Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
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PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY
SCAN FOR THE PROPOSED WAREHOUSE AND
OFFICE DEVELOPMENT SITUATED ON PTN 10
(of 2) OF ERF 6807, PINETOWN,
KWAZULU-NATAL
Compiled for Royal HaskoningDHV by:
Mr. C.L.COOK (MSc. Zool.) Pr.Sci.Nat. 400084/08∗
Specialist Faunal/Ecological Consultant
Cell No. 082 688 9585
___________________________________________________________________
SUBMITTED: 31st AUGUST 2012
∗ DWA accredited to undertake wetland and riparian delineation 2008
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1. INTRODUCTION
Background
The project involves a proposed office and warehouse development on portion 10 (of
2) of Erf 6807, Pinetown. The site is situated along Sprite Road within the industrial
section of Pinetown, approximately 20 kilometres to the north of Durban. The site is
accessed from the M1. The proposed office and warehouse developments are
situated within an existing transformed platform adjacent to existing offices and
warehouse developments. The project involves the destruction of existing offices,
workshop and warehouses and rebuilding of new offices, work shop and
warehouses. The size of the site is 31605 m2 in extent with the proposed
development footprint of the new warehouse being 1 100m-2 and office development
being 620 m2 as well as open entertainment area of 50m2.
Royal HaskoningDHV as an Independent Environmental Practitioner appointed Mr C.
L. Cook to provide a basic description of the ecology or current habitat integrity of the
proposed site and to provide appropriate management recommendations for the
proposed development.
The assignment is interpreted as follows: Determine the current ecological status
of the office, workshop and warehouse site (henceforth called the Sprite Road site)
and the ecological impacts of the proposed development on the immediate
environment and provide appropriate mitigatory measures for the potential
disturbances on the site and immediately adjacent area. In order to compile the
report the following had to be done:
Initial preparations:
• Obtain all relevant maps including aerial photographs (Google images) of the
proposed site and information on the natural environment around the proposed
Sprite road site (approximately 500m).
• Preliminary site investigation (15th August 2012) to assess the current
environmental status of the proposed site with special emphasis on the remaining
natural habitats within and immediately adjacent to the proposed Sprite road site.
• Identify problematic areas which require immediate attention as well as
management, e.g. stormwater management, erosion, degraded areas,
reclamation areas, alien vegetation.
• Make management recommendations for the current impacts as well as the
proposed development especially pertaining to any remaining natural habitats.
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1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL SURVEY/ HABITAT
ASSESSMENT
• To provide a basic description of the vegetation and fauna occurring around
the proposed Sprite road site.
• To provide a description of any threatened plant or animal (mammals, birds,
reptiles and amphibians) occurring or likely to occur around the proposed
Sprite road site and immediate surrounding areas.
• To describe the available habitats on site including areas of important
conservation value or areas most likely to form important habitat for remaining
threatened plant and animal species.
• To determine potential impacts of the proposed office and warehouse
development on the immediate environment as well as the associated
vegetation and fauna.
• To provide management recommendations to mitigate negative and enhance
positive impacts of the proposed office, workshop and warehouse
development.
1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY
• An initial ecological survey or sensitivity scan documenting the dominant
vegetation on the site and recording sightings and/or evidence of present
fauna.
• An assessment of the ecological habitats, evaluating conservation importance
and significance with special emphasis on the current status of threatened
plant and animal species (Red Data Species), within the proposed site and
adjacent areas.
• Literature investigations with which to augment field data were necessary.
• Identification of potential ecological impacts that could occur as a result of the
office and warehouse development and assess the significance of these,
where possible.
• Investigate feasible and practical management recommendations that should
be implemented to reduce or minimize the impacts, should the project be
approved.
• Documentation of the findings of the study in a report.
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1.3 CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS OF SHORT DURATION ECOLOGICAL
SURVEYS
• Limitation to a base-line ecological survey for only 4 hours during the
late/winter months (August 2012).
• As the proposed Sprite road site is situated within an industrial environment
the majority of habitats on and surrounding the site have already been
completely transformed.
• The majority of the riparian vegetation along the Umbilo River has been
transformed or severely degraded as well as in-filling of the macro-channel
banks.
• Access to the Umbilo River is restricted due to existing security fences.
• The majority of animal species are extremely seasonal only emerging after
sufficient heavy early summer rainfall (October-November). No
comprehensive faunal surveys have been conducted on the site.
• Limitation of historic data and available databases for the Port Edward area.
• The presence of threatened species on site is assessed mainly on habitat
availability and suitability as well as desk research (literature, personal
records) and previous surveys conducted in similar habitats between 1999-
2011).
2. METHODOLOGY
A survey of the Sprite Road office, workshop and warehouse site and immediate
surrounding areas was carried out by driving around the surrounding areas by car
and closer inspection of the actual office and warehouse sites carried out on foot.
The proposed development footprint is situated within an existing transformed
development platform adjacent to several existing warehouse, workshop, office and
parking bays. The site is situated adjacent to existing primary access roads as well
as industrial activities and the majority of natural vegetation consisting of Kwazulu-
Natal Coastal Belt (CB 3) (Mucina et al. 2006) has already been completely
transformed or heavily degraded through illegal dumping activities as well as
extensive alien vegetation invasion. The site was visited predominantly during
daylight hours (12h00-14h00) on the 15th of August 2012.
It must be stressed that due to time and financial constraints no comprehensive
vegetation or faunal surveys were undertaken during the brief ecological/sensitivity
scan. Data was heavily supplemented by literature investigations; personal records,
historic data and previous surveys conducted in the Pinetown area. A preliminary
assessment of the status, spatial requirements and habitat preferences of all priority
faunal species occurring; or likely to occur, in the proposed 2930DD quarter degree
grid cell (QDGC). For certain species, an estimate of the expected or historical
distribution for the area could be extrapolated from published information and
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
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unpublished reports, while habitat and spatial requirements were generally derived
from the literature. For other species, little of this information was readily available
and conservation targets remain speculative. Species assessments will be updated
when additional data (SABAP2, SAFAP and Frogmap, SARCA) becomes available
and where appropriate, proposed conservation targets will be revised.
The vegetation literature search was undertaken utilising The Vegetation of South
Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina & Rutherford 2006) for the vegetation
description as well as National Red List of Threatened Plants of South Africa
(Raimondo et al, 2009). Mammal names are as used by Skinner and Chimimba
(2005), Bird names by Hockey, Dean & Ryan (2006); Reptile names by Branch
(1998) and Amphibian names by Carruthers & Du Preez (2009).
3.1 STUDY AREA
The proposed office and warehouse development is situated within the existing
industrial site on Sprite Road; approximately 2o kilometres to the north of Durban
(see Figure 1 locality map). The site falls within the Kwazulu-Natal Coastal Belt (CB
3) vegetation unit (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). The Kwazulu-Natal Coastal Belt
vegetation unit is distributed along the coastal strip of Kwazulu-Natal from near
Mtunzini in the north, via Durban to Margate and just short of Port Edward in the
south.
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Figure1. A Garmap and Google image TM of the proposed Sprite Road office and
warehouse development situated within the existing industrial site.
Figure2. The proposed Sprite road office and warehouse site is situated within
completely transformed Kwazulu-Natal Coastal Belt (CB 3) (Mucina et al. 2006).
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
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Vegetation and Landscape Features
Highly dissected undulating coastal plains which presumably used to be covered to a
great extent with various types of subtropical coastal forests (Southern Coastal
Forest). Some primary grassland dominated by Red Grass (Themeda triandra) still
occurs in hilly, high-rainfall areas where pressure from natural fire and grazing
regimes prevailed. At present the Kwazulu-Natal Coastal Belt is effected by an
intricate mosaic of very extensive sugar cane fields, banana plantations, timber
plantations and coastal holiday resorts, with interspersed secondary Aristida
grasslands, thickets and pockets of coastal thornveld (Mucina et al. 2006).
Figure3. The proposed office and warehouse development is situated within an
existing industrial site. A: The site is situated within an existing warehouse and
office site and the development platform has been levelled and compacted with
gravel. B: The proposed office site will require the in-cutting of a platform within the
transformed hillslope. The hillslopes are totally transformed and dominated by the
alien invasive Saligna Gum (Eucalyptus saligna*) as well as Sword Fern
(Nephrolepis exalta*). C: The proposed warehouse site is situated adjacent to
existing workshops in a completely transformed environment. D: The proposed
warehouse is situated adjacent to the Umbilo River and riparian zone. The Umbilo
River has been heavily impacted on by surrounding industrial activities including
riparian zone and in-stream habit degradation and transformation as well as
alteration of the natural hydrological regime.
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The vegetation of the proposed site is completely transformed into the existing site as
well as adjacent alien invaded hillslopes. A few scattered indigenous as well as
exotic trees occur around the site mainly for provision of parking shade.
The Umbilo River is situated on the western boundary of the site. The macro-channel
banks have been in-filled during the previous construction of the site. The riparian
vegetation along the effected stretch of the Umbilo River is becoming extensively
degraded due to heavy infestations of alien invasive plant and tree species. Remnant
patches of Mitzeeri (Bridelia micrantha); Red Beach (Protorhus longifolia), Common
Coral Tree (Erythrina lysistemon), Umdoni or Waterberry (Syzigium cordatum), Red
Currant (Searsia chiridensis), Coast Currant (Searsia nebulosa), Common Wild
Currant (Searsia pyroides), Wild Plum (Harpephylum caffrum), White Stinkwood
(Celtis africana), Broad-pod Robust Thorn (Acacia robusta subsp. robusta) occur
along the riparian zone of the Umbilo River.
Figure4. Dominant indigenous riparian vegetation along the section of the
Umbilo River included: A: Umdoni or Waterberry (Syzigium cordatum); B: Natal
Mahogany (Trichilia emetica); C: Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai) D: Mitzeeri
(Bridelia micrantha); E: Common Coral Tree (Eryrthrina lysistemon) and F: Red
Beach (Protorhus longifolia).
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Figure5: A conglomerate of photographs displaying the dominant alien
invasive vegetation observed on the site. A: Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans*)
Category 1 Weed; B: Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius*) Category 1
Weed; C: Invading Ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides*) Category 1 Weed; D: Sword
Fern (Nephrolepis exalta∗); E: Arrow-head Vine (Sygnonium podophyllum*) Category
1b Weed and F: Indian Shot (Canna indica*) Category 1 Weed.
Alien invasive vegetation recorded around the site especially within the
riparian zone of the Umbilo River included Acacia baileyana* Acacia mearnsii*,
Ageratum conyzoides*, Arundo dona*x, Caesalpinia decapetala*, Campuloclinium
macrocephalum*, Chromolaena odorata*, Eucalyptus saligna*, Ipomoea indica*,
Ipomoea purpurea*, Lantana camar*a, Leucaena leucocephala*, Lingustrum
vulgare*, Nephrolepis exalta, Psidium guajava*, Melia azedarach*, Mimosa pigra*,
Ricinus communis*, Schinus terebinthifloius*, Senna didymobotrya*, Solanum
mauritianum*, Tithonia diversifolia*, Tecoma stans*.
∗ Alien invasive vegetation according to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No.43 of 1983).
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Geology and Soils
Ordovician Natal Group sandstone, Dwyka tillite, Ecca shale and Mapumulo gneiss
dominate the landscapes of the Kwazulu-Natal Coastal Belt. Weathering of the old
dunes has produced the red sand, called the Berea Red Sand in places. The soils
supported by the above-mentioned rocks are shallow over hard sandstones and
deeper over younger, softer rocks. The soils on the site have been heavily
compacted during previous industrial activities. Large amounts of silt and sediments
are transported into the Umbilo River from heavily eroded macro-channel banks as
well as poorly vegetated hillslopes. Large amounts of litter is washed into the river
and riparian zone.
Climate
Summer rainfall area but with some rain during winter. High air humidity and with no
incidence of frost. Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) is 989 mm.
Conservation
Kwazulu-Natal Coastal Belt (CB 3) is an Endangered vegetation unit with only a
small part statutorily conserve in Ngoye, Mbumazi and Vernon Crookes Nature
Reserves. About 50% is transformed for cultivation, urban sprawl and road-building.
Conservation target is 25% conserved (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
No rare or threatened plants were recorded within the transformed vegetation units of
the office and warehouse sites or are likely to occur within the adjacent transformed
hillslope areas surrounding the site. The Umbilo River and riparian zone must be
considered as a sensitive environment. No further activities are proposed within the
currently fenced-off riparian zone of the Umbilo River. The site offers no conservation
value except for the stretch of riparian vegetation along the Umbilo River. An alien
vegetation removal programme needs to be implemented in order to prevent further
infestations upstream and downstream from the site. No further developments should
be allowed within the riparian zone of the Umbilo River. No 32m buffer zone is
applicable due to the historic transformation of the present industrial site into a
compacted, levelled platform dominated by gravel parking areas, workshops, offices,
and fuel tanks.
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4. PRELIMINARY FAUNAL SURVEY
The preliminary faunal survey focused mainly on mammals, birds, reptiles and
amphibians of the proposed office park site. The survey focused on the current status
of threatened animal species occurring, or likely to occur within the study area,
describing the available and sensitive habitats, identifying potential impacts resulting
from the development and providing mitigation measures for the identified impacts.
Faunal data was obtained during a two day site visit of the proposed development
site carried out on foot on the 15th of August 2012. All animals (mammals (larger),
birds, reptiles and amphibians) seen or heard; were recorded. Use was also made of
indirect evidence such as nests, feathers and animal tracks (footprints, droppings) to
identify animals. Previous surveys conducted in the Pinetown QDGC (2930DD),
literature investigations; personal records and historic data heavily supplemented the
initial survey.
The literature search was undertaken utilising The Vegetation of South Africa,
Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina & Rutherford 2006) for the vegetation description.
The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion (Skinner & Chimiba 2005) and The
Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment
(Friedmann and Daly (editors) 2004) for mammals. Roberts-Birds of Southern Africa
VIIth ed. (Hockey, Dean and Ryan (editors) 2005) and The Escom Red Data Book of
Birds of South Africa (Barnes 2000) for avifauna (birds). A Complete Guide to the
Frogs of Southern Africa (du Preez & Carruthers 2009) and the The Atlas and Red
Data Book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Minter et al. 2004)
for amphibians. The Field Guide to the Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa
(Branch 2001) and South African Red Data Book- Reptiles and Amphibians (Branch
1988) for reptiles. The vegetation within and adjacent to the proposed office and
warehouse site has been completely transformed into the industrial centre which
offer limited habitat diversity for remaining faunal species.
Existing Impacts on the fauna on and surrounding the site included:
� The proposed office and warehouse site is situated mainly within existing
industrial and commercial activities which are dominated by completely
transformed vegetation, with limited habitat diversity.
� High levels of transformation due to previous industrial activities on the site.
This has resulted in impoverished habitats with limited faunal diversity.
� Existing industrial and commercial a as well as primary access roads occur
around the proposed site.
� Illegal hunting and poaching activities within the riparian zone of the Umbilo
River.
� Introduction of exotic and alien vegetation especially along the Umbilo River
on the western boundary of the site.
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4.1 AMPHIBIANS
Amphibians are an important component of South Africa’s exceptional biodiversity
(Siegfried 1989) and are such worthy of both research and conservation effort. This
is made additionally relevant by international concern over globally declining
amphibian populations, a phenomenon currently undergoing intensive investigation
but as yet is poorly understood (Wyman 1990; Wake 1991). Amphibians have
declined dramatically in many areas of the world. These declines seem to have
worsened over the past 25 years and amphibians are now more threatened than
either mammals or birds, though comparisons with other taxa are confounded by a
shortage of reliable data.
Most frogs have a biphasic life cycle, where eggs laid in water develop into tadpoles
and these live in the water until they metamorphose into juvenile fogs living on the
land. This fact, coupled with being covered by a semi-permeable skin makes frogs
particularly vulnerable to pollutants and other environmental stresses. Consequently
frogs are useful environmental bio-monitors (bio-indicators) and may acts as an early
warning system for the quality of the environment.
Breeding in African frogs is strongly dependent on rain, especially in the drier parts of
the country where surface water only remains for a short duration. The majority of
frog species in the Kwazulu-Natal Province can be classified as explosive breeders.
Explosive breeding frogs utilise ephemeral pans or inundated grasslands for their
short duration reproductive cycles.
As the survey was undertaken for less than a day during the winter months (August),
only a small proportion of species are present. Ideally, a herpetological survey should
be undertaken throughout the duration of the wet season (November-Mach). It is only
during this period that accurate frog species lists can be compiled. During this
survey; fieldwork was augmented with species lists compiled from personal records;
data from the South African Frog Atlas Project (SAFAP)(1999-2003) and published
data, and the list provided below is therefore regarded as likely to be fairly
comprehensive.
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Figure6. Frog species recorded or likely to occur within suitable habitat along
the Umbilo River include :A: Natal Tree Frog (Leptopelis natalensis); B: Painted
Reed Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus marmoratus); C: Common River Frog (Amietia
angolensis) and D: Bublling Kassina (Kassina senegalensis). Photographs are not of
individuals observed during site visit.
No frog species were recorded from the site due to extensive habitat transformation
on and surrounding the site. Low amphibian diversity is expected within the degraded
section of the Umbilo River. The Umbilo River on the western boundary of the site
offers suitable breeding habitat for certain frog species. Increase in deposition of silt
and nutrients into the river results in increased aquatic macrophytes (reeds) which
offer suitable breeding habitat for Painted Reed Frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus
marmoratus). Deterioration in water quality is expected within the Umbilo River due
to adjacent industrial activities.
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Table1. Frog species recorded on the actual site or are likely to occur on the site.
Actual species lists will most likely contain fewer species due to extensive habitat
destruction and degradation along the Umbilo River and riparian zone.
Common
Name
Scientific
Name
Status/
Distribution
Habitat
Common
River Frog
Amietia
angolensis
Common in
southern Africa.
Permanent and semi-
permanent rivers and pools
and backwaters.
Guttural
Toad
Amitophrynus
(Bufo) gutturalis
Common in
southern Africa
north of Gariep.
Permanent and semi-
permanent ponds and
backwaters.
Natal Tree
Frog
Leptopelis
natalensis
Common in
Kwazulu-Natal
Permanent and Seasonal
ponds situated in coastal
forest, sand forest or coastal
bushveld and occasionally
grassland
Greater
Leaf-
Folding
Frog
Afrixalus
fornasinii
Common along the
coast of Kwazulu-
Natal as far south
as Port Edward
Stagnant water bodies
containing large stands of
saw grass Cyperus
immensus and bulrushes
Typha capensis in Coastal
Bushveld-Grassland
Painted
Reed Frog
Hyperolius
marmoratus
marmoratus
Common along
Kwazulu-Natal
Coast
Reeds and other emergent
vegetation along a wide
variety of waterbodies
including pans and rivers
Water Lily
Frog
Hyperloius
pusillus
Common in the
low-lying coastal
areas (Eastern
Cape and
Kwazulu-Natal) but
further inland in the
southern parts of
Limpopo it is found
at higher altitudes.
Shallow pans, ponds, vleis
and dams with water lilies
(Nymphaea sp.) or at least
some floating vegetation.
Tinker
Reed Frog
Hyperolius
tuberilinguis
Common in the
Eastern parts of
Southern Africa
from Swaziland up
Reed beds on the periphery
of rivers or dense vegetation
surrounding seasonal pans
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to Port Edward
Bubbling
Kassina
Kassina
senegalensis
Common
throughout
Southern Africa
Grassy margins of seasonally
inundated pans as well as
dams
Snoring
Puddle
Frog
Phrynobatrchus
natalensis
Widely distributed
along the eastern
sections of
Southern Africa
Shallow to fairly deep water
in temporary pans and pools,
vleis, dams and even slow-
flowing streams
Natal Sand
Frog
Tompoterna
natalensis
Common species
in Kwazulu-Natal,
Mpumalanga,
Gauteng.
Streams, rivers or other
places where water flows
slowly but also in lothic or
standing water
Bronze
Caco
Cacosternum
nanum
Common species
in Kwazulu-Natal
Vleis, inundated grassland
and sedge pans, temporary
roadside pools and rock
puddles
Plaintive
Rain Frog
Breviceps
verrucosus
Eastern Parts of
South Africa
Terrestrial breeder with eggs
laid in moist leaf litter.
* recorded during brief survey
Threatened species
Several red listed frog species are known from the Durban-Pinetown (2930DD)
Quarter Degree Grid Cell (QDGC) including Pickersgill’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius
pickersgilli) Critically Endangered, Natal Kloof Frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi)
Endangered, Spotted Shovel-nose Frog (Hemisus guttatus) Vulnerable and Natal
Leaf-folding Frog (Afrixalus natalensis) Near-Threatened. No suitable habitat occurs
for the above-mentioned species along the degraded section of the Umbilo River.
The Umbilo River and riparian zone form critical habitat for remaining amphibian
species and should be adequately conserved and managed.
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4.2 REPTILES
Reptile lists require intensive surveys conducted for several years. Reptiles are
extremely secretive and difficult to observe during field surveys. The majority reptile
species are sensitive to severe habitat alteration and fragmentation. Due to the high
levels of habitat destruction and degradation within the study area due to the
surrounding industrial and commercial activities coupled with increased levels of
disturbances are all causal factors in the alteration of reptile species occurring on the
site and surrounding areas. As a result of human presence in the area as well as on
the site; coupled with extensive habitat destruction from industrial activities and high
levels of disturbances, alterations to the original reptilian fauna are expected to have
already occurred. Removal of large tree species during the clearing of stands for
industrial and commercial developments and dead trunks for firewood collection
destroys numerous habitats for many arboreal reptile species. Clearing of rock
material from industrial sites and for building materials destroys vital habitat for
numerous rupicolous reptile species including the Agamids, Cordylids, Geckonids
and Skinks. The majority of snake species hibernate in old tree trunks, termite
mounds or under suitable rocks. No major rocky outcrops or rock piles are found on
the site.
Indiscriminate killing of snake species occur all around human settlements and
especially within transformed habitats such as industrial and commercial sites. The
indiscriminate killing of all snake species results in the alteration of species
composition, with the disappearance of the larger and the more sluggish snake
species. One reptile species namely the Variable Skink (Trachylepis varia) was
observed on the proposed site. Low reptile diversity is expected from the transformed
areas on the site. The remnant patches of riparian vegetation along the Umbilo River
offer suitable habitat for arboreal reptiles such as Spotted Bush Snake and Flap-
necked Chameleons. A probable species list is provided in Table2 below.
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Table2: Reptile species that occur or are likely to occur in the study area due to
suitable habitat, and may therefore be present. Actual species lists will most likely
contain far fewer species due to high levels of habitat transformation.
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Cape Skink Trachylepis (Mabuya) capensis
Striped Skink Trachylepis (Mabuya) punctatissima
*Variable Skink Trachylepis (Mabuya) varia
Yellow-throated Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus flavigularis
Flap-Necked Chameleon Chamaeleo dilepis
Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus
Herald or Red-lipped Snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia
Green Mamba Dendroaspis angusticeps
Common or Rhombic Night Adder
Causus rhombeatus
Boomslang
Dispholidus typus
Spotted Bush Snake
Philothamnus senivariegatus
Common or Rhombic Egg Eater
Dasypeltis scabra
Dusky-Bellied Water Snake
Lycodonomorphus laevissimus
Brown Water Snake
Lycodonomorphus rufulus
Brown House Snake
Lamprophis fuliginosus
Green Water Snake
Philothamnus hoplogaster
Common Slug-eater
Duberria lutrix
Bibron’s Blind Snake
Typhlops bibronii
Cape and Eastern Thread Snake
Leptotyphlops conjunctus
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Peters’ Thread Snake
Leptotyphlops scutifrons
* recorded during brief field survey
Threatened Species
No threatened reptile species are likely to occur on the site or the immediate open
areas surrounding the site due to extensive habitat transformation and degradation.
Low reptile diversity is expected on the site as well as along the degraded section of
the Umbilo River. The Umbilo River and riparian zone form critical habitat for
remaining reptile species and should be adequately conserved and managed.
4.3 AVIFAUNA/BIRDS
Twenty eight (28) bird species were recorded during the brief field survey (total 4
hours). Species recorded during the field survey are common, widespread and
typical of a coastal riparian and industrial environment. The majority of bird species
were recorded within the riparian zone of the Umbilo River with numerous frugivorous
species feeding within the Mitzeeri (Bridelia micrantha) and Waterberry (Syzigium
cordatum).
Table 3: Bird species recorded during brief field survey (4hrs).
Roberts’
Number
Common name
Scientific Name
94 Hadedah Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
160 African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro
352 Red-Eyed Dove Stretopelia semitorquata
354 Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola
355 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
361 African Green-Pigeon Treron calvus
371 Purple-Crested Turaco Gallirex porphyreolophus
391 Burchell’s Coucal Centropus burchellii
424 Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
435 Brown-Hooded Kingfisher Halycon albiventris
464 Blackcollared Barbet Lybius torquatus
470 Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus
541 Fork-Tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii
545 Black-Headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus
548 Pied Crow Corvus albus
568 Dark-capped (Black-eyed) Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
577 Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus
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600 Red-Capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis
657 Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura
683 Tawny-Flanked Prinia Prinia flavicans
736 Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus
758 *Common Myna Acridothermes tristis
796 Cape White-Eye Zosterops pallidus
801 *House Sparrow Passer domesticus
814 Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus
815 Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius
840 African Firefinch Logonosticta rubicrata
857 Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata
Threatened species
Several threatened bird species have been recorded in the 2945_3050 pentad within
which the study area is situated. Species recorded during the sabap2 project include
African Crowned Eagle, Martial Eagle, Lanner Falcon and Spotted Ground Thrush.
No threatened bird species were recorded during the brief survey. The majority have
been excluded due to no suitable habitat on or surrounding the site. Certain
threatened species such as the African Crowned eagle could possibly utilise the
riparian zone along the Umbilo River for foraging purposes (Vervet Monkeys) but the
high levels of human activity surrounding the site reduces the likelihood. It is highly
unlikely that the site forms critical habitat for any threatened bird species. The Umbilo
River and riparian zone forms the most suitable habitat for birds in the area. No
further developments are proposed along the Umbilo River and riparian zone.
4.4 MAMMALS
No small mammal trapping was conducted. Fieldwork was augmented with previous
surveys in similar habitats as well as published data. The area was initially traversed
on foot to ascertain the presence of available refuges. No suitable refuges such as
burrows, artificially created rock piles, stumps were observed within the proposed
warehouse site. The majority of mammal species likely to occur around the
commercial and industrial areas are urban exploiters such as the House Rat and
House Mouse as well as feral cats. Vervet Monkeys were observed foraging adjacent
to the Umbilo River. Mammal species recorded within the study area as well as those
that may occur within the study area, on the basis of available distribution records
and known habitat requirement, are included in the Table 4 below.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
20
Table 4: Mammal species recorded during field survey. Species in bold were
recorded during the brief survey Identification was determined by visual observations
and animal tracks (footprints and droppings). Actual species lists will most likely
contain fewer species due to high levels of habitat destruction surrounding the site.
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus wahlbergi
Banana Bat Pipistrellus nanus
African Molerat Cryptomys hottentotus
Natal Multimammate Mouse Mastomys natalensis
*House mouse Mus musculus
*House Rat Rattus rattus
*Feral Cat Felis catus
Common Duiker
Sylvicapra grimmia
Blue Duiker Philantomba monticola
Bushbuck
Tragelaphus scriptus
Vervet Monkey
Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus
Slender Mongoose Galarella sanguinea
Water Mongoose
Atilax paludinosus
Cape Clawless Otter
Aonyx capensis
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21
Large-spotted Genet
Genetta tigrina
Porcupine
Hystrix africaeaustralis
* introduced species
Threatened species
No sensitive or endangered mammals were recorded within the study area. The
majority of larger mammal species are likely to have been eradicated or have moved
away from the area during the previous agricultural, commercial and industrial
developments. This is mainly a result of increased development pressure and human
disturbances such as hunting and poaching (wire snares), as well as habitat
alteration and degradation by vegetation clearance and frequent fires. Smaller
mammal species are extremely vulnerable to snares and poaching activities as well
as feral cats. It is highly unlikely that the proposed site constitutes significant habitat
for any threatened mammal species. The Umbilo River could potential offer suitable
foraging and dispersal areas for cape Clawless Otters and Marsh Mongoose. The
high levels of human activities along the river as well as primary access roads with
high vehicular traffic which bisect the river reduce the likelihood of significant
populations remaining.
CONCLUSION
At a local Pinetown scale the proposed site comprising of transformed habitats and
hillslope vegetation provides extremely limited suitable habitat for remaining animal
species and no suitable habitat for any threatened faunal species. Due to high levels
of human disturbance on the site and surrounding areas the majority of sensitive or
rare species have disappeared or found suitable habitat away from the site. The
proposed Sprite road site will have an impact of low; short-long term significance
on the remaining fauna (albeit extremely limited) if the majority of large indigenous
tree species are retained within the development. It is imperative that runoff from the
proposed office and warehouse development and adjacent roads and car parks are
adequately managed and the sewerage and waste water do not result in
deterioration of water quality for the adjacent Umbilo River. The section of the Umbilo
River on the western boundary requires the implementation of an alien vegetation
removal programme.
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22
5. SENSITIVE HABITAT OBSERVED ON OR
ADJACENT TO THE SITE
5.1 Umbilo River and associated riparian zone
Figure7. Preliminary sensitivity map for the proposed Sprite road site and
immediate adjacent areas. The proposed office site (blue rectangle) is situated
within transformed hillslopes with low sensitivity, the workshop (red square) is
situated within the old workshop site and gravel platform and the warehouse site
(orange rectangle) is situated within the footprint of an existing office site with no
conservation potential. The Umbilo River and riparian zone are considered as
sensitive habitats due to ecological and hydrological functioning (light green).
Adjacent areas consist of transformed hillslopes dominated by secondary grasslands
or alien invasive vegetation (Eycalyptus grandis*- Nephrolepis exalta*).
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
23
Riparian habitats, also known as riparian areas, include plant communities adjacent
to and affected by surface and subsurface hydrologic features, such as rivers,
streams, lakes, or drainage ways. These areas may be a few metres wide near
streams or more than a kilometre in floodplains. Both perennial and non-perennial
streams support riparian vegetation. Because riparian areas represent the interface
between aquatic and upland ecosystems, the vegetation in the riparian area may
have characteristics of both aquatic and upland habitats. Many of the plants in the
riparian area require plenty of water and are adapted to shallow water table
conditions. Due to water availability and rich alluvial soils, riparian areas are usually
very productive. Tree growth rate is high and the vegetation under the trees is usually
lush and includes a wide variety of shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.
Why are riparian areas important?
Riparian areas perform a variety of functions that are of value to society, especially
the protection and enhancement of water resources, and provision of habitat for plant
and animal species.
Riparian areas:
• store water and help reduce floods
• stabilize stream banks;
• improve water quality by trapping sediment and nutrients;
• maintain natural water temperature for aquatic species;
• provide shelter and food for birds and other animals;
• provide corridors for movement and migration of different species;
• act as a buffer between aquatic ecosystems and adjacent land uses;
• can be used as recreational sites; and
• provide material for building, medicinal plants, crafts and curios.
Not all riparian areas develop the same way and may not perform these functions to
the same extent. It is important that a riparian area’s capacity to provide the benefits
listed is not reduced. Many of these areas are best managed as natural areas, rather
than being converted to other uses.
The riparian vegetation adjacent to the proposed warehouse site has been
historically impacted on during earth moving as well as levelling of the existing
industrial site. The macro-channel bank has been in-filled. Much of the immediate
catchment of the Umbilo River has been transformed through urbanisation,
commercial and industrial development, and thus the natural hydrological inputs into
the river from the surrounding hillslope areas would have been altered, and any
ecological process links between the wetland and the river would have been lost. The
functions of the river and riparian ecosystems have been severely compromised and
have lost the natural connectivity due to previous construction activities, access
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
24
roads as well as current illegal dumping activities immediately to the east of the site.
The majority of the adjacent hillslope seepage wetland surrounding the site are
completely transformed and the natural hydrological patterns totally disrupted. Due to
the nature of the transformation, there is little or no chance that these areas will be
able to be returned to a natural state, and would likely remain permanently modified.
The main threats to the Umbilo River functioning on the site relate to the loss of
habitat due to anthropogenic factors. This has entailed that the original hydrological
functioning of the river has been modified, as well as any hydrological linkage that
may have previously existed between the adjacent hillslope on the site and the
Umbilo River would appear to have been severely compromised or totally lost.
Remnant patches of indigenous riparian vegetation occur along the Umbilo River.
Indigenous species recorded included Mitzeeri (Bridelia micrantha); Red Beach
(Protorhus longifolia), Common Coral Tree (Erythrina lysistemon), Umdoni or
Waterberry (Syzigium cordatum), Red Currant (Searsia chiridensis), Coast Currant
(Searsia nebulosa), Common Wild Currant (Searsia pyroides), Wild Plum
(Harpephylum caffrum), White Stinkwood (Celtis africana), Weeping Brides-bush
(Pavetta lanceolata), Broad-pod Robust Thorn (Acacia robusta subsp. robusta),
Coral Tree (Erythrina lysistemon). A few Blood Flowers (Scadoxus multiflorus subsp.
katharinae) were observed in the riparian zone under a clump of Common Wild
Currants (Searsia pyroides). The forb layer is dominated by alien invasive species
such as Lantana camara, Tithonia diversifolia and Chromolena odorata as well as
anthropogenic or pioneer weedy plant species such as Tall Fleabane (Conyza
albida), Flax-Leaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), Common Black jack (Bidens
pilosa), Tall Khaki weed (Tagetes minuta) Mexican Poppy (Argemone ochroleuca) as
well as pioneer grass species such as Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana), Crab finger-
Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) Weeping Love Grass (Eragrostis curvula), Natal red-
Top (Melinis repens), Common Bufflao Grass (Panicum maximum) and Couch Grass
(Cynodon dactylon).
Alien invasive vegetation recorded within the riparian zone of the Umbilo river
included Acacia baileyana* Acacia mearnsii*, Ageratum conyzoides*, Arundo dona*x,
Caesalpinia decapetala*, Campuloclinium macrocephalum*, Chromolaena odorata*,
Eucalyptus saligna*, Ipomoea indica*, Ipomoea purpurea*, Lantana camar*a,
Leucaena leucocephala*, Lingustrum vulgare*, Nephrolepis exalta, Psidium
guajava*, Melia azedarach*, Mimosa pigra*, Ricinus communis*, Schinus
terebinthifloius*, Senna didymobotrya*, Solanum mauritianum*, Tithonia diversifolia*,
Tecoma stans*.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
25
In terms of the way forward for any proposed development on site, it is important that
the Umbilo River and riparian zone on western boundary of the site is recognised as
a sensitive environment and accommodated in the proposed development plans by
means of a public open space system and a detailed stormwater management plan
that strives to maintain (or ideally improve) the present hydrology of the Umbilo River
at pre-development levels, at least in terms of regular return storm events (up to 1:5
year events).
Figure8: Alien invasive vegetation observed within the riparian zone of the
Umbilo River. A: Durban Guava (Psidium X durbabanensis*) Category 1 Weed; B:
Mauritius Thorn (Caesalpinia decpetala*) Category 1 Weed; C: Lantana (Lantana
camara*) Category 1 weed; D: Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia*) Category 1
Weed; E: Yellow-flowered Mexican Poppy (Argemone mexicana*) Category 1 Weed;
F: Castor-Oil Plant (Ricinnus communis*) Category 2 Invader; G: Peanut Butter
Cassia (Senna didymobotrya*) Category 3 Invader; H: Ageratum (Ageratum
conyzoides*) Category 1 Weed; I: Giant Sensitive Tree (Mimosa pigra*) Category 3
Invader; J: Sisal Hemp (Agave sisalana*) Category 2 Invader and K: Giant Reed
(Arundo donax∗) Category 1Weed.
∗ alien invasive vegetation
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26
6: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed office and warehouse development and associated increased
vehicular traffic as well as human presence may impact on the terrestrial fauna in
various ways. The major impacts occurring during the construction phase involve the
loss and fragmentation of habitats, with a consequent loss of biodiversity and
possibly loss of remnant faunal species or of plant/tree species. This may result from
direct land clearance, or occur indirectly via loss or changes in habitats due to
consequent changes in drainage patterns, or secondary impacts associated with
socio-economic factors resulting from changes in surrounding land use. During the
operational life of the office and warehouse development, small accumulative
impacts also occur, including ongoing road mortalities, increased disturbance (noise
and light), chemical contamination from petroleum and rubber products from parking
areas and road, increased litter, changes in the incidence of fire, and the introduction
of alien vegetation. All of these factors may impact the surrounding fauna and
ecological processes in different ways. As the majority of the site and adjacent
habitat surrounding the site comprises completely transformed habitats the potential
impacts to remaining fauna is significantly reduced.
6.1 HABITAT DESTRUCTION AND ASSOCIATED DISTURBANCES TO
REMAINING FAUNAL SPECIES
During the construction phase of the office and warehouse development some
habitat destruction and alteration inevitably takes place. This happens with the
construction of and the clearing, in-filling and cutting of the development platforms.
As the majority of the site occurs within an existing industrial site extremely limited
vegetation clearance will be required during the construction and operational phase
of the project. All large indigenous tree species within the site should be retained
wherever possible. The proposed impact will be low-negligible; short-long term
impact on remaining (albeit) limited faunal species occurring within these
transformed habitats.
MITIGATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following general recommendations are made to minimise the impacts of
proposed office development construction on the immediate environment and
remaining fauna:
� Close site supervision must be maintained during construction.
� During the CONSTRUCTION phase workers must be limited to areas under
construction within the site and access to the undeveloped areas, especially
the Umbilo River and riparian zone must be strictly regulated (“no-go” areas
during construction as well as operational activities). The site is already
fenced which restricts access to the river.
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27
� Provision of adequate toilet facilities must be implemented to prevent the
possible contamination of ground (borehole) and surface water in the area.
Mobile toilets must be provided in order to minimize un-authorised traffic of
construction workers outside of the designated areas.
� All temporary stockpile areas including litter and dumped material and rubble
must be removed on completion of construction. All alien invasive plant
should be removed from the site to prevent further invasion.
� Firearms or any other hunting weapons must be prohibited on site.
� Contract employees must be educated about the value of wild animals and
the importance of their conservation.
� Severe contractual fines must be imposed and immediate dismissal on any
contract employee who is found attempting to snare or otherwise harm
remaining faunal species.
� No large indigenous tree or shrub within close proximity of the office or
warehouse shall be cut or pruned without prior approval.
� The Contractor shall ensure that all remaining indigenous tree species (dead
and alive) and shrubs are retained wherever possible.
� Trees and shrubs to be conserved shall be clearly marked under the
supervision of the consultant. Demarcation shall remain in place for the
duration of works on site. If damaged, demarcation shall be repaired or
replaced immediately. No large indigenous trees were observed within the
office or warehouse sites.
� The Contractor must ensure that no faunal species are disturbed, trapped,
hunted or killed during the construction phase. All animals captured must be
released in appropriate habitat away from the development.
� Important habitat which has been deemed sensitive and must be protected.
This includes the Umbilo River and riparian zone on the western boundary of
the site.
� The Contractor shall ensure that all identified highly sensitive indigenous
riparian vegetation along the Umbilo River is protected during construction by
demarcating “no-go areas” through fencing or other means. All “no go” area
shall be marked on a site lay-out plan. The area is currently fenced off.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
28
� Fences should have low impact to surrounding vegetation as well as allow for
the natural migratory movements onto and away from the site. Ideally
palisade fencing with a minimum 15cm wide gap should be erected around
the site. A concrete palisade fence is currently erected but requires some
restoration.
� Unauthorised entry, stockpiling, dumping or storage of equipment or materials
shall not shall be strictly prohibited within the demarcated “no go” areas.
� Fines shall be implemented for transgressions into “no-go” areas.
6.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
General
• All construction activities should be strictly limited to the construction area.
Vegetation clearance should be restricted to the area under construction and
not the entire hillslope to prevent further soil erosion and possible siltation of
the Umbilo River.
• Sufficient chemical toilets and waste bins must be provided in all areas where
construction is taking place. These toilets and bins must furthermore be
emptied regularly.
• Sanitation facilities shall be located within 100m from any point of work, but
not within any drainage areas towards the Umbilo River.
• It is recommended that the construction programme preferably commence
during the dry winter months, when the risk of soil and bank erosion is lowest.
All earthworks shall be undertaken in such a manner so as to minimize the
extent of any impacts.
• Construction activities are to be restricted to business hours in order to limit
disturbance of surrounding land owners in terms of inter alia noise.
• All vehicles associated with the construction activities should be in a serviced
condition to prevent oil leaks etc and the possible contamination of the
remnant patch of seepage wetland.
• Reasonable speeds will be maintained at al times in order to prevent
accidents, excessive noise and dust and road fatalities of migrating animals.
• The Contractor shall take all reasonable measures to minimize the generation
of dust as a result of construction activities.
• Removal of vegetation shall be avoided until such time as soil stripping is
required.
• Where possible, soil stockpiles shall be located in sheltered areas where they
are not exposed to the erosive effects of the wind.
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29
• All exposed surfaces shall be re-vegetated or stabilized as soon as is
practically possible.
6.3 SOILS
• Soil removed from the site is to be appropriately stored for later use in back-
filling. Sub-soil and topsoil (the top +/- 30-50 cm of the soil) should be stored
separately.
• Soil stockpiles are to be protected from possible erosion, e.g. through
covering of the stockpiles with tarpaulin, and limiting the height and angle of
the stockpile. Soil stockpiles should not exceed 2 m in height.
• Soil stockpiling areas must be sufficiently situated away from the drainage
areas towards the Umbilo River.
• Any erosion channels developed during the construction period or during the
vegetation establishment period should be backfilled and compacted, and the
areas restored to a proper condition. The Contractor should ensure that
cleared areas are effectively stabilised to prevent and control erosion.
6.4 HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Landscape architects, and the developer, have an opportunity to conserve certain
faunal biodiversity present on the site and possibly increase the biodiversity of certain
animal species (birds). Vegetation has been reported to be the single most important
habitat component for all species of animals. Linked to this, is the preservation,
maintenance and creation of tracts of natural and ornamental vegetation in all stages
of ecological succession, interconnected by corridors or green belts for escape,
foraging, breeding and exploratory movements. Landscaping projects around
industrial warehouses are all too frequently characterized by exotic or indigenous
(not to the area) trees, planted at the same time, at the same size and are spaced at
regular centred settings. The resulting pattern and structure is one of limited
vegetation diversity, trees of uniform size, even age stands and little or no under-
story planting. Only a few species of animals (urban exploiters) will occupy these
limited niches, leading to decreased faunal biodiversity.
Mitigation and recommendation
Gardens or landscaped areas around the proposed office park and warehouse
should be planted with indigenous (preferably using endemic or local species from
the area) grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees, which are water wise and require minimal
horticultural practices.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
30
A Re-vegetation and Rehabilitation Manual should be prepared for the use of
contractors, landscape architects and groundsmen. Where herbicides are used to
clear vegetation, specimen-specific chemicals should be applied to individual plants
only. General spraying should be prohibited. All alien vegetation along the Umbilo
River should be eradicated over a five-year period. Invasive species recorded in the
immediate area included Ageratum conyzoides, Canna indica, Arundo donax,
Caesalpinia decapetala, Chromolaena odorata, Ipomoea indica, Ipomoea purpurea,
Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, Schinus terebithifolius, Tecoma stans,
Eugenia myrtifloia, Psidium guajava, Melia azedarach, Pinus patula, Ricinus
communis, Rubus cuneifolius Senna didymobotrya, Solanum mauritianum, Tithonia
diversifolia. The Contractor shall remove all weeds and alien vegetation during the
construction phase. The use of topsoil for rehabilitation, contaminated with the seed
of alien vegetation, will not be permitted unless a program to germinate the seed and
eradicate the seedlings is implemented.
Where the removal of alien species such as the large Saligna Gums (Eucalyptus
saligna) may leave spoil exposed, alternative indigenous species should be
established before eradication takes place. The attention of property owner must be
drawn to the most recent Declared Weeds List (2001) in the Conservation of
Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 and the associated penalties and prohibitions.
Horticultural activities such as fertilisers, herbicide and pesticide runoff, increase in
alien vegetation and weedy species, dumping of refuge and building material must be
strictly managed and be environmentally sensitive and should meet the following
requirements:
• Limited to building environs and limited areas of proposed office and
warehouse development.
• Limited irrigation by water-wise gardening (use local plants adapted to local
conditions).
• Strict fertiliser, pesticide and herbicide control (limited usage)
• Invertebrate pests on the site should be controlled in the following manner:
• The least environmentally damaging insecticides must be applied.
Pyrethroids and Phenylpyrazoles are preferable to Acetylcholines. Use
insecticides that are specific to the pest (species specific) in question. The
lowest effective dosages must be applied. The suppliers advice should
always be sought. Do not irrigate for 24 hours after applying insecticides in
areas where there is a chance of contaminating water-courses, fungal
pathogens should be used in preference to chemical insecticides.
• Reduction of weed and erosion by minimum tillage gardening practices
(groundcovers and mulching better in all respects).
• No dumping of any materials in undeveloped open areas and neighbouring
properties. Activities in the surrounding open undeveloped areas must be
strictly regulated and managed.
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31
6.5 EROSION AND SURFACE RUNOFF
Urban development is characterised by large areas of sealed surfaces such as
roads, houses etc. Impermeable surface cover ranges from 15% to 60% of suburban
areas to almost 100% in central business districts. Infiltration is considerable reduced
with an increase in surface run-off. Run-off is generally discharged to surface water
systems and often contains pollutants. Pollutants range from organic matter,
including sediments, plant materials and sewage, to toxic substances such as heavy
metals, oils and hydrocarbons. Construction activities associated with urban
development can lead to massive short term erosion unless adequate measures are
implemented to control surface run-off. Sheet erosion occurs when run-off surface
water carries away successive thin layers of soil over large patches of bare earth.
This type of erosion is most severe on sloping soils, which are weakly structured with
low infiltration, which promotes rapid run-off. It occurs on the site where vegetation
has been destroyed. Continual erosion in sheet-eroded slopes is a common cause of
gully erosion. Gully erosion results from increased flow along a drainage line,
especially where protective vegetation has been removed and soils are readily
transported. A gully has steep, bare sides and is often narrow and deep. Once
formed, a gully usually spreads upstream through continual slumping of soil at the
gully head. Gully erosion can be associated with salting as the saline sub-soils are
readily eroded.
Mitigation and recommendations
Vegetation plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle by influencing both the
quantity and quality of surface run-off. It influences the quantity of run-off by
intercepting rainfall, promoting infiltration and thus decreasing run-off. Vegetation can
influence water quality in two ways: by binding soils thus protecting the surface layer,
and by intercepting surface run-off thus buffering the adjacent wetland habitats such
as the drainage furrow against suspended and dissolved substances. When the
speed of the run-off is reduced, suspended particles can settle out and dissolve
substances, such as nutrients, can be assimilated by plants. The vegetation has a
filtering effect. Storm-water and runoff from the office and warehouse development
and car parks should be channelled towards an artificially created stormwater
attenuation/retention pond reducing the erosional force and the potential risk of
further disturbance (water quality deterioration) of the Umbilo River. Stormwater
should not be piped directly into the river as it will result in severe bank and bed
erosion below the pipe.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
32
6.6 ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING
Artificial lighting will most likely result in a moderate to high negative short, medium
and long- term impact on all nocturnal animal species. Numerous species will be
attracted towards the light sources and this will result in the disruption of natural
cycles, such as the reproductive cycle and foraging behaviour. The lights may
destabilise insect populations, which may alter the prey base, diet and ultimately the
well-being of nocturnal insectivorous fauna. The lights may attract certain nocturnal
species to the area, which would not normally occur there, leading to competition
between sensitive and the more common species.
Mitigation and recommendations
During the construction phase, artificial lighting must be restricted to areas under
construction and not directed towards the drainage furrow in order to minimize the
potential negative effects of the lights on the natural nocturnal activities. Where
lighting is required for safety or security reasons, this should be targeted at the areas
requiring attention. Yellow sodium lights should be prescribed as they do not attract
as many invertebrates (insects) at night and will not disturb the existing wildlife.
Sodium lamps require a third less energy than conventional light bulbs.
6.7 RE-VEGETATION
• Exposed areas within the hillslopes should be rehabilitated with a grass mix
that blends in with the surrounding vegetation. The grass mix should consist
of indigenous grasses adapted to the local environmental conditions.
• The use of the exotic invader Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is not
recommended and should be prohibited. The use of an indigenous species
such as Buffalo Turf Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum is recommended; it
occurs naturally in the area as well as being non-invasive and requiring less
water than exotic species.
• The grass mix should consist of a mix of quick covering grasses (pioneer
species), mat-forming grasses (e.g. Digitaria eriantha, Chloris gayana) and
tufted grasses (e.g. Eragrostis curvula) to ensure prompt and adequate
coverage of the exposed soil while long term stability of the grass sward is
also achieved. Re-vegetated areas should be monitored every 3 months for
the first 12 months and twice a year thereafter.
• Re-vegetated areas showing inadequate surface coverage (less than 30%
within 9 months after re-vegetation) should be prepared and re-vegetated
from scratch.
• Damage to re-vegetated areas should be repaired promptly.
• Shaping of remaining and exposed soil profile to blend in with the gradients of
the surrounding landscape.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
33
• Exotic weeds and invaders that might establish on the re-vegetated areas
should be controlled to allow the grasses to properly establish.
• Disturbed areas around the office park and parking areas should be re-
vegetated using a specified seed mix and/or appropriate indigenous grasses,
forbs, shrubs or trees.
Rehabilitation methods are detailed in Table 5 below.
Table 5: Recommended rehabilitation measures.
Step
1.1.1 Method 1.1.2 Equipment
1 Remove all construction material from the area
where construction has been completed.
To be undertaken by hand.
2 Topsoil that has been stockpiled during
construction must be applied to the area to
undergo rehabilitation. The depth of the
topsoil layer to be applied depends on the
natural depth of topsoil in the area, and the
amount of topsoil that may have been lost
during construction.
Topsoil must be applied from the
topsoil stockpiled during
construction.
3 The naked ground should be seeded with a
stabilising grass mix, suited to the conditions.
The quantity of seed used will depend on the
slope, with a steeper slope requiring a heavier
application of seed. For slopes:
• >15º: 25-50 kg/ha
• <15º: 15-25 kg/ha
The natural seed bank in the topsoil will
supplement the seed mix applied
The seed mix should consist of
pioneer grass species of the area,
and will also depend on what
species are commercially available
during the season required. A
standard seed mix would consist of
the following species (in decreasing
order of proportion constituting the
seed mix)∗:
• Andropogon chinensis
• Aristida congesta
• Cynodon dactylon
• Cymbopogon plurinodes
• Eragrostis curvula
• Eragrostis gummiflua
• Themeda triandra
• Setaria spp.
• Imperata cylindrica
• Sporobolus fimbriatus
4 The areas which have been seeded must be
regularly watered directly after seeding until
the grass cover becomes established.
A hosepipe must be available on
site.
∗ see attached species list
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
34
Watering is to be done in a manner that
ensures that no erosion of the topsoil and seed
mix takes place.
5 If the grasses have not established after a
period of two months after seeding, the areas
should be reseeded. If necessary, another
dressing of topsoil should be applied prior to
seeding.
As above.
6 Slope stabilisation measures may be
necessary in places where grass has not been
able to establish and there is an erosion risk.
The measures implemented depend on the
situation, and can be varied as necessary.
Various slope stabilisation
measures are available and vary in
effectiveness according to the
situation including
• Gabions and mattresses
• Logs/bark held in place with
pegs
• Rows of Cynodon dactylon,
Panicum maximum, Imperata
cylindrica, Hyparrhenia
filipendula held in place with
pegs.
7 All alien vegetation is to be appropriately
removed and disposed of. Alien species that
have been encountered in the area included:
Syringa Melia azedarach, Castor-Oil Plant
(Ricinus communis), Lantana (Lantana
camara), Giant Reed (Arundo donax),
Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum), Peanut
Butter Cassia (Senna diymobotrya), Morning
Glory (Ipomoea purpurea), Paraffin Bush
(Chromolaena odorata), Montanoa (Montanoa
hibiscifolia), Indian Shot (Canna indica),
Ageratum conyzoides, Caesalpinia decapetala,
Campuloclinium macrocephalum, Ipomoea
indica, Leucaena leucocephala, Psidium
guajava, Tithonia diversifolia.
Removal will to a large extent be
done by hand. Saws may be
necessary in certain cases and
specific herbicides may be required
(if used, the use of these must be
strictly controlled)
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
35
Gabions and mattresses have multiple benefits from an environmental
perspective:
� Local rock and soil can be used for backfill, keeping the geology of the
environment natural;
� They are flexible, meaning that they can move and settle to accommodate
natural conditions. In a dynamic system, such as that of a river, it is important
for the structure to be able to deform while still retaining its integrity and
functioning properly; Gabion and mattress baskets allow for free drainage of
water through the system with a porosity of 35%;
� Vegetation such as Aloe arborescens can easily be placed over or within the
structure, encouraging the return of somewhat natural conditions;
� Construction is relatively rapid, meaning that the time the environment is
susceptible to disturbance is limited.
� Roots can penetrate the porous structure and establish themselves in the
parental material below the gabions / mattresses.
� Fish can also find shelter in the porous mattresses which they will use as a
nursery and for breeding.
� Over time, the roots which penetrate the spaces between the rock, will help to
make the structure even stronger and the vegetation will remove the ‘visual
scar’ of the gabions / mattresses.
� To ensure that the gabions / mattresses do not become an alien infested, a
vegetative rehabilitation programme as well as alien vegetation removal
programme must be implemented.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
36
7. REFERENCES
ACOCKS, J.P.H. (1988). Veld Types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical
Survey of South Africa, No.57: 1-146. Botanical Research Institute, Pretoria.
BARNES, K.N. (ed.) (2000). The Escom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa,
Lesotho and Swaziland. Birdlife South Africa, Johannesburg.
BOON, R. (2010). Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa: A complete guide. Flora
and Fauna Publications Trust.
BRANCH, W.R. (1988). Field Guide to the Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern
Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.
BROMILOW, C. (2001). Problem Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications,
Pretoria South Africa.
CARRUTHERS, V.C. (2001). Frogs and Frogging in South Africa. Struik Publishers,
Cape Town.
DE GRAAF, G. (1981). The rodents of southern Africa. Butterworth Press, Pretoria.
LOW, A.B. and REBELO, A.G. (1998). Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland. D.E.A.&T., Pretoria.
MINTER, L.R., BURGER, M., HARRISON, J.A., BRAAK, H.H, BISHOP, P.J, AND
KLOEPFER, D. 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho
and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series 9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.
MUCINA, L AND RUTHERFORD, M.C. (eds) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa,
Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. SANBI, Pretoria.
PASSMORE, N.I. and CARRUTHERS, V.C. (1995). Frogs of South Africa. A
Complete Guide. Wits University Press, Witwatersrand.
ROBERTS, A. (1951). The mammals of South Africa. Central News Agency, Cape
Town.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
37
SIEGFIED, W.R. (1989). Preservation of species in southern African nature
reserves. In: Huntley, B.J. (Ed). Biotic Diversity in Southern Africa, 186-201. Cape
Town: Oxford University Press.
SKINNER, J.D. and SMITHERS, R.H.N. (1990). The Mammals of the Southern
African Subregion. University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
SKINNER, J.D., and CHIMIMBA, C.T. (2005). The Mammals of the Southern African
Subregion 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press.
SKINNER, J.D. and SMITHERS, R.H.N. (1990). The Mammals of the Southern
African Subregion. University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
SMITHERS, R.H.N. (1986). South African Red Data Book-Terrestrial Mammals.
South African National Scientific Programmes Report No.125: 1-214.
WESSA-KZN. (2008). Invasive Alien Plants in Kwazulu-Natal: Management and
Control.
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
38
8. APPENDIX Table6. Grass species list (ideally grass species endemic to the area should be
used)
Alloteropsis semialata ssp. eckloniana
Alloteropsis semialata ssp. semialata
Andropogon appendiculatus
Andropogon chinensis
Anthephora pubescens
Aristida adscensionis
Aristida canescens ssp. canescens
Aristida congesta ssp. Congesta
Aristida diffusa ssp. Burkei
Aristida scabrivalvis ssp. scabrivalvis
Aristida transvaalensis
Arundinella nepalensis
Avena sp.
Bewsia biflora
Brachiaria brizantha
Brachiaria eruciformis
Brachiaria serrata
Bromus leptoclados
Bromus sp.
Cenchrus ciliaris
Cymbopogon caesius
Cymbopogon pospischilii
Cyperus esculentus
Digitaria debilis
Digitaria diagonalis var. diagonalis
Digitaria eriantha
Digitaria monodactyla
Digitaria sp.
Digitaria ternate
Digitaria tricholaenoides
Diheteropogon amplectens var. amplectens
Ehrharta erecta var. erecta
Elionurus muticus
Enneapogon cenchroides
Enneapogon scoparius
Eragrostis chloromelas
Eragrostis curvula
Eragrostis planiculmis
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
39
Eragrostis racemosa
Eragrostis sp.
Eustachys paspaloides
Helictotrichon turgidulum (Stapf) Schweick.
Hemarthria altissima
Heteropogon contortus.
Hyparrhenia anamesa
Hyparrhenia cymbaria
Hyparrhenia filipendula var. pilosa
Hyparrhenia hirta
Hyparrhenia quarrei
Hyparrhenia tamba
Imperata cylindrical
Koeleria capensis
Leersia hexandra
Lolium multiflorum
Lolium temulentum
Loudetia simplex
Melinis nerviglumis
Melinis repens ssp. Repens
Monocymbium ceresiiforme
Panicum maximum
Panicum miliaceum
Panicum natalense.
Paspalum dilatatum
Paspalum notatum
Paspalum scrobiculatum
Pennisetum thunbergii
Pennisetum villosum
Perotis sp.
Poa annua
Poa pratensis
Pogonarthria sp.
Potamogeton pusillus
Schizachyrium sanguineum
Setaria lindenbergiana
Setaria megaphylla
Setaria nigrirostris
Setaria sp.
Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata
Setaria sphacelata var. torta
Sorghum bicolor ssp. arundinaceum
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
40
Sorghum halepense
Sorghum versicolor
Sporobolus africanus
Sporobolus discosporus
Sporobolus fimbriatus
Sporobolus natalensis
Sporobolus nitens
Sporobolus sp.
Sporobolus stapfianus
Stipagrostis uniplumis var. neesii
Stipagrostis zeyheri ssp. Sericans
Themeda triandra Forssk.
Trachypogon spicatus
Tragus berteronianus
Triraphis andropogonoides
Tristachya rehmannii
Typha capensis
Urelytrum agropyroides
Urochloa mosambicensis
Urochloa panicoides P.Beauv.
Table7. Suggested indigenous trees for rehabilitation and horticultural activities
around the office and warehouse development (species indigenous to the area are
indicated with an ☺. It is strongly recommended that only these are planted as far as
possible)
Botanical Name Common Name
☺Acacia karroo Sweet Thorn
☺Acacia natalitia Pale-bark Sweet Thorn
Acacia caffra Common Hook Thorn
☺Acacia robusta Robust Acacia
☺Acacia tortilis Umbrella Thorn
☺Apodytes dimidiate White Pear
☺Calodendron capense Cape Chestnut
☺Celtis Africana White stinkwood
☺Combretum erythrophylum River Bushwillow
☺Cussonia paniculata Highveld cabbage
☺Diospyros lycoides Blue bush
☺Dombeya rotundifolia Wild pear
Ekenbergia capensis Cape ash
☺Erythrina lysistemon Corral Tree
☺ Ficus natalensis Natal Fig
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
41
☺Ficus sycomorus Sycamore fig
Grewia occidentalis Cross berry
☺ Gymnosporia buxifolia Common Spikw-Thorn
☺Halleria lucida Tree fuschia
☺Harpephyllum caffrum Wild plum
☺Kiggelaria Africana Wild peach
☺Leucosidea serricea Ouhout
☺Olea europaea subsp. africana Wild olive
Pappea capenis Jacket plum
☺Pittosporum viridiflorum Cheesewood
Podocarpus henkelli Henkell’s yellowwood
Pterocarpus rotundifolius Round leaved kiaat
☺Searsia/Rhus chiridensis Red Currant
Searsia/Rhus prinoides Dogwood
☺Searsia/Rhus leptodictya Mountain karee
☺ Searsia/Rhus lancea Karee
☺ Searsia/Rhus pyroides Common wild currant
Salix mucronata Safsaf willow
Scotia brachypetala Weeping boer-bean
☺Syzigium cordatum Water berry
☺Trichilia emetica Natal mahogany
☺Vepris lanceolata White ironwood
☺Ziziphus mucronata Buffalo thorn
Sprite Road-Preliminary Ecological Habitat Assessment
42
Table8. Indigenous shrub species marked with ☺ should be used for re-vegetation
and horticultural activities.
Botanical Name Common Name
☺☺☺☺ Aloe arborescens (gabions)
☺☺☺☺ Aloe greatheadii
Aloe marlothii
Bauhinia species Pride-of de-Kaap
☺ Buddleja salinga False olive
☺ Buddleja salvifolia Sagewood
Burchellia bubaline Wild pomegranate
☺ Carissa macrocarpa Bird num-num
☺ Dietes species Wild iris
☺ Dovyalis caffra Kei apple
☺ Ehretia rigida Puzzle bush
Erica species Heaths
Euryops species Golden daisies
Felicia species Wild daisy
☺ Grewia flava Wild currant
☺ Helichrysum kraussii Everlastings
☺ Leonotis leonorus Wild dagga
Leucospernum species Pincushions
☺ Mackaya bella Forest bell bush
☺ Pavetta lanceolata Forest’s pride bush
☺ Plectranthus species Spur flowers
☺ Plumbago auriculata Cape leadwort
Protea caffra Sugarbush
Psychotria capensis Black birdberry
☺ Rhamnus prinoides Dogwood
☺ Strelitzia nicolai
Strelitzea reginae Crane flower
☺ Tecoma capensis Cape honeysuckle
☺ Thunbergia natalensis Natal bluebell