TABLE OF CONTENTS

8. TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT. 8-1

8.1 Introduction. 8-1

8.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria. 8-1

8.3 Assessment Methodology. 8-2

8.4 Criteria for Evaluating Ecological Impact and Value. 8-7

8.5 Ecological Baseline Condition – Literature Review.. 8-8

8.6 Ecological Baseline Condition – Ecological Survey. 8-25

8.7 Ecological Evaluation of Habitats. 8-55

8.8 Identification of Potential Impacts. 8-64

8.9 Evaluation of Potential Environmental Impacts. 8-74

8.10 Cumulative Impacts. 8-85

8.11 Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impacts. 8-86

8.12 Evaluation of Residual Ecological Impacts. 8-98

8.13 Environmental Monitoring and Audit 8-99

8.14 Conclusion. 8-101

8.15 Reference. 8-103

List of Table

Table 8.1 Schedule of Ecological Surveys

Table 8.2 List of Flora Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in the Literature

Table 8.3 List of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in the Literature

Table 8.4 Habitats and Habitat Sizes within the Assessment Area

Table 8.5 Summarised Findings of Intertidal Community Recorded

Table 8.6 Findings of Intertidal Community Recorded in the Dry and Wet Season

Table 8.7 Summarised Findings of Benthic Community Recorded

Table 8.8 Findings of Benthic Community Recorded in the Dry and Wet Season

Table 8.9 List and Evaluation of Flora Species of Conservation Importance

Table 8.10 List and Evaluation of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance

Table 8.11 Ecological Evaluation of Woodland

Table 8.12 Ecological Evaluation of Plantation

Table 8.13 Ecological Evaluation of Shrubland/Grassland

Table 8.14 Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse W1 and W2

Table 8.15 Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse W3, W4 and W5

Table 8.16 Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse W6, W7, W8, W9 and W10

Table 8.17 Ecological Evaluation of Developed Area

Table 8.18 Ecological Evaluation of Wasteland

Table 8.19 Ecological Evaluation of Agricultural Land

Table 8.20 Ecological Evaluation of Intertidal Zone

Table 8.21 Ecological Evaluation of Sea

Table 8.22 Approximate Size of Habitat Loss

Table 8.23 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Woodland

Table 8.24 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Plantation

Table 8.25 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Shrubland/Grassland

Table 8.26 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Watercourse W1 and W2

Table 8.27 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Watercourse W3, W4 and W5

Table 8.28 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Watercourse W6, W7, W8, W9 and W10

Table 8.29 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Developed Area

Table 8.30 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Wasteland

Table 8.31 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Agricultural Land

Table 8.32 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Intertidal Zone

Table 8.33 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Sea

Table 8.34 Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measure Requirements of the Construction of the Project

Table 8.35 Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Requirements of the Operation of the Project

List of Figures

Figure 8.1	Assessment Area, Survey Transect and Sampling Locations for Terrestrial Ecological Survey
Figure 8.2	Assessment Area for Marine Ecological Impact Assessment and relevant Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance
Figure 8.2.1	Sampling Locations for Marine Ecological Survey
Figure 8.3	Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in Previous Studies
Figure 8.4	Distribution and Density of Chinese White Dolphins in North Lantau Waters between 2014 and 2022 (Hong Kong Marine Mammal Report 2022-23)
Figure 8.5	Temporal Trend in Abundance and Encounter Rate of Chinese White Dolphins in North Lantau Waters between 2001 and 2022 (Hong Kong Marine Mammal Report 2022-23)
Figure 8.6	Distribution of Finless Porpoises across Hong Kong Waters between 2019 and 2022 (Hong Kong Marine Mammal Report 2022-23)
Figure 8.7	Habitat Map (Key Plan)
Figure 8.7.1	Habitat Map and Location of Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in the Survey (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 8.7.2	Habitat Map and Location of Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in the Survey (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 8.8.1	Habitat Map Overlaid with Extent for Permanent and Temporary Works (Sheet 1 of 2)
Figure 8.8.2	Habitat Map Overlaid with Extent for Permanent and Temporary Works (Sheet 2 of 2)
Figure 8.9	Proposed Mitigation Measures for Watercourse W2 and W3

List of Appendices

Appendix 8.1	Representative Photographs of Habitat Types Recorded within the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.2	Flora Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3a	Mammal Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3b	Avifauna Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3c	Herpetofauna Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3d	Butterfly Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3e	Odonate Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3f	Freshwater Fauna Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3g	Firefly Species Recorded in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3h	Intertidal Species Recorded at Sampling Locations in the Assessment Area in the Qualitative Walk-through Survey
Appendix 8.3i	Intertidal Species Recorded at Sampling Locations in the Assessment Area in the Quantitative Transect Survey
Appendix 8.3j	Findings of Spot-check Dive Survey and Rapid Ecological Assessment for Coral Communities
Appendix 8.3k	Abundance of Benthic Species Recorded at Sampling Locations in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.3l	Biomass of Benthic Species Recorded at Sampling Locations in the Assessment Area
Appendix 8.4	Names and Relevant Experience of Personnels Involved in the Ecological Field Survey

8. TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1.1 This chapter presents an assessment of potential impacts on ecological resources within the assessment area, resulting from the construction and operation of the Project. The baseline conditions of ecological components of the terrestrial and marine environment were evaluated based on the information from available literature and field surveys conducted for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment. Measures required to mitigate any identified adverse impacts are recommended, where appropriate, and residual impacts are assessed.

8.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria

8.2.1.1 This assessment makes reference to the following Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government ordinances, regulations, standards, guidelines, and documents when identifying ecological importance of habitats and species and evaluating and assessing potential impacts of the Project on the ecological resources.

• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) (EIAO);

• Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) Annexes 8 and 16;

• Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note Nos. 3/2010, 6/2010, 7/2023, 10/2023, 11/2023;

• Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

• Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

• Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170);

• Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208);

• Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358);

• Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476);

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

• Chapter 10 of the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG);

• Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) TCW No. 5/2005 Protection of Natural Streams / Rivers from Adverse Impacts arising from Construction Works; and

• Drainage Services Department (DSD) Practice Note No. 3/2021 Guidelines on Design for Revitalisation of River Channel.

8.2.1.2 This section also makes reference to the following regional, national and international conventions and legislation:

• List of Key Protected Wild Animals in China (“國家重點保護野生動物名錄”) promulgated by National Forestry and Grassland Administration;

• List of Key Protected Wild Plants in China (“國家重點保護野生植物名錄”) promulgated by National Forestry and Grassland Administration;

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species;

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

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and an associated city-level Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) developed by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) under the CBD.

8.3 Assessment Methodology

8.3.1 Assessment Area

8.3.1.1 The terrestrial ecological impact assessment includes areas within 500 m distance from the boundary of the Project and other areas likely to be impacted by the Project (Figure 8.1 refers).

8.3.1.2 The assessment area for marine ecological impact assessment follows that for water quality impact assessment, which includes the areas within 500 m distance from the boundary of the Project, the Western Buffer Water Control Zone and other affected Water Control Zones as designated under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358), as well as other areas likely to be impacted by the Project (Figure 8.2 refer).

8.3.2 Literature Review

8.3.2.1 Relevant reports, studies, books, scientific papers and any other available information regarding the ecological characteristics of the assessment area were collated and reviewed. The information collected was evaluated to identify any information gaps relating to the ecological profile and assessment of potential ecological impacts. Key relevant reports, studies and available information reviewed include:

• Agreement No. CE 50/2020 (HY) Feasibility Review of Tsing Yi – Lantau Link – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report (HyD, 2023a);

• Agreement No. CE 13/2021 (HY) Route 11 (between Yuen Long and North Lantau) – Investigation Study – EIA Report (HyD, 2023b);

• Agreement No. CE 50/2021 (CE) – Private Housing Development in Ma Wan South – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report (CEDD, 2022);

• Agreement No. CE 84/2017 (CE) – Technical Study on Potential Sites for Relocation of Wholesale Markets and for Other Industrial Uses in North West Tsing Yi - Feasibility Study – Preliminary Report on Preliminary Environmental Study (CEDD, 2023);

• Annual Reports of Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Hong Kong Waters 2016 – 2023 (AFCD, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023);

• AFCD Newsletters - Hong Kong Biodiversity; and

• AFCD’s Website and Biodiversity Information Hub (AFCD, 2025).

8.3.3 Ecological Survey

8.3.3.1 Ecological field surveys covering the assessment area for a 9-month survey period were conducted with the objectives to provide up-to-date data to fill any information gaps identified, and to validate and update the ecological profile of the assessment area. The ecological surveys were conducted between February and October 2023, covering both dry and wet season. Additional firefly, herpetofauna and freshwater community surveys at freshwater community sampling locations FS-13, FS-14, FS-15 and the surroundings were added to the survey programme and were conducted between September and December 2023, and March and April 2024. The ecological survey programme is presented in Table 8.1.

8.3.3.2 The survey methodology followed the guidelines provided in the EIAO Guidance Notes (No. 7/2023, No. 10/2023 and No. 11/2023) and covered active seasons of the faunal groups. All field surveys were carried out in such ways that would not cause any unnecessary stress or damage to the existing habitats and wildlife. Permits for ecological surveys were obtained from relevant government authority(ies) where necessary.

Habitat Mapping and Vegetation Survey

8.3.3.3 Habitats within the assessment area were mapped based on the government’s latest aerial photos and validation through field ground-truthing. Representative areas of each habitat type were surveyed on foot. Plant species encountered, and their relative abundance, in each habitat type were recorded with special attention to species of conservation importance. The location(s) of any plant species of conservation importance encountered was recorded. Nomenclature and conservation status of plant species followed Xing et al. (2000), Lai et al. (2008), Hong Kong Herbarium and South China Botanical Garden (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) and Hong Kong Herbarium (2012).

Terrestrial Mammal Survey

8.3.3.4 All sightings, tracks, and signs of mammals (including droppings) within the representative area within the assessment area were surveyed actively. The location(s) of any mammal species of conservation importance encountered was recorded, along with notable behaviour. Night surveys were conducted to survey nocturnal mammal species (e.g., bats). Hand torch was used to search for the nocturnal mammals, bat detector was adopted to locate bats, if necessary. Nomenclature for mammals followed Shek (2006).

Avifauna Survey

8.3.3.5 The avifauna within the assessment area were surveyed using transect count method. The presence and abundance of avifauna species at various habitats observed from transects (Figure 8.1 refers) were recorded. Bird species encountered outside the sampling transects but within the assessment area were also recorded. Night surveys were conducted to record nocturnal avifauna (e.g. owls). The location(s) of any avifauna species of conservation importance encountered was recorded, along with notable behaviour. Ornithological nomenclature in this study followed the most updated List of Hong Kong Birds from Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Carey et al. (2001) and Viney et al. (2005).

Butterfly and Odonate Survey

8.3.3.6 Butterfly and odonate surveys were conducted by transect count method (Figure 8.1 refers). All the butterflies and odonates encountered, along with their abundance, were recorded. Butterfly and odonate species encountered outside transects but within the assessment area were also recorded. The location(s) of any butterfly and odonate species of conservation importance encountered was recorded, along with notable behaviour. The nomenclature and conservation status for butterflies and odonates followed Chan et al. (2012) and Lo & Hui (2010); and Tam et al. (2011) and Reels (2019) respectively.

Firefly Survey

8.3.3.7 Firefly surveys were conducted by transect count methods (Figure 8.1 refers) at dusk and at night. During the survey, any firefly observed, including larva and adults, were identified to the species level, where possible. The location of firefly species of conservation importance or any notable behaviours (e.g. breeding) was recorded. Nomenclature and conservation status of fireflies (e.g. endemic to Hong Kong) followed Yiu (2020).

Herpetofauna Survey

8.3.3.8 Herpetofauna were surveyed through direct observation and active searching in all potential hiding places such as among leaf litter, inside holes, under stones and logs within the representative area of the assessment area. During the surveys, reptiles and amphibians sighted and heard were recorded where necessary. Auditory detection of species-specific calls was used to survey frogs and toads during night surveys. The location(s) of any herpetofauna species of conservation importance encountered was recorded, along with notable behaviour. The nomenclature and conservation status followed Chan et al. (2005) and Chan et al. (2006).

Freshwater Community Survey

8.3.3.9 Aquatic fauna, including freshwater macro-invertebrates (e.g. freshwater crabs, shrimps, freshwater molluscs and aquatic insect larvae) and fishes, in the watercourses were studied by direct observation and active searching, within relevant habitats of the assessment area. The sampling locations are shown in Figure 8.1. Organisms were recorded and identified to the lowest possible taxon, and their relative abundance were reported. The location(s) of any freshwater species of conservation importance encountered was recorded, along with notable behaviour. Nomenclature for fish followed Lee et al. (2004), while those for the macro-invertebrates followed Dudgeon (2003).

Intertidal Community Survey

8.3.3.10 The intertidal surveys consisted of both qualitative walk-through surveys and quantitative transect surveys along the accessible coastlines within the assessment area, so as to produce a comprehensive species lists as well as the corresponding relative abundance of the assessment area. The surveys were conducted during low tide. Organisms encountered were recorded and their relative abundance noted.

8.3.3.11 For quantitative transect surveys, one 50 m horizontal transect along the coastline was surveyed at each of the three tidal levels: high, middle and low above Chart Datum (CD). On each transect, three quadrats (50 cm × 50 cm) were placed randomly to assess the abundance and diversity of flora and fauna. All organisms found in each quadrat were identified and recorded to the lowest possible taxonomic level to allow density to be calculated. Sessile species, such as algae (encrusting, foliose and filamentous), barnacles and oysters, in each quadrat were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and estimated as percentage cover on the rock surface. In addition, if the transect locations were location on soft shores, all organisms found in the top 50 cm × 50 cm × 5 cm layer (length x width x depth) of the substrate were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and recorded. Different habitat types and ecological conditions are described in the sections below. The sampling locations for intertidal survey are shown in Figure 8.2.1.

Coral Community Survey

8.3.3.12 The footprints and the vicinity of the proposed reclamation areas were checked by reconnaissance dive survey to verify whether any corals and other marine organisms with conservation importance are present. The sampling locations for the dive survey are shown in Figure 8.2.1.

8.3.3.13 Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) were conducted if corals were found in the spot-check reconnaissance survey. The REA survey aimed at assessing the relative cover of corals, other major benthic groups and taxon abundance, as well as providing an inventory of sessile benthic taxa used to define community types. The length of REA transect was 100 m and the range of water depths was depended on the result of reconnaissance survey (Figure 8.2.1 refers). The REA survey was conducted in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 11/2023.

Benthic Community Survey

8.3.3.14 Benthic community sampling survey was conducted at the sampling locations in the subtidal soft-bottom habitats within the assessment area (Figure 8.2.1 refers). At each sampling location, three grab samples were collected. Benthic sediments were sampled using a grab sampler to collect representative number of sediments. Sediments from the grab samples were sieved on board of the survey vessel, washed onto a sieve stack and gently rinsed with seawater to remove all fine material, in order to collect macrobenthos (>0.5 mm). After rinsing, any materials remaining on the sieve were combined and carefully rinsed using a minimal volume of seawater into pre-labelled thick triple-bagged Ziploc plastic bags. A 5% solution of formalin containing Rose Bengal in seawater was then be added to the bag to ensure tissue preservation. Care was taken to ensure the concentration of solution was not adversely diluted through rinsing into the bags. Samples were sealed in plastic containers for transfer to the laboratory for sorting and identification.

8.3.3.15 Taxonomic identifications were performed using stereo dissecting and high-power compound microscopes. Taxa were identified to the lowest practicable level. Careful sampling procedure was employed to minimise fragmentation of organisms. If breakage of soft-bodied organisms occurred, only anterior portions of fragments were counted, although all fragments were retained and weighed for biomass determinations (wet weight).

Table 8.1 Schedule of Ecological Surveys

Survey Type	Dry Season		Wet Season							Dry Season					Wet Season
	Feb 2023	Mar 2023	Apr 2023	May 2023	Jun 2023	Jul 2023	Aug 2023	Sep 2023	Oct 2023	Nov 2023	Dec 2023	Jan 2024	Feb 2024	Mar 2024	Apr 2024
Habitat and Vegetation	✓			✓			✓
Mammal (Day and Night)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Avifauna (Day and Night)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Butterfly		✓		✓		✓		✓
Odonate			✓		✓		✓		✓
Firefly			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓^+	✓^+
Herpetofauna (Day and Night)		✓		✓		✓		✓*	✓*					✓^+	✓^+
Freshwater Community (Day and Night)		✓		✓		✓		✓*	✓*					✓^+	✓^+
Intertidal Community		✓				✓
Benthic Community		✓				✓
Coral Community				✓		✓

Note:

* indicates that the surveys conducted in these months also covered additional freshwater community sampling locations FS-13, FS-14 and FS-15 (Figure 8.1 refers) and their adjacent habitats; while + indicates surveys conducted covered additional freshwater community sampling locations FS-13, FS-14 and FS-15 and their adjacent habitats only.

8.4 Criteria for Evaluating Ecological Impact and Value

8.4.1.1 References were made to EIAO-TM Annexes 8 and 16 for evaluating the significance of an ecological impact. Ecological impact refers to the effect on a habitat or species due to direct or indirect changes in the environment brought about by a project. Besides magnitude and scale, the significance of an ecological impact is also related to the asserted importance of the habitat or species to be affected. In general, the impact on an important habitat or species would be more significant in comparison to other less important ones.

8.4.1.2 Annex 8 of EIAO-TM provides some general criteria that can be used for evaluation of the significance of an ecological impact and the ecological importance of a site/habitat or a species. For the significance of an ecological impact, criteria such as habitat quality, species importance, size of habitat/abundance of species to be affected, impact duration, impact reversibility, impact magnitude and regional significance of habitat/species were considered. All potential impacts, including direct, indirect, on-site, off-site, primary, secondary, induced, additional, synergistic, cumulative impacts, etc. were considered and evaluated.

8.4.1.3 Criteria such as naturalness, size, re-creatability, fragmentation, ecological linkage, potential value, age of the site; diversity and rarity of species, abundance/richness of wildlife in the site; and whether it is a nursery/breeding ground were used as measures for evaluating the value of a site/habitat. While for evaluating species found within a site/habitat, the protection status, distribution and rarity of the species were considered for measuring the species’ importance.

8.4.1.4 Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM provides guidelines for ecological assessment and describes in its subsidiary notes the criteria which constitute “Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance”, “Important Habitats” and “Species of Conservation Importance”. Recognised sites of conservation importance include:

• Existing or gazetted proposed Special Areas;

• Existing or gazetted proposed Country Parks;

• Existing or gazetted proposed Marine Reserves;

• Existing or gazetted proposed Marine Parks;

• Wild Animals Protection Area;

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest;

• Ramsar Site;

• Inner Deep Bay and Deep Bay Buffer Zones; and

• Any other areas declared by the Government as having special conservation importance.

8.4.1.5 Important habitats are specified as those which comprise:

• Over one hectare of woodland;

• Over one hectare/500 metres of undisturbed natural coast;

• Over 0.5 hectare of intertidal mudflats;

• Established mangrove stands of any size;

• Over 0.5 hectare of freshwater or brackish marshes;

• Established seagrass (Zostera or Halophila or Ruppia species) bed of any size;

• Over 100 metres of natural stream courses and rivers of significant length;

• Over one hectare of wetlands (as defined by Ramsar Convention) other than those mentioned above;

• Established coral communities of any size; and

• Other habitats considered as having special conservation importance by documented scientific studies.

8.4.1.6 Species is considered as a “Species of Conservation Importance” if it is:

• Listed in Threatened Categories of IUCN Red List or those of the South China region;

• Listed in international conventions for conservation of wildlife;

• Endemic to Hong Kong or South China;

• Listed under the legislation of Hong Kong (references shall also be made to species protected by legislation in Mainland China, especially the Guangdong Province):

- The Forestry Regulation (under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance, Cap. 96);

- The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170);

- The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

- Other relevant ordinances and subsidiary legislation including but not limited to the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation (under the Marine Parks Ordinance, Cap. 476); and

- Considered as rare in the territory or having special conservation importance by scientific studies other than those listed above.

8.5 Ecological Baseline Condition – Literature Review

8.5.1 Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance

8.5.1.1 No recognised sites of conservation importance were identified within the terrestrial ecological assessment area for the Project.

8.5.1.2 Three Marine Parks were identified in the marine ecological assessment area for the Project, namely The Brothers Marine Park, Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and North Lantau Marine Park. They are located approximately 5.8 km, 16.2 km and 9.5 km from the nearest marine works for the Project, respectively.

8.5.2 Other Ecologically Sensitive Sites/Resources

8.5.2.1 Populations of the Romer’s Tree Frog (Liuixalus romeri), an endemic amphibian species of conservation importance, are known to occur in woodlands on Lantau Island. Sightings were previously made in mixed woodland in Ng Kwu Leng, modified channel in Tai Tsing Chau and in plantation near Tsing Chau Tsai in North Lantau (HyD, 2023a) (Figure 8.3 refers).

8.5.2.2 Stretches of natural coastal habitats were identified along the southern coast of Ma Wan, Tang Lung Chau, and North Lantau, which combine roughly to a total length of about 4.4 km. While interrupted by occasional man-made structures in places (e.g. the foundations for Kap Shui Mun Bridge, piers and reclaimed area), much of these habitats remained reasonably contiguous and undisturbed; thus providing quality habitats and convenient access to sea for various coastal/sea-associated wildlife (e.g. sea birds, intertidal and benthic organisms such as coral community), as evidenced by the presence of coral colonies consisting of hard corals, black corals and gorgonians in the sub-tidal zones along the coastline of Yi Chuen, Ma Wan and Tang Lung Chau, albeit recorded in low abundance (<1 % to 1% coverage) and of common, dominant or abundant species (Table 8.3 refers). All wild species in the Scleractinia order (i.e. hard corals) and Antipathes genus are protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), as such are considered species of conservation importance. Sightings of the White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) were also previously reported along the coast of North Lantau near Sam Chuen and Tsing Chau Wan (HyD, 2023b) (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer). Nesting behaviour of the species was also previously reported in the coastal headland near Pa Tau Kwu, south of the assessment area (Tsim et al., 2003).

8.5.2.3 Two marine mammal species, Chinese White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), occur in Hong Kong Waters. Chinese White Dolphin is known to occur in waters to the north and west of Lantau Island. The species was historically found in the waters around north and northeast Lantau; however, the species had not been sighted in these waters since 2015, and its overall numbers have reduced significantly since (Figures 8.4 and 8.5 refer). Finless Porpoise is known to occur in the southern and eastern waters of Hong Kong; there is no previous sighting records of the species in the waters off Tsing Yi or North Lantau (Figure 8.6 refers).

8.5.3 Habitats and Species of Conservation Importance

8.5.3.1 Nine types of habitats were previously identified in the assessment area, which include woodland/mixed woodland, plantation, grassland/shrubland, watercourse, developed area, wasteland, abandoned agricultural land, intertidal zone and sea.

Woodland/Mixed Woodland

8.5.3.2 Woodland/mixed woodland habitats were found predominantly on the terrains to north of Tsing Yi Nature Trail in Tsing Yi, to the south of the Lantau Link and at Ma Wan Park in Ma Wan and at the backshore lining the coast of Ng Kwu Leng in North Lantau. The woodland/mixed woodland habitats in Tsing Yi and Ma Wan comprised a mix of exotic and native self-sown tree species, as well as typical plantation and ornamental species, particularly in areas closer to the habitat margins, where there was closer association with human activities. Those identified in Ng Kwu Leng was dominated by a mix of native tree species and light-demanding shrub and climber species.

8.5.3.3 Eight species of conservation importance were recorded in the habitat in the literature, including four flora species and four fauna species. Aralia chinensis, Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides), Hong Kong Pavetta (Pavetta hongkongensis), Common Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) and Romer’s Tree Frog were found on Ng Kwu Leng in North Lantau. Small Persimmon and Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) were found near Lantau Link in Ma Wan. Lamb of Tartary (Cibotium barometz), Common Emerald Dove and Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) were found along Tsing Yi Nature Trail while Small Persimmon were also recorded along the coast of Wok Tai Wan in Tsing Yi (Figure 8.3, Tables 8.2 and 8.3 refer).

Plantation

8.5.3.4 Plantation was mainly identified on engineered slopes along Tsing Yi Road West, Cheung Tsing Highway, North West Tsing Yi Interchange, Lantau Link and North Lantau Highway, as well as in Ma Wan Park. The habitat was characterised by simple floristic composition dominated by exotic landscape and plantation species with poorly developed understorey.

8.5.3.5 Five fauna species of conservation importance were previously recorded in plantation habitat across the assessment area. Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Broad Spark (Sinthusa chandrana) and Romer’s Tree Frog were recorded adjacent to the North Lantau Highway near Tsing Chau Tsai in North Lantau. Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus) and Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) were respectively recorded on the engineered slope in Ma Wan and Tsing Yi (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Grassland/Shrubland and Shrubland

8.5.3.6 Grassland/shrubland and shrubland were a dominant habitat found on the hillsides of the assessment area, including much of the hilly terrains in North Lantau, southern Ma Wan and north-west Tsing Yi. While much of the habitat is dominated by short shrublands and upland grassland dominated by fern and herb species, tall shrublands characterised by common native trees were occasionally found in the ravines in North Lantau and on Tang Lung Chau. The habitat generally possessed simple structural complexity and floristic composition.

8.5.3.7 Three flora species of conservation importance were previously recorded in the grassland/shrubland habitat in the assessment area, namely Small Persimmon, Emarginate-leaved Ormosia (Ormosia emarginata) and Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis). The former was recorded on several occasions on the shrubby terrains in North Lantau, Ma Wan, Tang Lung Chau and along Tsing Yi Nature Trail. The latter two species were recorded at Yi Chuen and close to the coastline at Sam Chuen respectively (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.2 refer).

8.5.3.8 Four mammal, seven avifauna, five butterfly and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were previously recorded, including a number of common bat species e.g. Japanese Pipistrelle, Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx) and Chinese Noctule (Nyctalus plancyi), which were recorded in North Lantau and Ma Wan. Non-flying mammal and raptors e.g. Red Muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), Black Kite, and White-bellied Sea Eagle, along with other typical shrubland/grassland birds, butterflies and herpetofauna e.g. Greater Coucal, Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis), Common Emerald Dove, Pacific Swift (Apus pacificus), Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus), Forget-me-not (Catochrysops strabo), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus) and Four-clawed Gecko (Gehyra mutilata) were also recorded in previous studies, most of which recorded in North Lantau, with the exception of Greater Coucal and Black Kite which were sighted across all regions within the assessment area. The wetland-associated bird White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) was previously recorded in the coastal shrublands near Tai Tsing Chau, Ma Wan South and Tang Lung Chau. The butterfly Tiny Grass Blue (Zizula hylax) was found in the shrubland/grassland on Tai Leng Tau in Ma Wan (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Watercourse

8.5.3.9 Watercourses were previously identified along Tsing Yi Nature Trail, Sai Tso Wan Road, Wok Tai Wan in Tsing Yi, along Lantau Link in Ma Wan and North Lantau, as well as at To Kau Wan. Most of the watercourses identified along major highways were modified channels comprised of concrete beds and bottoms with limited natural characteries. Watercourses at Tsing Yi Nature Trail and Yi Chuen were more natural with most consisting of a sandy stream bed with scattered boulders. Signs of modification such as vertical banks, weirs, culverts and waterpipes were quite common at areas intersecting with or near village settlement or trails.

8.5.3.10 One avifauna, one herpetofauna, one odonate and two freshwater fauna species of conservation importance, namely Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus), Romer’s Tree Frog, Gynacantha sp., Cryptopotamon anacoluthon and Nanhaipotamon hongkongense. Romer’s Tree Frog and Cryptopotamon anacoluthon were recorded previously in watercourses near Tsing Chau Tsai and at Ng Kwu Leng in North Lantau, while the others were respectively recorded in a watercourse at Tsing Yi Nature Trail near the trail entrance on Tsing Yi Road West and a nullah at Wok Tai Wan in Tsing Yi (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Developed Area

8.5.3.11 Developed area was found in much of Tsing Yi, the central part of Ma Wan, and in North Lantau which comprised shipping yards, open storage, roads and highways, engineered slopes, and residential areas. The habitat was mainly concrete-paved and was subject to disturbance posed by human activities. The habitat was characterised by a mix of landscape species and roadside plantations. One flora of conservation importance, namely Pitcher Plant, was recorded in previous studies on engineered slope adjacent the Lantau Link in North Lantau (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.2 refer).

8.5.3.12 Three mammal, five avifauna, one herpetofauna, two butterfly and an odonate species of conservation importance were previously recorded in the habitat, including Chinese Noctule, Chinese Pipistrelle (Hypsugo pulveratus), Japanese Pipistrelle, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black Kite, Great Egret (Ardea alba), Greater Coucal, Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Four-clawed Gecko, Lesser Band Dart (Potanthus trachala), Small Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), Gynacantha sp. The three bat species were all recorded in Ma Wan. Black-crowned Night Heron, Black Kite, Great Egret, Little Egret and Four-clawed Gecko were recorded along the roadsides, artificial shoreline or adjacent to nullah in North Lantau. Greater Coucal and Gynacantha sp., along with Black Kite which was often sighted flying over development, were recorded in Ma Wan. The two butterfly species were recorded along the roadsides at Wok Tai Wan in Tsing Yi (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Wasteland

8.5.3.13 Wasteland was mainly identified in the reclaimed land in south-eastern Ma Wan and around the bridge tower for Lantau Link in south-western Ma Wan. The habitat was dominated by low diversity of mainly self-colonised, ruderal vegetation. No species of conservation importance was previously recorded.

Abandoned Agricultural Land

8.5.3.14 A small area of abandoned agricultural land was previously identified in western limits of the current assessment area in north-west Tsing Yi. The floristic diversity and abundance recorded in the abandoned agricultural land was low, with mostly herbs, remnant fruit trees and aquatic-associated species. Two fauna species of conservation importance were recorded, namely Dancing Shadow-emerald (Idionyx victor) and Chinese Noctule (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Intertidal Zone

8.5.3.15 Stretches of intertidal zones comprised of rocky shore and sandy shore were identified along the north-eastern coast of Lantau, southern coast of Ma Wan and surrounding Tang Lung Chau. These rocky and sandy shores were exposed to constant wave and wind actions, thus the conditions in these habitats were generally quite strenuous. Vegetation found in these habitats were typically located at the backshores and contained ruderal, pioneer or salt-tolerant species.

8.5.3.16 As mentioned in S.8.5.2.5, these coastal habitats were largely extensive and continuous, and provided access to sea and shelter for nearby wildlife. A number of coastal or wetland associated avifauna of conservation importance were previously recorded, a majority of which recorded along the intertidal zone along the Kap Shui Mun Fairway in northeast Lantau, Tang Lung Chau and Ma Wan. These include Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret, Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Great Egret, Collared Crow (Corvus torquatus) Black Kite and White-throated Kingfisher (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Sea

8.5.3.17 The sea covers the open water and sub-tidal habitat in the assessment area. These areas provided opportunities to wetland-associated birds for foraging and to marine benthos for recruitment and settlement. A total of seven avifauna species were recorded in previous studies i.e. Black Kite, Collared Crow, Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Great Egret, Pacific Reef Heron, White-throated Kingfisher and Little Egret. Furthermore, 23 coral species were previously recorded in the sub-tidal habitats along the shorelines across the assessment area (Figure 8.3 and Table 8.3 refer).

Table 8.2 List of Flora Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in the Literature

Common Name	Scientific Name	Distribution in Hong Kong^1	Conservation Status^2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9	Location
				North Lantau	Ma Wan & Tang Lung Chau	Tsing Yi
-	Aralia chinensis	Common; Sunny hillslopes	IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	Mixed Woodland^11	-	-
Emarginate-leaved Ormosia	Ormosia emarginata	Common; Shrubland and forest	List of Wild Plants under State Protection: Category II	Shrubland/Grassland^10	-	-
Hong Kong Pavetta	Pavetta hongkongensis	Common; Thickets and forests	Cap. 96	Mixed Woodland^11 13	-	-
Lamb of Tartary	Cibotium barometz	-	Cap. 586; Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong: Cat 2 (Vulnerable); List of Wild Plants under State Protection: Category II; CITES Appendix II	-	-	Mixed Woodland^14
Pitcher Plant	Nepenthes mirabilis	Tai Lam Chung, So Kwun Wat, Castle Peak, Lantau Island; Swamps and marshes	Cap. 96; Cap. 586; Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong: Cat 4 (Vulnerable); Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants: Vulnerable; CITES Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland^9; Developed Area^12	-	-
Small Persimmon	Diospyros vaccinioides	Common; Thin forests and thickets in ravines or on hillslopes	Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants: Endangered; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered	Mixed Woodland^10 11 13; Shrubland/Grassland^10 11 13	Woodland^12; Shrubland/Grassland^10 12	Mixed Woodland^14; Shrubland^14

Notes:

1. Distribution in Hong Kong follows:

Hong Kong Herbarium (2007; 2008; 2009; 2011). Flora of Hong Kong Volumes 1-4.

Xing et al. (2000). Gymnosperms and Angiosperms of Hong Kong.

Siu. (2000). Orchidaceae of Hong Kong.

2. Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance.

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

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

5. List of Wild Plants Under State Protection (promulgated by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in 2021).

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

7. International Union of Conservation for Nature. (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1.

8. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (2022) Appendices I, II and III.

9. Hong Kong Herbarium. (2021). Hong Kong Plant Database.

10. Agreement No. CE 50/2020 (HY) Feasibility Review of Tsing Yi – Lantau Link – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report.

11. Agreement No. CE 51/2016 (HY) Route 11 (between North Lantau and Yuen Long) – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report.

12. Agreement No. CE 50/2021 (CE) Private Housing Development in Ma Wan South – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report.

13. Agreement No. CE 13/2021 (HY) Route 11 (between North Lantau and Yuen Long) – Investigation – Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

14. Agreement No. CE 84/2017 (CE) Technical Study on Potential Sites for Relocation of Wholesale Markets and for Other Industrial Uses in North West Tsing Yi – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report.

Table 8.3 List of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance Recorded in the Literature

Common Name	Scientific Name	Distribution in Hong Kong^1	Conservation Status^2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11	Location
				North Lantau	Ma Wan & Tang Lung Chau	Tsing Yi
Mammal
Andersen's Leaf-nosed Bat^18	Hipposideros gentilis	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC (LC)	-	-	-
Chinese Noctule	Nyctalus plancyi	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC (RC)	-	Developed Area^14; Shrubland^14	Abandoned Agricultural Land^17
Chinese Pipistrelle	Hypsugo pulveratus	Only several records in the countryside areas at Ting Kau, Ma On Shan and Lin Ma Hang, and several records of stray individuals inside buildings	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	-	Developed Area^14	-
Japanese Pipistrelle	Pipistrellus abramus	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170	Shrubland/Grassland^16	Developed Area^14; Plantation^14	-
Least Horseshoe Bat^18	Rhinolophus pusillus	Widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC (RC)	-	-	-
Red Muntjac^18	Muntiacus vaginalis	Very widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Short-nosed Fruit Bat	Cynopterus sphinx	Very widely distributed in urban and countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; China Red Data Book: Indeterminate	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	N.A.^15
Avifauna
Black-capped Kingfisher^18	Halcyon pileata	Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	-	-	-
Black-crowned Night Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	Common resident and migrant. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)	Developed Area^13	-	Plantation^17
Black Kite^18	Milvus migrans	Common resident and winter visitor. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): (RC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; CITES: Appendix II	Plantation^16;Shrubland/Grassland^12 16; Developed Area^13; Intertidal Zone^12; Sea^12 16	Intertidal Zone^12; Sea^12; In-flight^14	Developed Area^17; In-flight^17
Chinese Hwamei^18	Garrulax canorus	Common resident. Widely distributed in hillside shrubland throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; CITES: Appendix II	-	-	Mixed Woodland^17; Shrubland^17
Chinese Pond Heron	Ardeola bacchus	Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC)	Intertidal Zone^13	-	Watercourse^17
Collared Crow	Corvus torquatus	Locally common 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	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): LC; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	-	Intertidal Zone^12; Sea^12	-
Common Emerald Dove	Chalcophaps indica	Uncommon but widespread resident. Widely distributed in woodland throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; China Red Data Book: Vulnerable	Mixed Woodland^16; Shrubland/Grassland^12	Shrubland/Grassland^12	Mixed Woodland^17
Eurasian Curlew	Numenius arquata	Abundant winter visitor. Found in Deep Bay area	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): RC; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened	-	Sea^12	-
Great Egret	Ardea alba	Common resident, migrant and winter visitor. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC)	Developed Area^12 13; Intertidal Zone^12; Sea^16	Intertidal Zone^14	-
Greater Coucal	Centropus sinensis	Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland^16	Mixed Woodland^14, Shrubland^14; Shrubland/Grassland^12; Developed Area^14	Shrubland^17
Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea	Common winter visitor. Found in Deep Bay area, Starling Inlet, Kowloon Park, Cape D'Aguilar	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC	-	Intertidal Zone^12	-
Lesser Coucal	Centropus bengalensis	Uncommon resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Little Egret^18	Egretta garzetta	Common resident, migrant and winter visitor. Widely distributed in coastal area throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC)	Developed Area^12 13; Intertidal Zone^12 13; Sea^12 13 16	Intertidal Zone^12 14; Sea^12	Intertidal Zone^17
Pacific Reef Heron	Egretta sacra	Common resident. Widely distributed in coastal area throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Rare	Intertidal Zone^12 13; Sea^16	Sea^14	-
Pacific Swift	Apus pacificus	Uncommon spring migrant and summer visitor. Mainly found in Deep Bay area and islands	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Western Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	Common winter visitor. Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): RC; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; China Red Data Book: Rare; CITES: Appendix II	-	-	N.A.^18
White-bellied Sea Eagle^18	Haliaeetus leucogaster	Locally common resident. Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): (RC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class I; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Vulnerable; China Red Data Book: Indeterminate; CITES: Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland^12	-	-
White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis	Common resident. Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Intertidal Zone^16	Shrubland/Grassland^12; Intertidal Zone^12; Sea^12	-
Herpetofauna
Four-clawed Gecko	Gehyra mutilata	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Red List of China's Vertebrates: Vulnerable	Developed Area^16; Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Romer's Tree Frog^18	Liuixalus romeri	Distributed in woodlands on Lantau Island, Po Toi Island, Lamma Island, Hong Kong Island and New Territories	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Endangered; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Vulnerable; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Endangered	Mixed Woodland^16; Plantation^16; Watercourse^16	-	-
Butterfly
Broad Spark	Sinthusa chandrana	Rare; Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	-	Plantation^16	-	-
Colon Swift^18	Caltoris bromus	Very Rare; Yung Shue O, Pak Tam Chung, Chuen Lung, Hong Kong Wetland Park, Wu Kau Tang, Luk Keng, Kuk Po, Mai Po	-	N.A.^19	-	-
Danaid Eggfly^18	Hypolimnas misippus	Uncommon; Ngau Ngak Shan, Lung Kwu Tan, Hong Kong Wetland Park, Mount Parker, Cloudy Hill, Lin Ma Hang	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Forget-me-not^18	Catochrysops strabo	Very Rare; Pui O, Tai Po Kau, Fung Yuen, Shing Mun, Sha Lo Wan	-	Shrubland/Grassland^12; N.A.^19	-	-
Lesser Band Dart	Potanthus trachala	Rare; Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	-	-	-	Developed Area^17
Malayan^18	Megisba malaya	Very Rare; North Lantau Island	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	-	-	-
Metallic Cerulean^18	Jamides alecto	Very Rare; Victoria Peak, Fung Yuen, Chuen Lung, Mui Wo	-	N.A.^19	-	-
Paintbrush Swift	Baoris farri	Rare; Deep Water Bay, Shing Mun, Lam Tsuen, Fung Yuen, Wu Kau Tang, Lai Chi Wo	-	N.A.^19	-	-
Painted Lady	Vanessa cardui	Rare; Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Small Cabbage White	Pieris rapae	Rare; Shep Mun Kap, Fan Lau, Ngong Ping, Kam Tin, Ho Chung, Luk Keng, Tuen Mun Ash Lagoon	-	-	-	Developed Area^11
Swallowtail^18	Papilio xuthus	Rare; Kap Lung, Ma On Shan, Tai Tam, Sha Lo Wan, Kat O, Lung Kwu Tan, Wu Kau Tang, Lung Kwu Chau	-	Shrubland/Grassland^16	-	-
Tiny Grass Blue	Zizula hylax	Very Rare; Lung Kwu Tan, Fung Yuen, Sha Lo Wan	-	-	Shrubland/Grassland^12	-
Odonate
Dancing Shadow-Emerald	Idionyx victor	Found high in the forest canopy or over wooded streams. Widely distributed in wooded streams throughout Hong Kong; Widespread	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	-	-	Abandoned Agricultural Land^17
Dingy Dusk-hawker^18	Gynacantha subinterrupta	Sparse. Found in well-shaded woodlands. Recorded in Hong Kong Wetland Park, Lantau Island, Ping Shan Chai, Sha Lo Tung and Tai Mo Shan	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	N.A.^19	-	-
Dusk-hawker sp.	Gynacantha sp.	-	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	-	Developed Area^14	Watercourse^17
Emerald Cascader	Zygonyx iris insignis	Widely distributed in moderately clean, rapidly flowing forested streams throughout Hong Kong; Widespread	Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC	N.A.^19
Freshwater Fauna Community
-	Cryptopotamon anacoluthon	Common; Presumably endemic to Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	Watercourse^16	-	-
-	Nanhaipotamon hongkongense	Hong Kong: Tai Po Kau Reserve, Nai Chung stream in New Territories, and near Victoria peak on Hong Kong Island. Known only from Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC	-	-	Watercourse^12 17
Coral Community
Black Coral	Antipathes sp	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^17
-	Astrangia sp.	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^17
-	Balanophyllia sp	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^16	-	-
-	Coscinaraea sp	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-	-
Knob Coral	Cyphastrea serailia	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Dipsastraea matthaii	Uncommon	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Dipsastraea rotumana	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Dipsastraea speciosa	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
Bowl Coral	Turbinaria peltata	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
Pineapple Coral	Favites abdita	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Favites chinensis	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Favites complanata	Uncommon	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Favites flexuosa	Uncommon	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
Honeycomb Coral	Favites pentagona	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
Daisy Coral	Goniopora columna	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Leptastrea purpurea	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
Zebra Coral	Oulastrea crispata	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12 16	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	Sea (Sub-tidal)^17
-	Pavona decussata	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
Brain/Maze Coral	Platygyra carnosa	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Porites sp.	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Psammocora haimiana	Uncommon	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-
-	Psammocora profundacella	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Sea (Sub-tidal)^12	-	-
-	Tubastraea sp	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	-	-	Sea (Sub-tidal)^17

Notes:

1. Distribution in Hong Kong follows:

AFCD. (2022a). Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub.

Chan et al. (2011). A Review of the Local Restrictedness of Hong Kong Butterflies.

Reels. (2019). An Annotated Check List of Hong Kong Dragonflies and Assessment of their Local Conservation Significance.

2. Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

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

4. 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.

5. Jiang et al. (2016). Red list of China’s Vertebrates.

6. List of Wild Animals Under State Protection (promulgated by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in 2021).

7. Wang. (1999). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Mammalia.

8. Zheng & Wang. (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Aves.

9. Zhao & Wang. (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Amphibia and Reptilia.

10. International Union of Conservation for Nature. (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1.

11. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Appendices I, II and III.

12. Agreement No. CE 50/2020 (HY) Feasibility Review of Tsing Yi – Lantau Link – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report.

13. Agreement No. CE 51/2016 (HY) Route 11 (between North Lantau and Yuen Long) – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report.

14. Agreement No. CE 50/2021 (CE) – Private Housing Development in Ma Wan South – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Review Report.

15. Field guide to the terrestrial mammals of Hong Kong. AFCD: Habitat in which the records were made was not specified.

16. Agreement No. CE 13/2021 (HY) Route 11 (between North Lantau and Yuen Long) – Investigation -Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

17. Agreement No. CE 84/2017 (CE) Technical Study on Potential Sites for Relocation of Wholesale Markets and for Other Industrial Uses in North West Tsing Yi – Feasibility Study – Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report.

18. AFCD. (2023). Ecological Data Report from Departmental Geographic Information System. Accessed on 2023.05.30. The locations and habitats of which the species were recorded in were not specified.

19. EPD. (2025). AFCD Fauna Survey data from Hong Kong Environmental Database (HKED). Accessed on 2025.06.10. The locations and habitats of which the species were recorded in were not specified.

Abbreviations:

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

8.6 Ecological Baseline Condition – Ecological Survey

8.6.1 Habitat and Flora

8.6.1.1 A total of nine habitats were identified within the 500 m assessment area, namely woodland, plantation, shrubland/grassland, watercourse, developed area, wasteland, agricultural land, intertidal zone and sea. A habitat map was produced based on recent aerial photographs and ground-truthing, and is given in Figures 8.7, 8.7.1 and 8.7.2. The area of each habitat was calculated and presented in Table 8.4. Representative photos of each habitat are shown in Appendix 8.1.

Table 8.4 Habitats and Habitat Sizes within the Assessment Area

Habitat	Area (ha)
	Project area	Assessment Area
Woodland	-	51.23
Plantation	12.74	34.76
Shrubland/Grassland	48.77	229.98
Watercourse	Length 1.7 km	Length 4.1 km
Developed Area	65.88	181.05
Wasteland	0.44	7.16
Agricultural Land	-	0.20
Intertidal Zone	1.61	5.62
Sea	118.54	544.67
Total	247.98	1054.67

8.6.1.2 A total of 329 flora species were recorded within the assessment area, among which 223 are known to be native (Appendix 8.2). Silver-backed Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus), Lamb of Tartary, Small Persimmon, Pale Purple Eulophia (Eulophia graminea), Fortune’s Keteleeria (Keteleeria fortunei), Pitcher Plant and Emarginate-leaved Ormosia are the seven flora species of conservation importance recorded within the assessment area (Table 8.9). Locations of these species of conservation importance are shown in Figures 8.7.1 and 8.7.2.

Woodland

8.6.1.3 Woodland patches were found on hillslopes to the north of Tsing Yi Nature Trail. Their canopy was dominated by native light-demanding and avifauna-dispersed tree species such as Aporosa (Aporosa dioica), Elephant’s Ear (Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa), Turn-in-the-wind (Mallotus paniculatus), Ivy Tree (Schefflera heptaphylla) and Lance-leaved Sterculia (Sterculia lanceolata). The tree canopies reached 12 to 15 m. The midstory and understorey were both recruited with saplings of common native tree and shrub species namely Chinese Hackberry (Celtis sinensis), Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum) and Wild Coffee (Psychotria asiatica). The understorey layer was intertwined with common native climbers such as Chinese Bitter-sweet (Celastrus hindsii) and Splash-of-white (Mussaenda pubescens), and herb species including Giant Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos) and Common Lophantherum (Lophatherum gracile). Shade-tolerant tree species indicative of more mature secondary forests in Hong Kong, however, were lacking. In addition, edges of woodland at Tsing Yi Nature Trail, were subject to human disturbance and were often found planted with ornamental species, such as Miniature Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola) and Golden Dewdrops (Duranta erecta). Moreover, similar to previous reports, woodland habitats were identified along the backshore habitat lining the coast of Ng Kwu Leng. These woodland habitats were predominantly lined by native tree, shrub and climber species including Aporosa, Lingnan Garcinia (Garcinia oblongifolia), Elephant’s Ear, Ivy Tree, Shining Eurya (Eurya nitida), Oblong-leaved Litsea (Litsea rotundifolia var. oblongifolia) and Desmos (Desmos chinensis), with shrub and climber species becoming more prevalent closer to shrubland edges.

8.6.1.4 Three individuals of the flora species of conservation importance, i.e. Small Persimmon, were recorded in woodland habitat in the assessment area. These individuals were cultivated specimens as they were located within planters at a resting area along Tsing Yi Nature Trail, as such are not considered to be of conservation interest in this study.

Plantation

8.6.1.5 Several stands of plantation were identified within assessment area, mainly along North Lantau Highway, Lantau Link, Ma Wan Road and along Cheung Tsing Highway and Tsing Yi Road West entrance of the Tsing Yi Nature Trail in Tsing Yi. The plantation stands identified along major highways and roads across the assessment area had simple floristic composition and hence of low ecological value. The canopies of these plantation stands were dominated by exotic species for landscaping and visual screening purposes such as Eucalyptus spp., Acacia spp., Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus), as well as native species Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa). In general, the understorey was poorly developed and comprised of mainly herb or weedy species such as Dichotomy Forked Fern (Dicranopteris pedata), Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum) and Wedelia trilobata.

8.6.1.6 For the plantation around Tsing Yi Road West entrance of the Tsing Yi Nature Trail in Tsing Yi, mixed planting was observed. The canopy was composed of exotic species and planted native species such as Eucalyptus spp., Acacia spp. and Schima (Schima superba). Other native tree species, including Elephant’s Ear, Microcos (Microcos nervosa), Chinese Hackberry and Ivy Tree were also found in the plantation. Due to connection with nearby shrubland, some native herb and climber species such as Twing-hanging Embelia (Embelia laeta) and Ciliate Razorsedge (Scleria ciliaris) were found in the understorey of this plantation. Regeneration of native understorey is possibly related to the seed dispersal of native species from nearby shrubland.

8.6.1.7 An individual of the flora species of conservation importance, i.e. Lamb of Tartary, was recorded in the plantation adjacent Tsing Yi Road West in the assessment area.

Shrubland/Grassland

8.6.1.8 Much of the upper terrains in the assessment area were covered by shrubland/grassland, including the hillsides of Ng Kwu Leng, Fa Peng, Yi Chuen, Sam Chuen, Tso Wan, Ma Wan, Tang Lung Chau and Tsing Yi. Those located on the precipitous slopes south of the Lantau Link comprised a mix of tall shrubland which was occasionally seen at ravines, and open short shrubland and grassland at more exposed upper and mid-level of the hillsides. This shrubland/grassland area was contiguous and an extension from those covering much of Lantau Island beyond the assessment area. On Ma Wan and Tsing Yi, the open short shrublands and grasslands were more prominent, signs of human disturbance such as burial grounds were also more pronounced. On the other hand, tall shrubs were more prominent on Tang Lung Chau which formed a continuous stretch of backshore vegetation that circumference its shoreline.

8.6.1.9 Flora species recorded in tall shrub dominated shrubland/grassland include Daphniphyllum pentandrum, Elephant’s Ear, Lance-leaved Sterculia and Ivy Tree which formed a semi-shaded canopy, while herb species such as Oriental Blechnum (Blechnum orientale), Dichotomy Forked Fern and Hong Kong Gordonia (Polyspora axillaris) were found in the understorey. Short shrubland and grassland habitats were dominated species by fern or herb species such as Dichotomy Forked Fern. Shrub species such as Shinning Eurya, Hong Kong Gordonia and Blood-red Melastoma (Melastoma sanguineum) were also prominent in this habitat. In short, this habitat had low structural complexity and supported low to moderate flora diversity.

8.6.1.10 During the ecological survey, ground investigation works, and associated site clearance were observed on the hillsides of Ng Kwu Leng and Ma Wan, hence the habitat conditions in these areas were found to be quite disturbed.

8.6.1.11 Four flora species of conservation importance were recorded in shrubland/grassland habitats, these include Emarginate-leaved Ormosia, Pitcher Plant, Silver-back Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus) and Small Persimmon. Emarginate-leaved Ormosia and Silver-back Artocarpus were recorded outside the alignment footprint but within the Project area in North Lantau. Pitcher Plant was recorded outside the Project area at Sam Chuen in North Lantau. Small Persimmon was recorded throughout the assessment area in North Lantau, Ma Wan, Tang Lung Chau and Tsing Yi, of which 12 individuals were recorded in the Project footprint in North Lantau.

Watercourse

8.6.1.12 Series of watercourse were located at Tsing Yi Nature Trail, Yi Chuen, Tso Wan and along Lantau Link. At Tsing Yi Nature Trail, watercourses were generally natural with beds composed of sand and boulders, with low flow and a depth of less than 5 cm. Signs of village occupation such as modified and vertical banks, weirs and water pipes were found along the watercourse, which all ended in channelised sections and culverts. A half-closed canopy on the banks was observed and composed of a mix of native tree species namely Turn-in-the-wind and Lance-leaved Sterculia and cultivated species such as Mango (Mangifera indica). Meanwhile, the ground level of the watercourse bank was populated with saplings of native tree species and herbs including Giant Alocasia, Diffuse Day-flower (Commelina diffusa) and Wood-fern (Cyclosorus parasiticus). Colonisation of exotic and invasive climber Mile-a-minute Weed (Mikania micrantha) mainly occurred in light gaps.

8.6.1.13 Most of the watercourses identified in North Lantau were natural and semi-natural watercourses, with the exception of the channels and nullahs at Tsing Chau Tsai, Tai Tsing Chau and within village settings (i.e. Tso Wan). Watercourses at Yi Chuen and Tso Wan were largely natural, with their upper courses located at steep treacherous terrains at higher altitude and their lower courses subject to modification and channelisation, particularly at sections intersecting with walking trails, adjacent village settlements and utilities. At the upstream sections, the streambeds were mainly lined with a mix of sand and mud and topped with large boulders and the riparian was predominantly covered by shrubs and ferns. Given the steep terrains of which they were located at, limited surface water and very low water flow were observed in the wet season and with water retention restricted to occasional pools and pits at their mid- and lower- sections. At sections where the watercourses had been modified, concrete finish along the beds and banks were observed. The water depth observed was less than 2 cm on average, though deeper water depths were seen in modified pits and culverts. Human disturbance such as sewage discharge from nearby villages and littering was observed at the downstream sections. Vegetation e.g. Giant Alocasia, Oriental Blechnum, Umbrella Plant and Guinea Grass were recorded in concrete crevices and at the embankment. Some tree species namely Ivy Tree and Elephant’s Ear were occasionally found on the watercourse embankments adjacent to villages.

Agricultural Land

8.6.1.14 A small patch of agricultural land was found near the picnic site of Ching Wah Path in Tsing Yi, outside the Project area. This habitat was under small-scaled active farming practice that crops (such as Flowering Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis) and Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) and fruit trees (such as Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) and Common Banana (Musa x paradisiaca) were the major vegetation found there.

Developed Area

8.6.1.15 Developed area was found mostly in Tsing Yi and central part of Ma Wan, which comprised of roads, highways, engineered slopes, open storage and dockyard. They were mainly concrete-paved and subject to frequent human and vehicular disturbance. In general, this habitat was characterised by landscape species and roadside plantations such as Taiwan Acacia (Acacia confusa) and Paper Bark Tree (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana), and the domination of disturbance-tolerant and opportunistic herb species prospering in limited microhabitats, namely Bidens alba and Wedelia trilobata.

8.6.1.16 Three flora species of conservation importance were recorded in developed area in the assessment area, including Fortune’s Keteleeria, Pale Purple Eulophia and Pitcher Plant. A sapling of Fortune’s Keteleeria was recorded near the village of Tso Wan in North Lantau. Two individuals of Pale Purple Eulophia were recorded on an engineered slope adjacent to Lantau Link westbound, these individuals would fall under the Project footprint in North Lantau. Five clumps of Pitcher Plant were recorded on engineered slopes respectively along Lantau Link westbound in North Lantau and Sai Tso Wan Road in Tsing Yi, two of which would fall under the project alignment.

Wasteland

8.6.1.17 Patches of wasteland were identified at the south-eastern and western part of Ma Wan. This habitat comprised mainly ruderal vegetation supporting low flora diversity, dominated by large stand of self-colonised species White Popinac (Leucaena leucocephala). Other exotic species such as Bidens alba, Guinea Grass and Lantana (Lantana camara) were commonly recorded, with native tree species namely Chinese Hackberry interspersed at low densities. One flora species of conservation importance, namely Small Persimmon, was recorded in several localities in the wasteland in Ma Wan outside the Project area.

Intertidal Zone

8.6.1.18 Extensive intertidal zones comprising rocky shore and sandy shore were identified within the assessment area. Natural rocky shore was found surrounding Tang Lung Chau, the southern side of Ma Wan, and along North Lantau shoreline stretching from Tso Wan to Kap Shui Mun. The rocky shore mainly comprised of boulders with limited vegetation where steep rocky cliffs, platforms and small rock pools were observed. Species recorded were mostly ruderal species such as Bidens alba and Many-flowered Silvergrass (Miscanthus floridulus), with coastal and pioneer tree species namely Cuban Bast (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and Chinese Banyan occasionally colonised in the crevices and backshore. Sandy shores were identified near Tai Pai Tsui Pier at Ma Wan, the north-western and eastern side of Tang Lung Chau, Tso Wan Pier and Fa Peng. Backshore vegetation was dominated by salt-tolerant species such as Clerodendrum inerme, Beach Morning-glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae), Beach Naupaka (Scaevola taccada), Vitex rotundifolia and Wedelia biflora. Tree species such as Horsetail Tree (Casuarina equisetifolia), Chinese Banyan and Cuban Bast were occasionally found along sandy shore.

8.6.1.19 The intertidal zones along the shores of Ma Wan and Yi Chuen were subject to some degrees of human disturbance. Parts of the shoreline being intermittently disrupted by artificial structures (e.g. concrete walk paths and piers), recreational anglers, hikers and beach goers were also often observed during the course of the survey.

Sea

8.6.1.20 The sea within Ma Wan Channel and Kap Shui Mun accounts 40% of the 500 m assessment area. Given that these sea areas identified within the assessment area were located adjacent to navigation channels with heavy marine traffic, the habitat conditions were found to be quite disturbed due to on-going shipping activities.

8.6.1.21 Along the shores of North Lantau, the sea bottom was made up of sand beds with gravels and boulders at shallower depths, and mud and silt in deeper depths closer to the channel. In Ma Wan South and Tang Lung Chau, the water depth was comparatively shallower, and the seabed was mainly composed of sand or cobble beds with boulders or bedrocks. In Northwest Tsing Yi, the seabed comprised predominantly silt and mud beds.

8.6.2 Terrestrial and Marine Fauna

8.6.2.1 A total of 26 mammal, 74 avifauna, 31 herpetofauna, 114 butterfly, 21 odonate, 14 freshwater fauna and two firefly species were recorded in the terrestrial ecological survey (Appendix 8.3). Amongst which, 15 mammal, 23 avifauna, nine herpetofauna, 15 butterfly, two odonate, three freshwater fauna and one firefly species are regarded as species of conservation importance (Table 8.10 refers). The locations of these species of conservation importance are shown in Figures 8.7.1 and 8.7.2.

Mammal

8.6.2.2 A total of 26 mammal species were recorded in the assessment area, which comprised a mix of native and feral mammal. The diversity and abundance of mammals recorded in the assessment area were generally low, and their occurrence were found across different habitats, with shrubland/grassland supporting comparatively higher diversity. A majority of the recorded mammal species are widely distributed throughout Hong Kong. Of the 15 mammal species of conservation importance recorded, 14 are bat species. Some of these species (e.g. Miniopterus spp., Least Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus pusillus), Leschenault’s Rousette (Rousettus leschenaultii), Lesser Bamboo Bat (Tylonycteris pachypus) and Short-nosed Fruit Bat) were recorded exclusively around North Lantau and Ma Wan; while others (e.g. Chinese Noctule, Chinese Pipistrelle and Japanese Pipistrelle) were detected in a variety of wooded habitats (i.e. woodland, shrubland/grassland, plantation and wasteland), and occasionally near habitat edges in developed area, across the entire assessment area. Four species, i.e. Chinese Pipistrelle, Lesser Bamboo Bat, Greater Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus magnater) and Least Horseshoe Bat, were detected under the Project footprint in shrubland/grassland in North Lantau.

8.6.2.3 No roosting or breeding behaviours were observed from the bats with the exception of the Short-nosed Fruit Bat sighting in the plantation next to Lantau Link eastbound near Ng Kwu Leng in the Project area in North Lantau. A maximum count of seven individuals of the species were observed under the folding fronds of a planted Chinese Fan Palm. The location of the bat roost is indicated in Figure 8.7.1.

8.6.2.4 In addition to the bats, one ground-dwelling mammal species of conservation importance was also recorded, namely Red Muntjac. The species was recorded in several localities in the shrubland/grassland in North Lantau, including the Project footprint.

Avifauna

8.6.2.5 A total of 74 avifauna species were recorded in the assessment area, most of which are common residents or common winter visitors in Hong Kong. The recorded avifauna comprised a diverse group of species that utilise a range of habitats; for example, generalist species that are common in urbanised environment, raptors that are often found soaring over a broad area of wooded and open habitats, and water/wetland-dependant species that utilise the coastal zones etc. While most species were recorded in low abundance, some of the more common generalist species were recorded in much higher abundance (i.e. moderate) (e.g. Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis), Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), Japanese White-eye (Zosterops simplex), etc.). All wild birds are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong. No roosting or breeding behaviours were observed from the recorded avifauna species.

8.6.2.6 Twenty-three of the recorded avifauna species are regarded as species of conservation importance. Water/wetland-dependent and ardeid species, such as Collared Crow, Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Little Egret, Pacific Reef Heron, White-throated Kingfisher etc., were recorded in the intertidal zones or shrubland/grassland at the backshores along the coastlines of North Lantau, Ma Wan and Tang Lung Chau. Woodland and shrubland/grassland associated birds, such as Black-throated Laughingthrush (Garrulax chinensis), Chinese Hwamei, Greater Coucal, Rufous-capped Babbler (Cyanoderma ruficeps), White-throated Rock Thrush (Monticola gularis), etc., were mostly restricted to the woodland, shrubland/grassland and plantation habitats across the assessment area. Of these, Greater Coucal and Chinese Hwamei were consistently recorded in the shrubland/grassland of North Lantau and Ma Wan and in the woodland and shrubland/grassland along Tsing Yi Nature Trail, respectively, throughout the survey period. A number of raptor species of conservation importance were also recorded occasionally in the assessment area, these include Besra (Accipiter virgatus), Black Kite, Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) and Eastern Buzzard (Buteo japonicus). Black Kite, in particular, were often seen soaring over different habitats across the assessment area through the survey period.

8.6.2.7 Six avifauna species of conservation importance were identified in the Project footprint, including three (i.e. Besra, Black Kite and Greater Coucal) were recorded under the alignment in the shrubland/grassland in North Lantau and three (i.e. Collared Crow, Little Egret and Pacific Reef Heron) were recorded within the reclamation extent in the intertidal zone in Ma Wan.

Herpetofauna

8.6.2.8 A total of 31 herpetofauna species were recorded in the assessment area, among which, ten species were amphibians while 21 were reptiles. Most of the amphibians recorded in the assessment area have a wide distribution in Hong Kong and their sightings were restricted to watercourses or habitats adjacent to watercourses. Some of the more common generalist species were often found in moderate abundance (e.g. Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Brown Tree Frog (Litoria ewingii), Greenhouse Frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) etc.). Three amphibian species of conservation importance were recorded, namely Chinese Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus chinensis), Lesser Spiny Frog (Quasipaa exilispinosa) and Romer’s Tree Frog. Chinese Bullfrog and Lesser Spiny Frog were recorded in the watercourse W7 in Tsing Yi outside the Project area (refer to Figure 8.7.2). Romer’s Tree Frog was recorded exclusively in North Lantau across a number of habitats (e.g. watercourse, shrubland/grassland and developed area), though its occurrence was predominantly in watercourses, and it was recorded in all except two watercourses (i.e. W1 and W4) in North Lantau. While most sighting records of the species remained between one to four individuals per sighting, on one occasion during the survey in May 2023, large number of the species (more than 50 individuals) were recorded in one sighting in watercourse W2 and W5. Most of the species records in watercourses were made in ditches and pits in the mid- and lower sections of the watercourses where deeper and still water bodies were present, it was plausible that individuals were flushed or had fallen into these deep ditches from adjacent habitats and were trapped inside with no means of escaping. Most of the watercourses where the species was found are partly located under the project alignment (i.e. W1, W2 & W3). Tadpoles of the species were also observed in watercourse W6 outside the Project area.

8.6.2.9 Similar to the amphibians, most of the reptile species recorded in the assessment area are species that are widely distributed throughout Hong Kong and were found to be most prominent in shrubland/grassland. In contrast to the amphibians recorded, the abundance of reptile species in the assessment area was generally lower, with most sightings being isolated records of single individual. Six reptile species of conservation importance were recorded, namely Brown Forest Skink (Sphenomorphus incognitus), Chinese Cobra (Hoplobatrachus chinensis), Common Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus), Four-clawed Gecko, Golden Kukri Snake (Oligodon cinereus) and Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus). Amongst which, Four-clawed Gecko was recorded across the assessment area, in North Lantau, Ma Wan, Tang Lung Chau and Tsing Yi; one individual was recorded under the Project footprint in the shrubland/grassland of North Lantau. Brown Forest Skink was only recorded in North Lantau. Many-banded Krait was recorded in the shrubland/grassland of North Lantau and Ma Wan, the individual in North Lantau would fall under the Project footprint. The rest of the reptile species of conservation importance were all identified outside the Project footprint.

Butterfly and Odonate

8.6.2.10 A total of 114 butterfly species were recorded in the assessment area, a majority of which are either common or very common and are widely distributed throughout Hong Kong. The abundance of butterflies recorded in the assessment area was moderate. Of all the habitats identified, shrubland/grassland had the highest abundance and diversity of butterflies recorded. Notably, species known to exhibit hill-topping behaviours (e.g. Danaid Eggfly, Indian Fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius), Silver Streak Blue (Iraota timoleon), etc.) were often observed in the peaks along Tsing Yi Nature Trail and/or on Fa Peng Tang in North Lantau. Fifteen of the butterfly species recorded are considered to be of conservation importance, either for their rare or very rare local restrictedness as documented in Chan et al. (2011) or for being considered to be of local concern by Fellowes et al. (2002). A majority of the species were recorded in the shrubland/grassland of North Lantau and Ma Wan, including Blackvein Sergeant (Athyma ranga), Conjoined Swift (Pelopidas conjuncta), Danaid Eggfly, Forget-me-not, Metallic Cerulean (Jamides alecto), Paintbrush Swift (Baoris farri), Small Cabbage White, Southern Chinese Peacock (Papilio dialis), Swallowtail and Tiny Grass Blue. While Broad Spark, Magpie Flat (Abraximorpha davidii), White-banded Flat (Gerosis phisara), Grass Demon (Udaspes folus) and Yellow Dart (Potanthus pava) were recorded only in the woodland and agricultural land in Tsing Yi. Four butterfly species of conservation importance were sighted under the Project footprint, i.e. Conjoined Swift, Small Cabbage White, Southern Chinese Peacock and Tiny Grass Blue.

8.6.2.11 A total of 21 odonate species were recorded in the assessment area, all of which are either common or abundant, and are widely distributed in Hong Kong. Most of the species were recorded in low abundance, with the exception of a few of the abundant species, e.g. Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) and Common Blue Skimmer (Orthetrum glaucum), which were often seen in high abundance. A majority of the odonate records were made in shrubland/grassland, and occasionally in watercourses, agricultural land and plantation. Two odonate species of conservation importance were recorded, namely Dancing Shadow-emerald and Scarlet Basker (Urothemis signata signata). The former was recorded in the plantation along watercourse W7 in Tsing Yi, while the latter was recorded in shrubland/grassland in North Lantau and Ma Wan, and in woodland and agricultural land in Tsing Yi. None of the species of conservation importance was recorded within the Project footprint.

Freshwater Fauna Community

8.6.2.12 Eighteen freshwater fauna species were recorded in the assessment area, including four fish species and 14 invertebrate species. As mentioned in S.8.6.1.12 – S. 8.6.1.13, most of the watercourses had limited surface water and very low flow, and often with observable flow only in the wet season, as such the freshwater fauna communities recorded in the assessment area were generally of low diversity and abundance. Most of the freshwater fauna species were recorded in the freshwater community sampling locations in North Lantau and Tsing Yi; no freshwater fauna species was recorded in Ma Wan and Tang Lung Chau. All of the fish species recorded are either introduced or released aquarium species e.g. Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and Xiphophorus spp. Freshwater invertebrates recorded are mostly common species, including fishfly larva from the Corydalidae, backswimmer from Notonectidae, dragonfly nymph of Anax sp. as well as bee shrimps and freshwater crabs. Three freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded, including two freshwater crabs, i.e. Cryptopotamon anacoluthon and Nanhaipotamon hongkongense. The former was recorded in watercourse W6 in North Lantau, while the latter was recorded in multiple occasions along watercourses W7, W8 and adjacent riparian habitat (i.e. plantation) in Tsing Yi. Both species were recorded outside the Project footprint. Furthermore, a freshwater shrimp of conservation importance, i.e. Caridina serrata, was recorded in abundance at freshwater community sampling locations FS-13 and FS-14 in North Lantau. While the species were recorded in the downstream and located outside the Project area, the upstream tributaries of the watercourse (i.e. W3) would be intersected by the project alignment and Project area.

Firefly

8.6.2.13 Two firefly species were recorded in the assessment area during the survey, one of which, i.e. Motschulsky’s Starworm (Rhagophthalmus motschulskyi), is considered to be of conservation importance due to its restricted distribution and endemic status in Hong Kong. The species was found on the peak of Fa Peng Teng in North Lantau outside the Project footprint. A more common firefly species, i.e. Rimmed Window Firefly (Pyrocoelia analis), was recorded in the wasteland in Ma Wan outside the Project footprint. This species is commonly seen in the countryside, open habitats, wetlands and even in the city.

Intertidal Community

8.6.2.14 Four sampling locations were respectively located in Tsing Yi (DI-1), Ma Wan (DI-2 and DI-3), and North Lantau (DI-4). Sampling location DI-1 was located at a vertical seawall of the dockyard within the Ma Wan Channel, as such was exposed to existing disturbance posed by dockyard and shipping activities. Sampling locations DI-2 and DI-3 are located near Tai Pai Tsui and Nam Wan in southern Ma Wan, the two locations comprised predominantly natural rocky shores with small stretches of sandy shores and artificial boulder armouring along pier structure. The two sampling locations are relatively easy to be accessed on foot, as such disturbances from beach goer, hikers and recreational anglers were frequently observed. Sampling location DI-4 in Yi Chuen, North Lantau comprised mainly of steep rock cliff with small areas of cobble sandy beach.

8.6.2.15 A total of 71 intertidal species were recorded across the four sampling locations in the qualitative walk-through survey, with 52 recorded in the dry season and 61 recorded in the wet season (Appendix 8.3h refers). All of the species recorded in the qualitative walk-through survey are species that are common and widespread in intertidal habitats of Hong Kong. There was little difference in the number of species recorded between the four sampling locations. Sampling location DI-4 in Yi Chuen, North Lantau had the highest number of species recorded in the qualitative survey amongst the four sampling locations (Table 8.5 refers). In general, there was more species recorded in the wet season than in the dry season, with algal, limpet and crab species becoming more prominent in the wet season (Table 8.6 refers).

8.6.2.16 One hard coral species, namely Dipsastraea speciosa, was recorded in the qualitative survey at DI-4 (Table 8.10 refers). The species is abundant in Hong Kong waters and has been recorded from all locations around the waters of Hong Kong, though all hard coral species are listed under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), hence it is considered a species of conservation importance under the criteria of EIAO-TM.

8.6.2.17 A total of 59 intertidal species were recorded across all sampling locations in the quantitative survey; most of the species recorded are similar to those recorded in the qualitative walk-through survey (Appendix 8.3i refers). The number of species (S), density (D, individual/m²), species evenness (J) and Shannon Diversity index (H’) of the intertidal community recorded at the four sampling locations are summarised in Tables 8.5 and 8.6. In general, the overall species diversity and evenness of the intertidal communities at the sampling locations are moderate, with a Shannon Diversity Index (H’) ranging from 2.10 – 3.03 and a Pielou’s Evenness Index (J) ranging from 0.75 – 0.92. Amongst the four sampling locations, DI-3 in Ma Wan was recorded with the highest number of species, abundance, species diversity and evenness. In contrast, the sampling location DI-1 in Northwest Tsing Yi had the lowest scores across all measured parameters. No species of conservation importance was recorded in the quantitative survey.

Table 8.5 Summarised Findings of Intertidal Community Recorded

Region	Sampling Location	Qualitative	Quantitative
		S	S	D	J	H’
Tsing Yi	DI-1	47	30	121.33	0.75	2.10
Ma Wan	DI-2	46	32	150.67	0.88	2.41
	DI-3	50	45	206	0.92	3.03
North Lantau	DI-4	58	35	168	0.83	2.53

Table 8.6 Findings of Intertidal Community Recorded in the Dry and Wet Season

Region	Sampling Location	Dry Season					Wet Season
		Qualitative	Quantitative				Qualitative	Quantitative
		S	S	D	J	H’	S	S	D	J	H’
Tsing Yi	DI-1	34	19	170	0.74	1.78	41	22	102.67	0.84	2.15
Ma Wan	DI-2	24	20	88	0.89	2.21	38	25	213.33	0.88	2.17
	DI-3	33	23	101.33	0.73	2.03	47	37	310.67	0.92	2.80
North Lantau	DI-4	40	22	110.67	0.81	2.09	42	24	225.33	0.84	2.33

Coral Community

8.6.2.18 Reconnaissance dive surveys were conducted at four sampling locations (i.e. DI-1 – DI-4) by SCUBA diving to verify the presence / absence of coral communities and associated marine fauna with conservation importance.

8.6.2.19 Sampling location DI-1 is located at the coastline in Northwest Tsing Yi and it was mainly composed of artificial seawalls and other marine structures in support of nearby dockyard activities, as such the site was subject to high human disturbance. The wave action and water current experienced at DI-1 were relatively calm, though the water visibility was poor due to high level of mud and silt on the bottom being stirred up by on-going dockyard activities. Nine coral species were recorded in very low coverage (i.e. less than 1 %) at DI-1, most of which are species that are commonly found in Hong Kong (Appendix 8.3j refers). Of the nine species recorded, four are considered species of conservation importance, including three hard coral species (i.e. Cladopsammia sp., Oulastrea crispata and Tubastraea sp.) and one black coral species (i.e. Antipathes curvata) (Table 8.10 refers).

8.6.2.20 The sampling location at DI-2 in southeast Ma Wan was relatively natural and comprised predominantly boulders and cobbles. Strong wave action and low water visibility were experienced at the site during the dive surveys. A total of 18 coral species were recorded at the site, including 14 hard corals, two soft corals and two gorgonians (Appendix 8.3j refers), all of which were recorded with less than 1% coverage. Most of the recorded coral species are dominant, abundant or commonly found in Hong Kong waters. All hard coral species are protected under Cap. 586 and CITES, as such the 14 species recorded at this site are considered species of conservation importance (Table 8.10 refers).

8.6.2.21 The sampling location at DI-3 near Tai Pai Tsui Pier in Ma Wan southwest was largely natural and covered a variety of bed substrata at different locations along the coastline. Towards the west, the site was mainly composed of bedrock, cobbles and sand, while artificial seawall and boulders became more prominent closer to the pier. A total of 15 coral species were recorded at the site, including 11 hard corals, two soft corals and two gorgonian species (Appendix 8.3j refers). Most of the recorded coral species are dominant, abundant or common in Hong Kong waters. The coverage of hard corals recorded at this site was about 1% while soft coral and gorgonian species was recorded with less than 1% coverage. All 11 hard coral species recorded at this location are considered species of conservation importance (Table 8.10 refers).

8.6.2.22 The sampling location at DI-4 in Yi Chuen, North Lantau was the most natural and least disturbed amongst the four sampling locations. The bed substrata were predominantly composed of boulders, sand with gravels and mud/silt. The water current and wave action experienced at the location were strong and the water visibility observed during the survey was poor. A total of six coral species were recorded at DI-4, including three hard corals, one soft coral and two gorgonian species (Appendix 8.3j refers). A majority of the coral species recorded at this location are dominant and common in Hong Kong waters and were recorded with a coverage of less than 1%. The three hard coral species recorded at this location are considered species of conservation importance i.e. Cladopsammia sp., Cyphastrea serailia and Oulastrea crispata (Table 8.10 refers).

8.6.2.23 To provide an overview of the coral communities recorded in the assessment area, a total of 18 species of hard corals (including one species that was recorded in intertidal zone) and one species of black coral were recorded comprising predominantly species that are common, abundant and dominant in Hong Kong waters. All corals were recorded sparsely and in low coverage (less than 1% - 1% coverage). The two sampling locations near the shores of Ma Wan South had the highest number of coral species recorded, 13 of which were found only in this region, while black coral Antipathes curvata was only recorded in Tsing Yi.

Benthic Community

8.6.2.24 A total of 1,435 individuals from 93 species were collected across the five sampling locations in the assessment area in the benthic grab sampling surveys (Appendices 8.3k and 8.3l refer). A majority of the benthic fauna recorded are common and widespread species in living in the soft bottom sub-tidal environment of Hong Kong. One species of conservation importance, namely amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri, was recorded in the sampling location at BS-4 off Tai Pai Tsui Pier in Ma Wan in the wet season. Amphioxus is of conservation importance because of its primitive morphology and of its over-exploitation as a fishery resource in coastal waters of the South China Sea, especially near Xiamen (Lu et al., 1998). Amphioxus is classified as a Class II protected species in China (Huang, 2006). There were three individuals of amphioxus recorded at sampling location BS-4 in the wet season, with a total biomass of 0.0644g, at a density of 8 individuals/m². The density of amphioxus recorded is considered very low when comparing to some specific locations in Tai Long Wan and Pak Lap Wan, with a maximum of 460 and 290 individuals/m², respectively (Chen, 2007).

8.6.2.25 Overall, the benthic community in the assessment area were predominantly made up by species from three phyla, including annelids, arthropods and molluscs, both in terms of species composition and abundance recorded. Total biomass on the other hand was contributed most by the phyla echinoderms (9.83g), arthropods (8.61g) and annelids (6.54g). There was little difference in the number of species (n) recorded between the dry and wet season, though abundance (Abun.) and total biomass sampled were found to be higher in the wet season compared to that of the dry season (Table 8.8 refers).

8.6.2.26 Amongst the five sampling locations, BS-4 in Ma Wan and BS-5 in North Lantau had the highest number of species recorded, though species abundance recorded in these locations was only half of that recorded at BS-2 in Ma Wan Channel (Table 8.9 refers). The high abundance recorded at BS-2 in Ma Wan Channel was largely contributed by the decapod Ampithoe valida. In terms of biomass, the benthic community recorded at BS-5 near Yi Chuen in North Lantau was the highest, which was almost double of that recorded in the second ranked location (i.e. BS-2). Sampling location BS-3 had the lowest number of species, abundance and biomass recorded.

8.6.2.27 Previous studies of benthic surveys showed that value of H’ varied from 2.21 – 3.50 in the eastern waters, which is higher than Victoria Harbour (1.10 – 2.45), Tolo Harbour and Channel (1.51 – 1.85), but lower than western waters at outer Deep Bay (2.14 – 2.86) and southern waters (2.53 – 2.98) (CityU Professional Services Limited 2002). Across the sampling locations, Shannon Diversity Index (H’) ranged between 1.67 – 3.03, which suggests that the species diversity in the assessment area is generally low, with the exception of that recorded at BS-1 in Northwest Tsing Yi (Table 8.7 refers). As for species evenness, the Pielou’s Evenness Index (J) measured across the sampling locations ranged between 0.46 – 0.92, with lower values recorded at BS-2, BS-4 in Ma Wan, and BS-5 in North Lantau. These indices suggest that the evenness of benthic composition at most of the sampling locations were moderate, while that of BS-2, BS-4 and BS-5 was low to moderate.

Table 8.7 Summarised Findings of Benthic Community Recorded

Region	Sampling Location	n	Abundance	Wet Weight (g)	J	H’
Tsing Yi	BS-1	27	86	2.64	0.92	3.03
Ma Wan & Tang Lung Chau	BS-2	38	709	7.80	0.46	1.67
	BS-3	18	46	0.92	0.87	2.51
	BS-4	46	264	6.40	0.60	2.30
North Lantau	BS-5	41	330	13.14	0.58	2.16

Table 8.8 Findings of Benthic Community Recorded in the Dry and Wet Season

Region	Sampling Location	Dry Season					Wet Season
		n	Abun	Wet Weight (g)	J	H’	n	Abun	Wet Weight (g)	J	H’
Tsing Yi	BS-1	11	24	0.38	0.90	2.15	19	62	2.26	0.89	2.63
Ma Wan & Tang Lung Chau	BS-2	24	77	1.96	0.80	2.53	21	632	5.84	0.36	1.09
	BS-3	10	25	0.19	0.76	1.75	11	21	0.73	0.93	2.23
	BS-4	30	166	2.18	0.59	1.99	21	98	4.22	0.67	2.04
North Lantau	BS-5	23	218	8.02	0.40	1.26	25	112	5.12	0.79	2.53

Table 8.9 List and Evaluation of Flora Species of Conservation Importance

Common Name	Scientific Name	Rarity and Distribution in Hong Kong^1	Conservation status^2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11	Location
				North Lantau	Ma Wan & Tang Lung Chau	Tsing Yi
Emarginate-leaved Ormosia	Ormosia emarginata	Common; Shrubland and forest	List of Wild Plants under State Protection: Category II	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Fortune's Keteleeria	Keteleeria fortunei	Very rare; Shrubland	Cap. 96; Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong (Status in China): Cat 2 & 3 (Vulnerable); Rare and Endangered Plants and National Key Protected Plants in Guangdong: Near Threatened; Illustrations of Rare & Endangered Plant in Guangdong Province; China Plant Red Data Book: Vulnerable; Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants: Vulnerable; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened	Developed Area	-	-
Lamb of Tartary	Cibotium barometz	Very common; Forest and shrubland	Cap. 586; Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong: Cat 2 (Vulnerable); List of Wild Plants under State Protection: Category II; CITES Appendix II	-	-	Plantation
Pale Purple Eulophia	Eulophia graminea	Restricted; Grassland and highly disturbed areas	Cap. 96; Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II	Developed Area (Project Footprint)	-	-
Pitcher Plant	Nepenthes mirabilis	Common; Wet, open places on granite and sedimentary rocks	Cap. 96; Cap. 586; Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong: Cat 4 (Vulnerable); Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants: Vulnerable; CITES Appendix II	Developed Area (Project Footprint) Developed Area; Shrubland/Grassland	-	Developed Area (Project Footprint)
Silver-back Artocarpus	Artocarpus hypargyreus	Common; Lowland forest	Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong: Cat 2&3 (Near Threatened) Rare and Endangered Plants and National Key Protected Plants in Guangdong: Near Threatened; Illustrations of Rare & Endangered Plant in Guangdong Province; Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants: Endangered; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Small Persimmon	Diospyros vaccinioides	Very Common Shrub; Shrubland	Threatened Species List of China's Higher Plants: Endangered; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland	Woodland (Cultivated); Shrubland/Grassland

Notes:

1. Distribution in Hong Kong follows:

Hong Kong Herbarium (2007; 2008; 2009; 2011). Flora of Hong Kong Volumes 1-4.

Xing et al. (2000). Gymnosperms and Angiosperms of Hong Kong.

Siu. (2000). Orchidaceae of Hong Kong.

2. Cap. 96 Forests and Countryside Ordinance.

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

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

5. Feng et al. (2002). Study on Rare and Endangered Plants and National Key Protected Plants in Guangdong.

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

7. List of Wild Plants Under State Protection (promulgated by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in 2021).

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

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

10. International Union of Conservation for Nature. (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-2.

11. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (2022). Appendices I, II and III.

12. Text in bold indicates those that were recorded inside the Project footprint, which includes the areas for at-grade land-based works, marine works and temporary works.

Table 8.10 List and Evaluation of Fauna Species of Conservation Importance

Common Name	Scientific Name	Distribution in Hong Kong^1	Conservation Status^2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11	Location
				North Lantau	Ma Wan & Tang Lung Chau	Tsing Yi
Mammal
Bent-winged Bats	Miniopterus sp.	-	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)/PRC(RC); Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	-	Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland	-
Chinese Noctule	Nyctalus plancyi	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC)	Developed Area; Shrubland/Grassland	-	Plantation; Shrubland/Grassland; Woodland
Chinese Pipistrelle	Hypsugo pulveratus	Only several records in the countryside areas at Ting Kau, Ma On Shan and Lin Ma Hang, and several records of stray individuals inside buildings	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland	Plantation; Shrubland/Grassland; Watercourse
Common Bent-winged Bat	Miniopterus fuliginosus	Widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); China Red Data Book Status: Endangered; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Greater Bent-winged Bat	Miniopterus magnater	Data deficient	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC); Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Shrubland/Grassland; Developed Area	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Japanese Pipistrelle	Pipistrellus abramus	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170	Developed Area; Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland	Plantation; Shrubland/Grassland; Watercourse; Woodland
Least Horseshoe Bat	Rhinolophus pusillus	Widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC (RC)	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	-	-
Least Pipistrelle	Pipistrellus tenuis	Ten-something records found in Nam Chung, Sheung Wo Hang, Lin Ma Hang, Plover Cove Country Park, Yuen Long, Shek Pik, Deep Water Bay, Ho Pui and Ho Chung	Cap. 170; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Developed Area; Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland	Developed Area; Plantation; Shrubland/Grassland; Woodland
Leschenault's Rousette	Rousettus leschenaultii	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened	-	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Lesser Bamboo Bat	Tylonycteris pachypus	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); China Red Data Book: Rare	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	-	-
Lesser Bent-winged Bat	Miniopterus pusillus	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Myotis Bat	Myotis sp.	-	Cap. 170	Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland	Watercourse
Red Muntjac	Muntiacus vaginalis	Very widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Rickett's Big-footed Myotis	Myotis ricketti	Fairly widely distributed in countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); China Red Data Book: Vulnerable; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	-	-	Developed Area
Short-nosed Fruit Bat	Cynopterus sphinx	Very widely distributed in urban and countryside areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; China Red Data Book Status: Indeterminate; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Plantation; Developed Area	-	-
Avifauna
Besra	Accipiter virgatus	Common resident and migrant. Found in Tai Po Kau, Deep Bay area, Chek Lap Kok, Cheung Chau, Soko Islands	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; CITES: Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Black Kite	Milvus migrans	Common resident and winter visitor. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): (RC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; CITES: Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Shrubland/Grassland; Developed Area	Shrubland/Grassland; Developed Area; Wasteland; Intertidal Zone; Sea	Woodland; Shrubland/Grassland; Developed Area; Sea
Black-crowned Night Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	Common resident and migrant. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)	-	Wasteland	-
Black-throated Laughingthrush	Garrulax chinensis	Common resident. Widely distributed in woodland and shrubland throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	-	-	Woodland
Chinese Hwamei	Garrulax canorus	Common resident. Widely distributed in hillside shrubland throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; CITES: Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland	-	Woodland; Plantation; Shrubland/Grassland
Chinese Pond Heron	Ardeola bacchus	Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC	Watercourse	-	-
Collared Crow	Corvus torquatus	Locally common 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	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): LC; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	-	Intertidal Zone	-
Collared Scops Owl	Otus lettia	Common resident. Widely distributed in shrubland throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; CITES: Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland	-	Woodland
Crested Goshawk	Accipiter trivirgatus	Common resident. Widely distributed in woodlands and shrublands throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Rare; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; CITES: Appendix II	-	-	Shrubland/Grassland; Plantation
Eastern Buzzard	Buteo japonicus	Common winter visitor. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; CITES: Appendix II	-	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Eurasian Eagle-Owl	Bubo bubo	Scarce resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): RC; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Rare; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened; CITES: Appendix II	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Eurasian Hobby	Falco subbuteo	Uncommon autumn passage migrant. Widely distributed in marshes, agricultural land and lightly wooded hills throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; CITES: Appendix II	-	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	Common winter visitor. Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC	-	Intertidal Zone	-
Great Egret	Ardea alba	Common resident, migrant and winter visitor. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC)	Intertidal Zone	Shrubland/Grassland; Intertidal Zone	-
Greater Coucal	Centropus sinensis	Common resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book Status: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Shrubland/Grassland	Plantation; Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland	-
Indochinese Yuhina	Yuhina castaniceps	Uncommon but increasing winter visitor, scarce and localised in summer	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC)	-	Wasteland	Shrubland/Grassland
Lesser Coucal	Centropus bengalensis	Uncommon resident. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book Status: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	Common resident, migrant and winter visitor. Widely distributed in coastal area throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC(RC)	-	Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland; Intertidal Zone	-
Pacific Reef Heron	Egretta sacra	Common resident. Widely distributed in coastal area throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book Status: Rare	Intertidal Zone	Intertidal Zone	-
Rufous-capped Babbler	Cyanoderma ruficeps	Common resident. Found in Shing Mun, Tai Po Kau, Tai Mei Tuk, Ng Tung Chai, Fo Tan, Tai Mo Shan, The Peak, Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	-	-	Woodland
Siberian Rubythroat	Calliope calliope	Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 170; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Shrubland/Grassland	-	Shrubland/Grassland
White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis	Common resident. Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): (LC); List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Shrubland/Grassland; Wasteland	-
White-throated Rock Thrush	Monticola gularis	Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Found in Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre, Tai Po Kau, Mount Austin, Aberdeen Country Park, Lion Rock Country Park, Mount Nicholson, Mai Po	Cap. 170	-	-	Woodland
Herpetofauna
Brown Forest Skink	Sphenomorphus incognitus	Distributed in streams in the New Territories	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC; Red List of China’s Vertebrates: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Chinese Bullfrog	Hoplobatrachus chinensis	Widely distributed in Lantau Island and New Territories	Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Endangered	-	-	Watercourse
Chinese Cobra	Naja atra	Common and widely distributed in Hong Kong	Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Vulnerable; China Red Data Book Status: Vulnerable; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable; CITES: Appendix II	Developed Area	Wasteland	-
Common Rat Snake	Ptyas mucosus	Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	Cap. 586; Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Endangered; CITES: Appendix II; China Red Data Book Status: Endangered	-	-	Woodland
Four-clawed Gecko	Gehyra mutilata	Widely but thinly distributed throughout Hong Kong	Red List of China's Vertebrates: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	Shrubland/Grassland; Intertidal Zone	Shrubland/Grassland; Woodland
Golden Kukri Snake	Oligodon cinereus	Distributed in the central and eastern New Territories, Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	-	-	Shrubland/Grassland
Lesser Spiny Frog	Quasipaa exilispinosa	Widely distributed in upland forest streams throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Vulnerable	-	-	Watercourse
Many-banded Krait	Bungarus multicinctus	Common and widely distributed in Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PRC; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Endangered; China Red Data Book Status: Vulnerable	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Romer's Tree Frog	Liuixalus romeri	Distributed in woodlands on Lantau Island, Po Toi Island, Lamma Island, Hong Kong Island and New Territories	Cap. 170; Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II; China Red Data Book: Endangered; Red List of China's Vertebrates: Vulnerable; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Endangered	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint); Watercourse (Project Footprint) Developed Area; Shrubland/Grassland; Watercourse	-	-
Butterfly
Blackvein Sergeant	Athyma ranga	Uncommon. Shing Mun, Ngau Ngak Shan, Tai Mong Tsai, Tai Mo Shan, Tai Po Kau, Cloudy Hill	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Broad Spark	Sinthusa chandrana	Rare. Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	-	-	-	Woodland
Conjoined Swift	Pelopidas conjunctus	Rare. Ngong Ping, Shing Mun, Pak Tam Chung, Fung Yuen	-	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Danaid Eggfly	Hypolimnas misippus	Uncommon. Ngau Ngak Shan, Lung Kwu Tan, Hong Kong Wetland Park, Mount Parker, Cloudy Hill, Lin Ma Hang	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	Shrubland/Grassland	-	Shrubland/Grassland
Forget-me-not	Catochrysops strabo	Very Rare. Pui O, Tai Po Kau, Fung Yuen, Shing Mun, Sha Lo Wan	-	Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Grass Demon	Udaspes folus	Rare. Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	-	-	-	Agricultural Land
Magpie Flat	Abraximorpha davidii	Rare. Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	-	-	-	Woodland
Metallic Cerulean	Jamides alecto	Very Rare. Victoria Peak, Fung Yuen, Chuen Lung, Mui Wo	-	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Paintbrush Swift	Baoris farri	Rare. Deep Water Bay, Shing Mun, Lam Tsuen, Fung Yuen, Wu Kau Tang, Lai Chi Wo	-	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Small Cabbage White	Pieris rapae	Rare. Shep Mun Kap, Fan Lau, Ngong Ping, Kam Tin, Ho Chung, Luk Keng, Tuen Mun Ash Lagoon	-	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint)	-	-
Southern Chinese Peacock	Papilio dialis	Very Rare. Fung Yuen, Ma On Shan	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	Shrubland/Grassland (Project Footprint) Watercourse	-	-
Swallowtail	Papilio xuthus	Rare. Kap Lung, Ma On Shan, Tai Tam, Sha Lo Wan, Kat O, Lung Kwu Tan, Wu Kau Tang, Lung Kwu Chau	-	Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland	-
Tiny Grass Blue	Zizula hylax	Very Rare. Lung Kwu Tan, Fung Yuen, Sha Lo Wan	-	Developed Area (Project Footprint) Developed Area; Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
White-banded Flat	Gerosis phisara	Rare. Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong	-	-	-	Woodland
Yellow Dart	Potanthus pava	Very Rare. Plover Cove	-	-	-	Agricultural Land
Odonate
Dancing Shadow-emerald	Idionyx victor	Common. Found high in the forest canopy or over wooded streams. Widely distributed in wooded streams throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	-	-	Plantation
Scarlet Basker	Urothemis signata signata	Common. Common in areas with abandoned fishponds throughout Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): LC	Shrubland/Grassland	Shrubland/Grassland	Agricultural Land; Woodland
Freshwater Fauna Community
-	Caridina serrata	The species is only known from two streams on Hong Kong Island and three streams on Lantau Island (Hong Kong) (Cai and Ng 1999, Yam and Dudgeon 2005, W. Klotz, pers com. 2012).	Fellowes et al. (2002): GC	Watercourse	-	-
-	Cryptopotamon anacoluthon	Common; Presumably endemic to Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Vulnerable	Watercourse	-	-
-	Nanhaipotamon hongkongense	Hong Kong: Tai Po Kau Reserve, Nai Chung stream in New Territories, and near Victoria peak on Hong Kong Island. Known only from Hong Kong	Fellowes et al. (2002): PGC	-	-	Agricultural Land; Plantation; Watercourse
Firefly
Motschulsky's Starworm	Rhagophthalmus motschulskyi	Endemic to Hong Kong. Tai Po Kau, Kam Tin, Tin Shui Wai, Ma Shi Po, Fu Tei Au, Ma On Shan, Lam Tsuen, Wu Kau Tang, Diamond Hill, Tai Tong, Mount Parker Road, Mui Wo	IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened	Shrubland/Grassland	-	-
Coral Community
-	Cladopsammia sp.	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Sea (Sub-tidal)	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)
Knob Coral	Cyphastrea serailia	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Sea (Sub-tidal)	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Dipsastraea favus	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Dipsastraea speciosa	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Intertidal Zone (Project Footprint)	-	-
Pineapple Coral	Favites abdita	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Favites chinensis	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
Honeycomb Coral	Favites pentagona	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Bernardpora stutchburyi	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
Horn Coral	Hydnophora exesa	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Leptastrea pruinosa	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
Zebra Coral	Oulastrea crispata	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	Sea (Sub-tidal)	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)
Brain/Maze Coral	Platygyra acuta	Dominant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
Brain/Maze Coral	Platygyra carnosa	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Plesiastrea versipora	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Porites sp.	-	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Psammocora profundacella	Abundant	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
-	Tubastraea sp.	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)
Bowl Coral	Turbinaria peltata	Mostly common and abundant in Hong Kong waters	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)	-
Black Coral	Antipathes curvata	Common	Cap. 586; CITES Appendix II; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	-	Sea (Sub-tidal) (Project Footprint)
Benthic Community
-	Branchiostoma belcheri	Recorded in limited sites of Hong Kong. Distributed in eastern waters of Hong Kong	Endemic to China; List of Wild Animals under State Protection: Class II	-	Sea (Project Footprint)	-

Notes:

1. Distribution in Hong Kong follows:

AFCD (2025). Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub.

Chan et al. (2011). A Review of the Local Restrictedness of Hong Kong Butterflies.

Reels. (2019). An Annotated Check List of Hong Kong Dragonflies and Assessment of their Local Conservation Significance.

Yiu. (2020). Hong Kong Fireflies.

2. Cap. 170 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

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

4. 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.

5. List of Wild Animals Under State Protection (promulgated by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in 2021).

6. Jiang et al. (2016). Red list of China’s Vertebrates.

7. Wang. (1999). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Mammalia.

8. Zheng & Wang. (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Aves.

9. Zhao & Wang. (1998). China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Amphibia and Reptilia.

10. International Union of Conservation for Nature. (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1.

11. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. Appendices I, II and III.

12. Text in bold indicates those that were recorded inside the Project footprint, which includes the areas for at-grade land-based works, marine works, and temporary works.

Abbreviations:

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

8.7 Ecological Evaluation of Habitats

8.7.1.1 The ecological importance of recorded habitats was evaluated in accordance with the EIAO-TM Annex 8 criteria and presented in Table 8.11 to Table 8.21 below.

Table 8.11 Ecological Evaluation of Woodland

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	Moderate. In succession from plantation and exposed to on-going anthropogenic disturbance
Size	Small (51.23 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Not identified in Project area Assessment Area outside the Project Area Moderate to high floral diversity. Woodland in early succession from plantation and in close association with adjacent shrubland/grassland or recreational and hiking facilities, as such shrubs or exotic plantation/ornamental species are prominent Moderate faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies Four flora, three avifauna and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were recorded in woodland and mixed woodland previous studies Present Survey Three mammal, six avifauna, two herpetofauna, three butterfly and one odonate species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	Re-creatable if given time to mature
Fragmentation	Largely intact, though disconnected from similar habitat beyond Tsing Yi Island
Ecological Linkage	No direct linkage with any sites of conservation importance, though ecologically connected to the vast shrubland/grassland upper terrains in Tsing Yi
Potential Value	Moderate
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	Around 20 – 30 years
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low to moderate
Overall Ecological Value	Moderate

Table 8.12 Ecological Evaluation of Plantation

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	Low
Size	Small (34.76 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Low floral diversity, comprising mostly exotic and/or planted species Very low faunal diversity Assessment Area outside the Project Area Moderate floral diversity, comprising mostly exotic and/or planted species Low faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies One mammal, two avifauna, one herpetofauna and one butterfly species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies Present Survey One flora, five mammal, three avifauna, one odonate and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	Restricted to engineered slopes along or adjacent major highways
Ecological Linkage	No notable ecological linkage
Potential Value	Low
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	Around 10 - 20 years
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Low

Table 8.13 Ecological Evaluation of Shrubland/Grassland

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	High
Size	Very large (229.98 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Low to moderate floral diversity Low to moderate faunal diversity, of predominantly butterflies Assessment Area outside the Project Area Moderate floral diversity Low to moderate faunal diversity, of predominantly butterflies
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies Three flora, four mammal, eight avifauna, one herpetofauna and five butterfly of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies Present Survey Four flora, 13 mammal, 15 bird, five herpetofauna, ten butterfly, one odonate and one firefly species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	Re-creatable though may take time to reach maturity
Fragmentation	Largely contiguous, except for the shrubland/grassland on Ng Kwu Leng which is separated from the extensive shrubland in the south by Lantau Link
Ecological Linkage	No notably ecological linkage with any sites of conservation importance. The habitat is connected to the vast shrubland/grassland and young woodland terrains that span over much of Lantau Island and Tsing Yi beyond the assessment area
Potential Value	Moderate
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	> 30 years
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low to moderate
Overall Ecological Value	Low to moderate

Table 8.14 Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse W1 and W2

Criteria	Description
	W1	W2
Naturalness	Largely natural with modified sections (e.g. culvert, dam and concrete finish) for drainage purpose	Largely natural with modified sections (e.g. culvert, dam and concrete finish) for drainage purpose
Size	Small (179 m in length)	Moderate (599 m in length)
Diversity	Project Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity due to limited water volume and velocity	Project Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity due to limited water volume and velocity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies Present Survey No species of conservation importance was recorded in the present survey	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies Present Survey One herpetofauna species of conservation importance (i.e. Romer’s Tree Frog) was recorded, with high abundance recorded on one occasion in a culvert, in the present survey
Re-creatability	Can be re-created, but for riparian to reach its current maturity will take time	Can be re-created, but for riparian to reach its current maturity will take time
Fragmentation	Interrupted at places by hiking trail and modification features	Interrupted at places by hiking trail and modification features
Ecological Linkage	Little notable ecological linkage except with adjacent riparian shrubland/grassland habitat	Little notable ecological linkage except with adjacent riparian shrubland/grassland habitat
Potential Value	Low	Low to moderate
Nursery/breeding Ground	No breeding/nursery signs of fauna observed in the watercourse	No breeding/nursery signs of fauna observed in the watercourse
Age	N/A	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Low	Low to moderate

Table 8.15 Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse W3, W4 and W5

Criteria	Description
	W3	W4 and W5
Naturalness	Largely natural upper courses, and disturbed mid- and lower courses adjacent to village settings. Modified sections (e.g. culvert, dam and concrete finish) were common for drainage purpose	Largely natural upper courses with much of its lower courses’ length channelised or modified or culverted, and run along major highway or within village settings, as such disturbance was prominent
Size	Large (1.1 km in length)	W4: Small (180 m in length) W5: Small (218 m in length)
Diversity	Project Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity due to limited water volume and velocity Assessment Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity	Project Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity due to limited water volume and velocity Assessment Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies Present Survey One avifauna, one herpetofauna and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey, of which Caridina serrata was recorded in moderate abundance	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies Present Survey One herpetofauna species of conservation importance was recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	Can be re-created, but for riparian to reach its current maturity will take time	Can be re-created, but for riparian to reach its current maturity will take time
Fragmentation	Interrupted at places by villages, trails, and modification features	Fragmented by village environ and/or modification features.
Ecological Linkage	Little notable ecological linkage except with adjacent riparian shrubland/grassland habitat for some of the upper tributaries	Little notable ecological linkage except with adjacent riparian shrubland/grassland habitat at their upper courses
Potential Value	Low to moderate	Low
Nursery/breeding Ground	No notable breeding/nursery signs observed	No notable breeding/nursery signs observed
Age	N/A	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Low to moderate	Low

Table 8.16 Ecological Evaluation of Watercourse W6, W7, W8, W9 and W10

Criteria	Description
	W7 and W8	W6, W9 and W10
Naturalness	Largely natural upstream with channelisation and culverts at their lower sections or at intersections with hiking trails	Man-made channels and nullahs with vertical concrete banks and beds
Size	W7: Small (335 m in length) W8: Small (244 m in length)	W6: Small (110 m in length) W9: Moderate (691 m in length) W10: Small (405 m in length)
Diversity	Project Area Not identified in Project area Assessment Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity	Project Area Very low floral diversity and very low faunal diversity Assessment Area Low floral diversity; very low faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies One freshwater fauna species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies Present Survey Three mammal, two herpetofauna and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey	Very common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies One avifauna, one odonate and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies Present Survey One herpetofauna and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	Can be re-created, but for riparian to reach its current maturity will take time	Can be easily re-created
Fragmentation	Interrupted by minor modification, culverts and hiking trails	No notable fragmentation
Ecological Linkage	Little notable ecological linkage except with adjacent riparian habitat	No notable ecological linkage and surrounded by developed land
Potential Value	Low	Very low
Nursery/breeding Ground	Consistent records of Nanhaipotamon hongkongense recorded in W7 in previous studies and present survey, and given the ecology of the species and the absence of other watercourse in the surrounding areas, the watercourse is likely breeding ground for the species	Tadpoles of Romer’s Tree Frog were recorded in W6, suggesting it could be a nursery/breeding ground for the species
Age	N/A	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Low to moderate	Low to moderate for W6 Low for the others

Table 8.17 Ecological Evaluation of Developed Area

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	Very low. Entirely man-made.
Size	Large (181.05 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Very low floral diversity; Very low faunal diversity Assessment Area outside the Project Area Low floral diversity; Low faunal diversity
Rarity	Very common man-made habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies One flora, three mammal, five avifauna, one herpetofauna, two butterfly and odonate species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies Present Survey Three flora, six mammal, one avifauna, two herpetofauna and one butterfly species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	None
Ecological Linkage	No notable ecological linkage
Potential Value	Very low
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Very low

Table 8.18 Ecological Evaluation of Wasteland

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	Very low
Size	Very small (7.16 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Very low floral diversity, comprising mostly exotic and/or ruderal species Very low faunal diversity Assessment Area outside the Project Area Low floral diversity, comprising mostly exotic and/or ruderal species Very low faunal diversity
Rarity	Very common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies Present Survey One flora, three mammal, six avifauna and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	None
Ecological Linkage	No notable ecological linkage
Potential Value	Very low
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Very low

Table 8.19 Ecological Evaluation of Agricultural Land

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	Low, actively managed
Size	Very small (0.20 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Not identified within the Project area Assessment Area outside the Project Area Very low floral diversity, comprising mostly dry crops Very low faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies One mammal and one odonate species of conservation importance were recorded in abandoned agricultural land in previous studies Present Survey Two butterfly, one odonate and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	High
Fragmentation	None
Ecological Linkage	No notable ecological linkage with sites of conservation importance, though connected with adjacent contiguous woodland and shrubland/grassland habitats
Potential Value	Low
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	Young
Abundance/richness of wildlife	Very low
Overall Ecological Value	Very low

Table 8.20 Ecological Evaluation of Intertidal Zone

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	Largely natural hard rocky and soft sandy shores, interrupted by sections of artificial seawalls/coastline, and disturbed by recreational anglers, hikers and beach goers
Size	Very small (5.62 ha)
Diversity	Project Area No terrestrial vegetation recorded; Very low diversity of terrestrial fauna and moderate diversity of intertidal benthos Assessment Area outside the Project Area No terrestrial vegetation recorded; Very low diversity of terrestrial fauna and moderate diversity of intertidal benthos
Rarity	Relatively common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies Eight avifauna species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies Present Survey Six avifauna, one herpetofauna and one hard coral species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	Can be recreated if hydrological conditions are suitable
Fragmentation	None
Ecological Linkage	Ecological linkage to the sea and backshore habitats (i.e. shrubland) which may potentially provide sheltering and foraging habitats for shorebirds and seabirds
Potential Value	Moderate for natural coastline, and low for artificial coastline
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low
Overall Ecological Value	Very low for artificial shores and natural soft shores; Low to moderate for natural rocky shores

Table 8.21 Ecological Evaluation of Sea

Criteria	Description
Naturalness	High
Size	Very large (544.67 ha)
Diversity	Project Area Low faunal diversity Assessment Area outside the Project Area Low faunal diversity
Rarity	Common habitat in Hong Kong Previous Studies Twenty-two hard coral and one black coral species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies Present Survey Seventeen hard coral and one black coral (less than 1% coverage) and one amphioxus (three individuals) species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Re-creatability	Very difficult to re-create
Fragmentation	None
Ecological Linkage	No notable ecological linkage with sites of conservation importance, though connected with coastlines and back shore lining the islands thus serves as foraging habitats for fauna inhabiting on nearby islands
Potential Value	Moderate, though subject to existing marine traffic and human activities
Nursery/breeding Ground	No records of nursey or breeding ground
Age	N/A
Abundance/richness of Wildlife	Low marine fauna abundance and coverage
Overall Ecological Value	Low to moderate

8.8 Identification of Potential Impacts

8.8.1 Construction Phase

Permanent and Temporary Loss of Terrestrial and Marine Habitats

8.8.1.1 Direct impact on terrestrial and marine habitats would be imposed by above-ground works, reclamation works and associated works area for the TYLL. A conservative approach is adopted for the estimation of direct habitat loss. Habitat loss is considered permanent where at-grade roads, viaduct supports, tunnel portals, anchorages, geotechnical and slope works, and reclamation works are proposed. On the other hand, habitat loss as a result of viaduct sections, temporary works areas on land (minimum 10 m wide strip along at-grade alignment and works) and at sea (e.g. dredging extent excluding permanent marine structures), barging points and storage areas are considered temporary. Furthermore, sections of the TYLL constructed in the form of tunnel are not considered a constituent for habitat loss. Table 8.22 below summarises the approximate size of habitat loss due to permanent and temporary terrestrial and marine works for the Project. The habitat map overlaid with the extent of permanent works and temporary works extent is provided in Figures 8.8.1 and 8.8.2.

8.8.1.2 Due considerations were given to the land requirement for permanent works and temporary works for the Project during the development of the layout design. Where sensitive ecological resources were identified in the early stages of the ecological baseline study, corresponding adjustments to the TYLL alignment and associated works layout were made to ensure direct encroachment on the concerned resources were avoided or kept to a minimum as far as possible. These include opting for tunnel and/or viaduct sections to avoid and/or minimise intrusion on natural terrestrial ecological resources, thus minimising the extent of habitat loss and fragmentation, especially in North Lantau. As such, the resulting anticipated habitat loss would mostly be constituted by those that are highly man-made and/or of disturbed nature, and are of lower ecological value and importance, i.e. developed area and plantation; while the loss of relatively more natural habitats such as shrubland / grassland was largely reduced both in size and/or distributed in segregations or along habitat edges, such that habitats of higher quality or connectivity with adjacent habitats would remain unaffected and no major dispersal or movement would be impeded, at the same time safeguarding the availability of adjacent similar habitats for wildlife use as well as habitat continuity and integrity in the area. It is also acknowledged that there would be construction haul roads located beyond the currently defined temporary works areas in North Lantau, the location and extent of which would be subject to contractor’s planning and design at a later stage. Given that the land requirement for construction haul road would be limited, and would be located adjacent to existing road networks, the resulting extent of habitat loss and associated ecological impact from construction haul roads are expected to be minimal. Furthermore, following the completion of works, the habitats temporarily affected by the construction haul roads would be reinstated to their existing conditions as far as practicable.

8.8.1.3 In summary, a large proportion (approx. 70%) of the terrestrial habitat permanent and temporary loss comprised of man-made, disturbed and low ecological valued habitats, i.e. developed area (permanent loss: 6.23 ha; temporary loss: 26.42 ha) and plantation (permanent loss: 1.20 ha; temporary loss: 5.01 ha) on existing road infrastructures and engineered slopes along Lantau Link in North Lantau and Cheung Tsing Highway in Tsing Yi, as well as at the barging area in San Po Tsui. The ecological impacts from the loss of these habitats, which would be replaced by similar habitats following the completion of the Project, are considered to be low.

Table 8.22 Approximate Size of Habitat Loss

Habitat	Area (ha)
	Permanent Works		Temporary Works
	At-grade Works (e.g. Roads, Slope Work etc.)	Reclamation and Pile-supported VIPS	Works Area, Access and Storage Area	Dredging Extent (excl. Permanent Works)
Woodland	-	-	-	-
Plantation	1.20	-	5.01	-
Shrubland/Grassland	6.48	-	5.66	-
Watercourse	W1: 127 m W2: 242 m W3: 5 m	-	W1: 53 m W2: 121 m W3: 84 m W10: 170 m	-
Developed Area	6.23	-	26.42	-
Wasteland	-	-	-	-
Agricultural Land	-	-	-	-
Intertidal Zone	-	0.04	0.15	-
Sea	-	19.86	-	0.74
Total	13.91 (374 m)	19.90	37.24 (428 m)	0.74

8.8.1.4 Parts of the TYLL alignment would span over the natural shrubland / grassland in North Lantau, specifically in areas between Lantau Link and Yi Chuen where the TYLL suspension bridge would make landfall, and at Ng Kwu Leng and Tso Wan where the TYLL road section would connect to the existing Lantau Link and other committed future road infrastructures (e.g. Route 11 and HKIW-NEL Link). Land clearance associated with the construction of at-grade roads, viaduct supports, tunnel portals and slope works would result in permanent loss of approximately 6.48 ha of shrubland / grassland, while the temporary works areas required for carrying out these permanent works would lead to the temporary loss of approximately 5.66 ha of shrubland / grassland in these areas. The ecological impacts of permanent and temporary loss of shrubland / grassland in North Lantau are considered to be low given that these shrubland / grasslands were found to be of low to moderate ecological value supporting low to moderately diverse and abundant communities of some widespread common flora and fauna. Moreover, the affected shrubland / grassland size amounts to a very small proportion (approx. 5%) the overall shrubland / grassland area in the assessment area, and in the region. Vegetation clearance within the temporary works extent, where required, would be temporary in nature and would be reinstated following the completion of the construction works.

8.8.1.5 Despite efforts in trying to avoid direct loss of watercourses, given the need to connect TYLL to other existing and future committed roads and/or highway (e.g. North Lantau Highway, Route 11 and HKIW-NEL Link), as well as with its own cross-fairway suspension bridge sections which are constrained by the air draft and height restriction requirements, the locations, height profiles and levels of TYLL are greatly limited by these factors and at the same time challenged by existing geological conditions and engineering constraints. As a consequence, sections of a few watercourses in North Lantau would be permanently lost (approx. 374 m) or temporarily affected (approx. 258 m) by proposed above-ground works, including W1, upper sections of W2 and of W3. As described in S.8.6.1.12 – 8.6.1.13 & S.8.6.2.12, the watercourses in North Lantau, while largely natural, were found with low water flow restricted to wet season, particularly in their upper sections, and were subject to disturbance and modifications. As such they were found to support limited abundance and diversity of freshwater fauna community. The ecological impact resulting from the loss of W1 is considered low. Owing to the high recorded numbers of Romer’s Tree Frog and Caridina serrata, in the mid and lower W2 and W3 on one occasion, the anticipated loss of their upper sections would potentially lead to indirect impact on these species. Given only a small length of W3 (about 5 m) would be subject to direct loss, and the affected section itself is located at the steep gradient, upper limit of the tributary where surface flow is lacking, thus unlikely to serve as suitable habitat for freshwater fauna. The ecological impact of the loss of W2 and W3 is anticipated to be low to moderate if unmitigated.

8.8.1.6 Furthermore, the nullah (i.e. W10) (approx. 170 m) in Tsing Yi would also be subject to impact caused by temporary works. Given the high degrees of modification and disturbance the watercourse had received, the ecological value of the watercourse is low. Therefore, the ecological impact of the temporary loss is considered low.

8.8.1.7 The ecological impacts of permanent and temporary loss of the small areas (permanent loss: 0.04 ha and temporary loss: 0.15 ha) of intertidal zone along the shores of Yi Chuen and Ma Wan South due to the construction of pile-supported VIPS and reclamation are considered low. These affected shorelines, while largely natural, consisted of steep rocky cliffs that lacked tidal zonal width and gradient, or sandy shores. As such, their rather homogenous habitat structures only allowed for simple composition of flora communities and low diversity and abundance of fauna, including shorebirds/seabirds and intertidal fauna. Furthermore, the affected areas were relatively accessible, which were subject to certain degree of anthropogenic disturbance posed by hikers, beach goers and anglers as evidenced by their presence, as well as the litter and waste observed along these shorelines during the survey period. Usage of intertidal habitats by shorebirds and seabirds in these affected parts of intertidal zone was also comparatively lower than those in less disturbed and more remote areas (e.g. Tang Lung Chau).

8.8.1.8 Approximately 19.86 ha and 0.74 ha of the sea area would be subject to permanent and temporary loss respectively due to the proposed marine works (including both reclamation and pile-supported VIPS) and associated temporary works areas. These sea areas are located adjacent to Kap Shui Mun and Ma Wan Channel with heavy on-going marine traffic and activities, which were quite disturbed and of lower water quality. The substrata were mostly made up of sand or bedrocks with boulders at shallower depths, and of mud or silt in deeper depths. These sea areas were generally found to support low or low to moderate diversity and abundance of marine fauna, which included predominantly some common, abundant and/or widespread marine benthos that are tolerant to poorer water and higher disturbance. Though a number of species of conservation importance were recorded in these affected sea areas, including 17 hard coral species, one black coral species and one amphioxus species, albeit in low coverage (not more than 1% coverage) for corals and very low density for amphioxus. The ecological impact of the loss of sea area is anticipated to be low to moderate.

Loss, Injuries or Mortalities of Species of Conservation Importance

8.8.1.9 A total of 17 terrestrial flora and fauna species, 18 hard coral species, one black coral species and one amphioxus species would be directly impacted by the permanent and temporary works for the Project (Table 8.10 refers). A majority of them are common and widespread species with higher mobility, flight ability and/or with low site fidelity, such as avifauna, mammals, butterflies and reptiles, and/or were recorded in very low abundance and occurrence. These species include Black Kite, Besra, Greater Coucal, Red Muntjac, Greater Bent-winged Bat, Least Horseshoe Bat, Lesser Bamboo Bat, Chinese Pipistrelle, Small Cabbage White, Conjoined Swift, Southern Chinese Peacock, Tiny Grass Blue, Four-clawed Gecko and Many-banded Krait. Given the availability of similar natural habitats nearby (i.e. shrubland / grassland), these highly mobile and/or generalist species are expected to move away from the affected habitat areas and relocate themselves to similar habitats nearby during construction works, as such, the likelihood of direct injury or harm to these species are expected to be low.

8.8.1.10 On the other hand, for species that are sedentary, with lower mobility, or are restricted to a particular habitat niche, such as flora, freshwater fauna, amphibians, coral colonies and other marine benthos, direct loss and injuries are anticipated as a result of proposed construction works for the Project if unmitigated. These include Small Persimmon, Pitcher Plant, Pale Purple Eulophia and Romer’s Tree Frog located within the works extent for at-grade roads, slope works, temporary works area and potentially construction haul roads, in North Lantau and Northwest Tsing Yi, as well as the coral colonies and amphioxi located at the proposed location for reclamation and pile-supported VIPS in North Lantau, Ma Wan and Northwest Tsing Yi.

8.8.1.11 Three individuals and four individuals of Small Persimmon were identified in the permanent works (i.e. slope works) and temporary works areas extent respectively. Small Persimmon is a locally very common species, particularly in the shrublands of Hong Kong, where their occurrence was often seen in density and/or in congregates. Likewise, individuals of the species were commonly observed along the survey transect and often seen in clusters in the assessment area during the ecological survey. There is a high likelihood that other individuals may be present in areas within the Project area where the survey transects did not cover. The species is listed in the Threatened Species List of China’s Higher Plants and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species respectively due to their continuous population decline globally (Table 8.9 refers), contributed by over-collection and harvesting for ornamental purpose, particularly in Taiwan, and the decline in habitat extent and quality due to forest clearing for agriculture and development globally. Given the commonness of the species, both at the affected localities and locally in Hong Kong, the ecological impact of the loss of the species is considered low to moderate.

8.8.1.12 Two individuals of Pale Purple Eulophia were recorded on the grassy crest of an engineered slope along the westbound Lantau Link. Both individuals would be subject to direct impact by the permanent and temporary works (i.e. at-grade road, slope works and temporary works area) for the Project. Pale Purple Eulophia is an orchid species with a restricted local distribution, mainly found in open grassy habitats but also commonly found in highly disturbed areas in Hong Kong. Its occurrence was also previously recorded elsewhere on Lantau Island (i.e. Sha Lo Wan and Hau Hok Wan). As with other orchid species, the species is protected locally under Cap. 96 and Cap. 586. The ecological impact resulting from the loss of the species is considered low to moderate if unmitigated.

8.8.1.13 Two individuals of Pitcher Plant would be subject to direct impact from temporary works. The two individuals were respectively recorded on the engineered rock slopes along Lantau Link in North Lantau and along Sai Tso Wan Road in Tsing Yi. The species is protected under Cap. 96 and Cap. 586 and is listed as “Vulnerable” in relevant local and state protection lists (Table 8.9 refers). However, the species is common locally and often found in groups along the face of natural and engineered rock slopes where conditions are suitable. Considering the commonness of the species and that the two affected individuals were in man-made habitat, the ecological impact of their losses is considered low to moderate if unmitigated.

8.8.1.14 Romer’s Tree Frog was commonly recorded in North Lantau, particular in watercourses and shrubland/grassland in the riparian. Two individuals were recorded in the shrubland/grassland within the permanent works area for the construction of bridge near watercourse W1. In addition, Romer’s Tree Frog was also recorded in the mid-section of watercourse W2 and its adjacent shrubland/grassland habitat within the temporary works extent. The species is native to Hong Kong, and while it can be found across the territory due to exhaustive translocation and reintroduction efforts, the native range of the species remains on Lantau Island, particularly in wooded habitats in close proximity of streams or other static water bodies. The species is considered threatened in a number of local and regional species listings and is protected under Cap. 170 in Hong Kong (Table 8.10 refers). While the species may be able to disperse over short distances into adjacent areas to avoid imminent impact from construction works, given their overall lower mobility and restriction to water sources, the likelihood of injuries or mortalities may still be probable during site formation and site set-up for temporary works area. In view that the species is very common in the locality and that its presence was highly concentrated in modified sections of the watercourse where ditches and pits with deeper static water were present; and that permanent works at the mid-section of W2 have been optimised with viaduct supports adjusted to avoid direct encroachment into the watercourse and the species. As such, the ecological impact of the loss of the species is considered low to moderate if unmitigated.

8.8.1.15 A total of 19 coral species of conservation importance were recorded in the intertidal zone and sub-tidal habitats in the sea within the proposed reclamation extent and associated temporary marine works area, all of which would be subject to direct loss and/or injuries if unmitigated. These species include the hard coral Cladopsammia sp., Cyphastrea serailia, Dipsastraea favus, Dipsastraea speciosa, Favites abdita, Favites chinensis, Favites pentagona, Bernardpora stutchburyi, Hydnophora exesa, Leptastrea pruinosa, Oulastrea crispata, Platygyra acuta, Platygyra carnosa, Plesiastrea versipora, Porites sp., Psammocora profundacella, Tubastraea sp., Turbinaria peltata and black coral Antipathes curvata. Considering that all recorded coral species were recorded sparsely and in low coverage (not more than 1% coverage), and that the majority of them are common, abundant and dominant species with hardy and disturbance-tolerant nature; the ecological impact of the direct loss is anticipated to be low to moderate.

8.8.1.16 Lastly, the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri was recorded within the reclamation extent in the waters off Tai Pai Tsui Pier in Ma Wan South. As mentioned in S.8.6.2.24, the species is threatened by over-exploitation in the South China Sea as a fishery resource, thus it is listed under the state’s protection list (Table 8.10 refers). While in possession of swimming ability, amphioxi tend to spend much of their time buried in sand bed. Dispersal of larva relies mainly on the ocean currents and takes place in spring and summer months. Given that only three individuals were recorded, all during the wet season, and no larvae were observed, it suggests that the habitat conditions and substrata composition in the area are unlikely to be preferred for spawning or settlement, making their occurrence likely stochastic. Furthermore, the extent of both permanent and temporary loss of marine subtidal habitats at the location where a few amphioxus individuals were recorded is minimal (approx. 0.3 ha and 0.2 ha, respectively). The ecological impact of the direct loss of amphioxus is expected to be low.

Habitat Fragmentation and Impact on Wildlife Movement

8.8.1.17 Habitat fragmentation and obstruction of movement associated with habitat loss during the construction of the Project would be expected. As mentioned in S.8.8.1.2, during the design and layout development of the TYLL alignment, due considerations were taken to avoid and minimise direct encroachment on habitats or on sensitive ecological resources as far as possible, including opting for tunnel sections in the shrubland / grassland around Fa Peng Teng in North Lantau, and viaduct sections around Yi Chuen, to minimise loss of terrestrial habitats and/or prevent permanent structures of TYLL from impeding wildlife movement. The size and extent of at-grade works and associated temporary works area were also minimised to support the construction works, and distributed in segregations or along habitat edges, to avoid any loss of large continuous patch of habitats causing fragmentation.

8.8.1.18 Due to site conditions and engineering constraints, some of the habitats, i.e. shrubland / grassland and watercourses, located in the TYLL road sections between North Lantau Interchange and Lantau Anchorage would be inevitably lost as a result of at-grade roads, tunnel portals, viaduct supports, bridge anchorage and associated slope works, as well as land required for temporary works in supporting the construction of these at-grade works, forming a band that would separate the habitats to the north of Yi Chuen from the habitats in the south, making it unavailable for wildlife usage during the construction. These habitats were found to be supporting mainly common, widespread and disturbance-tolerant generalist species, most of which with flight capability (i.e. avifauna and butterflies) thus allowing them to traverse or disperse into adjacent habitats at an altitude. Ground-dwelling wildlife (i.e. non-flying mammals, reptiles and amphibians) were sparse in the area, except for Romer’s Tree Frog, and were species that are common and widespread in general. Furthermore, no major wildlife movement corridor was identified in the Project area during the survey. As the TYLL road section around Yi Chuen would be constructed in the form of viaducts, habitat loss in this area would be temporary and the affected area would be reinstated following the completion of works for viaduct supports and anchorage, as such the north-south passages underneath the completed TYLL road sections would be available. The ecological impacts of habitat fragmentation and movement obstruction are expected to be low to moderate on the wildlife in these habitats.

Construction Disturbance on Adjacent Habitats, Species of Conservation Importance and Associated Flora and Fauna

8.8.1.19 Construction disturbances generated during the construction, such as the emission of noise, dust, glare and light and ground-borne vibration from machineries and traffic associated with site clearance, reclamation, slope works, tunnelling works, and bore-pilling works from the construction of the pile-supported VIPS, as well as the general increase in workers’ presence in the Project area would have indirect impact on adjacent habitats, species of conservation importance and associated flora and fauna.

8.8.1.20 The affected surrounding habitats were either habitats of highly man-made and disturbed nature or of lower ecological value. Consequently, the communities of flora and fauna they support were generally of low or low to moderate diversity and abundance with simple composition, comprising predominantly common, widespread, and disturbance-tolerant generalist species with high mobility. Additionally, no roosting grounds were identified near the proposed works. During the construction, these species are expected to move away from the construction activities temporarily into other similar habitats which would be readily available nearby and would be able to withstand or adapt to the changes in habitats caused by construction disturbances.

8.8.1.21 Moreover, the pile-supported VIPS utilises bored piles instead of more invasive driven piles. As a result, the noise and ground vibrations generated during the piling activities are expected to be less disruptive to adjacent habitats and wildlife. Furthermore, due to the small extent and scale of the works required for the pile-supported VIPS, the duration of the construction activities is anticipated to be short-term, limiting the significance of the disturbance impacts.

8.8.1.22 Given these considerations, the ecological impact of construction disturbance on adjacent habitats, species of conservation importance and associated flora and fauna is anticipated to be low.

Changes in Water Qualities, Hydrodynamic Properties and Sedimentation Hydrology Due to Run-off, Discharge and Reclamation on Aquatic-associated Species

8.8.1.23 Some construction elements, such as tunnelling, anchorage construction, reclamation and construction of the VIPS, would involve excavation, blasting, slope-cutting, backfilling of ground materials and dredging of the sea bottom. These construction methods and activities would potentially lead to excavated materials, dredged materials, accidental sewage and/or chemical spillage entering the drainage systems and nearby water bodies through surface run-off or directly released into the sea. Construction site run-off and spillage often contain higher concentrations of suspended solids, grease and chemical, elevated pH, BOD₅, ammonia, E. coli counts and other heavy metals and contaminants, etc.; therefore, any uncontrolled release into nearby aquatic systems could result in the deterioration of water quality, increased sedimentation and decreased dissolved oxygen in the affected water bodies, and would in turn affect the aquatic organisms that live in these aquatic systems.

8.8.1.24 Freshwater organisms living in waterbodies located on steep treacherous terrains with low water velocity and volume, such as the ones identified in the Project area, are typically dominated by small-sized invertebrates, which are more susceptible to changes in water conditions. Therefore, secondary water quality impact could lead to direct mortality or adverse health effects for these freshwater organisms. The watercourses to be affected were largely modified, disturbed and found to support limited diversity of freshwater fauna and in very low abundance, apart from the two species of conservation importance (i.e. Romer’s Tree Frog and Caridina serrata) found in W2 and W3. Furthermore, according to the modelling results and conclusion from the water quality impact assessment (S.5 refers), with the implementation of good site practice, the water quality impact from land-based site run-off, wastewater and sewage discharge and accidental chemical spillage is anticipated to be very low. As such, the ecological impact resulting from changes in water qualities, hydrodynamic properties and sedimentation hydrology on the watercourses and associated freshwater fauna is expected to be low, while the impact from on the two species of conservation importance is expected to be low to moderate.

8.8.1.25 Similarly, for the marine organisms living in the waters around the reclamation, pile-supported VIPS and temporary marine works extent, the chance of increased suspended solids, sediments and contaminants would be released from the sea bottom directly into the water column during dredging and filling; accidental waste and chemical spillage from marine barges, fleets and workers working in the area would also be heightened. These released sediments, particles, contaminants, or spills could affect the turbidity of the water and the levels of sedimentation and dissolved oxygen in the water, which are all factors determining habitat quality and the health and survival of marine organisms. The affected waters were found to support some low to moderate diversity and biomass of marine benthos made up of some very common, abundant and widespread species that are generally tolerant of disturbances and can withstand poorer water conditions. Whilst a number of species of conservation importance were found (i.e. hard and black coral colonies, and amphioxus), they were found in very low coverage (i.e. not more than 1%) and abundance (three individuals) respectively. The habitat itself is located at two prominent shipping channels (i.e. Ma Wan Channel and Kap Shui Mun) thus are subject to continuous disturbance posed by the frequent shipping activities. The results of the water quality impact assessment (S.5 refers) indicated that sediment release as a result of the marine dredging activities is unlikely to cause exceedances. Moreover, dissolved oxygen depletion induced by reclamation activities is expected to be minimal. Similarly, the results of the water quality impact assessment indicated that the three Marine Parks, located at least 5.8 km from the nearest marine works for the project, as well as other water-sensitive ecological elements summarised in S.5, are not anticipated to be affected by these impacts. All assessed contaminants are projected to be within compliance thresholds. Therefore, the ecological impact of changes in water qualities, hydrodynamic properties and sedimentation hydrology on marine habitats and associated fauna is expected to be low.

8.8.2 Operational Phase

Direct Impact on Habitat Loss due to Occupation by Permanent Structures

8.8.2.1 As mentioned in S.8.8.1.2 – 8.8.1.8, the permanent structures of the TYLL would occupy some areas of habitats. Over half of these habitats comprised man-made disturbed habitats of very low and low ecological value, such as developed area and plantation, would be replaced with habitats of similar sorts following the completion of the Project, as such the ecological impact is expected to be insignificant. On the other hand, more natural habitats, including shrubland / grassland, watercourses, intertidal zone and subtidal habitats in the sea, would become occupied by at-grade roads, engineered slopes, viaduct supports, anchorages, reclaimed lands and islands etc., rendering these habitats unavailable for wildlife usage during the operation of TYLL. The extent of the TYLL alignment and the lands requirement for its structures was carefully and duly considered and were minimised to the absolute necessary in supporting the project’s operation, as such the loss of habitats due to permanent structures of the TYLL would only constitute a small proportion of the overall size for each affected habitat in the assessment area. Given that these affected habitats were habitats of low or low to moderate value and were found to support generally low diversity and abundance of flora and fauna, the ecological impact of loss of habitat during operational phase is expected to be low.

Injuries or Mortalities due to Roadkill and Collision

8.8.2.2 A large part of the TYLL would be located in areas exposed to high degrees of traffic and human disturbance, though a section in North Lantau would span across some relative natural shrubland/grassland habitats. Wildlife inhabiting these shrubland / grassland areas would be prone to roadkill or collision by future traffic using the TYLL, particularly along at-grade road sections. The likelihood of occurrence is expected to be higher for those with higher mobility and larger foraging range (i.e. ground-dwelling mammals, birds and reptiles) or with low mobility and restricted niche (i.e. amphibians). While these more susceptible wildlife groups were recorded in the affected areas, including some land mammals (e.g. Wild Boars, Red Muntjac and various rats), birds (e.g. Black Kite and Greater Coucal) and amphibians (e.g. Greenhouse Frog and Romer’s Tree Frog); the affected habitats are habitats of lower ecological value and comprised simple floristic structures which offer low sheltering, foraging opportunities or food productivity for wildlife, consequently most of these species recorded in the area either occurred scarcely and in low numbers, or are species that are known to be more adaptive and tolerant to disturbed and urbanised habitats.

8.8.2.3 For species that are restricted to areas in proximity of watercourses (i.e. amphibians), the threats of roadkill are unlikely to be significant as the at-grade roads would generally be located at a level above these watercourses and their adjacent riparian habitats. While for the other groups of wildlife, the habitats surrounding the TYLL are already subject to existing traffic and associated disturbance posed by adjacent road infrastructures (e.g. Lantau Link, Kap Shui Mun Bridge, etc.), hence these wildlife groups should exhibit some degrees of existing tolerance and adaptation which allow them to avoid entering or stay away from these road structures and associated traffic. Nonetheless, the likelihood of accidental entry into at-grade road sections would still be present, albeit low, and would subsequently lead to injuries and mortalities due to roadkill and collisions. The ecological impact of roadkill and collisions is anticipated to be low to moderate if not mitigated.

Habitat Fragmentation and Impact on Wildlife Movement

8.8.2.4 Habitat fragmentation to be expected in the operational phase would be similar to that expected in the construction phase though in lower impact magnitude. As discussed in S.8.8.1.2, S.8.8.1.17 and S.8.8.1.18, adjustments to the TYLL alignment and works layout were made during the early stage of project development to avoid direct encroachment into potential wildlife corridors, minimise the size of habitats to be permanently lost, as well as avoid any loss of large continuous patch of habitats to minimise the effect of habitat fragmentation and obstruction to wildlife movement. Following the completion of works, the habitats located within temporary works areas would be reinstated to their existing conditions as far as practicable. Land occupation by at-grade roads, tunnel portals, viaduct supports, anchorages and reclamations would either largely be located along habitat edges of more developed and disturbed habitats (i.e. developed area and plantation) or would occupy only small habitat areas in segregated manner, as such passages underneath the completed TYLL structures would be available for wildlife usage both on land and at sea. Moreover, the dominant wildlife usage in these affected habitats were mainly constituted by those with flight capacity (e.g. avifauna and butterflies), as such they would be able to traverse between habitats and travel longer distances over the most at-grade elements of the TYLL. Therefore, the ecological impact of habitat fragmentation and wildlife movement during operational phase is considered low.

Operation Disturbance on Adjacent Habitats, Species of Conservation Importance and Associated Flora and Fauna

8.8.2.5 The main sources of operation disturbance from the Project would be the increase of noise, ground-borne vibration and light generated from the traffic using the TYLL. Given that the habitats and associated flora and fauna are located around an urbanised and disturbed environment that is exposed to high degrees of continuous traffic disturbance from Lantau Link, connected roads / highways and associated facilities, and that the main interchanges and at-grade sections for the TYLL would be located at existing developed area or at habitat edges, while viaduct and suspension bridge sections would be located at a height away from terrestrial and marine habitats. Therefore, adverse impact from noise, vibration and light disturbance during the operation of the TYLL on adjacent habitats and associated flora and fauna is expected to be very low.

Water Quality Impact from Road Run-off on Adjacent Watercourses and Associated Aquatic Fauna

8.8.2.6 Road run-off from the TYLL during the operational phase of the Project may lead to water quality impact on waterbodies located underneath or near the TYLL, and the effect would be more pronounced during heavy rainstorms where drainage and/or sewerage systems may reach capacity and overflow, leading to uncontrolled discharge or spillage of silt, grease, chemical or other pollutants generated by the traffic into nearby waterbodies. Nonetheless, the drainage systems for the TYLL should be well designed and modelled based on latest forecast that would possess sufficient drainage capacity for rainwater; at the same time, silt traps and oil interceptors would be available in the system to control the level of silt and pollutant from entering nearby waterbodies. The ecological impact of water quality impact from road run-off during the operational phase is expected to be very low.

Changes in Hydrodynamic Properties and Sedimentation Hydrology in Nearby Waters

8.8.2.7 Altered coastal morphology due to reclamation may affect the hydrodynamic properties and sedimentation hydrology in the waters around TYLL by changing the conditions in which waves, tidal regimes and sediment transport processes take place. The reclaimed structures would restrict/alter hydrological movements (i.e. flow and velocity); the change of bathymetry would also affect the deposition of marine sediment in the area, both of which would in turn affect the availability, quality and condition of marine habitats in these waters. The surrounding waters are influenced by wave-induced currents generating from multiple directions (i.e. S, SW, SE and W) and at the same time by instantaneous hydrodynamic movements induced by shipping activities in the two navigation channels (i.e. Ma Wan Fairway and Kap Shui Mun Fairway). As such, the hydrological conditions in the existing environment are already quite complex and impromptu. Based on the modelling results from the water quality impact assessment (S.5 refers), the changes in hydrodynamic properties and hydrology of surrounding marine waters as a result of the reclaimed land masses are minimal, with a change of less than 0.5 % in water level and less than 5% in salinity and velocity, while the flow rate is expected to remain stable and consistent with the without-reclamation scenario. In addition, the findings suggest that the three Marine Parks, situated at least 5.8 km away from the nearest marine works associated with the project, as well as other water-sensitive receivers in S.5, are unlikely to experience any adverse effects from these impacts. Considering the hydrological conditions in the existing environment, as well as marine and intertidal habitat conditions and associated fauna communities, the ecological impact of changes in hydrodynamic properties and sedimentation hydrology is expected to be very low.

8.9 Evaluation of Potential Environmental Impacts

8.9.1.1 Potential ecological impacts on the identified habitats within the assessment area associated with the construction and operation of the Project have been evaluated in accordance with Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM, as presented in Table 8.23 to Table 8.33.

Table 8.23 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Woodland

Criteria/Habitats	Woodland
Habitat quality	Relatively natural, though vegetation were in early succession from plantation. Exposed to on-going anthropogenic disturbance due to its close proximity to residential development and hiking tracks. Habitat quality is considered moderate
Species	Moderate to high floral diversity, and moderate faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance Four flora, three avifauna and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies, and three mammal, six avifauna, two herpetofauna, three butterfly and one odonate species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Neither permanent nor temporary loss of woodland is expected
Duration	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible as the habitat is located some distance away from the Project footprint
Regional significance	Negligible as the habitat is located some distance away from the Project footprint
Overall Impact Evaluation	Negligible

Table 8.24 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Plantation

Criteria/Habitats	Plantation
Habitat quality	Largely man-made and of small size. Located on engineered slopes along existing development and highways thus highly disturbed. Habitat quality is considered low
Species	Moderate floral diversity dominated by exotic plantation species, and low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance One mammal, two avifauna, one herpetofauna and one butterfly species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies, and one flora, five mammal, three avifauna, one odonate and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 1.20 ha Temporary loss: Approximately 5.01 ha
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be replaced by habitats of similar nature Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible, while the plantation of temporary loss would be replaced by habitats of similar nature Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance, habitat and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Low to moderate
Regional significance	Impact is of very low significance as the affected area is small, and the habitat itself was man-made and very common in the territory, and support mostly exotic flora and very common and widespread fauna
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low

Table 8.25 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Shrubland/Grassland

Criteria/Habitats	Shrubland/Grassland
Habitat quality	Very large, contiguous natural habitats dominating the upper terrains of North Lantau, Ma Wan, Tang Lung Chau and Tsing Yi. Exposed to various disturbances posed by existing human activities e.g. hikers, graves and burial sites, ground investigation works etc. Habitat quality is considered low to moderate
Species	Moderate floral diversity though of simple floristic structure, and low to moderate faunal diversity, of predominantly butterflies Species of Conservation Importance Three flora, four mammal, seven avifauna, one herpetofauna and five butterfly species of conservation importance recorded in previous studies, and four flora, 13 mammal, 15 bird, five herpetofauna, ten butterfly, one odonate and one firefly species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 6.48 ha Temporary loss: Approximately 5.66 ha
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be replaced by habitats of similar nature Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, habitat fragmentation and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance, habitat fragmentation and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, habitat fragmentation and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance, habitat fragmentation and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Moderate
Regional significance	Impact is of low significance as the affected size constitutes only a small proportion of the overall shrubland/grassland found in the region
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low to moderate

Table 8.26 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Watercourse W1 and W2

Criteria/Habitats	W1	W2
Habitat quality	Small watercourse that is largely natural and with modifications at sections intersecting with trails. Overgrown with ferns and limited water volume and velocity with very low waterflow observed in wet season only. Habitat quality is considered low	Watercourse of moderate length that is largely natural, with modified sections present at several places where intersection with human activities occur (e.g. trails and grave sites). Herbaceous cover on modified bed is observed. Water flow and volume were low. Habitat quality is low to moderate
Species	Low floral diversity and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies and the present survey	Low flora diversity and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance No species of conservation importance was recorded in the previous studies. One herpetofauna species of conservation (i.e. Romer’s Tree Frog) was recorded in the present survey, with high numbers of individuals recorded on one occasion
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 127 m Temporary loss: Approximately 53 m	Permanent loss: Approximately 242 m Temporary loss: Approximately 121 m
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be reinstated, diverted or modified following completion of construction works Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be permanent	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent. Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be reinstated, diverted or modified following completion of construction works Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be irreversible	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be irreversible
Magnitude	Moderate to high	Moderate to high
Regional significance	Watercourses of similar conditions and characteristics, if not less disturbed, can be found in the region, particularly around the locality of Lantau Island. Regional significance of the impact on watercourses is low to moderate	Watercourses of similar conditions and characteristics, if not less disturbed, can be found in the region, particularly around the locality of Lantau Island. Regional significance of the impact on watercourses is low to moderate
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low	Low to moderate

Table 8.27 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Watercourse W3, W4 and W5

Criteria/Habitats	W3	W4 and W5
Habitat quality	Watercourse of considerable length and few upper tributaries that are largely natural. Modifications and disturbance were common at sections intersecting with human activities particular at its mid and lower sections where village settlement exists. Natural upper sections were steep and treacherous with little water flow while mid- and lower sections were modified, disturbed and polluted. Habitat quality is considered moderate	Small watercourses which have natural upper courses and channelised/modified lower courses and are in adjacent to major highway or village settings, as such disturbance was prominent. Habitat quality is low
Species	Low floral diversity and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies and one avifauna, one herpetofauna and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey, of which Caridina serrata was recorded in moderate abundance in the lower sections	Low flora diversity and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance No species of conservation importance was recorded in the previous studies. One herpetofauna species of conservation was recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 5 m Temporary loss: Approximately 84 m	Neither permanent nor temporary loss of W4 and W5 is expected
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be reinstated, diverted or modified following completion of construction works Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be permanent	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and water quality impact would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be irreversible	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be irreversible
Magnitude	Low	Low
Regional significance	Watercourses of similar conditions and characteristics, if not less disturbed, can be found in the region, particularly around the locality of Lantau Island, though may not be of this length. Regional significance of the impact on watercourses is moderate	Watercourses of similar conditions and characteristics, if not less disturbed, can be found in the region, particularly around the locality of Lantau Island. Regional significance of the impact on watercourses is low to moderate
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low to moderate	Low

Table 8.28 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Watercourse W6, W7, W8, W9 and W10

Criteria/Habitats	W7 and W8	W6, W9 and W10
Habitat quality	Small natural watercourses with channelisation and culverts at lower sections or at intersections with hiking trails. Well-established woodland riparian. Habitat quality is moderate	Man-made channels with vertical concrete banks and bed, and are adjacent to major highway or development, as such disturbance was prominent. Habitat quality is low
Species	Low floral diversity and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance One freshwater fauna species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies and Three mammal, two herpetofauna and one freshwater fauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey	Very low flora and faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance One avifauna, one odonate and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the previous studies. One herpetofauna and one freshwater fauna species of conservation were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Neither permanent nor temporary loss of W7 and W8 is expected	Neither permanent nor temporary loss of W6 and W9 is expected Temporary loss of W10: Approximately 170 m
Duration	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance would be permanent	Direct Impact Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be reinstated, diverted or modified following completion of construction works Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and water quality impact would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be irreversible	Direct Impact Temporary loss within above-ground works areas would be reinstated, diverted or modified following completion of construction works Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and habitat fragmentation would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and water quality impact would be irreversible
Magnitude	Very low	Low
Regional significance	Watercourses of similar conditions and characteristics, if not less disturbed, can be found in the region. Regional significance of the impact on watercourses is low to moderate	Watercourses of man-made nature is regionally common. Regional significance of the impact on watercourses is low.
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low	Low

Table 8.29 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Developed Area

Criteria/Habitats	Developed Area
Habitat quality	Entirely man-made habitat and subject to high degrees of disturbance. Habitat value is considered very low
Species	Low floral and faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance One flora, three mammal, five avifauna, one herpetofauna, two butterfly and odonate species of conservation importance recorded in previous studies, and three flora, six mammal, one avifauna, two herpetofauna and one butterfly species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 6.23 ha Temporary loss: Approximately 26.42 ha
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be replaced by habitats of similar nature Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Moderate
Regional significance	Low regional significance given the commonness and nature of the habitat
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low

Table 8.30 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Wasteland

Criteria/Habitats	Wasteland
Habitat quality	Man-made habitat with moderate vegetation cover comprised by ruderal species. Subject to high degrees of disturbance. Habitat value is considered very low
Species	Low floral diversity, and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance No species of conservation importance was recorded in previous studies and one flora, three mammal, six avifauna and one herpetofauna species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Neither permanent nor temporary loss of wasteland is expected
Duration	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Very low
Regional significance	Low regional significance given the commonness and nature of the habitat
Overall Impact Evaluation	Very low

Table 8.31 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Agricultural Land

Criteria/Habitats	Agricultural Land
Habitat quality	Small sized artificial habitat and subject to regular active management. Habitat value is considered very low
Species	Very low floral diversity comprising of dry crops; and very low faunal diversity Species of Conservation Importance One mammal and one odonate species of conservation importance were recorded in previous studies, and two butterfly, one odonate and one freshwater species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Neither permanent nor temporary loss of agricultural land is expected
Duration	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact No direct impact would be resulted from the Project Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Negligible as the habitat is located some distance away from the Project footprint
Regional significance	Low regional significance given the commonness and nature of the habitat
Overall Impact Evaluation	Negligible

Table 8.32 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Intertidal Zone

Criteria/Habitats	Intertidal Zone
Habitat quality	Largely natural hard and soft shores and provide foraging habitat for shorebirds and seabird. Some sections were intercepted by occasional man-made structures and were exposed to some disturbances by beach goers, hikers and recreational anglers. Habitat value is considered low to moderate for natural hard shores, and very low for artificial shores and soft shores
Species	No terrestrial vegetation, very low terrestrial faunal diversity and moderate intertidal benthos diversity Species of Conservation Importance Eight avifauna species recorded in previous studies and six avifauna, one herpetofauna, and one hard coral species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 0.04 ha Temporary loss: Approximately 0.15 ha
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from at-grade permanent structure of TYLL would be permanent Impact resulted from habitat clearance to support above-ground works areas (e.g. viaduct construction, works area and access) would be temporary, and would be replaced by habitats of similar nature Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Low
Regional significance	Low regional impact significance given the commonness of the habitat and the scale of impact
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low

Table 8.33 Evaluation of Unmitigated Ecological Impacts to Sea

Criteria/Habitats	Sea
Habitat quality	Large habitat in the assessment area, provide sub-tidal habitats for marine benthos; though exposed to disturbances posed by on-going marine traffic. Habitat value is considered low to moderate
Species	Species of Conservation Importance Twenty-two hard coral and one black coral species of conservation importance recorded in previous studies and one avifauna, 17 hard coral, one black coral and one amphioxus species of conservation importance were recorded in the present survey
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss: Approximately 19.86 ha Temporary loss: Approximately 0.74 ha
Duration	Direct Impact Impact resulted from loss of habitat due to reclamation would be permanent Impact resulted from loss of habitat due to dredging and marine works would be temporary, and would be reinstated following completion of construction works Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and increased human activities would be temporary Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be permanent
Reversibility	Direct Impact Permanent loss of habitat would be irreversible. Indirect Impact Construction phase indirect impacts due to construction disturbance, water quality impact and increased human activities would be reversible Operational phase indirect impacts due to operation disturbance and increased human activities would be irreversible
Magnitude	Moderate
Regional significance	Low regional significance given the commonness of the habitat and scale of the impact
Overall Impact Evaluation	Low to moderate

8.10 Cumulative Impacts

8.10.1.1 According to latest available construction programme, the construction of TYLL is to begin tentatively in Q1 of 2027 and would last until Q2 of 2033. A number of committed and planned developments that would likely interface with the construction of TYLL were identified in the vicinity of the Project. These include:

• Route 11 (Section between Yuen Long and North Lantau);

• Hong Kong Island West – Northeast Lantau Link (HKIW-NEL Link);

• Route P1 (Tai Ho – Sunny Bay Section); and

• Sunny Bay Development.

8.10.1.2 Route 11, HKIW-NEL Link and Road P1 will respectively be constructed and connected to the northern, southern, and western road limits of the TYLL. The three road infrastructures will be connected at the North Lantau Interchange and form a large road network spanning across North Lantau Island, Hong Kong Island West, Tsing Lung Tau and the future artificial islands around Kau Yi Chau. The construction for Route 11 will commence in Q1 of 2026 and is expected to complete by Q4 of 2033 tentatively. While much of Route 11 will be located in the New Territories including Lam Tei, Siu Lam, So Kwun Wat, Tai Lam Chung and Tsing Lung Tau, some road sections and an administrative area will be located on Ng Kwu Leng in North Lantau and would result in the loss of some area of shrubland/grassland habitat there. Given the overlap of construction period and physical connection between the two projects, cumulative habitat clearance and associated construction and operation disturbance associated with the roads and other associated works (e.g. slope works) may have exacerbated impact on the habitats, plants and wildlife in the area. However, the area of shrubland/grassland on Ng Kwu Leng is of lower ecological value since it is separated from the vast contiguous vegetated habitats in the south by the Lantau Link and surrounded by other road infrastructure, associated facilities and existing traffic disturbance. As such, cumulative impact from the two projects is expected to be low and shall be effectively mitigated through the implementation of mitigation measures recommended in respective ecological impact assessments.

8.10.1.3 The construction for Road P1 is targeted for completion in Q4 2030 tentatively. The road consisting of tunnel, elevated and at-grade sections would largely be aligned along the North Lantau Highway between the Tung Chung New Town Extension and the other committed roads (e.g. Route 11 and TYLL) in North Lantau Interchange. The majority of the ecological sensitive resources and associated potential impacts concerning Road P1 would be located towards the mid- to western sections of the road, while the sections in the east located closer to the TYLL Project area would mainly be confined within existing developed area, as such no major loss of natural habitats or significant impact on sensitive ecological resources would be expected. While cumulative impacts from construction and operation disturbances generated from the road and traffic usage would be expected, these disturbance impacts are expected to be low and shall be effectively mitigated through the implementation of disturbance control and reduction measures recommended in respective ecological impact assessments.

8.10.1.4 The HKIW-NEL Link would join TYLL at Tso Wan and continue southward spanning over the shrubland/grassland in Fa Peng and Pa Tau Kwu before becoming seabound. Construction of the HKIW-NEL Link would result in cumulative loss of shrubland/grassland habitat and direct impact on associated wildlife in North Lantau. At the same time, construction and operation disturbances and other indirect impacts associated with the construction and operation of the HKIW-NEL Link would also be increased. Depending on the form of the land-based section of the HKIW-NEL Link, i.e. at-grade, viaduct and/or tunnel, the section spanning over the shrubland/grassland at Tso Wan and Fa Peng may potentially cause habitat fragmentation or barrier to movement for wildlife inhabiting the area. However, based on the latest information on the layout of the HKIW-NEL Link, the section running over that area would largely be aligned along or close to the shoreline, as such no major separation of large patches of habitat would be expected. Furthermore, the shrubland / grasslands in much of North Lantau are generally habitats of simple structure with lower productivity and support low to moderate diversity and low abundance of some common fauna. Therefore, cumulative direct and indirect impact from the Project should not be significant, mitigation measures shall be implemented to ensure loss of habitats and direct impacts on species of conservation importance are avoided, minimised or adequately compensated.

8.10.1.5 The planning and engineering feasibility study for Sunny Bay Development was put forward in 2014 with an objective to examine future land uses and potential of development Sunny Bay for tourism, entertainment and leisure uses. The proposed development would involve the development of existing land and proposed reclaimed land located along the northern shoreline of Lantau Island spanning from western coast of Ng Kwu Leng to Sunny Bay. The development layout and land requirement for the project are still under study and the construction programme for the development is under planning. However, given that much of the land-based development for the project would be confined within already developed land, the cumulative impact on terrestrial ecological resources is unlikely to result in significant adverse impacts. Conversely, the proposed reclamation, if coincides with the reclamation for the current project, may potentially lead to exacerbated water quality impact in the marine waters around Ma Wan and North Lantau. However, considering that the proposed reclamation areas of the two projects are adequately distanced from one another, and that no unacceptable water quality impact is anticipated from the current project. With the implementation of appropriate water quality control measures to reduce and manage potential water quality impact arising from reclamation works (i.e. installation of silt curtain and water quality monitoring) from both projects, cumulative impact on marine ecological recourses is expected to be low.

8.11 Mitigation of Adverse Environmental Impacts

8.11.1 General

8.11.1.1 According to the EIAO-TM Annex 16 and EIAO Guidance Note No. 3/2010, ecological impacts on important habitats and the associated wildlife caused by the proposed Project should be mitigated, in order of priority, avoidance, minimisation, and compensation approaches to the maximum practical extent.

8.11.1.2 The potential impacts arising from the construction and operation of the Project and the mitigation measures requirements are summarised in Table 8.34 to Table 8.35. In general, mitigation measures are required where impact severity for the potential impact is predicted to be moderate and above, mitigation measures are also proposed under this project where impacts are evaluated as low to moderate to further minimise and reduce the effect of the impact, where applicable.

Table 8.34 Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measure Requirements of the Construction of the Project

Potential Impact	Unmitigated Level of Impacts	Mitigation Measures Required/ Proposed
Direct Impact
Permanent and Temporary Loss of Terrestrial and Marine Habitats
- Developed Area, Plantation, Shrubland/Grassland, Watercourses except W2, W3, Intertidal Zone	Low	Minimising Habitat Loss: To minimise habitat loss and ecological impact, at-grade works (e.g., slope works and roads) will be strategically positioned along existing developed areas or habitat edges, with tunnels and viaducts used where feasible to reduce the footprint, particularly around Yi Chuen. Temporary Works Area: Land requirements for temporary works will be minimised with a 10 m setback from the alignment, overlapping with the main road alignment, except for necessary anchorage construction (approx. 20 m). Work Exclusion Zones and Elevated Platforms: Work exclusion zones (minimum 5 m setback) will be established around watercourses to protect vegetation, and elevated temporary work platforms will be used for access, ensuring minimal impact on banks and stream beds. (Sections 8.11.3.2 & 8.11.3.5 refer)
- Watercourses W2, W3, Sea	Low to Moderate	Minimising Watercourse Loss: At-grade works will be minimised and positioned to avoid significant habitats, with tunnels and viaducts used where feasible, especially at Yi Chuen, to reduce habitat loss in W2 and W3. Water Flow Retention: Temporary diversions will maintain water flow during construction. Affected watercourses will be reinstated with natural elements such as riparian vegetation and natural substrates, where possible. Work Exclusion Zones: Work exclusion zones (minimum 5 m setback) will be established around watercourses to protect vegetation, and elevated platforms will be used for access to minimise impacts. Stream Diversion: Stream diversion will be carried out, with incorporation natural elements to facilitate ecological restoration. Optimising Reclamation: The extent of reclamation has been reduced from 23.9 ha to 19.8 ha, with originally proposed reclamation in North Lantau replaced by smaller-scale pile-supported structures. Ecological Enhancements: Newly established coastal structures will promote marine benthos recruitment by using natural materials, with features like eco-tiles and varied shoreline designs to enhance habitat diversity. (Sections 8.11.3.2 - 8.11.3.6, 8.11.3.20 & 8.11.4.1 – 8.11.4.3 refer)
Loss, Injuries or Mortalities of Species of Conservation Importance
- Species with high mobility, flight ability and/or with low site fidelity, e.g. avifauna, mammals, butterflies and reptiles	Low	Not required and none proposed
- Species with lower mobility, or with restricted habitat niche, e.g. flora, freshwater fauna, amphibians, corals and amphioxi
· Small Persimmon, Pale Purple Eulophia, Pitcher Plant, hard coral Cladopsammia sp., Cyphastrea serailia, Dipsastraea favus, Dipsastraea speciosa, Favites abdita, Favites chinensis, Favites pentagona, Bernardpora stutchburyi, Hydnophora exesa, Leptastrea pruinosa, Oulastrea crispata, Platygyra acuta, Platygyra carnosa, Plesiastrea versipora, Porites sp., Psammocora profundacella, Tubastraea sp., Turbinaria peltata and black coral Antipathes curvata.	Low to Moderate	Vegetation Survey and Transplantation Proposal: A detailed pre-construction vegetation survey will identify and document conservation-important flora, tagging and mapping each individual. The findings will inform a transplantation proposal, submitted to AFCD, detailing methodologies for preservation and monitoring. Mitigation for Flora: For conservation-important plant species within the project footprint, mitigation will prioritise in-situ preservation, followed by transplantation and compensation. Compensation planting may occur at a ratio of 1:1 if other methods are not feasible. Coral Survey and Translocation: A detailed coral survey will be conducted prior to marine works to assess affected coral colonies. Translocation is recommended to mitigate impacts, along with a comprehensive translocation plan developed in consultation with AFCD.
· Romer’s Tree Frog	Low to Moderate	Habitat Preservation and Waterflow Retention: Preserve the headwater of the north-branching tributary in watercourse W2; replace the intersecting section with a box culvert. Relocate permanent structures to avoid encroachment. Minimising Construction Impact: Implement temporary stream diversions to maintain waterflow. Work Exclusion Zones and Elevated Platforms: Establish work exclusion zones (minimum 5 m setback) around watercourses and use elevated platforms to minimise impact on banks and stream beds. Best Practices: Apply best management practices to control construction runoff and protect downstream habitats. Pre-Construction Survey and Translocation: Pre-construction survey to verify habitat conditions and identify any individuals in the project footprint to inform suitable translocation plan. (S.8.11.3.10 – S.8.11.3.11 refer)
· Amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri	Low	Not required and none proposed
Indirect Impact
Habitat Fragmentation and Impact on Wildlife Movement	Low to Moderate	Minimising Habitat Fragmentation: To reduce habitat fragmentation and obstruction of wildlife movement, the construction phase will be divided into parts (e.g., at-grade and viaduct sections) in North Lantau, allowing for reduced temporary work areas and maintaining wildlife corridors. Reinstatement of Temporary Work Areas: After each construction phase, temporary work areas will be reinstated to their original condition as much as possible. Excavated areas for viaduct supports and retaining walls will be refilled and re-vegetated, prioritising hydroseeding and planting native species to restore habitat. (S.8.11.3.14 – S.8.11.3.15 refer)
Construction Disturbance on Adjacent Habitats, Species of Conservation Importance and Associated Flora and Fauna	Low	Minimising Disturbance: To reduce construction-related disturbances (noise, lighting, dust, vibration, and increased traffic), implement precautionary and mitigation measures outlined in relevant chapters. (S.8.11.3.17 refers)
Changes in Water Qualities, Hydrodynamic Properties and Sedimentation Hydrology Due to Run-off, Discharge and Reclamation on Aquatic-associated Species
- On watercourses and associated freshwater fauna	Low	Temporary Stream Diversion: During the construction of at-grade roads, viaduct supports, and tunnel portals at W1, W2, and W3, temporary stream diversion will be implemented to retain downstream water flow and prevent construction materials from entering the watercourse. The diversion will follow ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 guidelines. (S.8.11.3.18 refers)
- On Romer’s Tree Frog and Caridina serrata	Low to Moderate	Temporary Stream Diversion: During the construction of at-grade roads, viaduct supports, and tunnel portals at W1, W2, and W3, temporary stream diversion will be implemented to retain downstream water flow and prevent construction materials from entering the watercourse. The diversion will follow ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 guidelines. Pre-Construction Surveys: A pre-construction survey for conservation-important species will be conducted downstream from the proposed works (S.8.11.3.18 refers)
- On marine habitats and associated fauna	Low	Ground Treatment Methods: Use a combination of dredging and marine deep cement mixing (DCM) for reclamation to minimise seabed disturbance and the release of suspended solids. Silt Curtain Deployment: Install silt curtains around marine works (dredging, DCM, and reclamation) before starting operations to achieve a 45% reduction in suspended solids at the reclamation site, limiting their entry into adjacent waters. Controlled Reclamation Filling: Conduct reclamation filling only after completing the blockwork seawall and coping to confine materials within the seawall, minimising loss into surrounding waters. (S.8.11.3.19 refers)

Table 8.35 Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Requirements of the Operation of the Project

Potential Impact	Unmitigated Level of Impacts	Mitigation Measures Required/ Proposed
Direct Impact
Direct Impact on Habitat Loss due to Occupation by Permanent Structures	Low	Not required and none proposed
Injuries or Mortalities due to Roadkill and Collision	Low to Moderate	Site Reinstatement: After construction, temporary work areas will be restored to their original condition. Excavated areas for viaduct supports and other structures will be refilled and re-vegetated, prioritising hydroseeding and planting native species to closely resemble the original habitat. Wildlife Passage Safety: Ensure sufficient height clearance under viaducts for safe wildlife passage. Incorporate fencing, U-shaped channels, and dense vegetation to guide wildlife away from at-grade roadways and towards the space under viaducts, providing a buffer against traffic disturbance. Wildlife-Friendly Box Culverts: Construct a box culvert in the north-branching upper tributary of W2 to preserve headwater and waterflow. Future drainage studies will explore options to enhance wildlife passage and naturalness of the culvert while maintaining drainage performance. (S.8.11.3.15 – S.8.11.3.16 refer)
Habitat Fragmentation and Impact on Wildlife Movement
- General Wildlife	Low	Minimising Habitat Fragmentation: To reduce habitat fragmentation and obstruction of wildlife movement, the construction phase will be divided into parts (e.g., at-grade and viaduct sections) in North Lantau, allowing for reduced temporary work areas and maintaining wildlife corridors. Wildlife Passage Safety: Ensure sufficient height clearance under viaducts for safe wildlife passage. Incorporate fencing, U-shaped channels, and dense vegetation to guide wildlife away from at-grade roadways and towards the space under viaducts, providing a buffer against traffic disturbance. Wildlife-Friendly Box Culverts: Construct a box culvert in the north-branching upper tributary of W2 to preserve headwater and waterflow. Future drainage studies will explore options to enhance wildlife passage and naturalness of the culvert while maintaining drainage performance. (S.8.11.3.14 – S.8.11.3.16 refer)
Indirect Impact
Operation Disturbance on Adjacent Habitats, Species of Conservation Importance and Associated Flora and Fauna	Very low	Not required and none proposed
Water Quality Impact from Road Run-off on Adjacent Watercourses and Associated Aquatic Fauna	Very low	Not required and none proposed
Changes in Hydrodynamic Properties and Sedimentation Hydrology in Nearby Waters	Very low	Not required and none proposed

8.11.2 Avoidance

Avoiding Recognised Site of Conservation Importance and Other Ecologically Sensitive Sites

8.11.2.1 The recommended TYLL alignment and its associated works footprint were thoroughly considered, evaluated and selected from several alternative alignment options proposed in previous stage studies (S.2.7 refers). This process has led to the current alignment option, which aims to avoid potential direct and indirect impacts on recognised sites of conservation importance and other ecologically sensitive sites.

8.11.3 Minimisation

Minimising Permanent and Temporary Loss of Terrestrial and Marine Habitat

8.11.3.1 The alignment of TYLL was tailored to minimise encroachment into natural habitats and ecological resources of high ecological importance, resulting in a final optimised layout that would result in no loss of any natural terrestrial habitats in Tsing Yi and Ma Wan. Due to engineering constraints posed by the site conditions and the inherent requirement to connect TYLL with other future committed roads and highways, areas of natural terrestrial habitats, including shrubland / grassland, watercourse and intertidal zone in North Lantau, would be inevitably impacted.

8.11.3.2 To minimise the extent of habitat loss and its impact on the ecology in this area, the proportion and extent of at-grade works elements (e.g. slope works and at-grade roads) were minimised and strategically positioned along existing developed area or along habitat edges where the habitat quality was considerably lower, to avoid and/or minimise the loss of habitats with higher naturalness, ecological value or large area of habitats which could lead to habitat fragmentation, i.e. at-grade roads located adjacent to Lantau Link. Secondly, where feasible, some of the road sections in North Lantau have opted for tunnel or viaduct form to minimise the footprint of at-grade works, i.e. the viaduct section at Yi Chuen and tunnel slip roads from Yi Chuen to Tso Wan, which allowed for a reduction in the size and extent of permanent and temporary habitat loss in the area, in particular watercourses. Furthermore, land requirement for temporary works was also optimised and minimised as far as possible such that temporary works area would be largely overlapped with the main alignment, thus minimising additional clearing of land beyond the alignment and subsequently resulting in an optimised temporary works area with a 10 m setback from the alignment along the majority of the TYLL, with the exception of anchorage construction (~20 m), which would be the necessary minimum for supporting the construction of at-grade works for the TYLL.

8.11.3.3 Given the presence of Romer’s Tree Frog found in the mid-section of the watercourse W2, exhaustive effort was spent on design adjustment to reduce the extent of watercourse loss and prioritise the retention of water flow in the watercourse. As a consequence, at its upper section, the north-branching tributary would largely be preserved through works exclusion at its headwaters, while the remaining section intersecting with the at-grade works would be replaced by box culvert with size and gradient matching with the affected section of W2, such that the water flow and watercourse would be retained (Figure 8.9 Call-out (i) refers). Moreover, permanent works (i.e. tunnel portal and viaduct supports) at and along the mid- and lower- sections of W2 were adjusted such that they would be located away from the watercourse to avoid direct encroachment (Figure 8.9 Call-out (ii) refers). Furthermore, the lower sections of W2 would be excluded from temporary works and site clearance, thus relieving the watercourse section and its adjacent riparian from the direct loss due to temporary and permanent works (Figure 8.9 Call-out (iii) refers). While sections of W2 would still be unavoidably lost, nonetheless the overall extent of permanent and temporary loss was greatly reduced. The residual impact of the loss would be low given its existing condition and value as habitat for freshwater fauna.

8.11.3.4 Similarly, the extent and location of the proposed tunnel and associated slope works at the upper section of watercourse W3 were optimised and adjusted. The tunnel section of the south-bound slip road would be lengthened and lowered to below watercourse W3 (Figure 8.9 Call-out (iv) refers), and the exiting carriageway would be in the form of a viaduct (Figure 8.9 Call-out (v) refers), hence localising land clearance at the tunnel portals and minimising encroachment into watercourse W3. Loss of a short section of W3 (approx. 5 m) of W3 would still be expected due to the construction of at-grade road on north-bound slip road due to geological constraints (S.8.8.1.5 refers), nonetheless permanent loss and impact on W3 were greatly reduced and minimised, and the residual impact of the loss would be very low given the scale of the loss and its condition.

8.11.3.5 Temporary diversion to retain water flow would be carried out during construction works following the guidelines specified in ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005, while reinstatement of the affected watercourses with incorporation of natural elements, if feasible, such as planting of riparian vegetation and use of natural bed substrates that resemble the watercourse’s original condition, would be implemented as far as possible. Moreover, in locations and/or instances where no actual construction works in and around watercourses are required, work exclusion zone (minimum of 5 m setback from the watercourses) would be set up. Clearance of vegetation on the banksides would be avoided. Where accesses across watercourses are necessary, elevated temporary work platform atop the watercourses would be adopted, with supports located well away from the banks and stream bed of watercourses, such that impact on watercourses from temporary works would be avoided and minimised.

8.11.3.6 Furthermore, the extent of reclamation was optimised and minimised from that originally proposed, from a size of approximately 23.9 ha to the current 19.8 ha. While reclamation would still be required in Northwest Tsing Yi, Ma Wan Channel and Ma Wan, the reclamation originally proposed in North Lantau would no longer be required and be replaced by a pile-supported VIPS, the construction of which would be of a much smaller scale and extent than reclamation.

Minimising Loss, Injuries or Mortalities of Species of Conservation Importance with Lower Mobility, or with Restricted Habitat Niche

Plant Species of Conservation Importance

8.11.3.7 For plant species of conservation importance identified within the project works footprint, including 12 individuals of Small Persimmon, two individuals of Pale Purple Eulophia and two individuals of Pitcher Plant, mitigation approach in the order of in-situ preservation, transplantation, and compensation, if preservation and transplantation are deemed infeasible, would be followed.

8.11.3.8 For Small Persimmon, given its high abundance in the locality, compensation planting of the species could also be considered as last resort if in-situ preservation and transplantation could not be carried out due to engineering, site or other constraints. Seed supply of the species could be collected from wild specimens in the locality. The compensation ratio of affected individuals would be in the ratio of 1:1, unless agreed otherwise with AFCD.

8.11.3.9 A pre-construction detailed vegetation survey to identify any individuals of flora of conservation importance within the works area (including that required for construction haul roads which would be subject to contractor’s planning and design and would only become available at later stage) should be conducted by qualified plant ecologist(s) prior to the commencement of site clearance and construction works. Each identified individuals should be tagged and mapped, with photographs and information including their height, diameter at breast height (if applicable), spread, condition, form, amenity value, survival of transplantation, proposed treatment, etc. recorded and presented in the pre-construction detailed vegetation survey report. The proposed methodologies of plant preservation, transplantation and compensation, identification of suitable receptor site, implementation programme and post-transplantation monitoring and maintenance programme should also be included in a transplantation proposal which should be submitted to AFCD for approval.

Amphibian Species of Conservation Importance

8.11.3.10 A number of Romer’s Tree Frog were recorded within the temporary works extent in watercourse W2 as well as in adjacent shrubland/grassland habitats near watercourse W1 and W2. As mentioned in S.8.11.3.3, in order to retain the waterflow of W2 for Romer’s Tree Frog living downstream, the headwater of the north-branching upper tributary would be preserved, while the remaining section intersecting with the at-grade works would be replaced by box culvert. To avoid and minimise the impact of injury and mortality of the species resulting from site clearance and construction works, locations of permanent structures (e.g. viaduct supports) were adjusted to avoid direct encroachment into watercourses where they were found. During construction works at and near W1, W2 and W3, temporary stream diversion shall take place to ensure waterflow during construction works is retained. Furthermore, mitigation measures recommended in the Water Quality Impact Assessment (S.5.8.1 and S.5.8.2 refer) and best management practices as stipulated in the ProPECC PN 2/23 Construction Site Drainage (EPD, 2023) and ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works (ETWB, 2005) on controlling and reducing construction run-off and discharge would be implemented to avoid uncontrolled run-off and discharges into affected watercourses, in order to prevent affecting the species located downstream. Where feasible, avoidance measures such as setting up work exclusion zone along watercourse to be affected (minimum of 5 m setback from the watercourse) or using elevated temporary work platform atop the affected watercourses for works and access, with supports located away from the watercourses, should be adopted.

8.11.3.11 As a precaution, a pre-construction survey should be carried out by qualified ecologist(s) to verify the condition of the watercourse habitats and identify the presence of any individuals of the species within the Project’s work footprint, with greater caution on affected watercourses and its adjacent riparian shrubland/grassland habitats. The scope and methodology of the pre-construction survey shall be agreed with AFCD prior to commencement of works. Where identified, individuals should be translocated to nearby habitats of similar habitat conditions, adequate barriers such as hoarding and fencing should be set up around the works area following translocation to prevent individuals from entering the works area. In instances where translocation of the species is required, the methodology and findings of the pre-construction survey, along with a translocation plan presenting the number of individuals to be translocated, the translocation methodology, as well as the identified translocation site should be defined and presented in the translocation plan. The potential translocation recipient site should be located well outside areas where direct and indirect impacts from the construction works of the Project (i.e. W5 and W6), as well as those of other planned / committed projects nearby, are not expected.

Coral Species of Conservation Importance

8.11.3.12 While the extent of reclamation has been reduced such that reclamation near Yi Chuen in North Lantau would no longer be required (as mentioned in S.8.11.3.6), hard corals and black coral identified within the reclamation extent and temporary marine works extent in Tsing Yi and Ma Wan would still be inevitably affected, this includes 18 hard coral species (i.e. Cladopsammia sp., Cyphastrea serailia, Dipsastraea favus, Dipsastraea speciosa, Favites abdita, Favites chinensis, Favites pentagona, Bernardpora stutchburyi, Hydnophora exesa, Leptastrea pruinosa, Oulastrea crispata, Platygyra acuta, Platygyra carnosa, Plesiastrea versipora, Porites sp., Psammocora profundacella, Tubastraea sp., Turbinaria peltata) and one black coral species (i.e. Antipathes curvata). Despite their low coverage (not more than 1% coverage), translocation of these coral of conservation importance is recommended to minimise direct impact on them as far as practicable.

8.11.3.13 A pre-construction detailed coral survey shall be conducted in the marine works area prior to the commencement of marine works by qualified coral ecologist(s). The scope and methodology of the detailed coral survey should be agreed with AFCD prior to commencement of the survey. The survey should confirm specifically the number and location of coral colonies to be affected. Identified coral colonies should be sized, mapped and tagged. An assessment of the suitability of translocation for each identified coral colony should be presented in the coral translocation plan, along with the proposed recipient site, translocation methodology and programme, monitoring methodology and programme for the translocated coral colonies. The potential translocation recipient site should possess a coral colony composition similar to the existing site and should be located well outside areas where direct and indirect impacts from the marine works of the Project, as well as of other planned/committed projects nearby, are not expected.

Reducing Habitat Fragmentation, Impact on Wildlife Movement and Injuries or Mortalities due to Roadkill and Collision

8.11.3.14 In order to minimise habitat fragmentation and the impact of wildlife movement obstruction, particularly in North Lantau where vast contiguous natural habitats were identified, during construction and operational phase, phasing of construction works would be implemented, for example dividing the construction of at-grade section and viaduct section in North Lantau into two parts, which would allow for the reduction of temporary works area at any one time and leave sufficient area or corridors for continuous wildlife passage across the south and north during construction.

8.11.3.15 Following the completion of construction works in each phase, areas used as temporary works area would be reinstated to its original condition as far as possible. Areas where excavation of soil is required for the site formation, installation and construction of viaduct supports, retaining wall and anchorage shall be refilled and re-vegetated. Hydroseeding and planting of plant species found in the original habitat should be prioritised to maximise and achieve a reinstated condition that resembles the original habitat condition as close as possible. Sufficient height clearance should be provided under the viaduct such that there would be enough space under the viaduct to allow safe wildlife passage.

8.11.3.16 To minimise the likelihood of wildlife crossing the at-grade roadway and to encourage wildlife use of the space under the viaduct sections, incorporation of fencing, U-shaped channels, hedge planting of dense vegetation could be opted to prevent access and guide wildlife away from the at-grade road structures and lead them towards the space under the viaduct sections, while at the same time provide buffer planting that would help shield traffic disturbance. Moreover, as mentioned in S.8.11.3.3, construction of box culvert in the north-branching upper tributary of W2 would be implemented to maximise the preservation of headwater and waterflow of W2. Subject to further drainage studies in later stage, opportunities to incorporate elements that would benefit wildlife passage through the box culvert or increase the naturalness of the box culvert, without compromising drainage performance or impeding future maintenance, could also be explored.

Minimising Construction Disturbance on Adjacent Habitats, Species of Conservation Importance and Associated Flora and Fauna

8.11.3.17 For minimising construction disturbances i.e. noise emissions, lighting and glare emissions, dust emissions, vibration and general increase in worker’s presence and marine work traffic, implementation of precautionary and mitigation measures provided in relevant chapters (S.5 to S.7) shall be followed.

Reduction of Water Quality Deterioration Due to Run-off, Discharge and Reclamation on Waterbodies and Aquatic-Associated Species

8.11.3.18 During the construction of at-grade roads, viaduct supports, tunnel portals and associated slope works at the W1, W2 and W3, temporary stream diversion should be carried out to retain waterflow downstream and to avoid construction materials from entering the watercourse and affecting the fauna inhabiting the sections downstream, including Romer’s Tree Frog and Caridina serrata. The stream diversion works should follow the guidelines specified in ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works (ETWB, 2005). Given the presence of Romer’s Tree Frog and Caridina serrata recorded in W2 and W3 where works are proposed at their respective upstream sections, as a pre-caution measure, pre-construction survey for the two species, and any other herpetofauna and freshwater fauna species of conservation importance, should be carried out in sections of the watercourses downstream from the proposed works. The requirements of the pre-construction survey should follow that described in S.8.11.3.11.

8.11.3.19 A combination of dredging and marine deep cement mixing (DCM) is proposed as the ground treatment methods for reclamation to reduce the extent of dredging on the seabed and the subsequent release of suspended solids and materials from the seabed. Silt curtains would be deployed in the periphery of the marine works (i.e. dredging, marine DCM and reclamation) prior to the commencement of any dredging, marine DCM and marine structure installation works. Based on the results of water quality modelling, deployment of the silt curtains would provide a 45% reduction in suspended solid at the reclamation site, hence minimising the increased flux of suspended solids into adjacent marine waters. Furthermore, reclamation filling would only be carried out following the completion of blockwork seawall and coping, such that reclamation filling would be confined within seawall coping, minimising the loss/escape of reclamation filling into adjacent waters outside the seawall coping.

Diversion and Modification of Affected Watercourses

8.11.3.20 As mentioned in previous sections, the north-branching upper tributary of W2 would be preserved at its headwater, while the section intercepting with the at-grade road section would be replaced a box culvert in order to retain water flow in the watercourse. Furthermore, W1 and the section of W3 to be lost would be diverted and replaced in the form of a modified watercourse following the completion of works. Where possible, natural elements would be incorporated in the design of the modified watercourse, for example, planting of vegetation resembling the existing riparian would be carried out along the affected sections, and provision and placement of natural bed substrates and boulders similar to its original condition as far as practicable to facilitate natural colonisation of flora and provide microhabitat for usage by fauna. Guidelines specified in ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 should be followed. Stream diversion proposal for the W1, W2 and W3 would be submitted to AFCD for comment prior to the commencement of works.

8.11.4 Precautionary Measures and Enhancement Opportunities

Enhancement Opportunities on Seawall and Marine Structures

8.11.4.1 Newly established coastal structures (approx. 1.4 km of artificial shoreline), such as vertical seawalls, riprap/sloping seawalls, surfaces of supporting structures on the reclaimed land for TYLL anchorages and towers and for the pile-supported VIPS, present new opportunities for the recruitment, settlement and colonisation of marine benthos, thereby enhancing the overall quality of associated marine ecosystems in the vicinity. The use of natural building materials such as granite boulders or irregular shaped dolosse as building blocks for riprap and sloping seawalls is recommended. The rough textures and gaps between the stacked building blocks would provide suitable conditions for benthos settlement and provide sheltering habitats for marine wildlife.

8.11.4.2 Incorporation of elements that diversify microhabitats and enhance the quality of settlement substrates such as the eco-tiles or 3D-printed terracotta settlement plates with features like indents, pits, pools, crevices, meanders and cracks should also be considered on vertical seawalls or surfaces to encourage recruitment and settlement of corals and other benthos. The adoption of these enhancement strategies has been widely applied in other areas of Hong Kong, demonstrating success to date, such as in Ma Liu Shui, Tolo Harbour, and the Tung Chung New Town Extension.

8.11.4.3 Moreover, incorporating a wavy design instead of a straight shoreline for the coastal structures could enhance structural diversity and create varying light penetration gradients in microhabitats which warrants further exploration if feasible. Where practical, recycling of dismantled concrete-based or steel-based building materials e.g. roadblocks, culverts, steel rebars as artificial reef structures could also be considered in suitable areas away from the main navigation channels, which could offer a sustainable solution for marine ecological enhancement. Following the confirmation of the final layout and design of created coastal structures, a proposal on eco-shoreline design shall be prepared and submitted to AFCD for agreement and approval.

8.12 Evaluation of Residual Ecological Impacts

8.12.1.1 With the full implementation of the above recommended avoidance, minimisation and compensatory mitigation measures, no unacceptable adverse residual impact from the project is expected.

8.12.1.2 Adoption of precautionary measures and enhancement measures to further minimise any potential environmental impacts and to promote the ecological value of the Project have been considered.

8.12.1.3 Specifically, the loss of natural terrestrial habitats has been significantly minimised by optimising the extent of at-grade work elements and situating them in areas of lower ecological value. Additionally, the incorporation of tunnel sections not only reduced the at-grade footprint of the TTYL but also preserved higher-value watercourses and their inhabitants, while minimising barriers to wildlife movement. A design change has resulted in a reduction of marine habitat loss by 4.1 ha, replacing the originally proposed reclamation in North Lantau with a pile-supported VIPS. While approximately 19.9 ha of marine habitats are still expected to be impacted, the existing conditions and ecological values of the affected habitats, along with recommended enhancement measures, such as adoption of eco-shoreline, to boost habitat diversity, will support marine ecological resilience and enhance species diversity. As a result, the residual impacts are considered acceptable, provided that the recommended measures are implemented.

8.12.1.4 Impacts on species of conservation importance with lower mobility or restricted niches will be effectively mitigated through translocation and/or transplantation when in-situ preservation is not feasible. This includes plant, amphibian and coral species of conservation importance. The number of affected species is relatively low, and most of these species are quite common in the local context. Given their hardiness and adaptability to environmental disturbances, along with the existing conditions and values of their habitats, and the availability of nearby receptor sites with similar habitat conditions for translocation and transplantation, and past cases of translocating and/or transplanting these species in other studies, the likelihood of successful translocation and/or transplantation is high. These factors contribute to the overall feasibility and effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the impacts on these species.

8.13 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

8.13.1.1 Implementation of mitigation measures described in S.8.11 will be monitored and inspected regularly as part of the ecological monitoring programme during the construction period to ensure strict adherence to and the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. Procedures and requirements for the implementation of measures for mitigating impacts on species of conservation importance are described below.

Preservation, Transplantation and/or Compensatory Planting of Flora Species of Conservation Importance

8.13.1.2 As described in S.8.11.3.7 – S.8.11.3.9, a pre-construction detailed vegetation survey should be conducted by qualified plant ecologist(s) prior to the commencement of site clearance and construction works in order to identify the presence of any individuals of flora species of conservation importance within the at-grade works area, including but not limited to Small Persimmon, Pitcher Plant, Pale Purple Eulophia, and any other flora species of conservation importance recorded in the literature review and the ecological survey. The curriculum vitae of the qualified plant ecologist(s) and survey methodologies should be submitted to AFCD for review and approval beforehand. During the pre-construction detailed vegetation survey, each identified individuals should be tagged and mapped, with photographs and information including their height, diameter at breast height, spread, condition, form, amenity value, survival of transplantation and proposed treatment etc. Prior to the commencement of transplantation, a Plant Preservation and Transplantation Proposal should be prepared and submitted to AFCD for approval. The proposal shall include the findings of the pre-construction detailed vegetation survey, the proposed methodologies of plant preservation, transplantation and compensation, identification of suitable receptor site, implementation programme, post-transplantation monitoring and maintenance programme including monitoring frequency, monitoring parameters, and recommended remedial measures. Mitigation approach in the order of in-situ preservation, transplantation, and compensation would be followed. In the case where some directly affected individuals of Small Persimmon were deemed infeasible for preservation or transplantation, legitimate justifications shall be provided. Compensation planting of the species could be considered and implemented. The compensation ratio of affected individuals should be in the ratio of 1:1, unless agreed otherwise with AFCD. The recommended compensation planting quantity, planting location, planting methodologies as well as provision of a post-planting monitoring programme should be included in the Plant Preservation and Transplantation Proposal. A planting proposal shall be prepared for agreement with AFCD containing information on the recommended planting quantity, planting location, planting methodologies as well as provision of a post-planting monitoring programme.

Site Audit and Monitoring for Works Around Affected Watercourses and Waterbodies

8.13.1.3 Romer’s Tree Frog and Caridina serrata were recorded in the downstream sections of watercourses W2 and W3. These habitats are sensitive to water quality deterioration from construction works planned in the upper tributaries. To mitigate these potential impacts, temporary stream diversions will be implemented to protect downstream fauna by maintaining water flow and preventing construction materials from entering the watercourses. For the marine works component, which includes dredging, marine DCM, and reclamation, silt curtains will be deployed around the periphery of the works area prior to commencement. This measure is designed to minimise the release of suspended solids from the seabed into the surrounding marine environment, thereby protecting marine water quality.

8.13.1.4 Regular site audits should be carried out to ensure best management of construction site run-off and discharge and mitigation measures proposed for reducing construction site run-off and discharge are being implemented with stringent adherence to relevant guidelines stipulated in the ProPECC PN 2/23 Construction Site Drainage (EPD, 2023) and ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works (ETWB, 2005), which should include those listed in S.5.8.1, S.8.11.3.18 and S.8.11.3.19.

Translocation of Romer’s Tree Frog and Other Identified Aquatic/Water-dependent Species of Conservation Importance

8.13.1.5 A pre-construction survey should be carried out by qualified ecologist(s) in the at-grade works area where direct impact would be anticipated in order to identify the presence of any individuals of Romer’s Tree Frog or any other aquatic/water-dependent species of conservation importance (inc. amphibians and freshwater fauna). Greater caution should be paid to affected watercourses (i.e. W1, W2 and W3) and its adjacent riparian shrubland / grassland habitats. The scope and methodology of the pre-construction survey, and the curriculum vitae of the qualified ecologist(s) should be submitted and agreed with AFCD prior to commencement of survey works. In instances where individuals are identified in the works area and translocation is required, the methodology and findings of the pre-construction survey, along with a translocation and post-translocation monitoring plan presenting the number of individuals to be translocated, the translocation methodology, the identified translocation site, the implementation schedule, as well as post-translocation monitoring methodology and programme should be defined and presented in a Translocation Proposal, which shall be submitted to AFCD for comments and approval prior to translocation works. Individuals should be translocated to nearby habitats of similar habitat conditions, adequate barriers such as hoarding and fencing should be set up around the works area following translocation to prevent individuals from entering the works area. The potential translocation recipient site should be located well outside the areas where direct and indirect impacts from the construction works of the project (i.e. W5 and W6), as well as those of other planned/committed projects nearby, are not expected.

Translocation of Affected Coral Colonies

8.13.1.6 A pre-construction detailed coral survey shall be conducted in the marine works area prior to the commencement of marine works by qualified coral ecologist(s) with SCUBA diving qualification and experience, the curriculum vitae of whom shall be submitted to AFCD along with the scope and methodology of the detailed coral survey for review and agreement prior to commencement of the survey. The survey should confirm specifically the number, the species and the location of coral colonies to be directly affected by the construction of the pile-supported VIPS, the reclamation and associated dredging works. Identified coral colonies should be numbered, sized, photographed, mapped and tagged in the survey. An assessment of the suitability of translocation for each identified coral colony should be presented in the coral translocation plan, along with the proposed recipient site, translocation methodology and programme, monitoring methodology and programme for the translocation coral colonies. The potential translocation recipient site should possess a coral colony composition similar to that of the existing site and should be located well outside areas where direct and indirect impacts from the marine works of the Project, as well as of other planned/committed projects nearby, are not expected. The findings of the detailed coral survey and the proposed treatment for the identified coral colonies should be reported in the Coral Translocation Proposal and submitted to AFCD for approval prior to commencement of the translocation works.

Enhancement Opportunities on Seawall and Marine Structures

8.13.1.7 As recommended in S.8.11.4, several strategies could be integrated into the design of future coastal structures, such as seawalls on the reclaimed land for TYLL anchorages and towers, as well as surfaces and supporting structures on the pile-supported VIPS. Following the confirmation of the final layout and design of these structures, a detailed Eco-shoreline Design Proposal shall be prepared and submitted to AFCD for agreement and approval. This proposal must include a comprehensive Ecological Monitoring Plan to establish a practical and feasible program for assessing the effectiveness of the design. The plan will detail the proposed monitoring methodologies, such as the use of standard marine ecological survey techniques, and define the performance parameters to be tracked. These parameters may include species diversity and abundance, recruitment rates of benthic organisms, and the health of key habitat-forming species, all of which will be proposed for AFCD's approval. The monitoring shall commence following the establishment of the eco-shoreline and the proposed monitoring period and frequency shall be agreed upon with AFCD. A key component of the plan will be an adaptive management framework, which requires establishing clear performance criteria (i.e., action and limit levels). If monitoring reveals that these criteria are not being met, an investigation into the causes will be required, followed by the submission of a remedial action proposal to AFCD for approval. All monitoring and assessment work shall be conducted by qualified marine biologists with a minimum of five years of experience in marine organism identification and ecological restoration.

8.14 Conclusion

8.14.1.1 A literature review and 9-month ecological field surveys were conducted for the purpose of this ecological impact assessment for the TYLL. A total of nine habitat types, including woodland, plantation, shrubland/grassland, watercourse, developed area, wasteland, agricultural land, intertidal zone and sea were recorded within the 500 m assessment area. The Project area largely comprised sea, developed area, shrubland/grassland and plantation which were of low and low to moderate ecological value. The conditions of the Project area were found to be largely disturbed and man-made particular in Tsing Yi and Ma Wan, while relatively more natural habitats (e.g. shrubland/grassland) were more prominent in North Lantau. The flora and fauna communities recorded were mostly of low or low to moderate diversity and abundance and were generally consisted of those that are locally common and widespread and/or are generalist species which possess high tolerance and adaptability to disturbance and environmental changes.

8.14.1.2 During the early planning stage, exhaustive effort was made to ensure the alignment and design of the TYLL would avoid direct encroachment onto any recognised sites of conservation importance and ecologically sensitive sites, while several adjustments and engineering options were made to avoid or minimise direct and indirect ecological impacts arising from the Project. As a result, the impact significance on habitats, species of conservation importance and other assessed ecological elements were kept to between low and low to moderate without mitigations. Mitigation measures were recommended to future minimise and compensate for any identified ecological impacts rated with an impact severity of low to moderate and above. Some recommendations of precautionary measures and enhancement opportunities were also provided to further alleviated any potential ecological impacts and promote the ecological value of the Project. With full implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, no unacceptable adverse residual impacts are expected to arise from the Project.

8.14.1.3 Regular inspection and monitoring of the implementation of mitigation measures have been recommended as part of the ecological monitoring programme. Procedures and requirement for the implementation of measures for impacts on species of conservation importance were described.

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