Environmental Assessment
Volume B-4.2
Mine
Fauna
Ambatovy Project
202
January 2006
Analamay plateau to downstream areas, and also stores water during periods of
drought. Additionally, the wetlands function (as do most marshes) as a natural
filter for sedimentation and as a reservoir to attenuate high runoff flows, thus
reducing downstream erosion and sedimentation.
The ecology and biology (habitat diversity, habitat continuity, animal breeding)
of the Torotorofotsy Wetlands is sensitive to water level and water quality
fluctuations. The marsh contains valuable communities of mid-altitude marsh
fauna. For example, the endangered slender-billed flufftail (
Sarothrura watersi
)
which occurs there may require specific marsh vegetation. The distribution of
this marsh vegetation, in turn, would be influenced by a combination of factors
including water levels, nutrients, and the presence of competitors and predators.
The marsh also provides habitat to a mixed taxonomic community of resident and
transient marsh birds, fish, invertebrates, and small mammals.
4.2.4
Impact Assessment
4.2.4.1 Issue Scoping
The baseline summary described the key faunal species and faunal habitat found
within the mine LSA, particularly for species of concern (IUCN 2004; UNEP-
WCMC 2005) and priority species (local and regional endemics). The purpose
of the impact assessment is to assess specific effects on the key species and
habitats found within the LSA, identify strategies to reduce potential project-
related effects and discuss the potential to return the area to pre-disturbed faunal
habitat conditions. Various issues and concerns related to potential project
impacts on fauna were raised during consultation, especially with environmental
non-governmental organizations (Volume A, Section 6). Main issues connected
to faunal species include:
•
potential impacts (including extirpation or extinction) of locally
endemic species associated with removal of azonal and transitional
forest habitats;
•
potential impacts to populations of rare and endangered species from
mine construction and operation;
•
direct and indirect effects on faunal habitats from construction and
operations, especially in the Torotorofotsy Wetlands, as a result of
changes in hydrology and hydrogeology;
•
habitat fragmentation and potential impacts on movements of faunal
species; and
•
potential effects on faunal health due to changes in water and air quality.
