400kV SUBSTATION IN FLORA PARK, GAUTENG - Eskom · Proposed establishment of the Anderson 400kv...

BG 3 Pipeline

Flora and Fauna Assessment i

Eskom Holdings Limited Eskom Transmission Division

September 2012

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONSULTANTS

P.O. BOX 1673 SUNNINGHILL 2157

147 Bram Fischer Drive FERNDALE Randburg

Phone: (011) 781 1730 Fax: (011) 781 1731 Email: [email protected]

Copyright Nemai Consulting 2012

PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANDERSON

400kV SUBSTATION IN FLORA PARK, GAUTENG

FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT

Proposed establishment of the Anderson 400kv substation in Broederstroom North West province

Flora and Fauna Assessment ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Nemai Consulting was appointed by Eskom as the independent Environmental Assessment

Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed

establishment of the Anderson 400kv substation. A Flora and Fauna survey was carried out

to determine the potential impacts of the proposed substation on the receiving environment.

The proposed Anderson substation will be on Portions 82, 83 and 76 of Farms Schurveberg

488 JQ.

The study area is dominated by grasslands, woodlands and a residential area. The objective

of this study was to identify sensitive species and their habitats in the proposed site. The

current ecological status and conservation priority of vegetation on the site were assessed.

Potential faunal habitats were assessed in the study area and all mammals and birds known

to occur on site or seen on site were recorded. Red data species (both fauna and flora) that

are known to occur on site were investigated.

The study area falls within the savanna biome and has been categorised as Andesite

Mountain Bushveld vegetation unit. There are no Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems

recorded on the proposed site. Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3 described the study area as

falling within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) and an Ecological Sensitive Area (ESA). The

CBAs in the study area is Irreplaceable Area but due to grazing and anthropogenic activities

such as human settlements, the study area is not in pristine condition. A specialist

investigation has indicated that significant environmental impacts may result if the mitigation

measures listed in this report are not implemented.

No Red Data plant species were recorded in this study but only one species of conservation

importance (Orange listed species) was recorded on site, namely, Hypoxis hemerocallidea.

This plant species recorded should be relocated to a safe, suitable area, such as the

conservation area.

Only three mammal species were recorded during the field assessment. No sensitive or

endangered mammals were recorded within the study area. Taking into consideration the

fact that Red Data mammals are reliant on pristine and stable habitats, few, if any,

threatened small mammals are expected to occur in the study area. The majority of larger

mammal species are likely to have moved away from the area, as a result of habitat


alteration and degradation together with the development of human settlements which lead

to illegal hunting and poaching. During the construction of the substation, it is anticipated

that there would be a further loss of ecologically sensitive and important habitat units;

ecosystem function and loss of faunal habitat. It is anticipated that mammals residing on site

will move to another area nearby and could move back after the area has been rehabilitated.

An avifaunal study indicated that the riparian vegetation, woodlands and patches of

grasslands should provide natural habitats for bird species, however no Red data bird

species were observed on the study site. Bird species recorded during a field survey are

common and widespread. The study area falls near an Important Bird Area (IBA), namely

the Magaliesberg and Witwatersberg (ZA018) IBA, approximately 2km away. IBAs form a

network of sites, at a biogeographic scale, which are critical for the long-term viability of

naturally occurring bird populations. The proposed substation will only have a negative

impact during the construction phase whereafter the birds will return to the area. It is

recommended that, for areas in close proximity to sensitive habitats (such as near Moganwe

River) disturbance factors must be limited as much as possible. Undue disturbance factors

will displace sensitive species.

The proposed development will cause disruption during the construction phase, but as long

as mitigation measures are carried out properly, these disruptions should have minimal

lasting effect on the ecosystems of the proposed development. From an ecological point of

view, the proposed substation should proceed as planned.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................. iv

LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................... v

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................ v

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................ v

QUALITY VERIFICATION .......................................................................................................................... vi

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Objectives of the survey ...................................................................................................... 1 2. RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ..................................................................................... 2

3. STUDY AREA .................................................................................................................................... 2

4. LIMITATIONS AND GAPS ................................................................................................................. 5

5. VELD TYPE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................. 6

5.1 Andesite Mountain Bushveld .............................................................................................. 7 6. METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................................. 8

6.1 Flora ....................................................................................................................................... 8 6.2 Mammals ............................................................................................................................. 10 6.3 Avifauna ............................................................................................................................... 10

7. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION............................................................................................................ 11

7.1 Flora ..................................................................................................................................... 11 7.1.1 Desktop study results ................................................................................................ 11 7.1.2 Plant communities recorded in the study area ....................................................... 12 7.1.3 Alien invasive species recorded in the proposed Anderson substation ............. 15 7.1.4 Medicinal plants and Red Data Listed plant species ............................................ 16 7.1.5 Habitat available for species of conservation importance .................................... 17

7.2 Fauna ................................................................................................................................... 18 7.2.1 Mammals ..................................................................................................................... 19 7.2.2 Avifauna ....................................................................................................................... 21

8. ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY AREA ........................................................... 26

9. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................... 27

9.1 Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 27 9.2 Assessment of Environmental Impacts and Suggested Mitigation Measures .......... 28

10. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 42

11. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 44


LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Locality Map ......................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 2. Aerial View of the study area ............................................................................................. 3

Figure 3. Critical Biodiversity Area features in the study area ...................................................... 5

Figure 4. Biome in relation to the proposed Anderson substation ................................................ 6

Figure 5. Vegetation unit occurring in the study area ..................................................................... 7

Figure 6. Open grassland community in the study area............................................................... 12

Figure 7. Alien invasive species recorded on site ......................................................................... 15

Figure 8. Hypoxis hemerocallidea recorded on the proposed Anderson substation ............... 17

Figure 9. The skull of a Blesbok recorded on site ......................................................................... 21

Figure 10. Important Bird Area near the proposed Anderson substation .................................. 22

Figure 11. Sensitivity Map of the proposed Anderson substation .............................................. 27

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Vegetation type found in the study area with associated landscape and

conservation status .............................................................................................................................. 7

Table 2. Classification of grasses (van Oudtshoorn, 1999). .......................................................... 9

Table 3. Floral species of conservational significance recorded from the QDS of 2527DD ... 11

Table 4. Definitions of Red Data status (Raimondo et al. 1999) ................................................. 11

Table 5. Species found in the natural grassland community. ...................................................... 13

Table 6. Species found in the woodland community .................................................................... 14

Table 7. Red and Orange Listed plant species (amended January 2009) and their targets

used in C-Plan 3 (Pfab & Victor, 2002) ........................................................................................... 17

Table 8. Medium to large mammals which could be found on the study area, recorded from

2527DD grid cell (Virtual Museum of African Mammals). ............................................................ 19

Table 9. Mammal species that could occur in the study area based on suitable habitat based

on Skinner & Chimimba (2005) and Cillié (2009). ......................................................................... 19

Table 10. Mammals that were recorded in the proposed Anderson substation ....................... 20

Table 11. Red Data species list recorded in grid cell 2527DD .................................................... 23

Table 12. Bird species recorded during the survey ................................................................ 26

Table 13. Recommended mitigation measures with significance rating before and after

mitigation for the proposed Anderson substation. ......................................................................... 29

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: Bird species recorded in grid 2527DD .................................................................. 47


QUALITY VERIFICATION

Verification Name Qualification Professional registration

Author Mr. Ronald Phamphe MSc (Botany) Professional Member of

South African Institute of

Ecologists and Environmental

Scientists

Candidate Natural Scientist:

South African Council for

Natural Scientific Professions

Professional Member: South

African Association of

Botanists.

Reviewer Ms. Vanessa Brueton M.Sc (Ecology)

Date: Signature:


Flora and Fauna Assessment 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Nemai Consulting was appointed by Eskom as the independent Environmental Assessment

Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed

establishment of the Anderson 400Kv substation. A Flora and Fauna survey was carried out

to determine the potential impacts of the proposed substation on the receiving environment.


488 JQ.

The study area is dominated by grasslands, woodlands and a residential area. The objective

of this study was to identify sensitive species and their habitats in the proposed site. The

current ecological status and conservation priority of vegetation on the site were assessed.

Potential faunal habitats were assessed in the study area and all mammals and birds known

to occur on site or seen on site were recorded. Red data species (both fauna and flora) that

are known to occur on site were investigated.

The study area falls within the savanna biome and has been categorised as Andesite

Mountain Bushveld vegetation unit. There are no Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems

recorded on the proposed site. Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3 described the study area as

falling within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) and an Ecological Sensitive Area (ESA). The

CBAs in the study area is listed as Irreplaceable Area.

1.1. Objectives of the survey

To apply relevant literature to determine the diversity and eco-status of the plants,

mammals and birds on the proposed Anderson substation;

To carry out a field survey to gain an indication of the diversity and eco-status of taxa

which inhabit the proposed study area, as well as the presence of unique habitats

that might need further investigation or protection;

To assess the possible impact of the proposed project on these taxa and/or habitats;

To assess the current habitat and conservation status of plant and animal species on

the study site;

To comment on ecological sensitive species/areas;

To list the species on site and to recommend necessary actions in case of

occurrence of endangered, vulnerable or rare species or any species of conservation

importance;

To recommend any suitable buffer zones if relevant; and



To provide management recommendations to mitigate negative and enhance positive

impacts of the proposed Anderson substation.

2. RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

The following pieces of legislation are relevant to this project.

The Constitution, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) – Section 24;

Nature Conservation Ordinance, Ordinance (No. 19 of 1974);

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983);

National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998);

Environment and Conservation Act 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989);

Gauteng Conservation Plan version 3.3;

GDARD Plant Rescue Scheme September 2006 (Amended September 2008)

GDARD Minimum Requirements for Biodiversity Assessments (2009);

The white paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s

Biological Diversity (1997); and

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

3. STUDY AREA


488 JQ as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.



Figure 1. Locality Map

Figure 2. Aerial View of the study area



Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA’s) are terrestrial and aquatic features in the landscape that

are critical for retaining biodiversity and supporting continued ecosystem functioning and

services (SANBI, 2007). These form the key output of a systematic conservation

assessment and are the biodiversity sectors inputs into multi-sectoral planning and decision

making tools. The primary purpose of CBA’s is to inform land-use planning and the land-use

guidelines attached to CBA’s aim to promote sustainable development by avoiding loss or

degradation of important natural habitat and landscapes in these areas and the landscape

as a whole. CBA’s can also be used to inform protected area expansion and development

plans. The use of CBA’s here follows the definition laid out in the guideline for publishing

bioregional plans (Anon, 2008).

Critical biodiversity areas (CBAs) are areas of the landscape that need to be maintained in

a natural or near-natural state in order to ensure the continued existence and functioning of

species and ecosystems and the delivery of ecosystem services. In other words, if these

areas are not maintained in a natural or near-natural state then biodiversity conservation

targets cannot be met. Maintaining an area in a natural state can include a variety of

biodiversity-compatible land uses and resource uses.

Ecological support areas (ESA’s) are areas that are not essential for meeting biodiversity

representation targets/thresholds but which nevertheless play an important role in supporting

the ecological functioning of critical biodiversity areas and/or in delivering ecosystem

services that support socio-economic development, such as water provision, flood mitigation

or carbon sequestration. The degree of restriction on land use and resource use in these

areas may be lower than that recommended for critical biodiversity areas

According to Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3, CBAs contain irreplaceable, important and

protected areas (terms used in C-Plan 2) and ESAs contain buffered wetlands, buffered

rivers, ridges within 1500m of CBAs, dolomite, corridors and low cost metropolitan areas.

The Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3 described the study area as falling within a Critical

Biodiversity Area (CBA) and an Ecological Sensitive Area (ESA). The CBA in the study area

is listed as Irreplaceable Area (Figure 3).



Figure 3. Critical Biodiversity Area features in the study area

4. LIMITATIONS AND GAPS

The constraints or limitations to the survey included:

The survey was based on a single site visit conducted for one day (10 hours) during the

winter months in August 2012.

No comprehensive vegetation or faunal surveys were conducted due to time and

financial constraints and as such several red data plants and animals could still occur in

remnant wooded pockets.

The majority of threatened plant species are seasonal and only flower during specific

periods of the year, time constraints did not allow for repeated sampling over different

seasons and so desktop surveys were used to provide additional information.

The majority of threatened faunal species are secretive and difficult to observe even

during intensive field surveys conducted over several seasons.

Since environmental impact studies deal with dynamic natural systems additional

information may come to light at a later stage and Nemai Consulting can thus not accept

responsibility for conclusions and mitigation measures made in good faith based

information gathered or databases consulted at the time of the investigation.



5. VELD TYPE DESCRIPTION

The study area falls within the grassland and savanna biomes (Rutherford & Westfall, 1994)

as indicated in Figure 4 below. Mucina & Rutherford (2006) classified the study area as

comprised of the Andesite Mountain Bushveld vegetation type unit as indicated in Figure 5

below.

Figure 4. Biome in relation to the proposed Anderson substation



Figure 5. Vegetation unit occurring in the study area

Landscape character and conservation status associated with the vegetation type is tabled

below (Table 1):

Table 1. Vegetation type found in the study area with associated landscape and conservation status

Vegetation Type Associated Landscape

Character

Conservation Status

Andesite Mountain Bushveld Undulating landscape with hills

and valleys.

Least Threatened

The description of the vegetation type follows below:

5.1 Andesite Mountain Bushveld

The Andesite Mountain Bushveld occurs in four provinces namely, Gauteng, North-West,

Mpumalanga and Free State. Its altitude varies between 1 350 – 1 800 metres. It is a dense,

medium-tall thorny bushveld with a well developed grass layer on hill slopes and some

valleys with undulating landscape. The Mean annual precipitation varies from 550 mm in the

southwest to about 750 mm in the northeast. Frost is frequent in winter but less on the ridges

and hills (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).



Conservation status

Currently this vegetation unit is considered as Least threatened with a target of 24%. About

7% is statutorily conserved mainly in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve and Magaliesberg

Nature Area. An additional 1–2% is conserved in other reserves mainly in the Hartbeesthoek

Radio Astronomy Observatory. Some 15% is already transformed, mainly due to cultivation

and some urban and built-up areas (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

6. METHODOLOGY

The White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological

Diversity (1997) and the National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act No 107 of

1998) specify that due care must be taken to conserve and avoid negative impacts on

biodiversity, as well as the sustainable, equitable and efficient use of biological resources.

6.1 Flora

Flora assessment consisted of two complementary approaches:

A desktop analysis of literature review, photographs, topographical maps, and

Google Earth imagery; and

A site visit was conducted in August 2012.

Satellite imagery of the area was obtained from Google Earth and was studied in order to get

a three dimensional impression of the topography and land use and also to identify potential

“hot-spots” or specialized habitats e.g. patches of undisturbed vegetation, river crossings

and rocky ridges.

The Pretoria Computerised Information System (PRECIS) list of Red Data plants recorded in

the 2527DD quarter degree grid square was obtained from South African National

Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) (http://posa.sanbi.org/searchspp.php). The list was consulted

to verify the record of occurrence of the plant species seen in the vicinity of the proposed

substation. The sites sampled are also only a very small portion of the whole grid and so

habitats suitable for certain species in the PRECIS lists may not be present at the areas

sampled. The vegetation map published in Mucina & Rutherford (2006) was consulted to

identify vegetation units that are found in the study area. The desktop component of the

study of the habitats of the red-data-listed and other species of conservation importance

known to occur in the area was conducted before the site visit.

The habitats of the study area were inspected in a random zigzag fashion, paying particular

attention to areas that at first sight appeared to be sensitive. All general observations were



noted such as trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs (forbs). The habitats suitable for Red Data

listed species known to occur in the quarter degree grid squares were examined intensively

for the presence of such species. Attention was also paid to the occurrence of alien species

and declared weeds. Field guides such as Pooley (1998), Pooley (2005), van Wyk et al.,

(1997) and van Oudshoorn (1999) were utilised during the field work.

According to van Oudtshoorn (1999), a grass species reacts to grazing in one of two ways: it

can either become more or less abundant. Table 2 describes the classification of grasses.

Table 2. Classification of grasses (van Oudtshoorn, 1999).

Class Description Examples

Decreasers Grasses that are abundant in good veld, but that

decrease in number when the veld is overgrazed or

undergrazed.

Themeda trianda,

Digitaria eriantha

Increaser 1 Grasses that are abundant in underutilised veld. These

grasses are usually unpalatable, robust climax species

that grow without any defoliation

Hyperthelia dissoluta,

Trachypogon spicatus

Increaser 2 Grasses that are abundant in overgrazed veld. These

grasses increase due to the disturbing effect of

overgrazing and include mostly pioneer and subclimax

species

Aristida adscensionis,

Eragrostis rigidor

Increaser 3 Grasses that are commonly found in overgrazed veld.

These are usually unpalatable, dense climax grasses

Sporobolus africanus,

Elionurus muticus

Invaders All plants that are not indigenous to an area. These plants

are mostly pioneer plants and are difficult to eradicate

Arundo donax

Exotic and invasive plant species were categorised according to the framework laid out by

The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA) (Act 43 of 1983). CARA defines

weeds as alien plants, with no known useful economic purpose that should be eradicated.

Invader plants, also considered by the Act, can also be of alien origin but may serve useful

purposes as ornamentals, as sources of timber, or may have other benefits (Henderson,

2001). These plants need to be managed and prevented from spreading.

Alien and invasive plant species can be grouped three categories:

Category 1 plants are weeds that serve no useful economic purpose and possess

characteristics that are harmful to humans, animals or the environment. These plants



need to be eradicated using the control methods stipulated in Regulation 15.D of the

CARA.

Category 2 plants are plants that are useful for commercial plant production purposes

but are proven plant invaders under uncontrolled conditions outside demarcated

areas.

Category 3 plants are mainly used for ornamental purposes in demarcated areas but

are proven plant invaders under uncontrolled conditions outside demarcated areas.

The planting of Category 2 and 3 plants should be confined to demarcated areas under

controlled conditions of cultivation (Bromilow, 1995 & 2010).

6.2 Mammals

A site visit was conducted in August 2012 and during this visit, the observed and derived

presences of mammals associated with the recognized habitat types of the study site were

recorded during the day. This was done with due regard to the well recorded global

distributions of Southern African mammals, coupled with qualitative and quantitative nature

of recognized habitats. No night surveys were undertaken. Adjoining properties were also

scanned for important faunal habitats. During the site visit, mammals were identified by

visual sightings through random transect walks. Locals were interviewed to confirm

occurrence or absence of species.

6.3 Avifauna

The presence of suitable habitat was used to deduce the likelihood of presence or absence

of species, based on scientific literature, field guides and databases.

The likely occurrence of key bird species was verified according to Southern African Bird

Atlas Project 2 from the University of Cape Town’s Animal Demographic Unit for the grid cell

2527DD. However, the specific habitat(s) found on site may not suit the particular Red Data

species, even though it has been recorded for the quarter degree cell. Red Data bird species

were selected and categorised according to Barnes (2000).

A site visit was conducted to record the presence of bird species associated with the habitat

systems on the study site and to identify possible sensitive areas. Birds were identified

visually, by call, roosting sites and feathers and by also using 10X42 Bushnell Waterproof

binoculars and, where necessary, identifications were verified using Sasol Birds of Southern

Africa (Sinclair et al., 2005) and the Chamberlain guide to birding Gauteng (Marais &

Peacock, 2008). The study area was surveyed on foot and in the process sightings were



recorded through random transects walks. Adjoining properties were also scanned for

important bird species and/or habitats.

7. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

7.1 Flora

7.1.1 Desktop study results

The proposed Anderson substation is located within the 2527DD quarter degree square in

terms of the 1:50 000 grid of South Africa. SANBI used this grid system as a point of

reference to determine any Red Data plant species or any species of conservation

importance occurring in South Africa. This can be used to determine list of species which

could potentially occur within an area. Table 3 provide details on the Red Data plant species

which have been recorded in 2527DD grid cell. The definitions of the conservation status are

provided in Table 4 below. Due to the fact that threatened species have been noted in the

area, it is imperative, during the construction phase, that detailed searches for these

rare/threatened and protected species are made during the appropriate time of year when

plants are likely to be visible.

Table 3. Floral species of conservational significance recorded from the QDS of 2527DD

Family Species Conservation Status Form

Amaryllidaceae Boophone disticha Declining Geophyte

Aquifoliaceae Ilex mitis var. mitis Declining Shrub

Asteraceae Callilepis leptophylla. Declining Herb

Capparaceae Cleome conrathii Near Threatened Herb

Fabaceae Melolobium subspicatum Vulnerable Dwarf shrub

Gunneraceae Gunnera perpensa. Declining Herb

Hyacinthaceae Bowiea volubilis. subsp. volubilis Vulnerable Climber

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis hemerocallidea Declining Geophyte

Hyacinthaceae Drimia sanguinea Near Threatened Geophyte

Orchidaceae Habenaria mossii Endangered Geophyte

Table 4. Definitions of Red Data status (Raimondo et al. 1999)

EN Endangered A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that

it meets any of the five IUCN criteria for Endangered, and is therefore

facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

VU Vulnerable A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it

meets any of the criteria any if the five IUCN criteria for Vulnerable and

it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.



NT Near Threatened A taxon is Near Threatened when available evidence indicates that it

nearly meets any of the five IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, and is

therefore likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Declining A taxon is Declining when it does not meet any of the five IUCN criteria

and does not qualify for the categories Critically Endangered,

Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened, but there are threatening

processes causing a continuing decline in the population.

7.1.2 Plant communities recorded in the study area

The following plant communities were identified during the field visit and are described

below.

Open natural grassland community

Large areas of the study area consist of open grasslands dominated by tall grass species,

most notably Eragrostis plana, Hyparrhenia hirta and Themeda trianda as indicated in

Figure 6 below. Other grass species recorded in this community include early several

species such as Cynodon dactylon and Eragrostis curvula. Herbs and shrubs recorded in

this community comprise a mixture of indigenous and exotic species including Berkheya

setifera, Searsia lancea, Conyza bonariensis and Aloe greatheadii var greatheadii. The rest

of the species recorded in this community are listed in Table 5 below. Only one species of

conservation importance was recorded in this community, i.e. Hypoxis hemerocallidea.

Figure 6. Open grassland community in the study area



Table 5. Species found in the natural grassland community.

Scientific name Common name Ecological status Form

Acacia karoo Sweet thorn Tree

Aloe greatheadii var greatheadii Medicinal Succulent

Alternanthera pungens khakiweed exotic Herb

Amaranthus hybridus Pigweed Weed Herb

Andropogon eucomus Snowflake grass Increaser 2 Grass

Aristida junciformis Ngongoni Three-awn Exotic Grass

Argemone ochroleuca White-flowered poppy Declared Weed Category 1)

Herb

Asparagus aethiopicus Shrub

Berkheya setifera Buffalo-tongue Berkheya Medicinal Herb

Campuloclinium macrocephalum Pom pom weed Declared Weed (Category 1) Herb

Conyza bonariensis Weed Herb

Ctenium concinnum Sickle grass Increaser 1 Grass

Cymbopogon excavatus Broad-leaved Turpentine Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Dichrostachys cinerea Sickle bush Shrub

Digitaria eriantha Common Finger Grass Decreaser Grass

Eragrostis curvula Weepong Love Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Eragrostis gummiflua Gum Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Eragrostis racemosa Narrow Heart Love Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Eragrostis superba Saw-tooth love grass Increaser 2 Grass

Gomphrena celosioides Batchelor's Button Weed Herb

Gomphocarpus fruticosus Herb

Harpochloa falx Caterpillar Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Helichrysum aureonitens Golden everlasting Medicinal Herb

H.inornatum

Medicinal Herb

Hyparrhenia hirta Common Thatching Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Hypochaeris radicata Hairy wild lettuce Weed Herb

Hypoxis hemerocallidea Star-flower Medicinal Herb

Lippia javanica

Medicinal Herb

Melinis repens Natal Red Top Increaser 2 Grass

Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly pear Declared Weed (Category 1)

Shrub

Oxalis obliquifolia Oblique-leaved Sorrel

Herb

Panicum maximum Guinea Grass Decreaser Grass

Pogonarthria squarrosa Herringbone Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Pseudognaphalium luteo-album Jersey Cudweed Medicinal Herb

Richardia brasiliensis Tropical Richardia Weed Herb

Setaria sphacelata var. Sphacelata Common Bristle Grass Decreaser Grass

Sporobolus africanus Ratstail Dropseed Increaser 3 Grass

Solanum mauritianum Bugweed Declared Weed (Category 1)

Shrub

Stoebe vulgaris Herb

Tagetes minuta Tall Khaki Weed Weed Herb

Themeda triandra Red Grass Decreaser Grass

Tragus berteronianus Small carrot-seed grass weed Grass

Tristachya leucothrix Hairy Trident Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Urochloa mossambicensis Bushveld signal grass Increaser 2 Grass

Verbena bonariensis Tall Verbena Weed Herb

Xanthium strumarium Large cocklebur Declared Weed Herb




(Category 1

Woodland community

This community is characterised by tall bushveld and dominated by species such as Searsia

lancea and Acacia karroo. The common reeds were recorded along the non-perennial dry

streams. The herbaceous and shrub layers are dominated by species such as Aloe

greatheadii var greatheadii and Berkheya setifera. Table 6 indicates all species recorded in

this woodland community. No species of conservation importance was recorded.

Table 6. Species found in the woodland community


Acacia karoo Sweet thorn Tree

Aloe greatheadii var greatheadii Medicinal Succulent

Alternanthera pungens khakiweed exotic Herb

Amaranthus hybridus Pigweed Weed Herb

Andropogon eucomus Snowflake grass Increaser 2 Grass

Aristida junciformis Ngongoni Three-awn Exotic Grass

Argemone ochroleuca White-flowered poppy Declared Weed Category 1)

Herb

Asparagus aethiopicus Shrub

Berkheya setifera Buffalo-tongue Berkheya Medicinal Herb

Conyza bonariensis Weed Herb

Ctenium concinnum Sickle grass Increaser 1 Grass

Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Dichrostachys cinerea Sickle bush Shrub

Euclea crispa

Euphorbia ingens Common tree Euphorbia Medicinal Succulent tree

Eragrostis curvula Weepong Love Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Eragrostis racemosa Narrow Heart Love Grass Increaser 2 Grass

Eragrostis superba Saw-tooth love grass Increaser 2 Grass

Eucalyptus grandis Saligna Gum Declared Invader (Category 2)

Tree

Gomphrena celosioides Batchelor's Button Weed Herb

Gomphocarpus fruticosus Herb

Harpochloa falx Caterpillar Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Helichrysum aureonitens Golden everlasting Medicinal Herb

H.inornatum

Medicinal Herb

Hyparrhenia hirta Common Thatching Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Hypochaeris radicata Hairy wild lettuce Weed Herb

Lippia javanica

Medicinal Herb

Melia azedarach Persian Lilac/Syringa Declared Invader (Category 3)

Tree

Melinis repens Natal Red Top Increaser 2 Grass

Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly pear Declared Weed (Category 1)

Shrub

Oxalis obliquifolia Oblique-leaved Sorrel

Herb

Panicum maximum Guinea Grass Decreaser Grass




Searsia lancea Karee Tree

Sporobolus africanus Ratstail Dropseed Increaser 3 Grass

Solanum mauritianum Bugweed Declared Weed (Category 1)

Shrub

Stoebe vulgaris Herb

Tagetes minuta Tall Khaki Weed Weed Herb

Themeda triandra Red Grass Decreaser Grass

Tragus berteronianus Small carrot-seed grass weed Grass

Tristachya leucothrix Hairy Trident Grass Increaser 1 Grass

Urochloa mossambicensis Bushveld signal grass Increaser 2 Grass

Verbena bonariensis Tall Verbena Weed Herb

Xanthium strumarium Large cocklebur Declared Weed (Category 1 Herb

Ziziphus mucronata Buffalo-thorn Tree

7.1.3 Alien invasive species recorded in the proposed Anderson substation

Alien invasive plant species within the study area were observed to occur in clumps,

scattered or single individuals on site. Invader and weed species must be controlled to

prevent further infestation and it is recommended that all individuals of the invader species

be removed and eradicated (Henderson, 2001). The exotic species Eucalyptus grandis and

Opuntia ficus-indica (Figure 7) were common in the study area.

Figure 7. Alien invasive species recorded on site

There are several methods to eradicate alien invasive species, such as

Mechanical methods - felling, removing or burning invading alien plants;

Chemical methods - using environmentally safe herbicides;

Biological control - using species-specific insects and diseases from the alien plant’s

country of origin and



Integrated control - combinations of the above three approaches. Often an integrated

approach is required in order to prevent enormous impacts

(http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw/default.aspx)

It is important that the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) takes into account suitable

methods to ensure that alien invasive plant species are controlled.

7.1.4 Medicinal plants and Red Data Listed plant species

According to National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), there is

a dire need to conserve biodiversity in each province and as such, natural or indigenous

resources must be utilised sustainably. Along the proposed pipeline there are a number of

plants that are used to provide medicinal products and for which, in some cases, there is

merit in protecting or translocating them before the proposed pipeline commences. For

example, according to Pooley (1998), traditional healers use African potato in traditional

medicine to treat dizziness, headaches, and mental disorders and in western medicine, this

species is used to treat cancers, inflammation and HIV.

While many of these plants are indigenous or exotic weeds that have medicinal value and for

which no action is necessary with respect to conservation, others are considered to have

high economic value and are considered in need of protection. GDARD has a plant and

rescue programme, which has been developed for the removal of plants of horticultural and

medicinal value from any development site. Recovery plans are designed to reverse the

decline of a threatened or endangered species and eventually bring the population to a self-

sustaining level.

No Red Data plant species were recorded in this study. One species, Hypoxis

hemerocallidea (Figure 8) declared as “Protected” by the Nature Conservation Ordinance

1974 (No. 19 of 1974) was recorded on site. This plant species is listed as declining

(Raimondo et. al., 2009). According to Pooley (1998), the traditional healers use African

potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) in traditional medicine to treat dizziness, headaches, and

mental disorders and in western medicine, this species is used to treat cancers,

inflammation and HIV. There is concern that this species is being collected illegally and

unsustainably, causing a decline in populations.

http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw/default.aspx



Figure 8. Hypoxis hemerocallidea recorded on the proposed Anderson substation

7.1.5 Habitat available for species of conservation importance

Data sourced from SANBI indicates those plants species on the Red Data List that are

known to occur on or surrounding the substation and their probability of occurrence is

indicated in Table 7. The probability of occurrence is based on the suitable habit where the

species is likely to occur.

Table 7. Red and Orange Listed plant species (amended January 2009) and their targets

used in C-Plan 3 (Pfab & Victor, 2002)

Species Conservation

status

Flowering

season

Suitable habitat Probability

of

Occurrence

Habenaria mossii

(G.Will.) J.C.Manning

Endangered March-April Open grassland on

dolomite or in black

sandy soil.

Likely

Bowiea volubilis Harv.

Ex Hook.f. subsp.

Volubilis

Vulnerable Sept – April Shady places,

steep rocky slopes

and in open

woodland, under

large boulders in

bush or low forest.

Highly

unlikely



Species Conservation

status

Flowering

season

Suitable habitat Probability

of

Occurrence

Boophane disticha

(L.f.) Herb.

Declining October-

January

Dry grassland and

rocky areas.

Likely

Drimia sanguinea

(Schinz) Jessop

Near

Threatened

August-

December

Open veld and

scrubby woodland

in a variety of soil

types.

Likely

Callilepis leptophylla

Harv.

Declining August-

January &

May

Grassland or open

woodland, often on

rocky outcrops or

rocky hillslopes.

Unlikely

Hypoxis

hemerocallidea Fisch.,

C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.

Declining September-

March

Occurs in a wide

range of habitats,

from sandy hills on

the margins of dune

forests to open

rocky grassland;

Highly likely

Gunnera perpensa L. Declining October-

March

In cold or cool,

continually moist

localities, mainly

along upland

streambanks.

Unlikely

Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk.

Var. mitis

Declining October-

December

Riverbanks,

streambeds,

evergreen forests.

Unlikely

Cleome conrathii Burtt

Davy

Near

Threatened

May On stony slopes,

usually on sandy

soil, open to closed

deciduous

woodland,

quartzites, red

sandy soil, all

aspects, 1515m.

Unlikely

Melolobium

subspicatum Conrath

Vulnerable October-May Grassland. Unlikely

7.2 Fauna

This faunal survey focused mainly on mammals and birds of the study area. The survey

focused on the current status of threatened animal species occurring, or likely to occur within

the study area, describing the available and sensitive habitats. Faunal data was obtained

during field survey of the proposed Anderson substation carried out on foot. The data was



supplemented by previous surveys conducted in similar habitats, literature investigations,

and historic data. Different habitats were explored to identify any sensitive or endangered

species. Mammal names are as used by Stuart & Stuart (1998) & Skinner & Chimimba

(2005), and bird names by Hockey et al. (2005).

7.2.1 Mammals

Desktop survey results

Lists of potential mammal species in the proposed pipeline route were compiled from a

desktop survey from Virtual Museum of African Mammals (Table 8

(http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_view_db.php) and also from Skinner & Chimimba (2005) and

Cillié (2009) (Table 9). These lists are therefore based on all historical recordings of

mammalian species relevant to the area. Due to the habitat fragmentation and disturbance

the lists are likely to overestimate the occurrence of mammal species in the area and thus

should be viewed as a guideline for further investigation. The probability of occurrence is

based on suitable habitat and the associated threats.

Table 8. Medium to large mammals which could be found on the study area, recorded from 2527DD

grid cell (Virtual Museum of African Mammals).

Table 9. Mammal species that could occur in the study area based on suitable habitat based on

Skinner & Chimimba (2005) and Cillié (2009).

Common name Scientific name

Scrub Hare Lepus saxtalis

Striped Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio

Grey Climbing Mouse Dendromus melanotis

Brant's Climbing Mouse Dendromus mesomelas

Highveld Gerbil Tatera brantsii

*House mouse Mus musculus

Family Scientific Name Common name Probability of

Occurrence

Cercopithecidae Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus

Vervet Monkey Likely

Giraffidae Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis

Giraffe Unlikely

Bovidae Tragelaphus strepsiceros Kudu Likely

Canidae Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal Likely

Felidae Caracal caracal Caracal Unlikely

Equidae Equus burchellii Plains Zebra Unlikely

Bovidae Connochaetes taurinus taurinus Blue Wildebeest Unlikely

Bovidae Tragelaphus scriptus Bushbuck Unlikely

Suidae Phacochoerus africanus Warthog Likely

Bovidae Aepyceros melampus Impala Likely

http://vmus.adu.org.za/vm_view_db.php



Common name Scientific name

*House Rat Rattus rattus

*Domestic Dog Canis familiaris

*Feral Cat Felis catus

Common/Grey Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia

Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus

Cape Hare Lepus capensis

Slender Mongoose Galarella sanguinea

Serval Leptailurus serval

Southern African Hedgehog Aterlerix frontalis

Striped Polecat Ictonyx striatus

Large-spotted Genet Genetta tigrina

Impala Aepyceros melampus

Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi

* introduced species

Mammals recorded on site

Mammal species diversity was low on the proposed substation site. Good habitat cover is

present, especially along the Moganwe River, and therefore a wide diversity of small to

medium mammalian species is expected to flourish. The river forms an ecological corridor

that highly-mobile species would utilize for migratory purposes, and therefore the riparian

vegetation promotes ecological functionality. Mammals are sensitive to disturbances and as

such many species would occur on or near the Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment

(MPNE) than near the residential areas. Settlement areas have negated the possibility of

encountering any medium to large mammals. Table 10 indicates three mammals observed

in the study area and these species commonly occur in the area. A skull of a blesbok was

recorded on site (Figure 9). The dumping of domestic refuse provides ideal habitat for

opportunistic small mammal species, especially rats (Rattus rattus) and mice (Mus

musculus). No large game or predators, or any signs of them, were observed in the study

area during field survey. No indications of other smaller Red Data Listed species were found.

The proposed Anderson substation activities are not thought to have any significant impacts

on the overall conservation of mammalian diversity within the area.

Table 10. Mammals that were recorded in the proposed Anderson substation

Common name Species

Bushveld Gerbil Tatera leucogaster

Striped or Four-Striped grass mouse Rhabdomys pumilio

Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi



Figure 9. The skull of a Blesbok recorded on site

7.2.2 Avifauna

Conservation and planning tools were consulted for relevancy for this project, and found that

no Important Bird Area (IBA) occurs in the study area (Figure 10). Important Birds Areas

(IBAs) form a network of sites, at a biogeographic scale, which are crucial for the long-term

viability of naturally occurring bird populations (Barnes, 1998 & 2000). The nearest IBA to

the proposed Anderson substation includes Magaliesberg & Witwatersberg, which is

approximately 2km away. Most of the area falls within the MPNE. Within the IBA, several

publicly owned protected areas occur. The Diepsloot Nature Reserve, controlled by the

Johannesburg Municipality, lies 10 km south of Hartbeespoort Dam. Other protected areas

within the IBA include Rustenburg Nature Reserve (which is 2 km south-west of the town),

Mountain Sanctuary Park and Hartbeespoort Dam Nature Reserve as well as several private

reserves and conservancies. According to Wesson (2006), total 46.6% of the bird species

recorded for southern African sub region (including Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique south

of the Zambesi River, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe) have been recorded

from the Magaliesberg.

Human activities have transformed habitats in South Africa to a point where few pristine

examples remain (Low & Rebelo, 1996). Continuing pressure on sensitive areas such as

rivers and ridges is largely responsible for the decline of avifaunal species. More intensive

surveys are required conducted over longer periods over several seasons in order to



ascertain the current status of potential threatened bird species at the site with a high degree

of confidence.

Figure 10. Important Bird Area near the proposed Anderson substation

Desktop results

Observations regarding the number and diversity of birds will provide valuable input to sound

management practices for the fast changing environment. The proposed Anderson

substation falls within the savanna biome. The savanna biome is known to contain a large

variety of bird species and is rich in large raptors, such as white-backed vulture, Cape

vulture, Martial eagle, Tawny eagle, Lappet-faced vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Black-

chested Snake Eagle, Steppe Buzzard, African Harrier Hawk, and African Hawk Eagle. A list

of Red Data bird species that could possibly occur within the study area is included in Table

11 and Appendix A. These lists were adopted from the South African Bird Atlas Project

(SABAP) from the Avian Demographic Unit (ADU), University of Cape Town and include all

the bird species recorded in grid cell 2527DD. However, the specific habitat(s) found on site

may not suit the particular Red Data species, even though it has been recorded for the

quarter degree. For example, the Cape Vulture occurs along the Magaliesberg but will not

favour the habitat found within the Pretoria CBD, both of which are both in the same grid.

Red Data bird species were selected and categorised according to Barnes (2000). The

probability of occurrence was based on the available suitable habitat of that bird species.



Table 11. Red Data species list recorded in grid cell 2527DD

Species

code

Common name Conservation

status

Preferred Micro habitat Probability of

Occurrence

50 Pink-backed Pelican Vulnerable Favours freshwater and

saline lakes and lagoons,

open water in marshes,

mangrove creeks,

sheltered coastal waters

Highly unlikely

84 Black Stork Near

Threatened

Associated with rivers,

dams and cliffs.

Likely

89 Black Stork Near

Threatened

Associated with rivers,

dams and cliffs.

Likely

90 Yellow-billed Stork Near

Threatened

Associated with water –

dams, wetlands, rivers,

marshes, even small

pools.

Unlikely

96 Greater Flamingo Near

Threatened

Large bodies of shallow

water, both inland and

coastal; saline and

brackish waters preferred

Highly unlikely

97 Lesser Flamingo Near

Threatened

Larger brackish or saline

inland and coastal waters

Highly unlikely

118 Secretarybird Near

Threatened

Prefer open grassland,

densities low in maize

growing areas

Highly unlikely

122 Cape Vulture (Griffon) Vulnerable Grassland, Savanna, Hills

and Ridges

Highly likely

123 White-backed Vulture Vulnerable Savanna and bushveld Likely

140 Martial Eagle Vulnerable Savanna, woodlands,

semiarid shrubland

Likely

165 African Marsh-Harrier Vulnerable Large permanent wetlands

with dense reed beds.

Sometimes forages in

smaller wetlands and

adjacent grassland

Unlikely

171 Peregrine Falcon Near

Threatened

Wide ranges of habitat,

but sheer cliffs are

indispensable for

breeding.

Unlikely



Species

code

Common name Conservation

status

Preferred Micro habitat Probability of

Occurrence

172 Lanner Falcon Near

Threatened

Open grassland, woodland Unlikely

183 Lesser Kestrel Vulnerable Arable lands and

Grasslands

Likely

208 Blue Crane Vulnerable Present in pockets of

remaining grassland and

wetlands

Highly unlikely

229 African Finfoot Vulnerable Slow-flowing streams Unlikely

233 White-bellied Korhaan Vulnerable Often in the interface

between grassland and

savanna. Avoids severely

grazed and recently burnt

sites

Likely

242 Greater Painted-snipe Near

Threatened

Various aquatic habitats Unlikely

322 Caspian Tern Near

Threatened

Estuaries and large inland

water bodies

Unlikely

346 Yellow-throated

Sandgrouse

Near

Threatened

Short-grass plains, usually

not far from water; also

recently burnt ground,

cultivated fields, especially

on black clay soils

Likely

393 African Grass-Owl Vulnerable Found in rank grass

adjacent to wetlands

Highly unlikely

430 Half-collared Kingfisher Near

Threatened

Fast-flowing streams with

clear water and well-

wooded banks

Likely

772 Red-billed Oxpecker Near

Threatened

Savanna and bushveld Likely

Field work results

Many avifaunal species are adaptable as they are habitat generalists and can therefore

accommodate a certain degree of habitat degradation and transformation (Harrison et al.,

1997). Other species are extremely habitat specific and have to rely on certain habitat units

for breeding, hunting or foraging and roosting. Habitat-specific species are sensitive to



environmental change, with destruction of habitat being the leading cause of species decline

worldwide (Barnes, 2000). Due to levels of human disturbance the site offers limited suitable

habitat for any larger terrestrial birds as well as certain smaller raptor species. Potential

nesting sites for raptors were searched for during fieldwork but none found on site. Within

the vegetation types found in the study area and immediate surrounding areas, three major

bird habitat systems were identified:

1. Woodland: The savanna biome is the most species-rich biome in southern Africa,

but very few bird species are restricted to savanna (Barnes, 2000). The woodland habitat

forms the stronghold of Red Data raptor species such as Martial Eagle (Polemaetus

bellicosus), Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotis) and

Ayres's Hawk-Eagle (Aquila ayresii) (Hockey et al. 2005; SABAP2, 2012)). Woodland areas

in the study area are transformed and fragmented due to human settlement.

2. Patches of remaining grasslands: The natural grasslands have been transformed

into human settlements but patches of natural grasslands still remain on site. The

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is amongst the Red Data Listed species recorded

from the region that readily utilize the open grasslands and since this habitat has been

transformed, there is little possibility that this species still continue living in the study area.

Many of the habitat generalist species utilize this habitat type predominantly for foraging and

hunting purposes. The farmland habitat type, however, is not a habitat type that is relied

upon by any avifaunal species for survival, but opportunistic species that migrate between

agricultural fields (van Rooyen, 2004).

3. Rivers and associated riparian vegetation: The study area includes a highly

significant sensitive faunal habitat – riparian vegetation, which could be suitable habitat for

bird species that utilise this habitat type. Riparian habitats are of particular importance for

birds in the study area. Areas with reeds, sedges or grassy tangles are suitable for Common

Waxbills (Estrilda astrilda), Bishops and various warblers (Marais & Peacock, 2008). Very

little birdlife was observed along the rivers during the site visit, but reed beds will provide

important potential breeding sites for many of the bishops and weavers that were observed.

Bird species observed in the study area

A comprehensive bird species list requires intensive surveys compiled over several years.

Twenty eight bird species (Table 12) were recorded during the field survey. Species

recorded were common and widespread. No Red Data bird species associated with the



proposed site were recorded within the study area. However, due to the suitable nature of

the habitats, occasional visits cannot be discounted without long-term intensive surveys.

Table 12. Bird species recorded during the survey

Number Common Name Scientific Name

94 Hadeda ibis Bostrychia hagedash

249 Three-banded plover Charadrius pallidus

255 Crowned lapwing (plover) Vanellus coronatus

348 Feral Pigeon Columba livia

349 Rock pigeon Columba guinea

352 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

355 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis

417 Little Swift Apus affinis

424 Speckled mousebird Colius striatus

444 Little bee-eater Merops pusillus

476 Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor

526 Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata

548 Pied crow Corvus albus

568 Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans

635 Lesser swap-warbler Acrocephalus griseldis

683 Tawnyflanked Prinia Prinia subflava

732 Common fiscal (Fiscal Shrike) Lanius collaris

758 Indian Myna Acridotheres zeylonus

787 Whitebellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala

801 House Sparrow Passer domesticus

814 Southern Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus

824 Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix

826 Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer

8. ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY AREA

The objective of the ecological sensitivity analysis is to specify the location and extent of all

sensitive areas on site that must be protected from transforming land uses.

The following criteria were used to identify sensitive areas (Figure 14) within the study area:

Critical Biodiversity Area and an Ecological Sensitive Area;

Rivers; and

Important Bird Area.



Figure 11. Sensitivity Map of the proposed Anderson substation

9. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

9.1 Methodology

All impacts are analysed in the section to follow (Table 13) with regard to their nature,

extent, magnitude, duration, probability and significance. The following definitions apply:

Nature (/Status) The project could have a positive, negative or neutral impact on the environment.

Extent

Local – extend to the site and its immediate surroundings.

Regional – impact on the region but within the province.

National – impact on an interprovincial scale.

International – impact outside of South Africa.

Magnitude Degree to which impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources.

Low – natural and social functions and processes are not affected or minimally affected.

Medium – affected environment is notably altered; natural and social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way.

High – natural or social functions or processes could be substantially affected or altered to the extent that they could temporarily or permanently cease.



Duration

Short term – 0-5 years.

Medium term – 5-11 years.

Long term – impact ceases after the operational life cycle of the activity either because of natural processes or by human intervention.

Permanent – mitigation either by natural process or by human intervention will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient.

Probability

Almost certain – the event is expected to occur in most circumstances.

Likely – the event will probably occur in most circumstances.

Moderate – the event should occur at some time.

Unlikely – the event could occur at some time.

Rare/Remote – the event may occur only in exceptional circumstances.

Significance Provides an overall impression of an impact’s importance, and the degree to which it can be mitigated. The range for significance ratings is as follows- 0 – Impact will not affect the environment. No mitigation necessary. 1 – No impact after mitigation. 2 – Residual impact after mitigation. 3 – Impact cannot be mitigated.

9.2 Assessment of Environmental Impacts and Suggested Mitigation Measures

The possible impacts of proposed development on the study area are divided into three

phases of activities: Pre-Construction, Construction phase and Operational phase of the

development. Mitigation measures are provided to prevent (first priority), reduce or

remediate adverse environmental impacts.



Table 13. Recommended mitigation measures with significance rating before and after mitigation for the proposed Anderson substation.

FLORA PRE – CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Impact Nature Description Mitigation

Direct Negative Search and Rescue A qualified and / or appropriately experienced Botanist or an experienced person who knows specific vegetation types well should mark any species of conservation importance (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) and other medicinal plants when the route is pegged.

Without Mitigation Extent Magnitude Duration Probability Significance

Local Medium Medium-term Almost certain 2

With Mitigation Extent Magnitude Duration Probability Significance

Local Low Short-term Likely 2



Direct Negative Site preparation During site preparation topsoil must be removed and stored separately from organic material and spoil material for use in the rehabilitation phase. It should be protected from wind and rain, as well as contamination from diesel, concrete or wastewater. Records of all environmental incidents must be maintained and a copy of these records must be made available to authorities on request throughout the project execution.


Local High Medium-term Likely 2




Local Medium Short-term Likely 2



Direct Negative Establishment of Site Camps

A suitable position for the construction camp to be selected, in consultation with the Environmental Control Officer (ECO). The positioning of the site camp must not be near any sensitive areas such as Moganwe river, but rather be positioned in areas that are already disturbed, such as near human settlements.




Local Medium Medium-term Likely 2

FAUNA PRE – CONSTRUCTION PHASE


Direct Positive Search and Rescue A qualified and / or appropriately experienced Zoologist or an experienced person who knows the animals in the region well will identify any possible Red Data fauna on site and the necessary permits to relocate fauna will be obtained if avoidance is not possible. Training of construction workers to recognise threatened animal species will reduce the probability of fauna being harmed unnecessarily.






Local Low Medium-term Likely 2



Direct Negative Site preparation During site preparation special care must be taken during the clearing of the works area to minimise damage or disturbance of roosting and nesting sites. Before construction commences, all sensitive habitats, such as rivers must be clearly demarcated with fencing or orange mesh netting. Barricading measures to be utilised should not restrict the movement of the fauna in the area.







Direct Negative Disturbance to animals on site

Stringent and dedicated control not to disturb animals on site.







FLORA CONSTRUCTION PHASE


Direct Negative Habitat lost during clearing for the access road.

Careful planning of access roads in order to prevent excessive removal of trees and prevent soil erosion. Topsoil will only be removed off areas proposed for access roads. All soils should be stored and managed correctly for rehabilitation. Rehabilitate all temporarily access roads by replacing topsoil and scarring compacted earth to allow seedlings to take root. When possible make use of existing road rather than creating new access routes. No collection of firewood may be allowed.







Direct Negative Destruction of species of conservation importance and their natural habitats

The removal of any plant material from site, including flowers or bulbs is strictly prohibited unless unavoidable and essential for the purposes of construction. Relocation of plants of conservation importance (such as Hypoxis hemerocallidea) should be implemented by a qualified specialist.





The contractor for vegetation clearing must have the knowledge to be able to identify different species, declared weeds and alien species. Leave as much of the natural vegetation intact in order to maintain ecological corridors for the movement of species and make an effort to increase the natural areas around sensitive features such as rivers.


Local High Medium Likely 2


Local Medium Medium Likely 2



Direct Negative Vegetation and soil disturbance around construction sites due to general construction activities

Minimise topsoil disturbance as far as possible. Level and landscape disturbed topsoil areas to facilitate plant succession. Erosion control measures, such as stone packing, brush packing and reseeding, should be included on disturbed areas.









Direct Negative Soil contamination, vegetation loss and vegetation disturbance due to fuel and chemical spills.

Employ on site personnel responsible for preventing and controlling potential soil pollution through fuel and oil leaks and spills. Make sure construction vehicles are maintained and serviced to prevent oil and fuel leaks. Emergency on-site maintenance should be done over appropriate drip trays and all oil or fuel must be disposed of according to waste regulations. Drip-trays must be placed under vehicles and equipment when not in use. Containers containing potential contaminating substances must be kept on drip-trays or tarpaulins in case of spills.







Direct Negative Loss of aesthetic value and sense of place.

Ensure that development designs compliment the natural surroundings in order to preserve a sense of place.









Direct Negative Vegetation disturbance in and around construction camps.

Fencing of construction camps. No equipment or personnel will be allowed outside of the fenced construction servitude. Level and landscape disturbed topsoil areas to facilitate plant succession and to match surrounding topography. Erect construction camps on previously disturbed areas, preferably near residential areas. Erect construction camps on level surfaces only.







Direct Negative Vegetation and habitat disturbance due to the accidental introduction of alien species.

Promote awareness of all personnel. After construction programme monitoring and control of alien weeds and invaders through hand removal; slashing (annuals) or chemical control (perennials).









Direct Negative Vegetation and habitat disturbance due to pollution and littering during construction phase.

Employ personnel on site responsible for preventing and controlling of litter. Promote housekeeping with daily clean-ups on site. Before construction commences, construction workers should be educated with regards to littering, ad hoc veld fires, and dumping. Fires must be limited to designated areas and monitored closely.







Direct Negative Damage to plant life outside of the proposed Anderson substation area

Measures must be taken to penalise construction workers who damage plants intentionally or remove plants accidentally without reporting the incident.









Direct Negative Vegetation disturbance due to increased dust during construction phase.

Wetting down of work areas can be used to reduce dust levels but not to a degree that causes runoff and contamination. Cultivate awareness among personnel to limit excessive and unnecessary dust. Maintain speed control measures on access roads through construction of speed bumps and speed limit signs.





FAUNA CONSTRUCTION PHASE


Direct Negative Disturbance to animals Animals residing within the designated area shall not be unnecessarily disturbed. Before construction starts, construction workers must be educated with regards to littering and poaching. The Contractor and his/her employees shall not bring any domestic animals onto site. Photographs of sensitive animals must be displayed in the construction





camp to heighten awareness of the creatures. Toolbox talks should be provided to contractors regarding disturbance to animals. Particular emphasis should be placed on talks regarding snakes.







Direct Negative Removal of vegetation Leave as much of the natural vegetation intact as possible in order to maintain ecological corridors for the movement of species. Make an effort to increase the natural areas around sensitive features such as rivers. In areas where there are nesting sites for birds, vegetation should not be disturbed, particularly near rivers. All soils should be stored and managed correctly for rehabilitation to maintain natural habitats for animals. Construction activities should be limited to daylight hours, in order to minimise impacts on nocturnal fauna









Direct Negative Transportation of materials

Construction trucks should travel at a maximum speed of 40Km/h on access roads and 10Km/h on site in order to avoid unnecessary killings of animals found on site. Loose material such as sand and gravel must be covered with tarpaulins during transport.







Direct Negative Allow for safe animal passage through and specifically out of the construction site.

Construction areas must be fenced using palisades for the migration of small faunal species out of the construction zone. This excludes areas where animal activity could be hazardous where such areas should be appropriately blocked off. Site camps should be placed in areas that do not impact on animal movement corridors.









Direct Negative To protect and maintain habitats of sensitive species.

Important sensitive habitats such as rivers need to be preserved in order to protect species that utilise these areas as their preferred habitats. A buffer-zone around sensitive areas must be demarcated with hazard tape or orange mesh netting to prevent accidental disturbance.





FLORA OPERATIONAL PHASE


Direct Negative The construction of the proposed Anderson substation may affect biodiversity through the encroachment of exotic vegetation following soil disturbance, in addition the maintenance of the area would disturb naturalised species within the area.

Encroachment of alien vegetation should be monitored regularly and controlled; the area must be kept clear of all invader plants as per the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No 43 of 1983). Rehabilitation measures must be employed until such a time as indigenous species are established.







FLORA/FAUNA OPERATIONAL PHASE


Direct Negative Impacts on local and national conservation obligations & targets

This impact affects the status of conservation strategies and targets on a local as well as national level and is viewed in conjunction with other types of local and regional impacts that affects conservation areas. Impacts that could potentially affect the status of protected areas are regarded as unacceptable and should be avoided at all costs. The study area falls within Irreplaceable area and as such any further negative impacts on such areas should be avoided.







10. CONCLUSION

The study area falls within the two savanna biome, and has been categorised as Andesite

Mountain Bushveld vegetation unit. No Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems were recorded on

the proposed Anderson substation. Gauteng Conservation Plan 3.3 described the study area

as falling within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) and Ecological Sensitive Area (ESA). The

CBAs in the study are Irreplaceable Area an, Important Area and ESA. No Protected Areas

exist on the proposed substation. The study area falls within Irreplaceable area but due to

grazing and anthropogenic activities such as human settlements, the study area is not in

pristine condition and as such any further negative impacts on such areas should be

avoided.

No Red Data plant species were recorded in this study. Only one species of conservation

importance (Orange listed species) was recorded on site, Hypoxis hemerocallidea. This

plant species recorded should be relocated to a safe, suitable area, such as the

conservation area.

Only three mammal species were recorded during the field assessment. No sensitive or

endangered mammals were recorded within the study area. Taking into consideration the

fact that Red Data mammals are generally reliant on pristine and stable habitats, few, if any,

threatened mammals are expected to occur in the study area. The majority of larger

mammal species are likely to have moved away from the area, as a result of habitat

alteration and degradation together with the development of human settlements which lead

to disturbance and poaching. During the construction of proposed substation it is anticipated

that there would be a loss of ecologically sensitive and important habitat units; ecosystem

function and faunal habitat. It is anticipated that any mammals residing on site would move

to another area nearby and could move back after the proposed substation has been

completed and rehabilitated.

An avifaunal study indicated that while riparian vegetation and patches of grassland should

provide natural habitats for bird species, no Red data bird species were observed on the

study site. Species recorded during field survey are common and widespread. The nearest

Important Bird Area to the proposed substation is the Magaliesberg & Witwatersberg

(approximately 2Km). The proposed substation will only have a negative impact during the

construction phase whereafter the birds will probably return to the area. It is however

recommended that for areas where the substation will run in close proximity to sensitive



habitats (Mogwane river), the disturbance factors must be limited as much as possible to

avoid displacement of sensitive species.

A specialist investigation has indicated that significant environmental impacts may result if

the mitigation measures listed in this report are not implemented, particularly with species of

conservation importance and in sensitive habitats such as rivers. The proposed development

will cause disruption during the construction phase, but as long as mitigation measures are

carried out properly, these disruptions should have minimal lasting effect on the ecosystems

of the proposed development. From an ecological point of view, the proposed substation

should proceed as planned.



11. REFERENCES

Anon (2008). Guideline regarding the Determination of Bioregions and the Preparation

and Publication of Bioregional Plans. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

BARNES, K.N. (ED.) (1998). The Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa. BirdLife South

Africa: Johannesburg.

BARNES, K.N. (ed.) (2000). The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa,

Lesotho & Swaziland. Birdlife South Africa, Johannesburg.

BROMILOW, C. (1995). Problem Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

BROMILOW, C. (2001). Problem plants of South Africa. Briza, Pretoria.

CILLIÉ, B. (2009). The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa. Briza Publications. Second

Edition, third impression. Pretoria. South Africa.

Gauteng Conservation Plan Version 3.3 (C-Plan 3.3). Gauteng Department of

Agriculture and Rural Development. Directorate Nature Conservation. Technological

Services.

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. Vols

1&2. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

HENDERSON, L. 2001. Alien weeds and invasive plants. ARC, Pretoria.

HOCKEY, P.A.R., DEAN, W.R.J. & RYAN, P.G. (eds.) (2005). Roberts – Birds of Southern

Africa. VIIth ed. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. Cape Town.

LOW, A.B & REBELO, A.G. (1996). Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Dept. Of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria.

MARAIS, E. & PEACOCK, F. (2008). The chamberlain guide to birding Gauteng. Miranda

Publishing. Cape Town.



MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C. (eds). (2006). The vegetation of South Africa,

Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

PFAB, M.F. & VICTOR. J.E. (2002). Threatened plants of Gauteng, South Africa. South

African Journal of Botany 68: 370-375.

PFAB, M. (2009). GDARD requirements for biodiversity assessments version 2.

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Directorate of Nature

Conservation. South Africa.

POOLEY, E.S. (1998). A Field Guide to Wildflowers Kwazulu-Natal and the eastern

region. Natal Flora Publishers Trust: Durban, South Africa.

POOLEY, E.S. (2005). A Field Guide to Wildflowers Kwazulu-Natal and the eastern

region. Natal Flora Publishers Trust: Durban, South Africa.

RAIMONDO, D., VON STADEN, L., FODEN, W., VICTOR, J.E., HELME, N.A., TURNER,

R.C., KAMUNDI, D.A. & MANYAMA, P.A. (eds) In press. Red List of South African plants.

Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

RUTHERFORD, M.C. & WESTFALL, R.H. (1994). Biomes of southern Africa: an

objective characterisation. Mem. Bot. Surv. S. Afr. No. 63.

SINCLAIR, I., HOCKEY, P. & TARBOTON, W. (2005). Sasol Birds of Southern Africa.

Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

SKINNER, J.D. & CHIMIMBA, C. T. (2005). The Mammals of the Southern African

Subregion. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

STUART, C. & STUART, T. (1988). Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa.

Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

VAN ROOYEN, C. (2004). Chapter 11: The management of wildlife interactions with

overhead lines. In: Bittern, A. C., Bisnath, S., Marshall, E., Reynders, J. P., Pillay, T. and

Cretchley, D. (Editors) (2004). The fundamental and practice of overhead line



maintenance: 132 kV and above. Eskom Power Series, Vol 2, Crown Publications CC,

Johannesburg.

VAN WYK, B., VAN OUDTSHOORN, B. AND GERICKE, N. (1997) Medicinal plants of

South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

WESSON, J. 2006. Birds of the Magaliesberg: a checklist. Brits: Brits Rotary Club.



http://posa.sanbi.org/searchspp.php



http://posa.sanbi.org/searchspp.php

Proposed Rand Water H42 Pipeline


APPENDIX A:

Bird species recorded in grid 2527DD

Ref No

English Name Scientific Name Rarity

regions Full protocol Ad hoc Protocol Incidental

Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

1 622 Apalis, Bar-throated Apalis thoracica 9 27.30%

(Bandkeelkleinjantjie)

2 533 Babbler, Arrow-marked Turdoides jardineii NC 15 45.50% 1

(Pylvlekkatlagter)

3 432 Barbet, Acacia Pied Tricholaema leucomelas

5 15.20%

(Bonthoutkapper)

4 431 Barbet, Black-collared Lybius torquatus NC 21 63.60% 2

(Rooikophoutkapper)

5 439 Barbet, Crested Trachyphonus vaillantii

WC 23 69.70%

(Kuifkophoutkapper)

6 673 Batis, Chinspot Batis molitor 14 42.40%

(Witliesbosbontrokkie)

http://sabap2.adu.org.za/spp_summary.php?Spp=622








Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

7 404 Bee-eater, European Merops apiaster 6 18.20%

(Europese Byvreter)

8 409 Bee-eater, White-fronted Merops bullockoides

WC 1 3.00%

(Rooikeelbyvreter)

9 808 Bishop, Southern Red Euplectes orix 6 18.20%

(Rooivink)

10 722 Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie

Telophorus zeylonus

8 24.20%

(Bokmakierie)

11 709 Boubou, Southern Laniarius ferrugineus

31 93.90%

(Suidelike Waterfiskaal)

12 731 Brubru, Brubru Nilaus afer 2 6.10%

(Bontroklaksman)

13 545 Bulbul, Dark-capped Pycnonotus tricolor

29 87.90% 5

(Swartoogtiptol)

14 873 Bunting, Cape Emberiza 2 6.10%











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Rooivlerkstreepkoppie) capensis

15 872 Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted

Emberiza tahapisi 7 21.20%

(Klipstreepkoppie)

16 874 Bunting, Golden-breasted

Emberiza flaviventris

WC 3 9.10%

(Rooirugstreepkoppie)

17 723 Bush-Shrike, Grey-headed

Malaconotus blanchoti

2 6.10%

(Spookvoel)

18 719 Bush-Shrike, Orange-breasted

Telophorus sulfureopectus

2 6.10%

(Oranjeborsboslaksman)

19 154 Buzzard, Steppe Buteo vulpinus 4 12.10% 1 50.00%

(Bruinjakkalsvoel)

20 628 Camaroptera, Grey-backed

Camaroptera brevicaudata

MP;KZ;FS 4 12.10%









Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Grysrugkwekwevoel)

21 860 Canary, Black-throated Crithagra atrogularis

WC 12 36.40%

(Bergkanarie)

22 859 Canary, Yellow-fronted Crithagra mozambicus

20 60.60%

(Geeloogkanarie)

23 570 Chat, Familiar Cercomela familiaris

17 51.50%

(Gewone Spekvreter)

24 630 Cisticola, Desert Cisticola aridulus WC,MP 3 9.10%

(Woestynklopkloppie)

25 648 Cisticola, Lazy Cisticola aberrans WC 4 12.10%

(Luitinktinkie)

26 642 Cisticola, Rattling Cisticola chiniana NC 4 12.10%

(Bosveldtinktinkie)

27 629 Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola juncidis 7 21.20%

(Landeryklopkloppie)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

28 573 Cliff-Chat, Mocking Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris

10 30.30% 1

(Dassievoel)

29 212 Coot, Red-knobbed Fulica cristata 1 3.00%

(Bleshoender)

30 50 Cormorant, Reed Phalacrocorax africanus

5 15.20%

(Rietduiker)

31 47 Cormorant, White-breasted

Phalacrocorax carbo

2 6.10%

(Witborsduiker)

32 4131 Coucal, Burchell's Centropus burchellii

5 15.20%

(Gewone Vleiloerie)

33 621 Crombec, Long-billed Sylvietta rufescens

4 12.10%

(Bosveldstompstert)

34 522 Crow, Pied Corvus albus 17 51.50%

(Witborskraai)

35 344 Cuckoo, Black Cuculus clamosus FS,WC 10 30.30%

(Swartkoekoek)

36 352 Cuckoo, Diderick Chrysococcyx caprius

8 24.20%












Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Diederikkie)

37 347 Cuckoo, Levaillant's Clamator levaillantii

KZ,NC 1 3.00%

(Gestreepte Nuwejaarsvoel)

38 343 Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuculus solitarius NC 8 24.20%

(Piet-my-vrou)

39 513 Cuckooshrike, Black Campephaga flava

WC 3 9.10%

(Swartkatakoeroe)

40 317 Dove, Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis

28 84.80% 2

(Rooiborsduifie)

41 314 Dove, Red-eyed Streptopelia semitorquata

27 81.80% 2

(Grootringduif)

42 940 Dove, Rock Columba livia 4 12.10%

(Tuinduif)

43 517 Drongo, Fork-tailed Dicrurus adsimilis 11 33.30%

(Mikstertbyvanger)

44 95 Duck, African Black Anas sparsa 4 12.10% 1

(Swarteend)











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

45 96 Duck, Yellow-billed Anas undulata 2 6.10%

(Geelbekeend)

46 61 Egret, Cattle Bubulcus ibis 16 48.50% 4

(Veereier)

47 59 Egret, Little Egretta garzetta 1 3.00%

(Kleinwitreier)

48 821 Finch, Cut-throat Amadina fasciata KZ 1 3.00%

(Bandkeelvink)

49 833 Firefinch, African Lagonosticta rubricata

WC 1 3.00%

(Kaapse Vuurvinkie)

50 835 Firefinch, Jameson's Lagonosticta rhodopareia

FS 5 15.20%

(Jamesonse Vuurvinkie)

51 707 Fiscal, Common Lanius collaris 27 81.80% 5

(Fiskaallaksman)

52 665 Flycatcher, Fiscal Sigelus silens 13 39.40%

(Fiskaalvlieivanger)











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

53 664 Flycatcher, Southern Black

Melaenornis pammelaina

1 3.00%

(Swartvlieevanger)

54 654 Flycatcher, Spotted Muscicapa striata WC 10 30.30%

(Europese Vlieievanger)

55 173 Francolin, Coqui Peliperdix coqui NC 4 12.10%

(Swempie)

56 174 Francolin, Crested Dendroperdix sephaena

NC 11 33.30%

(Bospatrys)

57 339 Go-away-bird, Grey Corythaixoides concolor

NC 29 87.90%

(Kwêvoel)

58 89 Goose, Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiacus

6 18.20%

(Kolgans)

59 6 Grebe, Little Tachybaptus ruficollis

1 3.00%

(Kleindobbertjie)

60 192 Guineafowl, Helmeted Numida meleagris 24 72.70% 1

(Gewone Tarentaal)











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

61 72 Hamerkop, Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 3 9.10%

(Hamerkop)

62 55 Heron, Black-headed Ardea melanocephala

2 6.10%

(Swartkopreier)

63 63 Heron, Green-backed Butorides striata NC,WC 1 3.00%

(Groenrugreier)

64 54 Heron, Grey Ardea cinerea 1 3.00%

(Bloureier)

65 440 Honeyguide, Greater Indicator indicator 1 3.00%

(Grootheuningwyser)

66 442 Honeyguide, Lesser Indicator minor 2 6.10%

(Kleinheuningwyser)

67 418 Hoopoe, African Upupa africana 15 45.50%

(Hoephoep)

68 424 Hornbill, African Grey Tockus nasutus FS 14 42.40%

(Grysneushoringvoel)











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

69 507 House-Martin, Common Delichon urbicum 2 6.10%

(Huisswael)

70 81 Ibis, African Sacred Threskiornis aethiopicus

7 21.20% 2

(Skoorsteenveer)

71 84 Ibis, Hadeda Bostrychia hagedash

26 78.80% 2

(Hadeda)

72 849 Indigobird, Dusky Vidua funerea GP 3 9.10%

(Gewone Blouvinkie)

73 850 Indigobird, Purple Vidua purpurascens

KZ 2 6.10%

(Witpootblouvinkie)

74 123 Kestrel, Rock Falco rupicolus 4 12.10%

(Kransvalk)

75 402 Kingfisher, Brown-hooded

Halcyon albiventris

9 27.30%

(Bruinkopvisvanger)

76 395 Kingfisher, Giant Megaceryle maximus

2 6.10%











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Reusevisvanger)

77 130 Kite, Black-shouldered Elanus caeruleus 13 39.40% 2

(Blouvalk)

78 129 Kite, Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius 3 9.10%

(Geelbekwou)

79 247 Lapwing, African Wattled Vanellus senegallus

7 21.20%

(Lelkiewiet)

80 245 Lapwing, Blacksmith Vanellus armatus 19 57.60% 1

(Bontkiewiet)

81 242 Lapwing, Crowned Vanellus coronatus

17 51.50% 1

(Kroonkiewiet)

82 458 Lark, Rufous-naped Mirafra africana 12 36.40%

(Rooineklewerik)

83 703 Longclaw, Cape Macronyx capensis

2 6.10%

(Oranjekeelkalkoentjie)

84 823 Mannikin, Bronze Spermestes cucullatus

2 6.10%











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Gewone Fret)

85 506 Martin, Rock Hirundo fuligula 14 42.40%

(Kransswael)

86 803 Masked-Weaver, Southern

Ploceus velatus 27 81.80%

(Swartkeelgeelvink)

87 210 Moorhen, Common Gallinula chloropus

1 3.00%

(Grootwaterhoender)

88 392 Mousebird, Red-faced Urocolius indicus 14 42.40% 3

(Rooiwangmuisvoel)

89 390 Mousebird, Speckled Colius striatus 22 66.70% 2

(Gevlekte Muisvoel)

90 734 Myna, Common Acridotheres tristis 26 78.80% 1

(Indiese Spreeu)

91 637 Neddicky, Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla

14 42.40%

(Neddikkie)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

92 312 Olive-Pigeon, African Columba arquatrix 2 6.10%

(Geelbekbosduif)

93 521 Oriole, Black-headed Oriolus larvatus 2 6.10%

(Swartkopwielewaal)

94 1 Ostrich, Common Struthio camelus 3 9.10%

(Volstruis )

95 361 Owl, Marsh Asio capensis WC 2 6.10%

(Vlei-uil)

96 365 Owlet, Pearl-spotted Glaucidium perlatum

KZ 2 6.10%

(Witkoluil)

97 748 Oxpecker, Red-billed Buphagus erythrorhynchus

NC,FS 2 6.10%

(Rooibekrenostervoel)

98 387 Palm-Swift, African Cypsiurus parvus WC 13 39.40% 1

(Palmwindswael)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

99 682 Paradise-Flycatcher, African

Terpsiphone viridis

NC 8 24.20%

(Paradysvlieevanger)

100 311 Pigeon, Speckled Columba guinea 18 54.50%

(Kransduif)

101 692 Pipit, African Anthus cinnamomeus

2 6.10%

(Gewone Koester)

102 693 Pipit, Long-billed Anthus similis 1 3.00%

(Nicholsonse Koester)

103 694 Pipit, Plain-backed Anthus leucophrys 1 3.00%

(Donkerkoester)

104 238 Plover, Three-banded Charadrius tricollaris

1 3.00%

(Driebandstrandkiewiet)

105 650 Prinia, Black-chested Prinia flavicans 2 6.10%

(Swartbandlangstertjie)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

106 649 Prinia, Tawny-flanked Prinia subflava 21 63.60%

(Bruinsylangstertjie)

107 712 Puffback, Black-backed Dryoscopus cubla 7 21.20%

(Sneeubal)

108 398 Pygmy-Kingfisher, African

Ispidina picta 1 3.00%

(Dwergvisvanger)

109 805 Quelea, Red-billed Quelea quelea 2 6.10%

(Rooibekkwelea)

110 606 Reed-Warbler, African Acrocephalus baeticatus

1 3.00%

(Kleinrietsanger)

111 581 Robin-Chat, Cape Cossypha caffra 20 60.60%

(Gewone Janfrederik)

112 582 Robin-Chat, White-throated

Cossypha humeralis

4 12.10%










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Witkeeljanfrederik)

113 561 Rock-Thrush, Short-toed Monticola brevipes 1 3.00%

(Korttoonkliplyster)

114 588 Scrub-Robin, White-browed

Cercotrichas leucophrys

6 18.20%

(Gestreepte Wipstert)

115 867 Seedeater, Streaky-headed

Crithagra gularis 15 45.50%

(Streepkopkanarie)

116 711 Shrike, Crimson-breasted

Laniarius atrococcineus

2 6.10%

(Rooiborslaksman)

117 708 Shrike, Red-backed Lanius collurio WC 1 3.00%

(Rooiruglaksman)

118 145 Snake-Eagle, Brown Circaetus cinereus FS,WC 1 3.00%

(Bruinslangarend)









Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

119 250 Snipe, African Gallinago nigripennis

1 3.00%

(Afrikaanse Snip)

120 786 Sparrow, Cape Passer melanurus 13 39.40%

(Gewone Mossie)

121 784 Sparrow, House Passer domesticus

1 3.00%

(Huismossie)

122 4142 Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed

Passer diffusus 18 54.50%

(Gryskopmossie)

123 183 Spurfowl, Natal Pternistis natalensis

NC 4 12.10%

(Natalse Fisant)

124 185 Spurfowl, Swainson's Pternistis swainsonii

13 39.40%

(Bosveldfisant)

125 737 Starling, Cape Glossy Lamprotornis nitens

WC 17 51.50% 3

(Kleinglansspreeu)

126 745 Starling, Red-winged Onychognathus morio

19 57.60% 1

(Rooivlerkspreeu)











Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

127 736 Starling, Violet-backed Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

NC 1 3.00% 1 50.00%

(Witborsspreeu)

128 576 Stonechat, African Saxicola torquatus 2 6.10%

(Gewone Bontrokkie)

129 78 Stork, Abdim's Ciconia abdimii KZ,WC 1 3.00%

(Kleinswartooievaar)

130 772 Sunbird, Amethyst Chalcomitra amethystina

FS 21 63.60%

(Swartsuikerbekkie)

131 763 Sunbird, White-bellied Cinnyris talatala 25 75.80%

(Witpenssuikerbekkie)

132 493 Swallow, Barn Hirundo rustica 5 15.20% 2

(Europese Swael)

133 502 Swallow, Greater Striped Hirundo cucullata 15 45.50%

(Grootstreepswael)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

134 503 Swallow, Lesser Striped Hirundo abyssinica

WC 14 42.40%

(Kleinstreepswael)

135 498 Swallow, Pearl-breasted Hirundo dimidiata KZ,MP 3 9.10%

(PiAÂ¿AÂ½relborsswael)

136 495 Swallow, White-throated Hirundo albigularis 5 15.20% 1

(Witkeelswael)

137 380 Swift, African Black Apus barbatus 1 3.00%

(Swartwindswael)

138 384 Swift, Horus Apus horus WC 1 3.00%

(Horuswindswael)

139 385 Swift, Little Apus affinis 21 63.60% 1

(Kleinwindswael)

140 383 Swift, White-rumped Apus caffer 12 36.40% 2

(Witkruiswindswael)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

141 715 Tchagra, Black-crowned Tchagra senegalus

14 42.40%

(Swartkroontjagra)

142 714 Tchagra, Brown-crowned Tchagra australis 8 24.20%

(Rooivlerktjagra)

143 275 Thick-knee, Spotted Burhinus capensis 6 18.20%

(Gewone Dikkop)

144 557 Thrush, Groundscraper Psophocichla litsipsirupa

1 3.00%

(Gevlekte Lyster)

145 1104 Thrush, Karoo Turdus smithi 17 51.50% 2

(Geelbeklyster)

146 552 Thrush, Kurrichane Turdus libonyanus 14 42.40% 1

(Rooibeklyster)

147 437 Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted

Pogoniulus chrysoconus

9 27.30%

(Geelblestinker)










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

148 658 Tit-Babbler, Chestnut-vented

Parisoma subcaeruleum

5 15.20%

(Bosveldtjeriktik)

149 316 Turtle-Dove, Cape Streptopelia capicola

25 75.80%

(Gewone Tortelduif)

150 106 Vulture, Cape Gyps coprotheres WC 1 3.00%

(Kransaasvoel)

151 686 Wagtail, Cape Motacilla capensis 7 21.20%

(Gewone Kwikkie)

152 607 Warbler, Marsh Acrocephalus palustris

NC,WC 2 6.10%

(Europese Rietsanger)

153 599 Warbler, Willow Phylloscopus trochilus

WC 3 9.10%

(Hofsanger)

154 839 Waxbill, Blue Uraeginthus angolensis

NC 19 57.60%

(Gewone Blousysie)

155 843 Waxbill, Common Estrilda astrild 2 6.10%

(Rooibeksysie)

156 799 Weaver, Cape Ploceus capensis 5 15.20%












Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Kaapse Wewer)

157 804 Weaver, Thick-billed Amblyospiza albifrons

WC 2 6.10%

(Dikbekwewer)

158 568 Wheatear, Capped Oenanthe pileata KZ 1 3.00%

(Hoeveldskaapwagter)

159 1172 White-eye, Cape Zosterops virens 24 72.70% 1

(Kaapse Glasogie)

160 846 Whydah, Pin-tailed Vidua macroura 8 24.20%

(Koningrooibekkie)

161 813 Widowbird, Red-collared Euplectes ardens 8 24.20%

(Rooikeelflap)

162 814 Widowbird, White-winged Euplectes albonotatus

FS 5 15.20%

(Witvlerkflap)

163 419 Wood-Hoopoe, Green Phoeniculus purpureus

NC 9 27.30% 1










Ref No



Sightings

Reporting rate

Sightings Reporting

rate Reports

(Rooibekkakelaar )

164 451 Woodpecker, Bearded Dendropicos namaquus

NC,FS 1 3.00%

(Baardspeg)

165 450 Woodpecker, Cardinal Dendropicos fuscescens

2 6.10%

(Kardinaalspeg)

166 447 Woodpecker, Golden-tailed

Campethera abingoni

5 15.20%

(Goudstertspeg)

167 453 Wryneck, Red-throated Jynx ruficollis WC 4 12.10%

(Draaihals)





400kV SUBSTATION IN FLORA PARK, GAUTENG - Eskom · Proposed establishment of the Anderson 400kv...

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