Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.2
Slurry Pipeline
Fauna
Ambatovy Project
92
January 2006
the agricultural zone. For a detailed description of land use within the LSA refer
to Volume K, Appendix 3.1.
The pipeline initially crosses through the Torotorofotsy Ramsar site within the
mine LSA and further east, through the Mantadia-Zahamena Conservation
Corridor. The proposed pipeline route is primarily located on existing
disturbance, including through the Ramsar site and the regional primary zonal
forest corridor.
4.2.3
Baseline Summary
4.2.3.1 Introduction
The slurry pipeline LSA was surveyed for amphibians, reptiles and birds in 2004
and 2005.
4.2.3.2 Methods
Classification of Land Use Zones
Remote sensing data were used to produce spatial land use maps (Volume K,
Appendix 3.1). Interpretation of key land use features was confirmed through
field site visits. Existing information from previous studies, 1997 baseline
investigations and information acquired for the socioeconomic and protected
areas sections of this assessment were used to define recent land use activities.
Faunal Surveys
Amphibians and Reptiles
A reconnaissance survey along sections of the proposed pipeline route was done
near the Mantadia-Zahamena forest corridor in the late dry season in October
2004. Incidental observations of amphibians and reptiles were also recorded.
Formal surveys along the proposed pipeline route were also conducted during the
wet season from January to February 2005. The methods for the herpetofauna
survey in early 2005 followed those described for the mine LSA (Volume J,
Appendix 2.1).
Birds
Baseline surveys along the proposed pipeline route were conducted for birds
from September to October 2004 and from January to February 2005. The
methods followed those described for the mine LSA (Volume J, Appendix 2.1).
