Biodiversity (1 - SRK Consulting

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Vegetation
Although there are no statutory conservation area within this vegetation type, very
little of the area has been transformed. A local exception is in the mine area close to
Aggeneys, where mining infrastructure and mine dumps, and also residential areas,
transformed some land.
All the results indicate that the area is of biodiversity importance. However, the most
important areas are the Inselbergs including their quartz gravel plateaus and foot
slopes. The dry grassy plains are of relatively less biodiversity importance. Although
the proposed development site is not located on the Inselbergs or quartz plains, it is
still emphasized that these are considered as No-Go areas and should be protected.
Any development on the property should be in accordance with the conservation
policies of the relevant authorities.
It is suggested that the proposed the development of proposed photovoltaic power
generation facility be supported with the condition that the lay-out as shown in this
document be strictly followed and no changes be done to the lay-out without
consultation of the biodiversity specialists.
Mammals
Four pertinent matters emerge from the list of mammals compiled during the site visit
and the subsequent desktop study:
1. the species assemblage is typical of a western semi-arid region (particularly
species such as the elephants shrew species, the ground squirrel, the spectacled
dormouse, the various gerbil species, the dassie rat, whistling rats, the blackfooted
cat, the bat-eared fox, the Cape fox, the gemsbok, the springbok etc.);
2. the species richness of 56 is typical of an extensive area such as the property
(5000 ha) and of adjoining areas, with a near-natural degree of connectivity;
3. land-use practices and civilization pressures are geared to low-key grazing with a
focus on concomitant floral conservation to benefit year-round grazing, which are
conducive to species richness; and
4. field observations suggested that population levels were low during the site visit.
SATO Aggeneys July 2011 13