Attachment J - Chameleon Survey.pdf

Common Chameleon Survey Report 100% Pre-Final Design Submittal

Project Name: FY25 FX-74 NATO STRATEGIC AIRLIFT HANGAR

Location: NAVSTA Rota, Spain

Contract number: N6247020D0008

Task Order Number: N6247024F4007

September 2024

100% Final Design Submittal

FY25 FX-74 NATO Strategic Airlift Hangar, NAVSTA Rota Task Order: N6247024F4007

Quality Information Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by

Ana Cruz David Rodríguez María Ciruelos

Alberto Lucas Mencia Martinez Jason Dillaman

Irene Menéndez Jon Hamilton

Revision History Revision Revision date Details Authorized Name Position

0 23-Apr-24 Yes Irene Menéndez HN Project Manager

1 30-Sep-24 Yes Irene Menéndez HN Project Manager

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Report

1.2 Project Description

1.3 Fieldwork and Report Team

2 Common Chameleon 3 Survey Methodology

3.1 Desk Study

3.2 Habitat Assessment

3.3 Fieldwork

3.3.1 Presence / Absence

4 Results

4.1 Desk Works

4.2 Fieldworks

4.2.1 Common Chameleon Habitat Assessment

4.2.2 Results of the Field Surveys

5 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

5.1 Capture and Translocation Plan

5.1.1 Phase 1: Selection of Location Areas

5.1.2 Phase 2: Collection of Vegetation

5.1.3 Phase 3: Installation of Fencing

5.1.4 Phase 4: Translocation

5.1.5 Other Considerations

Figures

Figure 1. Area of Common Chameleon Surveys within the Naval Station Rota. Source: AECOM

Figure 2 Estimated Location of Geotechnical investigation works within the plot in the Naval Station Rota. Source:

AECOM

Figure 3 Estimated Location and Design of Future Maintenance Hangar in the Plot. Source: AECOM

Figure 4 Citations of Common Chameleon Populations Reported in Rota. Source: Reques, R., Balladares, L., & Cuadrado, M., (2008)2

Figure 5 Scrubland with Rushes (Scirpus holoschoenus), Broom (Retama monosperma), and Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) within the Site

Figure 6 Pine Trees (Pinus pinea) and Eucalyptus Trees (Eucalyptus spp.) within the Site

Figure 7 Common chameleon specimens observed during the survey. Left: an individual located on the broom scrub. Right: an individual located on a mastic scrub

Figure 8 Example of Common Chameleon Exclusion Fencing

Tables

Table 1. Habitat Assessment for Common Chameleon within the Site

1 Introduction The JV AECOM-BAKER was commissioned by COMNAVFACSY SCOM ATLANTIC to undertake a common chameleon (Chamaleo chameleon) survey, as part of environmental permits, to confirm the presence or absence of this species in a plot within the Naval Station Rota (Cadiz, Spain), (hereafter, ‘the Site’) (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Area of Common Chameleon Surveys within the Naval Station Rota. Source: AECOM

1.1 Purpose of the Report

This report summarizes the results of the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) survey conducted at the Site on the 10th of April 2024. The scope of the study is to avoid potential impacts on this species due to the geotechnical investigations works, needed prior to the construction of a future airlift hangar for the maintenance of aircrafts in the Site (“the Project”).

To achieve this objective, the study includes:

Identifying suitable and sensitive habitat areas within the plot that meet the ecological needs of the common chameleon.

Identifying the presence of the common chameleon within the plot.

Evaluating potential habitat alterations resulting from geotechnical investigations and future construction of the hangar.

Assessing potential impacts on the common chameleon due to vegetation removal.

Identifying mitigation and corrective measures that may be required by the Authorities (Junta de Andalucía).

1.2 Project Description

Geotechnical evaluation will include drilling and in-situ testing in addition to soil borings to collect site-specific data and describe the subsurface conditions underlying the project site.

Following the parameters provided by AECOM, the drilling will include boreholes with 4 and 15m of depth, borehole with piezometer and 30m of depth, test pit, infiltration tests and cone penetration test with 15m of depth, as well as electrical resistivity tomography and multichannel analysis of surface waves. The location of geotechnical investigations is detailed in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Estimated Location of Geotechnical investigation works within the plot in the Naval Station Rota. Source: AECOM

The FX74 Hangar is still in early stages of design. Nevertheless, there is an approved concept that serves to provide the location and footprint of the facility, as well as the anticipated site layout (Figure 3). The design shows that the hangar will not occupy the entire plot. The southern area will remain undisturbed..

Figure 3 Estimated Location and Design of Future Maintenance Hangar in the Plot. Source: AECOM

The Project provides a single bay, full-in, fuel cell capable maintenance hangar for servicing and maintaining C-5 and C-17 aircraft at NAVSTA Rota, Spain. Conventional design and construction methods will be utilized to accommodate the mission of the facility. All construction will be completed in one phase. The Project also includes utilities, pavements, site improvements and an automatic water sprinkler fire suppression system.

Facilities will be designed as permanent construction in accordance with the DoD Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 1-200-01, General Building Requirements and UFC 1-200-02, High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements.

Built-in equipment includes Tool cages, counter tops, and compressed air system. Supporting Facilities for this project include grading, parking, laydown areas, roadways, curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, shade structures, fencing, signs, and stormwater system. Electrical Utilities include connection to existing primary and secondary distribution systems, lighting, transformers, and telecommunications infrastructure. Mechanical Utilities include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, water lines, plumbing and plumbing fixtures, sanitary sewer lines, fire protection systems and supply lines.

1.3 Fieldwork and Report Team

David Rodríguez- (20 years of experience) is an Environmental Consultant, Graduate in Biology. He has experience in projects focused on the conservation of common chameleon in the province of Huelva. He also coordinated the conservation and monitoring programs of common chameleon in the province of Cadiz. He has also participated in ex-situ conservation projects of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Doñana National Park and in La Olivilla lynx conservation centre (Jaén). Currently, he is the fauna Coordinator, as wildlife risk management expert, at the airport of Jerez, Ceuta, and Algeciras. David performed the fieldwork and is co-author of this study.

Ana Cruz - (20 years of experience) is an Environmental Consultant, Graduate in Environmental Sciences. She holds a Master´s Degree in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. Ana has extensive professional experience in environmental consulting, biodiversity management and fauna surveys. She has experience in projects focused on the conservation of the common chameleon in the province of Cádiz. Ana worked as Technical Advisor for the Junta de Andalucía in Cádiz. Currently, she is the fauna Coordinator, as wildlife risk management expert, at the airport of Sevilla and Córdoba. Ana performed the fieldwork and is co-author of this study.

Alberto Lucas – (16 years of experience) is a Senior Environmental Consultant, Graduate in Biology (specialized in Zoology). He holds a Master´s Degree in Biodiversity and Ecosystems and a Doctorate´s Degree in Evolutionary Ecology. Alberto is an expert in Biodiversity and Natural Capital. He has extensive professional experience in environmental consulting, scientific research, and biodiversity management. He combines strong biological knowledge with field experience, participating in multiple national and international projects as an expert in the study, conservation, and monitoring of fauna and its habitats. He is the reviewer of this document.

Maria Ciruelos – (6 years of experience) is an Environmental Consultant, Graduate in Environmental Sciences and a Master's Degree in Management, Quality and Audits for companies. Maria has extensive experience working on national and international projects related to wildlife and habitat conservation, protected species (fauna and flora), Environmental Impact Assessments, biodiversity management, data analysis and other environmental services. She has extensive fieldwork experience conducting a variety of environmental surveys (reptiles, amphibians, mammals, bats, and birds) and habitat assessment. She is the co-author of this document..

2 Common Chameleon The common chameleon is a reptile species adapted to the Mediterranean climate and an arboreal life. The species is active throughout the year, especially between March-April and November-December. It is diurnal, increasing its activity during the midday hours in spring, autumn, and winter. Conversely, activity decreases during the hottest hours of summer.

Distribution in the Study Area

The province of Cádiz holds one of the most important populations of common chameleon in Andalucía. Previous studies indicated that the common chameleon is distributed along the coast, from Sanlúcar de Barrameda to Chiclana de la Frontera, although there is evidence of abundant gaps within that area where the species is completely absent.

Habitat

In western Andalucía, the species seems to prefer two types of habitats. It can be found this species lives in coastal pine forests (Pinus pinea) with abundant white broom (Retama spp.). Examples of these habitats persist in Rota, Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real, Barrio Jarana, or San Fernando. It can also be found in plots with single-family orchards in the regions of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Rota, Chipiona, Chiclana, or La Barrosa.

Threat Factors

The most relevant threat for the common chameleon is habitat loss due to changes in land use. Other threat factors include the death of individuals due to roadkill, pollution, predation by domestic animals, and human persecution.

Conservation Status

IUCN Global Category: Least Concern (LC)

IUCN Category for Spain: Near Threatened (NT)

Red Book of Threatened Vertebrates of Andalucía (according to IUCN criteria): Lower risk (LR). Classified as Vulnerable (VU) in Cádiz and Huelva.

Included in the Spanish List of Species with Special Protection Regime (LESRPE).

Included in the Andalusian List of Species with Special Protection Regime (LAESPE)

Legislation for the Protection of Common Chameleon

Resolution 420/38087/2017. Collaboration agreement with the Junta de Andalucía, for the development of programs for the conservation of the common chameleon in the Camposoto and the Rota Naval Station (Cádiz)

Royal Decree 139/2011. Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species

Law 42/2007, of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity

Law 8/2003 of Wild Fauna and Flora of Andalucía

Other programs for the Conservation and Recovery of the Common Chameleon

The Junta de Andalucía oversees a Common Chameleon Conservation and Recovery Program1 to protect this species and its habitats. This program encompasses various initiatives, including the documentation of distribution areas, the restoration of ecological corridors to enhance connectivity and population viability, and the identification of potential sites that will support new common chameleon populations.

3 Survey Methodology

3.1 Desk Study

The objective of the desk study is to review the existing information available concerning the common chameleon and the habitats potentially relevant within the Site.

The sources consulted include:

Petersen, C. (2010). Naval Station Rota Reptile and Amphibian Survey. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic. Dataset #843857. September 2010.

Department of defence office of prepublication and security reviews. (2017). Naval station Rota Spain environmental quality award overseas installation. April 19, 2017.

Cuadrado, M. (2002). Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758). Camaleón común. 160-162. In:

Pleguezuelos, J.M., Márquez, R. & Lizana, M. (eds.). Atlas y Libro Rojo de los Anfibios y Reptiles de España. Ministerio de Medio Ambiente - Asociación Herpetológica Española. Madrid.

Cuadrado, M. (2015). Camaleón común (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). Enciclopedia Virtual de los Vertebrados Españoles. Salvador, A., Marco, A. (Eds.). Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid.

http://www.vertebradosibericos.org/

Reques, R., Balladares, L., & Cuadrado, M., (2008). Plan de Conservación del camaleón común (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). Provincia de Cádiz. Ornitour.

3.2 Habitat Assessment

A preliminary visit to the Site was performed to identify whether the habitat is suitable for supporting common chameleon populations.

The following factors were taken into consideration:

Size (small patches are less suitable for the common chameleon than bigger patches).

Land use (urban, agricultural, woods, scrubland, wetlands)

Vegetation type (tress, scrubs, grass, mixed formations)

Insolation (exposure to sun)

Connectivity to nearby habitats of excellent quality

Potential breeding habitats (vegetation close to sandy soils)

The habitat was then classified with a grading (poor, good or exceptional) related to its capacity to support common chameleon populations (see Table 1 below).

1 Programa de Conservación y Recuperación del Camaleón Común – (juntadeandalucia.es) http://www.vertebradosibericos.org/

Table 1. Habitat Assessment for Common Chameleon within the Site

Habitat Grading Definition

Poor Habitat which is unfavourable for the common chameleon based on most of the habitat assessment characters listed above or is limited in size and highly isolated from other areas of suitable habitat.

Good Habitat which is favourable or sub-optimal for more than four of the habitat assessment characters listed above; or sub-optimal for less than four of the characters but has a good connectivity with areas of more suitable habitat.

Exceptional Habitat which is favourable for the common chameleon based on all of the habitat assessment characters listed above.

3.3 Fieldwork

Reptiles can be difficult to survey due to their camouflage strategies and behaviour. Temperature, precipitation and season should be also considered, because these factors can affect their activity patterns and detectability.

The survey was performed by two qualified ecologists with extensive experience in common chameleon surveys on the 10th of April 2024, from 20:30 to 22:30, in suitable weather conditions (lack of precipitations, mild temperatures). Ms. Susana Lozita, from the Environmental Department at NAVSTA Rota, accompanied the survey team.

The study area (6.18 hectares) was divided into homogeneous environmental units based on vegetation type and land use, because adults can be found primarily in scrubland and trees, while juveniles can be found frequently in scrubland and grasslands.

Common chameleon individuals can be detected more easily while they sleep on arboreal vegetation. Even more, they can be detected when illuminating them with a source of light during the night, because their skin can glow with the light, but not the vegetation.

3.3.1 Presence / Absence

For presence/absence surveys the following information was recorded:

Number of animals

Geolocation of individuals

Habitat type

When possible: biometric measurements, size/age class

4 Results

4.1 Desk Works

The sources consulted2 showed that, within Rota and in 2008, there were more than twenty locations with one or more common chameleon individuals. However, there are no recent studies regarding the current distribution of this species, nor the number of individuals or age structure.

Specifically, within the Rota naval base, two specimens were recorded in the conservation plan for the common chameleon in the province of Cadiz (Figure 4).

2 Reques, R., Balladares, L., & Cuadrado, M., (2008). Plan de Conservación del camaleón común (Chamaeleo chamaeleon):

Provincia de Cádiz. Ornitour.

Figure 4 Citations of Common Chameleon Populations Reported in Rota. Source: Reques, R., Balladares, L., & Cuadrado, M., (2008)2

The study "Naval Station Rota Reptile and Amphibian Survey3" conducted in 2010 at the Naval Station Rota provides the last results of the presence of the common chameleon within the Site. 17 common chameleons were detected during the sampling period (June and October 2008, and March and July 2010). All reported specimens were found in broom vegetation (Retama spp.) in the western stream, the port area, and the fuel farm.

4.2 Fieldworks

4.2.1 Common Chameleon Habitat Assessment

During fieldworks it was confirmed that the Site is a saline waterlogging. The substrate is sandy, compact in the areas with high flooding, and less compact in the border areas of the Site. This feature of the soil is relevant, given that common chameleons prefer those soils with less compacted sands to lay their eggs.

Vegetation distribution is influenced by the flooding gradients. The bare soil areas are located in the middle of the Site with rush (Scirpus holoschoenus), broom (Retama monosperma) and small patch of mastic (Pistacia lentiscus). Surrounding the Site there is an invasive species, the reed (Arundo donax). There is also a dense Mediterranean scrubland dominated by broom and mastic scrubs, along with other species such as myrtle (Myrtus communis) and orchids.

3 Petersen, C. (2010). Naval Station Rota Reptile and Amphibian Survey. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic. Dataset #843857. September 2010.

Figure 5 Scrubland with Rushes (Scirpus holoschoenus), Broom (Retama monosperma), and Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) within the Site

In the southern part, and close the border area of the Site, there are several tree species, such as pines (Pinus pinea) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), along with a dense scrubland dominated by mastic and other species (Aristolochia baetica and Smilax aspera).

Figure 6 Pine Trees (Pinus pinea) and Eucalyptus Trees (Eucalyptus spp.) within the Site

The Site is divided by a fence, although it is not an obstacle for the movement of the common chameleon within the Site.

Overall, the type of habitat and vegetation in the Site is suitable for the presence of the common chameleon. Hence, it was classified as good.

4.2.2 Results of the Field Surveys

During the survey, two specimens of common chameleon were found in the Site. One common chameleon was located at the outer edge of the Site, on a broom scrub (at 3 meters height), and the other close to the waterlogging area, on a mastic scrub.

Figure 7 Common chameleon specimens observed during the survey. Left: an individual located on the broom scrub. Right: an individual located on a mastic scrub.

The locations of the common chameleon detected during the survey can be seen in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Locations of observed common chameleon during the surveys

5 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures The presence of common chameleon in the Site was confirmed. Potential impacts and its associated mitigation measures are presented in the next sections.

Geotechnical Works

It is possible that during geotechnical work some individuals of common chameleon may be displaced or disturbed, especially if there will be felling, thinning, or pruning of scrubs and other vegetation. However, after applying the mitigation measures proposed to avoid or correct these impacts, it is unlikely that the adults, juveniles or eggs, will be affected by the geotechnical work.

During geotechnical work, the areas with adults or juveniles should be avoided, especially when drilling or during infiltration tests. Vegetation felling or thinning should be also avoided, in all the tests (electrical resistivity tomography or multichannel analysis). If geotechnical works begins after June, impacts on common chameleon eggs are not expected since all eggs will have hatched by summer.

A briefing should be given to all contractors working on the site by an environmental technician, to inform about the presence of common chameleons within the Site. The briefing will include species identification. It is recommended that during geotechnical works the vegetation close to the study area be checked by an environmental technician or a designated person, to avoid potential disturbances and to verify that the common chameleon population is not affected.

Although unlikely, if impacts are unavoidable during geotechnical works (i.e., it is necessary vegetation felling or thinning in a large area, or work in areas with common chameleon individuals is necessary), a capture and translocation plan must be implemented. This plan will require the authorization of the Junta de Andalucía.

Construction Works

Regarding construction phase of the Project, it is expected that there will be a permanent loss of optimal habitat for the common chameleon. Based on current information, it will be necessary to apply mitigation measures such as the translocation of the common chameleon individuals from the Site to another location before the beginning of construction works.

Prior to construction work it is advised to estimate the population size and location of the common chameleon within the Site. The surveys should be performed in summer (June-July), when both adults and juveniles are easier to detect. It is important to mention that the common chameleon has one reproductive cycle per year and the populations are renewed almost annually. Juveniles are more than half of the population and they will replace the breeding individuals the following year.

This measure is needed to ensure the success of the translocation plan, by surveying the scrubs and other vegetation of the areas with the higher density of common chameleon.

Hence, given the permanent and unavoidable impact following the construction of the hangar (optimal habitat loss) before the construction phase the translocation plan will need to be implemented.

5.1 Capture and Translocation Plan

The translocation of specimens is a measure for those Projects that require a total or partial habitat transformation with a significant change in land use of the Site.

When informed, Authorities will provide a guidance on the methods for capturing and translocating the individuals, along with the dates for carrying out the plan. Authorities could require an environmental contractor or specialist to perform the common chameleon translocation plan, rather than provide their own resources or staff. However, it is very likely that an environmental authority will be present at the beginning of the translocation plan, to supervise the work.

Based on previous experiences in Cádiz, the methods required by the Authorities can be as follows.

5.1.1 Phase 1: Selection of Location Areas

Areas where the common chameleon individuals will be located after their capture should be selected first. An initial shortlist of potential areas should be identified through desk and field studies. These areas should be approved by the Junta de Andalucia. The factors that should be considered include:

Location: Ideally, common chameleons should be released near their original location

Area: The area should be at least as large as the original area. If the area is smaller or in worse condition than the original area, existing habitat enhancement should be performed by the applicant to support the animals being translocated.

Quality: The area must be suitable for foraging, sheltering and protection. If not, it will require significant habitat enhancement (see Area). However, the enhancement may take several years until the area is optimal to support common chameleon individuals.

Existing common chameleon populations: Translocation works must not result in a net loss of common chameleon populations in the area. Although it may be possible to translocate small numbers of animals into an existing population, it is important to ensure that the area’s support capacity is not exceeded. Hence, the new area should be surveyed to determine the population of common chameleons before the translocation.

Safeguards: The areas should not be subject to planning new developments or other threats for the foreseeable future.

5.1.2 Phase 2: Collection of Vegetation

Vegetation clearance methods should be used to facilitate the search and capture of common chameleon individuals. The scrubs must be felled, collected and stored on the new site, to ensure that any specimens trapped can escape to the new area. Also, the vegetation pile must be meticulously checked by an ecologist before its elimination.

Precautions to avoid harming common chameleons during vegetation management should be taken. For example vegetation should be cut using only manual methods.

5.1.3 Phase 3: Installation of Fencing

Once the specimens have been located in the selected areas, the Site should be isolated with fencing to prevent the access of other common chameleon specimens.

Fencing should be approximately 30-40 cm above ground level.

The fence should be checked daily to detect any damage or gaps.

Figure 8 Example of Common Chameleon Exclusion Fencing

5.1.4 Phase 4: Translocation

The translocation process should follow to best practice guidelines given by the Authorities, ensuring the welfare of the common chameleon during all the entirety of the translocation phase.

Capture efforts should be strategically timed, typically during the late summer to early autumn, corresponding with the species' reproductive cycle. This relocation strategy aligns with the species' natural breeding behaviours, occurring when males seek mates and females prepare nesting sites.

Capturing and translocating the common chameleons should be conducted manually to minimize stress and ensure careful handling. Authorization for capturing and translocating the chameleons will be obtained from the Junta de Andalucía. Translocations can only be carried out by qualified personnel with previous experience in this type of works.

5.1.5 Other Considerations

Habitat Enhancement

Ensuring the common chameleons have access to good quality habitat is critical to achieving a favourable mitigation outcome. Once a suitable area has been selected, habitat enhancement measures may be needed to support the translocated individuals.

Habitat enhancement measures include:

Selective planting: To introduce planting schemes that develop into a mosaic of different vegetation types, including scrub species with adequate density and height. Native species will be selected among others since they are adapted to the climate and soil conditions.

Selective pruning: To perform selective pruning on existing vegetation to promote diversified vertical development, favouring the growth of other shrubs and bushes.

Creation of shelters: To build structures such as stone steps or logs to provide shelter areas for the chameleon.

Precise methods for creating or improving habitat will depend on the site conditions.

Monitoring and Maintenance

A monitoring plan should be part of the translocation measure, at least for the first year after its implementation.

Maintenance of the areas, should include the following actions:

Maintain a good vegetation structure.

Occasional scrub clearance and tree removal, if necessary

Keep substrate in good condition (sandy soils).