Environmental Assessment
Volume B-4.4
Mine
Natural Habitats and Biodiversity
Ambatovy Project
279
January 2006
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summary of conclusions regarding predicted residual impacts, and
associated mitigations and follow-up monitoring activities.
4.4.2
Study Area
The core area of the mine site Local Study Area (LSA) for terrestrial resources
encompasses the ore body complex (Ambatovy and Analamay ore bodies), and
portions of the Torotorofotsy Wetlands that border the plateau and the associated
watersheds (Volume A; Figure 7.2-1). The LSA also includes the proposed
water intake pipeline footprint, plus a 500 m buffer, extending 23 km west from
the core area to the Mangoro River.
4.4.3
Baseline Summary
The following provides a summary of the results of current biodiversity potential,
and landscape metrics for natural habitats and land use practices in the LSA. The
summary focuses on those results that are important for assessing impacts from
the project. A complete description of the baseline methods, analysis and results
is located in Volume J (Appendix 4.1).
4.4.3.1 Ecosystem Diversity
A total of 975 species of plants, wildlife, and fish have thus far been identified in
the mine study area (Table 4.4-1). Of that total, 343 species are endemic to the
island of Madagascar. Forty-two percent of the plant species collected have been
identified to date. Wildlife species included ants, butterflies (and moths),
amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, small mammals and lemurs. Forty-three species
of wildlife, two fish species and nine plant species have International Union for
the Conservation of the Nature (IUCN) status.
