The fundamental objective of ecological assessments is to provide a conversion of the measurements of ecosystem state or function into a form that can aid in decision-making. The task of conducting ecological assessment is never simple because of the wide range of ecological impacts that are generally associated with development projects. Moreover, these occur over varied spatial and temporal boundaries. The complexity of ecological systems further makes it difficult for setting boundaries for ecological assessments. Scoping therefore become a necessity to incorporate considerations most appropriate for describing ecological setting that best address the environmental concerns of the proposed project, (Kennedy and Ross, 1992). Accordingly, a range of ecological components and project related activities have been rationalised and considered in the ecological assessment of the project area. The subsequent pages of this section presents the results of field observations and the analysis of spatial data.

Ecological Components

• Landuse/Land cover
   

Wildlife values of the area

• Flora
   
• Fauna
   

Project Activities

• Land acquisition and contour leveling activities
   

• Modifications in the drainage system of the area
   

• Modifications in existing road network
   

• Building and other ancillary developments