FEIR for Boitshepi Landfill Site .pdf - Zitholele.co.za

60August 2010 8848SensitivitiesA detailed ecological assessment (Terrestrial Ecology Assessment has been undertaken onsite). Please refer to Appendix C1.7.1.6 Terrestrial Ecology (Fauna)Methodology and Data SourcesDue to the disturbed nature of the waste disposal site, and the lack of decent habitat, thefaunal survey was conducted by simply spending time on site and documenting all thespecies observed. No traps were used during the survey.Regional DescriptionOf the fauna, bird species are the most prolific. Mainly water birds, such as herons,flamingos, ducks and egrets, are found in the region. Various species of weavers are alsoevident. Some weaver species feed on vegetation on the site, and could thus be exposed tothe effects of pollutants from the activities taking place in the area.Insect species such as mosquito larvae are dominant in the region. Frogs are also abundantin the area. Mammal species include mice and rats. These appear to inhabit mostly themarshes. No Red Data List species of mammals have been recorded in the area.Site DescriptionThe habitat on site is severely degraded and provides limited opportunities for natural faunalspecies occurring in the area. A waste disposal site does however offer excellent habitat foropportunistic species such as rats and numerous birds that scavenge on the site. In additionseveral domestic animals from the adjacent township found their way onto the site.To the south-east of the site there is a wetland and dam, fed by the local stream. This areahas numerous birds which often frequent the grassed parts of the waste disposal site. Inaddition shallow pools on site were providing habitat for tadpoles as shown in Figure 21below.Table 10: Faunal Species List.Common Name Scientific Name Occurrence StatusLadybug Family Coccinellidae Individuals IndigenousInsects and Wolfspinnekop Family Lycosidae Individuals IndigenousArachnids Purple Emperor Butterfly Family Nymphalidae Individuals IndigenousJewel Bug Family Buprestidae Individuals IndigenousAmphibians Guttoral Toad Bufo gutturalis Common IndigenousBirdsGolden Bishop Euplectes afer Common IndigenousBlackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Common IndigenousZITHOLELE CONSULTING