Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.4
Slurry Pipeline
Natural Habitats and Biodiversity
Ambatovy Project
147
January 2006
distribution of vegetation communities within the slurry pipeline LSA, species
richness for amphibians and reptiles was highest in the primary forest habitat
(76 species) and primary forest edge (18 species). Thirty-five species were
unique to the primary forest (Volume J, Appendix 2.1). Eucalyptus forest
contained 15 species of reptiles and amphibians, while marshes and open glades
in primary forest contained 10 or 11 species. Disturbed habitats, such as primary
forest fragments, secondary forest and tavy, were comprised of five or fewer
species (Volume J, Appendix 2.1). Similar to reptiles and amphibians, most bird
species were detected in forested habitat (62 of 86 species), including all IUCN-
listed species.
A total of 26 fish species were recorded at pipeline survey sites (Table 4.4-1).
Eight species are endemic, 11 are native (indigenous but not endemic) and seven
are exotic. No species are listed by the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Similar to the mine LSA,
habitat loss, and competition and predation from exotics have likely contributed
to the contraction of the range of endemic and indigenous fish fauna.
Table 4.4-1 Species Richness, Endemism and Conservation Status of Flora,
Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, and Fish in the Slurry Pipeline Local
Study Area
Class
Species Richness
Number of Endemics
IUCN Species
CITES Species
flora
332
257
5
3
amphibians
54
53
2
2
reptiles
35
35
1
13
birds
86
71
8
10
fish
26
8
2
0
4.4.3.2 Landscape Diversity
Approximately 94% of the land within the slurry pipeline LSA is currently
disturbed (Table 4.4-2), attesting to the success of the re-routing activities to
minimize impacts, especially through the Mantadia-Zahamena corridor. Land
use practices include tavy agriculture, logging, woodlots, plantations and rice
production. Azonal, transitional, and marsh edge forests are located at the
eastern end of the pipeline route, near the mine site. Primary forest is also
located in the corridor zone of the pipeline. A small number of natural wetlands,
accounting for 1.1% of the area, are located in the eastern portion of the pipeline
route near the Toamasina study area.
