8 ECOLOGY

8.1.1.1 This chapter covers ecological issues arising as a consequence of the proposed improvement works to Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha. The objectives of the ecological study are as follows:

¨ to establish an ecological baseline for the study area, focusing on identifying key areas and key species present;

¨ to assess the ecological impacts of the road alignment;

¨ to develop feasible and effective mitigation measures for significant impacts;

¨ to determine whether residual, post mitigation impacts are acceptable; and

¨ to assess the post mitigation acceptability of the road alignment.

8.1.2 Study Area

8.1.2.1 As described in Section 1 of this report, the proposed alignment has been selected on the basis of a comprehensive option assessment of four northern and four southern alternative option combinations. At the commencement of the study, the Study Area was determined to be 500m from the outermost alignments. For the purpose of completeness, the baseline surveys of each alignment option, including the selected alignment, were undertaken for during both the wet and dry seasons. As the northern alignments were all within close proximity to each other, surveys in this area are relevant in the assessment to the off-line section of the northern section of the new road. Information gathered on the broad southern study area, including options not selected (see Appendix B for option assessment), namely S2A, S2B and S3, has been provided in Appendix H in order to provide data on the species present in SE Lantau for reference. However, only the area within 500m of the selected alignment is relevant for impact assessment purposes.

8.1.2.2 The habitat losses associated with the selected alignment option have been calculated based on the layout of the Project and associated works areas presented in Section 2. The losses include both the footprint of the permanent works and temporary losses which include the haul road and all works areas and working space required along the alignment (including that for the proposed permanent site drainage system).

8.2 Literature Review

8.2.1 Background

8.2.1.1 The purpose of the literature review is to identify existing information on the habitats and species present within the study area. Various reports and studies were consulted to extract relevant data on the flora and fauna present in the Study Area. Relevant books and scientific papers were also consulted to determine the impacts associated with road projects on fauna and these have been cited where appropriate. Much of the Study Area lies within Lantau South Country Park, with a small area falling within Lantau North Country Park. The broad corridor of the Study Area passes between the two highest peaks on Lantau (Lantau Peak, 934m, and Sunset Peak, 869m), and consequently drainage features are an important component of the landscape. There is only limited native secondary woodland within the Study Area, as the area is largely dominated by a grass–shrubland mosiac, tall shrbland and plantation woodland. Many of the streams draining the Study Area are steep due to the nature of the catchment and are of high water quality which is reflected in the fauna inhabiting them. The recent study Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Lantau North-South Road Link between Tai Ho and Mui Wo (Mouchel, 2000) provides a wealth of relevant information on the ecology for the current study and was, therefore, extensively consulted.

8.2.1.2 The existing literature provides a good baseline for species assessments of vascular plants (Siu, 2000; Wu and Lee, 2000; Xing et al., 2000) and avifauna (Carey et al., 2001). Standard references for the groups which were the subject of the present study include Goodyer (1992) and Reels (1996) for mammals, Karsen et al. (1998) and Lau and Dudgeon (1999) for herpetofauna, Chong and Dudgeon (1992) for freshwater fishes, Wilson (1997) for odonates and Walthew (1997) and Reels and Walthew (1998) for butterflies. These sources variously provide assessments on local species status, but, with the exception of Walthew (1997), invariably fail to provide clear criteria or definitions, which makes comparisons across groups somewhat subjective. None of the aforementioned literature fully addresses the question of regional or global species conservation status.

8.2.1.3 An attempt to provide information on conservation status has been made by Fellowes et al. (in press) ‘Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong’, which will be published in a forthcoming number of Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society. This paper is designed to facilitate ecological evaluations based on faunal species, conforming objectively and more accurately than has previously been possible with certain criteria in the Technical Memorandum (TM) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (TMEIAO). The paper examines the local (Hong Kong), regional (southern China) and global restrictedness of native fauna species occurring in a wild state in Hong Kong, combined with an assessment of the vulnerability of populations, using the most reliable and up to date information available, and assigns a rating to each species accordingly. Thus, a species of ‘Local Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally or regionally, but is rare or restricted in Hong Kong. A species of ‘Regional Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally, but is rare or restricted in the region, while a species of ‘Global Concern’ is globally restricted to Hong Kong and southern China. Some species are regarded as being of ‘Potential Regional Concern’ or ‘Potential Global Concern’. While it is acknowledged that it is not fully satisfactory to utilise an unpublished baseline source, the paper has been adopted in the present study in order to complement to species evaluations derived from the published literature, as specified in the TMEIAO.

8.2.2 Fish

8.2.2.1 The only illustrated booklet on freshwater fish in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Freshwater Fishes (Man and Hodgkiss, 1981) is somewhat dated and covers only a small number of species (40) present locally. The text also contains a number of misidentifications and gives little information on local species distributions or conservation status. A more informative source is the comprehensive checklist produced by Chong and Dudgeon (1992), which gives details of 96 indigenous fish species, including limited information on distribution and conservation status. More recently, Chan (2001) has added twenty more species to the Hong Kong list, and refined knowledge of species’ conservation status.

8.2.2.2 Freshwater fish have been relatively well-studied in the North Lantau area. Chong and Dudgeon (1992) reported that the Tung Chung Stream is the second-most species-rich stream in the Territory (after Tai Ho Stream, also on north Lantau), with 23 species of indigenous freshwater fish. The stream was until recently the only known site in Hong Kong for Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb Acrossocheilus wenchowensis beijiangensis. However this fish has recently been recorded in the nearby Wong Lung Hang Stream (Chan, 1998).

8.2.3 Avifauna

8.2.3.1 Hong Kong has more than 400 naturally-present bird species, including several that are protected under international legislation (Carey et al., 2001), and all native bird species are protected in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) (WAPO). Bird surveys were conducted during the previous feasibility study for the Widening of Tung Chung Road in 1996 (Mouchel, 1998). Only a small number of species were noted although the birds were relatively abundant. Mostly widespread and common species which are resident were recorded including the Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis and Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis and Common Magpie Pica pica. Winter visitors in the form of the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo were also noted, as were summer visitors the Large Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides and Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus.

8.2.3.2 The Hong Kong Birdwatching Society bird surveys between 1993 and 1995 noted a total of 33 species of birds and evidence was found of 9 species breeding. The birds were mainly centred around the lowland areas in the North Tung Chung Valley and in the south nearer Cheung Sha. Relatively rare species recorded included a juvenile Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo and a Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus. Reference has also been made to the recently published Avifauna of Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001), which provides comprehensive information on the status and distribution of bird species within the SAR.

8.2.4 Herpetofauna

8.2.4.1 About 100 native species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded in Hong Kong, including the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog Philautus romeri which is restricted to islands (Karsen et al., 1998). Romer’s Tree Frog from Chek Lap Kok were, however, bred in captivity and released at selected sites in the New Territories in the early 1990s. A number of rare and/or restricted species of native herpetofauna are known to occur within or adjacent to the Study Area. These include the Hong Kong Newt Paramesotriton hongkongensis, previously recorded from Sunset Peak (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999), which is globally restricted to Hong Kong and Guangdong (Karsen et al., 1998), and protected under WAPO. Also present is the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog, also protected under WAPO, which has been previously recorded in Tung Chung, Sunset Peak and Cheung Sha (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999), while the probable endemic Short-legged Toad Megophrys brachykolos has been recorded on Sunset Peak, Lantau Peak, Cheung Sha and Tong Fuk.

8.2.4.2 Other notable herpetofauna species previously known from within or adjacent to the Study Area include the Tokay Gecko Gekko gekko recorded from Tung Chung and the protected (WAPO) Big-headed Terrapin Platysternon megacephalum from Sunset Peak (Karsen et al., 1998), the Leaf-litter Toad Leptolalax pelodytoides, Lesser Spiny Frog Rana exilispinosa, and the Chinese Bullfrog Rana rugulosa (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).

8.2.5 Mammals

8.2.5.1 Hong Kong has a number of native large mammal species, such as Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Chinese Porcupine, Chinese Leopard Cat, Seven-banded Civet, Masked Palm Civet, Ferret Badger and Chinese Otter (e.g., Hill and Phillipps, 1981). With the exception of Wild Boar, all of these species are locally protected under WAPO, along with squirrels and all species of bat. Previous studies (Goodyear, 1992; Reels, 1996) have, however, found that most of Hong Kong’s larger mammal species are either very scarce or absent across Lantau Island. Barking Deer (Muntiacus sp.) are occasionally recorded on the island, although the majority of records are from the Mui Wo area (Reels, 1996).

8.2.6 Insects (Dragonflies and Butterflies)

8.2.6.1 The odonate fauna of Hong Kong extends to over 100 species, including several that are endemic, and has been described and assessed for conservation status by Wilson (1995; 1997). Wilson (1997) identified a forested area at 600m altitude on the northern slope of Sunset Peak as one of 23 key dragonfly sites in Hong Kong (two other key dragonfly sites were also located on Lantau, around Keung Shan). Streams on Sunset Peak are known to support populations of the endemic Rhipidolestes janetae (for which Sunset Peak is presently the only known site used by this species of damselfly in the world) and the near-endemics Sinosticta ogatai and Drepanosticta hongkongensis. S. ogatai and D. hongkongensis were previously considered Hong Kong endemics, but were recently discovered on one mountain in Shenzhen, adjacent to the Hong Kong border (Reels, 2001). Another species known to be present in the Study Area, the damselfly Agriomorpha fusca, was previously considered restricted to Hong Kong and Guangdong, but has recently also been recorded from Hainan (Wilson and Reels, 2001).

8.2.6.2 Over 200 species of butterfly have been recorded from Hong Kong (Bascombe, 1995; Bascombe et al., 1999). A useful account of the local status of butterfly species in Hong Kong was provided by Walthew (1997) later updated by Reels and Walthew (1998). There are no endemic species and, although data on regional rarity are scant, the majority of local species, including most of those that are considered rare in Hong Kong, appear to be widely distributed within southern China and the Asian tropics (Chou, 1994; Bascombe, 1995; Bascombe et al., 1999). The Birdwing Butterfly Troides helena is the only species of insect currently protected in Hong Kong. The species is well-established between Po Lin and Tung Chung (Young and Reels, 1998).

8.2.7 Vegetation

8.2.7.1 The local status of Hong Kong’s more than 2,000 species of vascular plants has recently been usefully summarised by Siu (2000), Wu and Lee (2000) and Xing et al. (2000). However, there is little literature available on the vegetation in the Study Area. Previous studies in the area have revealed that naturally developed woodland was present in the ravines along Tung Chung Road and these wooded areas represented old stands (Mouchel, 1998). However, the majority of the vegetation in the area along Tung Chung Road was found to comprise a grassland and low shrubland mosiac, abandoned cultivation dominated by Ipomea spp. and natural tall shrubland with sometimes dense patches of native pine Pinus massoniana (Mouchel, 1998).

8.3 Field Survey Methodology

8.3.1 Background

8.3.1.1 The programme of field surveys was designed to close the data gaps identified during the literature review and, therefore, enable a detailed ecological assessment of the road alignment. Field work focused on habitats and species identified in the literature review where adequate data were not available and on the habitats and species singled out as important in Annex 16 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (TMEIA), specifically “important habitats where an ecological assessment will be necessary” and “species of conservation importance” (Technical Memorandum, Annex 16, Appendix A, Notes 2 and 3). Other habitats and species groups were also surveyed to characterise the ecology baseline of the study area.

8.3.1.2 The surveys comprised both wet and dry season surveys between April 2001 and January 2002. The scope of the surveys has included the following key faunal and floral groups:

¨ fish;

¨ birds;

¨ reptiles;

¨ amphibians;

¨ mammals;

¨ dragonflies;

¨ butterflies;

¨ vegetation; and

¨ marine intertidal survey.

8.3.1.3 The purpose of the ecological surveys has been to focus on the optimal census technique and survey period when each animal group is likely to be encountered. The overall quality of the Study is dependent on selecting the correct survey period and survey technique.

8.3.2 Fish

8.3.2.1 The fish surveys were spread across the 9 month survey period, covering both wet and dry seasons. All streams likely to be impacted by the project were surveyed. Many freshwater fish in Hong Kong breed in the spring and the presence of large numbers of small loaches (Balitoridae and Cobitidae) and gobies (Gobiidae) in hillstreams during July and August indicates that reproduction in these species is initiated on or before the onset of the summer monsoon (Dudgeon and Corlett, 1994). Observations of fish are, however, easier during the dry season when streams are easier to survey. The rationale behind the timing of the fish surveys was as follows:

¨ Wet season - breeding season for many secretive species. Many fish are more visible during this time, which assists in their observation, even though stream discharge is high.

¨ Dry season - generally a better time to survey fish, since streams have less water in them and, therefore, it is easier to wade in and observe species present and less water leads to fewer refugia for fish which also improves observations.

8.3.2.2 At least one highly restricted fish species Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb Acrossocheilus wenchowensis beijiangensis is known to occur in streams in the vicinity of the Study Area. Streams occurring within the Study Area were walked and their fish fauna identified with the aid of a hand-net of 1mm diameter mesh size. Underwater observation using a diving mask and snorkel was also employed on the larger streams. The observer remained at each stream until satisfied that all species present had been recorded.

8.3.2.3 The fish surveys were spread throughout the 9 month survey period covering both the wet and dry seasons, as follows: June, August, September, November, December 2001 and January 2002 comprising at least 1 day in each survey month. Wet season fish surveys were conducted on 21 June 2001, 11 August 2001, and 14 and 17 September 2001. An additional late wet season survey of Fong Yuen marsh was conducted on 1 October 2001. Dry season surveys were conducted on 18, 25 November 2001, 1, 29 and 30 December 2001 and 19, 20, 27 and 29 January 2002.

8.3.3 Avifauna

8.3.3.1 The majority of avifauna surveys were conducted in the early-morning onwards as bird activity is generally higher during this period and both activity and singing decrease later in the day, particularly during hotter periods (Gibbons et al., 1996). A combined use of both line transects and point count methods were used to accurately survey the avifauna present in the Study Area. In addition, night surveys were conducted in order to assess the activity of nocturnal species. It should be noted, however, that most bird species are active during the day and only a limited number of nocturnal species such as owls, nightjars and species that frequently call at night including the Slaty-legged Crake (Rallina eurizonoides ) are likely to be encountered after sunset.

8.3.3.2 To achieve an optimal census of birds present, approximately bi-monthly bird surveys were scheduled over the 9 month period as specified in the Brief. It should be noted that 2 surveys were conducted in each month of May, July, October and November and one survey in both December 2001 and January 2002 (total of 10 survey days) together with a further 4 surveys conducted at night during May, July, October and December (total of 4 nights). Slightly more effort needs to be spent on the avifauna surveys compared to the other animal groups that are either relatively sessile or confined to a particular habitat (for example, herpetofauna and fish) as birds are relatively vagile and many species are only present in Hong Kong or in particular habitats at certain seasons. The greater focus on bird surveys is, therefore, due to higher variability in species present over time rather than greater anticipated impacts due to the road improvement on this highly mobile animal group. There were, therefore, a total of 14 survey days over the 9 month period.

8.3.3.3 The rationale for conducting the avifaunal surveys during the months of May, July, October, December 2001 and January 2002 was to ensure that resident species, summer visitors, autumn migrants and winter visitors are detected (note that these seasonal terms are used for reference only and although they follow the terminology used in the majority of local bird studies, they are not strictly correct in Hong Kong where the terms wet or dry season are applicable). The periods of the year that are notable for avifauna activity and/or migration patterns in Hong Kong are detailed below (adapted from Viney et al., 1996) and adjusted to reflect patterns in shrubland and forest from observations by Kwok (1996) and Leven (2001) as well as previous surveys on Lantau Island (Mouchel 2000):

¨ January-March: wintering species are present and cold weather can lead to the migration of birds from Mainland China. However, both numbers and diversity of bird species in shrubland and forest declines progressively.

¨ April- May: spring passage of many migrant bird species. By mid-April the breeding season of resident species and newly-arrived summer visitors is underway.

¨ June-July: hot and humid period; numbers of local breeding birds are highest but overall species diversity is at its annual low point.

¨ August-October: autumn passage of birds starts in mid-August and continues until early November. Arriving winter visitors are present from mid-October.

¨ November-December: resident and wintering species are present and species diversity in shrubland and forest is highest.

8.3.3.4 On each monthly visit, the Study Area was surveyed so that the entire alignment was adequately covered. Methodology involved randomised point counts (Bibby et al., 1992) and line transects. Point counts were undertaken at 17 locations in woodland, shrubland and plantation woodland at sites representative of the whole Study Area. At each point count location, birds were recorded (either seen or heard) and associated habitat noted for 10 minutes within an approximately 300m wide radius. Any signs of nesting or breeding were also recorded. Daytime wet-season surveys of the Study Area were conducted on 19 and 26 May, 14 and 28 July 2001. In order to accurately assess the presence of nocturnal species, night surveys were conducted on 31 May and 30 July 2001 with binoculars and a powerful torch. Daytime dry-season surveys of the Study Area were conducted on 6 and 20 October, 3 and 25 November, 15 December 2001 and 12 January 2002. A night survey was conducted on 23 October 2001 and also on 28 December.

8.3.3.5 For the purpose of the avifauna assessment, the Study Area was divided into two broad areas, namely:

¨ northern section of the alignment (Pak Kung Au to Tung Chung); and

¨ southern section of the alignment (from beyond the crest to YWCA at Cheung Sha).

8.3.3.6 The following literature were consulted to provide information on the status of existing avifauna present in the Study Area and provide an indication of the rarity of species present both in Hong Kong and Southern China.

¨ Birds of Hong Kong and South China (Viney et al., 1996);

¨ A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Yen et al., 1996);

¨ A Field Guide to Birds of China (MacKinnon and Phillipps, 2000); and

¨ The Avifauna of Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001).

8.3.4 Reptiles and Amphibians

8.3.4.1 Several restricted amphibian species have been recorded previously from locations within the Study Area. These include the Hong Kong Newt Paramesotriton hongkongensis, the toads Leptolalax pelodytoides and Megophrys brachykolos (possibly endemic), and the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog Philautus romeri (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999). Of these, Hong Kong Newt and Romer’s Tree Frog are protected under Hong Kong legislation. With the exception of Hong Kong Newt, these important species are very difficult to detect unless they are calling. Breeding season for these species tends to start in late winter or early spring and continue until late summer (Karsen et al., 1998). It was critical that the scheduling of the herpetological survey coincided with this period. This component of the survey was, therefore, conducted in the late spring and early summer predominantly during the day but also at night when certain species can be heard calling. The vast majority of records obtained for Romer’s Tree Frog, Short-legged Toad and Lesser Spiny Frog were of breeding males.

8.3.4.2 Wet-season surveys were conducted on 13, 14, 19, and 29 June 2001. Additional dry season surveys, aimed primarily at reptiles, were conducted on 19 and 27 October, and 4 and 29 November 2001. Surveys included both day-time and night-time visits during which the Study Area was covered on foot. Reptiles and amphibians were detected by active searching in all habitats, with particular attention given to streams and watercourses. Frogs and toads were surveyed by auditory, as well as visual detection.

8.3.5 Mammals

8.3.5.1 Mammal surveys did not include any element of trapping, since this is an intrusive and potentially harmful technique, and the main conservation interest lies in larger mammals, which appear to be scarce on Lantau (Goodyer, 1992; Reels, 1996). Hence, a simple non-intrusive survey methodology of day-time searches for mammal signs (prints, burrows and scats), and night-time spot-lighting or auditory detection of larger mammals (most of which are primarily nocturnal) was adopted. Experience suggests that some small carnivores such as Seven-banded Civet have the habit of defecating at exposed sites such as on top of large boulders or on the aprons of hill-side graves. Areas of damp exposed soil, which commonly occur along unpaved hill footpaths and along the banks of streams, are good areas to search for prints, many of which can be identified to species level. Burrows are easier to detect after hill-fires have cleared the vegetation, or when recent excavation has left a visible mound of earth. All such signs were looked for during the surveys. These were spread across the 9 month survey period, covering both wet and dry seasons, and were undertaken on 13, 20 and 28 July, 14, 15 and 17 September, and 30 November and 3 December 2001 and 16 and 22 January 2002. In addition to these designated mammal surveys, any signs of mammal activity were also recorded during the insect and herpetofauna surveys.

8.3.5.2 There is no a priori reason to assume that larger land mammals will be more active in any particular month of the year, but there are good reasons for scheduling surveys in both wet and dry seasons. In the wet season, there is a greater likelihood of finding paw or hoof-prints in wet mud, whereas in the dry season there is a higher chance of encountering droppings before they are washed away by rain, and of observing mammal burrows which may have been exposed by hill fire.

8.3.6 Insects

8.3.6.1 The focus of the insect surveys was on dragonfly, damselfly and butterfly groups. These insect groups are generally known to be indicators of a high quality habitat and the dragonflies and damselflies require clean freshwater for the successful completion of the larval stages of their lifecycle. Where large numbers of these insect groups are present, they can provide a useful indication that the habitat is of high quality and can also be utilised by other insect groups: different butterflies have different larval food plants (and therefore high butterfly diversity is a good indicator of high floral diversity), while dragonflies and damselflies are exclusively predaceous on other arthropods.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

8.3.6.2 Dragonflies and damselflies (odonates) tend to have adult stages which are restricted to a few months of the year. Most species begin to emerge as adults in April or May. Some have a flight period (during which it is easiest to survey them) which lasts only a few weeks. These tend to be species which are dependent on lotic (running water) habitats such as streams. Since the majority of aquatic habitats within the Study Area are streams or catchwater channels (as opposed to marshes or ponds), it is reasonable to suppose that there may be species occurring within the Study Area which have a short flight period, ending by mid-summer. It was, therefore, necessary to focus the surveys for adult dragonflies in the early summer, in order to maximise the chances of recording such species before they disappeared as adults.

8.3.6.3 In addition, many dragonflies (particularly in the family Libellulidae) which are less restricted to lotic habitats, have a flight period lasting throughout the summer and through until November. Hence, further surveys were conducted in September and October, to try to ensure that any species which may have been missed in the earlier surveys were recorded. Also, during this period, fieldwork is less likely to be adversely impacted by rainy weather, during which many dragonflies are difficult to survey. Note that surveys later than November are of little value because most dragonflies will no longer be on the wing.

8.3.6.4 Three endemic or near-endemic damselflies occur in the vicinity of the Study Area: Sinosticta ogatai, Drepanosticta hongkongensis and Rhipidolestes janetae; the latter is currently known only from Sunset Peak (Wilson, 1997). Flight periods of these important species tend to be restricted to late spring or early summer, while larger odonates likely to be present at the Study Area would have a somewhat more extended flight period, lasting until autumn (e.g., Wilson, 1995). It is, therefore, additionally important that this component of the survey be conducted in late spring or early summer and, for the late-season species, up to but not beyond November. Wet season surveys included day-time visits during which the entire Study Area was walked, so far as access allowed. Special attention was given to habitat often frequented by dragonflies such as streams and riparian shrubland/woodland. Within these broad habitats, various micro-habitats (riffles, pools, small cut-off ponds, mossy banks, seepages, and overhanging vegetation) support different dragonfly species, so all such micro-habitats were investigated.

8.3.6.5 Dragonflies were identified with the aid of binoculars, and a telescopic hand net was also used to capture specimens for identification in the hand (when necessary). Four full days were spent in the early wet season (20, 21, 23 and 30 June) although additional less intensive surveys were also conducted on 13, 14, 19 and 29 June 2001 (total of 8 early wet season survey days). A further four days were spent in the late wet season (14, 15, 17 and 27 September) for a total of 12 days on the wet season dragonfly survey. Dry season surveys were conducted on 14, 16, 17, 19 and 27 October, and 4, 26, 27 and 29 November 2001.

Butterflies

8.3.6.6 Several locally rare or uncommon species are known to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area. These include Taractrocera ceramas, Graphium cloanthus, Ypthima motschulski, Troides aeacus and the Birdwing Butterfly Troides helena. The latter is the only insect species currently protected under Hong Kong legislation. Butterfly surveys were conducted in tandem with Dragonfly surveys, using similar methodology. Although most butterflies are readily observed if present, some species are cryptic and stay close to the ground in shady wooded areas. Others tend to stay on top of the canopy, making only short rapid flights before settling out of view. Accordingly, both of these microhabitats were investigated, by ground searching and by sweeps with a long-handled (5m) butterfly net. Four full days were spent in the early wet season (20, 21, 23 and 30 June) although additional less intensive surveys were also conducted on 13, 14, 19 and 29 June 2001 (total of 8 early wet season survey days). A further four days were spent in the late wet season (14, 15, 17 and 27 September) for a total of 12 days on the wet season butterfly survey. Dry season surveys were conducted on 14, 16, 17, 19 and 27 October, and 4, 26, 27 and 29 November 2001.

8.3.7 Habitats and Vegetation

8.3.7.1 A habitat survey was conducted to identify and delineate the distribution of different ecological habitats found within the Study Area, making use of the latest available aerial photographs from the Lands Department and supplemented by a reconnaissance field survey. Reconnaissance field surveys were undertaken to field check and verify the information with focus on those areas to be directly affected by the proposed development. General habitat attributes such as vegetation type, structural complexity, or degree of disturbance were noted with photographs from the field taken during the field study. A habitat map of the Study Area was prepared at a scale of 1:5000.

8.3.7.2 A floral survey was conducted to identify the presence within the Study Area of any plant species of conservation interest. The surveys were mainly conducted during the early stage of the study, but supplemental field surveys were conducted later in the year. Surveys used a stratified sampling technique and covered all representative habitat types found during the habitat mapping. Stratified sampling involves dividing the Study Area into sub-areas (strata) that differ in vegetation density and then these sub-areas are randomly surveyed. The sub-area is selected prior to the field investigation through preliminary data and aerial photographs. This method is an efficient means of sampling habitat types present and provides better results than by simple random sampling.

8.3.7.3 Standard sampling techniques such as transect or quadrat sampling were adopted to provide a quantitative/semi-quantitative estimate, and all species found within the sampling unit were identified and recorded to species level whenever possible. The location of rare or protected plant species was also noted, and the number of individuals present counted. Floral characteristics including species list, species richness, relative abundance and community structure were established for each habitat type found within the Study Area. During the wet season, a floral survey was conducted on 22, 23, and 27 to 29 July (five days) and a habitat map of the whole extended survey area produced. A detailed vegetation survey focussing specifically on the selected alignment (the Study Area) was conducted on 29 and 30 October, and 5 and 10 November 2001.

8.3.7.4 The evaluations of conservation status of plant species from the field surveys are derived primarily from the comprehensive studies published by Siu (2000), Wu and Lee (2000) and Xing et al. (2000).

8.3.8 Intertidal Survey (Pui O Wan)

8.3.8.1 The project will have an operational drainage system which will collect all road runoff and discharge it at either end of the scheme. In the southern section, the drainage channel will run from South Lantau Road down the slope to the rocky shore at Pui O Wan and the pipeline will be built in advance in order that it can be used during the construction phase to discharge site runoff from part of the soutehrn sectionof the road. In order to determine the impacts of the construction and operational discharges on the ecology in this area, a shoreline intertidal survey was undertaken on 1March 2002.

8.3.8.2 Marine intertidal biota show distinct patterns of zonation on the shore. In order to quantitatively assess the flora and fauna present, a baseline intertidal ecological survey was conducted at the proposed location of the drainage channel at Pui O Wan. The species present on the lower shore are typically marine-dependent whereas those species found higher up the shore are better adapted to a terrestrial habitat and this causes distinct patterns of zonation on intertidal shores. In addition to showing zonation patterns, rocky shore flora and fauna are also typically distributed patchily. In order to survey the shoreline accurately, the sampling method employed belt transects at different vertical heights up the shore and randomly placed quadrats in order to ensure that an accurate (non-biased) assessment was made of the species present.

8.3.8.3 At the outfall location, three 10m belt transects were laid (perpendicular to the shoreline) at 1mPD (TM3), 1.5mPD (TM2) and 2mPD (TM1) up the shore. Owing to the condition of the tide, transects further afield from the outfall location were placed at 2mPD. These two additional 10m belt transects were laid at ~ 30m apart to the left (TL1) and to the right (TR1) of TM1. Ten 0.25m²quadrats were placed randomly along each transect. Substrate type, faunal species abundance and percentage cover of macroalgae were recorded within each quadrat.

8.4 Baseline Ecological Conditions

8.4.1 Habitats

8.4.1.1 Habitats in the Study Area were dominated by tall shrubland, shrubland-grassland mosaic and plantation woodland, with some relatively extensive patches of secondary woodland. Numerous streams, many of them pristine, traverse these habitats throughout the Study Area. A summary of the overall coverage of habitat types in the Study Area is shown in Table 8.1 below and photographs of the different habitats present are shown in Figures 8.1 to 8.3.

Table 8.1 Coverage of the Different Habitat Types Within the Study Area

Habitat Type	Area (ha)
Secondary woodland	193.6
Plantation woodland	81.4
Tall shrubland	131.7
Shrubland-grassland mosaic	115.3
Grassland	43.5
Stream and riparian	5.7
Agricultural land	3.4
Wasteland	3.12
Freshwater marsh (Fong Yuen)	1.12
Village area	23.0

Note: Area calculated as broad alignment 500m either side of the Works Area

Secondary Woodland

8.4.1.2 The distribution of secondary woodland within the Study Area as a whole is patchy and fragmented. As indicated in the habitat map (Figure 8.4), this habitat type is mostly found in the northern part of the Study Area, on the west side of the existing Tung Chung Road, whereas on the southern side of the Study Area secondary woodland patches are mainly confined to the vicinity of rural villages (Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen and Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen) or within valley ravines. There is also a patch at Wong Ka Wai in the extreme north of the Study Area.

8.4.1.3 The habitat characteristics of the secondary woodland patches within the Study Area vary with their location and the growth form (such as canopy shape and foliage-coverage) of the dominant species. In general, all of the patches have a semi-closed to closed canopy and an average height ranging from 5 to 14m. The under-storey of the habitat is mostly well developed and densely vegetated with a range of shrubby and herbaceous plant species, including saplings of native tree species. For those secondary woodland patches located around rural villages, their canopy is mostly closed and has an average height of over 8m. The sub-canopy is in general complex in structure with numerous climbing species intermingled; and the under-storey growth is vigorous with thick leaf litter. The dominant tree species found within this habitat type are mainly native (such as Ficus microcarpa, Litsea glutinosa, Microcos paniculatus, Celtis tetrandra and Bridelia tomentosa), and some economically important tree species such as Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis could be found on the edges of some forest patches, particularly close to villages. It is noted that disturbance in this type of secondary woodland is generally minimal, and the majority of the plant species are in good condition.

8.4.1.4 For the secondary woodland areas located along the side of the existing Tung Chung Road, these are mostly elongated in shape with a high edge-to-area ratio, and the species found are composed of a mix of native trees and other shrubby or grassy species that are commonly to be found in the understorey of secondary woodland and on the shrubland-grassland mosaic on the surrounding hill-slopes. Nevertheless, trees of considerable size such as Celtis tetranda, Ficus variegata, Schefflera octophylla and Microcos paniculatus (> 12 m in height) were quite common within this type of secondary woodland habitat.

8.4.1.5 The secondary woodland areas established on the hillslopes or within ravines have generally similar habitat characteristics to those in the lowland areas, in which the canopy is closed and the sub-canopy is well-stratified with dense under-storey growth; except that the structural complexity is related to the topographic location of the patch and the patches on hillsides or in ravines usually have a higher abundance of climber and fern species in the sub-canopy layer. In addition, this type of secondary woodland is comparatively more natural with little human disturbance because of the steepness and remoteness of the area.

8.4.1.6 Several plant species of conservation interest were found within the secondary woodland (see Section 8.4.10) and all of them were located in higher altitudes where human disturbance is minimal. It should be noted, however, that the secondary woodland type to be affected by the proposed route alignment is limited to those patches located along the northern section of the existing Tung Chung Road (from Lung Tseng Tau to Pak Kung Au) and around the villages located at the south-east of the Study Area, on or near the South Lantau Road (Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen and Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen).

Plantation Woodland

8.4.1.7 Plantation woodland, in this study, is defined as areas planted and dominated with exotic tree species which are naturalized in Hong Kong, such as Acacia confusa and Tristania conferta. Within the Study Area, this habitat type is mainly located at the hill slope around Pak Kung Au, along the water catchment, on the eastern hill-slope of the current Tung Chung Road (on the southern side), and along the South Lantau Road. The plantation forest patches within the Study Area are mainly planted with Acacia confusa and Tristania conferta, and occasionally with Pinus massoniana and Casuarina equisetifolia. All of these species are widely planted in Hong Kong because of their adaptability to poor soil.

8.4.1.8 With respect to the size of the trees and the habitat characteristics of the plantation woodland, they can be differentiated into three types according to their age. Those patches which are located along the water catchments and on both sides of the South Lantau Road are more mature and have a canopy height ranging from 12 to 14m. Many native tree species of considerable height (>8m) were found established in the sub-canopy of these mature plantations. The habitat characteristics of this plantation forest as a whole resemble those of secondary woodland where the under-storey growth is densely covered by a mix of native woody and herbaceous species; except that the dominant species in the canopy layer is the planted exotic Acacia confusa.

8.4.1.9 For the plantation woodland established on the hill-slope around Pak Kung Au, the woodland is dominated by Acacia confusa and has a semi-open canopy at the height of around from 6 to 10m. The structural complexity of the sub-canopy of this plantation patch is relatively simple and the size of the native tree species such as Litsea glutinosa and Mallotus paniculatus are on average usually below 5m. Nevertheless, the under-storey growth of this plantation woodland is quite dense and vigorous.

8.4.1.10 The plantation woodland found on the hill-slope on the east of the existing Tung Chung Road on the southern side of the Study Area, below the plantation woodland described in the foregoing paragraph, is mainly planted with Tristania conferta and the age of the habitat is in general younger compared to other plantation patches at lower elevations, as reflected by the size of the trees (ranging from 6m to 14m) and the habitat complexity of the woodland which is relatively simple and open with few native tree and climbing plant species. It is noted that the sub-canopy of the woodland is mainly covered by shrubby and grassy species that are commonly found in open shrubland.

Tall Shrubland

8.4.1.11 Tall shrubland within the Study Area is patchy and scattered across the hill-slopes. This habitat type has a height ranging from 2m to 4m, and is densely populated with a mix of native tree and shrubby plant species. Since this habitat type is an intermediate stage in the succession pathway, the species composition was found to be very similar to other secondary woodland established within the Study Area. Species found commonly in this habitat type included some pioneer tree species such as Sapium discolor, Rhus chinensis and Mallotus paniculatus; the shrub Litsea rotundifolia and Rhaplolepis indica, the climbers Embelia ribes and Dalbergia hancei; as well as the herbs Dianella ensifolia and Dicranopteris pedata.

Shrubland-grassland mosiac

8.4.1.12 The shrubland-grassland mosaic is composed of a range of plant species showing various growth forms (from herbaceous ferns to woody tree species) that are patchily distributed on the hill-slopes within the Study Area. Generally, this habitat type is open in structure and has a height ranging from 0.2 to 2m. Erosion of the hill-slope where the shrubland-grassland mosaic is established is minimal, but rocky outcrops are a common feature on the hill-slopes. Moreover, it is believed that part of this mosaic may be disturbed frequently by hill-fire as evidenced by the presence of patches of the fire-resistant fern Dicranopteris pedata, especially in the area behind the burial ground in the northern part of the Study Area where hill-fire was observed during the detailed survey. Common species found in this habitat included the grasses Ischaemum sp. and Cymbopogon sp.; the herbs Helicteres angustifolia and Hedyotis acutangular; the climbers Embelia laeta and Mellitia nitida; as well as the shrubs Backea fruticosa, Ilex asprella and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa.

Grassland

8.4.1.13 Grassland within the Study Area is mainly located at higher elevations on the hill-slopes. The structure of this habitat type is in general open and depending on the species, local topography and season, the height of the vegetation ranges from 0.3m to 1.5m. This habitat type is differentiated from the shrublnad-grassland mosiac becuase woody plant species within the habitat, if present, were mostly in small patches and restricted to areas sheltered from the wind. Species diversity of the grassland as a whole was found to be poor and dominated by Arundinella setosa, Ischaemum sp. and Cymbopogon sp.

Stream and Riparian

8.4.1.14 Typical freshwater habitat types within the Study Area include rocky, reasonably steep and pristine hillstreams, with steep cascades, riffles, pools and occasional small cut-off ponds. In addition there are numerous small seepages with damp mossy banks, particularly in well-wooded areas, which also provide habitat for certain aquatic fauna (such as Romer’s Tree Frog, Short-legged Toad, and a number of stenotopic damselfly species). The streams pass through various vegetated habitats such as secondary woodland, tall shrubland and shrubland-grassland mosaic, and vegetation in the riparian habitat (i.e., along the banks of the streams) is generally contiguous with that of the surrounding habitat (but where streams pass through grassland at higher more exposed elevations, there is invariably a riparian corridor of more shrubby vegetation established, due to the relatively moist and sheltered location). In order to facilitate the description of species-habitat quality on a stream by stream basis, individual streams were numbered (Figure 8.5).

8.4.1.15 Some tree species are more closely associated with stream banks, and common riverside trees in the Study Area include Adina pilulifera, Saurauria tristyla and Glochidion zeylanicum. There is also a small freshwater marsh at Fong Yuen in the north of the Study Area (see Section 8.4.1.19 below) which is drained by the Tung Chung Stream, and a long concrete-enveloped catchwater channel intercepting streams in the southern part of the Study Area at an altitude of approximately 100m, although several of these streams (e.g., Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen Stream) retain flow to sea level.

8.4.1.16 The Study Area is bisected by an east-west watershed running between Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak, which divides the area into a northern and a southern drainage system. Drainage in the north is dominated by the relatively large (in Hong Kong) Tung Chung Stream. This stream has several tributaries and is one of the few larger watercourses in Hong Kong that has not been subjected to significant pollution impacts (Dudgeon and Corlett, 1994). Tung Chung Stream is also considered to be an important habitat for numerous species of freshwater fish, some of which are of conservation importance. The stream primarily passes through secondary woodland and tall shrubland in its upper reaches. In its lower reaches the stream is a broad (6-8m) low-gradient watercourse, draining through agricultural and rural habitats. There is a small marsh draining into this stream at Fong Yuen, near the northern end of the proposed road development. It should be noted, however, that Tung Chung Stream has been channelised over the lower stretches, although the channelised section is currently the focus of ecological restoration works by the TDD.

8.4.1.17 Drainage in the southern part of the Study Area includes a relatively large natural catchment in the west, occupied by the Cheung Sha Stream. To the east, natural drainage has been considerably disrupted by a catchwater channel, which intercepts and diverts drainage of several small streams. The largest streams remaining are the Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen Stream and the Shek Mun Kap Stream. These streams pass through shrubland-grassland mosaic, tall shrub, plantation and, in the lower reaches, secondary woodland.

8.4.1.18 Many of the numerous watercourses within the southern part of the Study Area had depauperate fish fauna due to being too small and steep (resulting in exceptionally rapid flow rates), or conversely, with insufficient discharge to support fish life on an annual basis. Although fish were present in the concrete channels and pools, these habitats are artificial and not considered important habitats for the stream fish fauna native to the Study Area which are typically found in rocky stream beds with cool, fast flowing, well-oxygenated water.

Freshwater Marsh (Fong Yuen)

8.4.1.19 A patch of freshwater marsh is located at Fong Yuen on the west of Tung Chung Road near Lung Tseng Tau. This marsh habitat is believed to have originated from an abandoned agricultural field with hard-pan development, which becomes flooded with water during the wet season. Several small natural drainage channels (~ 30 to 50cm in width) were found within the marsh, however, and the presence of fish indicates that the marsh is permanent rather than seasonal. It should be noted that although the vegetation within the marsh is mainly grassy and only has a height range from 0.3 to 1m, it is relatively structurally complex in terms of the micro-habitats present, such as running water, standing water and presence of vegetation of different forms. Species found to be common in this freshwater marsh include the herbs Panicum typheron, Digitaria sp. and Cyperus sp., the climbers Mikania micrantha and Ipomoea sp., and the shrub Ludwigia adscendens.

Wasteland

8.4.1.20 Wasteland is dominated by mainly weedy herbaceous vegetation which is ruderal in nature, and is mostly to be found in heavily disturbed or previously developed areas. Within the Study Area this habitat type is restricted to the extreme northern part, which has been disturbed as a consequence of activities associated with the Tung Chung new town development. In general, the species diversity of this habitat is poor and its structural complexity is simple. Dominant species are mainly herbaceous; such as the grasses Panicum maxima, Miscanthus sinensis, Apluda mutica and Neyraudia arundinacea; as well as the climbers Mikania micrantha and Ipomoea cairica.

Agricultural Field

8.4.1.21 Agricultural fields are mainly scattered among the rural areas in the northern and southern ends of the Study Area. It is noted that most of the agricultural lands are actively farmed, with those established around Shek Mun Kap planted with fruit trees and ornamental plants such as Litchi chinensis, while those established along the South Lantau Road are planted with vegetables such as Brassica chinensis, Brassica alboglabra, Musa paradisiaca, and Saccharum officinarum. Species diversity of the agricultural habitat is found to be poor as a whole because of the management practices applied.

Village Area

8.4.1.22 The village area habitat mainly includes those areas around rural villages in the northern and southern part of the Study Area (Wong Ka Wai, Shek Mun Kap, Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen, Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen) as well as the burial ground and service reservoir along Tung Chung Road. This habitat type has received intensive anthropogenic influences and natural ecological resources were virtually absent.

8.4.2 Fauna Background

8.4.2.1 A summary of the faunal survey results from the Study Area is presented in this section, with raw data together with data from the non-preferred alignment options provided in Appendix H for reference. The specific grid reference, Countryside Series map of Lantau (Editon 2, 1996), for certain faunal groups (species of conservation interest) is provided on Figures 8.14 to 8.18 m,to facilitate locating these species to individual sites in the study area. The summary covers the Study Area as a whole. However, in order to assess the quality of the habitats present, species are placed in the context of the different habitats within the Study Area in Section 8.5. Location plans indicating the broad areas surveyed in the northern section of the alignment is presented in Figure 8.6. The areas surveyed in the southern alignment are presented in Figures 8.7 to 8.12. Photographs of the ecological characteristics and species present in the Study Area are presented in Figures 8.13a to 8.13b.

8.4.3 Fish

8.4.3.1 Typical freshwater fish habitat types within the Study Area include rocky, relatively steep hillstreams, which are common on both the northern and southern sides, although the largest stream in the Study Area, Tung Chung Stream in the north, also has an extensive downstream stretch through gentle gradient. This stream has several tributaries and is one of the few larger watercourses in Hong Kong that has not been subjected to significant pollution (Dudgeon and Corlett, 1994). Tung Chung Stream is also considered to be an important habitat to numerous species of freshwater fish. There is a small marsh draining into this stream at Fong Yuen, near the northern end of the proposed road development. The stream has been channelised over the lower stretches, although the channelised section is currently the focus of ecological restoration works by the TDD. There is a concrete-lined catchwater channel in the south of the Study Area, and pools formed by impoundment of streams. Many of the streams in the southern part of the Study Area drain into the Cheung Sha Stream, which is also known to support an important fish fauna, as detailed below and presented in Appendix H. The Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen Stream in the southeast of the Study Area (Stream No. 40) supports the same important fish species as Cheung Sha Stream. All streams crossed by the alignment, as shown in Figure 8.5, were surveyed but due to no flow or apparent seasonal flow in many, fish species were not detected in most of them. Streams where no fish were recorded during the surveys were 1-7, 9-14, 16-20, 25, 31, 33-39, 43 and 44. A total of 18 fish species were recorded, of which four are of significant conservation interest, as summarised below in Table 8.2.

Table 8.2 Fish Species Recorded in the Study Area, June 2001 to January 2002

Common Name	Scientific Name	HK Status	Abundance	Remarks
Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb	Acrossocheilus wenchowensis beijiangensis	Rare	***	Conservation interest. Tung Chung Stream, Stream No. 15
Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby	Awaous melanocephalus	Rare	**	Conservation interest. Cheung Sha Stream, Stream No. 40
Half-banded Barb	Capoeta semifasciolata	Common	**	Fong Yuen Marsh, Tung Chung Stream
Chinese Catfish	Clarius fuscus	Uncommon	*	Fong Yuen Marsh
-	Ctenogobius duospilus	Common	***	Cheung Sha Stream, Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.s 8, 22-24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42
-	Ctenogobius giurinus	Common	***	Stream No. 40
Brown Sleeper	Eleotris fuscus	Uncommon	*	Cheung Sha Steam
-	Liniparhomaloptera disparis	Common	***	Cheung Sha Stream, Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 29, 30, 40, 42
Paradise Fish	Macropodus opercularis	Uncommon	**	Fong Yuen Marsh
-	Monopterus albus	Common	**	Tung Chung Stream
Banded Loach	Noemacheilus fasciolatus	Common	***	Tung Chung Stream, Cheung Sha Stream, Stream No.’s 15, 22-24, 26, 40, 42
Mountain Loach	Oreonectes platycephalus	Very common	**	Stream No.’s 32, 40
Ricefish	Oryzias curvinotus	Rare	**	Conservation interest. Fong Yuen Marsh
Predaceous Chub	Parazacco spilurus	Common	***	Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in China Red Data Book. Tung Chung Stream
-	Pseudogastromyzon myersi	Common	***	Cheung Sha Stream, Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 15, 21-24, 42
-	Silurus cochinchinensis	Common	**	Cheung Sha Stream, Tung ChungStream, Stream No’s 15, 27
Philippine Neon Goby	Stiphodon atropurpureus	Very rare	***	Conservation interest. Tung Chung Stream, Cheung Sha Stream, Stream No. 40
Swordtail	Xiphophorus helleri	Locally common	**	Exotic. Fong Yuen Marsh
Total No. Species			18

* = 1-10 individuals; ** = 11-30 individuals; *** >30 individuals

Note: nomenclature follows that in Chong and Dudgeon (1992)

8.4.3.2 Of the fish species recorded, four species were of significant conservation interest: the Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb Acrossocheilus wenchowensis beijiangensis, the Philippine Neon Goby Stiphodon atropurpureus, the Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby (Awaous melanocephalus) and the Ricefish (Oryzias curvinotus). The locations where these fish were recorded are shown in Figures 8.14a to 8.14d.

8.4.3.3 Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb was abundant in Tung Chung Stream, and was also noted in one tributary (stream No. 15) both above and below the concrete-lined bridge for the existing Tung Chung Road. The species was first reported in Hong Kong by Chong and Dudgeon (1992), and was until recently known only from Tung Chung Stream within the Territory. However, this fish has recently also been recorded in the nearby Wong Lung Hang Stream (Chan, 1998).

8.4.3.4 The Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby was first recorded in Hong Kong in 1999 (Chan, 1999) and has been recorded in only three other sites in the SAR. It was present in one stream in the south of the Study Area, Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen Stream (stream No. 40), below the catchwater. It was also present, in the lower reaches of the main Cheung Sha Stream, two tributaries of which (stream No.’s 25 and 26) are within the Study Area.

8.4.3.5 The Philippine Neon Goby was present in Tung Chung Stream in the north of the Study Area and Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen Stream (stream No. 40) below the catchwater in the south. It was also present, in the lower reaches, of the main Cheung Sha Stream, two tributaries of which (stream No.’s 25 and 26) are within the Study Area. It was only very recently discovered in Hong Kong and was previously known to occur in only one other site locally (Chan, 1999). It has recently been recorded at Tong Fuk and San Shek Wan in Pui O (AFCD, pers. comm.).

8.4.3.6 The Ricefish, which were present in Fong Yuen Marsh, is globally-restricted and highly endangered locally (and endangered globally) (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992). It is known from three other sites in the SAR: Chi Ma Wan on Lantau and Sam A Tsuen in the North-East New Territories (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992), and a locality in Sai Kung (B. Chan, pers. comm.).

8.4.3.7 Two other species recorded at the Fong Yuen Marsh (Chinese Catfish Clarias fuscus and Paradise Fish Macropodus opercularis), despite still being widespread in Hong Kong, are of moderate conservation value due to the rapid loss of suitable habitats (e.g. freshwater marshes and slow-flowing streams). The locally common Predaceous Chub Parazacco spilurus is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the China Red Data Book. However, this is more a reflection of lack of fish research in the region than of the real vulnerability of the species concerned (B. Chan, pers. comm.).

8.4.3.8 The remaining fish species recorded are generally common and widespread in the SAR and are of limited conservation interest.

8.4.4 Avifauna

8.4.4.1 A total of 46 species of birds were recorded in the Study Area over the period May 2001 to January 2002. A summary of the species recorded in each location within the Study Area is given in Table 8.3.

Table 8.3 Bird Species Recorded in the Study Area, May 2001 to January 2002

Common Name	Scientific Name	Local Abundance	Status	May – Jul 2001	Oct – Nov 2001	Dec 2001 – Jan 2002
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	A	R*			+
Crested Goshawk	Accipiter trivirgatus	R	R*			+
Black Kite	Milvus migrans	A	R*	+
Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus	C	W, PM		+	+
Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus	R	R*		+
Spotted dove	Streptopelia chinensis	A	R*	+	+	+
Rufous turtle dove	Streptopelia orientalis	C	W			+
Large Hawk Cuckoo	Hierococcyx sparverioides	C	S*	+
Common Koel	Eudynamis scolopacea	A	R*	+
Greater Coucal	Centropus sinensis	A	R*	+	+
Lesser Coucal	Centropus bengalensis	C	R*	+		+
Collared Scops Owl	Otus lempii	C	R*		+
Grey Nightjar	Caprimulgus indicus	R	S, PM*	+
Grey Wagtail	Motacilla cinerea	A	PM, W		+	+
White Wagtail	Motacilla alba	A	W, R*		+	+
Olive-backed Pipit	Anthus hodgsoni	A	W		+	+
Red-throated Pipit	Anthus cervinus	C	PM, W		+
Red-whiskered Bulbul	Pycnonotus jocosus	A	R*	+	+	+
Chinese Bulbul	Pycnonotus sinensis	A	R*	+	+	+
Sooty-headed Bulbul	Pycnonotus aurigaster	A	R*		+	+
Chestnut Bulbul	Hemixos castanonotus	C	R*		+	+
Red-flanked Bluetail	Tarsiger cyanunus	C	W		+
Long-tailed Shrike	Lanius schach	A	R*		+	+
Common Stonechat	Saxicola torquata	C	PM, W		+	+
Blue Whistling Thrush	Myiophonus caeruleus	A	R*	+	+

Masked Laughing thrush	Garrulax perspicillatus	A	R*	+	+	+
Hwamei	Garrulax canorus	A	R*	+	+	+
Magpie Robin	Copsychus saularis	A	R*		+	+
Daurian redstart	Phoenicurus auroreus	C	W			+
Fantail Warbler	Cisticola juncidis	C	R*		+
Yellow-bellied Prinia	Prinia flaviventris	A	R*	+	+	+
Chinese Bush Warbler	Cettia centurians	C	W		+	+
Common Tailorbird	Orthotomus sutorius	A	R*	+	+	+
Dusky Warbler	Phylloscopus fuscatus	C	PM, W		+	+
Yellow-browed Warbler	Phylloscopus inornatus	A	W		+	+
Fork-tailed Sunbird	Aethopyga christinae	C	R*		+	+
Great Tit	Parus major	A	R*	+	+	+
Japanese White-eye	Zosterops japonicus	A	R*	+	+	+
White-rumped Munia	Lonchura striata	C	R*	+
Scaly-breasted Munia	Lonchura punctulata	C	R*		+	+
Crested Myna	Acridotheres cristatellus	A	R*		+	+
Black-collared Starling	Sturnus nigricollis	A	R*		+	+
Black Drongo	Dicrurus macrocercus	A	PM, S*		+
Blue Magpie	Urocissa erythrorhyncha	C	R*	+	+	+
Common Magpie	Pica pica	A	R*		+	+
Large-billed Crow	Corvus macrorhynchus	A	R*	+	+	+
Total No. Species				19	35	33

Note: Local Abundance – A = widespread and common; C = local but not uncommon; R = very local or rare Hong Kong species; Status – R = resident; PM = passage migrant; OV = occasional visitor; S = summer visitor; W = winter visitor; * = known to breed locally. From Viney et al. (1996) and Carey et al. (2001).

8.4.4.2 During the wet season survey period, 19 species were recorded in the vicinity of the Study Area. The majority of bird species recorded are common and found in similar habitats throughout Hong Kong (Viney et al., 1996), with the notable exception of the Grey Nightjar which although widespread in China is only a scarce passage migrant and summer visitor in Hong Kong (Viney et al., 1996; Yen et al., 1996; MacKinnon and Phillipps, 2000; Carey et al., 2001). In addition, both the Lesser and Greater Coucals, which although common and widespread in Hong Kong, are considered to be threatened species in China (Wang et al., 1998), were also recorded in this area. The locations where these birds species of conservation interest were recorded are shown in Figures 8.15a to 8.15c.

8.4.4.3 During surveys conducted in October and November, a further 22 species were recorded, of which eight were winter visitors or passage migrants, and fourteen were resident species.

8.4.4.4 Winter surveys conducted in December 2001 and January 2002 yielded 33 species, of which four (Little Egret, Crested Goshawk, Daurian Redstart and Rufous Turtle Dove) had not previously been recorded in the Study Area. Daurian Redstart and Rufous Turtle Dove are winter visitors to Hong Kong. None of the species encountered during dry season surveys is considered rare or threatened in Hong Kong. However, the Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus is localised in Hong Kong, being common in Deep Bay but rare elsewhere in the SAR (Carey et al., 2001).

8.4.5 Reptiles

8.4.5.1 Reptiles were surveyed day and night by active searching in appropriate microhabitats, combined with chance encounters, in areas traversed or potentially impacted by the proposed road construction. Seventeen reptile species were recorded during the surveys, including three species of conservation interest. A summary is provided below in Table 8.4.

Table 8.4 Reptile Species Recorded in the Study Area, June to October 2001

Common Name	Scientific Name	Local Status	Abundance	Remarks
Changeable Lizard	Calotes versicolor	Abundant	**
Chinese Gecko	Gekko chinensis	Abundant	****
Bowring’s gecko	Hemidactylus bowringii	Abundant	**
Garnot’s Gecko	Hemidactylus garnotii	Uncommon/widespread	*¹
Grass Lizard	Takydromus sexlineatus	Uncommon/widespread	*¹
Blue-tailed Skink	Eumeces quadrilineatus	Locally common	*
Long-tailed Skink	Mabuya longicaudata	Common	**
Reeves’ Smooth Skink	Scincella reevesii	Widespread	** *¹
Common Blind Snake	Ramphotyphlops braminus	Abundant	*¹
Greater Green Snake	Cyclophiops major	Common	* *¹
Large-spotted Cat Snake	Boiga multomaculata	Uncommon; widespread	*
Mock Viper	Psammodynastes pulverulentus	Uncommon	**	Conservation interest. Uncommon locally. Plantation woodland beside Cheung Sha catchwater, 120m, grid square 0461 (Countryside Series grid)
Indo-Chinese Rat Snake	Ptyas korros	Common	*¹	Conservation interest. Endangered, China Red Data Book. Plantation woodland (catchwater) (previous record)
Common Rat Snake	Ptyas mucosus	Common	**
Red-necked Keelback	Rhabdophis subminiatus	Common	**
Checkered Keelback	Xenochrophis piscator	Common	* *¹
Chinese Cobra	Naja atra	Widespread	**	Conservation interest. CITES Appendix II. Vulnerable, China Red Data Book. Tall Shrubland, Streams at Shek Mun Kap and Stream No.’s 9 and 40
Total No. Species			17

* = 1 individual; ** = 2-5 individuals; *** = 6-20 individuals; **** >20 individuals

*¹ additional recent record derived from unpublished data from Dr M.W.N. Lau

Grid reference from Hong Kong Countryside Series, altitude in meters refers to elevation recorded. (see Figure 8.16)

8.4.5.2 The species of highest conservation interest recorded in the Study Area was the Chinese Cobra Naja atra. This species is common and widespread throughout Hong Kong, but its population in southern China is believed to be in decline (M. Lau, pers. comm.). The Chinese Cobra is globally restricted to southern China (Karsen et al., 1998), and is a CITES Appendix II species. It is also listed as vulnerable in the China Red Data Book.

8.4.5.3 The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake Ptyas korros are also common and widespread throughout Hong Kong, however, their populations in southern China are believed to be in decline. The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is listed as endangered in the China Red Data Book.

8.4.5.4 The Mock Viper Psammodynastes pulverulentus is considered generally uncommon in Hong Kong although it is widespread and has been recorded from Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the New Territories and Shek Kwu Chau (Karsen et al., 1998). All the other reptile species encountered within the Study Area are common and/or widespread locally (Karsen et al., 1998). The locations where these species of conservation interest were recorded are shown in Figures 8.16a to 8.16g.

8.4.6 Amphibians

8.4.6.1 Amphibians were surveyed during both the day and night by active searching in appropriate microhabitats, combined with auditory detection and chance encounters, in areas traversed or potentially impacted by the proposed road alignment. Twelve species of amphibians were recorded in the Study Area during the surveys, including four species of conservation interest. A summary of the species recorded is provided in Table 8.5 below.

Table 8.5 Amphibian Species Recorded in the Study Area, June to September 2001

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
Hong Kong Newt	Paramesotriton hongkongensis	Uncommon	****	Near-endemic. Conservation interest. Protected in Hong Kong. Stream No.’s 15, 19
Asian Common Toad	Bufo melanostictus	Abundant	**
Asiatic Painted Frog	Kaloula pulchra	Common	**
Short-legged Toad	Megophrys brachykolos	Uncommon/wide-spread	***	Probable endemic. Conservation interest. Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 24, 26, 32, 35, 40, 42
Romer’s Tree Frog	Philautus romeri	Restricted/rare	****	Conservation interest. Considered an endemic. Protected in Hong Kong. Secondary woodland at Shek Mun Kap and Lung Tseng Tau, plantation woodland and tall shrub at Pak Kung Au, Tung Chung Stream and stream Nos. 21 and 27
Brown Tree Frog	Polypedates megacephalus	Common	**
Lesser Spiny Frog	Rana exilispinosa	Common	***	Conservation interest. Widespread in Hong Kong. Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
Gunther’s Frog	Rana guentheri	Abundant	***
Paddy Frog	Rana limnocharis	Common	** *¹
Green Cascade Frog	Rana livida	Common	**
Three-striped Grass Frog	Rana macrodactyla	Widespread	*¹
Marbled Pigmy Frog	Microhyla pulchra	Common	*¹
Total No. Species			12

* = 1 individual; ** = 2-5 individuals; *** = 6-20 individuals; **** >20 individuals.

Note: Probable endemic species has been recorded outside Hong Kong but the record is considered to be unreliable. Near-endemic is globally restricted to Hong Kong and Southern Guandong Province.

8.4.6.2 Four noteworthy species, Paramesotriton hongkongensis, Megophrys brachykolos, Philautus romeri and Rana exilispinosa, were recorded during the surveys and were found to occur at similar levels of abundance. The locations where these species of conservation interest were recorded are shown in Figures 8.16a to 8.16g.

8.4.6.3 During dry season surveys in October, a large number (>20) of breeding Hong Kong Newts Paramesotriton hongkongensis were recorded at 230m in streams lying to the west of the existing road, towards Tei Tong Tsai. Hong Kong Newt were also present in stream No.’s 15 and 19. This species is widespread (occasionally locally abundant) in Hong Kong, but is globally restricted to Hong Kong and southern Guangdong (Karsen et al., 1998).

8.4.6.4 The Short-legged Toad Megophrys brachykolos is considered globally restricted and a probable Hong Kong endemic (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999) although is widespread locally (Karsen et al., 1998). It is known from several sites on Lantau Island, the New Territories and Hong Kong Island (Karsen et al., 1998).

8.4.6.5 The Romer’s Tree Frog Philautus romeri is protected and considered an endemic to Hong Kong. Romer’s Tree Frog is known from Lamma, Lantau (including Tai Ho) and Po Toi (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999; Mouchel, 2000). It was formerly common on Chek Lap Kok prior to construction of the new Hong Kong International Airport, and was thought to have been eliminated from that island. However, a single adult was caught and released on the island last year (Lynch, 2001). Individuals were salvaged from Chek Lap Kok prior to airport construction and bred in captivity. The species was subsequently translocated to various locations in the New Territories and Hong Kong Island (Karsen et al., 1998).

8.4.6.6 The Lesser Spiny Frog Rana exilispinosa is widespread in Hong Kong, where it inhabits hill and mountain streams (Karsen et al., 1998) but is considered threatened in China due to a decline in populations of the species throughout its range (Hunan, Fujian and Guangdong).

8.4.7 Mammals

8.4.7.1 Mammal surveys have focused on attempting to detect the presence of larger land mammals, including Barking Deer Muntiacus spp., Chinese Porcupine Hystrix brachyura, Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis and civets including Paguma larvata and Viverricula indica. The surveys were conducted by searching for signs such as scats, diggings, gnaw-marks and prints during daylight hours, together with night-time surveys to detect mammals directly.

8.4.7.2 During the wet season surveys conducted in July and September 2001, no evidence of any of the above species was detected within the Study Area. A typhoon and heavy rain in early July, prior to the surveys, may have erased any such signs which might have been present although it should be noted that larger mammals are scarce across all of Lantau Island, with the exception of Barking Deer Muntiacus reevesi or M. muntjak (Reels and Crow, 1999). Two recent surveys (Goodyer, 1992; Reels, 1996) unearthed no records of any other larger mammals on Lantau Island and a month-long exploration of the island in September 1997, as part of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Survey, (conducted by the Department of Ecology & Biodiversity of the University of Hong Kong) yielded only one (unidentified) small carnivore scat (G. T. Reels, pers. obs.). In addition, surveys undertaken for the Lantau North-South Road Link between Mui Wo and Tai Ho only recorded one civet dropping in the upland area near Wong Kung Tin (Mouchel, 2000).

8.4.7.3 In October 2001 a dead Ferret Badger (Melogale moschata) was observed at approximately 150m altitude on the existing Tung Chung Road (and directly on the alignment of the proposed road; Countryside Series grid reference HE 030643), where the road passes through tall shrubland habitat, (see Figure 8.17a and 8.17b). This is a rather secretive species, thought to be under-recorded in Hong Kong (Reels, 1996). It is possible that this is the first record of this species from Lantau Island. The species’ global distribution is limited to southern China, Vietnam and Burma. A Barking Deer was heard calling to the southwest of the Study Area (habitat not known) on the evening of 22 October, and another was heard from the same area at 110m in tall shrubland (grid reference HE 0261) at dusk on 29 November. This species is widespread in Hong Kong. A civet dropping (species not determined) was also found during a dry season survey in plantation woodland near Pak Kung Au (340m, grid reference HE 033 630). The Grid reference is from the Hong Kong Countryside Series, shown in Figures 8.17a and 8.17b and the altitude in meters refers to elevation recorded. The locations where the species of conservation interest were recorded are shown in Figures 8.17a to 8.17b.

8.4.8 Dragonflies

8.4.8.1 Dragonfly species were surveyed by exploring streams, pools, seepages and channels in the Study Area during the hours of daylight on fine and dry weather days. Several species of conservation concern were among the 37 species recorded. A summary of the species recorded in the early wet season, late wet season and dry season is presented below in Tables 8.6 to 8.8.

Table 8.6 Dragonfly Species Recorded in the Study Area, June and July 2001 (Early Wet Season)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
-	Agriomorpha fusca	Fairly common	***	Conservation interest. Stream No.’s 26, 27
-	Anax immaculifrons	Fairly common	**
-	Ceriagrion auranticum	Common	*
-	Coeliccia cyanomelas	Common	***
-	Drepanosticta hongkongensis	Common	***	Conservation interest. Near-endemic. Stream No.’s 26, 27
-	Euphaea decorata	Common	****
-	Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis	Fairly Common	**	Endemic subspecies. Tall Shrubland, stream No. 23
-	Melligomphus moluami	Uncommon	**	Conservation interest. Endemic. Tall Shrubland, Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 23, 25, 26, 27, 32
-	Orthetrum glaucum	Abundant	***
-	Orthetrum luzonicum	Common	**
-	Pantala flavescens	Abundant	**
-	Prodasineura autumnalis	Abundant	**
-	Protosticta beaumonti	Rare	****	Conservation interest. Stream No.’s 24, 26, 27, 32, 35, 40, 42
-	Rhinocypha perforata	Common	**
-	Sinosticta ogatai	Rare	**	Conservation interest. Near-endemic. Stream No.’s 26, 27
-	Stylogomphus chunliuae	Uncommon	**	Conservation interest. Stream No.’s 27, 32
-	Tramea virginia	Common	**
-	Trithemis aurora	Abundant	**
-	Trithemis festiva	Abundant	***
-	Zygonyx iris insignis	Common	****	Conservation interest. Tall Shrubland, Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 35, 41
Total No. Species			20

* = 1 individual; ** = 2-5 individuals; *** = 6-20 individuals; **** >20 individuals

Table 8.7 Dragonfly Species Recorded in the Study Area, September 2001 (Late Wet Season)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
-	Anax immaculifrons	Fairly Common	*
-	Anax parthenope	Common	**
	Ceriagrion auranticum	Common	**
	Copera marginipes	Common	**
-	Crocothemis servilia	Common	**
-	Diplacodes trivialis	Common	**
-	Euphaea decorata	Common	****
-	Orthetrum chrysis	Common	**
-	Orthetrum glaucum	Abundant	**
-	Orthetrum pruinosum	Abundant	***
-	Orthetrum sabina	Abundant	**
-	Orthetrum triangulare	Uncommon	**
-	Pantala flavescens	Abundant	****
	Prodasineura autunalis	Abundant	***
	Rhinocypha perforata	Common	**
-	Trithemis aurora	Abundant	**
-	Trithemis festiva	Abundant	**
Total No. Species			17

* = 1 individual; ** = 2-5 individuals; *** = 6-20 individuals; **** >20 individuals

Table 8.8 Dragonfly Species Recorded in the Study Area, October 2001 (Dry Season)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
	Agriocnemis femina	Abundant	*
-	Anax guttatus	Common	**
-	Anax parthenope	Common	**
-	Brachydiplax chalybea	Common	*
-	Ceriagrion auranticum	Common	***
-	Coeliccia cyanomelas	Common	***
-	Crocothemis servilia	Common	**
-	Diplacodes trivialis	Common	**
-	Euphaea decorata	Common	****
-	Neurobasis chinensis	Fairly Common	**
-	Neurothemis tullia	Fairly Common	***
-	Onychargia atrocyana	Fairly Common	**
-	Orthetrum chrysis	Common	**
-	Orthetrum glaucum	Abundant	***
-	Orthetrum luzonicum	Common	***
-	Orthetrum pruinosum	Abundant	***
-	Orthetrum sabina	Abundant	***
-	Orthetrum triangulare	Uncommon	**
-	Palpopleura sexmaculata	Common	*
-	Pantala flavescens	Abundant	****
-	Prodasineura autumnalis	Abundant	***
-	Pseudagrion rubriceps	Fairly Common	**
-	Rhinocypha perforata	Common	***
-	Tramea virginia	Common	**
-	Trithemis aurora	Abundant	***
-	Trithemis festiva	Abundant	***
Total No. Species			26

* = 1 individual; ** = 2-5 individuals; *** = 6-20 individuals; **** >20 individuals

8.4.8.2 Agriomorpha fusca, Drepanosticta hongkongensis, Protosticta beaumonti, Sinosticta ogatai and Melligomphus moluami were all described from Hong Kong (Wilson, 1995; Wilson, 1997) and are considered to be of conservation interest. M. moluami and A. fusca have also been recorded in Guangdong and Hainan respectively but still considered endemic.

8.4.8.3 Agriomorpha fusca is a large damselfly that is confined to China and Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997). Although it has a globally restricted distribution it is widespread in Hong Kong and has been recorded from Tai Po Kau, Brides Pool, Luk Keng, Ma on Shan and Mid Levels (Wilson, 1997).

8.4.8.4 Drepanosticta hongkongensis was formerly considered endemic to Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997), but was recently discovered on Wu Tong Shan in Shenzhen (Reels, 2001). It is regarded as locally common (Wilson, 1997), occurring in good numbers in the appropriate habitat (pristine, well-shaded hill streams).

8.4.8.5 Protosticta beaumonti is regarded as rare locally, and is restricted to Hong Kong and Guangdong. It is a stenotopic species with a highly restricted habitat tolerance, favouring well-shaded pristine upland streams and seepages.

8.4.8.6 Sinosticta ogatai is rare in Hong Kong and was formerly thought to be endemic (Wilson, 1997) but, as with D. hongkongensis, has now also been recorded at Wu Tong Shan in Shenzhen (Reels, 2001). It has previously been recorded on Keung Shan and Sunset Peak on Lantau (Wilson, 1997). It is a stenotopic species with a highly restricted habitat tolerance, favouring well-shaded pristine upland streams and seepages.

8.4.8.7 The gomphid dragonfly Melligomphus moluami is endemic to Hong Kong and regarded as being rare (Wilson, 1997). It was recorded in good numbers, particularly in the southern part of the Study Area, and in view of this, it is possible that the this area of Lantau is the best, known, site in the world for this species.

8.4.8.8 Three other species of dragonfly recorded in the Study Area that are also of conservation interest were Stylogomphus chunliuae (which is uncommon in Hong Kong and otherwise known only from Fujian; Wilson, 1997), Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis, which is common locally but considered an endemic subspecies, and Zygonyx iris insignis, which is considered as being of conservation interest, although common in Hong Kong, is currently otherwise known only from Hainan (Wilson, 1997). This species has, however, recently been collected at Wu Tong Shan in Shenzhen (G.T. Reels, pers. comm.). As more areas of southern China are surveyed to the extent of Hong Kong, it is possible that some of the species of conservation interest recorded locally may be found to have a wider distribution than is currently known.

8.4.8.9 The locations where the species of conservation interest were recorded are shown in Figures 8.18a to 8.18f.

8.4.9 Butterflies

8.4.9.1 Butterflies were surveyed concomitantly with dragonflies using the same survey technique as used for odonates. A total of 104 butterfly species were recorded in the Study Area over the period June to October 2001, eight of which are considered rare in Hong Kong. There were 68 butterfly species recorded in the early wet season surveys, with a further 36 species added in surveys conducted in September and October. A summary of the butterfly species noted during these early wet season, late wet season and dry season surveys is provided below in Tables 8.9 to 8.11, respectively.

Table 8.9 Butterfly Species Recorded in the Study Area, June and July 2001 (Early Wet Season)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
Plum Judy	Abisara echerius	Very common	***
Common Hedge Blue	Acytolepis puspa	Common	*
Bush Hopper	Ampittia dioscorides	Uncommon/ widespread	*
Colour Sergeant	Athyma nefte	Common	***
Common Sergeant	Athyma perius	Common	*
Black-veined Sergeant	Athyma ranga	Rare	*	Conservation interest. Plantation woodland, Stream 27, 360m
Staff Sergeant	Athyma selenophora	Common	**
Pale Awlet	Bibasis gomata	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Lemon Emigrant	Catopsilia pomona	Common	*
Mottled Emigrant	Catopsilia pyranthe	Common	**
Common Gull	Cepora nerissa	Common	*
Red Lacewing	Cethosia biblis	Uncommon	*
Tawny Rajah	Charaxes bernardus	Common	**
Lime Blue	Chilades lajus	Very common	*
Rustic	Cupha erymanthis	Very common	***
Mapwing	Cyrestis thyodamas	Very common	*
Common Tiger	Danaus genutia	Very common	**
Red-base Jezebel	Delias pasithoe	Common	***
Tailed Sulphur	Dercas verhuelli	Uncommon/ widespread	*
Banana Skipper	Erionota torus	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Common Crow	Euploea core	Very common	**
Blue-spotted Crow	Euploea midamus	Very common	**
Small Grass Yellow	Eurema brigitta	Rare	*	Conservation interest. Tall shrubland, 60m, HE 0265
Common Grass Yellow	Eurema hecabe	Very common	***
Tailed Cupid	Everes lacturnus	Common	**
Common Faun	Faunis eumeus	Common	***
Tailed Jay	Graphium agamemnon	Very common	*
Common Bluebottle	Graphium sarpedon	Very common	**
Purple Sapphire	Heliophorus epicles	Very common	*
Red Ring-skirt	Hestina assimilis	Common	*
Chestnut Bob	Iambrix salsala	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger	Ideopsis similis	Very common	****
Silver Streak Blue	Iraota timoleon	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Yellow Orangetip	Ixias pyrene	Uncommon/wide-spread	**
Blue Admiral	Kaniska canace	Common	**
Banded Tree Brown	Lethe confusa	Common	**
Common Redeye	Matapa aria	Uncommon	*
Dark Evening Brown	Melanitis phedima	Uncommon/wide-spread	**
Dark-brand Bush Brown	Mycalesis mineus	Very common	**
South China Bush Brown	Mycalesis zonata	Common	**
Common Sailer	Neptis hylas	Very common	*
Restricted Demon	Notocrypta curvifascia	Uncommon/wide-spread	**
Chestnut Angle	Odontoptilum angulatum	Common	**
Common Rose	Pachliopta aristolochiae	Rare	*	Conservation interest. Secondary woodland, near Stream 8 (Figures 8.5 and 8.18)
Common Lascar	Pantoporia hordonia	Common	*
Chinese Peacock	Papilio bianor	Common	***
Common Mime	Papilio clytia	Common	*
Red Helen	Papilio helenus	Very common	***
Great Mormon	Papilio memnon	Very common	***
Paris Peacock	Papilio paris	Very common	***
Common Mormon	Papilio polytes	Very common	***
Spangle	Papilio protenor	Common	**
Glassy Tiger	Parantica aglea	Common	*
White Commodore	Parasarpa dudu	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Five-dot Sergeant	Parathyma sulpitia	Common	**
Rare Swift	Parnara ganga	Common	*
Common Straight Swift	Parnara guttatus	Common	*
Small Branded Swift	Pelopidas mathias	Common	*
Short-banded Sailer	Phaedyma columella	Common	***
Contiguous Swift	Polytremis lubricans	Common
Common Nawab	Polyura athamas	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Shan Nawab	Polyura nepenthes	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Chinese Dart	Potanthus confucius	Common	**
Slate Flash	Rapala manea	Uncommon/wide-spread	*
Black Prince	Rohana parisatis	Common	***
Jester	Symbrenthia lilaea	Common	**
Water Snow Flat	Tagiades litigiosus	Common	**
Blue Tiger	Tirumala limniace	Common	**
Punchinello	Zemeros flegyas	Common	*
Pale Grass Blue	Zizeeria maha	Common	**
Total No. Species			68

* = 1 individual; ** = 2-5 individuals; *** = 6-20 individuals; **** >20 individuals; Grid reference from Hong Kong Countryside Series, altitude in meters refers to elevation recorded (see Figure 8.18)

Table 8.10 Butterfly Species Recorded in the Study Area, September 2001 (Late Wet Season)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
Plum Judy	Abisara ecerius	Very common	**
Forest Hopper	Ampittia dioscorides	Uncommon	*
Colour Sergeant	Athyma nefte	Common	*

Staff Sergeant	Athyma selenophora	Common	*
Tawny Rajah	Charaxes bernardus	Common	*
Lime Blue	Chilades lajus	Very common	**
Rustic	Cupha erymanthis	Very common	**
Mapwing	Cyrestis thyodamas	Common	*
Common Tiger	Danaus genutia	Very common	*
Red-base Jezebel	Delias pasithoe	Very common	**
Common Crow	Euploea core	Very common	**
Blue-spotted Crow	Euploea midamus	Very common	***
Common Grass Yellow	Eurema hecabe	Very common	**
Spotless Grass Yellow	Eurema laeta	Uncommon	**
Common Faun	Faunis eumeus	Common	**
Tailed Jay	Graphium agamemnon	Very common	**
Five-bar Swordtail	Graphium antiphates	Common	*
Common Bluebottle	Graphium sarpedon	Very common	**
Great Eggfly	Hypolimnas bolina	Common	**
Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger	Ideopsis similis	Very common	***
Peacock Pansy	Junonia almana	Common	**
Grey Pansy	Junonia atlites	Common	*
Lemon Pansy	Junonia lemonias	Uncommon	*
Banded Tree Brown	Lethe confusa	Common	*
Common Evening Brown	Melanitis leda	Common	*
Dark-brand Bush Brown	Mycalesis mineus	Very common	**
Common Sailer	Neptis hylas	Very common	**
Chestnut Angle	Odontoptilum angulatum	Common	*
Common Rose	Pachliopta aristolochiae	Rare	*	Conservation interest. Secondary woodland in Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen, 50m
Chinese Peacock	Papilio bianor	Common	*
Red Helen	Papilio helenus	Very common	*
Great Mormon	Papilio memnon	Very common	**
Paris Peacock	Papilio paris	Very common	*
Common Mormon	Papilio polytes	Very common	*
Spangle	Papilio protenor	Common	**
Glassy Tiger	Parantica aglea	Common	*
Five-dot Sergeant	Parathyma sulpitia	Common	*
Small Branded Swift	Parnara guttatus	Common	*
Large Branded Swift	Pelopidas subochracea	Rare	**	Conservation interest. Secondary woodland at Stream 40, 50m
Short-banded Sailer	Phaedyma columella	Common	*
Black Prince	Rohana parisatis	Common	**
Common Five-ring	Ypthima baldus	Common	**
Pale Grass Blue	Zizeeria maha	Common	**
Total No. Species			43

Table 8.11 Butterfly Species Recorded in the Study Area, October 2001 (Dry Season)

Common Name	Scientific Name	Status	Abundance	Remarks
Plum Judy	Abisara echerius	Very common	****
Common Hedge Blue	Acytolepis puspa	Common	**
Forest Hopper	Ampittia dioscorides	Uncommon	***
Indian Fritillary	Argyreus hyperbius	Very common	**
Powdered Oak Blue	Arhopala bazalus	Uncommon	*
Angled Castor	Ariadne ariadne	Common	**
Colour Sergeant	Athyma nefte	Common	**
Common Sergeant	Athyma perius	Common	**
Staff Sergeant	Athyma selenophora	Common	**
Lemon Emigrant	Catopsilia pomona	Common	**
Common Gull	Cepora nerissa	Common	*
Tawny Rajah	Charaxes bernardus	Very common	**
Lime Blue	Chilades lajus	Very common	***
Rustic	Cupha erymanthis	Common	***
Mapwing	Cyrestis thyodamas	Uncommon/wide-spread	**
Common Tiger	Danaus genutia	Very common	****
Red-base Jezebel	Delias pasithoe	Very common	***
Gram Blue, Cupid	Euchrysops cnejus	Common	***
Common Crow	Euploea core	Very common	***
Blue-spotted Crow	Euploea midamus	Common	****
Small Grass Yellow	Eurema brigitta	Rare	**	Conservation interest. Plantation woodland at catchwater (100m, HE 0462), Tall shrubland (120m, HE 0264)
Common Grass Yellow	Eurema hecabe	Very common	****
Spotless Grass Yellow	Eurema laeta	Uncommon	**
Gaudy Baron	Euthalia lubentina	Rare	*	Conservation interest. Secondary woodland at Shek Mun Kap, 30m
White-edged Blue Baron	Euthalia phemius	Uncommon	*
Tailed Cupid	Everes lacturnus	Very common	**
Common Faun	Faunis eumeus	Common	**
Tailed Jay	Graphium agamemnon	Very common	***
Five-bar Swordtail	Graphium antiphates	Common	*
Common Bluebottle	Graphium sarpedon	Very common	**
Purple Sapphire	Heliophorus epicles	Uncommon	**
Red Ring-skirt	Hestina assimilis	Common	**
Great Egg-fly	Hypolimnas bolina	Common	***
Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger	Ideopsis similis	Very common	***
Dark Cerulean	Jamides bochus	Common	**
Pale Cerulean	Jamides celeno	Rare	**	Conservation interest. Secondary woodland and tall shrub at Shek Mun Kap, plantation woodland and tall shrubland at 150m HE 0362
Peacock Pansy	Junonia almana	Common	**
Grey Pansy	Junonia atlites	Common	**
Lemon Pansy	Junonia lemonias	Uncommon	*
Blue Pansy	Junonia orithya	Uncommon	**
Blue Admiral	Kaniska canace	Common	**
Banded Tree Brown	Lethe confusa	Common	**
Common Evening Brown	Melantis leda	Common	**
Commander	Moduza procris	Very rare	*	Conservation interest. Plantation woodland (340m, HE 0363)
Dark-brand Bush Brown	Mycalesis mineus	Very common	***
Transparent Six-line Blue	Nacaduba kurava	Common	*
Quaker	Neopithecops zalmora	Uncommon	**
Southern Sullied Sailer	Neptis clinia	Common	*
Common Sailor	Neptis hylas	Very common	***
Restricted Demon	Notocrypta curvifascia	Uncommon	*
Chestnut Angle	Odontoptilum angulatum	Common	*
Chinese Peacock	Papilio bianor	Common	**
Common Mime	Papilio clytia	Common	***
Lime Butterfly	Papilio demoleus	Common	*
Red Helen	Papilio helenus	Very common	***
Great Mormon	Papilio memnon	Very common	***
Paris Peacock	Papilio paris	Very common	***
Common Mormon	Papilio polytes	Very common	***
Spangle	Papilio protenor	Common	**
Glassy Tiger	Parantica aglea	Common	*
White Commodore	Parasarpa dudu	Uncommon	*
Five-dot Sergeant	Parathyma sulpitia	Common	**
Small Branded Swift	Parnara guttatus	Common	**
Short-banded Sailer	Phaedyma columella	Common	**
Indian Cabbage White	Pieris canidia	Common	***
Contiguous Swift	Polytremis lubricans	Common	**
Common Nawab	Polyura athamas	Uncommon	**
Chinese Dart	Potanthus Confucius	Common	*
Slate Flash	Rapala manea	Uncommon	*
Chocolate Royal	Remelana jangala	Uncommon	*
Black Prince	Rohana parisatis	Common	**
Long-banded Silverline	Spindasis lohita	Uncommon	*
Common Jester	Symbrenthia lilaea	Common	**
Pale Palm Dart	Telicota colon	Rare	*	Conservation interest. Fong Yuen marsh
Red Admiral	Vanessa indica	Uncommon	*
Common Five-ring	Ypthima baldus	Common	**
Straight Five-ring	Ypthima lisandra	Very common	**
Punchinello	Zemeros flegyas	Common	**
Pale Grass Blue	Zizeeria maha	Common	***
Total No. Species			80

8.4.9.2 Out of the 104 species recorded in the Study Area during the surveys, eight species, the Small Grass Yellow Eurema brigitta, the Gaudy Baron Euthalia lubentina, the Black-veined Sergeant Athyma ranga, the rare Commander Moduza procris the Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae, the Pale Cerulean Jamides celeno, the Pale Palm Dart Telicota colon and the Large Branded Swift Pelopidas subochracea, are considered to be rare and of conservation interest in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997; Reels and Walthew, 1998). The majority of butterflies recorded are, however, widely distributed in southern China and the Asian tropics (Chou, 1994; Bascombe, 1995; Bascombe et al., 1999). The locations where these species were recorded are presented in Figure 8.14, although it should be noted that the butterflies are relatively mobile and unlikley to be confined to any single location throughout the Study Area. The locations where the species of conservation interest were recorded are shown in Figures 8.18a to 8.18f.

8.4.10 Vegetation

8.4.10.1 A total of 319 species of vascular plants was recorded in the Study Area, of which four are considered to be of conservation significance, although not rare in Hong Kong. The tree Artocarpus hypargyreus is a Class III nationally protected species in China. An individual of this tree was located among plantation woodland near Pak Kung Au, close to the proposed road alignment. Individuals of the shrub Pavetta hongkongensis and the orchid Liparis viridiflora, both of which are protected in Hong Kong under the Forestry Regulations, were recorded along the proposed road alignment near Pak Kung Au. The orchid Acampe rigida was recorded in a nearby location. This species is also protected under the Forestry Regulations. Vegetation survey results are presented in Table 8.12, and the plant species of conservation interest are presented in Figure 8.19a to 8.19b.

Table 8.12 Flora Recorded in the Study Area, July to November 2001

Form	Species	Abundance	Status in HK
Tree	Acacia auriculifomis	**	Common
Tree	Acacia confusa	****	Very Common
Tree	Aconychia pedunculata	***	Very Common
Tree	Adina pilulifera	***	Very Common
Tree	Alangium chinense	***	Common
Tree	Aleurite moluccana	*	Common
Tree	Antidesma paniculatum	**	Common
Tree	Aporosa dioica	***	Very Common
Tree	Archidendron clypearia	**	Common
Tree	Archidendron lucida	**	Common
Tree	Artocarpus hypargyreus	**	Common. Category III Protected Species in China. ‘Vulnerable’, China Plant Red Data Book
Tree	Bauhinia blakeana	**	Common
Tree	Bischofia javanica	*	Common
Tree	Bridelia penangiana	**	Common
Tree	Bridelia tomentosa	***	Very Common
Tree	Casearia glomerata	*	Restricted
Tree#	Casuarina equisetifolia	**	Restricted
Tree	Celtis tetrandra	***	Common
Tree	Cinnamomum parthenoxylon	*	Common
Tree	Citrus sp.	**	Cultivated
Tree	Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum	*	Common
Tree	Cratoxylum ligustrinum	***	Very Common
Tree	Cyclobalanopsis myrsinaefolia	*	Common
Tree	Dimocarpus longan	**	Common
Tree	Diospyros erianthe	*	Common
Tree	Diospyros morrisiana	***	Very Common
Tree	Ehretia longiflora	**	Common
Tree	Elaeocarpus chinensis	**	Common
Tree	Engelhardtia fenzeii	*	Common
Tree#	Eucalyptus robusta	*	Common
Tree	Eurya groffii	*	Common
Tree	Ficus hirta	**	Common
Tree	Ficus hispida	***	Very Common
Tree	Ficus microcarpa	**	Common
Tree	Ficus variegata	**	Common
Tree	Ficus virens	*	Common
Tree	Firmiana platanifolia	*	Restricted
Tree	Garcinia oblongifolia	***	Very Common
Tree	Glochidion hirsutum	**	Common
Tree	Glochidion wrightii	**	Very Common
Tree	Glochidion zeylanicum	*	Common
Tree	Gordonia axillaris	**	Common
Tree	Helicia cochinchinensis	*	Restricted
Tree	Homalium cochinchinensis	**	Common
Tree	Ilex viridis	**	Common
Tree	Itea chinensis	***	Very Common
Tree	Leucanea leucocephala	**	Common
Tree#	Liquidamber formosana	**	Common
Tree	Litchi chinensis	***	Common
Tree	Litsea cubeba	***	Common
Tree	Litsea glutinosa	***	Very Common
Tree	Litsea monopetela	*	Common
Tree	Litsea rotundifolia	***	Very Common
Tree#	Lophostemon confertus	***	Common
Tree	Macaranga tanarius	**	Common
Tree	Machilus breviflora	**	Very Common
Tree	Machilus chekiangensis	***	Very Common
Tree	Mallotus apelta	**	Common
Tree	Mallotus paniculata	****	Very Common
Tree	Mangifera indica	*	Common
Tree	Melicope lepta	**	Common
Tree	Microcos paniculata	***	Very Common
Tree	Osbeckia chinensis	**	Very Common
Tree	Osmanthus matsumuronus	**	Restricted
Tree	Phyllanthus reticulatus	**	Common
Tree	Pinus elliiottii	*	Common
Tree	Pinus massoniana	***	Common
Tree	Rapanea neriifolia	**	Common
Tree	Reevesia thyrsoides	**	Common
Tree	Rhus chinensis	***	Common
Tree	Rhus succedanea	***	Common
Tree	Sapindus mukorosis	*	Common
Tree	Sapium discolor	***	Very Common
Tree	Sapium sebiferum	**	Common
Tree	Sarcosprma laurinum	**	Common
Tree	Saurauia tristyla	**	Common
Tree	Schefflera octophylla	***	Common
Tree	Scolopia chinense	**	Common
Tree	Scolopia saeva	**	Common
Tree	Sinosideroxylon wrightianum	**	Common
Tree	Sterculia lanceolata	***	Very Common
Tree	Styrax suberifolius	**	Common
Tree	Symplocos lacifolia	***	Common
Tree	Symplocos lucida	**	Common
Tree	Ternstroemia gymnanthera	**	Common
Tree	Trema orientalis	**	Common
Tree	Zanthoxylum avicennae	***	Common
Tree	Zanthoxylum scandens	**	Restricted
Shrub	Alchornea trewioides	**	Common
Shrub	Alleizettella leucocarpa	**	Restricted
Shrub	Antidesma japonica	**	Common
Shrub	Ardisia crenata	**	Common
Shrub	Ardisia quinquegona	**	Very Common
Shrub	Baeckea frutescens	***	Common
Shrub	Breynia fruticosa	***	Very Common
Shrub	Brucea japonica	***	Common
Shrub	Calamus tetradactylus	**	Common
Shrub	Chamaesyce hirta	***	Very Common
Shrub	Chloranthus spicatus	***	Common
Shrub	Clerodedrum fortunatum	***	Common
Shrub	Crotolaria pallida	**	Common
Shrub	Croton crassifolius	**	Very Common
Shrub	Daphniphyllum calycinum	***	Common
Shrub	Daphniphyllum oldhamii	***	Common
Shrub	Desmodium gigantium	**	Common
Shrub	Diospyros vaccinioides	**	Very Common
Shrub	Euonymus laxifolius	**	Common
Shrub	Euonymus nitidus	**	Very Common
Shrub	Eurya nitida	***	Very Common
Shrub	Ficus variolosa	***	Very Common
Shrub	Gardenia jasminoides	**	Common
Shrub	Glochidion eriocarpum	***	Very Common
Shrub	Glochidion puberum	***	Restricted
Shrub	Helicteres angustifolia	***	Very Common
Shrub	Ilex asprella	***	Very Common
Shrub	Ilex pubescens	***	Common
Shrub	Lantana camara	**	Very Common
Shrub	Lasianthus chinensis	**	Common
Shrub	Ligustrum sinense	**	Common
Shrub	Ludwigia adscendens	**	Common
Shrub	Ludwigia octovalvis	***	Common
Shrub	Maesa japonica	***	Common
Shrub	Melastoma candidum	***	Common
Shrub	Melastoma sanguineum	***	Common
Shrub	Musa paradisiaca	**	Common
Shrub	Mussendanea pubescens	**	Very Common
Shrub	Paliurus ramosissimus	**	Common
Shrub	Pandanus tectorius	**	Very Common
Shrub	Pavetta hongkongensis	*	Common. Protected, Hong Kong Forestry Regulations
Shrub	Phyllanthus cochinchinensis	***	Very Common
Shrub	Phyllanthus emblica	***	Very Common
Shrub	Psychotria rubra	****	Very Common
Shrub	Rhaphiolepis indica	***	Very Common
Shrub	Rhapis excelsa	**	Common
Shrub	Rhodomyrtus tomentosa	***	Very Common
Shrub	Ricinus communis	*	Very Common
Shrub	Sarcandra glabra	***	Very Common
Shrub	Sesbania cannabina	**	Common
Shrub	Severinia buxifolia	***	Common
Shrub	Solanum torvum	*	Common
Shrub	Triumfetta rhomboidea	**	Common
Shrub	Urena lobata	*	Common
Shrub	Vitex negundo var. negundo	**	Common
Shrub	Wikstromeia indica	**	Common
Herb	Acampe rigida	*	Common. Protected, Hong Kong Forestry Regulations
Herb	Adiantum flabellulatum	**	Very Common
Herb	Ageratum conyzoides	**	Common
Herb	Alocasia macrorrhiza	**	Very Common
Herb	Alpinia zerumbet	***	Very Common
Herb	Amaranthus viridus	**	Common
Herb	Aplinia hainanensis	**	Very Common
Herb	Apluda mutica	***	Very Common
Herb	Arachnoides chinensis	**	Common
Herb	Arundinella setosa	***	Very Common
Herb	Aster baccharoides	***	Very Common
Herb	Axonopus compressus	**	Common
Herb	Bidens bipinnata	***	Common
Herb	Bidens pilosa	**	Very Common
Herb	Blechnum orientale	***	Very Common
Herb	Bothriochloa bladhii	**	Very Common
Herb	Brachiaria mutica	**	Common
Herb	Celosia argenta	**	Common
Herb	Cenchrus echinatus	**	Common
Herb	Centella asiatica	**	Very Common
Herb	Chloris barbata	**	Very Common
Herb	Chrysopogon aciculatus	**	Very Common
Herb	Cibotium barometz	**	Very Common
Herb	Colocasia esculenta	**	Common
Herb	Commelina diffusa	**	Common
Herb	Conyza canadensis	**	Common
Herb	Cyclosorus acuminatus	*	Very Common
Herb	Cyclosorus interruptus	**	Common
Herb	Cymbopogon sp.	****	Not Known
Herb	Cynodon dactylon	**	Very Common
Herb	Cyperus pilosus	**	Common
Herb	Cyperus rotundus	**	Very Common
Herb	Cyrtococcum patens	**	Very Common
Herb	Dactyloctenium aegyptium	**	Common
Herb	Dianella ensifolia	***	Very Common
Herb	Dicranopteris pedata	***	Very Common
Herb	Digitaria ciliaris	**	Very Common
Herb	Digitaria longiflora	**	Very Common
Herb	Drosera spathulata	*	Common
Herb	Eclipta prostrata	**	Common
Herb	Elephantopus scandens	***	Common
Herb	Elephantopus tomentosa	**	Common
Herb	Emilia sonchifolia	**	Very Common
Herb	Eragrotis atrovirens	*	Common
Herb	Eragrotis pilosissima	**	Common
Herb	Eragrotis unioloides	*	Common
Herb	Eriocaulon sexangulare	**	Very Common
Herb	Eulalia sp.	**	Not Known
Herb	Fimbristylis ferruginea	*	Common
Herb	Fimbristylis thomsonii	**	Very Common
Herb	Gahnia tristis	**	Common
Herb	Hedyotis acutangula	**	Very Common
Herb	Hedyotis diffusa	**	Common
Herb	Hedyotis uncinella	**	Common
Herb	Heteropogon contortus	**	Very Common
Herb	Impatiens chinensis	***	Common
Herb	Imperata cylindrica	**	Very Common
Herb	Innula cappa	***	Common
Herb	Isachne globosa	**	Very Common
Herb	Ischaemum spp.	****	Not Known
Herb	Juncus effusus	**	Very Common
Herb	Lindsaea ensifolia	**	Common
Herb	Lindsaea heterophylla	**	Common
Herb	Liparis viridiflora	*	Common. Protected, Hong Kong Forestry Regulations
Herb	Liriope spicata	**	Common
Herb	Lopthatherum gracile	**	Very Common
Herb	Microstegium ciliatum	**	Very Common
Herb	Mimosa pudica	**	Common
Herb	Miscanthus sinensis	**	Common
Herb	Neyraudia arundinacea	**	Very Common
Herb	Osmunda angustifolia	*	Restricted
Herb	Palhinhaea cernum	**	Common
Herb	Panicum maximum	***	Very Common
Herb	Panicum paludosum	***	Common
Herb	Paspalum conjugatum	***	Common
Herb	Paspalum sp.	**	Not Known
Herb	Pennisetum alopecuroides	*	Common
Herb	Pennisetum purpureum	**	Very Common
Herb	Phyllodium pulchellum	**	Common
Herb	Polygonum chinensis	***	Very Common
Herb	Polygonum hydropiper	**	Common
Herb	Praxelis clematidea	***	Very Common
Herb	Pronephrium simplex	***	Common
Herb	Pteris dispar	**	Common
Herb	Pteris ensiformis	**	Common
Herb	Pteris semipinnata	**	Very Common
Herb	Pteroloma triquetrum	**	Very Common
Herb	Rhynchospora rubra	***	Very Common
Herb	Saccharum officinarum	*	Cultivated
Herb	Scleria ciliare	**	Very Common
Herb	Scleria terrestris	**	Very Common
Herb	Setaria parviflora	**	Common
Herb	Sida rhombifolia	**	Common
Herb	Spilanthes acmella	**	Common
Herb	Sporobolus indicus	**	Common
Herb	Stachytarpheta jamaicensis	**	Common
Herb	Strbilanthus cusia	***	Common
Herb	Tithonia diversifolia	**	Common
Herb	Uraria lagopodioides	*	Common
Herb	Utricularia aurea	*	Common
Herb	Wedelia chinensis	**	Common
Herb	Youngia denticulata	**	Common
Climber	Acacia concinna	**	Restricted
Climber	Alyxia sinensis	**	Common
Climber	Ampelopsis cantoniensis	**	Very Common
Climber	Asaragus cochinchinensis	**	Common
Climber	Bauhinia championi	***	Common
Climber	Berchemia racecmosa	**	Common
Climber	Bowringia callicarpa	***	Very Common
Climber	Byttnera aspera	**	Very Common
Climber	Caesalpinia crista	***	Common
Climber	Cansjera rheedii	**	Restricted
Climber	Cassytha filiformis	***	Very Common
Climber	Cayratia corniculata	**	Very Common
Climber	Celastrus hindsii	***	Common
Climber	Clematis sp.	**	Not Known
Climber	Croton crassifolius	**	Very Common
Climber	Cyclea hypoglauca	**	Common
Climber	Dalbergia hancei	***	Common
Climber	Dalbergia millettii	**	Common
Climber	Dendrotrophe frutescens	***	Common
Climber	Desmos chinensis	***	Common
Climber	Dioscorea benthamii	**	Common
Climber	Dioscorea fordii	**	Common
Climber	Diploclisia glaucescens	***	Common
Climber	Eleusine indica	*	Very Common
Climber	Embelia laeta	***	Very Common
Climber	Embelia ribes	***	Common
Climber	Gnetum luofuense	***	Very Common
Climber	Gymnema sylvestre	**	Common
Climber	Hedyotis corymbosa	**	Very Common
Climber	Heterosmilax japonica	***	Common
Climber	Ipomoea cairica	***	Very Common
Climber	Ipomoea nil	**	Very Common
Climber	Ipomoea obscura	**	Common
Climber	Ipomoea tribola	**	Common
Climber	Jasmanium lanceolaria	**	Very Common
Climber	Lonicera confusa	**	Restricted
Climber	Lygodium japonicum	***	Very Common
Climber	Lygodium scandens	**	Common
Climber	Mallotus repandus	***	Common
Climber	Melodinus suaveolens	**	Common
Climber	Mikania micrantha	***	Very Common
Climber	Millettia nitida	***	Very Common
Climber	Millettia speciosa	**	Common
Climber	Morinda umbellata	***	Common
Climber	Oldenlandia hedyotides	**	Common
Climber	Paederia scandens	***	Very Common
Climber	Passiflora foetida	**	Very Common
Climber	Pothos chinensis	***	Common
Climber	Psychotria serpens	***	Very Common
Climber	Pueraria lobata	**	Common
Climber	Rourea microphyllum	**	Common
Climber	Rubus leucanthus	*	Common
Climber	Rubus parvifolius	**	Common
Climber	Rubus reflexus	**	Very Common
Climber	Sageretia thea	**	Very Common
Climber	Senecio scandens	*	Very Common
Climber	Smilax china	***	Very Common
Climber	Smilax corbicularia	**	Common
Climber	Smilax glabra	***	Very Common
Climber	Stautonia chinensis	*	Restricted
Climber	Stephania longa	**	Common
Climber	Strophanthus divaricatus	***	Common
Climber	Strychnos angustifolia	***	Common
Climber	Tetracera asiatica	***	Very Common
Climber	Tetrastigma planicaule	**	Restricted
Climber	Tinospora sinensis	**	Common
Climber	Todallia asiatica	**	Restricted
Climber	Tylophora ovata	***	Common
Climber	Urceola rosea	**	Common
Climber	Uvaria microcarpa	***	Common
Climber	Ventilago leiocarpa	**	Common
Climber	Vitis retordii	**	Common
Climber	Zanthoxylum nitidum	***	Very Common
	Total No. of Species	319

*= rare; ** = occasional; *** = frequent; **** = common; # = Planted.

8.4.11 Marine Intertidal Survey

8.4.11.1 The habitat type present on the shore was predominantly composed of boulders, with some occasional sand deposits between them. A total of 290 individuals representing 12 fauna species were recorded during the survey (comprising 3 arthropod and 9 mollusc species), although no macroalgae were recorded. The dominant faunal species recorded were a gastropod, the Common Top Shell (Monodonta australis), a bivalve, the Ark Shell (Barbatia virescens) and Stalked Barnacle (Capitulum mitella) colonies. Stalked Barnacle colonies were recorded at the mid shore level (1.5mPD) while the Common Top Shell and Ark Shell were recorded at both the lower (1mPD) and mid shore levels. The majority of the individuals were not surprisingly recorded on the lower shore.

8.4.11.2 About 60% of the total abundance was recorded at 1mPD level, 30% at 1.5mPD level and the remaining 10% on the upper shore at 2mPD.Similar to the abundance pattern, most of the species recorded were located at the mid (1.5mPD; 8 species) and lower (1mPD; 7 species) levels of the shore while only the crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus), the Sea Slater (Ligia exotica) and higher zoned littorinids (Nodilittorina millegrana and N. pyramidalis) were recorded on the upper (2mPD) area of the shore. The full species list is provided in Appendix H of the report. The faunal species recorded in the Pui O Wan area are typical of boulder shores found elsewhere in Hong Kong. The molluscs were the most abundant group recorded and all apart from the clam Donax sp. are found on hard substrates throughout Hong Kong. The surf clam (Donax sp.) that was recorded in sands deposited between the boulders is also a common species in Hong Kong although it is distributed in coarse sand rather than hard substrates. No rare or protected species were recorded on the boulder shore at Pui O Wan and abundance was low.

8.4.12 Presence of Species of Conservation Interest and Faunal Diversity

Species of Conservation Interest

8.4.12.1 Annex 8 of the TMEIAO specifies three criteria by which a species’ conservation significance may be measured: protection status (local, Chinese or international), with legally protected species afforded higher conservation value; geographical distribution, with higher conservation value afforded to species with more restricted geographical ranges; and rarity, with higher conservation value afforded to species which are internationally rare than to species which are only regionally or locally rare. Species recorded within the Study Area meeting one or more of these criteria are listed in Table 8.13 below.

8.4.12.2 As noted in Section 8.2.1 above, the published literature on Hong Kong fauna does not always provide a clearly-defined objective basis for conservation assessment of species, and for this reason the assessments below are complemented by reference to the paper “Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong” by Fellowes et al. (in press) which is due for publication in a forthcoming number of Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society. This paper examines the local (Hong Kong), regional (southern China) and global restrictedness of native fauna species occurring in a wild state in Hong Kong, combined with an assessment of the vulnerability of populations, using the most reliable and up to date information available, and assigns a rating to each species accordingly. Thus, a species of ‘Local Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally or regionally, but is rare or restricted in Hong Kong. A species of ‘Regional Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally, but is rare or restricted in the region, while a species of ‘Global Concern’ is globally restricted to Hong Kong and southern China. Some species are regarded as being of ‘Potential Regional Concern’ or ‘Potential Global Concern’.

Table 8.13 Faunal Species of Conservation Interest Present in the Study Area

Species	Protection status	Distribution	Rarity	Level of conservation interest	Locations recorded
*Fish*
Acrossocheilus wenchowensis beijiangensis (Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb)	None	Restricted to Guangdong Province. Highly restricted in Hong Kong (Chong and Dudgeon, 1999).	Thought to be in marked decline in Guangdong (Fellowes et al., in press). Rare but locally common in Hong Kong.	Very High (‘Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Tung Chung Stream, Stream 15 Also present at other locations in extended survey area as detailed in Appendix H and Figure 8.14a-d)
Awaous melanocephalus (Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby)	None	Global and regional data lacking. Restricted to three other sites in Hong Kong (B. Chan, pers. comm.).	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong.	High (‘Regional Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Cheung Sha Stream, Stream 40 Also present at other locations in extended survey area as detailed in Appendix H and Figure 8.14a-d)
Stiphodon atropurpureus (Philippine Neon Goby)	None	Global and regional data lacking. Restricted to one other site in Hong Kong (B. Chan, pers. comm.).	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong.	High (‘Regional Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Tung Chung Stream, Cheung Sha Stream, Stream 40 Also present at other locations in extended survey area as detailed in Appendix H and Figure 8.14a-d)
Parazacco spilurus (Predaceous Chub)	None	Recorded from Hainan, Jiulungjiang, Xijiang (Chong and Dudgeon, 1999). Widespread in Hong Kong (Chong and Dudgeon, 1999).	‘Vulnerable’, China Red Data Book. Common in Hong Kong (Chong and Dudgeon, 1999).	Low	Tung Chung Stream
Oryzias curvinotus (Ricefish)	None	Restricted to Hainan, Guangdong and north Vietnam (Chong and Dudgeon, 1999). Restricted to 3 sites in Hong Kong (B. Chan, pers. comm.).	Considered to be in drastic decline elsewhere in China (Fellowes et al., in press). Rare in Hong Kong.	Very High (‘Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Fong Yuen Marsh
*Birds*
Centropus sinensis (Greater Coucal)	WAPO	Oriental region, apart from Taiwan, Philippines and Sulawesi (Carey et al., 2001). Widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001).	‘Threatened’, China Red Data Book. Common in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001).	Moderate	Plantation woodland, numerous locations along Tung Chung Road, around Pak Kung Au and near Cheung Sha Also present at other locations in extended survey area as detailed in Appendix H and Figure 8.15a-c)
Centropus bengalensis (Lesser Coucal)	WAPO	Oriental region, apart from Pakistan (Carey et al., 2001). Widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001).	‘Threatened’, China Red Data Book. Locally common in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001).	Moderate	Tall shrubland/ shrubland-grassland mosaic numerous locations along Tung Chung Road, around Pak Kung Au and near Cheung Sha Also present at other locations in extended survey area as detailed in Appendix H and Figure 8.15a-c)
Caprimulgus indicus (Grey Nightjar)	WAPO	Siberia, Korea, Japan; southern China to Malaysia and Indonesia (Carey et al., 2001). Widespread in HK (Carey et al., 2001).	Global and regional data lacking. Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001).	High (‘Local Concern’; Fellowes et al., in press)	Tall shrubland/ shrubland-grassland mosaic Near the AFCD Management Centre
*Reptiles*
Psammodynastes pulverulentus (Mock Viper)	None	Oriental region. Scattered localities across the SAR.	Global and regional data lacking. Uncommon in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998).	Moderate	Plantation woodland beside Cheung Sha catchwater, 120m (grid square 0461)
Naja atra (Chinese Cobra)	CITES Appendix II	Restricted to southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam. Widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998).	‘Vulnerable’, China Red Data Book.	High	Tall Shrubland, streams at Shek Mun Kap and Stream No.’s 9 and 40 Also present in extended survey area as detailed in Appendix H and Figure 8.16a-g)
Ptyas korros (Indochinese Rat Snake)	None	Oriental region. Widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998).	‘Endangered’, China Red Data Book. Common in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998).	Moderate	Plantation woodland (Cheung Sha catchwater) (previous record) (HE 0462, 100m)
*Amphibians*
Paramesotriton hongkongensis (Hong Kong Newt)	WAPO	Highly restricted: Hong Kong and neighbouring coastal Guangdong Province (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999). Widespread in Hong Kong (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).	Locally common (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).	Very High (‘Potential Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Stream No.’s 15 and 19 Also present at one other stream in the extended survey area, at 230m, HE 0263 (see Appendix H and Figure 8.16a-g)
Megophrys brachykolos (Short-legged Toad)	None (recommended for protection under WAPO by Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).	Highly restricted: probably endemic (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999). Restricted in New Territories and Lantau; more wide-spread on HK Island (Lau & Dudgeon, 1999).	Uncommon.	Very High (‘Potential Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Tung Chung Stream, Stream No.’s 24, 26, 32, 35, 40, 42 Also present at other locations in extended survey area (see App. H and Figure 8.16a-g)
Rana exilispinosa (Lesser Spiny Frog)	None	Restricted to Hunan, Fujian and Guangdong Provinces (Karsen et al., 1998). Widespread in Hong Kong (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).	Thought to be in marked decline elsewhere in China (Fellowes et al., in press). Common in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998).	High (‘Potential Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Tung Chung Stream, stream No.’s 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.16a-g)
Philautus romeri (Romer’s Tree Frog)	WAPO	Highly restricted: endemic to Hong Kong (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999). Naturally restricted to four islands in Hong Kong. Introduced in other locations.	Rare but locally common.	Very High (‘Potential Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Secondary woodland at Shek Mun Kap and Lung Tseng Tau, plantation woodland and tall shrub at Pak Kung Au, Tung Chung Stream and Stream No.’s 21 and 27 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.16a-g)
*Mammals*
Melogale moschata (Ferret Badger)	WAPO	Restricted to southern China, Burma, Vietnam. Widespread in Hong Kong, but not previously recorded from Lantau.	Thought to be in marked decline across its natural range due to hunting and habitat loss (Fellowes et al., in press). Considered rare in Hong Kong but possibly under-recorded (Reels, 1996).	High (‘Local Concern’; Fellowes et al., in press)	Dead on Tung Chung Road at (150m, HE 030643) in tall shrubland habitat

*Dragonflies*
Agriomorpha fusca	None	Restricted to Guangdong and Hainan (Wilson and Reels, 2001). Widespread but localised in Hong Kong.	Locally common across its range.	High (‘Local Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Stream No.’s 26, 27 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Drepanosticta hongkongensis	None	Highly restrict-ed: near-endemic; known from one locality in Shenzhen (Reels, 2001). Widespread but localised in Hong Kong.	Locally common across its range.	Very High (‘Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Stream No.’s 26 and 27 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis	None	Highly restricted subspecies, endemic to Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997). Widespread in Hong Kong.	Fairly common in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997).	High	Tall shrubland, Stream No. 23 Also present at one other location in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Melligomphus moluami	None	Highly restrict-ed: endemic to Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997). Restricted in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1995).	Uncommon (Wilson, 1997).	Very High (‘Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Tall shrubland, Tung Chung Stream, stream No.’s 23, 25, 26, 27, 32 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)

Protosticta beaumonti	None	Restricted to Guangdong (Wilson, 1997). Restricted in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1995).	Rare (Wilson, 1997).	Very High (‘Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Stream No.’s 24, 26, 27, 32, 35, 40, 42 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Sinosticta ogatai	None	Highly restricted: near-endemic; known from one locality in Shenzhen (Reels, 2001). Restricted in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997).	Rare (Wilson, 1997).	Very High (‘Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Stream No.’s 26, 27 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Stylogomphus chunliuae	None	Restricted to Fujian and Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997). Widespread in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997).	Global and regional data lacking. Uncommon in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997).	High (‘Local Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Stream No.’s 27, 32 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Zygonyx iris insignis	None	Restricted to Hainan and Fujian (Wilson and Reels, 2001). Widespread in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Common in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997).	High (‘Potential Global Concern’, Fellowes et al., in press).	Tall shrubland, Tung Chung Stream, stream No.’s 35, 41 Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
*Butterflies*
Pelopidas subochracea (Large Branded Swift)	None	Southern China, Indo-china and India (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997).	Moderate	Secondary woodland at Stream 40, 50m
Telicota colon (PalePalm Dart)	None	Oriental and Australasian regions (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997).	Moderate	Fong Yuen Marsh
Pachliopta aristolochiae (Common Rose)	None	Oriental region (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997; Reels and Walthew, 1998).	Moderate	Secondary woodland, near Stream 8. Secondary woodland Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen, 50m Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Eurema brigitta (Small Grass Yellow)	None	Ethiopian, Oriental and Australasian regions (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997; Reels and Walthew, 1998).	Moderate	Tall shrubland, (60m, HE 0265) Plantation woodland at catchwater (100m, HE 0462) tall shrubland (120m, HE 0264) Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)
Jamides celeno (Pale Cerulean)	None	Oriental and Australasian regions (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997; Reels and Walthew, 1998).	Moderate	Secondary woodland and tall shrub at Shek Mun Kap, plantation woodland and tall shrubland at 150m, HE 0362

Athyma ranga (Black-veined Sergeant)	None	Southern China, Indochina and India (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997).	Moderate	Plantation woodland near stream 35, 360m
Euthalia lubentina (Gaudy Baron)	None	Southern China, Indochina and India (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997).	Moderate	Secondary woodland at Shek Mun Kap, 30m
Moduza procris (Commander)	None	Oriental region (Bascombe, 1995). Scattered localities in Hong Kong.	Global and regional data lacking. Very rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997).	Moderate	Plantation woodland (340m, HE 0363) Also present at some other locations in extended survey area (see Appendix H and Figure 8.18a-f)

Note: Grid references based on Countryside Series Map of Lantau, 2^nd Edition. WAPO = Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (see Figures 8.14 to 8.18)

8.4.12.3 A total of 32 faunal species of conservation interest were recorded from various habitats within the Study Area. Using TM criteria, nine species have been identified as being of ‘Very High’ conservation interest, ten as being of ‘High’ conservation interest, 12 as being of relatively ‘Moderate’ conservation interest and one classed as ‘Low’. Faunal (and floral) species of conservation interest present in the Study Area are presented in Figures 8.14 to 8.18. Many of these species, in particular birds, mammals and butterflies, have high mobility and are not restricted to a single habitat.

Faunal species occurrence within different habitats

8.4.12.4 Faunal data presentation in Sections 8.4.2 to 8.4.8 above are constructed around the proposed alignment option as a whole, rather than around habitat type. However, the raw data permits an extrapolation on the basis of habitat for the chosen alignment, and these data are summarised below in Table 8.14.

8.4.12.5 It is not always possible to differentiate “tall shrubland” from “shrubland-grassland mosaic”, as the two habitats are frequently intermingled and more mobile fauna such as birds, butterflies and many dragonflies may be observed utilising both at the same time. In order to provide an evaluation of each habitat type, however, the following discussion has attempted to separate the two habitats although it should be emphasised that there is much overal between these habitats.

Table 8.14 Number of Faunal Species Present in Different Habitat Types Within the Study Area

Habitat type	Fish	Reptile	Amph-ibian	Mammal	Bird	Butterfly	Dragon-fly	Conserv-ation Interest
Secondary woodland	-	1	2 (1)	-	16	70 (4)	17	5
Plantation woodland	-	8 (2)	3 (1)	-	12 (1)	64 (4)	14	8
Tall Shrubland		7 (1)	4 (1)	1 (1)	21 (3)	68 (3)	12 (3)	12
Shrubland-grassland mosaic	-	1	-	-	19 (3)	18	3	3
Grassland	-	-	-	-	4	9	3	-
Stream and riparian	13 (4)	4 (1)	7 (4)	-	2	64 (4)	30 (8)	21
Agricultural land	-	-	2	-	11	13	4	-
Wasteland	-	-	-	-	9	-	1	-
Freshwater marsh	5 (1)	-	1	-	12	23 (1)	18	2
Village area	-	-	1	-	12	4	-	-

( ) = Species of conservation interest

Secondary Woodland

8.4.12.6 A total of 106 faunal species were recorded in secondary woodland habitats across the Study Area. This habitat was rich in butterflies, with 70 species recorded, of which four (Gaudy Baron, Pale Cerulean, Common Rose and Large Branded Swift) are considered rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997; Reels and Walthew, 1998).

8.4.12.7 The endemic Romer’s Tree Frog was also found to be present in patches of secondary woodland, notably the patches at Lung Tseng Tau and Shek Mun Kap, although this habitat was otherwise generally found to be poor for amphibians. The localities these species of conservation interest were recorded are presented in Figures 8.14 to 8.18.

8.4.12.8 Seventeen species of odonates were also recorded within this habitat type, but all were fairly common and mobile species. No species of conservation concern were present.

8.4.12.9 Sixteen species of birds were recorded within this habitat type. No species of conservation concern were present.

Plantation woodland

8.4.12.10 A total of 101 species of fauna were recorded in plantation woodland habitat across the Study Area. This habitat was fairly rich in butterflies, with 64 species recorded, one of which, the Commander, is considered very rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997; Table 8.13). Three other species present in this habitat (Small Grass Yellow, Pale Cerulean and Black-veined Sergeant; Table 8.13) are considered rare locally (Walthew, 1997).

8.4.12.11 Plantation woodland in the Study Area proved to be a good habitat for herpetofauna, with seven species of reptile and three species of amphibian present. These included the uncommon and locally restricted Mock Viper (Karsen et al., 1998), recorded in plantation woodland beside the Cheung Sha catchwater, as well as the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog at Pak Kung Au.

8.4.12.12 Fourteen species of odonates were also recorded within this habitat type, but all were fairly common and mobile species. No species of conservation concern were present.

8.4.12.13 Twelve species of birds were recorded within this habitat but with only the Greater Coucal considered to be of conservation interest as stated as ‘Threatened’ in the China Red Data Book. The localities these species of conservation interest were recorded are presented in Figure 8.14 to 8.18.

Tall Shrubland

8.4.12.14 This extensive habitat contained 113 species of fauna, including 68 species of butterfly, two of which, namely the Small Grass Yellow (60m, HE 0265, 120m, HE 0264), and Pale Cerulean (Shek Mun Kap, and tall shrubland at 150m, HE 0362) are considered rare in Hong Kong.

8.4.12.15 Twenty-one species of bird were recorded in this habitat. Apart from shrubland-grassland mosaic, this was the only habitat in which Grey Nightjar and Lesser Coucal (‘Threatened’, China Red Data Book) were present. Greater Coucal (‘Threatened’, China Red Data Book) was also present. Both the Coucal’s were recorded at various locations throughout the study area and the Grey Nightjar from a location near the AFCD Management Centre near the existing Tung Chung Road.

8.4.12.16 Twelve species of odonates were also recorded within this habitat type, including three fairly mobile dragonfly species of conservation interest: the rare endemic Melligomphus moluami, Zygonyx iris, which is common locally but otherwise known only from Hainan, (both in shrubland at Pak Kung Au) and the fairly common endemic sub-species Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis (Wilson, 1997), in shrubland near Stream No. 23.

8.4.12.17 Tall shrubland also proved to be a good habitat for herpetofauna, with seven species of reptile and four species of amphibian present. These included the CITES II listed Chinese Cobra (Shek Mun Kap, Stream No. 23), as well as the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog (Pak Kung Au).

8.4.12.18 This extensive habitat was the only one in which a protected mammal species was observed. A Ferret-badger was observed dead on the Tung Chung Road at a point where the road passes through tall shrubland habitat (northern section, 150m, HE 030643). The localities these species of conservation interest were recorded are presented in Figure 8.14 to 8.18.

Shrubland-grassland mosaic

8.4.12.19 This habitat contained 22 species of non-avian fauna, including 18 species of butterfly, three species of dragonfly and one species of reptile, none of which were of conservation interest.

8.4.12.20 Nineteen species of bird were recorded in this habitat, three of which are of conservation interest. The Grey Nightjar and Lesser Coucal (‘Threatened’, China Red Data Book) were present and the Greater Coucal (‘Threatened’, China Red Data Book) was also recorded. Both the Coucal’s were also recorded at various locations throughout the study area and the Grey Nightjar was heard calling from both tall shrubland and this habitat at a location near the AFCD Management Centre near the existing Tung Chung Road.

Grassland

8.4.12.21 This habitat was low in faunal species, with only 16 species recorded, including nine species of butterfly, four bird species and three dragonfly species, all of which are common and widespread in Hong Kong.

Stream and riparian

8.4.12.22 This was the most species-rich habitat within the Study Area, with 119 species of fauna recorded, of which 21 were of conservation interest. Streams are numbered as presented in Figure 8.5 in the following discussions, while Tung Chung Stream is abbreviated to TC, Cheung Sha to CS, and Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen to Stream No. 40.

8.4.12.23 Butterflies made up the majority of species, with 64 species recorded at streams within the Study Area. Of these, four species are considered rare in Hong Kong: Black-veined Sergeant (Stream No. 35), Small Grass Yellow (TC), Common Rose (Stream No. 40) and Large Branded Swift (Stream No. 40).

8.4.12.24 Odonates were a highly significant component of the fauna present, with 30 species recorded, of which eight are of conservation interest. These include four fairly mobile dragonfly species: the uncommon endemic Melligomphus moluami (TC, Stream No.’s 23, 25, 26, 27 and 32), Zygonyx iris insignis (TC, Stream No.’s 35 and 41), which is common locally but otherwise known only from Hainan, Stylogomphus chunliuae (Stream No.’s 27 and 32), which is uncommon in Hong Kong and otherwise known only from Fujian, and the fairly common endemic sub-species Leptogomphus elegans hongkongensis (Stream No. 23) (Wilson, 1997).

8.4.12.25 In addition to the above, four species of stenotopic, relatively non-vagile (i.e., species with limited mobility) damselflies of conservation concern were also present in this habitat and were not reported elsewhere. Agriomorpha fusca (globally restricted to Hong Kong, Guangdong and Hainan; Stream No.’s 26 and 27), Protosticta beaumonti (rare locally and globally restricted to Hong Kong and Guangdong; Stream No.’s 24, 26, 27, 32, 35, 40 and 42), and Drepanosticta hongkongensis (Stream No.’s 26 and 27) and Sinosticta ogatai (both near-endemics, globally restricted to Hong Kong and Shenzhen; Stream No.’s 26 and 27). All of these species have specific and narrow habitat requirements, both as larvae and as adults. The adults are relatively weak fliers with limited dispersal ability, although they may be capable of dispersing to adjacent streams within the same catchment.

8.4.12.26 Thirteen species of fish were recorded in streams across the Study Area, including four species of conservation concern: the Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb, which is known only from Tung Chung Stream, the nearby Wong Lung Hang Stream, and also recorded in Stream No. 15 (a tributary of Tung Chung Stream). The Philippine Neon Goby (TC, CS and Stream No. 40), which has also been recorded from streams at Chi Ma Wan and Tong Fuk, and Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby (CS and Stream No. 40), both of which are rare and restricted in Hong Kong (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992; Chan, 1999); and also the locally common and widespread Parazacco spilurus (TC), which is classed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the China Red Data Book.

8.4.12.27 Herpetofauna were well-represented at stream habitats, with four species of reptile (including the CITES II listed Chinese Cobra, at TC and Stream No. 23) and seven species of amphibian, including four of conservation interest, namely the near-endemic Hong Kong Newt (Stream No.’s 15 and 19), the globally restricted Lesser Spiny Frog (TC, Stream No.’s 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27), the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog (TC, Stream No.’s 21 and 27) and the near-endemic Short-legged Toad (TC, Stream No.’s 24, 26, 27, 40 and 42) (Karsen et al., 1998; Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).

8.4.12.28 A summary of the species of conversation interest found in which streams in the study area is presented in Table 8.15 below:

Table 8.15 Summary of Species of Conservation Interest found in Streams

Stream Reference	Details of Stream Flow	Engineering Works	Species of Conservation Interest	Faunal Group
Tung Chung Stream	High	None	Beijaing Thick-lipped Barb; Philippine Neon Goby; Predaceous Chub; Melligomphus moluami; Zygonyx iris insignis; Romer’s Tree Frog; Short-legged Toad; Lesser-Spiny Frog; Chinese Cobra	Fish, odonates, amphibians and reptile
Cheung Sha Stream	High	None	Philippine Neon Goby; Black-headed Thick-lipped Goby	Fish
1	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
2	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
3	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded

4	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
5	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
6	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
7	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
8	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
9	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	Chinese Cobra	Reptile
10	Low	Existing bridge to be widened	None recorded
11	Low	Existing bridge to be widened	None recorded
12	Low	Existing bridge to be widened	None recorded
13	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
14	Low	Existing bridge to be widened	None recorded
15	High	Existing bridge to be widened	Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb; Hong Kong Newt	Fish Amphibian
16	Low	New culvert	None recorded
17	Low	Existing culvert to be extended	None recorded
18	High	Existing culvert to be extended	Lesser-Spiny Frog	Amphibian
19	High	New culvert	Hong Kong Newt	Amphibian
20	Low	New culvert	None
21	High	New culvert	Romer’s Tree Frog Lesser-Spiny Frog	Amphibians
22	Low	New bridge	None recorded
23	High	New bridge	Melligomphus moluami Lesser-Spiny Frog	Odonate Amphibian
24	High	New bridge	Protosticta beaumonti Lesser-Spiny Frog Short-legged Toad	Odonate Amphibian
25	High	New bridge	Melligomphus moluami Lesser-Spiny Frog	Odonate Amphibian
26	High	New bridge	Agriomorpha fusca; Drepanosticta hongkongensis; Melligomphus moluami; Protosticta beaumonti; Sinosticta ogati; Lesser-Spiny Frog; Short-legged Toad	Odonate Amphibian
27	High	New bridge	Agriomorpha fusca; Drepanosticta hongkongensis; Melligomphus moluami; Protosticta beaumonti; Sinosticta ogati; Stylogomphus chunliuae; Black-veined Sergeant; Lesser-Spiny Frog; Short-legged Toad	Odonate Butterfly Amphibian
28	Low	New bridge	None recorded
29	Low	New bridge	None recorded
30	Low	New culvert	None recorded
31	Low	New bridge	None recorded
32	High	New bridge	Melligomphus moluami; Protosticta beaumonti; Stylogomphus chunliuae; Short-legged Toad	Odonate Amphibian
33	Low	New bridge	None recorded
34	Low	New bridge	None recorded
35	High	New bridge	Protosticta beaumonti; Zygonyx iris insignis Black-veined Sergeant Short-legged Toad	Odonate Butterfly Amphibian
36	Low	New bridge	None recorded
37	Low	New bridge	None recorded
38	Low	New bridge	None recorded
39	Low	n/a⁽¹⁾	None recorded
40 (Cheung Sha Sheung Tseung Stream)	High	New bridge	Protosticta beaumonti Common Rose; Large branded Swift Philippine Neon Goby Black-headed Thick-lipped Barb Short-legged Toad	Dragonfly Butterfly Fish Amphibian
41	Low-high	n/a⁽¹⁾	Zygonyx iris insignis	Dragonfly
42	High	n/a⁽¹⁾	Protosticta beaumonti Short-legged Toad	Dragonfly Amphibian
43	Low-high	New bridge	None recorded
44	Low-high	New bridge	None recorded

Note (1): streams not crossed by the alignment

Agricultural land

8.4.12.29 Only 30 species were recorded in this semi-natural habitat, including 13 butterflies, 11 birds, four dragonflies and two amphibians, none of which are of conservation interest.

Freshwater Marsh at Fong Yuen

8.4.12.30 The Fong Yuen marsh supported a total of 59 faunal species, including 23 species of butterfly, of which the Pale Palm Dart is considered to be rare in Hong Kong (Walthew, 1997). In addition, 18 species of common lowland odonates, 1 amphibian and 12 common and widespread species of bird were present in the marsh.

8.4.12.31 Five species of fish were present in the marsh (and absent from streams within the Study Area). These included the locally rare and restricted Ricefish, as well as two other species of potential conservation interest (Paradise Fish and Chinese Catfish).

Wasteland

8.4.12.32 The very small area of wasteland habitat was extremely depauperate in fauna. Only ten species were observed, nine common and widespread birds, and the abundant and ubiquitous dragonfly Pantala flavescens.

Village Area

8.4.12.33 This habitat was limited in the Study Area and only 12 bird species, four species of butterfly and one species of amphibian, all common and widespread locally, were recorded.