Orion Graspan Prospecting Project - SAHRIS | SAHRA · the co-author of the “Field Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park” published in 2002, and is currently

Terrestrial Ecology Screening Report

Orion Graspan Prospecting Project

Copperton, Northern Cape

August 2019

Prepared for: ABS Africa (Pty) Ltd Block C Suite 2, Carlswald Close Office Park c/o New and 7th Roads, Carlswald 1685 Gauteng, South Africa Prepared by: ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC

PostNet Suite 192, Private Bag X2 Raslouw 0109

Gauteng, South Africa

Authors: Warren McCleland (ECOREX)

ABS Orion Graspan Ecology Screening Report (ECOREX) ©ECOREX 2019

Contents Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2

List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. 3

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... 3

Declaration of Independence ..................................................................................................... 4

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 5

1.1. Background ............................................................................................................................. 5

1.2 Project Description .................................................................................................................. 5

1.3 Aims of this report ................................................................................................................... 6

1.4 Study Team .............................................................................................................................. 6

2. TERMS OF REFERENCE ................................................................................................................... 7

3. PROJECT AREA ............................................................................................................................... 7

4. METHODS ...................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1 Flora ........................................................................................................................................ 9

4.2 Terrestrial Fauna ...................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Assumptions and Limitations ................................................................................................. 11

5. BIODIVERSITY BASELINE DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................... 12

5.1 Flora ...................................................................................................................................... 12

5.1.1 Regional Context ............................................................................................................. 12

5.1.2 Local Context – Plant Species Richness and Vegetation Assemblages .............................. 15

5.1.3 Species of Conservation Concern..................................................................................... 17

5.1.4 Endemic Species.............................................................................................................. 18

5.1.5 Protected Species............................................................................................................ 18

5.2 Terrestrial Fauna .................................................................................................................... 19

5.2.1 Mammals ........................................................................................................................ 19

5.2.2 Birds ............................................................................................................................... 21

5.2.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians) ........................................................................ 26

5.3 Ecological Importance ............................................................................................................ 27

5.3.1 Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas ........................................................................ 27

5.3.2 Environmental Screening Tool ......................................................................................... 28

5.3.3 Site-specific Importance .................................................................................................. 29

6. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................... 30

7. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................ 31

8. APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................ 33


Appendix 1. List of Plants recorded from the Vicinity of the Project Area (SANBI) ........................ 34

Appendix 2. Mammals recorded from the vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual Museum) ............. 50

Appendix 3. Bird Species recorded from the vicinity of the Project Area (SABAP2) ....................... 53

Appendix 4. List of Herpetofauna recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual

Museum) ..................................................................................................................................... 56

Appendix 5. CV of Report Author ................................................................................................. 58

List of Tables

Table 1. Floristic composition and important taxa in Bushmanland Basin Shrubland ........................ 13

Table 2. Mammal SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area ...................................... 20

Table 3. Biome-restricted endemic species recorded from the vicinity of the project area * ............ 21

Table 4. Avifauna SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area ....................................... 24

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location of the Project Area ................................................................................................ 8

Figure 2: National Vegetation Types represented in the vicinity of the Project Area......................... 14

Figure 3: Location of Project Area in the context of the Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas ... 27

Figure 4: Environmental Screening Tool assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity Features in the

Prospecting Right Area .................................................................................................................... 29


Declaration of Independence We declare that we have been appointed as independent consulting ecologists with no

affiliation with or vested financial interests in the proponent, other than remuneration for work

performed. We have no conflicting interests in the undertaking of this activity and have no

interests in secondary developments resulting from the authorisation of this project.

Remuneration for our services by the proponent is not linked to approval by any decision-

making authority responsible for authorising this development.

W.L.McCleland 11 August 2019


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND

Orion Exploration No. 5 (Pty) Ltd (“Orion”) is applying for a Prospecting Right for various

minerals within the Copperton Subvolcanic area, in the Northern Cape. The proposed

prospecting will involve both non-inasive and invasive activities, some of which are listed

activities under Listing Notice 1 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act

No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), and thus trigger the requirement for a Basic Assessment (BA). ABS

Africa (Pty) Ltd (“ABS”) was appointed by Orion to conduct the BA, which was completed in

April 2019. However, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) indicated that the

prospecting right area included part of a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA), thus triggering the

requirement for a terrestrial biodiversity / ecology study. It was confirmed that such a study

would need to be submitted before the application can be finalised.

ABS appointed ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC (“ECOREX”) to undertake an ecology

screening study of the proposed prospecting right area. This specialist report concerns the

terrestrial ecosystems that may be impacted by the project and is based on a desktop review

of available data, as well as the author’s field experience on adjacent properties. The relevant

disciplines covered by this study are vegetation / flora, mammals, avifauna and herpetofauna.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project will involve prospecting for a variety of minerals by means of non-invasive and

invasive prospecting methods, including diamond-core drilling and minor trenching. More

details are available in the Basic Assessment Report (BAR).


1.3 AIMS OF THIS REPORT

The aims of this report are:

• Review: To collate and review relevant and available ecological information for the

project area;

• Baseline Overview: To summarise the baseline ecological conditions in the project

area, based on a desktop review and assessments of ecological importance from EIAs

conducted on nearby properties;

• Recommendations: To identify and assess any conflicts of the proposed development

with outputs of the EST, including current conservation plans or bioregional plans.

1.4 STUDY TEAM

Warren McCleland – Terrestrial Ecologist. Warren is the owner and director of ECOREX

Consulting Ecologists CC, a consultancy of flora and vertebrate fauna specialists with offices

in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, South Africa. He has been involved in specialist biodiversity

assessments for a wide range of developments, particularly mining, throughout sub-Saharan

Africa over the past 15 years. Countries of work experience outside of South Africa include

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Tanzania,

Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. Warren is

the co-author of the “Field Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National

Park” published in 2002, and is currently working on a field guide to the Wildflowers of the

Kruger National Park. Warren is a registered Natural Scientist (Ecological Science) with the

South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) (Reg.No.003973).


2. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference are as follows:

• Provide an overview of the ecology of the terrestrial ecosystems that are represented

in the prospecting right area;

• Provide an assessment of the ecological sensitivity of these ecosystems;

• Identify and assess any conflicts of the proposed development with outputs of the EST,

including current conservation plans or bioregional plans.

3. PROJECT AREA

The proposed prospecting right area is located about 8 km south-west of Copperton and 58

km south-west of Prieska, Siyathemba Local Municipality, in the Northern Cape Province

(Figure 1). The area covers portions of the farms Graspan 112 and Uitspan 115, and has a

spatial extent of 8 955 ha.

Figure 1: Location of the Project Are

4. METHODS

An initial screening of the Project Area was undertaken using the Environmental Screening

Tool (EST) of the Department of Enviornmental Affairs (DEA). This indicated that the Project

Area had a Very High Terrestrial Biodiversity theme. More detail in this regard is provided in

section 5.3 of this report.

4.1 FLORA

The Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), which is curated by the South African

National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), was queried for a list of plant species that have been

recorded from the quarter-degree grid cells (QDGCs) in which the project area is situated

(2922CC, 3022AA), as well as all adjacent grids. BODATSA contains records from the

National Herbarium in Pretoria (PRE), the Compton Herbarium in Cape Town (NBG & SAM)

and the KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium in Durban (NH).

Version 2017.1 of the Red List of South African plants (http://redlist.sanbi.org/index.php),

which is managed as part of SANBI’s Threatened Species Programme, was consulted for the

current conservation status of each species in the above list. The term “Species of

Conservation Concern” (SCC) as defined by Raimondo et al. (2009) was followed in this

report, namely all species classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered and

Vulnerable), as well as species classified as Near Threatened, Critically Rare and Rare.

Mucina & Rutherford (2006) was the primary reference for determining the regional context of

the vegetation occurring in the vicinity of the project area, while MacDonald (2013) was used

to provide a description of the vegetation communities represented in the project area.

4.2 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

Mammals

Friedmann & Daly (2004) and the Virtual Museum of African Mammals (MammalMAP, 2017)

were used to prepare a list of mammal species that have been confirmed to occur within

2922CC and 3022AA as well as adjacent QDGCs. Conservation status assessments for each

species were obtained from Child et al. (2016).


Birds

The online database of the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2) was queried for a

list of bird species confirmed to occur in the five relevant pentads (mapping units) that the

project area is located in, namely 2955_2205, 2955_2210, 2955_2215, 3000_2205 and

3000_22101. This list is included in Appendix 5. Taylor et al. (2016) was consulted for the most

current conservation status of each species of conservation concern on the list. Likelihood of

occurrence of avifauna SCC was determined using references such as ECOREX (2018) and

Jenkins (2011).

Herpetofauna

The primary references for compiling a list of potentially occurring reptiles were Bates et al.

(2016) and Branch (1998), and Du Preez & Carruthers (2009) and Minter et al. (2004) for a

list of potentially occurring amphibians. The Reptile Atlas of Southern Africa (ReptileMAP,

2017)2 and Frog Atlas of Southern Africa (FrogMAP, 2017)3 are continuously updated online

databases that reflect the most current distribution data for reptiles and amphibians in South

Africa and were used in this project to supplement the data from the above references and to

indicate the most current taxonomy. Both ReptileMAP and FrogMAP provide species

geographic distribution data at QDGC resolution. These references were used to produce a

list of potentially occurring species for the relevant QDGCs in which the prospecting right area

is located, as well as adjacent QDGCs. Including the adjacent QDGCs decreases the

likelihood of underestimating the number of species present within the focal QDGCs but also

artificially inflates the total number of species likely to occur within the focal QDGCs (some

habitats may be present in adjacent QDGCs that are not present in the focal QDGCs).

Therefore, the resulting species list was refined to exclude those species unlikely to occur

within the project area, based on habitat availability and knowledge of habitat selection by

particular species.

Reptile species nomenclature follows ReptileMAP (2019) as new distribution data and

taxonomic changes have already occurred since publication of Bates et al. (2014). Similarly,

the Frog Atlas of Southern Africa (FrogMAP, 2019) provides information on the geographic

distributions of amphibians and keeps current with the latest taxonomic changes.

1 http://sabap2.adu.org.za/gap_analysis.php?DGC=SE2629#content_90perc 2 http://vmus.adu.org.za/, formerly SARCA

3 http://vmus.adu.org.za/, formerly SAFAP


4.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

• This ecological screening report was based on a desktop review of available

information and the author’s field experience on adjacent properties, but did not involve

any fieldwork to verify any of the findings in the report. However, this is considered

appropriate given the nature and extent of the intended prosecting activities, the fact

that the terrestrial biodiversity status in the Environmental Screening Tool report was

driven by landscape-scale features that are not relevant to the entire project area, and

the applicant declaration that they will not be prospecting within the designated CBAs.

• Assessments of likelihood of occurrence of Species of Conservation Concern have not

been verified by field observations within the project area and thus have some measure

of uncertainty.


5. BIODIVERSITY BASELINE DESCRIPTION

5.1 FLORA

5.1.1 Regional Context

5.1.1.1 National Vegetation Types

The project area is situated within the Nama-Karoo Biome, a large area on the central plateau

of western South Africa that is characterised by high variability in temperature and annual

rainfall, although most rainfall occurs in summer (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). The flora of the

Nama-Karoo is not as diverse and rich in endemics as the adjacent Succulent Karoo and does

not contain any centres of plant endemism. Three geographically distinct bioregions are

present within this biome, namely Bushmanland, Upper Karoo and Lower Karoo. The project

area is situated within the Bushmanland Bioregion in the Bushmanland Basin Shrubland

(NKb6) vegetation type, near the boundary with Bushmanland Arid Grassland (NKb3). One

azonal vegetation type, Bushmanland Vloere (AZi5), and a small patch of Northern Upper

Karoo (NKu3) (Upper Karoo Bioregion) are present on adjacent properties but are not

represented within the project area. Bushmanland Basin Shrubland is described in more detail

below (following Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) and the spatial context of the project area is

illustrated in Figure 2.

Bushmanland Basin Shrubland

Bushmanland Basin Shrubland is also confined to Northern Cape province, occurring in the

Bushmanland Basin that is located between Granaatboskolk in the west, Copperton in the

east, Kenhard in the north and Williston in the south, and covering an area of about 34 100km2.

Terrains comprises extensive plains covered in dwarf shrubland that is dominated by spiny,

woody shrubs. Soils are shallow Glenrosa and Mispah forms and, to a lesser extent, red-

yellow apedal, freely drained soils with a high base status; soil salt content is high. As with

Bushmanland Arid Grassland, rain falls primarily in late summer to autumn. Mean annual

precipitation varies from 100 – 200 mm. Floristic composition and important taxa are indicated

in Table 1 below. Bushmanland Basin Shrubland is not represented in any official conservation

areas, but shows no sign of serious habitat transformation and has a conservation status of

Least Threatened.


Table 1. Floristic composition and important taxa in Bushmanland Basin Shrubland

Important Taxa

Dominant Grasses Aristida adscensionis, Enneapogon desvauxii, Stipagrostis ciliata, S. obtusa.

Selected Woody Shrubs

Lycium cinereum, Rhigozum trichotomum, Aptosimum spinescens, Hermannia spinosa, Pentzia spinescens, Zygophyllum microphyllum, Aptosimum elongatum, Eriocephalus microphyllus var. pubescens, E. pauperrimus, Osteospermum armatum, O. spinescens, Pegolettia retrofracta, Phaeoptilum spinosum, Plinthus karooicus, Pteronia glauca, P. inflexa, P. leucoclada, P. sordida, Selago albida, Tetragonia arbuscula, Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum.

Succulent Shrubs

Salsola tuberculata, Aridaria noctiflora subsp. straminea, Brownanthus ciliatus subsp. ciliatus, Galenia sarcophylla, Lycium bosciifolium, Ruschia intricata, Salsola namibica, Sarcocaulon patersonii, S. salmoniflorum, Tripteris sinuata var. linearis, Zygophyllum flexuosum

Herbaceous Plants

Gazania lichtensteinii, Leysera tenella, Amaranthus praetermissus, Chamaesyce inaequilatera, Dicoma cape¬nsis, Indigastrum argyraeum, Lepidium desertorum, Monsonia umbellata, Radyera urens, Sesamum capense, Tribulus terrestris, T. zeyheri

Biogeographically Important Taxon (Bushmanland endemic)

Succulent Herb Tridentea dwequensis

Species endemic to the vegetation type

Geophytes Ornithogalum bicornutum, O. ovatum subsp. oliverorum

Herbaceous Plants Cromidon minutum

Figure 2: National Vegetation Types represented in the vicinity of the Project Area

5.1.1.2 Centres of Plant Endemism

The prospecting right area is situated at the southern boundary of the Griqualand West Centre

of Plant Endemism (GWCPE) as defined by Frisby (2016). This centre of endemism is

confined to the Northern Cape from Pomfret in the north to Prieska in the south, and with

Upington and Vryburg forming the western and eastern boundaries respectively. Van Wyk &

Smith (2001) predicted at least 40 endemic plant species for the GWCPE, while Frisby (2016)

refined this list to 26 endemic and near-endemic species.

5.1.1.3 Threatened Ecosystems

The prospecting right area is not located within or close to any listed Threatened Ecosystems

as described under Notice 1002 of Government Gazette 34809, 9 December 2011.

5.1.2 Local Context – Plant Species Richness and Vegetation Assemblages

The Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), which is curated by SANBI, lists 731

plant species from 83 families for the QDSs 2922CC and 3022AA, as well as all adjacent grids

(Appendix 1). The dominant plant families in the flora are the Asteraceae (108 spp), Poaceae

(100 spp), Fabaceae (49 spp), Aizoaceae (40 spp) and Scrophulariaceae (38 spp). This is

obviously a significantly higher plant species diversity than that which is in the project area as

these grids represent a far greater variety of habitats.

The description of broad-scale vegetation assemblages below is based primarily on

MacDonald (2013), who conducted fieldwork in 2011 on the farms Hoekplaas (Remainder of

Farm 146), Klipgats Pan (Portion 4 of Farm 117) and Struisbult (Farm No. 104 Portion 1),

which are adjacent to the project area. Even though MacDonald (2013) was conducted on

adjacent properties, satellite imagery indicates similar vegetation on Graspan and this is

considered to be the most relevant floristic data for the area.

MacDonald (2013) classified eight different vegetation communities on the farms Hoekplaas

and Klipgats Pan, which are summarized as follows:

• Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland: scattered throughout Klipgats Pan but

concentrated in areas of fairly deep red sand; dominated by R. trichotomum and

grasses such as Stipagrostis species; low botanical sensitivity. Highly likely to be

present in the Graspan project area.


• Asteraceous Shrubland: the most widespread vegetation type at Klipgats Pan and

highly likely to be present in the Graspan project area as well; has the greatest diversity

of species, mainly low shrubs in the family Asteraceae, with lower diversity of grasses

and other herbaceous species; occurs on shallow sandy-loam soils often with calcrete

hardpan just below the surface; low botanical sensitivity.

• Salsola spp. – Pentzia incana Shrubland: low shrubland on red sands that forms an

ecotone between Asteraceous Shrubland and Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland; low

species richness and dominated by one or two Salsola species and Pentzia incana;

low botanical sensitivity. Very likely to be present in the Graspan project area as well.

• ‘Leegte’ Shrubland: found in shallow seasonal drainage lines at Klipgats Pan and

Hoekplaas; vegetation dominated by grasses (e.g. Setaria verticillata) and low shrubs

such as Lycium species (especially L. bosciifolium) and Psilocaulon junceum; merges

with Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland along some drainage lines; high botanical

sensitivity. A large seasonal drainage line is present in the Graspan project area and

this vegetation community is likely to be well-represented.

• Psilocaulon junceum – Lycium spp. Shrubland: characteristic of disturbed sites and

often dominated by Psilocaulon junceum and Lycium species; also found around

‘heuweltjies’ where fossorial mammals disturb the soil; low botanical sensitivity.

Possibly present in the Graspan project area.

• Shale Koppie Shrubland: typical vegetation community on elevated shale hills in the

southern part of Klipgats Pan; open to mid-dense shrubland dominated by Lycium

species, with a moderate to good cover of grasses, and other low shrubs and forbs

including Aptosimum species, Pentzia incana, Stipagrostis ciliata, Tribulus cristatus

and Zygophyllum retrofractum; scattered Boscia albitrunca trees and Aloe claviflora

are diagnostic of this community; high botanical sensitivity. There don’t appear to be

any hills in the Graspan project area, so this vegetation community is probably not

represented.

• Psilocaulon junceum – Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata Shrubland: similar to Psilocaulon

junceum – Lycium spp. Shrubland but Lycium species shrubs are absent and the low

shrub, Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata, is co-dominant with P. junceum; this community

is characteristic of areas that have been intensely disturbed; very low botanical

sensitivity. Possibly present in the Graspan project area.


• Endorheic Pans: these shallow pans fill briefly during periods of rainfall, but soon dry

out; pans at Hoekplaas and Klipgats Pan are vegetated with grasses, forbs and

patches of dwarf shrubs, a number of which are habitat specialists confined to this

community; pan plant communities were not studied in detail but were recognized as

a specific and important habitat; high botanical sensitivity. Several pans are present in

the Graspan project area and this vegetation community is highly likely to be present.

5.1.3 Species of Conservation Concern

The vast majority of the plant species occurring in the general vicinity of the project area are

currently classified as either Least Concern (661 spp) or Not Evaluated (66 spp) (Appendix 1).

One species, Listia minima, is classified as Data Deficient (Taxonomically Problematic) and

cannot be assessed until its taxonomy is resolved (Victor, 2006). Five species of conservation

concern have been confirmed in the relevant QDGCs and are dealt with in more detail below.

Hoodia officinalis subsp. officinalis

This species has been assessed as Near Threatened (NT B1ab(v)) by Victor & Powell (2009).

It occurs sparsely in the Desert, Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes, from southern

Namibia to the vicinity of Kimberley and Prieska in the Northern Cape. Hoodia officinalis is

known from fewer than 15 locations in South Africa and is threatened by collecting when

misidentified as the widely used Hoodia gordonii. Has a moderate likelihood of occurring in

the project area.

Phyllobolus amabilis

This small succulent is currently only known from one site near Prieska in the Northern Cape

(Frisby, 2016), although Raimondo & Cholo (2005) state in error that the site is near

Sutherland. Very little is known about this species, although it is known to occur in rocky habitat

and no population declines have been documented. However, Raimondo & Cholo (2005) have

assessed it as Rare as a result of a very small extent of occurrence. Has a low likelihood of

occurring in the project area given that it is only known from one site and that rocky habitat is

likely to be poorly represented.

Aloidendron dichotomum (Quiver Tree)

This iconic tree aloe species occurs from the Brandberg in central Nambia to the Northern

Cape between Nieuwoudtville and Olifantsfontein, and is confined to the Desert, Succulent

Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes. It has been assessed by Foden (2005) as Vulnerable (VU

A3ce) because of documented population declines and a modelled vulnerability to climate


change. Has a low likelihood of occurring in the project area, especially since it seems to

favour rocky hillsides in the Copperton area (pers.obs.), a habitat that doesn’t appear to be

present in the project area.

Dinteranthus pole-evansii

This is an easily overlooked small succulent that occurs in sparsely vegetated quartz pebble

fields. It is known from only two localities between Upington and Prieska and is considered to

have a global population of less than 1000 plants, resulting in a classification of Vulnerable

(VU D1+2) (Burgoyne & Daniels, 2005). Has a low likelihood of occurring in the project area

given that it is only known from two sites in habitat that is unlikely to be well represented in the

project area.

Tridentea virescens

This is a fairly widespread small succulent that occurs in small, highly fragmented

subpopulations in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape provinces, mostly on stony

ground, or hard loam in floodplains. It has been assessed as Rare by Victor (2009). Has a

moderate likelihood of occurring in the project area.

5.1.4 Endemic Species

The prospecting right area is situated at the southern boundary of the Griqualand West Centre

of Plant Endemism as defined by Frisby (2016). Five of the 26 endemic or near-endemic

GWCPE species have been confirmed to occur in the general vicinity of the project area,

namely Calobota cuspidosa (Fabaceae), Justicia thymifolia (Acanthaceae), Phyllobolus

amabilis (Aizoaceae), Putterlickia saxatilis (Celastraceae) and Searsia tridactyla

(Anacardiaceae). However, given the position of the project area at the edge of the GWCPE,

it is unlikely that a high proportion of the endemics are present.

5.1.5 Protected Species

One hundred and forty-nine plant species occurring in the general vicinity of the project area

are protected, either under Schedules 1 and 2 of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act

(No. 9 of 2009) or under the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of

2004) - Threatened or Protected Species regulations (updated in March 2015) (Appendix 1).

MacDonald (2013) confirmed the presence of two of these species on an adjacent property,

namely Boscia albitrunca and Aloe claviflora.


5.2 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

5.2.1 Mammals

Regional Context

The project area is situated within the Namib-Karoo biome, which is confined to the arid

western part of South Africa, the western third of Namibia and marginally into south-western

Angola White (1983). Numerous small mammal species are endemic to this biome, of which

the following have been confirmed to occur within the general vicinity of the project area

(Friedman & Daly, 2004): Western Rock Sengi (Elephantulus rupestris), Round-eared

Elephant Shrew (Macroscelides proboscideus), Spectacled Dormouse (Graphiurus ocularis),

Pygmy Rock Mouse (Petromyscus collinus), Brukkaros Pygmy Rock Mouse (P. monticularis),

Bush Vlei Rat (Otomys unisulcatus), Brants's Whistling Rat (Parotomys brantsii) and

Littledale's Whistling Rat (P. littledalei).

Species Richness

A list of 56 mammal species that have been recorded in the QDGCs surrounding the project

area was compiled using Friedman & Daly (2004) and is presented in Appendix 4. Twenty-

two of these species were confirmed to occur on an adjacent property in 2017 (ECOREX,

2018), four of which are endemic or near-endemic to the Namib-Karoo biome, namely Cape

Fox (Vulpes chama), Round-eared Sengi, South African Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) and

Suricate (Suricata suricatta).

Species of Conservation Concern

Two Vulnerable and five Near Threatened mammal species have been recorded in QDSs in

the vicinity of the project area according to distribution maps in Friedman & Daly (2004), three

of which have a moderate likelihood of occurring, and one (Brown Hyaena Parahyaena

brunnea) which was recorded on an adjacent property (ECOREX 2018) and thus has a high

likelihood of occurring (Table 2).


Table 2. Mammal SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status

Habitat Preferences Likelihood of Occurrence

Reason

African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis NT/VU * Wide range of aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes or even man-made impoundments.

Very Low No suitable habitat present in the project area

Southern African Hedgehog

Atelerix frontalis NT Wide range of grassland and savannah types. Moderate Suitable habitat is present throughout the project area.

Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes VU Occurs in arid grassland and dwarf Karoo shrubland.

Moderate Suitable habitat is present throughout the project area.

Spectacled Dormouse Graphiurus ocularis NT Associated with rock outcrops, crevices and stone kraals in the Western Cape and south-western Karoo.

Low Limited suitable habitat present in the project area but no recent records in the general vicinity

African Leopard Panthera pardus NT Occurs in a variety of savannah and shrubland habitats.

Low

Although suitable habitat is present throughout the project area, suitable prey sources are limited.

Brown Hyaena Parahyaena brunnea NT Occurs in a variety of savannah and shrubland habitats.

High A recently abandoned den was located on an adjacent property (ECOREX, 2018).

Littledale's Whistling Rat Parotomys littledalei NT Occurs in arid shrublands, avoiding open areas.

Moderate Suitable habitat is present throughout the project area.

VU = Vulnerable

NT = Near Threatened

* = IUCN status


5.2.2 Birds

Regional Context

The project area is situated within the Namib-Karoo biome as defined by White (1983) and

followed by Fishpool & Evans (2001). This biome is confined to the arid western part of South

Africa, the western third of Namibia and extends marginally into south-western Angola.

Twenty-three species are listed by Barnes (1998) as being endemic to the Namib-Karoo biome

i.e. not occurring outside of the biome, of which 15 species (65%) have been recorded within

the general vicinity of the project area during the current Southern African Bird Atlas Project

(SABAP2) (Table 3). Two species that are endemic to the Kalahari-Highveld biome and one

species that is endemic to the Zambezian biome have also been recorded in the same area

(Table 3).

Table 3. Biome-restricted endemic species recorded from the vicinity of the project area *

Common Name Scientific Name Namib - Karoo

Kalahari-Highveld

Zambezian

Black-eared Sparrowlark Eremopterix australis 43.52

Black-headed Canary Serinus alario 3.76

Kalahari Scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena 53.36

Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii 12.69

Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis 2.12

Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii 71.99

Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata 21.86

Layard's Tit-babbler Parisoma layardi 3.32

Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii 57.41

Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata 0.74

Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup 16.97

Red Lark Calendulauda burra 0.79

Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri 20.19

Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata 7.6

Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius 55.89

Stark's Lark Spizocorys starki 43.97

Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac 30.76

White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala 1.23

* Figures represent SABAP2 mean reporting rates for relevant pentads at date of download (23/07/2019)

The project area is also situated in a designated secondary Endemic Bird Area, namely the

Karoo EBA (s047) (Barnes et al., 2001).


There are no Important Bird Areas within the vicinity of the project area, the closest being the

Platberg-Karoo Conservancy IBA (ZA037), approximately 130 km to the east (Barnes, 1998).

Species Richness

Data from the ongoing second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2)4 indicate that 99

species have been recorded from the five pentads (mapping units) relevant to the project area

(Appendix 5). A pentad measures approximately 77 km2, and is a reasonable scale for

predicting which species are likely to occur in the project area. One of these pentads

(2955_2205) has not yet been surveyed during SABAP2, and two of the other pentads

(2955_2210, 3000_2210) have only been surveyed once, indicating the project area has been

inadequately sampled during SABAP2. True species richness is likely to be higher than 99

species.

Fieldwork on an adjacent property recorded 72 species, which occurred in three distinct

avifaunal assemblages present, namely a Shrubland assemblage, Woodland / Thicket

assemblage and a modified Garden assemblage (ECOREX, 2018). While the Garden

assemblage is unlikely to be present in the project area, and additional assemblage is likely

to be present when the ephemeral pans are filled.


One Endangered (EN), one Vulnerable (VU) and four Near Threatened (NT) species have

been recorded from the pentads within which the project area is situated during SABAP2

(Table 4). However, the project area has been poorly sampled during SABAP2 and this may

not be an accurate indication of potentially occurring SCC in the project area. Adjacent

pentads that have been more thoroughly sampled have recorded an additional Critically

Endangered (CR) species, four more EN species, four other VU species and one other NT

species. These species have also been included in Table 4.

Six of these species have a high likelihood of occurring in the project area, based on known

habitat requirements of these species and confirmed records on adjacent properties. These

are Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii (EN), Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus (EN), Double-

banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus (NT), Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori (NT), Karoo Korhaan

Eupodotis vigorsii (NT) and Sclater’s Lark Spizocorys sclateri (NT). Another three species

4 http://sabap2.adu.org.za/ Accessed 23 July 2019


have a moderate likelihood of occurring because of the presence of suitable habitat in the

project area, namely Black Harrier Circus maurus (EN), Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius

(VU) and Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus (VU). The moderate to high likelihood of nine

avifauna SCC occurring in the project area indicates the high value of natural habitat in the

area for such species.


Table 4. Avifauna SCC occurring in the general vicinity of the project area

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status

Habitat Preferences Likelihood of Occurrence

Reason

Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii VU Associated with mountains, cliffs and rocky ridges in grassland and shrubland habitat

Low Limited suitable habitat present.

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori NT Occurs in arid grassland, open shrubland and open savannah.

High Suitable habitat present; recorded from one of the relevant pentads

Red Lark Calendulauda burra VU Endemic to Karoo, preferring sand dunes and alluvial plains, particularly where tussock-grasses are prominent.

Low Limited suitable habitat present.

Black Harrier Circus maurus EN Grassland, karroid shrubland, coastal scrub Moderate Suitable habitat present, although not recorded from relevant pentads

Burchell's Courser Cursorius rufus VU Open short-grass plains, sparse shrubland, sand or gravel desert, saltpans

Low Limited suitable habitat present and not recorded from any relevant pentads

Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii NT Occurs in arid grassland and shrubland. High Suitable habitat present; recorded from 2 relevant pentads, as well as an adjacent property

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus VU Wide variety of habitat types. Moderate Suitable habitat present, although not recorded from relevant pentads

White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus CR Variety of savannah / woodland types, arid shrubland


Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres EN Arid shrubland, grassland, arid savannah; breeding on large cliffs


Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii EN Arid shrubland, arid grassland High Suitable habitat present; recorded from one relevant pentad, as well as an adjacent property

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus EN Wide variety of woodland, savannah and shruband types.

High Suitable habitat present; recorded breeding on a nearby property (Jenkins, 2011)


Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus NT Sparse shrubland, arid grassland High Suitable habitat present; recorded from one relevant pentad, as well as an adjacent property

Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri NT Sparse shrubland on arid, stony plains; often in areas with very little vegetation

High Suitable habitat present; recorded from all the pentads in which the project area is located

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius

VU Various grassland and open savannah types Moderate Suitable habitat present, although not recorded from relevant pentads

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus EN Variety of savannah / woodland types, arid shrubland


CR = Critically Endangered EN = Endangered

VU = Vulnerable


* = IUCN classification


5.2.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians)

Regional Context

The project area falls within the extensive Nama-Karoo Biome (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006)

which stretches from the Karoo northwards through Namibia. Herpetofauna adapted to this

biome consequently have fairly extensive geographic distributions and because it extends into

Namibia and some degree of herpetofaunal affinity overlap occurs with the arid savanna

extending into Botswana, very few herpetofauna expected to occur within the project area are

endemic to South Africa and the project area is consequently characterized by low levels of

endemicity.

Species Richness

A total of 48 reptile species are expected to occur within and surrounding the project area

(Appendix 4) of which three are endemic and three are considered as near-endemic (Bates et

al., 2014); ReptileMap, 2017). Ten amphibians species are expected to occur within and

surrounding the project area (Appendix 4) of which only one species is considered endemic

(Du Preez & Carruthers, 2009; (FrogMap, 2017).

The low proportion of observed species per QDGC for expected reptiles and amphibians

indicates that the herpetofauna of the general region surrounding the project area has been

poorly sampled historically. Consequently, it is advisable to treat the list of expected species

as preliminary without field verification.


No herpetofauna species currently designated as SCC have been observed within the general

vicinity of the project area (Appendix 4). However, a single species that potentially occurs in

the area is of concern and requires discussion. FrogMAP (2017) lists the Giant Bullfrog

(Pyxicephalus adspersus) as NT, while Du Preez & Carruthers (2009) list it as VU and the

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) Threatened and Protected

Species Lists classify it as Protected. This species breeds in shallow temporary pans which

are present within the project area and surroundings. Its NT conservation status arises from

loss of its breeding habitat to urbanisation and agricultural use. It is also particularly

susceptible to collisions with vehicles on roads and is often targeted as a food source by

people.


5.3 ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

5.3.1 Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas

Holness & Oosthuysen (2016) identified Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) in Northern Cape

province using available data on biodiversity features, their current ecological condition,

Protected Areas and Conservation Areas, and opportunities and constraints for effective

conservation. Most of the Granspan prospecting right area is classified as Other Natural

Habitat, while a seasonal drainage line running through the project area is a prioritized

Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) wetland feature, as well as being an NFEPA

River (Class B: Largely Natural), and is classified as CBA1. Another area on the western

boundary of the project area is classified as CBA2 and the scattered pans are classified as

Ecological Support Areas (Figure 3). All of the prioritized FEPA wetlands have been

designated as CBA1 in the Northern Cape unless they are non-natural or unavailable for

conservation.

Figure 3: Location of Project Area in the context of the Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Areas


5.3.2 Environmental Screening Tool

The Environmental Screening Tool (EST) of the DEA indicates that the entire prospecting right

area has a Very High Terrestrial Biodiversity theme as a result of its location within the sub-

quaternary catchment of a FEPA river and the presence of CBAs. (Figure 4).

5.3.3 Site-specific Importance

While no field verification of site sensitivity could be conducted during this study, the

recommendations of MacDonald (2013), which were based on fieldwork conducted on an

adjacent property, can be applied to the project area as a whole. MacDonald (2013) classified

much of the natural habitat in his study area as having low botanical / ecological sensitivity,

apart from the ephemeral pans, seasonal drainage lines and rocky hills / koppies, which he

rated as having high ecological sensitivity. While rocky hills / koppies don’t appear to be a

feature of the project area, seasonal drainage lines and ephemeral pans are present and

should be as considered landscape features with high ecologically sensitivity.


Figure 4: Environmental Screening Tool assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity Features in the Prospecting Right Area


6. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

The Graspan Prospecting Right Area covers just under 9 000 ha, most of which can be

classified as Natural Habitat that is representative of Bushmanland Basin Shrubland.

Scattered small pans are representative of the Bushmanland Vloere vegetational type.

MacDonald (2013) classified eight different vegetation communities on adjacent properties

and at least five have a high likelihood of being present in the project area. Ephemeral pans

and seasonal drainage lines in the project area should be considered to have high ecological

sensitivity. Natural Habitat in the project area has a moderate to high likelihood of supporting

populations of three plant SCC, four mammal SCC, nine avifauna SCC and one amphibian

SCC. Most of this habitat has been classified as Other Natural Habitat by Holness &

Oosthuysen (2016), while small pans have been classified as Ecological Support Areas.

Seasonal drainage lines are classified as CBA1.

If the prospecting rights application is approved, the following areas need to be excluded from

any invasive prospecting activities (drilling, trenching):

• All seasonal drainage lines, particularly the large one in the eastern part of the property

that is classified as CBA1, including a 50 meter buffer;

• All ephemeral pans, including a 50 metre buffer;

• The CBA2 along the western boundary, including a 50 meter buffer.

In addition, if any rocky hills are present in the prospecting right area, these should be

surveyed in advance by an ecologist to ascertain whether any plant SCC are present or not.

If surveys detect these species, changes to access road routes and drilling sites are

recommended. The general mitigation measures for Terrestrial Ecology (Flora and Fauna) as

included in the Environmental Management Plan are considered to be satisfactory for other

areas of Natural Habitat in the prospecting right area.


7. REFERENCES

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

Johannesburg.

Barnes, K.N., Johnson, D.J., Anderson, M.D. and Taylor, P.B. (2001). South Africa. In:

Fishpool, L. D. C. and Evans, M. I., (eds.) Important Bird Areas in Africa and

associated islands: Priority sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge.

Bates, M., Branch, W., Bauer, A., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G., et al. (2014). Atlas

and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (reprint 2014).

(M. Bates, W. Branch, A. Bauer, M. Burger, J. Marais, G. Alexander, et al., Eds.)

Suricata (1), 1-504.

Branch, W.R. (1998). Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa. Struik, Cape

Town.

Burgoyne, P.M. & Daniels, F. (2005). Dinteranthus pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) Schwantes. National

Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1.

Child M.F., Roxburgh L., Do Linh San E., Raimondo D., Davies-Mostert H.T., editors. (2016).

The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African

National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.

Du Preez, L., & Carruthers, V. (2009). A complete guide to the frogs of southern Africa. Cape

Town: Random House Struik.

ECOREX (2018). Terrestrial Ecology Study of the Orion Prieska Copper Mine. Unpublished

report for ABS Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Fishpool, L. D. C. and Evans, M. I., (eds.) (2009) Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated

islands: Priority sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge.

Friedman, Y., & Daly, B. (2004). Red data book of the mammals of South Africa: a

conservation assessment: CBSG southern Africa. Conservation Breeding Specialist

Group (SSC/IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust, Saxonwold, South Africa.

Frisby, A.W. (2016). Redefining the Griqualand West Centre of Plant Endemism. Dissertation

submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for MSc Botany. North-West University,

Potchefstroom Campus.

FrogMAP. (2019). The Southern African Frog Atlas Project. Retrieved from

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

Holness, S. & Oosthuysen, E. (2016) Critical Biodiversity Areas of the Northern Cape:

Technical Report. Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature

Conservation.

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (2012). IUCN Red List of

Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>


Jenkins, A. (2011). Bird Impact Assessment for the Copperton Wind Energy Facility.

Unpublished report for Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

MacDonald, D.J. (2013). Botanical Assessment of the proposed solar energy installations at

Klipgats Pan, Portion 4 of Farm 117, near Copperton, Northern Cape Province.

Unpublished report for Aurecon South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Marais, J. (2011). A complete guide to the snakes of southern Africa. Penguin Random House

South Africa.

Marneweck, M.D., Retief, E.F., Theron, N.T., Wright, D.R. & Anderson, T.A. (2015). Important

Bird and Biodiversity Areas of South Africa. Johannesburg, BirdLife South Africa.

Minter, L., Burger, M., Harrison, J., Braack, H., Bishop, P., & Kloepfer, D. (2004). Atlas and

Red Data Book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series

#9. Smithsonian Institution, Willbehington DC.

Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M. C. (2006). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and

Swaziland. South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi,

D.A. and Manyama, P.A. (2009). Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South

African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

ReptileMap. (2019). The Southern African Reptile Atlas Project. Retrieved from

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

Taylor, M.R., Peacock, F., Wanless, R.W. (eds). (2016). The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds

of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Birdlife South Africa, Johannesburg.

Van Wyk, A. E. & Smith, G. F. (2001). Regions of floristic endemism in southern Africa: A

review with emphasis on succulents. Umdaus Press, Pretoria.

Victor, J.E. (2006). Listia minima (B.-E.van Wyk) B.-E.van Wyk & Boatwr. National

Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Accessed on

2017/09/17

Victor, J.E. (2009). Tridentea virescens (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach. National Assessment: Red List

of South African Plants version 2017.1.

Victor, J.E. & Powell, E. (2009). Hoodia officinalis (N.E.Br.) Plowes subsp. officinalis. National

Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2017.1. Accessed on

2017/09/17

White, F. (1983). The vegetation of Africa, a descriptive memoir to accompany the

UNESCO/AETFAT/UNSO Vegetation Map of Africa. UNESCO. Paris.


8. APPENDICES

Appendix 1. List of Plants recorded in the general vicinity of the Project Area (SANBI)

Appendix 2. Mammals recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual

Museum)

Appendix 3. Birds recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (SABAP2)

Appendix 4. Herpetofauna recorded from the general vicinity of the Project Area (Virtual

Museum, other references)

Appendix 5. CV of Report Author


APPENDIX 1. LIST OF PLANTS RECORDED FROM THE VICINITY OF THE

PROJECT AREA (SANBI)

Taxon Conservation

Status Endemic Protected

Invasive Alien

PTERIDOPHYTES

Family Aspleniaceae

Asplenium cordatum LC

Family Marsiliaceae

Marsilea capensis LC

Family Pteridaceae

Cheilanthes eckloniana LC

Cheilanthes hirta LC

Pellaea calomelanos LC

ANGIOSPERMS: DICOTS

Family Acanthaceae

Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana LC

Barleria irritans LC

Barleria lichtensteiniana LC

Barleria rigida LC

Blepharis integrifolia LC

Blepharis mitrata LC

Justicia australis LC

Justicia distichotricha LC

Justicia divaricata LC

Justicia incana LC

Justicia petiolaris LC

Justicia spartioides LC

Justicia thymifolia LC GWCPE

Monechma sp. NE

Family Aizooaceae

Aizoon asbestinum LC NCNA

Aizoon burchellii LC NCNA

Aizoon canariense LC NCNA

Aizoon schellenbergii LC NCNA

Antimima vanzylii LC NCape NCNA

Aridaria sp. NE NCNA

Drosanthemum hispidum LC NCNA

Galenia africana LC NCNA

Galenia collina LC NCNA

Galenia crystallina LC NCNA

Galenia papulosa LC NCNA

Galenia pubescens LC NCNA

Galenia sarcophylla LC NCNA

Galenia secunda LC NCNA

Galenia sp. NE NCNA

Lithops hallii LC NCape NCNA

Lithops hookeri LC NCape NCNA

Mesembryanthemum articulatum LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum coriarium LC NCNA


Mesembryanthemum crystallinum LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum geniculiflorum LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum granulicaule LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum guerichianum LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum LC NCNA

Mesembryanthemum tetragonum LC NCNA

Mestoklema arboriforme LC NCNA

Phyllobolus amabilis Rare GWCPE NCNA

Pleiospilos compactus LC NCNA

Plinthus cryptocarpus LC NCNA

Plinthus sericeus LC NCNA

Psilocaulon sp. NE NCNA

Ruschia intricata LC NCNA

Ruschia sp. NE NCNA

Stomatium trifarium LC NCape NCNA

Tetragonia arbuscula LC NCNA

Tetragonia calycina LC NCNA

Tetragonia reduplicata LC NCNA

Tetragonia spicata LC NCNA

Titanopsis calcarea LC NCape NCNA

Trianthema parvifolia LC NCNA

Family Amaranthaceae

Alternanthera pungens * LC

Amaranthus schinzianus LC

Atriplex eardleyae LC

Atriplex lindleyi LC

Atriplex rosea * LC

Atriplex semibaccata * LC x

Atriplex suberecta * LC x

Atriplex vestita LC

Chenopodium mucronatum LC

Hermbstaedtia fleckii LC

Hermbstaedtia odorata LC

Hermbstaedtia sp. NE

Salicornia meyeriana LC

Salsola aphylla LC

Salsola apterygea LC

Salsola calluna LC

Salsola geminiflora LC

Salsola glabrescens LC

Salsola kalaharica LC

Salsola kali * LC x

Salsola tuberculata LC

Sericocoma avolans LC

Sericocoma pungens LC

Sericorema remotiflora LC

Family Anacampserotaceae

Anacampseros filamentosa LC NCNA

Avonia albissima LC NCNA

Family Anacardiaceae

Searsia angustifolia LC

Searsia burchellii LC

Searsia leptodictya LC


Searsia pendulina LC

Searsia pyroides LC

Searsia tridactyla LC GWCPE

Family Apiaceae

Conium sp. NE NCNA

Deverra burchellii LC NCNA

Deverra denudata LC NCNA

Family Apocynaceae

Cynanchum orangeanum LC NCNA

Cynanchum pearsonianum LC NCNA

Cynanchum virens LC NCNA

Duvalia maculata LC NCNA

Fockea angustifolia LC NCNA

Gomphocarpus fruticosus LC NCNA

Gomphocarpus tomentosus LC NCNA

Hoodia flava LC NCNA

Hoodia officinalis NT B1ab(v) NCNA

Larryleachia marlothii LC NCNA

Larryleachia picta LC NCNA

Microloma armatum LC NCNA

Microloma incanum LC NCNA

Microloma longitubum LC NCNA

Orbea lutea LC NCNA

Pachypodium succulentum LC ToPS

Piaranthus decipiens LC NCNA

Stapelia flavopurpurea LC NCNA

Stapelia olivacea LC NCNA

Family Asteraceae

Amellus coilopodius LC NCape

Arctotheca calendula LC

Arctotis arctotoides LC

Arctotis leiocarpa LC

Arctotis microcephala LC

Athanasia flexuosa LC NCape

Athanasia minuta LC

Berkheya annectens LC

Berkheya pinnatifida LC

Chrysocoma ciliata LC

Chrysocoma obtusata LC

Conyza podocephala LC

Cotula anthemoides LC

Cotula sp. NE

Cuspidia cernua LC

Dicoma capensis LC

Dimorphotheca cuneata LC

Dimorphotheca polyptera LC

Doellia cafra LC

Eriocephalus africanus LC

Eriocephalus ambiguus LC

Eriocephalus eximius LC

Eriocephalus glandulosus LC

Eriocephalus merxmuelleri LC

Eriocephalus pauperrimus LC

Eriocephalus spinescens LC


Euryops subcarnosus LC

Felicia burkei LC

Felicia clavipilosa LC

Felicia filifolia LC

Felicia hirsuta LC

Felicia hirta LC

Felicia muricata LC

Felicia namaquana LC

Felicia ovata LC

Foveolina dichotoma LC

Garuleum schinzii LC

Gazania heterochaeta LC

Gazania jurineifolia LC

Gazania krebsiana LC

Gazania lichtensteinii LC

Geigeria filifolia LC

Geigeria ornativa LC

Geigeria pectidea LC

Gnaphalium confine LC

Helichrysum argyrosphaerum LC

Helichrysum gariepinum LC

Helichrysum herniarioides LC

Helichrysum lucilioides LC

Helichrysum nudifolium LC

Helichrysum pentzioides LC

Helichrysum pumilio LC

Helichrysum subglomeratum LC

Helichrysum zeyheri LC

Hirpicium echinus LC

Ifloga glomerata LC

Ifloga molluginoides LC

Kleinia longiflora LC

Laggera decurrens LC

Lasiopogon glomerulatus LC

Lasiospermum bipinnatum LC

Leysera tenella LC

Nidorella resedifolia LC

Nolletia ciliaris LC

Nolletia gariepina LC

Oncosiphon piluliferus LC

Osteospermum armatum LC

Osteospermum calendulaceum LC

Osteospermum leptolobum LC

Osteospermum microphyllum LC

Osteospermum muricatum LC

Osteospermum rigidum LC

Osteospermum spinescens LC

Othonna auriculifolia LC

Othonna lasiocarpa LC

Othonna lobata LC

Othonna sp. NE

Pegolettia retrofracta LC

Pentzia calcarea LC

Pentzia globosa LC


Pentzia incana LC

Pentzia lanata LC

Pentzia pinnatisecta LC

Pentzia spinescens LC

Pentzia viridis LC

Phymaspermum aciculare LC

Phymaspermum parvifolium LC

Psiadia punctulata LC

Pteronia erythrochaeta LC

Pteronia glauca LC

Pteronia mucronata LC

Pteronia sordida LC

Pteronia sp. NE

Pteronia unguiculata LC

Rosenia humilis LC

Senecio angustifolius LC

Senecio consanguineus LC

Senecio gariepiensis LC

Senecio harveianus LC

Senecio niveus LC

Senecio repandus LC

Senecio sisymbriifolius LC

Sonchus oleraceus * LC x

Symphyotrichum squamatum * LC

Tagetes minuta * NE x

Troglophyton capillaceum LC

Ursinia nana LC

Verbesina encelioides LC

Family Bignoniaceae

Rhigozum obovatum LC

Rhigozum trichotomum LC

Family Boraginaceae

Anchusa riparia LC

Ehretia alba LC

Ehretia rigida LC

Heliotropium ciliatum LC

Heliotropium curassavicum * NE

Heliotropium lineare LC

Lappula capensis LC

Trichodesma africanum LC

Family Brassicaceae

Brassica tournefortii * NE

Coronopus integrifolius LC

Coronopus sp. NE

Heliophila deserticola LC

Heliophila seselifolia LC

Heliophila trifurca LC

Lepidium africanum LC

Lepidium desertorum LC

Lepidium trifurcum LC

Matthiola sp. NE

Sisymbrium burchellii LC

Family Campanulaceae

Wahlenbergia androsacea LC


Wahlenbergia nodosa LC

Family Capparaceae

Boscia albitrunca LC NCNA

Boscia foetida LC NCNA

Cadaba aphylla LC

Family Caryophyllaceae

Dianthus namaensis LC NCNA

Herniaria erckertii LC

Scleranthus annuus * NE

Spergularia media * NE

Family Celastraceae

Maytenus undata LC

Putterlickia pyracantha LC

Putterlickia saxatilis LC GWCPE

Family Cleomaceae

Cleome angustifolia LC

Cleome gynandra LC

Cleome monophylla LC

Cleome rubella LC

Family Convolvulaceae

Convolvulus ocellatus LC

Convolvulus sagittatus LC

Cuscuta hyalina LC

Family Corbichoniaceae

Corbichonia decumbens LC

Family Crassulaceae

Adromischus trigynus LC NCNA

Cotyledon orbiculata LC NCNA

Cotyledon sp. NE NCNA

Crassula capitella LC NCNA

Crassula corallina LC NCNA

Crassula deltoidea LC NCNA

Crassula muscosa LC NCNA

Kalanchoe brachyloba LC NCNA

Kalanchoe rotundifolia LC NCNA

Tylecodon rubrovenosus LC NCNA

Family Cucurbitaceae

Acanthosicyos naudinianus LC

Citrullus lanatus LC

Coccinia rehmannii LC

Corallocarpus schinzii LC

Cucumis africanus LC

Cucumis myriocarpus LC

Cucumis sp. NE

Cucumis zeyheri LC

Kedrostis africana LC

Trochomeria debilis LC

Family Ebenaceae

Diospyros lycioides LC

Euclea crispa LC

Euclea undulata LC

Family Elatinaceae

Bergia anagalloides LC

Family Euphorbiaceae


Clutia heterophylla LC

Croton gratissimus LC

Euphorbia braunsii LC NCNA

Euphorbia crassipes LC NCNA

Euphorbia gariepina LC NCNA

Euphorbia inaequilatera LC NCNA

Euphorbia juttae LC NCNA

Euphorbia prostrata LC NCNA

Euphorbia rhombifolia LC NCNA

Euphorbia spinea LC NCNA

Euphorbia wilmaniae LC NCape NCNA

Family Fabaceae

Calobota cuspidosa LC GWCPE

Calobota spinescens LC

Crotalaria sphaerocarpa LC

Cullen biflora LC

Cullen tomentosum LC

Cyamopsis serrata LC

Indigastrum argyraeum LC

Indigofera alternans LC

Indigofera auricoma LC

Indigofera damarana LC

Indigofera heterotricha LC

Indigofera pechuelii LC

Indigofera sessilifolia LC

Indigofera sp. NE

Leobordea platycarpa LC

Lessertia annularis LC NCNA

Lessertia frutescens LC NCNA

Lessertia macrostachya LC NCNA

Lessertia pauciflora LC NCNA

Lessertia sp. NE

Listia marlothii LC

Listia minima DDT

Lotononis leptoloba LC NCape

Lotononis rabenaviana LC

Medicago laciniata LC

Melilotus indicus * LC x

Melolobium adenodes LC

Melolobium calycinum LC

Melolobium candicans LC

Melolobium macrocalyx LC

Melolobium microphyllum LC

Parkinsonia africana LC

Pomaria lactea LC

Prosopis glandulosa * NE x

Prosopis pubescens * NE

Prosopis sp. NE

Prosopis velutina * NE x

Ptycholobium biflorum LC

Rhynchosia totta LC

Senegalia mellifera LC

Senna italica LC

Tephrosia burchellii LC


Tephrosia dregeana LC

Vachellia erioloba LC

Vachellia haematoxylon LC

Vachellia karroo LC

Vachellia permixta LC

Wiborgia monoptera LC

Xerocladia viridiramis LC

Family Frankeniaceae

Frankenia pulverulenta LC

Family Gentianaceae

Sebaea pentandra LC

Family Geraniaceae

Monsonia angustifolia LC

Monsonia burkeana LC

Monsonia crassicaulis LC

Monsonia glauca LC

Monsonia luederitziana LC

Monsonia salmoniflora LC

Pelargonium minimum LC NCNA

Family Gisekiaceae

Gisekia africana LC

Gisekia pharnacioides LC

Family Kewaceae

Kewa salsoloides LC

Family Lamiaceae

Acrotome inflata LC

Leonotis pentadentata LC

Mentha longifolia LC

Ocimum americanum LC

Salvia disermas LC

Salvia namaensis LC

Salvia stenophylla LC

Salvia verbenaca * LC x

Stachys burchelliana LC

Stachys cuneata LC

Stachys hyssopoides LC

Stachys spathulata LC

Family Limeaceae

Limeum aethiopicum LC

Limeum arenicolum LC

Limeum argute-carinatum LC

Limeum fenestratum LC

Limeum myosotis LC

Limeum pterocarpum LC

Family Loasaceae

Kissenia capensis LC

Family Lophiocarpaceae

Lophiocarpus polystachyus LC

Family Loranthaceae

Septulina glauca LC

Tapinanthus oleifolius LC

Tapinanthus sp. NE

Family Malvaceae

Abutilon austro-africanum LC


Abutilon dinteri LC

Althaea ludwigii LC

Corchorus asplenifolius LC

Grewia flava LC

Hermannia abrotanoides LC

Hermannia auricoma LC

Hermannia bicolor LC

Hermannia burkei LC

Hermannia comosa LC

Hermannia desertorum LC

Hermannia erodioides LC

Hermannia gariepina LC

Hermannia leucantha LC

Hermannia marginata LC

Hermannia minutiflora LC

Hermannia modesta LC

Hermannia pulchella LC

Hermannia pulverata LC

Hermannia sp. NE

Hermannia spinosa LC

Hermannia tomentosa LC

Hibiscus aethiopicus LC

Hibiscus elliottiae LC

Hibiscus trionum LC

Malva aegyptia * NE

Malva parviflora * NE

Malva verticillata * NE

Melhania integra LC

Melhania rehmannii LC

Pavonia burchellii LC

Radyera urens LC

Family Meliaceae

Nymania capensis LC NCNA

Family Melianthaceae

Melianthus comosus LC

Family Menispermaceae

Antizoma miersiana LC

Cissampelos capensis LC

Family Moraceae

Ficus cordata LC

Family Neuradaceae

Grielum humifusum LC

Grielum sinuatum LC

Family Nyctaginaceae

Boerhavia cordobensis LC

Phaeoptilum spinosum LC

Family Oleaceae

Olea europaea LC NCNA

Family Oxalidaceae

Oxalis beneprotecta LC NCNA

Oxalis haedulipes LC NCNA

Oxalis lawsonii LC NCNA

Oxalis sp. NE NCNA

Oxalis stenoptera LC NCNA


Family Papaveraceae

Papaver sp. NE

Family Passifloraceae

Adenia repanda LC

Family Pedaliaceae

Harpagophytum procumbens LC ToPS

Pterodiscus sp. NE

Pterodiscus speciosus LC

Rogeria longiflora LC

Sesamum capense LC

Family Phrymaceae

Mimulus gracilis LC

Family Phyllanthaceae

Phyllanthus incurvus LC

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis LC

Phyllanthus parvulus LC

Family Plantaginaceae

Veronica anagallis-aquatica * NE

Family Plumbaginaceae

Dyerophytum africanum LC

Limonium dregeanum LC

Family Polygalaceae

Polygala leptophylla LC

Polygala pungens LC

Polygala seminuda LC

Polygala sp. NE

Family Polygonaceae

Fagopyrum esculentum * NE

Oxygonum alatum LC

Persicaria hystricula LC

Persicaria lapathifolia LC

Polygonum plebeium LC

Rumex lanceolatus LC

Family Portulacaceae

Talinum arnotii LC

Talinum caffrum LC

Talinum sp. NE

Talinum tenuissimum LC

Family Resedaceae

Oligomeris dipetala LC

Family Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus mucronata LC

Family Rosaceae

Potentilla supina * NE

Family Rubiaceae

Anthospermum rigidum LC

Galium sp. NE

Kohautia caespitosa LC

Kohautia cynanchica LC

Nenax microphylla LC

Family Rutaceae

Agathosma sp. NE

Clausena anisata LC

Family Salicaceae


Salix mucronata LC

Family Santalaceae

Lacomucinaea lineata LC

Thesium hystricoides LC

Thesium hystrix LC

Family Sapindaceae

Pappea capensis LC

Family Scrophulariaceae

Aptosimum albomarginatum LC

Aptosimum indivisum LC

Aptosimum marlothii LC

Aptosimum procumbens LC

Aptosimum spinescens LC

Buddleja glomerata LC

Chaenostoma halimifolium LC

Diascia runcinata LC NCNA

Diclis petiolaris LC

Gomphostigma virgatum LC

Hebenstretia cordata LC

Jamesbrittenia atropurpurea LC NCNA

Jamesbrittenia aurantiaca LC NCNA

Jamesbrittenia canescens LC NCNA

Jamesbrittenia integerrima LC NCNA

Jamesbrittenia sp. NE NCNA

Jamesbrittenia tysonii LC NCNA

Limosella africana LC

Limosella maior LC

Limosella sp. NE

Lyperia tristis LC

Manulea fragrans LC NCape NCNA

Manulea schaeferi LC NCNA

Nemesia fruticans LC NCNA

Nemesia hanoverica LC NCape NCNA

Nemesia sp. NE NCNA

Peliostomum leucorrhizum LC

Peliostomum origanoides LC

Selago albida LC

Selago centralis LC

Selago densiflora LC

Selago divaricata LC

Selago geniculata LC

Selago mixta LC

Selago saxatilis LC

Selago sp. LC

Sutera griquensis LC

Zaluzianskya diandra LC


Family Solanaceae

Lycium arenicola LC

Lycium bosciifolium LC

Lycium cinereum LC

Lycium hirsutum LC

Lycium horridum LC

Lycium oxycarpum LC

Lycium pilifolium LC

Lycium pumilum LC

Lycium schizocalyx LC

Nicotiana glauca * NE x

Nicotiana longiflora * NE

Physalis angulata " NE x

Solanum burchellii LC

Solanum capense LC

Solanum namaquense LC

Solanum sp. NE

Solanum triflorum * NE x

Withania somnifera LC

Family Tamaricaceae

Tamarix usneoides LC

Family Thymelaeaceae

Lasiosiphon polycephalus LC

Family Urticaceae

Forsskaolea candida LC

Family Vahliaceae

Vahlia capensis LC

Vahlia sp. NE

Family Verbenaceae

Chascanum garipense LC

Chascanum pinnatifidum LC

Chascanum pumilum LC

Lantana rugosa LC

Lippia javanica LC

Verbena litoralis * NE

Family Zygophyllaceae

Fagonia isotricha LC

Roepera incrustata LC

Roepera lichtensteiniana LC

Roepera microphyllum LC

Roepera pubescens LC

Tetraena chrysopteron LC

Tetraena microcarpa LC

Tetraena retrofracta LC

Tetraena rigida LC

Tetraena simplex LC


Tribulus cristatus LC

Tribulus terrestris LC

Tribulus zeyheri LC

Zygophyllum dregeanum LC

Zygophyllum sp. NE

ANGIOSPERMS: MONOCOTS

Family Amaryllidaceae

Ammocharis coranica LC NCNA

Brunsvigia radulosa LC NCNA

Haemanthus humilis LC NCNA

Nerine laticoma LC NCNA

Family Asparagaceae

Asparagus bechuanicus LC

Asparagus capensis LC

Asparagus exuvialis LC

Asparagus glaucus LC

Asparagus mucronatus LC

Asparagus retrofractus LC

Asparagus striatus LC

Asparagus suaveolens LC

Family Asphodelaceae

Aloe claviflora LC NCNA

Aloe hereroensis LC NCNA

Aloe sp. NE NCNA

Aloidendron dichotomum VU A3ce ToPS

Bulbine abyssinica LC NCNA

Bulbine frutescens LC NCNA

Gonialoe variegata LC NCNA

Haworthia nigra LC NCNA

Trachyandra acocksii LC NCNA

Trachyandra karrooica LC NCNA

Trachyandra laxa LC NCNA

Family Colchicaceae

Colchicum albomarginatum LC NCape NCNA

Colchicum asteroides LC NCape NCNA

Colchicum melanthoides LC NCNA

Ornithoglossum dinteri LC

Ornithoglossum vulgare LC

Family Cyperaceae

Cyperus fulgens LC

Cyperus indecorus LC

Cyperus laevigatus LC

Cyperus marginatus LC

Cyperus marlothii LC

Cyperus sp. NE

Isolepis setacea LC

Schoenoplectus leucanthus LC

Schoenoplectus muricinux LC

Family Hyacinthaceae

Albuca cooperi LC

Albuca dyeri LC

Albuca namaquensis LC


Albuca prasina LC

Albuca seineri LC

Albuca virens LC

Dipcadi bakerianum LC

Dipcadi gracillimum LC

Dipcadi papillatum LC

Dipcadi viride LC

Drimia fasciata LC

Drimia intricata LC

Drimia physodes LC

Drimia sp. NE

Lachenalia dasybotrya LC NCape NCNA

Lachenalia karooica LC NCNA

Ledebouria apertiflora LC

Ledebouria cooperi LC

Ledebouria undulata LC

Ornithogalum flexuosum LC NCNA

Ornithogalum nannodes LC NCNA

Family Iridaceae

Babiana hypogaea LC NCNA

Freesia andersoniae LC NCNA

Gladiolus orchidiflorus LC NCNA

Gladiolus permeabilis LC NCNA

Lapeirousia plicata LC NCNA

Moraea cookii LC NCNA

Moraea falcifolia LC NCNA

Moraea pallida LC NCNA

Moraea polystachya LC NCNA

Moraea simulans LC NCNA

Moraea venenata LC NCNA

Syringodea bifucata LC NCNA

Syringodea concolor LC NCNA

Tritonia karooica LC NCape NCNA

Family Poaceae

Agrostis lachnantha LC

Anthephora pubescens LC

Aristida adscensionis LC

Aristida congesta LC

Aristida diffusa LC

Aristida meridionalis LC

Aristida stipitata LC

Aristida vestita LC

Bothriochloa insculpta LC

Brachiaria marlothii LC

Brachiaria nigropedata LC

Bromus pectinatus LC

Bromus sp. NE

Cenchrus ciliaris LC

Centropodia glauca LC

Chloris virgata LC

Coelachyrum yemenicum LC

Cymbopogon pospischilii LC

Digitaria eriantha LC

Digitaria sanguinalis LC


Digitaria sp. NE

Echinochloa colona LC

Echinochloa crus-galli LC

Echinochloa jubata LC

Ehrharta ramosa LC

Eleusine coracana LC

Enneapogon cenchroides LC

Enneapogon desvauxii LC

Enneapogon scaber LC

Enneapogon scoparius LC

Eragrostis annulata LC

Eragrostis barrelieri LC

Eragrostis bicolor LC

Eragrostis biflora LC

Eragrostis brizantha LC

Eragrostis cilianensis LC

Eragrostis curvula LC

Eragrostis cylindriflora LC

Eragrostis echinochloidea LC

Eragrostis homomalla LC

Eragrostis lehmanniana LC

Eragrostis macrochlamys LC

Eragrostis mexicana * NE

Eragrostis nindensis LC

Eragrostis obtusa LC

Eragrostis porosa LC

Eragrostis procumbens LC

Eragrostis rotifer LC

Eragrostis sp. NE

Eragrostis trichophora LC

Eragrostis truncata LC

Eriochrysis pallida LC

Fingerhuthia africana LC

Hemarthria altissima LC

Heteropogon contortus LC

Leptochloa fusca LC

Lolium temulentum * NE x

Melica decumbens LC

Melinis repens LC

Merxmuellera sp. NE

Oropetium capense LC

Panicum coloratum LC

Panicum gilvum LC

Panicum impeditum LC

Panicum lanipes LC

Panicum maximum LC

Panicum schinzii LC

Paspalum dilatatum * NE

Paspalum distichum LC

Phalaris minor * NE

Polypogon monspeliensis * NE

Polypogon viridis LC

Puccinellia acroxantha LC

Schismus barbatus LC


Schmidtia kalahariensis LC

Schmidtia pappophoroides LC

Setaria incrassata LC

Setaria sp. NE

Setaria verticillata LC

Sorghum halepense * NE

Sporobolus coromandelianus LC

Sporobolus discosporus LC

Sporobolus fimbriatus LC

Sporobolus ioclados LC

Sporobolus nebulosus LC

Sporobolus nervosus LC

Sporobolus sp. NE

Stipagrostis anomala LC

Stipagrostis ciliata LC

Stipagrostis namaquensis LC

Stipagrostis obtusa LC

Stipagrostis uniplumis LC

Themeda triandra LC

Tragus berteronianus LC

Tragus racemosus LC

Tribolium uniolae LC

Tricholaena capensis LC

Tricholaena monachne LC

Triraphis purpurea LC

Urochloa panicoides LC

Family Potamogetonaceae

Zannichellia palustris LC

Family Ruscaceae

Eriospermum flagelliforme LC

Eriospermum porphyrium LC

Sansevieria aethiopica LC

Family Tecophilaeaceae

Cyanella lutea LC NCNA

TOTAL 731 20 149 13

Conservation Status

DDT = Data Deficient (Taxonomy Uncertain)

LC = Least Concern

NE = Not Evaluated


VU = Vulnerable

Endemism

GWCPE = Griqualand West Centre of Plant Endemism

Protection Status

NCNA = Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act of 2009

ToPS = National Environment Management Act: Biodiversity (Threatened and

Protected Species)


APPENDIX 2. MAMMALS RECORDED FROM THE VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA (VIRTUAL MUSEUM)

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation

Status Source

Family: Macroscelididae (Sengis, Elephant Shrews)

Western Rock Sengi Elephantulus rupestris LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Round-eared Elephant Shrew Macroscelides proboscideus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Orycteropodidae (Aardvark)

Aardvark Orycteropus afer LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Procaviidae (Hyraxes)

Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis LC MammalMAP No. 19060

Family: Cercopithecidae (Old World Monkeys)

Vervet Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus pygerythrus LC MammalMAP No. 4042

Family: Bathyergidae (Mole-rats)

Common Mole-rat Cryptomys hottentotus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Hystricidae (Old World Porcupines)

Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Pedetidae (Springhare)

Springhare Pedetes capensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Sciuridae (Squirrels)

South African Ground Squirrel Xerus (Geosciurus) inauris LC MammalMAP No. 11537

Family: Gliridae (Dormice)

Spectacled Dormouse Graphiurus ocularis NT www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Family: Nesomyidae

Large-eared Mouse Malacothrix typica LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Pygmy Rock Mouse Petromyscus collinus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Brukkaros Pygmy Rock Mouse Petromyscus monticularis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Muridae (mice, rats, voles, gerbils, hamsters, etc.)

Namaqua Rock Rat Aethomys namaquensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Cape Short-eared Gerbil Desmodillus auricularis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Bushveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus leucogaster LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus paeba LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Southern Multimammate Mouse Mastomys coucha LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Bush Vlei Rat Otomys unisulcatus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Brants's Whistling Rat Parotomys brantsii LC Friedman & Daly, 2004


Littledale's Whistling Rat Parotomys littledalei NT www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Leporidae (rabbits, hares)

Cape Hare Lepus capensis LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Family: Erinaceidae (hedgehogs)

Southern African Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis NT Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Soricidae (shrews)

Reddish-grey Musk Shrew Crocidura cyanea LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Family: Vespertilionidae (vesper bats)

Lesueur's Hairy Bat Cistugo lesueuri LC www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Cape Serotine Neoromicia capensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Molossidae (molossid bats)

Egyptian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida aegyptiaca LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Nycteridae (slit-faced bats)

Egyptian Slit-faced Bat Nycteris thebaica LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats)

Geoffroy's Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus clivosus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Darling's Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus darlingi LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Felidae (cats)

Caracal Caracal caracal LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes VU Friedman & Daly, 2004

African Wild Cat Felis silvestris LC MammalMAP No. 11542

African Leopard Panthera pardus pardus VU Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Viverridae (civets, genets)

Small-spotted Genet Genetta genetta LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Herpestidae (mongooses)

Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Small Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta LC MammalMAP No. 11534

Slender Mongoose Galerella sanguinea LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Meerkat Suricata suricatta LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Hyaenidae (hyaenas)

Brown Hyena Parahyaena brunnea NT Friedman & Daly, 2004

Aardwolf Proteles cristatus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Canidae (dogs, foxes)

Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas LC MammalMAP No. 19082


Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis LC MammalMAP No. 11541

Cape fox Vulpes chama LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Mustelidae (mustelids)

African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis NT www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/

Striped Polecat Ictonyx striatus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Honey Badger Mellivora capensis LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Family: Bovidae (cattle, antelope, sheep, goats)

Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis LC MammalMAP No. 19058

Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi LC MammalMAP No. 3853

Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

Gemsbok Oryx gazella LC MammalMAP No. 11538

Steenbok Raphicerus campestris LC MammalMAP No. 19057

Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia LC Friedman & Daly, 2004

LC = Least Concern


VU = Vulnerable


APPENDIX 3. BIRD SPECIES RECORDED FROM THE VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA (SABAP2)

Common Name Scientific Name Pentads

FREQ 2955_2210 2955_2215 3000_2205 3000_2210

Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides 100 77.8 100 100 4

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus 22.2 100 2

Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala 100 44.4 2

Cape Penduline-tit Anthoscopus minutus 11.1 100 2

Little Swift Apus affinis 66.7 1

Common Swift Apus apus 11.1 1

Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi 11.1 1

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer 100 44.4 2

Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus 11.1 1

Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii 11.1 1

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori 11.1 1

Pririt Batis Batis pririt 22.2 100 2

Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus 55.6 100 2

Spotted Eagle-owl Bubo africanus 33.3 100 100 3

Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis 22.2 1

Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus 11.1 1

Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus 11.1 1

Fawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides 22.2 100 100 3

Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota 100 66.7 100 100 4

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena 11.1 1

Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris 100 66.7 100 100 4

Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata 11.1 1

Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac 50 100 2

Karoo Scrub-robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus 100 44.4 100 3

Kalahari Scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena 55.6 1

Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata 11.1 100 2

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris 100 11.1 100 3

Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata 100 66.7 100 100 4

Diderick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius 11.1 1

Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus 22.2 1

White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala 11.1 1

Black-chested Snake-eagle Circaetus pectoralis 22.2 1


Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus 33.3 1

Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla 11.1 1

White-backed Mousebird Colius colius 44.4 1

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea 100 66.7 100 3

Rock Dove Columba livia 22.2 1

Pied Crow Corvus albus 100 88.9 100 100 4

Cape Robin-chat Cossypha caffra 11.1 1

White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis 100 44.4 100 100 4

Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis 100 22.2 2

Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris 44.4 100 2

African Palm-swift Cypsiurus parvus 11.1 1

Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani 100 33.3 100 3

Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis 100 22.2 2

Black-eared Sparrowlark Eremopterix australis 100 33.3 2

Grey-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis 100 44.4 100 3

Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii 66.7 100 2

Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides 100 11.1 2

Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus 33.3 1

Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris 11.1 1

Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata 100 77.8 100 3

Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula 100 77.8 100 3

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 33.3 1

Common (Southern) Fiscal Lanius collaris 100 55.6 2

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor 11.1 1

Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis 100 77.8 100 100 4

Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus 77.8 100 100 3

Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata 55.6 100 2

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis 100 55.6 2

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 11.1 1

Anteating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora 66.7 100 100 3

Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii 100 1

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris 11.1 1

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis 100 44.4 100 3

Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola 100 11.1 100 3

Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata 100 22.2 2

Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup 100 11.1 100 3

Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum 33.3 1


House Sparrow Passer domesticus 100 66.7 100 3

Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus 100 88.9 100 100 4

Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius 100 88.9 2

White-browed Sparrow-weaver Plocepasser mahali 55.6 1

Southern Masked-weaver Ploceus velatus 66.7 100 2

Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus 44.4 1

Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans 66.7 100 100 3

Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua 100 44.4 100 100 4

African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans 100 11.1 2

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea 11.1 1

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus 22.2 1

Black-headed Canary Serinus alario 100 1

Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens 100 22.2 2

Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris 50 100 2

Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri 100 11.1 100 100 4

Stark's Lark Spizocorys starki 100 22.2 2

Cape Turtle-dove Streptopelia capicola 88.9 1

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata 22.2 1

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis 33.3 1

Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens 100 11.1 2

South African Shelduck Tadorna cana 100 1

Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus 100 77.8 100 3

Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii 11.1 1

Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas 66.7 1

Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi 22.2 1

Barn Owl Tyto alba 11.1 1

African Hoopoe Upupa africana 22.2 1

Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus 11.1 100 2

Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus 11.1 1

Cape White-eye Zosterops virens 11.1 1

TOTAL 99 38 94 27 30

Numbers refer to SABAP2 reporting rates


APPENDIX 4. LIST OF HERPETOFAUNA RECORDED FROM THE

GENERAL VICINITY OF THE PROJECT AREA (VIRTUAL MUSEUM)

Scientific Name Common name

Co

nserv

ati

on

Sta

tus*

En

dem

ic

2922C

D#

Su

rro

un

din

g

QD

S$

Reptiles

Family Agamidae

Agama aculeata aculeata Common Ground Agama LC x

Agama anchietae Anchieta's Agama LC x

Agama atra Southern Rock Agama LC x

(near) x

Family Amphisbaenidae

Monopeltis infuscata Dusky Worm Lizard LC

Zygaspis quadrifrons Kalahari Dwarf Worm Lizard LC

Family Chamaeleonidae

Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis Common Flap-neck Chameleon LC x

Family Colubridae

Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater LC x

Dipsina multimaculata Dwarf Beaked Snake LC

Telescopus beetzii Beetz's Tiger Snake LC x

Karusasaurus polyzonus Karoo Girdled Lizard LC x

(near) x

Family Elapidae

Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus Coral Shield Cobra LC

Elapsoidea sundevallii media Highveld Garter Snake LC

Naja nigricincta woodi Black Spitting Cobra LC x

Naja nivea Cape Cobra LC

Family Gekkonidae

Chondrodactylus angulifer angulifer Common Giant Ground Gecko LC x x

Chondrodactylus bibronii Bibron's Gecko LC x x

Pachydactylus capensis Cape Gecko LC x

Pachydactylus latirostris Quartz Gecko LC x x

Pachydactylus mariquensis Quartz Gecko LC x

Pachydactylus purcelli Purcell's Gecko LC x

Pachydactylus rugosus Common Rough Gecko LC x

Ptenopus garrulus maculatus Spotted Barking Gecko LC x x

Family Lacertidae

Heliobolus lugubris Bushveld Lizard LC x

Meroles suborbitalis Spotted Desert Lizard LC

Nucras tessellata Western Sandveld Lizard LC x

Pedioplanis inornata Plain Sand Lizard LC x

Pedioplanis laticeps Karoo Sand Lizard LC x

Pedioplanis lineoocellata lineoocellata Spotted Sand Lizard LC x

Pedioplanis lineoocellata pulchella Spotted Sand Lizard LC x

(near)

Pedioplanis namaquensis Namaqua Sand Lizard LC x

Family Lamprophiidae

Boaedon capensis Brown House Snake LC x x

Prosymna sundevallii Sundevall's Shovel-snout LC

Psammophis namibensis Namib Sand Snake LC x

Psammophis notostictus Karoo Sand Snake LC x

Family Scincidae

Acontias gracilicauda Thin-tailed Legless Skink LC x


Acontias lineatus Striped Dwarf Legless Skink LC x

Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink LC x

Trachylepis occidentalis Western Three-striped Skink LC x

Trachylepis sparsa Karasburg Tree Skink LC x

Trachylepis spilogaster Kalahari Tree Skink LC x

Trachylepis sulcata sulcata Western Rock Skink LC x

Trachylepis variegata Variegated Skink LC x

Family Testudinidae

Psammobates tentorius verroxii Verrox's Tent Tortoise LC x x

Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise LC x x

Family Typhlopidae

Rhinotyphlops lalandei Delalande's Beaked Blind Snake LC x

Rhinotyphlops schinzi Schinz's Beaked Blind Snake LC

Family Viperidae

Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder LC x

Bitis caudalis Horned Adder LC

Amphibians

Family Bufonidae

Poyntonophrynus vertebralis Southern Pygmy Toad LC

Sclerophrys gutturalis Guttural Toad LC x

Vandijkophrynus gariepensis gariepensis Karoo Toad (subsp. gariepensis) LC x

Family Pipidae

Xenopus laevis Common Platanna LC

Family Pyxicephalidae

Amietia delalandii Delalande's River Frog LC x

Amietia fuscigula Cape River Frog LC x

Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco LC x x

Pyxicephalus adspersus Giant Bull Frog NT

Tomopterna cryptotis Tremelo Sand Frog LC x

Tomopterna tandyi Tandy's Sand Frog LC x

LC = Least Concern



APPENDIX 5. CV OF REPORT AUTHOR

Name : Warren Lee McCleland Profession : Terrestrial Ecologist Date of Birth : 7 Sep 1972 Name of Firm : ECOREX Consulting Ecologists cc Position in Firm : Sole Member Years with firm : 11 Nationality : South African Qualifications :

• N.Dip. [Nature Conservation]

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

1993

Membership in Professional Societies:

• South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Reg.No.003973)

• South African Association of Botanists

• International Association for Impact Assessment (SA)

Languages : Speaking Reading Writing English (home): Excellent Excellent Excellent Afrikaans: Good Good Good isiZulu: Good Fair Fair siSwati: Fair Poor Poor

Countries of Work Experience : Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya

Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

OVERVIEW OF EXPERIENCE

• 15 years experience in conducting baseline surveys, data analysis and report writing in various

biomes in southern and tropical Africa, particularly savannah, forest and grassland biomes.

• 5 years experience game reserve management (KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga)

• Co-author of acclaimed Field Guide to Trees and Woody Shrubs of Mpumalanga &

Kruger National Park, Jacana Publishers, 2002.

• Specialist knowledge of identification of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs.

• Experience in reporting according to IFC Performance Standards for numerous international

projects in Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Guinea,

Tanzania, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique and Zambia.

• Accredited with the discovery of a number of new plant species, most notably Gladiolus

diluvialis Goldblatt & Manning (Fish River Canyon, Namibia), Streptocarpus sekhukhuniensis

ms (Stoffberg, Mpumalanga – manuscript currently being edited) and Barleria lebomboensis

Darbyshire, McCleland & Froneman (Lebombo Mts, Swaziland).

• 2014 Recipient of the Marloth Medal from the Botanical Society of South Africa for co-

authoring the Kruger tree field guide.

Employment Record:

2005 - present ECOREX Consulting Ecologists CC Ecologist; Sole Member 2001 - 2005 Lawson’s Birding Tours Specialist Guide 2000 - 2001 Escarpment Ecological Consultants cc Founder Director 1996 – 2000 Crystal Springs Game Reserve Reserve Manager 1995 Mutemwa Lodge, western Zambia Lodge manager, guide 1993 - 1994 Natal Parks Board Cadet field ranger


SELECTED RECENT PROJECTS & EXPERIENCE

2014Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact

Assessment for Kalana Gold Mine, Yanfolila

Epoch Resources – Fanie Coetzee

([email protected])


Assessment for Fekola Gold Mine, Fedougou


([email protected])

Republic of

Guinea2012

Review of Specialist Studies conducted for an EIA

for an aluminium mine near Bel-Air, in Bofa

Prefecture.


([email protected])

Sierra Leone 2011Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact

Assessment for Marampa Iron Ore Mine, LunsarSRK (U.K.) - Nicola Rump ([email protected])

Tanzania 2011

Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact

Assessment for Mkuju River Uranium Project,

Selous Game Reserve, Songea


([email protected])

Angola 2013Biodiversity Management Plan for the raising of

the Cambambe Dam wall, Kwanza River, Dondo

ERM – Jessica Hughes

([email protected])


Assessment for Pumpi Copper Mine, Kolwezi


([email protected])

2013Biodiversity Assessment of selected wetland

habitats, Kamoa Copper Mine, Kolwezi

Wetland Consulting Services – Gary

Marneweck ([email protected])

2009-2011


Assessment for Kinsevere Copper Mine,

Lubumbashi

Knight Piesold - Amelia Briel

([email protected])

2008Biodiversity Baseline Study for Ulindi Hydropower

Scheme, Itombwe Mts, Kivu South


([email protected])

2015Terrestrial Ecology Survey of sugar mill site,

Ethco, DwangwaERM - Rachel Conti ([email protected])

2010Terrestrial Ecology Survey of Kanyika Uranium

Mine, Kasungu

Synergistics - Bronwyn Williams

([email protected])

2016


Assessment for an onshore gas pipeline,

Inhassoro, Inhambane province


([email protected])

2015Critical Habitat Assessment for coastal dry forest

in Palma District, Cabo Delgado province

Enviro-Insight - Luke Verburgt (luke@enviro-

insight.co.za)

2015Biodiversity Baseline Study for a Regional ESIA of

Seismic Exploration blocks, SASOL, InhassoroGolder - Warren Aken ([email protected])

2014


Assessment for a coastal road between Pemba

and Palma, Cabo Delgado province


([email protected])

2013Biodiversity Monitoring Plan for Benga Coal Mine,

Moatize

Rio Tinto - Isaac Ndlovu

([email protected])

2012

Biodiversity Baseline Study and Action Plan for

the Muanza Quarry, Gorongosa NP, Sofala

province

Nepid Consultants – Dr Rob Palmer

[email protected])

2011

Terrestrial Ecology component of the Biodiversity

Study for the Four Dams Project (Corumana Dam,

Gorongosa Dam, Metuchira Weir, Ressano Weir),

Maputo and Sofala provinces

Austral-Cowi - Jacob Ulrich

([email protected])

Namibia 2009Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact

Assessment for Neckartal Dam, Keetmanshoop


([email protected])

2013

Faunal Baseline Study and Impact Assessment

for Riemvasmaak Hydro-electric Scheme,

Augrabies Falls NP

Aurecon - Nelis Bezuidenhout

([email protected])

2010


Assessment for Hoogland Chrome Mine,

Steenkampsberg Mts, Mpumalanga

Metago Environmental Engineers - Hylton

Allison ([email protected])

2010

Assessment of the status of Pelargonium

sidoides and harvesting potential in Lesotho and

South Africa

South African National Biodiversity Institute -

Domitilla Raimondo ([email protected])


Assessment for Ethemba Dam, Hlatikulu

Knight Piesold - Neal Neervoort

([email protected])

Biodiversity Value Assessment for the Mhlumeni

Community Conservation land, SitekiRod de Vletter ([email protected])

2015Botanical survey for ESIA for Ngonye Falls

Hydropower Project, Zambezi River, Senanga

Ecotone - Michiel Jonker (michiel@ecotone-

sa.co.za)

2013


Assessment for Mulungushi Hydropower Project,

Kabwe

ERM – Zoe Daniels ([email protected])


Assessment for Lumwana Copper Mine, Solwezi


([email protected])

Zimbabwe 2011Biodiversity Baseline Study and Impact

Assessment for Bokai Platinum Mine, Gweru

Epoch Resources - Fanie Coetzee

([email protected])

Zambia

West Africa

Southern and South-central Africa

South Africa

Mali

East Africa

Swaziland 2014

Democratic

Republic of

the Congo

Mozambique

Malawi


PUBLICATIONS Books Schmidt, E., Lötter, M.C. & McCleland, W.L. 2002. Field Guide to Trees and Woody Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park. Jacana Publishers, Houghton. Peer-reviewed Journals Darbyshire, I., McCleland, W.L. & Froneman, W. 2017. Barleria lebomboensis (Acanthaceae), an endangered new species from the Lebombo Mountains of Swaziland. Phytotaxa 323(2):173-181. Cheek, M., Lawrence, P. & McCleland, W.L. 2018. Cola dorrii sp. nov. (Sterculiaceae) a threatened Maputaland Forest endemic of South Africa. Kew Bulletin 73(2). McCleland, W.L. & Massingue, A. 2018. New populations and a conservation assessment of Ecbolium hastatum Vollesen. Bothalia 48(1). Manning J., Goldblatt, P., McCleland, W.L. & Wightman, N. 2019. Zygotritonia atropurpurea (Iridaceae: Crocoideae), a new local endemic species from northern Zambia of this small tropical African genus. South African Journal of Botany 124:20-22.

DECLARATION

I declare that the particulars above are accurate and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SIGNATURE: DATE: 11 August 2019

Documents

Orion Graspan Prospecting Project - SAHRIS | SAHRA · the co-author of the “Field Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park” published in 2002, and is currently