Basic Environmental Description

Project and Site Description

The proposed Sagren Park Residential Development, led by Mattlo Risk Management
Services (Pty) Ltd, is situated in La Mercy within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality,
KwaZulu-Natal. The development site is located north of the M4 and Valley Road and south
of the N2 and Sivananda Avenue. The project will entail the construction of approximately 15
free-standing residential units, which will be supported by infrastructure, including gravel
roads, a sewer system for irrigation, stormwater management, and related infrastructure. The
development is planned to span a footprint of approximately 1.39 ha.

Surrounding Land Use and Hydrology

The land surrounding the project site is a mix of small-scale farming, open land, low-density
housing, and a graveyard. A significant feature of the site is an unnamed non-perennial stream
that runs through it. Following a desktop and field assessment, the stream's Present
Ecological State (PES) has been classified as being in a "Largely Natural state (B category)"
due to only a few modifications. The presence and condition of this watercourse are vital
baseline data for environmental assessment.

Vegetation and Biodiversity

The project site is characterized by a "secondary emerging forest" which has regenerated on
land previously used for farming. This area is noted for its significant biodiversity, including
the presence of indigenous trees and protected plant species. Specifically, the site contains
indigenous trees such as Flatcrowns (Albizia adianthifolia), Fluted milkwood
(Chrysophyllum viridifolium), and Small Knob thorn (Zanthoxylum capensis). The presence
of protected Amaryllids, such as Scadoxus, has also been confirmed.

The terrain across the site is relatively steep. The predominant soil type is sandy soil, impacts
the natural vegetation patterns by favouring species adapted to well drained, low – nutrients
conditions Sandy soils are known for high permeability, which influences surface water
movement and ground water recharge processes within the area

During the site assessment of the Sagren Eco Park property, a dense growth of climbing
vegetation was observed strangling indigenous shrubs and trees. This growth is consistent
with alien invasive creepers, particularly Cardiospermum grandiflorum (commonly known as
Balloon Vine), which is widespread in KwaZulu-Natal (Henderson, 2001). Balloon Vine is an
aggressive climber that spreads rapidly in moist subtropical habitats, such as those found
along the riparian zones and disturbed grassland edges of Cotton lands. By covering tree
canopies, it blocks sunlight, reducing photosynthesis and ultimately leading to the decline or
death of host plants (Foxcroft et al., 2003). Furthermore, the dense mats formed by this vine
add significant weight, which may cause branches or entire trees to collapse (Shaughnessy,
1986). Its presence within the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland and Thornveld mosaic,
already classified as threatened ecosystems (SANBI, 2018), highlights the ecological pressure
invasive species pose to the natural biodiversity of the Sagren Eco Park site.

Senna didymobotrya (commonly known as the popcorn tree) is another type of alien invasive
plant species which were observed during the site visit, senna didymobotrya is recognized by
its bright yellow flowers, aromatic leaves and its ability to withstand drought conditions
(Weldemariam and Dejene, 2021). The subtropical climate of Sagren Eco park is a reason
that allows this plant to thrive. The National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act
(NEMBA) considers Senna didymobotrya as a Category 1b invasive species. This means the
plant requires control and removal in the areas it has invaded to prevent its spread.

Furthermore, lantana camara is also an alien invasive plant species that was observed at the
Sagren Eco Park site, this is a problematic alien invasive species in KwaZulu-Natal (Sharma
et al., 2005). This shrub, native to Central and South America, has become naturalised across
South Africa and is listed as a Category 1b invasive alien species under the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) regulations (DEA, 2016). Lantana
invades and forms impenetrable thickets which dominate native grassland and riparian
vegetation, leading to a loss of biodiversity and changed fire patterns (Day et al., 2003). Its
berries are also poisonous (Sharma et al., 2005); making it an environmental as well as
economic threat to the communities of livestock and wildlife near the developed area. Since
the Sagren Eco Park property falls within KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland (an existing
classified Endangered ecosystem; SANBI, 2018), The presence of Lantana camara
underscores the value of including alien plant control as part of a mitigation strategy.
Figure: Cardiospermum grandiflorum (commonly known as Balloon Vine)

Figure: Senna didymobotrya (commonly known as the popcorn tree) found at Sagren Eco
park
Figure: Lantana camara- invasive species found at the Sagren Eco park

Fauna

The fauna of Sagren Eco Park consisted of both wildlife and domestic species, demonstrating
the ecological and socioeconomic significance of the location. During the site visit, several
amphibian species, including frogs and tadpoles, were observed in association with grassland
patches and dam areas. Amphibians are widely regarded as bioindicators because of their
sensitivity to water quality, temperature, and habitat changes, and their presence suggests a
relatively healthy aquatic ecosystem and a diverse trophic structure (Portik et al., 2011).bee
hives were also observed during the site visit which were kept by farmers situated in the
areas.

In addition to, domestic animals such as chickens were also recorded within the site.
Chickens play a dual role by providing food security through egg and meat production, while
also contributing to ecosystem functioning. Their foraging behaviour allows them to regulate
insect populations, thus offering a natural form of pest control that can reduce the need for
chemical interventions (Mtileni et al., 2012). This coexistence of wildlife and domestic
species illustrates the intertwined relationship between biodiversity conservation and human
livelihoods in peri-urban landscapes like Sagren Eco Park, where ecological health and
community benefits are closely linked.
Reference List

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 Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), 2016. Alien and Invasive Species

Regulations, 2016, under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
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 SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute), 2018. The Vegetation Map of
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
 Shaughnessy, G.L., 1986. A case study of some woody plant introductions to the Cape
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