SECTION 5.1. Ecology Introduction

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1 Chapter 5 Ecology

2 SECTION 5.1 Ecology Introduction

3 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION Literature Research Vegetation Fauna Amphibians Reptiles Mammals Macro-invertebrates Literature Sources... 3 Ecology i

4 1 INTRODUCTION The objectives of the ecological surveys were to enable the preparation of a comprehensive environmental baseline report and to inform the subsequent impact assessment for the WREP-SR project. 1.1 Literature Research Where appropriate, literature reviews were carried out to determine the potential for plant and animal species to be present in the survey areas. This was considered particularly important as some of the surveys were necessarily undertaken during periods when not all species would be present or when some may be difficult to identify. Reference sources are cited in Section Vegetation Key objectives of the baseline botanical surveys (Phase I habitat survey) were to identify and describe the extent of major habitat and vegetation types so far as is possible. This included identification of ecologically important areas where more detailed Phase II surveys might be required. In addition, if population(s) of species of high conservation value were identified, the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, population numbers and threats could be assessed. For each habitat type and rare species populations a set of environmental characteristics were recorded including biotic and abiotic environments. Within each study site a sample plot that is characteristic of the vegetation unit was selected visually. As the prevailing vegetation type in all survey areas is grassland, 2m x 2m sized plots were used. In each plot, the most important parameters of flora and vegetation were recorded including total vegetation cover (%), height and cover-abundance (%) of individual species of higher plants within the plot. Coverage of moss layer, where present, was also recorded. In addition, for all plants within the plots, phenological phases were recorded (vegetative - Veg, flowering - Fl, fructification - Fr, senile - S). Cover (%) of vegetation (higher plants) was estimated as the percentage of ground occupied by a perpendicular projection of the aerial parts of the species. Cover was measured by the method of visual estimation. A 10-point Domin scale of cover-abundance (see Table 1) was used to avoid underestimation of the importance of species with scattered individuals. In addition, average diameter size of tree stems were measured at breast height (DBH) and average tree heights were also recorded based on a visual assessment. Table 1: Domin Scale of Cover-Abundance Points Cover-Abundance + one individual, reduced vigour 1 rare 2 sparse 3 <4%, frequent % % % % % % % Ecology 1

5 1.3 Fauna Key objectives of the baseline zoological surveys were to describe the proposed survey sites and adjacent areas as wildlife habitats and evaluation of species composition and diversity (including recording of evidence of presence of any animal species). Particular attention was paid to the presence of protected faunal species. The surveyors also identified areas where detailed (Phase II) faunal studies are required Amphibians With regard to amphibians, the surveys focussed on the assessment of project areas in terms of suitability to support amphibian species through identification of presence of potential breeding ponds (and wetlands with the potential to support individuals). If presence of such features within proximity of the pipeline route or ancillary developments was confirmed, the team then searched them for evidence of breeding if survey season was favourable (presence of spawn, larvae, tadpoles or adult individuals). The exact survey methodology employed during the detailed surveys was dependent on the species which could be present Reptiles With regard to reptiles, habitats were assessed for suitability. Their presence was verified by one or more of the following: seeking prints in the soil, observation of individuals, shed skin, shell, presence of eggs, etc. Surveyors walked pre-determined transects and searched potential refuges (where present). This will make surveys repeatable and comparable for post-construction monitoring (if deemed necessary) Mammals Mammal species were identified by direct observation or identification of tracks, droppings, excavations, feeding damage (gnawed nuts) and resting locations such as sets, holts or nests. Presence of small mammals was detected by the presence of holes, high-pitched squeaks and by turning over objects to expose runs. All suitable areas were thoroughly searched and the time spent surveying (and distance walked where a transect was used) was recorded. Riparian surveys for features such as Otter holts extended 100m upstream and 100m downstream of the proposed crossing point. Presence of bats was determined by the identification of roosts and foraging areas. Bat roosts are found above ground in buildings and trees and below ground in places such as caves, mines and tunnels. All evidence identified in the course of surveys was photodocumented and relevant GPS readings were recorded Macro-invertebrates Taking into consideration seasonal constraints (spawning season), macro-invertebrate surveys were undertaken rather than fish surveys at the Supsa and Liakhvi 1 river crossings. This approach was considered to be valid because: benthic macro-invertebrate assemblages are good indicators of stream quality and respond in predictable ways to changes in environmental variables macro-invertebrate sampling is less time and effort-consuming than fish surveys no nets are required this multimetric approach (which allows characterisation of different structural / functional attributes of the assemblages) has already been successfully applied for the river biodiversity assessment program for BTC / SCP (Ref: Ichthyological Component reports, ). 1 Replacement of Liakhvi river crossing was completed in The information is included in the ESBR as the river may be used as a source of hydrotest water for WREP-SR Project. Ecology 2

6 Locations of macro-invertebrate sample sites within the reach of each river were determined through careful identification of two riffle areas and two depositional zones. These were recorded on a GPS handset (as were the upper and lower limits of the survey area). A variety of riffle and depositional sites were chosen within the reach to ensure representativeness of the biological community. Where possible, riffle samples included collection from two shallow-fast habitats and from two deep-fast habitats. A D-frame kicknet (500 micrometer net mesh) was used to collect three composite samples from each riffle and three composite samples from each slack-water zone (run or pool, where present). The samples were collected in shallow water m off the banks. Surveys were standardised by the surveyors on site, either by recording the number of kicks made or the time the net was in the water. Ten percent of the replicate riffle samples were stored in separate containers. A leaf litter sample (also known as CPOM=coarse particulate organic matter) was also collected from the stream reach. Leaf litter was gathered from one of the depositional locations and included decayed and newly deposited material. The composite macro-invertebrate field samples were preserved in 85% ethanol. Storage containers comprised heavy duty Ziploc freezer bags. A double bag system was used when storing samples in freezer bags. Sample labels were placed in the dry space between the inner- and outer freezer bags. 1.4 Literature Sources Akhalkatsi M. et al, Diversity and Conservation of Georgian Orchids. Tbilisi Anon. Atlas of Georgian Fishes 1982 (in Georgian) Anon. Flora of Georgia, Tbilisi Anon. Georgian Red List (2006) Anon. Protected Areas of Georgia Tbilisi Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl 1997 Aquarien Atlas, Band 5. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany. Barbour, M. T., Jeroen Gerritsen, Blaine D. Snyder, James B. Stribling - Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates, and Fish Second Edition Berg, L.S Freshwater fishes of the U.S.S.R. and adjacent countries. volume 2, 4th edition. Israel Program for Scientific Translations Ltd, Jerusalem. (Russian version published 1949). Chikovani T., Vronski N., Kurashvili B., Sikharulidze Z., Saguramo-Mariamjvari Reserve. Reserves of Caucasus. Moscow Darchiashvili G., Kopaliani N., Shavgulidze I., Babuadze L., Gorgadze G., Birds of East Georgia. Field Key Davies SP, Jackson SK The Biological Condition Gradient: A Descriptive Model for Interpreting Change in Aquatic Ecosystems Davis, W.S. and J. Lathrop Sediment Classification Methods Compendium - Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Structure and Function Grabarkiewicz, J.D. and W.S.Davis. (2008). An Introduction to Freshwater Fishes as Biological Indicators IUCN 2010, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Janashvili A., Vertebrates. Animals of Georgia. Vol. III Ecology 3

7 Karr, J. R Assessment of biotic integrity using fish communities Karr, J.R Biological Integrity and the Goal of Environmental Legislation: Lessons for Conservation Biology Karr, J.R. and E.W.Chu Biological Monitoring and Assessment: Using Multimetric Indexes Effectively Ketskhoveli N., Vegetation of Georgia. Tbilisi Kutateladze Sh., Nomenclature Types of Species Decsribed from Tbilisi Environs. Tbilisi Kvachakidze R., Iashaghashvili K., Lachashvili N., Vegetation of Saguramo State Reserve. Tbilisi (Archives of Manuscripts of Institute of Botany) Makashvili A., Flora of Tbilisi Environs. Tbilisi Makashvili A., Flora of Tbilisi Environs. Tbilisi Simon, T.P The Use of Biological Criteria as a Tool for Water Resource Management. Environmental Science and Policy 3:S43-S49 USEPA. May Rapid bioassessment protocols for use in streams and rivers - benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. EPA/440/4-89/001. Assessment and Watershed Protection Division, Washington. USEPA Biological Criteria: Research and Regulation - Proceedings of a Symposium USEPA. November Macroinvertebrate field and laboratory methods for evaluating the biological integrity of surface waters. EPA/600/4-90/030. Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH Yoder, C.O. and B. H. Kulik The Development and Application of Multimetric Indices for the Assessment of Impacts to Fish Assemblages in Large Rivers: A Review of Current Science and Applications Ecology 4

Analysis of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) richness and diversity of Guilford Creek, Guilford, NY

Analysis of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) richness and diversity of Guilford Creek, Guilford, NY Peter Hazelton 1 ABSTRACT Analysis of a single kick sample from a 2 nd order stream in