EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

Table 12: Mean monthly evaporation
MONTH EVAPORATION (mm)
January 179
February 152
March 150
April 110
May 95
June 81
July 91
August 135
September 176
October 196
November 170
December 198
TOTAL 1728
8.1.6 Flora
The study site is situated on various farms in the Ermelo area, which lies within the summer rainfall area.
Bredenkamp and van Rooyen (1995) classifies the study site within the Moist Sandy Highveld Grassland biome,
and should be dominated by Erogistis sp. and Themeda triandra. Dicotyledonous forbs although well
represented within the biome, should not be abundant. The biome into which Accocks (1988) classifies the area
is the North eastern sandy Highveld, specifically the Near Bankenveld veldt type occurring in the western side of
the Drakensburg. The area should most likely be dominated by Graminoid species, such as Tristachya
leucothrix, T. triandra and E. racemosa.
This biome according to Accocks, is dominated by sourveld species, and while not considered suitable for
grazing is typically utilised for agricultural purposes.
The study area covers approximately 17 247 058 ha consisting of low undulating hills. These are covered by
predominately short sclerophyllis plant species occurring near the crests of these hills, with taller more palatable
species occur towards the bases of the hills. The study areas are predominantly used for grazing areas.
Pastures are also established widely in the area.
A total of 29 species in seven (7) families were recorded over the study area. Graminoid species (Poaceae) were
the most dominant, accounting for 45% of the total species diversity. Members of the daisy (Asterceae) family
were also well represented, accounting for 28% of the total species diversity.
8.1.7 Fauna
The disturbance of the site due to agricultural and mining activities has resulted in many animal species moving
out of the area to lesser disturbed locations. Thus, species that are known to occur within the greater area may
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