Environmental Assessment
Volume B-4.1
Mine
Flora
Ambatovy Project
191
January 2006
and extinction during construction, operations and following mine closure
resulting in a neutral effect. Mitigation and monitoring programs required to
ensure the long-term survival of these species includes:
•
Identification and protection of an off-site azonal conservation area.
•
Continuing on-site and regional flora surveys.
•
Establishment of species-level conservation program.
•
Monitoring vulnerable species in the azonal conservation areas.
•
Monitoring vulnerable species that have been transplanted.
4.1.7
Key Question FL-3 What Effect Will the Mine Have on
the Introduction of Exotic and Unwanted Plant Species?
Roads (and mines by default) contribute to increases in the spread of exotic
species (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). Edge effects from forest clearings
increases light which in turn increases the density of species that prefer high light
levels such as disturbance–adapted or early successional species (Mehrhoff
1989). Exotic or unwanted (weedy) species typically increase along disturbed
forest edges as a result of preferred habitat conditions, stressing or removing
native species, and providing a contact zone for dispersal (Trombulak and
Frissell 2000).
4.1.7.1 Assessment Methods
Assessing the potential effects of the mine on exotic and unwanted species
(i.e., weeds) populations was carried out in a qualitative manner.
4.1.7.2 Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria used for exotic and unwanted species are presented in
Table 4.1-11.
