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Naturalness

Semi-natural habitat with slightly more native than exotic plants.

Size

Three patches; one in the south, one in the mid-east and one in the north of the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, with an overall size of approximately 44.3 ha.

Diversity

Low to moderate floral and faunal diversity.

Rarity

No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) flying overhead; Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) perching; Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) perching; Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) flying overhead.

Re-creatability

Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate. It would take 5 to 10 years to re-create the shrubby grassland.

Fragmentation

The three principle patches are entirely separate. Highly fragmented.

Ecological Linkage

Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.

Potential Value

Moderate, becoming mature shrubland if given time and protection from disturbance.

Nursery /Breeding Ground

None.

Age

Young (<10 years) based on plant size, structure and species composition.

Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife

Low abundance / richness of fauna

Overall Ecological Value

Low to Moderate

Criteria	Shrubby Grassland

Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat with slightly more native than exotic plants.

Size	Three patches; one in the south, one in the mid-east and one in the north of the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, with an overall size of approximately 44.3 ha.

Diversity	Low to moderate floral and faunal diversity.

Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) flying overhead; Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) perching; Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) perching; Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) flying overhead.

Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate. It would take 5 to 10 years to re-create the shrubby grassland.

Fragmentation	The three principle patches are entirely separate. Highly fragmented.

Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.

Potential Value	Moderate, becoming mature shrubland if given time and protection from disturbance.

Nursery /Breeding Ground	None.

Age	Young (<10 years) based on plant size, structure and species composition.

Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna

Overall Ecological Value	Low to Moderate