Biodiversity (1 - SRK Consulting

2. ASSIGNMENT
Eco-Agent Ecological Consultants CC was appointed by SRK Consulting Engineers
and Scientists to assess the vegetation and undertake a mammal, bird, reptile and
amphibian study for the relevant portion of the Farm Zuurwater 62. This assignment
is in accordance with the EIA Regulations (No. R.385, Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism, 21 April 2006) emanating from Chapter 5 of the National
Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as well as according to
the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA, Act No. of 2002)
The assignment is interpreted as follows: Compile a study of the vegetation, flora and
vertebrate fauna of the site, with emphasis on Red Data plant and vertebrate species
that occur or may occur on the site. In order to compile this, the following had to be
done:
2.1. Initial preparations:
Obtain all relevant maps and information on the natural environment of the
concerned area.
This includes information on Red Data plant and vertebrate species that may
occur in the area.
2.2. Vegetation and habitat survey:
List the plant species (trees, shrubs, grasses and herbaceous species)
present for plant community and ecosystem delimitation.
Identify potential red data plant species, alien plant species, and medicinal
plants.
2.3. Plant community delimitation and description
Process data (vegetation and habitat classification) to determine vegetation
types (= plant communities) on an ecological basis.
Describe the habitat and vegetation.
Determine the sensitivity of the site for biodiversity, veld condition and
presence of rare or protected species.
Prepare a vegetation map of the area.
Prepare a sensitivity map of the plant communities present, if relevant.
SATO Aggeneys July 2011 19