Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.1
Slurry Pipeline
Flora
Ambatovy Project
79
January 2006
4.1.3.3 Vegetation of the Mantadia-Zahamena Area
The Mantadia-Zahamena Conservation Corridor is covered with a heterogeneous
mix or matrix of vegetation. This matrix contains both non-forested and forested
formations. The non-forested component is the result of past disturbances and
natural succession. The non-woody secondary vegetation is not of particular
ecological interest in terms of unique habitat or species. The forested fragments
consist of primary or near-primary forest, degraded forest, secondary forest
(savoka),
Eucalyptus
forest and residual forest.
4.1.3.4 Vulnerable, Threatened and CITES Species
Five endangered, vulnerable or near threatened species, based on International
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), were found within the Mantadia-
Zahamena Conservation Corridor. The majority of these species are widespread
but are still at risk to extirpation or extinction because their populations are in
decline due to their value as a source of fuel (firewood) and building materials.
One species has a more restricted geographic range and is at risk to extirpation or
extinction from agricultural or human settlement activities.
Three species are listed Appendix 2 of CITES which accounts for internationally
traded species of concern. The level of trading for these species ranges between
nil and low and therefore currently they do not appear to be threatened.
4.1.3.5 Plant Species Richness
In total, 66 species were identified along the slurry pipeline corridor adjacent to
the Torotorofotsy Wetlands. A total of 333 plant species were identified in
surveys carried out within the Mantadia-Zahamena Conservation Corridor
between kilometre points R22+000 and R29+000.
4.1.3.6 Species Endemism
No locally endemic species were identified within the area of Torotorofotsy
Wetlands and the slurry pipeline corridor route. This is largely due to the
disturbed nature of the area.
Within the Mantadia-Zahamena Conservation Corridor, 257 of 333 species were
classed as endemic to Madagascar and 63 as regionally endemic. No species
were listed as local endemics. An additional 13 species were classed as exotics.
