ph.D. thesis (Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ). The IUCN species survival Commission: 2007 IUCN Red list of threatened species. Van Wyk B. E., van Oudtshoorn B. & Gericke N. (1997). Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria. Wood J., Low A. B., Donaldson J. S. & Rebelo A. G. (1994). Threats to plant species through urbanisation and habitat fragmentation in the Cape Metropolitan Area, South Africa. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. 9 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Red Data bird species Species Cape Vulture Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Mostly mountainous country, or open country with inselbergs and escarpments; less commonly in Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? NO savannah or desert (Maclean 1993). Forages over open grassland, woodland and agricultural areas; usually roosts on cliffs, but will also roost on trees and pylons (in Barnes 2000). Forages over both open country (grassland) and woodland. It is reliant on tall cliffs for breeding and it usually roosts on cliffs, but it wanders widely away from these when foraging and will roost in trees and on pylons in open country. It occurs and breeds from sea level to 3100m. Current distribution is closely associated with subsistence communal grazing areas, characterised by high stock losses and low use of poisons and, to a lesser extent, with protected areas (Harrison et al. 1997a). Blue Crane Midland and highland grassveld, edge of karoo, cultivated land and edges of vleis (Maclean 1993). Nests in both moist situations in vleis which have short grass cover and in dry sites far from water, usually exposed places such as on hillsides; forages in grassland and cultivated and fallow lands; roosts communally in the shallow water of pans and dams (Tarboton et al. 1987). Short dry grassland, being more abundant and evenly distributed in the eastern "sour" grasslands, where natural grazing of livestock is the predominant land use. Prefers to nest in areas of open grassland (in Barnes 2000). In the fynbos biome it inhabits cereal croplands and cultivated pastures and avoids natural vegetation. By contrast, it is found in natural vegetation in the Karoo and grassland biomes, but it also feeds in crop fields (Harrison et al. 1997a). NO Species Lesser Kestrel Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Forage preferentially in pristine grassland, but will also hunt in converted grassland such as small scale Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? NO pasture provided the conversion is not as total as in plantation forestry or in areas of consolidated agricultural monoculture. They roost communally in tall trees, mainly Eucalyptus, in urban areas (in Barnes 2000). Open grassland and intensively cultivated agricultural areas under maize, sorghum, peanuts, wheat, beans and other crops (Tarboton & Allan 1984). Typical of semi-arid grasslands, avoiding wooded areas, but it may also forage in agricultural fields, predominantly cereal crops. Large numbers congregate in the sweet and mixed grasslands of the South African highveld. Roosts communally in large trees, frequently eucalyptus, usually in urban areas (Harrison et al. 1997a). Grass Owl Almost exclusively in rank grass, typically, although not only, at fairly high altitudes. Breeds in NO permanent and seasonal vleis, which it vacates while hunting or post-breeding, although it will breed in any area of long grass and is not necessarily associated with wetlands. Foraging apparently confined to tall grasslands and does not extend to short grasslands, wetlands or to croplands nearby (in Barnes 2000). Restricted to wet areas - marshes and vleis where tall, thick grass and /or sedges occur. Prefers permanent to seasonal vleis and vacates the latter when they dry up. Roosts and breeds in vleis but often hunt elsewhere e.g. old lands (Tarboton et al. 1987). Rank grass and marshes are preferred habitat, usually in open habitat at fairly high altitudes. May occur in sparse Acacia woodland where patches of dense grass cover are present (Harrison et al. 1997a). African Marsh Harrier Wetlands and surrounding grasslands. Most highveld wetlands > 100ha support a breeding pair (Tarboton & Allan 1984). Nests in extensive reed beds often high above water. Forage over reeds, lake margins, floodplains and occasionally even woodland. Almost entirely absent from areas below 300mm of rainfall (Harrison et al. 1997a). Marsh, vlei, grassland (usually near water); may hunt over grassland, NO Species Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? cultivated lands and open savannah (Maclean 1993). Dependant on wetlands, particularly permanent wetlands for breeding, roosting and feeding. May utilise small wetlands 1-2ha in extent for foraging, but larger wetlands are required for breeding (in Barnes 2000). Whitebacked Night Heron Swift- and -slow flowing rivers and streams with heavily wooded margins or overhanging vegetation. NO Occasionally utilise small dams with dense overhanging vegetation. Forage along the margins of waterways by night and roost within dense vegetation during the day (in Barnes 2000). Quiet tree-lined rivers and streams, mangroves; less commonly in reed beds along rivers and in marshes (Maclean 1993). Present on both large rivers (e.g. the Vaal where dissected by islands) and along smaller rivers (e.g. Skeerpoort and Crocodile) where suitable cover exists (Tarboton et al. 1987); Prefer quiet, heavily wooded, clear, slow-moving, perennial rivers, roosting in densely foliaged trees (Harrison et al. 1997a). Whitebellied Korhaan Relatively tall vegetation, typically fairly dense grassland in either open or lightly wooded regions. Most NO abundant in hilly areas at the interface between the grassland and savannah biomes. Low abundances at severely grazed and recently burnt sites (in Barnes 2000). Grassland or open savannah in undulating or hilly country prefers longer, thicker grass than Blue Korhaan (Tarboton et al. 1987). Tall, fairly dense grassland either in open or lightly wooded regions (Harrison et al. 1997a). Martial Eagle Woodland, savannah or grassland with clumps of large trees or power pylons for nest sites (Maclean 1993). Tolerates a wide range of vegetation types, being found in open grassland, scrub, Karoo and woodland. It relies on large trees (or electricity pylons) to provide nest sites. Typically found in flat country and is rarer in mountains and it also avoids extreme deserts, and densely wooded and forested areas. (in Barnes 2000). Woodland, savannah, grassland as well as agricultural and forestry areas (Tarboton et al. 1987). Open grassland and scrub, and woodland. Nests in large trees, but will also utilise NO Species Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? electricity pylons, wind pumps and cliffs in treeless areas. Typically found in flat country and is rarer in mountainous areas. Avoids extreme deserts, and densely wooded and forested areas (Harrison et al. 1997a). African Finfoot Clear, perennial rivers and streams, lined with reeds, overhanging trees and shrubs (avoids both NO stagnant and fast-flowing waters). Roosts and breeds in dense overhanging vegetation (in Barnes 2000). Frequents larger perennial rivers with overgrown or reed-lined banks (Tarboton et al. 1987). Quiet reaches of streams, rivers, pans and lakes, fringed with dense trees and bush drooping into water (Maclean 1993). Occurs in forest and woodland regions. Inhabits streams and rivers lined with reeds, overhanging trees and shrubs. Avoids both stagnant and fast-flowing water, is typical of perennial rather than ephemeral watercourses, and apparently prefers clear to silted water. Occasionally found in dams, especially the upper reaches (Harrison et al. 1997a) Blue Korhaan Open grassveld, karoo scrub and cultivated lands (Maclean 1993). Frequents shortly grazed grassland, NO old lands, fallow fields covered with weeds and pastures. Usually in flat or undulating open Highveld grassland (Tarboton et al. 1987). Inhabits open, fairly short grassland in the grassland biome and mixture of grassland and Karoo dwarf shrub land in the ecotone between these two biomes i.e. the Grassy Karoo. Most common in the dry Grassy Karoo, followed by Sweet (also dry) Grasslands, and less common in eastern, moister Mixed, Alpine and Sour Grasslands. Can also be found in crop fields and planted pastures (Harrison et al. 1997a) Melodious Lark Open climax grassland, especially Rooigras (Themeda triandra), sometimes with rocky outcrops, also cultivated fields of Teff (Eragrostis tef) (Maclean 1993). Open grassland or grassland with scattered trees and shrubs: not in savanna or closed woodland. Favours dry grassland types (Cymbopogon-Themeda, NO Species Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? dry Cymbopogon-Themeda and Bankenveld Veld types), usually on sandy or stony soils with a rather low grass basal cover (Tarboton et al. 1987). Relatively dry grasslands dominated by Rooigras (Themeda triandra), but sometimes also in planted Eragrostis pastures and fallow fields. Habitat usually at 5501750 m, with a mean annual rainfall between 400 and 800 mm. Generally avoids the hard, wiry grasses of the alpine and sour grasslands. Most often recorded in grassy Karoo, and sweet and mixed grasslands (Harrison et al. 1997b). Open grassland dominated by Themeda triandra with high grass basal cover and open grassland dominated by Hyperrhenia hirta with lower grass basal cover (pers. obs). Lesser Flamingo Shallow pans, especially saline pans when they contain water (Tarboton et al. 1987). Larger brackish or NO saline inland and coastal waters (Maclean 1993). Requires shallow eutrophic wetlands, saltpans and sheltered coastal lagoons, and may occur on water bodies which are more saline and more alkaline than those used by the Greater Flamingo. It breeds on mudflats far out in pans and lakes (Harrison et al. 1997a). Secretarybird Semi desert, grassland, savannah, open woodland, farmland, mountain slopes (Maclean 1993). NO Grassland to open woodland at all altitudes. Not in forested or densely wooded areas or in hilly, rocky country (Tarboton et al. 1987). Open country, mainly savannah, open woodland, grassland and dwarf shrub land. Also attracted to man-made habitats such as airfields, grazing paddocks and fallow fields. Absent from mountain fynbos, and avoids forest, dense woodland and very rocky, hilly or mountainous areas (Harrison et al. 1997a). Black Stork Feeds in and around marshes, dams, rivers and estuaries; breeds in mountainous regions (Maclean 1993). Feeds on dams, pans, floodplains, shallows of rivers and sometimes in marshland and flooded grassland (Tarboton et al. 1987). Feeds in shallow water, but occasionally on dry land, in streams and NO Species Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? rivers (including those as large as the Zambezi and Orange rivers), marshes, floodplains, coastal estuaries, and large and small dams; it is typically seen at pools in large rivers. Feeds mainly on fish and is therefore uncommon at seasonal pans lacking fish. It nests on cliffs; breeding distribution is closely associated with hilly and mountainous regions (Harrison et al. 1997a). Lanner Falcon Mountains or open country from semi desert to woodland and agricultural land, also some cities NO (Maclean 1993). Generally a cliff nester and its breeding distribution is closely associated with that of cliffs. Able to breed on lower rock faces than Peregrine Falcon and also utilise the disused nests of other species such as crows, both in trees and on power pylons. Generally prefers open habitats e.g. alpine grasslands and the Kalahari, but exploits a wide range of habitats. Also breeds in wooded and forested areas where cliffs occur (Harrison et al. 1997a). Diverse - grassland, open savannah, agricultural lands, suburban and urban areas, rural settlements - in both flat and hilly or mountainous country. Nests on cliffs, quarry walls, in trees and on pylons and buildings (Tarboton et al. 1987). Halfcollared Kingfisher Fast-flowing perennial streams, rivers and estuaries, usually with dense marginal vegetation (Maclean NO 1993). Perennial streams and smaller rivers overhung with trees or marginal vegetation. Nests in earth banks (Tarboton et al. 1987). Most typically found along fast-flowing streams with clear water and wellwooded banks, often near rapids. It is most frequent in broken escarpment terrain. It requires at least 1km of river territory while breeding. It occurs from sea-level to as high as 2000m in southern Africa. Usually perches low down on the banks of streams, often on exposed roots. Requires riverbanks in which to excavate nest tunnels (Harrison et al. 1997a). Greater Flamingo Shallow pans, especially saline pans when they have water; also occasionally on other bodies of shallow water such as dams and vleis (Tarboton et al. 1987). Large bodies of shallow water, inland and coastal; NO Species Habitat requirements (list of texts is not exhaustive and additional habitat information may be available) Does suitable habitat exist on site or within 500m (YES/NO)? saline and brackish waters preferred (Maclean 1993). Its favoured foraging areas are open shallow eutrophic wetlands. Occasionally forages along sandy coasts. Usually breeds colonially on mudflats in large pans (Harrison et al. 1997a). Yellowbilled Stork Mainly inland waters; rivers, dams, pans, floodplains, marshes; less often estuaries (Maclean 1993). NO Frequents dams, pans, large rivers and seasonal wetlands where there are areas of shallow water free of emergent vegetation (Tarboton et al. 1987). Utilises diverse habitats, including dams, large marshes, swamps, estuaries, margins of lakes or rivers, seasonal wetlands where there are areas of vegetation free shallow water, and even small pools (Harrison et al. 1997a). Redbilled Oxpecker Savannah and bush-veld (Maclean 1993). Deciduous woodland and savanna (Tarboton et al. 1987). Uses hosts in a variety of woodland, all in rainfall zones of more than 400mm p.a. Needs holes in trees for nesting and uses Ilala Palms, reed beds and larger game to roost at night (Harrison et al. 1997b). NO