|
Table
7.4a Justification of Ecological Value Assigned to Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
|
| SSSI
No. |
Location |
Date
of Approval (dd/mm/yy)
|
Importance
as a SSSI
|
Indicative
Ecological Value (base on the Habitat Type Mapped within the
SSSSI)
|
Existing
Information to Substantiate Adjustment of Ecological Value |
| 1 |
Yim Tso Ha Egretry |
25/02/75 |
This is the most
important egretry in the New Territories. It is the nesting
place of at least five species of egret and heron. The presence
of Swinhoe's egret is of particular importance as the numbers
of this species have been so reduced that it is threatened with
extinction. The site is further protected as a restricted area
under the terms of the Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection
Ordinance Amendment Bill 1970. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
|
| 2 |
Shing
Mun Fung Shui Woodland |
25/02/75 |
It
is the most intensively surveyed Fung Shui Woodland in Hong
Kong and represents an interesting collection of local hardwood
trees. Almost 3,100 trees all over 4" diameter consisting
of 76 different species. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
|
| 3 |
Tai Mo Shan Montane
Scrub Forest |
15/09/75 |
This upper Shing
Mun Valley supports a thin montane forest and species including
Camellia granthamiana, C. waldenae, Amentotaxus argotaenia
and many species of orchids. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As only a small part of
the SSSI was ranked as of low ecological value and no recent
existing information to substantiate upgrade of the area is
available, the ecological value remains unchanged. The SSSI
was one of the survey sites (Site 11) for Montane Forest (see
Annex G for details).
|
| 4 |
She
Shan Fung Shui Woodland |
15/09/75 |
This
is one of the best surviving examples of fung shui woodland
in Hong Kong. The woodland is known to be attractive to a variety
of bird species. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
|
| 5 |
Tai Tam Harbour (inner
bay) |
24/10/75
|
It is the most important
littoral habitat on Hong Kong Island, being rich in both littoral
fauna and flora. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Sandy Shore which has
an indicative ecological value of medium. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 6 |
D'Aguilar
Peninsula |
24/10/75 |
Interesting
flora including Keteleeria fortunei, Quercus glauca. |
Partly
high; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 7 |
Ma On Shan |
26/06/76 |
An interesting scrub
forest which consists of several species of rhododendrons and
a species of gesnerid new to science, Boeica guileana. Manglietia
fordiana and Amentotaxus argotaenia also occur. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.The area is also
one of the survey sites for Mixed Shrubland (Site 36) (see
Annex G for details).
|
| 8 |
Tsing
Shan Tsuen |
26/06/76 |
Cinnamomum
cassia B1 does not occur naturally in Hong Kong. Two individuals
of this tree species growing in Ho Shek Nunnery and Mr Tam's
garden were planted about 30 years ago. |
Medium |
As there is no recent existing information available to substantiate
upgrade of the area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 9 |
Sunset Peak |
26/06/76 |
A good example of
forest relict consisting of interesting species, eg Amentotaxus
argotaenia, Manglietia fordiana, Michelia maudiae. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.The SSSI is also
one of the survey sites (Site 10) for Montane Forest (see
Annex G for details).
|
| 10 |
Mai
Po Marshes |
15/09/76 |
The
Marshes are the only areas in Hong Kong where large numbers
of duck, shore and marsh birds can regularly be seen and, as
such have a very considerable scientific and educational potential.
The marshes contain the largest and most important area of dwarf
mangrove in Hong Kong. This highly productive community and
the related man-made gei wais provide a rich food source for
both resident and migratory birds, as well as nesting habitats
for a number of species. |
Partly
high; Partly medium |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Fishpond/Gei Wai which
has an indicative ecological value of medium. As the area
has been zoned as part of the Ramsar Site since 1995 and was
recognised as of unique ecological importance for wildlife,
ecological values of all fishponds/gei wais within the SSSI
were upgraded to high.
|
| 11 |
Bluff Island &
Basalt Island |
16/02/79 |
Of geological and
botanical interest. |
Mostly
high; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged. Rocky shores
of the two islands (Site 134) have been surveyed under this
baseline survey and their ecological value was upgraded to
high* (see Section 7.1.15 and Annex G for
details).
|
| 12 |
Port
Island |
16/02/79 |
The
area was scheduled as a "no hunting area" under the
Wild Animals Protection Ordinance because of its special ornithological
interest. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 13 |
Kat O Chau |
16/02/79 |
Floristically interesting
including rhododendrons. |
Partly
high; Mostly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 14 |
Ninepin
Group |
16/02/79 |
The
vegetation on South Ninepin Island is especially interesting
and such protected plant species as Gardenia jasminoides
and Rhapis excelsa were recorded. The east coast of
North Ninepin Island displays a spectacular basalt formation
which is of geological interest. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged. Rocky shores
of the two islands (Site 134) have been surveyed under this
baseline survey and their ecological value was upgraded to
high* (see Section 7.1.15 and Annex G for
details).
|
| 15 |
Ping Chau |
16/02/79 |
The geology of the
island is of special interest. Sediments are composed of sandstones
and shales and have a bright red colour. |
Partly
high; Mostly medium; Partly low |
As the area was designated as a SSSI because of geological
interest, justification of ecological value based on existing
information is not considered necessary. As sediments of Ping
Chau are composed of sandstones and shales and have a bright
red colour, this special land formation has contributed some
landscape value to the area and a "+" was thus assigned.
Ecological value of the rocky shore at Ping Chau was upgraded
to high because of the presence of intertidal corals (Cornish
and McCorry 1998) (see Section 7.3.3).
|
| 16 |
Mai
Po Village |
16/02/79 |
Several
hundred egrets (eg Little Egret, Cattle Egret and Chinese Pond
Heron) nest and breed in this Mai Po fung shui woodland. |
Partly
medium; Partly low; Partly negligible |
The majority of the SSSI area was mapped as either Shrubby
Grassland or Grassland and ecological value was ranked as
medium and low, respectively. A small part of the area was
mapped as Other (developed area) and a negligible ecological
value was assigned. According to Young and Cha (1995), the
area has been disturbed by development but breeding pairs
of ardeids (egrets and herons) were still recorded at Mai
Po Village. Ecological value of the natural habitats within
the SSSI was therefore upgraded to high.
|
| 17 |
Mau Ping |
16/02/79 |
An interesting woodland
consisting of over 70 mature specimens of the rare Camellia
crapnelliana. The rare Ailanthus fordii is also
found. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
|
| 18 |
Pak
Sha Wan Peninsula |
16/02/79 |
The
diversity of the habitats of the Peninsula has provided excellent
educational opportunities. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
The majority of the areas above high tide mark were mapped
as either Lowland Forest or Mixed Shrubland and therefore
ecological value was high. The remaining areas were mapped
as Shrubby Grassland and Grassland and ecological values were
medium and low, respectively. As there is no recent existing
information available to substantiate upgrade of the low value
area, ecological value remains unchanged. The majority of
the coastal region was mapped as Rocky Shore and a medium
value was assigned. Rocky shores of the Peninsula have been
surveyed under this study (Site 135) and were assessed as
of medium ecological value (see Annex G for details).
|
| 19 |
Lai Chi Wo Beach |
16/02/79 |
Presence of Zostera
nana (Marine Eel Grass). |
High |
Area mapped as Seagrass Bed and Intertidal Mudflat and ecological
value is high. Justification of ecological value based on
existing information is considered not necessary.
|
| 20 |
Ng
Tung Chai |
16/02/79 |
The
ravine is floristically very rich and contains Impatiens
hongkongensis a new species named in 1978 after Hong Kong. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low
|
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 21 |
Pak Tai To Yan |
20/09/79 |
The ravine carry
forest relicts of great botanical interest, eg some rare fern
species, such as Pronephrium triphyllum, Colysis wrightii. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
was not considered necessary. The area is also one of the
survey sites for Mixed Shrubland (Site 160) (see Annex
G for details).
|
| 22 |
Chiu
Keng Tam |
20/09/79 |
A
dense natural woodland with rare plants, eg Forrestia chinensis,
Begonia laciniata, Rhododendron westlandii, Enkianthus quinqueflorus. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
|
| 23 |
Tai Long Bay |
20/09/79 |
An interesting vegetation
formation which is typical of sandy beaches. |
Mostly high; Partly low
|
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As the area was designated
because of the interesting vegetation formation at the backshore
of the beach and the area is remote and relatively intact
(CC Lai of AFCD, pers comm, 21 July 2000), ecological value
of the low value Grassland was upgraded to high.
|
| 24 |
Pok
Fu Lam Reservoir Catchment Area |
20/09/79 |
The
woodland is rich floristically consisting eg Camellia hongkongensis. |
Mostly high; Partly medium; Partly low
|
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland and Modified
Watercourse which have an indicative ecological value of low.
As there is no recent existing information available to substantiate
upgrade of the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.The
area was also one of the survey sites for Mixed Shrubland
(Site 25) (see Annex G for details).
|
| 25 |
Tai Tam Reservoir
Catchment Area |
20/09/79 |
The woodland provides
a favourable habitat for animal life. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland and Modified
Watercourse which have indicative ecological values of low.
As there is no recent existing information available to substantiate
upgrade of the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.The
area has been selected as survey sites for Mixed Shrubland
(Sites 40 and 161) (see Annex G for details).
|
|
26
|
Beacon
Hill |
20/09/79 |
The
ravines have a rich flora including rare ferns and unusual orchids. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
The area is also one of the survey sites for Mixed Shrubland
(Site 34) (see Annex G for details).
|
| 27 |
Ho Chung Valley |
20/09/79 |
A native woodland
containing rare and protected flora. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.The
area is also one of the survey sites for Shrubby Grassland
(Site 107) (see Annex G for details).
|
| 28 |
Lung
Kwu Chau, Tree Island & Sha Chau |
20/09/79 |
This
group of islands has an interesting avifauna. Tree island was
considered to be the most important night-time roost site for
wintering Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) in Hong
Kong. |
Partly
high; Mostly low |
The majority of the Island areas were mapped as Grassland
and hence most of the land area is of low ecological value.
The "low-value" area was not upgraded as the area
is no longer a roosting site for Cormorants (Morton 1998)
and there is no recent reference(s) available to substantiate
upgrade of the area.
|
| 29 |
Castle Peak |
05/02/80 |
The grassy summit
is the home of the Bell-flower, Platycodon grandiflora.
Interesting forested ravines occur on the east and west faces
with rare shrubs like Uvaria hamiltonii. |
Partly
high; Mostly low |
The majority of the SSSI areas were mapped as Grassland and
hence most of the land area is of low ecological value. The
habitats were found to be relatively intact and maintained
in good ecological conditions during a recent field visit
by AFCD (CC Lai of AFCD, pers comm, 21 July 2000). Therefore
the area within the SSSI boundary was upgraded to high ecological
value.
|
| 30 |
Tai
Mo Shan |
05/02/80 |
The
site is representative of a grassland habitat. Besides the breeding
populations of exclusively montane birds, the higher slopes
of this mountain are also the habitat of four species of snakes,
all of which are extremely rare and three of which have been
found in Hong Kong only on or near the summit of Tai Mo Shan. |
Partly
high; Partly medium; Mostly low |
Most of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 31 |
Pak Nai |
05/02/80 |
The sandpit is used
as a high tide roost site for gulls and terns in the Deep Bay
area. |
High |
The area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary.
|
| 32 |
Man
Cheung Po |
05/02/80 |
The
ravine is forested and contains rare plants eg orchids and Ternstroemia
pseudoverticillata. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 33 |
Lantau Peak |
05/02/80 |
The tree flora is
interesting and consists of rare species of Exbuchlandia,
Magnolia, Manglietia and Illicium. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Most of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.The
area is also one of the survey sites for Montane Forest (Site
9) (see Annex G for details).
|
| 34 |
Pat
Sin Range |
05/02/80 |
The
forested ravines on the northern slopes are interesting floristically,
including a possibly natural stand of Cunninghamia lanceolata.
|
Mostly
high; Partly medium |
Most of the area was ranked as of high ecological value and
justification based on existing information is not considered
necessary.
|
| 35 |
Fung Yuen Valley |
05/02/80 |
The forested ravine
is the breeding site for some rare butterflies. |
Partly
high; Partly medium |
The area was ranked as of high or medium ecological value
and justification based on existing information is not considered
necessary.
|
| 36 |
South
Lamma Island |
05/02/80 |
The
site is the habitat for a bird population of unusual species. |
Partly
high; Partly medium; Mostly low |
Most of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an
indicative ecological value of low. As there is no recent
existing information available to substantiate upgrade of
the low value area, ecological value remains unchanged.
|
| 37 |
Yim Tin Tsai &
Ma Shi Chau |
24/09/82 |
Yim Tin Tsai, the
island of Ma Shi Chau and the tombolo connecting them in Tolo
Harbour was awarded SSSI status because of rare geological features
and numerous fossils. |
Partly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
As the area was designated as a SSSI because of geological
interest, justification of ecological value based on existing
information is not considered necessary. As the rocky coasts
of Yim Tin Tsai and Ma Shi Chau are characteristic land formations
which are of landscape value, a "+" was thus assigned
to the area.
|
| 38 |
Tolo
Channel (Northern Coast) |
24/09/82 |
Of
geological interest and fossils were discovered along the coast. |
Medium |
As the area was designated as a SSSI because of geological
interest, justification of ecological value based on existing
information is not considered necessary. As the northern coasts
of Tolo Channel are characteristic land formations which are
of landscape value, a "+" was thus assigned to the
area.
|
| 39 |
Centre Island |
24/09/82 |
Of geological interest.
The site contains the oldest rock formation known in Hong Kong
and plant fossils of Permian age were found on the island. |
Medium |
As the area was designated as a SSSI because of geological
interest, justification of ecological value based on existing
information is not considered necessary. As the rocky coasts
of Centre Island are characteristic land formations which
are of landscape value, a "+" was thus assigned
to the area.
|
| 40 |
Nai
Chung Coast |
24/09/82 |
Of
geological interest. The site contains rare geological features
in Hong Kong. |
Medium |
As
the area was designated as a SSSI because of geological interest,
justification of ecological value based on existing information
is not considered necessary. As the coasts of Nau Chung are
characteristic land formations which are of some landscape value,
a "+" was thus assigned to the area. |
| 41 |
Tsim Bei Tsui |
10/01/85 |
A mature mangrove
community with rare species Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and
the only habitat for the snail Ellobium polita. |
High |
The area was ranked
as of high ecological value and justification based on existing
information is not considered necessary. |
| 42 |
Ting
Kok |
01/03/85 |
A
typical example of mangrove habitat suitable for field studies. |
High |
The
area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary. |
| 43 |
Sham Chung Coast |
25/03/85 |
Of geological interest.
Fossils were discovered along the coast. |
Partly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
As the area was designated
as a SSSI because of geological interest, justification of ecological
value based on existing information is not considered necessary.As
the coasts of Sham Chung are characteristic land formations
which are of landscape value, a "+" was thus assigned
to the area. |
| 44 |
A
Chau |
09/04/85 |
An
island which provides an excellent resting site for the migratory
birds. |
High |
The
area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary. |
| 45 |
Lai Chi Chong |
26/04/85 |
Of geological interest.
Important outcrop of sedimentary rock. |
Partly
high; Partly medium |
As the area was designated
as a SSSI because of geological interest, justification of ecological
value based on existing information is not considered necessary.As
the coasts of Lai Chi Chong are characteristic land formations
which are of landscape value, a "+" was thus assigned
to the area. |
| 46 |
Inner
Deep Bay |
18/03/86 |
The
largest and most important mudflats for dwarf mangroves and
feeding sites for migratory birds. |
High |
The
area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary. |
| 47 |
Tsim Bei Tsui Egretry |
05/01/89 |
This is an important
egretry in North Western New Territories. It is the nesting
and breeding place for at least five species of egret and heron. |
Partly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI
area was mapped as Grassland which has an indicative ecological
value of low. As Tsim Bei Tsui Egretry is an important habitat
for egrets and herons (Cornish 1996), the area within the SSSI
was upgraded to high. |
| 48 |
Hoi
Ha Wan |
05/01/89 |
The
site provides a good environment for corals to flourish. |
Coastal
habitats (ie rocky and sandy shores) are of medium value. |
Ecological
value of the sandy shore was upgraded to high as the beach harbours
a wide variety of intertidal crabs (Choi 1992) (see Section
7.3.2 and Table 7.3c). |
| 49 |
Hok Tsui (Cape d'Aguilar) |
19/07/90 |
The site is of high
biological, geomorphological and geological interest. Rich in
coastal features. |
Medium |
Rocky shores within
the Cape d'Aguilar were upgraded to high as intertidal rock
pools with corals have been recorded (Morton and Harper 1995)
(see Section 7.3.3). As the coasts of Hok Tsui are
characteristic land formations which are of landscape value,
a "+" was thus assigned to the area. |
| 50 |
Nam
Fung Road Woodland |
22/06/93 |
This
woodland is the remnant of a mature forest and is at least 150
years old. The habitat supports a wide variety of different
plants. Rare and uncommon plants were recorded. |
High |
The
area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary. |
| 51 |
Sam Mun Tsai Egretry |
13/08/94 |
The site is used
by a colony of Little Egrets, Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Night
Herons and Chinese Pond Herons as nesting site during the breeding
season. |
Partly
high; Partly low |
Part of the SSSI
area was mapped as Grassland which has an indicative ecological
value of low. The "low value" area was not upgraded
since according to Young and Cha (1995), Sam Mun Tsai Egretry
was no longer used by waterbirds as no waterbirds had been observed
there since 1991. |
| 52 |
Shuen
Wan Egretry |
13/08/94 |
The
site is used by a colony of Little Egrets, Great Egrets, Cattle
Egrets, Night Herons and Chinese Pond Herons as a nesting site
during the breeding season. |
Mostly
low |
Most
of the SSSI area was mapped as Grassland which has an indicative
ecological value of low. According to Young and Cha (1995),
waterbirds were observed using the area as a breeding habitat,
ecological value of the SSSI area was therefore upgraded to
high. |
| 53 |
Tai Po Egretry |
13/08/94 |
This egretry provides
an important habitat for resting and breeding of different kinds
of herons which are protected under the Wild Animals Protection
Ordinance (Cap. 170). |
Low |
The majority of the
area was mapped as Grassland ecological value was ranked as
low. According to Young and Cha (1995), waterbirds were observed
using this egretry for breeding, ecological value of the SSSI
area was therefore upgraded to high. |
| 54 |
Lin
Ma Hang Lead Mines |
13/08/94 |
The
galleries at this site provide an undisturbed nesting ground
for bats and has become one of the most important bat colonies
in Hong Kong. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
Part
of the area was mapped as Grassland which has an indicative
ecological value of low. As the area supports one of the most
important colonies of bats (Ades 1994) which are protected in
Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, the non-high
value area within the SSSI was therefore upgraded to high. |
| 55 |
Tseng Tau Coast |
13/08/94 |
Coastal section of
sedimentary rocks demonstrating dip, strike, folding and faulting. |
Area mapped as Rocky Shore and ecological value is medium.
|
As the area was designated
as a SSSI because of geological interest, justification of ecological
value based on existing information is not considered necessary.As
the coasts of Tseng Chau are characteristic land formations
which are of landscape value, a "+" was thus assigned
to the area. |
| 56 |
Kei
Ling Ha Mangal |
13/08/94 |
The
mangal is one of the largest stand of mangroves in Hong Kong.
It demonstrates a clear zonation of mangrove plants and mangrove
associates. The mudflat outside the mangal is also of biological
importance. |
Mostly
high; Partly medium |
The
intertidal area within the SSSI was mapped as Mangrove, Intertidal
Mudflat, Sandy Shore and Rocky Shore. Ecological Value of the
mangrove and intertidal mudflat was high and a medium value
was given to the sandy and rocky shores. The mudflat is also
one of the survey sites for Intertidal Mudflat (Site 167) (see
Annex G for details). No adjustment of ecological value
based on existing information was deemed necessary. |
| 57 |
Pok To Yan &
Por Kai Shan |
13/08/94 |
Over 200 species
of native plants have been recorded in these montane forests.
A number of rare and protected indigenous plants were also found.
Such diverse forests are now rare in Hong Kong and have great
botanical importance. |
High |
The area was ranked
as of high ecological value and justification based on existing
information is not considered necessary. |
| 58 |
San
Tau Beach |
19/10/94 |
The
site consists of a small area of mangroves which include the
rare Brugeria gymnorrhiza. Outside the mangroves is
a seagrass bed of Zostera japonica and Halophila
ovata. |
High |
The
area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
was not considered necessary.The area has also been selected
as survey sites for Mangrove (Site 79) and Intertidal Mudflat
(Site 94) (see Annex G for details). |
| 59 |
Sha Lo Tung |
16/01/97 |
The stream courses
are important habitats of an extremely diverse community of
dragonflies. Many of the species are rare stream specialists.
The area is also an important habitat for other aquatic fauna
such as fresh water fish and amphibians. |
Partly
high; Mostly medium |
The majority of the
SSSI area was mapped as Cultivation and ecological value was
ranked as medium.As Sha Lo Tung has been identified as an important
habitat for dragonfly (Wilson 1992; 1997) and the area received
the SSSI status recently (in 1997), it was considered appropriate
to upgrade the whole SSSI area to high ecological value. |
| 60 |
Shek
O Headland |
03/02/98 |
The
intertidal zone of the headland represents a typical example
of exposed rocky shore which is subject to strong wave action.
The site is one of the areas with the richest collection of
seaweeds in Hong Kong. |
Medium |
The
shore was mapped as Rocky Shore and ecological value is medium.
As the site was considered as one of the areas with the richest
collection of seaweeds in Hong Kong and designated as a SSSI
recently (in 1998), it was considered appropriate to upgrade
the rocky shore to high ecological value. |
| 61 |
San Chau |
04/05/99 |
The site harbours
the largest known population of one of the rarest native rhododendrons
(Rhododendron championae) in Hong Kong. |
Partly
high; Partly medium; Partly low |
The area was mapped
as Lowland Forest, Mixed Shrubland, Baeckia Shrubland
and Grassland and thus comprised of high, medium and low-valued
areas. As the SSSI was designated recently (in 1999), it was
considered appropriate to upgrade the "non-high" value
area to high. |
| 62 |
Ngong
Ping |
04/05/99 |
The
Ngong Ping valley supports the largest population of Romer's
Tree Frog. |
High |
The
area was ranked as of high ecological value and justification
based on existing information is not considered necessary. |
| 63 |
Tai Ho Stream |
05/05/99 |
Reported to support
the greatest diversity of fresh water and brackish-water fish
in Hong Kong. The only known location for the migratory fish
Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis). There are mangroves and
small patches of seagrass Halophila beccarii located
close to the southern end of the stream. |
High
|
The area was ranked
as of high ecological value and justification based on existing
information is not considered necessary.The site is also one
of the survey sites for Natural Watercourse (Site 164) and ecological
value was assessed as high* (see Section 7.1.6 and
Annex G for details). |
| 64 |
Sham
Wan |
03/06/99 |
The
area is the only known nesting site for the Green Turtle Chelonia
mydas which is a highly endangered species in the HKSAR
and the region. |
Medium
|
The
site was mapped as Sandy Shore which has an indicative ecological
value of medium. The shore was upgraded to high* as the beach
is the only known nesting site for green turtles in Hong Kong
(Morton 1992; McGilvray and Geermans 1997; AFCD 1999). (Also
see Section 7.3.2) |
|