Ecological Impact Assessment

 

 

CONTENTS

                                                                                                   

9.1                 INTRODUCTION   1

9.2                 RELEVANT LEGISTLATION AND CRITERIA   2

9.3                 METHODOLOGY FOR BASELINE ESTABLISHMENT   5

9.4                 RESULTS OF LITERATURE REVIEW    9

9.5                 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY RESULTS  20

9.6                 EVALUATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES OF CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE   36

9.7                 IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND PREDICTION   51

9.8                 MITIGATION MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES  65

9.9                 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS  77

9.10              RESIDUAL IMPACTS  79

9.11              ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND AUDIT (EM&A) 80

9.12              CONCLUSIONS  81

References  83

LIST OF FIGURES

 

Figure 9.1       Ecological Survey Locations within the 500m Assessment Area

Figure 9.2       Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance

Figure 9.3a     Habitat Map and Potential Ecological Corridor

Figure 9.3b     Habitats Photos Recorded within the 500m Assessment Area

Figure 9.4       Habitat Map and Locations of Flora Species of Conservation Importance

Figure 9.4a    Habitat Map and Locations of Flora Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 1)

Figure 9.4b    Habitat Map and Locations of Flora Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 2)

Figure 9.4c     Habitat Map and Locations of Flora Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 3)

Figure 9.4d    Habitat Map and Locations of Flora Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 4)

Figure 9.4e     Photos of Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the 500m Assessment Area

Figure 9.5       Habitat Map and Locations of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance

Figure 9.5a    Habitat Map and Locations of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 1)

Figure 9.5b    Habitat Map and Locations of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 2)

Figure 9.5c     Habitat Map and Locations of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 3)

Figure 9.5d    Habitat Map and Locations of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance (Zoom-in to Project Site Sub-Area 4)

Figure 9.6a    Major Flight-lines of Ardeids of Ho Sheung Heung and Man Kam To Road Egretry

Figure 9.6b    Major Flight-lines of Ardeids of North District Park Day Roost

Figure 9.6c     Major Flight-lines of Ardeids of North District Park Egretry

Figure 9.7       Proposed Layout Scheme Overlaid with Habitat Map

Figure 9.8        Proposed Location of Woodland Compensation

 

LIST OF TABLES

 

Table 9.1        Ecological Survey Programme

Table 9.2        List of Flora and Fauna Species of Conservation Importance from Reviewed Literature

Table 9.3        List of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance within the Assessment Area by AFCD

Table 9.4        Habitats within the Assessment Area and the 4 Sub-Areas within Project Site

Table 9.5        Evaluation of Abandoned Agricultural Land within Assessment Area

Table 9.6        Evaluation of Active Agricultural Land within Assessment Area

Table 9.7        Evaluation of Developed Area within Assessment Area

Table 9.8        Evaluation of Fung Shui Wood within Assessment Area

Table 9.9        Evaluation of Marsh within Assessment Area

Table 9.10      Evaluation of Mixed Woodland within Assessment Area

Table 9.11      Evaluation of Orchard within Assessment Area

Table 9.12      Evaluation of Plantation within Assessment Area

Table 9.13      Evaluation of Pond within Assessment Area

Table 9.14      Evaluation of Ruderal Vegetation within Assessment Area

Table 9.15      Evaluation of Shrubland/Grassland within Assessment Area

Table 9.16      Evaluation of Swampy Woodland within Assessment Area

Table 9.17      Evaluation of Turfgrass Land within Assessment Area

Table 9.18      Evaluation of Watercourse within Assessment Area

Table 9.19      Evaluation of Woodland within Assessment Area

Table 9.20      Evaluation of the Four Sub-Areas within Project Site

Table 9.21      Evaluation of Flora Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area and Project Site

Table 9.22      Evaluation of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area and Project Site

Table 9.23      Estimated Habitat Loss for the Proposed Layout Scheme at Sub-Area 1 of the Project Site

Table 9.24      Summary of Construction Phase and Operational Phase Impacts

Table 9.25      Cumulative Impacts from Concurrent Projects near the Project Site

 

 

 

 

LIST OF APPENDICES

 

Appendix 9A(1)         Plant Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9A(2)           Plant Species Recorded within the Four Sub-Areas of Project Site  

Appendix 9B(1)         Mammal Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9B(2)           Mammal Species Recorded within the Four Sub-Areas of Project Site

Appendix 9C(1)         Bird Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9C(2)           Bird Species Recorded within the Four Sub-Areas of Project Site

Appendix 9D(1)         Herpetofauna Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9D(2)           Herpetofauna Species Recorded within the Four Sub-Areas of Project Site

Appendix 9E(1)         Butterfly Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9E(2)           Butterfly Species Recorded within the Four Sub-Areas of Project Site

Appendix 9F(1)         Odonate Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9F(2)            Odonate Species Recorded within the Four Sub-Areas of Project Site

Appendix 9G             Moth Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

Appendix 9H             Aquatic Fauna Species Recorded within the Assessment Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                          

                          

9.1                     INTRODUCTION

9.1.1               Requirements of EIA Study Brief

9.1.1.1            The EIA Study Brief (EIA SB) No.: ESB-318/2019 was issued by EPD in July 2019, and has stipulated the technical requirements for ecological impact assessment (EcoIA) in. Section 3.4.9 and Appendix H. It was stated that flora, fauna and other components of the ecological habitats within the assessment area should be examined, so as to protect, maintain or rehabilitate the natural environment. With reference to the Study Brief, the current project design has avoided and/or minimized impacts on recognised sites of conservation importance and other ecologically sensitive areas, as well as species of conservation importance. The assessment has identified and quantified as far as possible the potential ecological impacts associated with the Project, both directly by loss of habitat, and indirectly by other potential impacts such as human disturbance and/or change of water quality and/or hydrodynamic regime to natural environment[LCS1] , the associated wildlife groups/species and habitat connectivity between surrounding areas.

9.1.2               Project Site and Assessment Area

9.1.2.1            As stated in S 3.4.9.2 of EIA Study Brief ESB-318/2019, the assessment area for the purposes of terrestrial and aquatic ecological impact assessment included the areas within 500 metres distance from the boundary of the Project Site (Figure 9.1) and any other areas likely to be impacted by the Project.

9.1.2.2            The Project Site is the Old Course of Fanling Golf Course currently managed by Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling, to the east of Fan Kam Road. Under the latest recommended development plan, the Project Site is now divided into four sub-areas (Sub-Areas 1 to 4) (Figure 2.1), and public housing development and associated facilities such as school are only proposed at Sub-Area 1, while Sub-Areas 2 to 4 are intended to be zoned as “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Recreation cum Conservation”under Outline Zoning Plan. 

9.1.3               Key Ecological Issues stipulated in EIA Study Brief 

9.1.3.1            Key ecological issues relevant to the EcoIA, as stipulated in the Clause (v) of Section 2 of Appendix H of EIA Study Brief included but not limited to the following:

(a)        Woodlands;

(b)        Natural and man-made wetland habitats including semi-natural/natural streams (both seasonal and non-seasonal), marshes, ponds and others, as well as the associated riparian habitats;

(c)        Roosting, breeding and/or feeding sites of resident and migratory birds, and mammals;

(d)        Flora (e.g. Aquilaria sinensis, Aristolochia tagala, Glyptostrobus pensilis and Ardisia villosa);

(e)        Vertebrates, including avifauna (including Eastern Cattle Egret), mammals (both terrestrial and flying, e.g. Paguma larvata, Prionailurus bengalensis, Cynopterus sphinx, Tylonycteris pachypus and Scotophilus kuhlii), and herpetofauna (e.g. Mauremys reevesii and Enhydris chinensis);

(f)         Stream fauna (e.g. Somanniathelphusa zanklon, Channa asiatica);

(g)        Macroinvertebrates, including butterflies (including Troides Helena, Pachliopta aristolochiae, Catochrysops Strabo, Megisba Malaya), odonates and moths; and

(h)        Any other habitats and wildlife groups identified as having special conservation importance by the EIA study.

9.2                     RELEVANT LEGISTLATION AND CRITERIA

9.2.1               Legislation and Standards

9.2.1.1            Ordinances and regulations that are relevant to this Ecological Impact Assessment (EcoIA) include the followings:

·            Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation, the Forestry Regulations;

·            Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170);

·            Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and its subsidiary legislation;

·            The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and the associated Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM); and

·            The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and its subsidiary legislation.

9.2.1.2           This EcoIA makes reference to the following guidelines and standards:

·            Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 10, "Conservation";

·            PELB Technical Circular 1/97 Works Branch Technical Circular 4/97, "Guidelines for Implementing the Policy on Off-site Ecological Mitigation Measures";

·            EIAO Guidance Note No. 3/2010 – Flexibility and Enforceability of Mitigation Measures Proposed in an EIA Report;

·            EIAO Guidance Note No. 6/2010 - Some Observations on Ecological Assessment from the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Perspective;

·            EIAO Guidance Note No. 7/2010 – Ecological Baseline Survey for Ecological Assessment;

·            EIAO Guidance Note No. 10/2010 – Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys; and

9.2.1.3           This EcoIA makes reference to the following Mainland legislation:

·            List of State Protected Wild Animals, promulgated by the State Council 國家重點保護野生動物名錄; and

·            List of Wild Plants under State Protection國家重點保護野生植物名錄(第一批).

9.2.1.4            Other international conventions and guidelines that are relevant to this EcoIA include the following:

·            Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ("CITES").  This Convention regulates international trade in animal and plant species considered to be at risk from such trade. Depending on the degree of threat posed by international trade, CITES classifies endangered species of animals and plants into three Appendices. Appendix I includes highly endangered species threatened with extinction. Commercial trade in these species is prohibited. Appendix II includes species which are not presently threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is controlled.  Trade of these species is allowed but is subject to licensing controls. Appendix III species are species identified by any Party to CITES as requiring cooperation in controlling their trade. Their trade is subject to permits or certificates of origin. Hong Kong's obligations under this Convention are enforced via the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).  The CITES authority for Hong Kong SAR is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (AFCD).

·            IUCN.  The World Conservation Union maintains, through its Species Survival Commission, a “Red List” of globally threatened species of wild plants and animals (see http://www.iucnredlist.org). The Red List is considered the authoritative publication to classify species into nine groups as Extinct (EX) - No individuals remaining; Extinct in the Wild (EW) - Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range; Critically Endangered (CR) - Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild; Endangered (EN) - Very high risk of extinction in the wild; Vulnerable (VU) - High risk of extinction in the wild; Near Threatened (NT) - Likely to become endangered in the near future; Least Concern (LC) - Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a higher risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in these two categories: Data Deficient (DD) – Knowledge of the species is inadequate to enable assessment its risk of extinction; and Not Evaluated (NE) – Species not yet evaluated against the criteria.

·            United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. This convention requires parties to regulate or manage biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity whether within or outside protected areas, with a view to ensuring their conservation and sustainable use. It also requires parties to promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity on 5^th January 1993. The HKSAR Government has stated that it is "committed to meeting the environmental objectives" of the Convention (PELB 1996).

·            Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the "Ramsar Convention"), which requires parties to conserve and make wise use of wetlands, particularly those supporting waterfowl populations. The PRC ratified the Ramsar Convention on 31^st July 1992, and various wetlands have since been listed as wetlands of international importance (i.e. Ramsar sites). One of these, Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site in Hong Kong SAR, was listed on 4 September 1995.

·            Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (the Bonn Convention), which requires parties to protect listed threatened or endangered migratory species occurring within their boundaries.

9.2.2               Criteria of Evaluating Species of Conservation Importance

9.2.2.1            Species of flora and fauna with conservation importance were given special attention. In accordance with Table 3, Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM, the ecological value of species was assessed in terms of protection status, distribution, and rarity.  For faunal species, the protection status (e.g. fauna protected under Cap. 170 (except birds as all wild birds are protected under the ordinance but their conservation importance is not equal), Cap. 586, and/or regional/global laws/conventions), the species distribution (e.g. endemic), and the rarity (e.g. rare or restricted, or level of concern highlighted in Fellowes et al. (2002)) were considered.  Similarly, floral species of conservation importance are considered from protection status (e.g. listed under Forestry Regulations and Cap. 586 in Hong Kong, listed by CITES, or listed in certain categories in the Red List of Threatened Species under IUCN (see below sections), or listed as Category I or II protected species in mainland China); species distribution (e.g. endemic); and rarity (e.g. considered rare or very rare by Corlett et al. (2000), regarded as rare by Yip et al. (2010)).  However, exotic invasive species, escaped cultivars or captive species, vagrants and introduced species might be excluded. Some species might be subject to further evaluation.

9.2.2.2            The following laws/regulations and conventions for conservation are relevant with evaluation of the conservation importance of flora and fauna species.

·            Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A) which are subsidiary legislation of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

·            Category I/ II/ III in List of Wild Plants under State Protection;

·            Considered ‘Rare’ or ‘Very Rare’ plant species listed by Corlett et al. (2000) or regarded as ‘Rare’ by Yip et al. (2010) where applicable;

·            China Plant Red Data Book;

·            Threatened Species List of China’s Higher Plants (Qin et al. 2017);

·            Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170);

·            Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586);

·            Category I or II State Protected Wild Animals;

·            PRC Wild Animal Protection Law;

·            China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals;

·            China Species Red List;

·            Red List of China’s Vertebrates;

·            The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (Species which are classified by IUCN as Least Concern (LC), Near Threatened (NT), Data Deficient (DD), or Not Evaluated (NE) are not considered as of conservation importance in the present EcoIA unless they are covered by other laws/regulations/conventions.);

·            The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); and

·            Fauna species considered of concern in Fellowes et al. (2002).

9.2.2.3            The species identified from both literature review and the ecological surveys as having conservation importance were further categorized in accordance with their relevance to potential impacts, which were assessed in accordance with the EIAO-TM criteria.

9.3                     METHODOLOGY FOR BASELINE ESTABLISHMENT

9.3.1               Literature Review Methodology

9.3.1.1            In accordance with Clause (i) Section 2 of Appendix H of EIA Study Brief, the findings of relevant studies/surveys (including the approved EIA report of North East New Territories New Development Areas (Register no.: AEIAR – 175/2013)) should be reviewed.  A literature review was thus conducted to collect ecological baseline information within the assessment area, in particular the Old Course of the Fanling Golf Course (the Project Site) and information on all habitat/species of conservation importance such as their occurrence, distribution and abundance. Literature and web-based information reviewed include but not be limited to the followings:

·            EIA study on North East New Territories New Development Areas (AEIAR-175/2013);

·            EIA study on Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line;

·            Preliminary Feasibility Study on Developing the New Territories North – Final Report – on Concept Plan for NTN published by PlanD and CEDD (2017);

·            Ecological survey results in the Consultancy Study Report provided by Fanling Golf Club;

·            Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden’s comment letter on Technical Study on Partial Development of Fanling Golf Course Site – Feasibility Study;

·            The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation’s comment letter on Project Profile on Partial Development of Fanling Golf Course, Feasibility Study;

·            Temple Chambers’ comment letter on Project Profile on Partial Development of Fanling Golf Course, Feasibility;

·            Public comments received on the Project Profile by EPD; and

·            Publications of AFCD (e.g. Hong Kong Biodiversity, AFCD Newsletter).

9.3.2               Ecological Survey Methodology

9.3.2.1            In addition to the information collected from the reviewed literature, ecological field surveys were also carried out to verify ecological profile established from reviewed literature, update baseline information, and fill information gaps to facilitate the establishment of complete ecological characters of the assessment area and to facilitate the ecological assessment.

9.3.2.2            The methodology of the ecological surveys made reference to the technical guidelines of ecological assessment in Annex 16 of EIAO-TM. Reference was also made to EIAO Guidance Notes i.e. No. 7/2010 - Ecological Baseline Survey for Ecological Assessment” and No. 10/2010 - Methodologies for Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecological Baseline Surveys.

9.3.2.3            As stated in Chapter 2, the Project Site is delineated as Sub-Area 1 to Sub-Area 4 for the purposes of option selection. Hence, the ecological surveys were recorded by habitats as well as the 4 sub-areas, in order to evaluate the ecological value of each sub-area.

9.3.2.4            The ecological surveys covered terrestrial and aquatic habitats within the assessment area, and aslo the identified important habitats both within and outside the assessment area. Surveys on habitat and vegetation, mammal, avifauna, egretries, herpetofauna, butterfly and odonate, moth and aquatic fauna were conducted. Details of the survey methodology are discussed in the following sections.

9.3.2.5            Habitat and vegetation: Habitats within the assessment area were mapped based on the latest government aerial photos combined with field ground-truthing.  Representative areas of each habitat type were surveyed on foot.  Plant species encountered in each habitat type and their relative abundance were recorded with special attention to species of conservation importance.  More attention was given to the locations, which would be directly affected by the proposed development.  A plant list was produced, and the dominant plant species of the habitats were reported.  Nomenclature and conservation status of plant species followed Corlett et al. (2000) and Yip et al. (2010) where applicable.

9.3.2.6            As Glyptostrobus pensilis is a Class 1 protected species in China, and also regarded as globally Critically Endangered species by IUCN, in addition to recording the relative abundance as usually adopted in ecological survey, the technique of tree survey (i.e. direct counting with tag) was also applied to determine the abundance of G. pensilis individuals (with dbh both greater and smaller than 95mm) .

9.3.2.7            Mammal: Mammal surveys (including day and night-time surveys) were carried out and covered representative habitats within the assessment area.  Surveyors searched for and recorded sightings, tracks, and signs of mammals (including droppings) in the representative habitats.  Night surveys were conducted to survey nocturnal mammal species (e.g., bats).  Bat detector was also used for detecting bats.  Digital infra-red cameras were installed to survey the cryptic mammals. The locations of camera traps are shown in Figure 9.1. Nomenclature for mammals followed Shek (2006).

9.3.2.8            Bird: Bird survey within the assessment area was conducted using transect count method (Figure 9.1).  The occurrence and abundance of avifauna species dectected visually and aurally from survey transects at various habitats were recorded.  Bird species encountered outside survey transects but within the assessment area were also recorded.  Behaviours related to roosting (including night roosting sites, if any), breeding (e.g., nest building) and feeding observed during the surveys were recorded, if any.  Night surveys were conducted to record nocturnal bird (e.g., owls).  The location(s) of any encountered bird species of conservation importance were recorded, along with any notable behaviours.  Ornithological nomenclature in this study followed the latest Hong Kong Bird Watching Society List of Hong Kong Birds.

9.3.2.9            Two egretries i.e. Man Kam To Road Egretry and Ho Sheung Heung Egretry are located more than 2km from the Project Site. In order to fulfil the EIA Study Brief requirement, surveys on flight paths of ardeids at egretry of concern were undertaken three times between March and July 2020 during ardeids breeding season to investigate the flight directions of breeding ardeids.  The flight paths of ardeid individuals taking off from concerned egretries were recorded on map, by making reference to land features.  Focus was put on birds carrying out long-distance flights from the egretries, especially those to their feeding grounds.

9.3.2.10         During the preparation of the present EIA, information released by HKBWS in 2021 revealed that a new egretry of Black-crowned Night Heron at North District Park was firstly reported during 2020 breeding season (Anon 2021). Besides, the North Distrct Park is also a day-roost for Black-crowned Night Heron. Hence, a flight path survey was conducted between January 2021 and May 2021 cvoering months of both outside breeding season  and within breeding season. As Black-crowned Night Heron is active at night, the flight path surveys were conducted in the evening..

9.3.2.11         Herpetofauna: Herpetofauna surveys (including day and night surveys) were carried out and covered representative habitats within the assessment area.  Particular attention was given to streams/watercourses or other water bodies.  Herpetofauna surveys were conducted through direct observation and active searching in potential hiding places such as among leaf litter, inside holes, under stones and logs within the assessment area.  During the surveys, all reptiles and amphibians sighted were recorded.  Auditory detection of species-specific calls was also used to survey frogs and toads during night surveys.  The nomenclature and conservation status followed Karsen et al. (1998) and Chan et al. (2005).

9.3.2.12         Butterfly and odonate: Butterfly and odonate surveys were conducted by transect survey during daytime and under fine weather when most butterflies and dragonflies are active (Figure 9.1).  All encountered species of dragonflies and butterflies were recorded by direct observation with binoculars, and their abundance was recorded.  The nomenclature and conservation status for butterflies and dragonflies followed Chan et al. (2011) and Tam et al. (2010) respectively. 

9.3.2.13         Moth: Moth surveys were conducted by deployment of traps (Robinson or Skinner traps) and also active search in different locations inside the Project Site as well as the assessment area during night time.  The locations of moth traps are shown in Figure 9.1.  Night time active search for moth followed the same survey transects for other taxa (Figure 9.1), moths were observed by torch-light. Daytime larval searching and opportunistic observations of adult moths were also made.  Photos of moths were taken at different angles for identification. Specimens were identified to the lowest taxonomic level wherever practicable. Conservation status of species followed IUCN Red List and made reference to other publicly available information. 

9.3.2.14         Aquatic fauna: Surveys of freshwater communities were undertaken at streams/watercourses and other water bodies (either natural or man-made) within the assessment area by means of one or a combination of the following techniques: bank side observation; active searching.  The aquatic sampling locations are shown in Figure 9.1.  All freshwater fauna found were identified to the lowest practicable taxonomic level, and their abundance was recorded.  The nomenclature for fish followed Lee et al. (2004), while those for the macro-invertebrates followed Dudgeon (1999).

9.3.3               Ecological Survey Programme

9.3.3.1            As stipulated in Clause (iii) of Section 2 in Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief, necessary ecological field surveys with a duration of at least twelve (12) months covering the wet and dry seasons should be carried out. The ecological survey programme is presented in Table 9.1.  The seasonality of each taxon followed the requirements stated in EIAO-TM Annex 16, and the survey programme of each taxon referred to their active period stated in EIAO Guidance Note No.7/2010. 

Table 9.1                    Ecological Survey Programme

 

Year	2019		2020														2021
Month	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr		May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov		Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar		Apr	May
	1	2	3	4	5	6		7	8	9	10	11	12	13		14	15	16	17		18	19
Season	Dry						Wet								Dry					Wet
Habitat and Vegetation Survey
Habitat Mapping	✓					✓						✓
Vegetation survey	✓					✓						✓		✓
Terrestrial Fauna Survey
Mammal	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Bird	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Ardeid flight path					✓			✓		✓							✓	✓	✓		✓	✓
Herpetofauna			✓			✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓
Butterfly and odonate	✓					✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Moth		✓*	✓*	✓*	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓		✓	✓			✓
Aquatic community		✓				✓			✓		✓

*active search without moth trap

9.4                     RESULTS OF LITERATURE REVIEW

9.4.1               Key Ecological Resources within the Assessment Area and in the Vicinity 

Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance

9.4.1.1            There are no recognized sites of conservation importance within the Project Site nor the assessment area.  Lam Tsuen Country Park locates to the south of Fanling Golf Course (Figure 9.2).  It is outside the assessment area.  The minimum distance between the country park boundary and the Project Site is approximately 1.3 km.  The country park commands a total area of 1,520 hectares that spans over Tai Po, Fanling and Yuen Long. 

9.4.1.2            The Pak Tai To Yan Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) locates to the southeast of the assessment area (Figure 9.2).  It is outside of the assessment area.  The minimum distance between the SSSI and the Project Site is approximately 1.4 km.  The ravine carries forest relicts of great botanical interest, including some of the rare fern species, such as Pronephrium triphyllum and Colysis wrightii.  It is categorized as an SSSI with high indicative ecological value.

Important Habitats

                  Important Habitats within the Project Site

9.4.1.3            According to aerial photos, various habitats including plantation, turfgrass, woodland, and ponds were found within the Project Site.  While a wetland area supporting two species of conservation importance, i.e. Chinese Swamp Cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) and Ardisia villosa, was reported located in the southern part of the Project Site (Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden 2019).

Important Habitats outside the Project Site but within the Assessment Area

9.4.1.4            Lin Tong Mei Fung Shui Wood locates at the south western part of the assessment area (Figure 9.2).  The distance between the Fung Shui Wood boundary and the Project Site is approximately 300m.  With an area of 1,7675m², 29 vascular plant species were recorded in the Fung Shui Wood (with reference to Committee Paper NCSC 9/06 for ACE).

Important Habitats outside the Assessment Area

9.4.1.5            Man Kam To Road Egretry, Ho Sheung Heung Egretry and the proposed Long Valley Nature Park are located to the north of the assessment area, while North District Park Egretry is located to the northeast of the assessment area.  They are all outside the assessment area (Figure 9.2).  Among four of them, the North District Park Egretry is closest to the Project Site.  The distance is approximately 1.1 km, while the proposed Long Valley Nature Park is about 1.6 km, Man Kam To Road Egretry and Ho Sheung Heung Egretry are about 2.5 km from the Project Site.

9.4.1.6            According to the results of Summer 2021 Report conducted by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, one nest of Little Egret, seven nests of Chinese Pond Heron and three nests of Eastern Cattle Egret were recorded at Ho Sheung Heung Egretry in 2021, accounting for 0.6% of total nests recorded in Hong Kong. 16 nests of Little Egret and 32 nests of Chinese Pond Heron were recorded at Man Kam To Road Egretry in 2021, accounting for 2.6% of total nests recorded in Hong Kong (Anon 2021). With reference to the approved EIA report of North East New Territories New Development Areas (Register no.: AEIAR – 175/2013), to the south of Ho Sheung Heung Egretry, major flight-lines were observed over the Lo Wu Correctional Institution towards the Kwu Tung North New Development Area, towards Long Valley, along the Shek Sheung River and along the Ng Tung River towards the Fanling North New Development Area. To the south of Man Kam To Road Egretry, most birds flew towards the south-west, either following the Ng Tung River or directly over the developed area to the south-west. 

9.4.1.7            A new egretry is firstly recorded at North District Park in June 2020. Thirty-two nests of Black-crowned Night Heron were found in 2021, accounting for only 1.8% of total nests recorded in Hong Kong (Anon 2021). Besides, it is also a day-roost site for Black-crowned Night Heron.

9.4.1.8            Long Valley contains a variety of microhabitats including wet and dry habitats, ponds, marsh, inactive and fallow agricultural fields. These individual habitats form a very strong ecological linkage and form a complex mosaic across the site that nurture a diversity of species of conservation importance. It has high ecological value that provides wetland species with a diversity of water depths, vegetation and disturbance levels to cover a full range of breeding, foraging and roosting requirements of a high diversity of species. A nature park (the Long Valley Nature Park) covering a large portion of the area is currently being constructed by the government, and management will be provided for the park. 

9.4.2               Species of Conservation Importance from Reviewed Literature

9.4.2.1            In the EIA study of North East New Territories New Development Areas (AEIAR-175/2013), part of the assessment area in that EIA overlaps with that of the present study. The overlapping area covers the North District Equestrian Events Memorial Garden and the Eden Manor etc. In that overlapping area, species of conservation importance were not recorded.

9.4.2.2            With reference to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS), suspected breeding activities of Malayan Night Heron were recorded at Ping Kong to the east of the Project Site. According to the Hong Kong Biodiversity Database of AFCD (2020), Malayan Night Heron is a vagrant species previously recorded in Lo Kei Wan. It is considered as Endangered by the China Red Data Book.

9.4.2.3            The results of ecological surveys conducted by Hong Kong Golf Club and other reviewed literature has indicated species of conservation importance recorded at Fanling Golf Course, including 4 flora species, 34 bird species, 13 mammal species, 7 herpetofauna species, 13 butterfly species, 3 odonate species, 2 aquatic species and 29 moth species (Table 9.2).

 

Table 9.2        List of Flora and Fauna Species of Conservation Importance from Reviewed Literature

Scientific name	Common name	Conservation status*	Location	Source
Plant
Aquilaria sinensis	Incense Tree	IUCN Red List (2019): Vulnerable 1; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; Threatened Species List of China’s Higher Plants: Vulnerable 3; China Plant Red Data Book: Vulnerable 4; Included in Illustrations of Rare & Endangered Plant in Guangdong Province 5; Listed in Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong 6; Cap. 586 7; State protection (category II) 8	-	PP, HKGC
Ardisia villosa	-	Very rare (Corlett et al. 2000 9)	-	KFBG
Aristolochia tagala	Indian Birthwort	Cap. 96A 10	-	PP, HKGC
Glyptostrobus pensilis	Chinese Swamp Cypress	IUCN Red List (2019): Critically Endangered 1; Recorded in China Plant Red Data Book 4; State protection (category I) 8	-	PP, HKGC, KFBG
Bird
Francolinus pintadeanus	Chinese Francolin	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11	-	HKGC
Tachybaptus ruficollis	Little Grebe	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus	Cinnamon Bittern	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Gorsachius melanolophus	Malayan Night Heron	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11	-	HKBWS
Nycticorax nycticorax	Black-crowned Night Heron	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 12	-	HKGC
Ardeola bacchus	Chinese Pond Heron	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12 ; Fellowes et al. (2002): (Regional Concern) 12	-	HKGC
Bubulcus coromandus	Eastern Cattle Egret	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 12	-	PP, HKGC
Egretta garzetta	Little Egret	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern (Regional) 12	-	HKGC
Pernis ptilorhynchus	Crested Honey Buzzard	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Spilornis cheela	Crested Serpent Eagle	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Accipiter trivirgatus	Crested Goshawk	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 10; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Accipiter soloensis	Chinese Sparrowhawk	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Accipiter gularis	Japanese Sparrowhawk	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Milvus migrans	Black Kite	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Regional Concern) 12 Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Buteo japonicus	Eastern Buzzard	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Vanellus cinereus	Grey-headed Lapwing	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Gallinago stenura/Gallinago megala	Pintail/Swinhoe's Snipe	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12 for Swinhoe's Snipe	-	HKGC
Tringa glareola	Wood Sandpiper	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Centropus sinensis	Greater Coucal	State protection (category II) 8	-	HKGC
Otus lettia	Collared Scops Owl	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Ketupa zeylonensis	Brown Fish Owl	Fellowes et al. (2002): Regional Concern 12;   Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Endangered 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	PP, HKGC
Glaucidium cuculoides	Asian Barred Owlet	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Halcyon smyrnensis	White-throated Kingfisher	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 12	-	HKGC
Falco tinnunculus	Common Kestrel	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Pericrocotus solaris	Grey-chinned Minivet	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Dicrurus leucophaeus	Ashy Drongo	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Dendrocitta formosae	Grey Treepie	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Corvus torquatus	Collared Crow	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; IUCN Red List (2019): Vulnerable 1	-	HKGC
Stachyridopsis ruficeps	Rufous-capped babbler	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Garrulax canorus	Chinese Hwamei	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Leiothrix argentauris	Silver-eared Mesia	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Spodiopsar sericeus	Red-billed Starling	Fellowes et al. (2002): Global Concern 12	-	HKGC
Chloris sinica	Grey-capped Greenfinch	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Emberiza tristrami	Tristram's Bunting	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11	-	HKGC
Mammal
Callosciurus erythraeus	Pallas's Squirrel	Cap. 170 13	-	HKGC
Melogale moschata	Small-toothed Ferret Badger	Cap. 170 13; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11	-	HKGC
Paguma larvata	Masked Palm Civet	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; Cap. 586 7; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Viverricula indica	Small Indian Civet	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Vulnerable  11; Appendix 3 of CITES 2; State protection (category II) 8; Cap. 586 7; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Prionailurus bengalensis	Leopard Cat	Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Muntiacus muntjak	Red Muntjac	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12	-	PP, HKGC
Cynopterus sphinx	Short-nosed Fruit Bat	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Rhinolophus affinis	Intermediate Horseshoe Bat	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 11; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Hipposideros armiger	Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 11; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Nyctalus plancyi	Chinese Noctule	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12; Fellowes et al. (2002): (Regional Concern) 12; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Pipistrellus abramus	Japanese Pipistrelle	Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Tylonycteris pachypus	Lesser Bamboo Bat	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 12;   Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Scotophilus kuhlii	Lesser Yellow Bat	Fellowes et al. (2002): (Local Concern) 12   Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Myotis sp.	-	Cap. 170 13	-	HKGC
Herpetofauna
Kalophrynus interlineatus	Spotted Narrow-mouthed Frog	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11	-	HKGC
Hoplobatrachus chinensis	Chinese Bullfrog	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12	-	PP
Mauremys reevesii	Reeves' Turtle	Fellowes et al. (2002): Global Concern 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Endangered 11 ; IUCN Red List (2019): Endangered 1; Appendix 3 of CITES 2; Cap. 586 7; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Ptyas mucosus	Common Rat Snake	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Endangered 11; Appendix 2 of CITES 2; Cap. 586 7	-	HKGC
Bungarus multicinctus	Many-banded Krait	Fellowes et al. (2002): Potential Regional Concern 12; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Endangered 11	-	HKGC
Myrrophis chinensis	Chinese Water Snake	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Vulnerable 11	-	HKGC
Pareas margaritophorus	White-spotted Slug Snake	Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened 11	-	HKGC
Butterfly
Aeromachus jhora	Jhora Scrub Hopper/Grey Scrub Hopper	Very rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Aeromachus pygmaeus	Pigmy Scrub Hopper	Fellowes et al. (2002): Regional Concern 12	-	HKGC
Caltoris cahira	Dark Swift	Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Catochrysops Strabo	Forget-me-not	Very Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Jamides alecto	Metallic Cerulean	Very Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Megisba malaya	Malayan	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Lexias pardal	Common Archduke	Suspected species (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Vanessa cardui	Painted Lady	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Pachliopta aristolochiae	Common Rose	Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	PP, HKGC
Papilio Xuthus	Swallowtail	Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Troides helena	Common Birdwing	Appendix 2 of CITES 2; Cap. 586 7; Cap. 170 13	-	PP, HKGC
Troides aeacus	Golden Birdwing	Appendix 2 of CITES 2 Cap. 586 7 Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Dercas verhuelli	Tailed Sulphur	Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Pieris rapae	Small Cabbage White	Rare (Chan et al. 201114)	-	HKGC
Odonate
Gynacantha subinterrupta	Dingy Dusk-hawker	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Potamarcha congener	Blue Chaser	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Urothemis signata	Scarlet Basker	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	HKGC
Aquatic Fauna
Somanniathelphusa zanklon	-	Fellowes et al. (2002): Global Concern 12; IUCN Red List (2019): Endangered	-	PP, HKGC
Channa asiatica	Small Snakehead	Fellowes et al. (2002): Local Concern 12	-	PP, HKGC
Moth
Spiralisigna gloriae	-	Endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Eden 5	PP, HKGC
Fustius sterling	-	Endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Eden 4 green	PP, HKGC
Hyposada kadooriensis	-	Endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)   Listed on Hong Kong BSAP Appendix 9 Table 2	Eden 5	HKGC
Pingasa chloroides	-	Listed on Hong Kong BSAP Appendix 9 Table 2	New 15	HKGC
Ugia purpurea	-	Restricted to Hong Kong and Guangdong (HKGC); Listed on Hong Kong BSAP Appendix 9 Table 2	Old (Project Site), Eden	HKGC
Cerynea discontenta	-	Endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC); Listed on Hong Kong BSAP Appendix 9 Table 2	Eden 5, Eden 6	HKGC
Athetis hongkongensis	-	Endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC); Listed on Hong Kong BSAP Appendix 9 Table 2	Eden 5	HKGC
Lophophelma calaurops	-	Listed on Hong Kong BSAP Appendix 9 Table 2 ; Likely biggest global population in HK	Eden 5	HKGC
Adrapsa mediana	-	Rare (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Agrioglypta zelimalis	-	Rare (HKGC)	Old 4 tee (Project Site)	HKGC
Anabasis obliquifasciella	-	Rare (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Anticarsia irrorate	-	Rare (HKGC)	Old 4 tee (Project Site)	HKGC
Beijinga sp. cf. utila	-	Rare (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Old 4 fairway (Project Site)	HKGC
Brachmia sp. nr. Mimitella	-	Rare (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Callopistria sp. nr. Duplicans	-	Likely biggest global population in HK (HKGC)	Eden 5, Eden 6, Old 10 (Project Site)	HKGC
Deltoplastis sp. B nr. Ovatella	-	Rare (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Old 7 (Project Site), New 15	HKGC
Drachmobola sp. A	-	Rare (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Eucosmini sp. A (sensu Kendrick, in prep.)	-	Rare (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Old 10 (Project Site)	HKGC
Lamida sp. cf. moncusalis	-	Scarce (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Old 10 (Project Site)	HKGC
Pilipectus prunifera	-	Rare (HKGC)	New 15	HKGC
Plecoptera quaesita	-	Very rare (HKGC)	Eden 4 green	HKGC
Polylopha cassiicola	-	Likely biggest global population in HK (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Sorolopha plinthograpta	-	Rare (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Sphingonaepiopsis pumilio	-	Scarce (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Spodoptera pectinicornis	-	Rare (HKGC)	Old 7 (Project Site)	HKGC
Thaumatotibia sp. B cf. hemitoma	-	Scarce (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Eden 5, Eden 6, Old 4 (Project Site), Old 7 (Project Site), Old 10 (Project Site)	HKGC
Thisizima subceratella	-	Likely biggest global population in HK (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC
Tineovertex sp. nr. Antidroma	-	Rare (HKGC); Currently endemic to Hong Kong (HKGC)	Eden 4 green	HKGC
Westermannia superba	-	2nd Hong Kong record (HKGC)	Eden 5	HKGC

Notes:

* Conservation status mainly followed the source

1.      International Union of Conservation for Nature. (2019). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2019-2.

2.      Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (2019). Appendices I, II and III.

3.      Qin et al. (2017). Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants.

4.      Fu & Chin (1992). China Plant Red Data Book – Rare and Endangered Plants.

5.      Wu & Hu (1988). Illustration of Rare & endangered plant in Guangdong Province.

6.      Hu et al. (2003). Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong.

7.      Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance

8.      State Forestry Administration & Ministry of Agriculture (1999). List of Wild Plants under State Protection (Part 1).

9.      Corlett, R. T., Xing, F., Ng, S. C., Chau, L. K. C., & Wong, L. M. Y. (2000). Hong Kong vascular plants: distribution and status. Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society, 23: 1-157.

10.    Cap. 96A Forestry Regulations under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance

11.    Jiang, Z. G., Jiang, J. P., Wang, Y. Z., Zhang, E., Zhang, Y. Y., Li, L. L., ... & Dong, L. (2016). Red list of China’s vertebrates.

12.    Fellowes, J. R., Lau, M. W., Dudgeon, D., Reels, G. T., Ades, G. W., Carey, G. J., ... & Wilson, K. D. P. (2002). Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong.

13.    Cap. 170 Wild Animal Protection Ordinance

14.    Chan, A. Cheung, J., Sze, P., Wong, A., Wong, E. and Yau, E. 2011. A review of the local restrictedness of Hong Kong Butterflies. Hong Kong Biodiversity 21: 1-12.

 

Abbreviations:

- : Not available

HKBWS: The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

HKGC: Hong Kong Golf Club

KFBG: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

PP: Technical Study on Partial Development of Fanling Golf Course Site - Feasibility Study Project Profile

 

9.4.2.4           With reference to information provided by AFCD (i.e. “List of Species Recorded at Fanling Golf Course Site EIA Study Boundary from AFCD”), 13 species of conservation importance recorded at the 500m assessment area, including 11 bird species, one herpetofauna species and one odonate species (Table 9.3). However, exact locations of the species are not available.

 

Table 9.3  List of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance Recorded within the Assessment Area by AFCD (exact locations are not specified)

Scientific Name 1	Common Name 1	Rarity and Distribution in Hong Kong 1	Conservation status 3,4,5,6,7
Bird (Remarks: all wild bird species are protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance in Hong Kong 2)
Nycticorax nycticorax	Black-crowned Night Heron	Common resident and winter visitor. Widely distributed in Hong Kong.	Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)
Ardeola bacchus	Chinese Pond Heron	Common resident. Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong.	Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC,(RC)
Bubulcus coromandus	Eastern Cattle Egret	Resident and common passage migrant. Widely distributed in Hong Kong.	Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)
Egretta garzetta	Little Egret	Common resident. Widely distributed in coastal area throughout Hong Kong.	Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC,(RC)
Spilornis cheela	Crested Serpent Eagle	Uncommon resident. Widely distributed in shrublands on hillsides throughout Hong Kong.	China Red Data Book Status: (Vulnerable); Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); Appendix 2 of CITES; Cap. 586
Accipiter trivirgatus	Crested Goshawk	Uncommon resident. Widely distributed in woodlands and shrublands throughout Hong Kong.	Class 2 Protected Animal of China; China Red Data Book Status: (Rare); Appendix 2 of CITES; Cap. 586
Centropus sinensis	Greater Coucal	Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong.	Class 2 Protected Animal of China; China Red Data Book Status: (Vulnerable)
Centropus bengalensis	Lesser Coucal	Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong.	Class 2 Protected Animal of China; China Red Data Book Status: (Vulnerable)
Otus lettia	Collared Scops Owl	Common resident. Widely distributed in shrubland throughout Hong Kong.	Class 2 Protected Animal of China; Appendix 2 of CITES; Cap. 586
Garrulax canorus	Chinese Hwamei	Common resident. Widely distributed in hillside shrubland througthout Hong Kong.	Appendix 2 of CITES; Cap. 586
Saxicola ferreus	Grey Bush Chat	Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Widely distributed in open cultivated fields throughout Hong Kong.	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC
Odonate
Rhodothemis rufa	Ruby Darter	Common. Widely distribute in ponds and marshes throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC
Reptile
Amphiesma stolatum	Buff-striped Keelback	Distributed in lowland in central and northern New Territories and Lantau Island.	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC

Notes

1.         AFCD (2020). Hong Kong Biodiversity Database.

2.         Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance

3.         Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.

4.         Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (2020). Appendices I, II and III.

5.         Fellowes et al. (2002). Wild animals to watch: Terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong.

·     For conservation status listed by Fellowes et al. (2002), letters in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in breeding and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence.

6.         List of State Protected Wild Animals, promulgated by the State Council

7.         Zheng and Wang (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Aves.

 

Abbreviations:

•          Conservation Status in Fellowes et al. (2002): LC = Local Concern; PRC = Potential Regional Concern;

RC = Regional Concern

 

9.5                     ECOLOGICAL SURVEY RESULTS

 

 

9.5.1               Habitat & Vegetation Survey

9.5.1.1            The assessment area including the Project Site is about 321 ha in area size.  There were fifteen types of habitat identified within the assessment area, namely abandoned agricultural land, active agricultural land, developed area, fung shui wood, marsh, mixed woodland, orchard, planation, pond, ruderal vegetation, shrubland/grassland, swampy woodland, turfgrass land, watercourse and woodland (Figure 9.3aand 9.3b). Among these habitats, eight habitats including developed area, marsh, mixed woodland, planation, pond, swampy woodland, turfgrass land and woodland were found within the Project Site, which is about 32 ha in area size, of elongated shape running along the east of Fan Kam Road (Table 9.4). The Project Site was predominated by turfgrass land.

9.5.1.2            Abandoned agricultural land was situated in the eastern part of the assessment area.  It was interspersed with the active agricultural land of Ping Kong Village. This habitat was used to be active agricultural land in the past. However, it had been abandoned and the abandonment of cultivation practice left a bare ground, providing area for the colonization of plant species of typical of primary stages of vegetative succession and weedy species. Common plant species found in this habitat included Alocasia macrorrhizos, Ficus hispida, Bidens alba and Wedelia trilobata.

9.5.1.3            Active agricultural land was identified in the east, southeast and southwest of the assessment area, which also included Tai Lung Experimental Farm. Crop and fruit tree species were cultivated, for instance, Maranta arundinacea, Benincasa hispida, Dimocarpus longan and Artocarpus heterophyllus.

9.5.1.4            Developed area within the assessment area comprised villages, roads, residential area, Tai Lung Experimental Farm, North District Hospital and other man-made structure. This habitat was highly disturbed and generally concrete-paved with limited species of plants. Landscape species such as Delonix regia, Lagerstroemia speciosa and Ixora chinensis and weedy species such as Ipomoea cairica and Oplismenus compositus were commonly encountered. Fruit trees such Dimocarpus longan as were also found in the village area.

9.5.1.5            The entire Lin Tong Mei Fung Shui Wood was located to the west of the Project Site. It was isolated and surrounded by developed area comprising mainly village areas. A closed canopy and a complex forest structure consisting mainly of native lowland forest species were observed. Canopy height ranges from 10m to 15m. The species dominating the canopy included but not limited to Cinnamomum camphora, Acronychia pedunculata, Sterculia lanceolata and Machilus chekiangensis. The understorey was mainly composed of shade-tolerant shrub and small tree species in the likes of Ardisia quinquegona, Psychotria asiatica and Schefflera heptaphylla as well as herbaceous species such as Pteris semipinnata and Lophatherum gracile. A wide array of vine and herbaceous climber species were also recorded, such as Dalbergia benthamii, Hypserpa nitida and Tetracera asiatica. Weedy species such as Panicum maximum and Ipomoea cairica were found at the boundary of the fung shui wood indicating human disturbance may occur there.

9.5.1.6            A small patch of marsh was found at Sub-Area 4 within the Project Site. It was surrounded by turfgrass and mixed woodland. Co-dominant by common marsh species such as Leersia hexandra and Cyclosorus interruptus and exotic weedy species such as Bidens alba and Mikania micrantha.

9.5.1.7            Mixed woodland was the major woodland type within the assessment area and it occurred as various stands throughout the whole assessment area including the Project Site. The canopy of mixed woodland was generally co-dominated by both native (such as Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum burmanni and Schefflera heptaphylla) and exotic tree (such as Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana, Lophostemon confertus and Eucalyptus spp.) species with trees reaching 8 to 12m. In the understorey, both native and exotic shrub species Ligustrum sinense, Psychotria asiatica, Rhaphiolepis indica and climber species Desmos chinensis and Mikania micrantha were frequently encountered.

9.5.1.8            A patch of orchard was identified to the east of the Project Site. This habitat was under management for fruit production. Fruit trees such as Litchi chinensis and Dimocarpus longan were commonly planted.

9.5.1.9            Isolated patches of plantation were found within the Project Site and the slopes in the New Course also managed by Fanling Golf Club. The canopy of this habitat was dominated by homogeneous exotic tree species in the like of Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana and Lophostemon confertus, reflecting the plantation nature of this habitat. Nevertheless, native herbaceous species such as Dicranopteris pedata, Dianella ensifolia and Cyclosorus parasiticus were found regenerating in the understory of the plantation.

9.5.1.10         Several small ponds were found within the assessment area, among which, one of them was located within the Project Site, two of them were located inside the New Course to the west of the Project Site and a cluster of them was located in Tai Lung Village to the east of the Project Site. Some of the ponds were for landscape purpose, and ornamental species such as Nymphaea lotus and Iris pseudacorus were planted. Besides, hydrophilic species such as Alternanthera sessilis, Commelina diffusa and Eclipta prostrata were commonly encountered at the bunds of all the ponds.

9.5.1.11         Two patches of shrubland/grassland were identified within the assessment area, which were located at the hilltop of Fuk Tsuen Shan and Chong Tsin Leng. This habitat is undergoing secondary succession and its species composition is highly typical of other shrubland/grassland in Hong Kong. Dicranopteris pedata, a pioneer fern species, formed dense cover over part of the shrubland/grassland. Besides, a wide array of grass and shrub species such as Neyraudia reynaudiana, Miscanthus sinensis and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, were also commonly found. Young individuals of tree species such as Acronychia pedunculata and Rhus chinensis were also occasionally found in this habitat.

9.5.1.12         Turfgrass land which covers the fairway of golf courses was the major habitat within the Project Site and the New Course. This habitat was planted with turfgrass species such as Axonopus compressus, Platinum paspalum, Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella, while naturally colonized herbarous species such as Kyllinga polyphylla, Elephantopus tomentosus and Lindernia rotundifolia were occasionally found. This habitat was regularly managed by the Fanling Golf Course to facilitate golfing activities.  Frequent mowing was noted during survey.

9.5.1.13         Several watercourses were found within the assessment area. Most of the watercourses within the assessment area were channelized with concrete banks and bed for drainage purposes (Limited to those of significant sizes only. Minor man-made drains however were not distinguished from the surrounding habitats). Weedy species such as Mikania micrantha, Bidens alba, Wedelia trilobata and Kyllinga polyphylla were found colonized on the banks and beds.

9.5.1.14         Two patches of ruderal vegetation were found to the south and southwest of the Project Site within the assessment area. This habitat was of disturbance nature, the original vegetation had been cleared recently, providing an opportunity for the colonization of pioneer weedy species. Bidens alba, Panicum maximum and Leucaena leucocephala are the examples of weedy species that could be commonly found in this habitat.

9.5.1.15         A patch of swampy woodland was found within the Project Site. This habitat was generally wet in nature probably due to its lower elevation level in the topography. Trees attained variable heights, ranging from 9 to 17 meters, and formed a complex and mature woodland structure. The canopy of the northern half portion was co-dominated by Glyptostrobus pensilis and Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana while the canopy of the southern half portion was dominated by various common native lowland secondary forest species such as Aporusa dioica, Cinnamomum camphora, Schefflera heptaphylla and Cinnamomum burmannii. Dense understorey was noted, which is composed of shade tolerant small tree (such as Aquilaria sinensis and Sterculia lanceolata), shrubs (such as Psychotria asiatica) and herbs (such as Alocasia macrorrhizos and Cyclosorus parasiticus). Various climber species such as Lygodium scandens, Mikania micrantha and Psychotria serpens could also be found there.

9.5.1.16         Several small woodland stands were found within and adjacent to the Project Site while a large stand was located to the south of the Project Site. The canopy of the woodland was generally dominated by various common native lowland secondary forest species such as Cinnamomum camphora, Adenanthera microsperma, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Machilus chekiangensis, the trees generally reached 10 to 20m. In the understorey, native shrub species Psychotria asiatica, Rhaphiolepis indica, Ilex asprella, herbaceous species Blechnum orientale, Cyclosorus parasiticus, Adiantum flabellulatum and climber species Dalbergia benthamii, Desmos chinensis and Psychotria serpens were frequently encountered.

 

Table 9.4  Habitats within the Assessment Area and the 4 Sub-Areas within Project Site

Habitat	Within the Project Site					Within the Assessment Area (*including Project Site)		Percentage of Habitats within the Assessment Area by Size (%)
	Sub-Area 1	Sub-Area 2	Sub-Area 3	Sub-Area 4	Total	Approximate Size (ha)	Approximate Length (m)
Abandoned Agricultural Land	-	-	-	-	-	26.7	N/A	8.32
Active Agricultural Land	-	-	-	-	-	20.2	N/A	6.3
Developed Area	1.82	0.34	0.05	0.01	2.22	97.28*	N/A	30.32
Fung Shui Wood	-	-	-	-	-	2.35	N/A	0.73
Marsh	-	-	-	0.15	0.15	0.15*	N/A	0.047
Mixed Woodland	3.72	1.36	2.39	0.22	7.69	64.27*	N/A	20.03
Orchard	-	-	-	-	-	0.65	N/A	0.2
Plantation	-	1.68	-	-	1.68	9.71*	N/A	3.03
Pond	-	0.05	-	-	0.05	1.22*	N/A	0.38
Ruderal Vegetation	-	-	-	-	-	2.85	N/A	0.89
Shrubland/Grassland	-	-	-	-	-	5.53	N/A	1.72
Swampy Woodland	-	-	-	1.40	1.40	1.4*	N/A	0.44
Turfgrass	5.07	2.15	4.67	2.35	14.24	63.21*	N/A	19.7
Watercourse	-	-	-	-	-	2.22	5529	0.69
Woodland	0.39	1.42	1.39	0.87	4.07	23.13*	N/A	7.21
Total	11.0	7.0	8.5	5.0	31.5	321*	5529	100

 

9.5.1.17         A total of 605 plant species were recorded within the assessment area, among which 306 and 282 are known to be native and exotic to Hong Kong respectively and the remaining 17 species are of uncertain origin. Among the floral species recorded within the assessment area, 13 species are the flora species of conservation importance, including Aquilaria sinensis, Ardisia villosa, Aristolochia tagala, Artocarpus hypargyreus, Camellia crapnelliana, Cibotium barometz, Geodorum densiflorum, Glyptostrobus pensilis, Ilex graciliflora, Keteleeria fortune, Pavetta hongkongensis, Pyrenaria spectabilis and Rhododendron simsii, and their locations are shown in Figure 9.4.

9.5.1.18         Camellia azalea, Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Michelia figo, Michelia x alba, Oncidium flexuosum, Rhododendron mucronatum, Rhododendron pulchrum and Rhododendron pulchrum var. phoeniceum were either proteceted by Cap. 96A and/or Cap. 586, however, these species are exotic to Hong Kong and all the recorded individuals were cultivated. Thus, they are not considered as species of conservation importance. For Rhododendron simsii, it is native to Hong Kong and both cultivated and wild individuals were recorded. The cultivated individuals are not considered as species of conservation importance due to the cultivation nature, however, about three wild individuals were recorded and they are considered as species of conservation importance. The locations of the wild individuals are shown in Figure 9.4.

9.5.1.19         Araucaria heterophylla, Belamcanda chinensis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Crateva trifoliata, Epipremnum pinnatum, Ocimum basilicum, Pittosporum tobira, Pterocarpus indicus, Reynoutria japonica are exotic to Hong Kong, in addition, all the recorded individuals were cultivated. Thus they are not considered as species of conservation importance despite being considered Endangered/Vulnerable by IUCN (2019) or considered as rare/very rare by Corlett et al. (2000).

9.5.1.20         Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis are listed as Endangered/Vulnerable in Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants, listed as Vulnerable in China Plant Red Data Book and listed under Category II in the List of Wild Plants under State Protection (Part 1). Both wild and cultivated individuals were encountered during survey. However, they are both exotic to Hong Kong and not protected by Hong Kong law. Thus, they are not considered as species of conservation importance.

9.5.1.21         Individuals of Podocarpus macrophyllus recorded during the present survey was found cultivated individuals and therefore not considered as species of conservation importance, despite being considered as Vulnerable in Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants

9.5.1.22         Dalbergia spp. are listed under Appendix II of CITES and protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance in Hong Kong as species in this genus is facing threat due to the overexploitation for its valuable wood (known as rosewood). In the current study, Dalbergia benthamii and Dalbergia hancei were recorded. As both of the recorded Dalbergia are climber which is not relevant to the timber exploitation. In addition, these two species are very common in Hong Kong and considered as “common” by Corlett et al. (2000). Thus, they are not considered as species of conservation importance in the current Study.

9.5.1.23         Around 398 individuals (including both larger than and smaller than 95mm dbh) of Aquilaria sinensis was recorded in plantation, mixed woodland, swampy woodland, turfgrass land and woodland within the Project Site. Outside the Project Site but within the assessment area, Aquilaria sinensis was also recorded in developed area, fung shui wood, plantation, turfgrass land, mixed woodland and woodland. Aquilaria sinensis is common in the lowland forests and fung shui woods of Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000) and was included in the book “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong” (Hu et al. 2003). In south China, particularly Hong Kong, it is threatened by illegal felling and over-exploitation and is listed in Appendix II of CITES and protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance in Hong Kong. Moreover, it is included in China Plant Red Data Book (Fu and Chin 1992) and Illustration of Rare & Endangered plant in Guangdong Province (Wu and Hu 1988), and wild individuals are listed in Category II of the List of Wild Plants under State Protection (State Forestry Administration & Ministry of Agriculture 1999). It is also categorized as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book (Fu and Chin 1992), the Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants (Qin et al. 2017) and the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2020).

9.5.1.24         Colonies of Ardisia villosa were recorded within the assessment area, among, around 149 and 28 individuals were recorded in woodland and mixed woodland within the Project Site respectively. Ardisia villosa was also recorded in mixed woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Ardisia villosa is a native shrub which is considered as very rare in forest of Hong Kong. According to KFBG (2019), this species is only known from a handful of other individuals at one other site in Hong Kong (estimated local population:< 50 individuals).

9.5.1.25         About five and one individuals of Aristolochia tagala was recorded in the swampy woodland and woodland within the Project Site respectively. Besides, Aristolochia tagala was also recorded in developed area, active agricultural land, mixed woodland and woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Aristolochia tagala is a native climber species which is considered as rare in forest in Hong Kong. Locally, it is protected under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance in Hong Kong.

9.5.1.26         Individuals of Artocarpus hypargyreus were recorded in the mixed woodland outside Project Site but within the assessment area. Artocarpus hypargyreus is a native tree which is common in forest in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000). However, being overexploited for its timber and threatened by habitat loss, population of Artocarpus hypargyreus has declined and it is categorized as “Vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2020) globally. In China, this species is included in China Plant Red Data Book (Fu and Chin 1992) and Illustration of Rare & Endangered plant in Guangdong Province (Wu and Hu 1988). It is also categorized as “Vulnerable” in the Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants (Qin et al. 2017). Moreover, It is also included in the book “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong” (Hu et al. 2003).

9.5.1.27         Several individuals of Camellia crapnelliana were found in the mixed woodland inside Tai Lung Experimental Farm within the assessment area. Camellia crapnelliana is a native tree which is very rare in forest in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000) and was included in the book “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong” (Hu et al. 2003). This species is threatened by the destruction of forests, it is categorized as “Vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2020) globally. In China, it is considered as ‘Vulnerable’ in China Plant Red Data Book (Fu and Chin 1992), categorized as “Vulnerable” in the Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants (Qin et al. 2017). This species is also protected under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance in Hong Kong.

9.5.1.28         Cibotium barometz were found in swampy woodland within the Project Site (about 1 individual) and planation and woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Cibotium barometz is a native herb that is very common in the forests and shrublands of Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000) but is often exploited for Chinese medicinal purpose. In Hong Kong, it is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance due to being listed under Appendix II of CITES and is regarded as one of the 100 “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong” (Hu et al. 2003). In China, it is listed in Category II of the List of Wild Plants under State Protection (State Forestry Administration & Ministry of Agriculture 1999).

9.5.1.29         A cluster of around 32 Geodorum densiflorum were recorded during survey in the mixed woodland within the Project Site. Geodorum densiflorum is a native orchid species which is restricted in grassland and forest edges in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000). This species, together with all other orchid species in Hong Kong, is protected under Cap. 96A Forestry Regulations under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance in Hong Kong. Listed under Appendix II of CITES, Geodorum densiflorum is also protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance in Hong Kong.

9.5.1.30         About 30 individuals of Glyptostrobus pensilis were found in the swampy woodland within the Project Site and another three individuals were found in turfgrass land next to a pond in the New Course (outside the Project Site but within the assessment area). Glyptostrobus pensilis is a tree species which is considered as very rare in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000). Facing to global threats including habitat loss and illegal logging, this species currently appears only very small population stands in South China, Vietnam and Laos, and it is categorized as “Critically Endangered” in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2020). Besides, this species is recorded in the China Red Data Book and listed in Category I of the List of Wild Plants under State Protection (State Forestry Administration & Ministry of Agriculture 1999). This species is considered as an exotic species by AFCD (Hong Kong Herbarium, 2020).  However, there were also views that some individuals appeared in the Pearl River Delta area were actually originated from wild/natural populations (KFBG 2019). For the population in Fanling Golf Course, KFBG opined that they were not planted individuals given the occurrence of individuals in different age classes; progagation observed and non-regular tree locations.  Due to the rare nature and the controversial origin of Glyptostrobus pensilis, to take a precautionary approach, this species is considered as a species of conservation importance in the present Study.

9.5.1.31         Ilex graciliflora was recorded in the mixed woodland (~1 ind.) and woodland (~1 ind.) within the Project Site. Ilex graciliflora is a native tree which is considered common in shrubland and forest in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000). Globally, this species is categorized as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2020). Nevertheless, it has been recorded in a number of localities in Hong Kong and is considered to have patchy distribution in secondary habitats, partly along streams locally (Tsang, 2005).

9.5.1.32         Several individuals of Keteleeria fortune were found in the mixed woodland outside Project Site but within the assessment area. Keteleeria fortune is a very rare native tree species in shrubland in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000) and it was included in the book “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong” (Hu et al. 2003). In China, it is included in Illustration of Rare & Endangered plant in Guangdong Province (Wu and Hu 1988), it is also categorized as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book (Fu and Chin 1992) and the Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants (Qin et al. 2017). Locally, it is protected under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance in Hong Kong.

9.5.1.33         About three individuals of Pavetta hongkongensis were recorded in the plantation within the Project Site. Pavetta hongkongensis is a common shrub or small tree species found in the fung shui woods and lowland forests of Hong Kong and scheduled under Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96).

9.5.1.34         Several individuals of Pyrenaria spectabilis were found in the mixed woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Pyrenaria spectabilis is a native restricted tree species in forest in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000). It is protected under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance in Hong Kong locally.

9.5.1.35         About three wild individuals of Rhododendron simsii were found in the plantation within the Project Site. Rhododendron simsii is a native very common shrub species in shrubland in Hong Kong (Corlett et al. 2000). It is protected under Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance in Hong Kong locally.

9.5.2               Mammal Survey

9.5.2.1            During the ecological survey period, infra-red cameras were installed at 13 locations within the assessment area to survey cryptic mammals. Eleven locations were within the Project Site covering Sub-Area 1 to Sub-Area 4, while the other two were at the New Course outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Among all the photos taken by the cameras, there were a total of 347 mammal photos.  Domestic Dog, Domestic Cat and Wild Boar were the dominant species recorded by the infra-red cameras. Other cryptic species such as Red Muntjac, East Asian Porcupine, Masked Palm Civet and Small Indian Civet were also recorded by the infra-red cameras.

9.5.2.2            Combining the results from infra-red camera and direct observation (i.e. signs or live individuals), twelve species of mammal were recorded within the assessment area, of which eleven species were recorded within the Project Site (Appendix 9B(1)). Mammal data in each sub-area within the Project Site are presented in Appendix 9B(2). Among all of the twelve species, eight species were of conservation importance, including Red Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac, Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis, East Asian Porcupine Hystrix brachyura, Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx, Pallas's Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus, Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus, Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata and Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica. Apart from Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx, the other seven species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project Site. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.2.3            One and five records of Red Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac was taken by infra-red camera in Woodland within Sub-Area 2 and Sub-Area 4 of the Project Site, respectively. It is considered as Potential Regional Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is very common and widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.2.4            A scat of Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis was recorded in Plantation within Sub-Area 2 of the Project Site. It is considered as Vulnerable by China Red Data Book. It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is uncommon and widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong, except Lantau Island.

9.5.2.5            One record of East Asian Porcupine Hystrix brachyura was taken by infra-red camera in Woodland within Sub-Area 2 of the Project Site. It is considered as Potential Global Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is very common and widespread throughout most of Hong Kong, but no record was found on Lantau Island.

9.5.2.6            Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx was recorded by direct observation in Mixed Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. The recorded individuals were found roosting under the fronds of the Chinese Fan-palm. This species is considered as Indeterminate by China Red Data Book. It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is very common and widely distributed in urban and forested areas throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.2.7            Pallas's Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus was recorded by direct observation in Turfgrass within Sub-Area 3 of the Project Site, and in Developed Area, Turfgrass and Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is common and fairly widely distributed.

9.5.2.8            Japanese Pipistrelle Pipistrellus abramus was recorded in Mixed Woodland within Sub-Area 1 of the Project Site. It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is very common and widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.2.9            Four and one records of Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata were taken by infra-red camera in Woodland and Mixed Woodland within Sub-Area 3 and 4 of the Project Site, respectively. It is considered as Potential Regional Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is common and widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong, except Lantau Island and Northwest N.T.

9.5.2.10         Two records of Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica was taken by infra-red camera in Woodland within Sub-Area 2 of the Project Site. It is considered as Class 2 Protected Animal of China. It is protected under Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is very common and widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong, except Lantau Island.

9.5.2.11         Continuous wooded area may serve the functions of ecological corridors if they connect with other suitable habitats and there are wildlife utilised or inhabited.  Within the Project Site and its vicinity, there are two patches of continuous wooded areas (Figure 9.3a). The first one is the mosaic of plantation, mixed woodland and woodland spanning across the Project Site near the boundary between Sub-Area 1 and Sub-Area 2 (from the wooded area at the southeast of Sub-Area 1, then crossing the centre and southwest part of Sub-Areas 2). The eastern end of this potential corridor connects to developed area, while the western end connects to Fan Kam Road. Another patch of continuous wooded area is at the southern end of the Project Site (i.e. Sub-Area 4), where woodland habitat connects the woodland outside the Project Site in the south-east of the assessment area and extending to Pak Tai To Yan SSSI and Lam Tsuen Country Park. Cryptic mammal species such as Masked Palm Civet, Red Muntjac and East Asian Porcupine were recorded in the two potential corridors and/or in the vicinity.

9.5.3               Bird Survey

9.5.3.1            Seventy-four species of bird were recorded within the assessment area, of which fifty-six species were recorded within the Project Site (Appendix 9C(1)). Bird data in each Sub-Area within the Project Site are presented in Appendix 9C(2). Among all of the seventy-four species, sixteen of them were of conservation importance, including Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus, Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela, Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata, Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus, Black Kite Milvus migrans, Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus, Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis, Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia, Ryukyu Scops-owl Otus elegans, Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, Collared Crow Corvus torquatus, Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps and Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus. Ten species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project Site. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.3.2            Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus was recorded in Developed Area, Marsh, Pond, Turfgrass and Woodland within the Project Site, and in Abandoned Agricultural Land, Active Agricultural Land, Developed Area, Pond, Turfgrass and Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Potential Regional Concern and (Regional Concern) by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is a common resident widely distributed in Hong Kong.

9.5.3.3            Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus was recorded in Marsh and Turfgrass within the Project Site, and in Plantation and Turfgrass outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is a resident and common passage migrant widely distributed in Hong Kong.

9.5.3.4            Little Egret Egretta garzetta was recorded in Active Agricultural Land, Turfgrass and Watercourse outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Potential Regional Concern and (Regional Concern) by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is a common resident widely distributed in coastal area throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.3.5            Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela was recorded soaring above the Turfgrass within the Project Site, and in Developed Area and Plantation outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Vulnerable by China Red Data Book and as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES, and is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is an uncommon resident widely distributed in shrublands on hillsides throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.3.6            Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata was recorded in Developed Area outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES, and considered as Rare in China Red Data Book, and as (Regional Concern) by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is a scarce resident found in Deep Bay area, Hong Kong Island, Lamma Island, Lantau Island, Castle Peak, Sha Lo Tung.

9.5.3.7            Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus was recorded in Marsh and Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed as Class 2 Protected Animal of China, and considered as Rare in China Red Data Book. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES, and is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.

9.5.3.8            Black Kite Milvus migrans was recorded in Marsh and Turfgrass within the Project Site, and in Active Agricultural Land, Developed Area and Mixed Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and considered as Regional Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is a common resident and winter visitor widely distributed in Hong Kong.

9.5.3.9            Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus was recorded in Turfgrass within the Project Site, and in Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is a common winter visitor widely distributed in Hong Kong.

9.5.3.10         Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica was recorded in Mixed Woodland within the Project Site. It is considered as Vulnerable in China Red Data Book. It is a scarce but widespread resident widely distributed in woodland throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.3.11         Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis was recorded in Abandoned Agricultural Land, Developed Area and Mixed Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Class 2 Protected Animal of China and considered as Vulnerable in China Red Data Book. It is a common resident widely distributed in Hong Kong.

9.5.3.12         Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia was recorded in Mixed Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and in Class 2 Protected Animal of China. It is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is a common resident widely distributed in shrubland throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.3.13         Ryukyu Scops-owl Otus elegans was recorded in Turfgrass and Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.

9.5.3.14         Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus was recorded in Developed Area outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and in Class 2 Protected Animal of China. It is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is a common autumn migrant and winter visitor widely distributed in Hong Kong.

9.5.3.15         Collared Crow Corvus torquatus was recorded in Turfgrass within the Project Site, and in Turfgrass outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List and is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is an uncommon resident found in Inner Deep Bay area, Nam Chung, Kei Ling Ha, Tai Mei Tuk, Pok Fu Lam, Chek lap Kok, Shuen Wan, Lam Tsuen.

9.5.3.16         Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyridopsis ruficeps was recorded in Woodland, Swampy Woodland and Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Orchard and Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is an uncommon resident found in Shing Mun, Tai Po Kau, Tai Mek Tuk, Ng Tung Chai, Fo Tan, Tai Mo Shan, The Peak and Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre.

9.5.3.17         Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus was recorded in Turfgrass within the Project Site. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is a common resident widely distributed in hillside shrubland througthout Hong Kong.

 

9.5.4               Flight-line Survey of Ardeids during Breeding Season

 

9.5.4.1            Ho Sheung Heung Egretry – The Ho Sheung Heung egretry is located in orchard and plantation. Flight-lines linking this egretry were surveyed during the current study. Forty-one flight-lines were recorded to represent individuals of ardeids leaving or returning to Ho Sheung Heung Egretry during the survey period. The major flight-lines observed is shown in Figure 9.6a. To the south of the egretry, major flight-lines were observed towards and tended to land (based on the flight-height) at Long Valley and Ng Tung River. To the north of the egretry, most birds were observed flying along Ng Tung River. Most of the flight-lines were below 10m in height, indicating the flight distance was short. No observation of the flight-lines was towards the 500m assessment area.

9.5.4.2            Man Kam To Road Egretry – The Man Kam To Road egretry is located in roadside plantation habitat situated between the Man Kam To Road and an open storage area. In total, 68 flight-lines were observed leaving the egretry during the monitoring period. As shown in Figure 9.6a, most birds flew towards the south-west, either following the Ng Tung River or directly over the developed area towards Shek Sheung River. The height of flight-lines followed Ng Tung River was below 10m, while the flight-lines over the developed area towards Shek Sheung River were about 20m in height. The flight-lines towards Shek Sheung River tended to land on Long Valley. However, no observation of the flight-lines was towards the 500m assessment area.

9.5.4.3            North District Park Ardeid Day Roost / Egretry – The ardeid day-roost and/or egretry is located on tree species Taxodium distichum and Schefflera actinophylla within the pond of the North District Park. During the non-breeding season (January and February 2021), a total of 102 flight-lines of Black-crown Night Heron were observed, most of the flight height were about 20m, none of the flight-lines flied towards the Project Site (Figure 6b). While during the breeding season, a total of 148 flight-lines of Black-crown Night Heron were observed, the flight directions and height were similar to the flight-lines conducted in non-breeding season (Figure 6c). 

9.5.4.4            The Ho Sheung Heung, Man Kam To Road and North District Park egretries are located outside the 500m assessment area, no egretries or breeding records of ardeids were observed within the 500m assessment area.

9.5.5               Herpetofauna Survey

9.5.5.1            Twelve species of reptile and seven species of amphibian were recorded within the assessment area, of which five species of reptile and four species of amphibian were recorded within the Project Site (Appendix 9D(1)). Reptile and amphibian data in each sub-area within the Project Site are presented in Appendix 9D(2). Among all of the twelve species of reptile and seven species of amphibian, five species of reptile and no species of amphibian were of conservation importance, including Reeve's Turtle Chinemys reevesii, Chinese Water Snake Enhydris chinensis, Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus, Many-banded Krait Bungarus multicinctus and Indian Forest Skink Sphenomorphus indicus. Among these species of conservation importance, only Many-banded Krait Bungarus multicinctus was recorded within the Project Site. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.5.2            Reeve's Turtle Chinemys reevesii was recorded in Pond outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Conservation Dependent by China Red Data Book, as Global Concern by Fellowes et al. 2002, and as Endangered by IUCN Red List. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES. It is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is widespread in the territory. It was used to be a common species, but sightings have been rare in recent years. It is found in most local reservoirs.

9.5.5.3            Chinese Water Snake Enhydris chinensis was recorded in Pond outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Vulnerable by Red List of China's Vertebrates. It is distributed in freshwater or brackish wetlands in central and northern New Territories.

9.5.5.4            Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus was recorded in Turfgrass outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Endangered by the China Red Data Book, and as Potential Regional Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES and is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. It is widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.5.5            Many-banded Krait Bungarus multicinctus was recorded in Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Plantation outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Vulnerable by the China Red Data Book, and as Potential Regional Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is widely distributed in New Territories, Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island.

9.5.5.6            Indian Forest Skink Sphenomorphus indicus was recorded in Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is distributed in woodlands in eastern and central New Territories.

9.5.6               Butterfly Survey

9.5.6.1            Seventy-one species of butterfly were recorded within the assessment area, of which 50 species were recorded within the Project Site (Appendix 9E(1)). Butterfly data in each sub-area within the Project Site are presented in Appendix 9E(2). Among all of the seventy-one species, ten species were of conservation importance, including Grey Scrub Hopper Aeromachus jhora, Grass Demon Udaspes folus, Forget-me-not Catochrysops Strabo, Metallic Cerulean Jamides Alecto, Common Cerulean Jamides celeno, Tiny Grass Blue Zizula hylax, Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus, Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae, Common Birdwing Troides Helena and Small Cabbage White Pieris rapae. Seven species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project Site. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.6.2            Grey Scrub Hopper Aeromachus jhora was recorded in Marsh within the Project Site. It is a rare species found in Yung Shue O, Kuk Po, Tai Lam, Sha Lo Tung.

9.5.6.3            Grass Demon Udaspes folus was recorded in Abandoned Agricultural Land, Active Agricultural Land and Developed Area outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is a rare species widely distributed in agricultural field throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.6.4            Forget-me-not Catochrysops strabo was recorded in Swampy Woodland within the Project Site, and in Developed Area outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is a very rare species found in Pui O, Tai Po Kau, Fung Yuen, Shing Mun, Sha Lo Wan.

9.5.6.5            Metallic Cerulean Jamides alecto was recorded in Turfgrass and Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Active Agricultural Land outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is a very rare species found in Victoria Peak, Fung Yuen, Chuen Lung, Mui Wo.

9.5.6.6            Common Cerulean Jamides celeno was recorded in Turfgrass within the Project Site. It is a rare species found in Shek Pik, High Junk Peak, Shek Mun Kap, Fung Yuen, Pui O, Ma On Shan.

9.5.6.7            Tiny Grass Blue Zizula hylax was recorded in Active Agricultural Land outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is a very rare species found in Lung Kwu Tan, Fung Yuen, Sha Lo Wan.

9.5.6.8            Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus was recorded in Woodland and Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Active Agricultural Land outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is an uncommon species found in Ngau Ngak Shan, Lung Kwu Tan, Hong Kong Wetland Park, Mount Parker, Cloudy Hill, Lin Ma Hang.

9.5.6.9            Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae was recorded in Swampy Woodland, Turfgrass, Woodland and Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Developed Area, Woodland and Mixed Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is a rare species widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.6.10         Common Birdwing Troides helena was recorded in Turfgrass and Mixed Woodland within the Project Site, and in Orchard and Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES. It is protected under Cap. 586 Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. It is an uncommon species widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.6.11         Small Cabbage White Pieris rapae was recorded in Mixed Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is a rare species found in Shep Mun Kap, Fan Lau, Ngong Ping, Kam Tin, Ho Chung, Luk Keng, Tuen Mun Ash Lagoon.

9.5.7               Odonate Survey

9.5.7.1            Twenty-six species of odonate were recorded within the assessment area, of which twenty-two species were recorded within the Project Site (Appendix 9F(1)). Odonate data in each sub-area within the Project Site are presented in Appendix 9F(2). Among all of the twenty-six species, three species were of conservation importance, including Blue Chaser Potamarcha congener, Sapphire Flutterer Rhyothemis triangularis and Scarlet Basker Urothemis signata. All of the three species of conservation importance were recorded within the Project Site. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.7.2            Blue Chaser Potamarcha congener was recorded in Marsh within the Project Site, and in Abandoned Agricultural Land and Woodland outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is a common species widely distribute in marsh throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.7.3            Sapphire Flutterer Rhyothemis triangularis was recorded in Pond within the Project Site. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is a common species widely distribute in weedy ponds, sluggish rivers and marshes.

9.5.7.4            Scarlet Basker Urothemis signata was recorded in Turfgrass within the Project Site. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). It is a common species that is common in areas containing abandoned fish ponds throughout Hong Kong.

9.5.8               Moth Survey

9.5.8.1            Moth traps were deployed at 23 locations within the assessment area. Fifteen of them were within the Project Site covering Sub-Area 1 to Sub-Area 4, while the other eight were outside Project Site but within the assessment area. Fifty-nine species of moth were recorded within the assessment area, of which thirty-eight species were recorded within the Project Site. Moth data in each Sub-Area within the Project Site are presented in Appendix 9G. Most of them are common in south China except two species were of conservation importance, including Agrioglypta zelimalis and Cerynea discontenta. Cerynea discontenta was the only species of conservation importance recorded within the Project Site. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.8.2            Agrioglypta zelimalis was recorded in Abandoned Agricultural Land outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. It is considered as rare in Hong Kong Moths Recording Database.  

9.5.8.3            Cerynea discontenta was recorded in Mixed Woodland within Sub-Area 2 of the Project Site. It is considered as endemic to Hong Kong in Hong Kong Moths Recording Database.

 

9.5.9               Aquatic Fauna Survey

9.5.9.1            Aquatic surveys were conducted in Marsh, Pond and Swampy Woodland within Project Site, and in Pond and Watercourse outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. A total of 16 species were recorded within the assessment area. Nine of them were recorded within the Project Site, while 11 of them were recorded outside the Project Site but within the assessment area (Appendix 9H). Within the Project Site, most of the recorded species are common and widespread in Hong Kong, where one species of conservation importance was recorded. It was Somanniathelphusa zanklon. Outside the Project Site but within the assessment area, most of the species recorded are commonly found in Hong Kong, where two species of conservation importance were recorded, including Channa asiatica and Somanniathelphusa zanklon. Locations of these species recorded within the assessment area are shown in Figure 9.5.

9.5.9.2            Somanniathelphusa zanklon was recorded in Marsh within the Project Site, and in Watercourse outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Somanniathelphusa zanklon is endemic to Hong Kong and is generally found in lotic and lentic lowland habitats, especially slow-flowing muddy streams and gentle streams (Esser & Cumberlidge 2008). Because of habitat deterioration induced by pesticide consumption (Esser & Cumberlidge 2008), Somanniathelphusa zanklon is assessed as endangered in the IUCN Red List.

9.5.9.3            Channa asiatica was recorded in Watercourse outside the Project Site but within the assessment area. Channa asiatica is an uncommon species in Hong Kong with records from a few streams in North district and on Lantau Island. This species is also cultivated in some fish farms and are available from fish market. It is considered as Local Concern by Fellowes et al. (2002).

9.6                     EVALUATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES OF CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE

9.6.1.1            The ecological importance of habitats within the assessment area and the evaluation of the four Sub-Areas were evaluated in accordance with the criteria stipulated in Annex 8 of EIAO-TM (Tables 9.5 to 9.20).

9.6.1.2            In accordance with Table 3, Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM, the ecological value of species was assessed in terms of protection status (e.g. fauna protected under WAPO (except birds), and flora and fauna protected under regional/global legislation/conventions), species distribution (e.g. endemic), and rarity (e.g. rare or restricted). Flora and fauna species of conservation importance recorded within the assessment area are evaluated according to the EIAO-TM in Table 9.21 and Table 9.22, respectively.

Table 9.5          Evaluation of Abandoned Agricultural Land within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Abandoned Agricultural Land (*absent in Project Site)
Naturalness	Man-made habitat but colonized naturally and largely by weeds
Size (ha)	26.7
Diversity	Low to moderate diversity of flora Low diversity of fauna
Rarity	No flora species of conservation importance Five fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Greater Coucal, Grass Demon, Blue Chaser and Agrioglypta zelimalis
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Occurs extensively at the eastern part of the assessment area
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record, possibly due to significant disturbance
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird, butterfly, odonate and herpetofauna; no mammal species recorded
Overall ecological value	Low

 

 

Table 9.6          Evaluation of Active Agricultural Land within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Active Agricultural Land (*absent in Project Site)
Naturalness	Man-made habitat
Size (ha)	20.2
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	One flora species of conservation importance: Aristolochia tagala Seven fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret, Black Kite, Grass Demon, Metallic Cerulean, Tiny Grass Blue, Danaid Eggfly
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Occurs as patches adjacent to villages
Ecological linkage	Ditches and puddles are formed by diversion of water from watercourses nearby for irrigating crops by villagers
Potential value	Low to moderate
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record, possibly due to significant disturbance
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird, butterfly, odonate and herpetofauna; no mammal species recorded
Overall ecological value	Low to Medium

 

Table 9.7          Evaluation of Developed Area within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Developed Area
	Outsdie Project Site	Inside Project Site
Naturalness	Man-made habitat
Size (ha)	95.06	2.22
Diversity	Low to moderate diversity of flora (although number of plant species recorded was relatively high, the evenness is relatively low as the plants were dominated by ornamental and weedy species); low diversity of fauna	Low diversity of flora and terrestrial fauna
Rarity	Two flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis and Aristolochia tagala 10 fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Black Kite, Greater Coucal, Common Kestrel, Grass Demon, Forget-me-not, Common Rose, Pallas's Squirrel	No flora species of conservation importance   Fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Not applicable to developed area
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record, possibly due to significant disturbance
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Moderate abundance of bird; low abundance of other terrestrial fauna	Low abundance of terrestrial fauna
Overall ecological value	Low	Very low

 

Table 9.8                      Evaluation of Fung Shui Wood within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Fung Shui Wood (*absent in Project Site)
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat
Size (ha)	2.35
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	One flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis No fauna species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	Not readily re-creatable
Fragmentation	Fragmented and isolated
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Moderate to high, given time for secondary succession
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	At least 30 years
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird and butterfly; no odonate, herpetofauna and mammal species recorded
Overall ecological value	Medium

 

Table 9.9                      Evaluation of Marsh within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Marsh (**only present in Project Site)
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat
Size (ha)	0.15
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	No flora species of conservation importance Seven fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Crested Goshawk, Black Kite, Grey Scrub Hopper, Blue Chaser, Somanniathelphusa zanklon
Re-creatability	Not easy to re-create as requiring suitable hydrological conditions
Fragmentation	Isolated
Ecological linkage	Hydrologically linked to Swampy Woodland
Potential value	Moderate, given suitable hydrology
Nursery/breeding ground	Potential breeding ground for Grey Scrub Hopper and Somanniathelphusa zanklon
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of terrestrial and aquatic fauna
Overall ecological value	Medium

 

 

 

 

Table 9.10        Evaluation of Mixed Woodland within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Mixed Woodland
	Outside Project Site	Inside Project Site
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat
Size (ha)	56.58	7.69
Diversity	Low to moderate diversity of flora; moderate diversity of fauna
Rarity	Nine flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Artocarpus hypargyreus, Ardisia villosa, Aristolochia tagala, Camellia crapnelliana, Geodorum densiflorum, Ilex graciliflora, Keteleeria fortune, Pyrenaria spectabilis 16 fauna species of conservation importance: Crested Goshawk, Black Kite, Common Emerald Dove, Greater Coucal, Collared Scops Owl, Rufous-capped Babbler, Metallic Cerulean, Danaid Eggfly, Common Rose, Common Birdwing, Small Cabbage White, Many-banded Krait, Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Japanese Pipistrelle, Masked Palm Civet and Cerynea discontenta	Flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Ardisia villosa, Ilex graciliflora, Geodorum densiflorum   Fauna species of conservation importance: Crested Goshawk, Common Emerald Dove, Rufous-capped Babbler, Metallic Cerulean, Danaid Eggfly, Common Rose, Common Birdwing, Many-banded Krait, Japanese Pipistrelle, Masked Palm Civet, Cerynea discontenta
Re-creatability	Can be re-created
Fragmentation	Isolated in patches
Ecological linkage	Connecting adjacent Woodland
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	Potential breeding ground for Short-nosed Fruit Bat	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Moderate abundance of bird and butterfly; low to moderate abundance of odonate, herpetofauna and mammal
Overall ecological value	Low to medium

 

Table 9.11        Evaluation of Orchard within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Orchard
Naturalness	Man-made habitat (*absent in Project Site)
Size (ha)	0.65
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	No flora species of conservation importance Two fauna species of conservation importance: Rufous-capped Babbler, Common Birdwing
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Isolated
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird, butterfly and odonate; herpetofauna and mammal were not recorded in this habitat.
Overall ecological value	Low

 

Table 9.12        Evaluation of Plantation within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Plantation
	Outside Project Site	Inside Project Site
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat
Size (ha)	8.03	1.68
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	Four flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Cibotium barometz, Pavetta hongkongensis and Rhododendron simsii Four fauna species of conservation importance: Eastern Cattle Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Many-banded Krait, Leopard Cat	Flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Pavetta hongkongensis, Rhododendron simsii   Fauna species of conservation importance: Leopard Cat
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Fragmented	Not fragmented
Ecological linkage	Connecting adjacent Woodland within Project Site; not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance outside Project Site
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of all terrestrial fauna
Overall ecological value	Low

 

 

Table 9.13        Evaluation of Pond within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Pond
	Outside Project Site	Inside Project Site
Naturalness	Man-made habitat
Size (ha)	1.17	0.05
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	No flora species of conservation importance Four fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Sapphire Flutterer, Reeve's Turtle, Chinese Water Snake	No flora species of conservation importance   Fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Sapphire Flutterer
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Scattered and were mostly isolated from each other	Isolated
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of terrestrial fauna and aquatic fauna
Overall ecological value	Low

 

Table 9.14        Evaluation of Ruderal Vegetation within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Ruderal Vegetation (*absent in Project Site)
Naturalness	Man-made habitat
Size (ha)	2.85
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	No flora species of conservation importance No fauna species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Two patches of ruderal vegetation are isolated from each other
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird and herpetofauna; butterfly, odonate and mammal were not recorded in this habitat.
Overall ecological value	Very low

 

Table 9.15        Evaluation of Shrubland/Grassland within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Shrubland/Grassland (*absent in Project Site)
Naturalness	Semi-natural
Size (ha)	5.53
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	No flora and fauna species of conservation importance
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Two patches of shrubland/grassland are isolated from each other
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird, butterfly and odonate; herpetofauna and mammal were not recorded in this habitat.
Overall ecological value	Low

                                                           

Table 9.16        Evaluation of Swampy Woodland within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Swampy Woodland (*only present in Project Site)
Naturalness	Largely natural
Size (ha)	1.4
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	Four flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Aristolochia tagala, Glyptostrobus pensilis, Cibotium barometz Three fauna species of conservation importance: Rufous-capped Babbler, Forget-me-not, Common Rose
Re-creatability	Difficult to re-create
Fragmentation	Occurs as an isolated stand
Ecological linkage	Hydrologically linked to Marsh
Potential value	Moderate, given suitable hydrology
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	Over 100 years
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of terrestrial fauna
Overall ecological value	Medium  to high (due to high conservation importance and old age of Glyptostrobus pensilis)

 

Table 9.17        Evaluation of Turfgrass Land within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Turfgrass
	Inside Project Site	Outside Project Site
Naturalness	Man-made habitat
Size (ha)	49.36	14.24
Diversity	Low diversity of flora, low to moderate diversity of fauna
Rarity	Two flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis and Glyptostrobus pensilis 16 fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Kite, Eastern Buzzard, Ryukyu Scops-owl, Collared Crow, Chinese Hwamei, Metallic Cerulean, Common Cerulean, Common Rose, Common Birdwing, Scarlet Basker, Common Rat Snake, Pallas's Squirrel	Flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis   Fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Kite, Eastern Buzzard, Collared Crow, Chinese Hwamei, Metallic Cerulean, Common Cerulean, Common Rose, Common Birdwing, Scarlet Basker, Pallas's Squirrel
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create
Fragmentation	Occurs extensively within Fanling Golf Course
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low to moderate abundance of bird and butterfly; low abundance of odonate, herpetofauna and mammal
Overall ecological value	Low, as most of the recorded species associated to other habitats

 

 

 

Table 9.18        Evaluation of Watercourse within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Watercourse (*absent in Project Site)
Naturalness	Both man-made and semi-natural sections found
Size (ha)	2.22 (5529m)
Diversity	Low diversity of flora and fauna
Rarity	No flora species of conservation importance Three fauna species of conservation importance: Little Egret, Channa asiatica, Somanniathelphusa zanklon
Re-creatability	Easy to re-create for man-made section; difficult to re-create for semi-natural section
Fragmentation	Semi-natural section fragmented by man-made section
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to habitats of conservation importance
Potential value	Low
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Low abundance of bird, butterfly, odonate, herpetofauna and aquatic fauna; mammal was not recorded in this habitat.
Overall ecological value	Low

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 9.19        Evaluation of Woodland within the Assessment Area

Criterion	Woodland
	Assessment Area	Project Site
Naturalness	Largely natural
Size (ha)	19.06	4.07
Diversity	Low to moderate diversity of flora; moderate  diversity of fauna
Rarity	Five flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Ardisia villosa, Aristolochia tagala, Cibotium barometz and Ilex graciliflora 15 fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Crested Goshawk, Eastern Buzzard, Ryukyu Scops-owl, Rufous-capped Babbler, Danaid Eggfly, Common Rose, Common Birdwing, Blue Chaser, Indian Forest Skink, Red Muntjac, East Asian Porcupine, Pallas's Squirrel, Masked Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet	Flora species of conservation importance: Aquilaria sinensis, Ardisia villosa, Aristolochia tagala, Ilex graciliflora   Fauna species of conservation importance: Chinese Pond Heron, Rufous-capped Babbler, Danaid Eggfly, Common Rose, Red Muntjac, East Asian Porcupine, Masked Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet
Re-creatability	Can be re-created
Fragmentation	Fragmented
Ecological linkage	Connected by Mixed Woodland and Plantation within the Project Site; occurs as a large single stand in the southern part within the assessment area
Potential value	Low to  moderate
Nursery/breeding ground	No significant record
Age	At least 20 years
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Moderate  abundance of bird and butterfly; low abundance of odonate and herpetofauna, low to moderate abundance of mammal
Overall ecological value	Medium	Low to medium (due to fragmentation and small size)