Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.2
Slurry Pipeline
Fauna
Ambatovy Project
112
January 2006
Indirect effects as a result of edge creation can contribute to fragmentation
impacts. Forest edge differs from forest interior in both microclimatic and biotic
aspects (see Indirect Habitat Loss Section in Key Question W-1). Some
fragmentation changes can be positive (e.g., butterfly abundance is higher in
clearings if suitable habitat exists). However, fragmentation has a negative effect
on species that require extensive tracts of habitat (e.g., interior forest and wary
species). For additional fragmentation analyses, refer to the Biodiversity
assessment (Volume C, Section 4.4).
Road construction is a major contributor to habitat fragmentation in forested
habitats (Reed et al. 1996). Some other disturbances that result in fragmentation
include forest clearing for developments, forest clear-cutting and right-of-way
construction (e.g., pipelines, utility corridors).
Barriers to Movement
Faunal movements can be affected through the creation of physical or
psychological barriers to movement (e.g., roads). Barriers can indirectly result in
habitat loss by preventing animals from accessing habitat and affecting faunal
movement (for full discussion, refer to Volume B, Section 4.2). For the pipeline
component of the project, the main barriers to faunal movement include the
access and maintenance roads and sensory disturbance from project construction
activities. While the sensory disturbance from construction will be temporary,
some roads will last beyond the project life.
Assessment Methods
Both fragmentation and barriers to movement effects on fauna are assessed
qualitatively based on the interpretation of direct habitat loss effects.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria are the same as for direct habitat loss (see Table 4.2-1).
Mitigation
Design Elements
•
The pipeline will be buried except for a few locations across rivers and
near mine and plant facilities. Along the pipeline route between the two
parcels of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, the pipeline will be
constructed to permit overgrowth of trees and shrubs and improve forest
cover and connectivity during operations and post-closure.
•
The pipeline route is mainly (about 95%) through previously disturbed
or degraded areas. The pipeline route avoids primary habitats as much
