Mammal Surveys
The aims of the mammal assessment include the following:
– To identify and list all mammals that can possibly be present within the proposed area of development (transmission lines and sub stations);
– To identify any rare and endangered mammal species that can potentially be present within the proposed area of development;
– To identify the potential impacts and mitigation measures on the animal life due to the destruction of habitat that will take place as a result of the construction activities.
– The desktop study of the animal life involved investigating the occurrence of different species of mammals using field guides, Red Data Books and text books.
The results of a desktop study of all the mammals of the proposed area will be used to compiled a vegetation and animal report and will include an introduction, methodology applied to conduct the scoping, species lists of all the animals that may possibly be present within the proposed area of development and will include all mammals as well as all rare and endangered species that can possibly be present within the proposed transmission line servitude.
Field surveys will be conducted. Any ecological indicators, such as calls, tracks and dung will also be noted and regarded as the presence of that particular animal. The probability of occurrence for species not observed during field surveys will be updated if applicable regarding available habitats. Protected and endemic species will be the focus of discussion. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys will be performed. The number of sample plots will vary for each component of the survey.
The current status of the environment will be determined and an evaluation of the extent of site-related effects in terms of certain ecological indicators, as well as identification of specific important ecological attributes such as rare and endangered species, protected species, sensitive species and endemic species will be made. The habitat will be characterised in relation to biota and the extent of site related effects. Presence of red data and protected species will be indicated on a map.
