Butterfly Surveys
I have carried out several surveys for butterflies and their hostplants. These are two of the most important ones:
The
Butterfly and Host plant Assessment of the Mkhondeni Catchment Area.
Commissioned by Guy Nicolson Consulting CC
In 2007 it was requested by Guy Nicolson Consulting CC to undertake a survey of the butterfly host plants and a butterfly survey in the Mkhondeni Catchment area allocated for development. The site covers approximately 935 ha. The butterfly and host plant field data collecting extended from July to December 2007.
The purpose of the study was:
1- To obtain field data and information on the occurrence, abundance and distribution of butterfly host plants on the study site, mainly on the Capparaceae Family.
2- To investigate the existence of any red data butterfly species on the study site.
3- To determine the butterfly species composition playing an important role in the biodiversity of Mkhondeni Catchment area.
4- To provide a general overview of the butterfly diversity on study.
5- To provide preliminary recommendations on the areas of conservation concern based on host plants and butterfly richness.
This is all in order to delineate conservation zones of biodiversity importance required for the SEA in the proposed development area of the Mkhondeni Catchment area.
Invertebrate assessment of Lot 51 Wilde Als Spruit Farm N° 1085, Nottingham Road.
Commissioned by Wolgang Kanz, Afzelia CC.
The site is situated adjacent to the R103 on the north and a railway to the south. The area is circumscribed within the following coordinates: -29°23’7’’ South, 30°1’13’’ East and -29°23’30’’ South, 30°2’83’’ East
The terms of reference for the assessment was as follows:
- To provide a general overview of the invertebrate community of the study site with emphasis on both the Lepidoptera (butterflies) assemblage and occurrence of taxa that warrant conservation measures.
- To identify suitable habitat types (undisturbed areas) for any invertebrate species occurring in the property.
- To determine any invertebrate species of conservation significance in the property.
- To indicate also the potential impact on invertebrate’s biodiversity of the proposed housing development in the property.
- To establish whether the proposed development will affect on dispersion and movements of invertebrates on the property. Affecting connectivity.
- To provide recommendations to reduce potential impacts of the propose development onto the species found and those potentially existing ones. Indicate where the house units should be built in order to minimize the impact on invertebrate populations.