This data shapefile represents random points created within subcatchments where fish species of conservation concern occur. The actual points are not accurate, but identify the important catchments and species only. Any activities within the subcatchment, not the position of the fish symbol, needs to be considered. Activities that could have a detrimental impact on fish populations on site, or downstream, must be avoided at all costs. The existence of fish support areas should also trigger appropriate studies to assess potential impacts. The data is primarily sourced from NFEPA, although supplemented with occurrence records from MTPA's freshwater ecosystems unit for fish of conservation concern. The NFEPA input data layer included the Fishsanc_All_Spp.shp shapefile. A metadata extract for this layer: " This shape file provides a list of all threatened and near-threatened fish species within fish sanctuaries. Fish species with an IUCN status of Critically Endangered or Endangered are identified in this layer. Expert opinion was also used to update the IUCN status for some fish species. Expert opinion status (based initially on IUCN status) is provided in this shapefile for each species .." Changes were made to the attribute table and additional random points within the subcatchment were added. The final product is a point shapefile indicating the presence of a fish, or many fish, of conservation concern with a subcatchment. The attribute data includes a count of species of conservation concern within the subcatchment as well as a list of species and their status categories (from NFEPA and MTPA river scientists).

The coverage was created to serve as ecological corridors linking up areas of high biodiversity value, and areas important for migration and climate change. The width of the corridor is 7km, which is large enough to serve as a corridor for both animal and plant species migration

The protected area coverage within Mpumalanga was updated according to known title deeds, an improved farm cadastral coverage, new reserves and changes made to protected area coverage. Ronell Niemand was responsible for the updating of this coverage.

These are the high rainfall receiving and water provisioning areas within Mpumalanga. These areas provides 50% of Mpumalanga's runoff in only 10.2% of surface area. These areas are recognised as critically important ecological infrastructure areas within south Africa. This information dataset was obtained from Dr Jeannne Nel of the CSIR. See Nel, J., Colvin, C., Le Maitre, D., Smith, J. & Haines, I. (2013). South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas. CSIR Report No: CSIR/NRE/ECOS/ER/2013/0031/A. Report for WWF South Africa. The analysis was run for Mpumalanga to identify the most important water source areas. The cut-off value used was the area of Mpumalanga that produced the 50% of the runoff in the smallest area. These areas are really important and should be managed for ensuring good quality and quantity of water. The Strategic Water Source Areas were then included within the MBSP Freshwater Assessment as Ecological Support Areas (ESA): Strategic Water Source Areas. The land-use guidelines for this category is included within the MBSP Handbook.

The conservancy coverage was recently, and hastily compiled for information and display purposes. The MPB conservancy files are not always complete with farm portions and farm names that were required. Thus scribbled maps and field visit knowledge was used to compile the coverage.

The new vegetation map of South Africa was obtained from the South African Biodiversity Institute. This coverage was used as the basis upon which minor edits were made. One grassland type, Lydenburg Montane Grassland was split up into two units; the Malelane Mountain Bushveld was also split up into two units; and the forest biome (comprising 4 forest types in Mpumalanga) was classified into nine forest types.

The MBCP Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment was generated using MARXAN software in a Systematic Conservation Planning process. 340 Biodiversity features and targets were used in the analysis. The resulting ‘irreplaceability’ values and most efficient planning unit selection, were categorized into biodiversity value classes.

Rivers in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (MBSP) terrestrial assessment is based on a systematic biodiversity planning approach to identify spatial priority areas that meet both national and provincial targets in the most efficient way possible, while trying to avoid conflict with other land-uses. It actively tries to build-in landscape resilience to a changing climate. These spatial priorities are used to inform sustainable development within Mpumalanga. It replaces the MBCPv1 product with updated layers and features. Terminology follows that of South Africa's Biodiversity Act governing the gazetting of Bioregional Plans. A 2010 land-cover map is used based on SPOT5 imagery, as well as old lands mapped of earliest 1: 50 000 topographical maps and earliest suitable Landsat 7 imagery.

The MBCP Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment was generated using MARXAN software in a Systematic Conservation Planning process. Subcatchments were use as planning units and modelled from 90m DEM with minimum size of 2500 ha. 157 Biodiversity and water production features, and targets were used in the analysis. The resulting ‘irreplaceability’ values and most efficient planning unit selection were categorized into biodiversity value classes.