Studies of the biodiversity of the project area were undertaken over ten years ago. Given the length of time lapsed since those studies, a new program is to be commissioned. The study will be undertaken by experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and will start towards the end of 2004.

The study methodology is detailed below:

Phase 1 – Desk Top Review of Study Area

  The desk top review will undertake the following:  

• The preparation of environmental base maps of the study area detailing types of land use, identification of important vegetation communities such as upper montane rain forest, mature riparian stands, etc. Also required is an indicative species list for plants found in each of the vegetation communities. Those species or communities that are considered to be of conservation significance should be identified.
• A search of available data sources to determine the possible fauna species present, whether they are endemic or introduced, an assessment of their conservation importance and their distribution on a local, regional and national level.
• The preparation of environmental base maps showing the aquatic network (rivers, streams and other permanent water bodies) within the project area including riparian habitats, riverine habitats, waterfall spray zones and the inundation area.

No fieldwork is expected for Phase 1, simply a review of available data will take place.

Phase 2 – Field Surveys

  Phase 2 requires the following:

• The design of fauna surveys to assess the impacts of the project. The surveys are required to cover:
  o Mammals
  o Birds
  o Fish
  o Reptiles
  o Amphibians
  o Aquatic macro-invertebrates
• The design of flora surveys to assess the impacts of the project. The surveys are required to cover:
  o Riparian habitats
  o Waterfall spray zone communities
  o Other plants or communities of conservation significance that have the potential to be impacted by the project.

Phase 3 – Reporting
Upon completion of the field work a report is to be produced which will cover the following:
Species and Population Level

• Checklist of flora and fauna within the study area, including endemic and localised species. Identification of threatened species and species sensitive to disturbance and an indication of abundance (population structure and dynamics, composition of key species). The distribution of threatened species in unaffected areas locally, regionally and nationally.

Habitat/Ecosystem Level

• A description of habitats including distribution, richness and diversity of habitats and ecosystems. The patchiness, connectivity or fragmentation of habitats should also be described along with a discussion of breeding areas and wildlife corridors. The distribution of habitats is to be marked on 1:10,000 maps.
• An assessment of the magnitude and significance of the impacts on ecosystems, communities and species, including an assessment of direct, indirect, positive and negative impacts. An assessment of cumulative impacts is also required.
• The report will also include proposed mitigation measures for any significant impact and recommendations for monitoring.