Biodiversity surveys conducted for Maneah Linsan Powerline EIA

Study Extent

Data located in the area of influence of the powerline (around 5km).

Sampling

The mammals data in this dataset were collected as part of the chimpanzee-specific supplementary study for the initial status of the Manéah Linsan high-voltage power line project. The mammals data were collected using 22 camera traps located in the area of influence of the powerline (around 5km). The camera traps were set on April 23 to 30, 2022, on locations where chimpanzees pass, rest or feed. They were placed against a tree, generally about 50 cm high. The traps were set as follows: 2 photos and 1 video; time between shots: 5 seconds (minimum); video duration: 10 seconds; motion detector sensitivity: medium. Each camera installed was numbered (Codes: ML001 to ML022) and geo-referenced. The cameras were installed (April 23-30, 2022) for one month, after which they were retrieved (June 13-30, 2022) for data analysis.

Regarding flora, 20 survey sites were selected in the main study area, according to the following criteria:
- To be representative of all the natural and modified habitats highlighted by the preliminary study of aerial images and the bibliographical information gathered;
- Target original habitats with potential botanical importance (home to species of high heritage value), i.e.: gallery forests, patches of dense forest, wooded savannah/open forest, shrub savannah, old fallow (transitional environments with dominant pioneer species), bowé, and rocky environments (with seasonal seepage zones); and
- Be accessible to experts.
Two methods were used for data collection: (1) the 25mx25m plot method and (2) the random transect method. The plot method consists of delimiting a 25mx25m square within the site and surveying the vegetation, by stratum, within this square. Random transects were carried out within each site, in order to describe and photograph the main habitats present (Habitat, Species, Family, Biological type, Abundance, Status, Condition, Degradation index). Particular attention was paid to endangered and/or endemic plant species, which were recorded and herbariumed.

Regarding birds, the purpose of the ornithological inventory was to draw up a non-exhaustive list of bird species present in the study area, with priority given to species that could trigger the critical habitat criterion as defined by the World Bank's NES n°6 (mainly endemic/limited-range and/or threatened species) potentially present in the area. Particular attention was paid to these species during the inventories, to ensure that the project took the best possible account of the issues associated with these species, whose ecology makes them highly sensitive to this type of infrastructure. Potential breeding habitats were also sought (cliffs, tall trees, etc.) and inventoried.
In order to capture the variety of bird assemblages associated with the different habitat types present in each of the study areas, 35 sampling sites were identified to encompass the heterogeneity of the environments present. Sampling consisted in following survey itineraries through the sites, actively selecting those places where there was information or indications of the presence of the species of interest, or where there were no such indications, areas potentially suitable for their habitat.
The approach involved walking and driving along transects in different sectors, making georeferenced visual and auditory observations. For the auditory observations, 10-minute listening points were defined (2 to 10 in number, depending on the relief of the sectors sampled). These listening points, 250-300 metres apart, were marked by a period of replay of the species' songs lasting around 30 seconds. As far as possible, unfavorable weather conditions were avoided and the surveys were carried out during the species' peak activity hours, usually the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the afternoon.

Quality Control

The geographic location of the sensitive species has been blurred.

Method steps

1. See sampling description

1. Plantae
   rank: kingdom
2. Animalia
   rank: kingdom

The project covers the prefectures of Coyah and Kindia, crossing a total of 10 sub-prefectures: Maneah, Kouriah, Mambia, Samayah, Friguiagbe, Damankania, Kindia Centre, Kolente, Sougueta and Linsan.