Prior to commencing with the Cape Vulture specialist assessment, the collision risk potential for Cape Vultures of the preferred site as identified by the screening tool must be confirmed by undertaking a site sensitivity verification for a period of at least 12 months which must include the pre-breeding season (late March to early May) and the breeding season (May to December).
| 2.1. |
The site sensitivity verification must be undertaken by a specialist registered in the field of zoological science with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) with demonstrated expertise in Cape Vulture observation and research. |
| 2.2. |
The site sensitivity verification must be undertaken through the use of: |
| i. |
identify the land use on surrounding erven with specific reference to the possible location of vulture restaurants or land uses which could result in carcass availability; |
| ii. |
identify any specific topographical features on the site which could attract or pose a risk to Cape Vultures including existing and planned powerlines within a 5km radius of the site; |
| iii. |
continuously monitor wind speed and other weather data that could influence Cape Vulture activity on the site throughout the initial site verification period; |
| (b) |
vantage point monitoring4 by two people at the same time for a duration of at least 72 hours per vantage point for the 12 months. Vantage point monitoring is to determine the level of Cape Vulture flight activity on the site and the height of flight; |
| (c) |
consultation with relevant non-governmental organisations with an interest in Cape Vulture protection including BirdLife South Africa, VulPro and the Endangered Wildlife Trust; and |
| (d) |
any other available and relevant information. |
| 2.3. |
The outcome of the site sensitivity verification must be recorded in the form of a report that: |
| (a) |
confirms or disputes the environmental sensitivity as identified by the screening tool (Cape Vulture risk layer); |
| (b) |
contains a motivation, corroborated by evidence (e.g. monitoring data) and input from BirdLife Africa, of either the verified or different environmental sensitivity; and |
| (c) |
where the site sensitivity verification has confirmed the site as being of a “medium” or “low” sensitivity for collision risk to Cape Vultures, the site sensitivity verification report and the Compliance Statement must be included in the avian specialist study which is to be submitted together with the relevant assessment report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. |
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4 |
Vantage point monitoring is to be undertaken in accordance to the method as identified in the latest version of the BirdLife South Africa Guideline for impact assessment, monitoring and mitigation. |
Statistics Act, 1999
