Biodiversity (1 - SRK Consulting

The biodiversity significance of an area relates to its species diversity, endemism (of
species or ecological processes) and significant occurrence of threatened/legallyprotected
species or ecosystems. The following conservation priorities were used for
each avian habitat type recognised on site or nearby:
High: Ecologically sensitive and valuable land, with high species richness,
sensitive ecosystems or Red Data species, that should be conserved
and no development allowed.
Medium-high: Land where sections are disturbed but that is still ecologically
sensitive to development/disturbance.
Medium:
Medium-low:
Low:
Land on which low-impact development with limited impact on the
ecosystem could be considered, but where it is still recommended
that certain portions of the natural habitat be maintained as open
spaces.
Land on which small sections could be considered for conservation
but where the area in general has little conservation value.
Land that has little conservation value and that could be considered
for developed with little to no impact on the habitats or avifauna.
Only High or Low sensitivity is indicated for the habitats, with no development
allowed on areas of High sensitivity, applying the following criteria:
High: High and Medium-High conservation priority categories mentioned
above are considered to have a High sensitivity and development
should not be supported. These include sensitive ecosystems with
low inherent resistance and/or resilience to disturbance factors, or
highly dynamic systems important for maintenance of ecosystem
integrity. Most such systems represent ecosystems with high
connectivity to other important ecological systems or support high
species diversity and provide suitable habitat for a number of
threatened or rare species.
Low:
Medium, Medium-Low and Low conservation priority categories
mentioned above are considered to have a Low sensitivity and
development may be supported. Portions of habitat with a Medium
conservation priority should be conserved as open areas and/or
SATO Aggeneys July 2011 37