Page 2117 - Week 07 - Thursday, 17 June 1993

IMPACT ON THE NON-HUMAN BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT -

ECOLOGY

The proposed North Watson development is located in areas. which are either

totally modified, contain improved pasture or contain partially improved ($tipa- -

Danthonia) pasture. These are areas of low significance from an ecological

viewpoint, although in some locations there are mature woodland trees or patches

of (Slips bfgeniculala) open tussock grassland.

Some of the mature trees contain hollows which provide nesting habitat for native -

birds or mammals, and a large proportion. of .these trees (approximately 70%)

should be preserved within the proposed-urban development The trees retained .

would continue to provide nesting sites,. although probably for a narrower range of .

spaces which can adapt to breeding within the urban environment

The development adjacent-to the present edge of Watson would result in the loss -

of the Remainder areas -of - Steps grassland- and their potential habitat value, .

however, this habitat value is considered to be lowers moderate. In the event of

the striped Toeless lizard (Delta impugn being located in these these.ardas,.It is unlikely

that the population of the lizard would be large enough in isolation to maintain long-term viability. .

East of Anil Street, the proposed denrelopmentwould be located.almost entirely-.

within improved pasture areas. The impact on native.grassland and woodland with

native understorey would be. minimal and would not significantly affect the

ecological. integrity of the Mount Major area. Should development result in the

cessation of grazing .in the existing horse holding and stock. pound paddocks, this

would assist in the nature! regeneration of those areas degraded by grazing to a -

more diverse woodland

The area of greatest vegetation and. habitat interest identified in the field survey is

loathe . Highway outside the area-affected by the . proposed

development.

There are no significant wildlife movement corridors which would be affected by the

proposed development: