SPECIALIST VEGETATION/ECOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITYCENTRE AAN DE DOORNS, WORCESTER DISTRICT

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1 SPECIALIST VEGETATION/ECOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITYCENTRE AAN DE DOORNS, WORCESTER DISTRICT PROPOSED MULTI PURPOSE COMMUNITYCENTER FOR AAN DE DOORNS, PORTION 369 OF 101/369 THE FARM DOORN RIVIER, WORCESTER DISTRICT PREPARED BY IAN OLIVER SEPTEMBER 2009 MSASA BUSH SURVEY P.O. BOX 152 WORCESTER 6850 TEL: CELL:

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE STUDY METHODOLOGY DESCRIPTION OF BIODIVERSITY - PORTION 369 OF THE FARM DORING RIVIER 101/369.3 Table 1 Biodiversity assessment of vegetation types on the site and near the site IMPACT ASSESSMENT PORTION 369 OF THE FARM DOORN RIVER 101/ Table 2 Loss of plant species... 4 Table 3 Loss of vegetation (Breede Alluvium Renosterveld)... 5 Table 4 Loss of fauna ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND GAPS IN INFORMATION CONCLUSIONS AND MITIGATION REFERENCES...6 APPENDIX 1: MAPS...7 Map Map Map Map APPENDIX 2: PHOTOS Photo No Photo No Photo No Photo No

3 1 1 Introduction A vegetation/ecological assessment was conducted on 26 June, 2009 on Farm 101/369 Doorn Rivier Worcester (see Map 1). The site is 3.2ha in extent. The site is ear marked for a multi purpose sports center for the Aan De Doorns rural community. There is some indigenous vegetation on the site. It is estimated that only 40% of the indigenous vegetation is intact the remaining 60% is disturbed. The disturbed area has been used as an informal soccer ground. (see Map 3). The Aan De Doorns site is transected by a number paths utilised by persons moving from their homes to the cellar on the other side of the R43, the school, or visiting other people in the area. Only one (1) vegetation type namely Breede Alluvium renosterveld is present. This vegetation type is considered endangered. The natural areas surrounding the site have all been transformed in one way or another. There are no biological linkages (corridors) to the same vegetation type or other vegetation types in the region. This is an isolated stand of indigenous vegetation; over half is disturbed. 2 Terms of reference for the study The terms of reference for this study are as follows: Conduct a vegetation and plant species survey noting its conservation significance and status, e.g. the occurrence of any red data plant species, hot spots or localized endemics. Indicate the conservation status of the vegetation, e.g. nature reserves. Indicate the biological connectivity between plant communities. Assess the potential impacts associated with land clearing and subsequent house construction with and without management plans in place. Identify any ecological/landscape pattern, e.g. seasonal wetlands, quartzite patches that may be impacted upon by the proposed development. Recommend appropriate and practical mitigation measures to minimize the negative impacts and maximize potential benefits. Indicate the extent of alien cover (if applicable) and the condition of the site, plus current or previous land usage.

4 2 Identify the vegetation types, using the latest vegetation classification and identify the current status of these vegetation types, e.g. critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU) or least threatened (LN). Identify ecosystems associated with vegetation identified on the site. Include (if necessary) individual checklists of plant species found on and in the immediate vicinity of the study area. Include impact assessment tables. Make use of photographs, aerial photographs and maps to illustrate any important issues. 3 Methodology The following assessment criteria were used in this report: 1. Assess the condition of the vegetation. Is the vegetation either disturbed or degraded? A disturbed or degraded area could range from old/existing agricultural fields, or areas that were used for dumping of garden/building rubble, to an area that has dongas and gullies as a result of bad land management (degraded). 2. Identification of vegetation type(s) on site. This would include trying to establish the known range of a vegetation type and whether or not it is least threatened (LT), vulnerable (VU), endangered (EN) or critically endangered (CR). 3. Determine species diversity. This refers to the number of different indigenous plant species occurring on site. Indigenous fauna will also be noted. 4. Identify any Red Data species occurring on site. This would include vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered plants and animals. 5. Determine fatal flaws. These would include the clearing of an endangered vegetation type or large numbers of threatened plants or local endemics. One site visit was undertaken on 26 June Based on knowledge of the local vegetation types, flora and fauna, the site was examined. The latest floristic taxonomic literature and reference books were used for the purpose of this study. In addition, information on the revised classification of vegetation types (Mucina & Rutherford 2006) was used, including information pertaining to land usage of the various vegetation types where the sites are situated. Any plants classified as rare or endangered in the Red Data List of southern African Plants (Craig Hilton-Taylor 1996) and Update on Red Data List of southern Africa Plants (Raimondo & Von Staden 2009) is highlighted. Based on all the relevant information, e.g. digital

5 photographs, aerial photographs, vegetation maps, 1: topographical map, the ecological vegetation assessment report was complied. 3 4 Description of biodiversity - Portion 369 of the farm Doring Rivier 101/369 The site is located approximately seven (7) kilometers south of Worcester just east of the R45 the main Worcester to Villiersdorp road. The proposed site is on a section of primarily karroid veld with some arid fynbos elements. Only 40% of the site is in pristine condition the remaining 60% is disturbed (see Map 3). Only the western half is in relatively good condition. The site is criss-crossed by a number of paths. Vegetation and flora The main vegetation type found on site is Breede Alluvium Renosterveld (EN). Breede Alluvium Fynbos (EN) is nearby, approximately 1 kilometre to the west. The indigenous vegetation is completely isolated and does not form any part of a greater vegetation complex. Table 1 Biodiversity assessment of vegetation types on the site and near the site Vegetation type Remaining Protected Conservation Status Ecosystem Status Breede Alluvium Renosterveld (on the site) 42% 1% Hardly protected Endangered Breede Alluvium Fynbos (not on the site but closer to the Breede River) 41% 1% Hardly protected Endangered Source: National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment Asteraceous species are fairly common on the site. Low growing shrubs include Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (renosterbos) Pteronia incana (wild rosemary) Aspalathus spinosa subsp. spinosa, Oedera squarrosa, Pentzia incana, and Cliffortia specie. Patches of Galenia africana (kraalbos), which indicate previous land transformation, are restricted to the eastern parts. The eastern parts are disturbed comprising mainly pioneer species and wind blown soils that have banked up against shrubby asteraceous bushes or Aizoid plants. Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia was seen on the extreme western sections of the site, once again indicating a possible transition into Breede Alluvium Fynbos. Associated with the Pteronia incana patches were the succulents Euphorbia mauritanica (melkbos) and Euphorbia burmannii (kleinmelkbos).

6 4 Succulents recorded include Zygophyllum flexuosum, Pelargonium carnosum, Euphorbia mauritanica, Eurphorbia burmannii, Drosanthemum tuberculiferum complex, Drosanthemum speciosum, Ruschia multiflora, Ruschia caroli, Cotyledon orbiculata (plakkie). Some geophytes (bulbs) are not visible, mainly late flowering autumn and early winter species, include Moraea, Erioispermum, Massonia depressa, Ferraria divaricata and Albuca specie (not in flower). Alien species were not evident on the site. However the nearby perennial stream lines to east did have Acacia saligna on the stream banks. Smaller reptiles on site may include Padlopers (Homopus sp.) and Ploegskaarskilpad (Cherisina angulata). Mammals may include Cape Grey Mongoose (Hepestes pulverulentus), and Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis). It is unlikely many animals exist on this small isolated patch of vegetation that is hemmed in by land change and urbanisation in some parts. Ecological/landscape patterns The site is on a slightly sloping aspect. It slopes east and west with a raised high point in the middle. Ecological patterns are limited due to isolation of the site which is surrounded by transformed lands, workers cottages and a road and cellar to the west. Soils are sandy and sandstone sand particles have been blown up against karrioid bushes on the degraded eastern side. There is no biological connectivity. As already mentioned, the site is isolated and cut off completely from other vegetation types due to land transformation and urban dwellings. 5 Impact assessment Portion 369 of the farm Doorn River 101/369 Table 2 Loss of plant species Development options Extent Intensity Duration Probability of occurrence Significance (without mitigation) Significance (with mitigation) Development of site Regional Med Permanent High Med (neg) Low (neg)

7 Table 3 Loss of vegetation (Breede Alluvium Renosterveld) 5 Development options Extent Intensity Duration Probability of occurrence Significance (without mitigation) Significance (with mitigation) Development of site Regional Med Permanent High Low-med (neg) Low (neg) Table 4 Loss of fauna Development options Extent Intensity Duration Probability of occurrence Significance (without mitigation) Significance (with mitigation) Development of site Regional Low Permanent High Med (neg) Low (neg) 6 Assumptions, limitations and gaps in information From a floral diversity point of view it would be informative to know what plant species, with special reference to geophytes (bulbs), occur in the various vegetation types. This pertains mainly to late winter and spring flowering geophytes. 7 Conclusions and Mitigation The vegetation type present on the site is Breede Alluvium Renosterveld considered to be endangered. There are no other vegetation types influencing this vegetation type - Breede Alluvium Fynbos falls outside the Aan De Doorns footprint and has no influence on this site. There are no red data species and the veg type is isolated (due to surrounding land transformation) the significance with mitigation is considered as low. Other critical biodiversity areas in the area include the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden (154ha) 10 kms to the North and the Veld Reserve (150ha) Department of Agriculture (Western Cape) 12 kms to the North East. In order to minimise the environmental impact, the following mitigation measures are recommended: During construction, it is important that none of the indigenous flora and vegetation outside the development footprint is harmed in any way.

8 6 The local community should be encouraged to keep a close eye on the development and report any unnecessary damage outside of the development footprint to the local CapeNature office. Any tortoises or other reptiles found must be relocated to places of safety and not harmed in any way. If work is done in summer, tortoises will be visible. Any tortoises found should be relocated to other similar habitats in the area. No unnecessary roads or tracks are to be made during land clearing and building. No trapping or snaring of animals must be allowed. 8 References De Villiers, C.C., Driver, A., Brownlie, S., Clark, B., Day, E.G., Euston-Brown, D.I.W., Helme, N.A., Holmes, P.M., Job, N. & Rebelo, A.B Fynbos Forum Ecosystem guidelines for environmental impact assessment in the Western Cape. Pages 16, and Manning, J. et al The Color Encyclopedia of Cape Bulbs. Timber Press, Portland, USA. Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Tien Wah Press, Singapore. Raimondo, T. & Von Staden, L Update on Red Data list of southern African plants - unpublished. Walker, C Signs of the Wild. C. Struik, Cape Town. September, 2009

9 Appendix 1: Maps 7 Map 1 Location of site in context to the surrounding Worcester area viewed on topographical map 1: TOPO MAP 1: WORCESTER 3319CB N Location of multi purpose sports center

10 8 Map 2 Aerial photograph, showing areas for proposed development sports field and community center shaded in light blue - Aan De Doorns Note there are no corridors or botanical connectivity to other vegetation types, for example Breede Alluvium Renosterveld or Breede Alluvium Fynbos. Staff housing Transformed farmlands Staff housing Old wheat land

11 Map 3 9 Aerial photograph, showing areas for proposed development - Aan De Doorns. The total area of the site is 3.2ha. The yellow line clearly indicates where there is natural vegetation and where the area has been disturbed. Approximately 60% of the area is presently degraded. To Worcester 7kms N To Overhex Disturbed area School Wind generated sand mounds Breede Alluvium Rensterveld (EN) To Villiersdorp

12 Map 4 10 Vegetation map showing vegetation patterns on the proposed site and surrounding area Breede Alluvium Renosterveld Endangered veg type SITE Breede Alluvium Fynbos Endangered veg type

13 Appendix 2: Photos 11 Photo No. 1 Aan De Doorns looking North towards the Brandwacht mountains. Co ordinates S E Photo No. 2 Aan De Doorns looking South towards the Du Toits Kloof mountains. Co ordinates S E

14 Photo No. 3 Aan De Doorns looking West towards the cellar. Co ordinates S E Photo No. 4 Aan De Doorns looking East towards the Langeberg mountains. Co ordinates S E Note paths cutting through vegetation.