1 sample locations are shown on Figure 7.2, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6.

7.2.4.23 Another stream within the study area, to the west of Tseung Kong Wai, was examined and found to be artificially channeled, with the original stream course filled as a result of land forming for other projects. No sampling was carried out on this stream.

7.3 Description of Baseline Conditions

7.3.1 Habitats and Vegetation

7.3.1.1 A variety of habitats occurred along the route of the proposed highway, including open mudflats and mangrove communities along the Deep Bay shore, fishponds, hillside grassland, scrub, plantation and native woodland. To facilitate description and mapping, the route has been divided into six sections. A general overview of the habitats in the study area is given first, followed by descriptions of each of the six sections. These are accompanied by a series of target notes which are cross referenced to the habitat plans and highlight the key features of ecological interest. (see also Photos 7-4 to 7-34 in Volume 3 Photographs)

Overview

Mangrove

7.3.1.2 A discontinuous, narrow fringe of mangrove vegetation occurred along the Deep Bay shoreline, reaching a maximum width of c. 20 m. Some were apparently the product of planting by local fishermen and many of the trees were in relatively regular rows. The trees were generally small in size, with trunk diameters mostly less than 4 cm and height less than 2 m.

7.3.1.3 The community was dominated by Kandelia candel, with associate species including Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum and Acanthus illicfolius. The mangal plants were rather dense and difficult to walk through. The climbers Clerodendrum inerme and Derris trifoliata occurred along the landward margins, together with occasional Common reed Phragmites australis. The results of transect and plot samples are shown in Table 7.4 below.

*Note: Density (no. of individuals / square metre)

7.3.1.4 Two mangal species - K candel and A. marina - occurred within the sample plot and transect samples. K candel was the dominant species, contributing over 85% to the mangal density at the site. Average densities in the plot and belt transect samples were 4.2 and 1.9 individuals per square meter respectively, which was indicative of the considerable spatial variation across the mangrove.

Mudflat

7.3.1.5 Tidal mudflats occurred along the Deep Bay shoreline. The shore along this part of Deep Bay is more steeply sloping than that of Inner Deep Bay and the inter-tidal zone is therefore comparatively narrow, extending some 200 metres seaward from the MHWL. Of the c. 2700 ha of Deep Bay tidal flat estimated by McChesney (cited in Melville et al 1995), only 3% occur on the southern shore of Outer Deep Bay, south of Lau Fau Shan, although this proportion is increasing as a result of recent reclamation on the northern (Shenzhen) shore.

7.3.1.6 The mudflats support abundant invertebrate and fish populations, which in turn attract wintering and migrating birds. The mudflat is also likely to be an important summer feeding ground for herons and egrets, especially Little Egrets and Chinese Pond Herons from the newly established egretries at Ngau Hom Shek. This part of the Deep Bay coast was reported as a breeding ground for horseshoe crab by Huang et al. (1998).
7.3.1.7 The Seagrass Halophila beccarii was occasionally found along the outer edge of the mangrove belt (see target note T2). This seagrass provided habitat for marine invertebrates and fish, and was associated with the nursery grounds of the horseshoe crabs Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Fong 1999) . It is widely distributed along the coasts of the South China Sea and has been recorded from numerous Southeast Asian countries.

Fishponds

7.3.1.8 Fishponds occurred along the shores of Deep Bay and in the Ha Tsuen area. A few were managed, with little emergent vegetation and highly eutrophic (nutrient-enriched) water. Typically these ponds had floating carpets of Duckweed Lemna minor and Water meal Wolffia arrhiza, although Water hyacinth Eichornia crassipes grew on one pond. Fruit trees, including Lychee Litchis chinensis and Banana Musa x paradisiaca grew on the banks. Typically, neglected or abandoned ponds had a fringe of Panic grass Panicum repens and Blunt signal-grass Brachiaria mutica around the margins. Some ponds were fringed by Common reed, Water spinach, Day flower Commelina nudiflora. Trees, including Tallow tree Sapium sebiferum, Elephant's ear Macaranga tanarius , Chinaberry Melia azedarach and the shrub, Lantana Lantana camara grow along banks. Mikania Mikania micrantha, Morning glory Ipomoea cairica, Taro Colocasia esculentum and Primrose willow Ludwigia octovalis also occurred.

Abandoned pond

7.3.1.9 There was an abandoned pond in a deep hollow at the foot of a small valley above the Deep Bay Road. The vegetation included Umbrella grass Fuirena umbellata, Galingale Cyperus difformis, Umbrella plant C. alternifolius, Spike-rush Eleocharis sp., Primrose willow Ludwigia octovalis, Water dragon L. adscendens, Water hyacinth and the grasses Brachiaria mutica, Paspalum distichum, and Echinochloa crus-gallii, together with some Common reed. There was a small amount of water.

Grassland

7.3.1.10 Grassland covered large areas of hillslope in the study area, forming an intimate mosaic with low scrub vegetation. This is the predominant habitat over much of Hong Kong's uplands and is essentially anthropogenic in origin, the product of many centuries of clearance, deliberate (and accidental) burning and soil erosion. The dominant grasses included Ischaemum indicum, I. rugosum, Cymbopogon goeringii var. hongkongensis, Arundinella nepalensis and, in places, Miscanthus sinensis and M. floridulus, the latter being particularly prominent in gulleys alongside strem courses. The fern Dicranopteris linearis was common and formed monospecific stands in some places. Bracken Pteridium aquilinum was also common. A variety of herbs occurred, including Dianella Dianella ensifolia, Eriosema Eriosema chinense, Angle-stemmed Hedyotis Hedyotis acutangula, Chinese Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Elephant's foot Elephantopus tomentosa, Aster Aster baccharoides, Elecampane Inula cappa, Evolvulus Evolvulus alsinoides, Mint Anisomeles indica and Common bluebeard Caryopteris incana. In some places, particularly along the crest of the hills, the soil was eroded and the grassland cover was rather sparse, consisting of species such as Eremochloa ciliaris, Eragrostis unioloides and Setaria glauca.

Low Scrub

7.3.1.11 Low scrub vegetation occurred extensively in the hills in the northern part of the study area, either as relatively pure stands or in a mosaic with grassland. The vegetation was dominated by small shrubs, typically reaching a height of 30-80 cm. Species included Rose-myrtle Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Dwarf mountain pine Baeckea frutescens, Waxy leaf Breynia fruticosa, Helicteres Helicteres angustifolia, Twig-hanging Embelia Embelia laeta, Wild mussaenda Mussaenda erosa, Phyllanthus Phyllanthus cochinchinensis, Downy holly Ilex pubescens, Chinese Osbeckia Osbeckia chinensis, Creeping Melastoma Melastoma dodecandrum, Fox-tongued Melastoma M. sanguineum, Buckthorn Rhamnus crenata, Croton-oil plant Croton tiglium, Cape jasmine Gardenia jasminoides and Greenbrier Smilax china, amongst others. Red ixora Ixora chinensis, an attractive shrub which is relatively uncommon as a wild species in Hong Kong, was particularly prominent in this part of the New Territories.

Tall Scrub and Young Woodland

7.3.1.12 If grassland and low scrub vegetation were left undisturbed by factors such as fire, cutting or grazing they would gradually be colonised by taller shrubs and small trees. This process of ecological succession leads to the development of tall scrub and, ultimately, woodland cover.

7.3.1.13 Areas of tall scrub vegetation occurred frequently throughout the study area. They were particularly associated with sheltered locations in the valleys, especially along the banks of stream courses. Tall scrub was also widespread as an understorey under open Chinese red pine Pinus massoniana woodland. The latter was planted widely in the Hong Kong uplands, before and after the Second World War. However many of the pines are now dying, often as a result of the introduced pine wilt disease.

7.3.1.14 Typical shrubs of tall scrub included the Sumacs Rhus chinensis and R. hypoleuca, Wax tree R. succedanea, Round-leaved litsea Litsea rotundifolia, Hong Kong hawthorn Rahphiolepis indica, Yellow cow-wood Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Fragrant litsea L. cubeba, Microcos Microcos paniculata, Rough-leaved holly Ilex asprella, and Dwarf date palm Phoenix hanceana, amongst others. Patches of cane Phyllostachys spp. and Arundinaria spp. were also common.

7.3.1.15 A variety of native tree saplings were usually present within tall scrub. Where these predominated and the canopy ws a little higher (generally > 5 m), the vegetation could be classed as young secondary woodland. Amongst the most common trees in these situations were Pond spice Litsea glutinosa, Umbrella tree Schefflera octophylla, Pop-gun seed Bridelia tomentosa, Chinese hackberry Celtis sinensis, Tallow tree Sapium sebiferum, Turn-in-the-wind Mallotus paniculatus and Elephant's ear Macaranga tanarius. Woodland undershrubs such as Wild coffee Psychotria rubra were often present at this stage, as were field layer herbs such as Lily turf Liriope spicata.

Mature Woodland

7.3.1.16 There was no significant mature native woodland along the route of the DBL. A small grove of mature trees around the Ling To Monastery is described in Target Note T15 below. Other small groups of mature trees occurred in scattered locations along the route, usually in the vicinity of dwellings and usually consisting of a mix of planted ornamental and fruit trees, with a few self-established native species.
Plantation Woodland

7.3.1.17 Plantation woodlands had been established in a number of places on the hills in the study area. These tended to occur in relatively small blocks and were typically associated with eroded and fire prone areas, where the planting had been undertaken in an attempt to restore degraded soils and vegetation. More extensive plantations occurred in a few places and some were relatively mature, with a continuous closed canopy.

7.3.1.18 The planting had invariably used exotic tree species such as Acacia Acacia confusa, Brisbane box Lophostemon confertus, Slash pine Pinus elliotii and, to a lesser extent, Cadaga Eucalyptus torreliana, chosen for their ability to grow on poor soils. The only native tree used to any extent was Chestnut oak Castanopsis fissa.

Coarse Grassland and Ruderal

7.3.1.19 There were also substantial areas of vacant land, often associated with filled fishponds and abandoned agricultural fields but also in unused areas around dwellings and roadsides. Soils in these areas tended to be disturbed and the vegetation was dominated by coarse, weedy species. Where the disturbance was infrequent a tall, coarse grassland vegetation might develop, typically dominated by species such as Blunt signal-grass Brachiaria mutica, Guinea grass Panicum maximum, Reed-like grass Neyraudia reynaudiana and Sword grass Miscanthus floridulus. Areas subjected to more frequent or recent disturbance tended to support a cover of short-lived weeds (ruderal vegetation), with species such as Ageratum Ageratum conyzoides, Bur-marigold Bidens spp., Praxelis Praxelis clematidea, Redtop Rhynchelytrum repens, Field grass Leptochloa chinensis and Aramina Urena lobata, amongst others. Scrambling vines such as Mikania and Morning glory were also frequently encountered.

Orchards

7.3.1.20 Orchards of fruit trees were common around villages and dwellings. Typical species include Wampi Clausena lansium, Longan Dimocarpus longan, Litchi Litchi chinensis, Breadfruit Artocarpus heterophylla, Mango Mangifera indica, Pomelo Citrus maxima and other Citrus fruits. Where the trees were fairly widely spaced coarse grassland and ruderal vegetation often grew between the trees, but denser areas casted a heavy shade with little growth beneath the trees apart from a few common weeds.

Dry Cultivation (Agriculture)

7.3.1.21 Extensive areas around Hung Shui Kiu were still cultivated with a mixture of vegetables including Cabbages Brassica spp, Coriander Coriandrum sativum, Lettuce Lactuca sativa, Spinach Spinancia oleracea, Squash Cucurbita moshata, Cucumber Cucumis sativus, Beans Phaseolus spp., Garlic Allium sativum and Chives A. tuberosum, amongst others. A variety of common agricultural weeds occurred in association with cultivation. These included Bur-marigold Bidens spp., Corymbose ear-weed Hedyotis corymbosa, Blue pig-ear Lindernia crustacea, Spurge Euphorbia hirta and Ageratum Ageratum conyzioides.

Wet Cultivation (Agriculture)

7.3.1.22 Wet cultivation of Watercress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum and Water spinach Ipomoea aquatica was practiced in some areas, in small, shallowly flooded bunded fields. It is a simple and intensively managed habitat. Around Hung Shui Kiu this habitat is highly fragmented and intimately mixed with areas of dry cultivation and village settlement.

Streams

7.3.1.23 A number of small rocky streams drain the hill slopes. The water was generally clean until these streams reached the valley floor, where agricultural and other effluents quickly deteriorated water quality. Siltation from eroded hillslopes also affected some streams, especialy those in fire prone areas in the north. Most streams had been channelised (or were in the process of channelisation) from where they met the valley floor.

Built-up Areas

7.3.1.24 A substantial part of the route and its environs was covered by roads, tracks, dwellings (both permanent and temporary), open storage yards, workshops, factories, pigeon lofts or areas where works were in progress. Areas of disturbed vegetation often occurred in association with such land uses, typically featuring coarse grasses such as Guinea grass, Blunt-signal grass etc. and weedy climbers like Mikania and Morning glory. Naturalised shrubs such as Lantana Lantana camara and Sesbania Sesbania cochinchinensis were also frequently encountered in these situations.

7.3.2 Section Descriptions and Target Notes

Section 1

7.3.2.1 From its landfall on the shores of Deep Bay at Ngau Hom Shek, the proposed route would run inland in a south-easterly direction. Along this section of the Deep Bay shore, mudflats covered much of the inter-tidal zone. Patchy beds of seagrass were found here and artificial oysterbeds had been constructed along the lowermost shore. A narrow, discontinuous belt of mangrove vegetation (T1) occurred along the landward fringe, interrupted by sandy beaches. Some sections of beach were backed by a low sea wall.

7.3.2.2 The route would then cross a narrow zone of agricultural, light industrial and village development along the coastal strip, on either side of the existing coastal road. In the immediate vicinity of the proposed crossing, the land use consisted of a pig farm and a series of small fishponds (T4) on the Deep Bay side of the road and a steel stockholding yard, abandoned farm buildings, orchards and dwellings on the landward side. A stream, fringed by bamboo and trees meandered through the area, its outflow to Deep Bay being situated immediately below the crossing. A small egretry has become established in bamboo stands in the vicinity in recent years.

7.3.2.3 Moving inland, the route would then pass through a range of low denuded granitic hills, following the line of an abandoned agricultural valley. The hills were covered with mix of grassland, scrub, open pine forest and plantation woodland. Dry season fires have been a regular occurrence - large areas of the grass and scrub-dominated slopes were burnt during 1999-2000, mostly in the vicinity of grave sites, which were scattered over many of the slopes. Bare, eroded areas were frequently encountered. A series of abandoned fields, now covered in coarse grassland, covered the valley floor. A stream meandered through the fields, many of which were inundated with water. A pig farm was situated in the upper part of the valley.
Section 1 Target Notes:

T1 - Mangrove

7.3.2.4 The mangrove community was dominated by Kandelia candel, with associate species including Aegiceras corniculatus and Acanthus illicifolius. The climbers Clerodendrum inerme and Derris trifoliata occurred along the landward margins, together with occasional Seaside purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum and Common reed Phragmites australis.

T2 - Seagrass Beds

7.3.2.5 Several small patches of the Seagrass Halophila beccarii occurred on the intertidal shore, forming a low mat of vegetation on slightly raised mounds of sandy sediment. Mangrove seedlings were scattered across the shore.

T3 - Beach

7.3.2.6 Sandy beaches run along much of the upper shore. The grass Zoysia sinica formed a low sward along the lower fringes, together with occasional patches of the sedges Fimbristylis ferruginea and Cyperus malaccensis. The strand line and upper part of the beach was typically covered by a mat of coarse grasses such as Brachiaria mutica, Paspalum distichum and Panicum repens. The low shrub Vitex rotundifolia occurred in places, with very occasional Dwarf date palm Phoenix hanceana. Typical herbs included Ipomoea hederacea and Achyranthes aspera. There was much rubbish accumulation. In places the beach was backed by a low concrete wall.

T4 - Fishponds

7.3.2.7 A series of three small fishponds existed along the shores of Deep Bay. Only the eastern-most pond appeared to be actively managed. It was steep sided, with no emergent vegetation. The water was highly eutrophic (nutrient-enriched) and the surface was covered with a floating carpet of Duckweed Lemna minor and Water meal Wolffia arrhiza. Fruit trees such as Lychee Litchis chinensis and Banana Musa x paradisiaca grew on the banks, together with saplings of native trees such as Chinese hackberry and Tallow tree Sapium sebiferum.

7.3.2.8 The central pond was shallow and had a fringe of Panic grass Panicum repens and Blunt signal-grass Brachiaria mutica around the margins, together with sedges Cyperus sp., and hairy polygonum Polygonum barbatum. Tallow tree, Elephant's ear, Chinaberry Melia azedarach and Lantana Lantana camara grew along the northern bank and merged into a belt of Screw pine Pandanus tectorius, which occurred along the banks of a stream immediately to the west.

7.3.2.9 The western pond was derelict and brackish, with a mangrove fringe of Kandelia and Acanthus and some Common reed. It was in-filled with rubbish at the western end. The bunds were covered with coarse grasses and climbers, with species including Blunt signal-grass, Guinea grass Panicum maximum, and Mikania micrantha.

7.3.2.10 A series of small fields surrounded the fishponds and were used to cultivate vegetables. Fruit trees such as Jackfruit Artocapus heterophyllus, Sugar-apple Annona squamosa and Banana scattered throughout the area.

T5 - Egretry

7.3.2.11 In 1998, a small egretry was found in bamboo stands on the edge of Deep Bay Road at Ngau Hom Shek. The following year the birds moved to a new location nearby, a little further inland. In 1998, six nests were recorded and in 1999 ten nests (Mouchel 2000). The egretry was ranked second to last in an evaluation of Hong Kong egretries (Wong, Kwok and Carey 1999). In 2000, several Little Egret nests were recorded in a bamboo stand behind abandoned farm buildings just to the south of Deep Bay Road, east of the proposed road alignment. Chinese Pond Heron nested in another bamboo stand adjacent to Deep Bay Road, by the junction with a small track immediately alongside the proposed road alignment (Figure 7.7). The Hong Kong Birdwatching Society (HKBWS) reported 15 ardeid nests at Ngau Hom Shek in 2000 (14 Little Egrets and 1 Chinese Pond Heron nests). In 2001, the HKBWS reported a total of 7 ardeid nests (1 Little Egret nest and 6 Chinese Pond Heron nests) and in 2002, 10 ardeid nests (4 Little Egret and 6 Chinese Pond Heron nests).

T6 - Abandoned Pond

7.3.2.12 An abandoned pond occurred in a deep hollow at the foot of a small valley. The route would cross this area on a flyover. The vegetation included Umbrella grass Fuirena umbellata, Galingale Cyperus difformis, Umbrella plant C. alternifolius, Spike-rush Eleocharis sp., Primrose willow Ludwigia octovalis, Water dragon L. adscendens, Water hyacinth Eichornia crassipes and the grasses Brachiaria mutica, Paspalum distichum, and Echinochloa crus-gallii, together with some Common reed. There was a small amount of open water. The following species have been recorded: Günthers Frog Rana guentheri, Paddy Frog Rana limnocharis and Two-striped Grass Frog Rana taipehensis. The last species is comparatively rare in Hong Kong (Lau & Dudgeon 1999).

7.3.2.13 The slopes around the abandoned pond had been recently modified and were covered with coarse grasses, climbers and weedy vegetation. A strip along the top of the slope adjacent to the access track had been planted with native trees as part of a government environmental improvement project. Species included Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa, Tallow tree and Cuban bast Hibiscus tiliaceus.

T7 - Abandoned Paddies

7.3.2.14 A series of abandoned agricultural fields existed along the floor of a small valley. A stream meandered through the fields, which were generally inundated with water. The fields were overgrown with species such as Mikania, Morning glory Ipomoea cairica, and Digitate golden-beard Bothriochloa ischaeumum, with Umbrella grass, Globose twinball-grass Isachne globosa, Alocasia Alocasia macrorrhiza and the fern Cyclosorus interruptus in wetter areas. The shrub Glochidion lanceolatum was very common along the margins of the fields. Areas of wet crumbling soil along the banks of the streamcourse supported ruderal species such as Polygonum chinense, P. perfoliatum, Solanum americanum and Crassocephalum crepidioides. The large composite herb Erechtites valerianaefolia was particularly prominent here. The stream was heavily silted with material washed down from adjacent eroded slopes.

T8 - Burnt Hillslope

7.3.2.15 A badly burnt hillslope existed with relict patches of scrub vegetation. Several mammal burrows were observed at the foot of the slope, close to the abandoned paddy fields (T6). The burrows could have been excavated by Chinese porcupine Hystrix hodgsoni, Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla or, more likely, ferret badger Melogale moschata. In May 2000 these burrows were unused (as evidenced by the growth of vegetation in the entrances and absence of any signs of recent activity).

7.3.2.16 Several specimens of the fern Brainea insignis, which is rare and protected in mainland China, were recorded on the trackside close to the road alignment and on adjacent hillslopes. The plants were burnt, but had regenerated new leaves and it is likely that the species is to some extent fire resistant. The plant is fairly common on open hillsides in Hong Kong and is listed in the Check List II of the China Rare and Endangered Protected Plants (Xu, 1998). Another fern species, Pityrogramma calomelanos , was recorded nearby on slopes outside of the proposed route, which means that it will not be directly affected by DBL.

T9 - Abandoned paddy

7.3.2.17 An abandoned paddy occurred at the head of a small valley. The area had been re-graded and was disturbed. The shrub Melastoma candidum formed a low scrub cover over much of the area and the clubmoss Lycopodium cernuum was abundant, with panic grass occurring in the wettest areas. This feature would not be affected by the DBL.

Section 2

7.3.2.18 After swinging eastwards, the route would emerge onto the flat, plain-like valley floor of the Tuen Mun -Yuen Long corridor. Land use in this area consisted of a mixture of open storage, light industrial and village type uses. Formerly occupied mainly by freshwater fishponds, most of this area has now been filled, with only three abandoned ponds now remaining. The road would pass through part of one of theses ponds. The rest of the area was used for open storage, with vacant areas covered with coarse grassland and ruderal vegetation. A sewage treatment plant was situated on the southern fringes of the area.

7.3.2.19 In the northern part of the section the route would run along the south-western edge of a government sewage treatment works. Grass and scrub covered hill slopes occurred to the south and west, with some small areas of young, open woodland/tall scrub at the foot of the slopes around burial urns.

7.3.2.20 The route would then continue in a southerly direction, passing through an area of mixed use which included small food factories, pigeon lofts, orchards, scrap yards and abandoned cultivation. Grass and scrub covered hillsides rose to the west.

Section 2 Target Notes:

T10 - Abandoned Pond

7.3.2.21 A small abandoned pond existed, probably a former Lotus pond. The banks were covered with coarse grassland vegetation and in places were planted with bananas. DBL would pass through part of this pond.

T11 - Ponds

7.3.2.22 Two surviving ponds existed in the midst of open storage areas and adjacent to a government sewage treatment plant. The smaller, western pond was formerly managed as a duck pond. These ponds would not be affected by DBL.

T12 - Woodland

7.3.2.23 A small area of open woodland/scrub existed around the graves. Species included Chinese hackberry, Pond spice, Round-leaved litsea, Pop-gun seed, Umbrella tree, Aporusa Aporusa chinensis, Camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora, Yellow cow-wood, and Syzigium Syzigium levinei.

T13 - Fishponds

7.3.2.24 Eight fishponds were present along the foot of a hillside. A clean stream meandered through the area. Some of the ponds had been drained and were apparently abandoned. They had become overgrown with species such as Blunt signal-grass, Water hyacinth, Mikania, Morning glory, Taro Colocasia esculentum, and Primrose willow Ludwigia octovalis. Other ponds had a fringe of Common reed, Water spinach, Day flower Commelina nudiflora and other species around the margins. Water fern Azolla pinnata and water meal occurred on the surface of one of the ponds.

T14 - Fishponds

7.3.2.25 A series of small terraced ponds occured along the upper part of a valley. Most were apparently abandoned and those on the southern edge were in the process of being in-filled at the time of survey. Water fern formed a complete surface cover on several of the ponds, with Panic grass forming a floating mat around the margins.

T15 - Ling To Monastery Woodland

7.3.2.26 A small grove behind a Ling To Monastery in the upper part of a valley was observed, with a number of large Longan Dimocarpus longan trees. Other species included Bamboo Bambusa sp., Rose apple Syzigium jambos, Chinese hackberry, Elephant's ear, Pop-gun seed, Scarlet sterculia Sterculia lanceolata, Common red stem-fig Ficus variegata, Chinese fan palm Livistona chinensis, and Black olive Canarium pimela. The last species was considered rare in Hong Kong (Zhuang et al 1997). A few small Incense trees Aquilaria sinensis grew in the woodland understorey. Although quite rare on the mainland, this tree is common in Hong Kong. Other understorey species included screw pine, Tricalysia dubia and Uvaria Uvaria microcarpa. Fragrant Glorybower Clerodendrum fragrans was abundant in more open areas on the margins. Several large woody vines such as Wood gossip Caesalpinia Caesalpinia nuga grew through the trees. The ground flora included Hilo holly Ardisia crenata, Phyllanthus Phyllanthus cochinchinensis Pepper Piper sarmentosum and the fern Pteris semipinnata.

7.3.2.27 A group of three Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bats Cynopteris sphinx sphinx was found roosting beneath fan palm leaves.

7.3.2.28 A stream ran along the north-western margin of the woodland. The stream fell over a series of boulders and water quality was good. The crab Cryptopotamon anacoluthon was found to be common in this stream during the stream surveys (see section 7.3.7 below). The ferns Diplazium subsinuatum and Tectaria zeilanica grew on rocks on the stream margins.

T16 - Fishponds

7.3.2.29 A series of abandoned fishponds were observed. Several had been partially drained and were covered with Blunt signal-grass and other vegetation. DBL would pass through one of these ponds.

T17 - Cultivation

7.3.2.30 An area of surviving agricultural fields being used mostly for the dry cultivation of vegetables were observed. Some wet cultivation of water spinach and cress occurred in the lower fields to the north-east. A variety of common agricultural weeds occurred in and around the fields including Yard grass Eleusine indica, Spurge and Blue pig-ear.

T18 - Cordia Trees

7.3.2.31 A group of four Cordia trees Cordia dichotoma were observed growing on the banks of a stream. Zhuang et al 1997 described Cordia to be a relatively rare species in Hong Kong but fairly common in lowland woodlands. These trees would be outside the proposed DBL alignment..

T19 - Burial Ground

7.3.2.32 A low hill was observed to be used as a burial ground. The lower slopes were enerally covered with scrub of Elephant's ear, Pond spice, Round-leaved Litsea, Wax tree, Splash-of-white, Pop-gun seed, and Chinaberry, Myrobalan Phyllanthus emblica, Mayflower Glorybower Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, Screw pine, Hedge Sagerertia Sageretia theezans, Turn-in-the-wind, Rough-leaved holly, Herabceous myrica Rubus parvifolius, Mountain hemp Trema orientails and other species. Patches of coarse grassland also occurred with species such as Guinea grass, Reed-like grass, and Pennisetum polystachyum. The upper parts of the hill were covered with grassland and low scrub. Species include Setaria glauca, Arundinella nepalensis, Cymbopogon goeringii var hongkongensis, Rose myrtle, Dwarf mountain pine, Dianella, Greenbrier, Twig-hanging Embelia, Helicteres, Phyllanthus cochinchinensis and the fern Dicranopteris linearis. The area was highly disturbed and ruderal species such as Ageratum, Canadian fleabane Conyza canadensis and Bur-marigold Bidens spp. were abundant throughout. The crest of the hill showed evidence of rooting activity by mammals, perhaps Wild boar Sus scrofa. The DBL would skirt this area.

T19A - Orchard

7.3.2.33 Close to the burial ground was an orchard. Species included Wampi Clausena lansium, Longan Dimocarpus longan, Litchi Litchi chinensis, Breadfruit Artocarpus heterophylla, Mango Mangifera indica and Pomelo Citrus maxima. Where the trees were fairly widely spaced coarse grassland and ruderal vegetation grew between the trees, but denser areas casted a heavy shade and little grows beneath apart from a few common weeds.

Section 3

7.3.2.34 This section skirts the higher ground to the west, following the edge of the flat valley to the east. DBL would pass through a small village area with a number of mature trees, through cultivated fields and dwellings and past a spur planted with Acacia trees. A small stream skirted the northern edge of the knoll. Beyond the spur were pigeon lofts and an open steel storage yard. The latter was partly vegetated with coarse grassland and ruderal vegetation. Beyond the steel storage yard was a cement works and scrap yard. Mature trees (mainly Eucalyptus) were planted around the margins of these areas. A plantation of Brisbane box and other trees occurred along the foot of the hillside to the west. Beyond the cement works area were agricultural fields (mostly active), orchards and a pig farm.

Section 3 Target Notes:

T20 - Knoll

7.3.2.35 A small hill or knoll existed with young woodland/scrub of Elephant's ear, Pond Spice and Chinese hackberry along its edges. Scattered Longan and Lychee trees also occurred. The summit had a small group of large trees including Chinese banyan, Chinese red pine and Persimmon-leaved Litsea Litsea monopetala. Tapioca plant Manihot esculenta was naturalised along the eastern margins.

T21 - Gulley

7.3.2.36 A rocky stream flowed through a steep-sided valley. A discontinuous, narrow strip of scrub/young woodland occurred along the banks of the stream. Indian Millettia Millettia pulchra was abundant here. Other tree species included Umbrella tree, Opposite-leaved stem fig, Scarlet Sterculia, and, at the foot of the valley, several large Silk Cottom Gossampinus malabarica. Sweet-flag Acorus gramineus grew on rocks in the stream bed together with mosses, liverworts and clubmoss.

T22 - Willow beds

7.3.2.37 Small fields planted with Willow Salix sp. and regularly coppiced, presumably for basket weaving material were observed.

T23 - Wet Cultivation

7.3.2.38 Watercress Rorippa beds attracting individual Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret and wagtail. Part of this area would be directly affected by DBL. These small, intensively managed fields are isolated from other similar habitat by a mosaic of open storage, village settlements, pigeon farms, dry agriculture and abandoned land.

T24 - Planted Spur

7.3.2.39 DBL would skirt a spur at the base of the hillside planted with mature Acacia confusa. Elephant' ear was prominent along the western margins, where the woodland graded into grassland on the hillside and there were scattered Longan trees within. A variety of native shrubs and small trees had colonised the plantation and formed an almost continuous understorey. Species included Wild coffee, Uvaria Uvaria microcarpa, Splash-of-white Mussaenda pubescens, Opposite-leaved Stem-fig Ficus hispida, Hairy mountain fig F. hirta, and pond spice. Several mammal burrows were evident in the grassland to the west of the plantation (possibly made by Chinese porcupine, Chinese pangolin or ferret badger).

T25 - Plantation Woodland

7.3.2.40 Another area of plantation ran along the base of the hillside. At its northern end, where it would be affected by the DBL, an overgrown orchard existed, with many Candlenut Aleurites moluccana trees planted amongst Longan, Lychee and other fruit trees. Yanmin Dracontomelon dao also occurred here, together with clumps of Bamboo Bambusa sp. and self-established Umbrella tree, Chinese Aralia Aralia chinensis, Pop-gun seed etc. Moving south Brisbane box became the predominant plantation species, to be replaced around a stream by Paperbark Melaleuca quinqenervia , and around graves in the south by various ornamental conifers. There was a sparse understorey of Wild coffee, Hairy mountain fig, Round-leaved Litsea, Splash-of-white etc. The field layer was dominated by species of open hillside and included Wild Asparagus Asparagus cochinchinensis, Elephantopus tomentosa, Rose Myrtle, Lily turf, and the ferns Dicranopteris linearis, Adiantum flabellulatum and Blechnum orientale, amongst others. The plantation was beingmanaged by a local villager who had built a trail and erected numerous information boards.

T26 - Tree Belts

7.3.2.41 Tall, mature, linear plantations of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora and Brisbane box with associated Chinese hackberry Celtis sinensis and Elephants ear occurred. (These tree belts were highly visible from afar). About 25% of these trees were within the DBL alignment.

T27 - Eutrophic Ponds

7.3.2.42 Shallow ponds and ditches receiving effluent from nearby pig farm and covered with Water Spinach were observed. They attracted small numbers of wetland birds including Chinese Pond Heron. This feature would be outside the DBL alignment.

Section 4

7.3.2.43 This section would pass through orchards and cultivated fields, temporary dwellings and gardens before crossing the route of West Rail. Between West Rail and Castle Peak Road were workshops and a school, where there were mature plantings of mostly exotic trees. On the other side of Castle Peak Road the route became increasingly urban in character. The DBL would crosse factories and yards before entering an extensive area of temporary dwellings with scattered orchards and gardens.

Section 4 Target Notes:

T28 - Wet Cultivation

7.3.2.44 Wet cultivation was found to be dominated by Water spinach and attractive to small numbers of Chinese Pond Heron. This feature would fall outside the route of DBL.

T29 - New Pond

7.3.2.45 There was a recently established pond/reservoir. It would fall outside the route of DBL.

Section 5

7.3.2.46 The main route of DBL and its slip roads would cross villages with temporary dwellings, small workshops with scattered gardens and orchards. The proposed tunnel portal area of Route 10 would be located in a quarry. Below the quarry was a wooded hillside of mature woodland plantation with self-established understorey mixed with tall scrub.

Section 5 Target Notes:

T30 - Abandoned Agricultural Land

7.3.2.47 Abandoned agricultural land overgrown with Guinea grass, Mikania, Morning glory, Kudzu vine Pueraria lobata and Bur-marigold was observed. Parts of the area were inundated with water, with an abundance of the alien sedge Kyllinga polyphylla. Scattered scrub of Lantana and Elephant's ear occurred along the southern margin together with relict Longan trees. Günthers frog was associated with the wetter areas. Part of this area would fall within the route of DBL.

T31 - Plantation Woodland

7.3.2.48 A wooded slope existed leading to the active quarry rim planted mainly with Brisbane box, with some Acacia and Horsetail tree Casuarina euisetifolia towards the foot of the slope. Chinese red pine trees were occasionally observed, many of which were dead or dying. There were scattered other native trees, presumably self-established, including Chinese banyan, Umbrella tree, Pond spice, Elephant's ear, Chinese hackberry, Tallow tree, Turn-in-the-wind, Pop-gun seed and Wax tree. The trees were generally quite mature, with closed canopy, although more open areas occurred along streamcourses (dry at the time of survey) and around graves. The understorey was dense in places, with species such as Chinese Lasianthus Lasianthus chinensis, Lindera Lindera glauca, Round-leaved Litsea, Rough-leaved holly and Hairy-fruited abacus plant Glochidion eriocarpum. Chinese privet Ligustrum sinense occurred towards the foot of the slope. The field layer included the grass Thrysanolaena maxima, the sedge Gahnia tristis, and the ferns Pteris semipinnata, P. ensiformis, Adiantum flabellulatum, Sphenomeris chinensis and Blechnum orientale, with Dicranopteris linearis in more open areas. Creeping Psychotria Psychotria serpens was common on boulders, which were scattered throughout the area.

T32 - Former Quarry and Pond

7.3.2.49 This was a small former quarry with an active fishpond. The pond was stocked with large carp. A small watercourse spilled over the adjacent rocks and gave rise to seepage lines which supported abundant Sundew Drosera spathulata, a small insectivorous plant.

Section 6

7.3.2.50 The proposed slip roads of DBL would cross largely abandoned agricultural areas, temporary dwellings with gardens and orchards before joining the existing YLH. The embankments of the YLH supported coarse grassland and planted Acacia, Big-leaf Acacia Acacia mangium, Horsetail tree, Kassod tree Cassia siamea and other exotic trees.

7.3.3 Inter-tidal Fauna

7.3.3.1 Results of the inter-tidal epi-fauna survey are given in Appendix 7. The epi-fauna was dominated by Mollusca, with more than ten species recorded. Density of epi-fauna varied from zero to 15 animals per square meter with the highest densities on the upper shore, closest to the mangrove. Abundance of epi-fauna was apparently similar between the two sampling occasions.

7.3.3.2 Active macro-fauna in the marked plots comprised of Mud-skippers and crabs, the former generally the most abundant. Totals of 11, 3 and 2 animals were observed respectively in the three plots from the field count conducted in February. Higher numbers were recorded in the April field count, i.e. 21, 27 and 16 respectively at the three plots. The differences probably resulted from counts taking place during different part of the tidal cycle. Animal counting in April took place as the tide was beginning to come in, whilst the counting in February was when the mudflat had been exposed for two hours. When the mudflat is exposed for some time, crabs and mudskippers usually return to their borrows. The number of animal holes present in the two counts was similar. Animal densities, especially for crabs, were probably under-estimated by direct observation. The rich crab fauna observed suggests that the mudflat habitat should be relatively healthy.

7.3.3.3 The inter-tidal zone at Ngau Hom Shek was surveyed for horseshoe crabs on 7th and 8th of February and the 16th and 20th April 2000 during low tide. No evidence of Horseshoe Crabs was encountered during the surveys. A local fisherman (who checked net traps set on the lower shore on a daily basis) reported an encounter with a group of juvenile horseshoe crabs about 6 years ago. This suggests the site could, at one time, serve as a breeding ground for the species. Horseshoe Crabs are not protected under Hong Kong law. Nor are there any HKSAR restrictions on taking, possessing, or trading in Horseshoe Crabs. The SWC study reviewed the Crosslinks Stage 2 EIA and conducted Horseshoe Crab surveys along the coastal mudflat of the study area. Two juveniles were found near seagrass beds in Ngau Hom Sha, thus supporting the observation of the above local fisherman. It was concluded that both adults and juveniles would occur in the SWC assessment area (and thus the DBL study area) in very small numbers.

7.3.3.4 Results of benthic in-fauna surveyed at Ngau Hom Shek in February and April 2000 by core sampling are given in Appendix 7. In total, 719 macro-benthic animals belonging to 25 taxa were collected. The number of organisms collected during the two sampling occasions were only slightly different with subtotals of 351 for February and 368 for April. Polychaete worms dominated the in-fauna collected. Two families of Polychaetes were the most abundant, namely Terebellidae and Nereidae (e.g. Nereis neanthes). Densities ranged from 1139 to 8861 individuals per square meter (mean 4137). The number of taxa varied between 4 to 13 amongst the core samples. High numbers of Nereidae polychaetes and low number of capitellids were indicative of a healthy inter-tidal habitat. Capitellidae in high densities would be considered as an indication of man-induced pollution, characterised by nutrient enriched areas such as organic-rich sediments and benthic habitats defaunated by pollution (e.g. oil spills) and red tides.

7.3.4 Mammals

7.3.4.1 Results of the small mammal survey are given in Table 7.5. In total, 15 and 11 animals were caught during the dry and wet seasons respectively. These included a few individuals of the Ryuku Mouse Mus caroli, which mainly occurred in shrubland. This species was first recorded in Hong Kong in 1992 from the Mai Po area (Goodyer 1992), but has since been shown to be widespread in grassland and shrubland habitats in Hong Kong. The remainder were rats. The most abundant of these was the Spiny-haired Rat Niviventer fulvescens (syn. Rattus huang), which is the commonest hillside rat species in Hong Kong (Goodyer 1992). Sladen's Rat Rattus sikkimensis (syn. R. sladeni, R. koratensis), another common hillside rat, was also frequently captured. No rare or protected species were found during the two surveys.

7.3.4.2 More mammals were caught at the Ngau Hom Shek site, which was woodland bordered by abandoned agricultural land close to a stream. There was no obvious human disturbance in the area. No captures were made in February at the site west of Ha Tsuen, probably because the habitat had been degraded through burning. The trapping site was therefore moved to a nearby scrub in April where three rats belonging to two species were caught. Fewer animals were caught in April, which could have been due to the hot weather (day temperature c. 30ºC) during each of the three consecutive trapping days.

7.3.4.3 Large mammal burrows were found at two locations along the proposed route, on lower slopes adjacent to abandoned agricultural fields in Section 1 (target note T8) and on a planted knoll in Section 3 (T24). Three species of Hong Kong mammal are known to create burrows, as follows:

• Chinese porcupine Hystrix hodgsoni (Order: Rodentia, Family: Hystricidae). A moderately large animal measuring some 60-90 cm in total body length and weighing 7-14 kg. The back and tail are covered by long black and white hollow quills, which the animal can use to defend itself. Active by night and feeding on roots, tubers, fruit and other vegetable matter, they live in family groups of 2-8 individuals and excavate large underground burrow systems which they use for breeding and for resting by day.
• Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Order: Pholidota, Family: Manidae). Slightly smaller than a porcupine (50-80 cm) and 2-5 kg in weight. The body is covered with overlapping horny scales which protect the animal from predators, especially when it adopts a defensive position and curls itself tightly into a ball. It is nocturnal and specialises on feeding on termites and ants, for which it is equipped with a long narrow tongue. The powerful front claws are used to excavate and break open ant and termite nests and to excavate its 3-4 m deep burrow. It is an agile climber and has a prehensile tail. The animals are usually solitary.
• Ferret badger Melogale moschata (Family: Mustelidae, Subfamily: Melinae). The smallest of the three with a total body length of 40-50 cm and weight of 0.6-1.0 kg. It is easily distinguished by its racoon-like black and white face. Strictly nocturnal, it is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruit, seeds, insects, worms, frogs and small mammals. It spends the day in an underground den.

7.3.4.4 All three species are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. None of the burrows showed any evidence of occupation at the time of survey and seedlings were developing in the entrances of many of the holes. To confirm that they were disused the holes were 'soft-stopped' in early May with twigs, grass and other easily removed material, so that any animals entering the burrow would displace the material. When re-examined several days later none of the burrows had been accessed.

7.3.4.5 Evidence of mammal activity was also found on the top of the small hill (T19) at Ha Tsuen, in the form of soil disturbance where animals had been rooting for tubers etc. The animal responsible was not known, but Wild Boar Sus scrofa are known to create similar soil disturbance through their foraging activties.

7.3.4.6 Three Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bats Cynopterus sphinx sphinx were found roosting in beneath fan palm leaves on the edge of a small Ling To Monastery woodland at Ha Tsuen (T15). This is quite a large species with a wing-span of c. 35 cm, a body length of 10 cm and further 10 cm of tail. It belongs the family Pteropodidae of the Megachiroptera - the Fruit Bats or Flying Foxes and is one of two fruit bats in Hong Kong. Like all bats it is active by night and feeds on a variety of wild and cultivated fruit. The bats typically spend the day roosting beneath the leaves of mature Chinese fan palm trees. They chew the leaf veins in such a way that the leaf tips bend over and create a tent-like structure in which the bats shelter. Groups of 2-6 bats generally occur under a single leaf, with the colony dispersed through several leaves in the same or adjacent trees (Ades 1999). All bats are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

7.3.5 Birds

7.3.5.1 Results of bird surveys by sample location and a summary of the SWC bird studies which are relevant to DBL are presented in Appendix 7. The following species of conservation concern have been recorded during the survey (sensu Carey & Young 1998):

Great Cormorant

7.3.5.2 Up to ten birds were recorded offshore at Ngau Hom Shek in January. This species is a winter visitor to Hong Kong and none were recorded in April. The SWC study also reported this to be an abundant winter visitor to the coastal area of Deep Bay.

7.3.5.3 With a five-year (1993-1994 to 1997-1998) mean peak winter count of 6,310, Deep Bay regularly supports at least 6.3% of the east/southeast Asian wintering population of Great Cormorant.

Chinese Pond Heron

7.3.5.4 Inland, up to seven birds were recorded in and around any one area of ponds and/or wet agricultural fields. At the coast up to four birds were recorded along the shoreline at Ngau Hom Shek. In the SWC study, no Chinese Pond Heron was recorded from the Ngau Hom Shek shrublands, only one bird was recorded in the winter of 2001 from the Ngau Hom Shek stream valley. During the SWC surveys, Chinese Pond Heron occurrence at the fish ponds in Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai during the late breeding season (September 2001), autumn migration season (October and November 2001) and winter season (December 2001 to February 2002) ranged from 0 to 20 birds. Chinese Pond Heron occurrence on the inter-tidal mudflats and along the tidelines at Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai in the above 3 seasons ranged from 0 to 18 birds, with fewest numbers at Ngau Hom Shek among the 3 sites. No Chinese Pond Heron was recorded in the mangroves at Ngau Hom Shek near the landing point of SWC. In 2002, 6 pairs of Chinese Pond Heron were reported as nesting in the Ngau Hom Shek egretry.

7.3.5.5 With an average peak winter count during the 1990s of 327, Deep Bay may regularly support 1% of the east/southeast Asian wintering population (equivalent to the world population) of Chinese Pond Heron.

7.3.5.6 There were three Chinese Pond Heron breeding colonies near Ngau Hom Shek: (i) at Ngau Hom Shek itself, with at least seven pairs in May 2000 (see T5, section 7.3.1.14); (ii) at Mong Tseng to the north (13 pairs in 1994), and (iii) at Pak Nai, to the south (two pairs in 1997).
Little Egret

7.3.5.7 Only one bird was recorded inland, in and around the wet agricultural fields at San Sang San Tsuen in January. At the coast up to 27 birds were recorded along the shoreline at Ngau Hom Shek. No Little Egret was recorded inland from the Ngau Hom Shek shrubland and stream valley habitats in the SWC study. At the fish ponds in Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai during late breeding season in 2001, autumn migration season in 2001 and winter season in 2001-2002, Little Egret abundance recorded in the SWC study ranged from 2 to 39 birds, with more birds at Ngau Hom Shek and Ngau Hom Sha than at Sheung Pak Nai. Little Egret recorded on the inter-tidal mudflats at these 3 sites in the same 3 seasons ranged from 0 to 45 birds, and from 13 to 81 birds along the tide-lines. The SWC study did not record this species among mangroves in its assessment area.

7.3.5.8 With an average peak winter count during the 1990s of 1,478, Deep Bay may regularly support 1% of the east/southeast Asian wintering population of Little Egret.

7.3.5.9 In 2000, 14 pairs of Little Egrets were nesting in the egretry in the bamboo stands at Ngau Hom Shek (see Target Note T5). In 2001, there was 1 nest and in 2002, there were 4 nests, representing <1% of the ardeid nests in the HKSAR. There were two other Little Egret breeding colonies near Ngau Hom Shek: (i) at Mong Tseng, to the north (150 pairs in 1993, 110 pairs in 1994 and 35 pairs in 1997) and (ii) at Pak Nai, to the south (15 pairs in 1997 and 52 in 1998, Kwok et al 2001): It has been suggested that egrets nesting at Pak Nai may have moved to Ngau Hom Shek in 1998 as the result of disturbance.

Great Egret

7.3.5.10 Apart from a single bird by a pond at the shoreline farm at Ngau Hom Shek in January, no bird was recorded inland. The SWC study also did not record this species from inland Ngau Hom Shek shrubland and stream valley habitats At the coast up to 13 birds were recorded along the shoreline at Ngau Hom Shek. Up to 3 birds were recorded in the SWC study from the fishponds at Ngau Hom Shek and Ngau Hom Sha, and none at the fish ponds at Sheung Pak Nai. Over the inter-tidal zone from Ngau Hom Shek to Sheung Pak Nai, survey data from the SWC study showed higher Great Egret abundance along the tide-lines (0-22 birds) than over the inter-tidal mudflats (0-1 bird). The SWC study did not record this species among mangroves in its assessment area

7.3.5.11 With an average peak winter count during the 1990s of 529, Deep Bay regularly supports 0.5% to 5.3% of the east/southeast Asian wintering population of Great Egret.

7.3.5.12 There was a Great Egret breeding colony near Ngau Hom Shek, at Mong Tseng to the north (eight pairs in 1994 and 12 pairs in 1997).

Grey Heron

7.3.5.13 Up to two birds were recorded along the shoreline at Ngau Hom Shek in January. This species is primarily a winter visitor to Hong Kong and none was recorded in April. Grey Heron was not recorded in the SWC study from the inland Ngau Hom Shek shrubland and stream valley habitats. From the fish ponds in Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai, the SWC study recorded 0 to 5 birds during surveys in the late breeding season in 2001, autumn migration season in 2001 and winter season in 2001-2002. On the inter-tidal mudflats, the SWC study recorded 0 to 2 birds in each survey at Ngau Hom Shek and Ngau Hom Sha, and none at Sheung Pak Nai.. Along the tide-lines off Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai, the SWC study recorded 0 to 3 birds in each survey.. The SWC study did not record this species among mangroves in its assessment area..

7.3.5.14 With an average peak winter count during the 1990s of 1,322, Deep Bay regularly supports up to 5.3% of the east/southeast Asian wintering population of Grey Heron.

Eurasian Curlew

7.3.5.15 Up to six birds were recorded along the shoreline at Ngau Hom Shek in January. The SWC study did not record this species from the Ngau Hom Shek shrubland and stream valley habitats, as well as the fish ponds at Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai. Along the inter-tidal mudflats at Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai, the SWC study recorded up to 2 birds, all in the late breeding season (September) in 2001.. Along the tidelines, the SWC study recorded 443 birds, all in the winter season and off Sheung Pak Nai.. The SWC study did not record this species among mangroves in its assessment area. With a five-year mean of peak winter counts during the period 1992-1993 to 1996-1997 of 800, Deep Bay, on average, regularly supports a minimum of 0.8-8.0% of the east/southeast Asian and Australasian flyway population. As evidenced in the SWC study data, this percentage could go up to 50% in the winter season, but in terms of distribution in relation to the DBL alignment, mostly off the coast and further south west towards Sheung Pak Nai.

Red-billed Starling

7.3.5.16 Inland, up to 24 birds were recorded at Yick Yuen in January, where they were feeding, for at least part of the time, on the settling tanks of one of the pig farms there, and one was also recorded around the ponds by the road to Ling To Monastery in January. The SWC study did not record this species from the inland Ngau Hom Shek shrubland and stream valley habitats . The SWC study recorded 2 birds from the fish ponds at Ngau Hom Shek only in the wintering season. Up to 21 were also recorded around the shoreline farm and in the mangroves at Ngau Hom Shek in January. This species is a winter visitor to Hong Kong and none was recorded in April. In the coastal areas, the SWC study recorded this species only among mangroves at Sheung Pak Nai, with up to 10 birds in the autumn migrating season and the winter season; and none on the mudflats and along tide-lines at Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai as well as mangroves at Ngau Hom Shek and Ngau Hom Sha

7.3.5.17 From the annual Hong Kong Bird Reports the number of birds wintering in Hong Kong varied from winter to winter, and between 1990-1991 and 1996-1997 the peak winter counts varied from as few as 300 in 1991-1992 to as many as 3000-5000 in 1994-1995.

7.3.5.18 Other notable species which were recorded during the study included:

Great Crested Grebe

7.3.5.19 Up to 26 birds were recorded offshore from Ngau Hom Shek during January. This species is a winter visitor to Hong Kong and none were recorded in April.

7.3.5.20 Large numbers of Great Crested Grebes, which presumably spread out across the whole of Deep Bay when feeding, often gather together on the waters to the north and west of the Tsim Bei Tsui peninsula, north of Ngau Hom Shek*. Between the winters of 1990-1991 and 1996-1997 the peak winter counts of birds recorded here varied from as few as 50 (1991-1992) to as many as 255 (1995-1996), and on 15th January 2000 a new high count for Hong Kong of 413 was recorded). *Note: These waters also used to be the most reliable in Hong Kong for Red-breasted Merganser, and they regularly attract large numbers of other ducks and Coot.

Osprey

7.3.5.21 One bird was recorded offshore from Ngau Hom Shek on six of the eight visits. Several winter in the Deep Bay area.

Shorebirds

7.3.5.22 In addition to Eurasian Curlew, a further five species of shorebird were recorded offshore from Ngau Hom Shek (Great Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper).

7.3.5.23 Large numbers of over 40 species of shorebird occur in Deep Bay and its hinterland, the vast majority of which feed on the mudflats which are exposed at low tide.

Black-throated Tit

7.3.5.24 Two birds were recorded along the road to Ling To Monastery Valley Road on 14th January 2000.

7.3.5.25 In 1986 this species was described as a vagrant (Chalmers 1986), with just four records. Carey et al (2001) now consider this species to be in Category E; that is, a species where individuals have escaped or have been released from captivity. This species is therefore not considered to be a species of conservation concern.

Other Birds

7.3.5.26 Deep Bay and its hinterland is an internationally important site for waterbirds, including the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, large numbers of egrets and herons, and over 40 species of shorebird. This study did not record Black-faced Spoonbill The SWC study recorded this species along the tide-lines of the inter-tidal mudflats off Ngau Hom Shek and Sheung Pak Nai in the winter season. This species would thus occur far from the DBL alignment. Only small numbers of egrets and herons, and just six species of shorebird, were recorded on the mudflats offshore from Ngau Hom Shek. These were comparable to the SWC findings, where the number of bird species ranged from 7 to 8 on the inter-tidal mudflats and 7 to 10 along the tidelines off Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai. The SWC study also showed higher bird densities along the tidelines (mean densities ranging from 30 to 76.7 birds per ha) than over the mudflats (mean densities ranging from 2.9 to 8.9 bird per ha), indicating that the areas of highest bird abundance occur some distance from the DBL alignment.

7.3.5.27 At high tide the area offshore Ngau Hom Shek attracted a variety of fish-eating birds, including Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Osprey and four species of kingfisher.

7.3.5.28 Inland, some areas were substantially wooded enough to support a wide variety of birds, notably the upper slopes of the Ling To Monastery valley, where a pair of Crested Serpent Eagles appeared to be resident.

7.3.5.29 Mouchel (2000) suggested that Savanna Nightjar and Eurasian Eagle Owl, both rare species, could be expected to occur in the uplands near the DBL route. These two species were specifically mentioned in the EIA Study Brief as having "special conservation interests". However, despite specific searching, including listening for nocturnal churring in the case of Savanna Nightjar, these birds were not recorded during tthis study.

7.3.6 Amphibians and Reptiles

7.3.6.1 Amphibian species recorded during the study are presented in Table 7.6.

7.3.6.2 The Two-striped Grass Frog Rana taipehensis was considered to be comparatively rare in Hong Kong, being known from a few scattered sites in the New Territories and from several islands (Lau & Dudgeon 1999). Its range appeared to have contracted as lowland habitats such as rice paddy with which it was associated with have dissapeared. Accordingly Lau & Dudgeon (op. cit.) suggested that the species should be added to the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). In the present study it was found in the abandoned pond to the south of Ngau Hom Shek (T6), where 10 plus individuals were seen on the grassy margins and calling from within the abandoned pond during a nightime torch survey on 10th May 2000. More recent amphibian surveys undertaken in 2001 for the SWC study, did not find this species at this site or other potential habitats in Ngau Hom Shek, Ngau Hom Sha and Sheung Pak Nai. It is possible that ecological succession in the abandoned pond at Ngau Hom Shek has changed the habitat in a way that has now made it unsuitable as a breeding habitat for Two-striped grass frog. It is however, likely that it still occurs in the vicinity and could recolonise suitable habitat if and when it is re-established.

7.3.6.3 All other amphibian and reptile species recorded from the study area are common and widespread species in Hong Kong (Karsen et al 1998).

7.3.7 Insects (Dragonflies Odonata & Butterflies Lepidoptora)

7.3.7.1 Seven species of damselfly and eleven species of dragonfly were recorded (Table 7.7). Two uncommon species were recorded in stream habitat in west Ha Tsuen, i.e. Mnais mneme and Orthetrum triangulare melania. The other species are common in Hong Kong. The clean streams and well vegetated abandoned ponds are suitable habitat for a wide range of odonates.

* Source: Wilson (1997)

7.3.7.2 Butterfly species recorded are listed in Table 7.8. Searches were made around scrub and woodland edge habitats and in inactive agricultural fields. Most species are common and widespread in Hong Kong. One rare species Papilio bianor was found at the roadside west of Ha Tsuen. Butterflies were frequently seen in the study area especially in the habitat boundary of wooded area and agricultural lands in west Ha Tsuen.