7. Terrestrial Ecology.. 7-1

7.1 Introduction. 7-1

7.2 Environmental Legislation. 7-3

7.3 Key Ecological Sensitive Receivers. 7-4

7.4 Ecological Baseline. 7-5

7.5 Literature Review.. 7-5

7.6 Scope of Field Surveys. 7-14

7.7 Field Survey Methodologies. 7-15

7.8 Field Survey Results. 7-20

7.9 Evaluation of Ecological Importance. 7-44

7.10 Ecological Impact Assessment Methodology. 7-62

7.11 Construction Phase Impact Assessment 7-64

7.12 Operation Phase Impact Assessment 7-75

7.13 Mitigation Measures. 7-78

7.14 Residual Impacts. 7-84

7.15 Cumulative Impacts. 7-84

7.16 Ecological Monitoring and Audit Requirements. 7-84

7.17 References. 7-85

7. Terrestrial Ecology

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1.1 This section of the report presents the results of the assessment of potential impacts from the construction and operation of the Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) on terrestrial and freshwater (aquatic) ecological resources in the Study Area, including all avifauna.  The marine ecological impact assessment is presented in Section 8 of this report and will include an assessment of the coastal and inter-tidal habitats.  The key objectives of the terrestrial ecological assessment are:

· to establish an ecological baseline for the study area, focusing on identifying key areas and key species present. This is undertaken by reviewing the findings of relevant studies and surveys, and plugging any identified data gap with appropriate ecological surveys;

· to evaluate ecological impacts based on the best and latest information available during the course of the EIA study, using quantitative approach as far as practicable and covering construction and operation phases of the Project as well as the subsequent management and maintenance requirement of the proposals;

· to assess the ecological impacts of the project according to Table 1 of the TM-EIAO, based upon an impact significance grading on scale of insignificant, minor, moderate and high;

· to develop feasible and effective mitigation measures for significant impacts to minimize pollution, environmental disturbance and nuisance during construction and opertation of the projects;

· to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and implications of the proposed measures to mitigate these impacts and definition of the scope, type, location, implementation arrangement, resources requirement, subsequent management and maintenance of such measures;

· to identify, predict and evaluate the residual environmental impacts and the cumulative effects expected to arise during the construction and operation phase of the project;

· to identify, assess and specify methods, measures and standards to mitigate these residual environmental impacts and cumulative effects and reduce them to acceptable levels; and

· to review the need for and recommendation on any ecological monitoring programme required.

7.1.1.2 The ecological baseline has been determined via a combination of literature review and ecological survey to cover any data gaps and provide more recent and project specific data on the existing ecological conditions in the study area for the ecological impact assessment. The ecological baseline study for the Hong Kong Section of Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge (HZMB) and Connection with North Lantau Highway was undertaken along the coastal area of North Lantau between September 2003 and May 2004 (Mouchel, 2004) while the ecological surveys for the Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) have been undertaken in the coastal area of Pillar Point, Tuen Mun between 2008 and 2009. In addition, an ecological baseline verification survey (AEC, 2009) for the HKLR was undertaken between the end of August 2008 and January 2009. The verification survey focused on the areas of terrestrial habitat along the coast of North Lantau and South Airport Island. The surveys are relatively recent and of particular relevance to the Study Area and the findings have been discussed together with the findings of the project specific TM-CLKL ecological surveys undertaken, as opposed to in the Literature Review.

7.1.1.3 The ecological baseline survey for the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road (HKLR) was undertaken in Chek Lap Kok Area.  Avifauna surveys from this study are of particular relevance to the TM-CLKL study as avifuana are mobile and may utilize nearby similar habitat.  Therefore, the findings of avifauna survey have been specified in the Literature Review. Findings from other terrestrial surveys are less appropriate as the HKLR study area is some distance away from the TM-CLKL alignment (approximately 2.1km).

7.1.1.4 As described in Section 2 of this report, the proposed alignment has been selected on the basis of a comprehensive option assessment of two northern, two southern and three main crossing alternative option combinations. The Study Area has been determined to be 500m from the selected alignment detailed in Section 3 of the report and shown in Figure 7.1.

7.1.1.5 Six works areas have been identified for use during the construction of the TM-CLKL.  As detailed in Section 3, all of the work sites are currently formed and on developed land, with some already being used as works areas for past or on-going construction projects.  As the works areas will only be used for offices and material storage, as detailed in Section 3, and would not result in the loss of any vegetation, further surveys of these areas were not considered necessary and as such, surveys were restricted to within 500m of the TM-CLKL alignment.  

7.1.1.6 The habitat losses associated with the selected alignment have been calculated based on the layout of the project and associated works areas presented in Section 3.  The losses include both the footprint of the permanent works and any temporary losses associated with all works areas and working space required for the project, as relevant.  It should be noted that while the works boundary is generally limited to an approximately 10m setback from the permanent works area to allow space for construction, there are two larger areas at the back of the toll plaza in Tuen Mun and the proposed slope works in north Lantau which are allocated in order to allow for a future detailed Natural Terrain Hazard Assessment and Mitigation to be undertaken (see Figure 7.1).  While disturbance to these extended areas are expected to be minimal, they are included in the 500m study area.

7.2 Environmental Legislation

7.2.1.1 A number of international and local regulations, legislation and guidelines provide the framework for the protection of species and habitats of ecological importance and these include:

(i) Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) which provides for the designation and management of country parks and special areas. Country parks are designated for the purpose of nature conservation, countryside recreation and outdoor education.  Special Areas are created mainly for the purpose of nature conservation;

(ii) Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) which prohibits felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and growing plants in forests and plantations on Government land.  Related subsidiary regulations prohibit the selling or possession of listed rare and protected plant species;

(iii) Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) which protects all birds and most mammals;

(iv) Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) which controls the trade in threatened and endangered species and local possession of them. Cap. 586 replaced the “Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap. 187)” on 1 December 2006. The Ordinance is the local legislation that implement CITES;

(v) Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) which provides for the designation of coastal protection areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Conservation Area, Country Park, Green Belt or other specified uses that promote conservation or protection of the environment;

(vi) Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 (HKPSG) which covers planning considerations relevant to conservation.  This chapter details the principles of conservation, the conservation of natural landscape and habitats, historic buildings, archaeological sites and other antiquities.  It also addresses the issue of enforcement.  The appendices list the legislation and administrative controls for conservation, other conservation related measures in Hong Kong and government departments involved in conservation;

(vii) Technical Memorandum for the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO TM). Annexes 8 and 16 of the Technical Memorandum EIAO (Cap. 499) 1997 which sets out general criteria for evaluating the ecological importance of and hence the significance of potential ecological impacts and guidance for ecological assessment, respectively;

(viii) United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992) which requires signatories to make active efforts to protect and manage their biodiversity resources.  Hong Kong Government has stated that it will be 'committed to meeting the environmental objectives' of the Convention (PELB 1996); and

(ix) Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). The import, export and possession of the listed species are regulated by Cap 586. 

7.3 Key Ecological Sensitive Receivers

7.3.1.1 Within a 500m envelope from the TM-CLKL alignment, recognised terrestrial site of conservation importance (as outlined in Appendix A of Annex 18 of EIAO-TM) is the Lantau North Country Park Extension (LNCPE). The LNCPE site was identified as one of the potential country park sites in the Territorial Development Strategy Review in 1993. The extension area covered a total area of about 2,360ha and was considered suitable for designation as a country park in terms of its landscape amenity, conservation and education value as well as recreational potential. Areas of potentially high conservation values within the LNCPE include secondary woodland, mature montane forests and freshwater habitats. Part of the LNCPE lie within the Lantau study area of TM-CLKL where grasses and shrubs are the main habitats.

7.3.1.2 The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are located at Tai Ho Stream, San Tau Beach and Siu Lang Shui, which are approximately 600m, 4.2km and 1.4km away from the alignment respectively. The Tai Ho Stream and its estuary were designated as a SSSI in 1999 due to the high ecological value. The Tai Ho Stream supports a great diversity of fresh water and brackish water fish in the territory. The San Tau Beach SSSI is located on the west coast of Lantau Island. It is a shallow sheltering beach of about 2.7 hectares with fine sand and silt.  The substratum changes from a sandy shore at the northern part to a mud flat in the southern part.  The intertidal mudflat outside the mangroves supports a seagrass bed of Zostera japonica and Halophila ovalis, which are breeding and nursery grounds for horseshoe crabs (see chapter 8).  The Siu Lang Shui SSSI is the largest known butterfly over-wintering site in Hong Kong. Scientific research carried out by AFCD indicates approximately 32,000-45,000 individuals spent the 2002-2003 winter in Siu Lang Shui.

7.3.1.3 The Scenic Hill at the Airport island is one of the habitats of high ecological value near Lantau Study area due to the presence of the habitat (secondary woodland) and species (Romer’s Tree Frog). It is located approximately 2.4km far away from the proposed TM-CLKL alignment. The HZMB baseline study has indicated that a remnant population of Romer’s Tree Frog is extant on Scenic Hill where 2.86ha of secondary woodland is present. The endemic Romer’s Tree Frog (Philautus romeri) which has a restricted local distribution (Karsen et al., 1998). Romer’s Tree Frog was previously considered to be restricted to only a few locations in Hong Kong and was threatened by the airport development at Chek Lap Kok encompassing Scenic Hill (Karsen et al., 1998). Romer’s Tree Frog from Chek Lap Kok were, however, bred in captivity and released at selected sites in the New Territories in the early 1990s.

7.3.1.4 As the sites of conservation importance (Tai Ho Stream, San Tau Beach and Scenic Hill in North Lantau; Siu Lang Shui in Tuen Mun) are some distance (at least 600m away) from the works, they would not be affected and no impacts are expected.

7.4 Ecological Baseline

7.4.1.1 The ecological baseline has been determined via a combination of literature review and ecological survey to cover any data gaps and provide more recent and project specific data on the existing ecological conditions in the study area which to base the ecological impact assessment is based upon. 

7.4.1.2 The ecological baseline study for the Hong Kong Section of Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge and Connection with North Lantau Highway (HZMB) was undertaken between September 2003 and May 2004 (Mouchel, 2004) and covered the coastal area of North Lantau shore. The surveys comprised nine months of comprehensive marine and terrestrial ecological survey and, while the data obtained is essentially part of the literature review of existing data, as this survey is relatively recent and of particular relevance to the Study Area, the findings have been discussed together with the findings of the project specific TM-CLKL ecological surveys undertaken.

7.4.1.3 In addition, ecological surveys for the Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) project have been undertaken in the coastal area of Pillar Point, Tuen Mun with 6 months of surveys being conducted between September 2008 and February 2009 to establish the baseline ecological conditions of the Study Area at Tuen Mun.  These surveys are, also, very relevant to the TM-CLKL study area and the data obtained from these surveys have also been collated discussed with the findings of the TM-CLKL surveys undertaken.

7.4.1.4 As noted above, recent terrestrial survey data obtained by the HKLR project between August 2008 and January 2009 have, also, been reviewed but the HKLR survey areas are, overall, some distance from TM-CLKL alignment (approximately 2.1km) and as such, only the data from the avifauna surveys from the HKLR project are considered relevant to the TM-CLKL study area and included in the literature review below. 

7.5 Literature Review

7.5.1 Background

7.5.1.1 The purpose of the literature review is to identify existing information on the habitats and species present within the study area. Various reports and studies were consulted to extract relevant data on the flora, fauna and habitats present in the study area.  Relevant books and scientific papers were also consulted and these have been cited where appropriate although the most recent reports were generally relied upon to provide contemporary information of the ecological characteristics of the study area.  As mentioned above, data from the ecological baseline surveys for the HZMB and the TMWB are discussed under the ecological survey results below.

7.5.1.2 Relevant scientific publications and EIA reports have been reviewed. The EIA and EM&A studies reviewed include:

· New Airport Master Plan (Greiner-Maunsell,1991);

· Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study (Mott, 1998);

· Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Lantau North-South Road Link between Tai Ho and Mui Wo (Mouchel, 2000);

· EIA Construction of an International Theme Park in Penny’s Bay of North Lantau and its Essential Associated Infrastructure (Scott, 2000);

· Hong Kong-Pearl River West Link Preliminary Environmental Review (Scott, 2002);

· Improvement to Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha EIA (Mouchel, 2002a);

· Tung Chung Cable Car Project EIA (Mott, 2003); and

· Hong Kong Link Road Baseline Ecological Report (Asia Ecological Consutants, 2009).

7.5.1.3 The existing literature, also, provides a good baseline for species assessments. Other relevant literature reviewed included:

· Porcupine! (Newsletter of the Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, Hong Kong University);

· Hong Kong Biodiversity (AFCD Newsletter);

· Hong Kong Dragonflies (Wilson, 1995);

· Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Hong Kong (Wilson, 2003);

· Butterfly Watching in Hong Kong (Young and Yiu, 2002);

· A Field Guide to butterfly watching in Hong Kong (Yiu, 2004);

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

· Checklist of Hong Kong Plants (AFCD, 2001);

· Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong (AFCD, 2003); and

· A Conservation Strategy for Lantau (Green Lantau Association, 1998).

7.5.1.4 The existing literature provides a good baseline for species assessments of vascular plants (Siu, 2000; Wu and Lee, 2000; Xing et al., 2000) and AFCD (2001) presents an updated list of the Hong Kong flora.

7.5.1.5 Standard references for the groups which were the subject of the present study include Goodyear (1992) and Reels (1996) for mammals; Karsen et al. (1998) and Lau and Dudgeon (1999) for herpetofauna; Chong and Dudgeon (1992) and Lam (2002) for freshwater fishes; Wilson (1995, 1997, 2003) and Wilson and Reels (2001) for odonates; Walthew (1997), Reels and Walthew (1998), Young and Yiu (2002) for butterflies; and Carey et al. (2001) and Viney et al. (1994) for avifauna.

7.5.1.6 An attempt to provide information on the conservation status of certain local fauna has been made by Fellowes et al. (2002). This paper is designed to facilitate ecological evaluations based on faunal species of conservation concern, objectively and can assist in assessments conducted in accordance with the EIAOTM.  The paper examines the local (Hong Kong), regional (southern China) and global restrictedness of native fauna species occurring in a wild state in Hong Kong, combined with an assessment of the vulnerability of populations, using the most reliable and up to date information available, and assigns a rating to each species accordingly. Thus, a species of ‘Local Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally or regionally, but is rare or restricted in Hong Kong.  A species of ‘Regional Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally, but is rare or restricted in the region, while a species of ‘Global Concern’ is globally restricted to Hong Kong and southern China. Some species are regarded as being of ‘Potential Regional Concern’ or ‘Potential Global Concern’. The paper was adopted in the present study in order to complement the species evaluations derived from other the published literature.

7.5.2 Avifauna

7.5.2.1 Surveys at Tai Ho Wan in 1998 revealed the presence of 68 predominantly wetland-dependent bird species (Mouchel, 2000). The major groups present included egrets, herons, eagles, hawks and kingfishers. Notable species recorded included Little Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Crested Goshawk, Bonelli’s Eagle, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Broad-billed Roller, Chestnut Bulbul, White’s Thrush and Pale-legged Leaf Warbler (Mouchel, 2000).

7.5.2.2 Bird surveys were conducted between May 2001 and January 2002 along the broad corridor between Lantau and Sunset Peaks (encompassing both north and south Lantau) and revealed the presence of 46 species (Mouchel, 2002a). Of these species, 3 species were present on north Lantau and considered to be of conservation interest. The 3 species of conservation interest comprised the Grey Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus), Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) and Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) (Mouchel, 2002a). The Grey Nightjar is widespread in China although only a scarce passage migrant and summer visitor in Hong Kong (Viney et al., 1994; Yen et al., 1996; MacKinnon and Phillipps, 2000; Carey et al., 2001). In addition, both the Lesser and Greater Coucals, which although common and widespread in Hong Kong where they frequent degraded habitats, are considered to be threatened in China (Wang et al., 1998).

7.5.2.3 Several species of coastal birds, notably ardeids, have been recorded on the intertidal mudflats along the north Lantau coast. Over 40 Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) were recorded between October and December 2002 in Tung Chung Bay (Mott, 2003). Egrets are widespread and abundant in Hong Kong although increasingly threatened throughout their global range due to development pressures and loss of habitat. Several Little Egrets have been previously recorded from Tung Chung Bay (Carey et al., 2001) and it appears that this location represents an important habitat for this species.

7.5.2.4 The HKLR avifauna survey was conducted along the west and east sides of the Airport Channel between August 2008 to January 2009.  A total of 61 bird species were recorded during the wet (35 species) and dry (44 species) season surveys respectively.  Of the 61 recorded species, 20 were considered of conservation concerns (Table 7.1). Among the 20 species, 14 are also listed by Fellowes et al. (2002) as species of conservation concern and a further 9 of the 14 species of conservation concern are wetland dependant species, and were observed on the north Lantau shoreline and the artificial seawall of the airport island.  These species of conservation importance were shown in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 Bird Species of Conservation Interest Recorded During HZMB-HKLR Surveys

Species	Conservation Status	China Red List	Habitats recorded
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea #	PRC		Soft Shore; Hard shore
Great Egret Egretta alba #	PRC (RC)		Soft Shore; Hard shore
Little Egret Egretta garzetta #	PRC (RC)		Soft Shore; Hard shore
Pacific Reef Egret Egretta sacra #	(LC)	Class II Protected* Rare***	Hard Shore
Striated Heron Butorides striatus #	(LC)		Intertidal Streams
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax #	(LC)		Intertidal Streams
Black Kite Milvus migrans	(RC)	Class II Protected*	Overhead
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus		Class II Protected*	Overhead
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo		Class II Protected*	Overhead
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus		Class II Protected*	Overhead
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius #	(LC)		Soft Shore
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus #	LC		Soft Shore
Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes #	LC		Soft Shore
Collared Scops Owl Otus lettia		Class II Protected*	Shrubland
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica		Near Threatened**; Vulnerable***	Shrubland
Hwamei Garrulax canorus		Near Threatened**	Shrubland
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides	LC		Shrubland
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus	LC		Village/farmland
White-shouldered Starling Sturnus sinensis	(LC)		Village/farmland
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis	LC		Plantation

Note: # = denotes wetland dependent bird species; PRC= Potential Regional Concern; RC=Regional Concern; LC = Local Concern, as of Fellowes et al. (2002). Those in parenthesis indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in breeding and/or roosting rather than general occurrence. *CSIS 2008; **www.sepa.giv.cn 2008; ***Zeng & Wang 1998.

7.5.2.5 In addition, eight species, also, appear on various China Red Lists.  Six species are Class II protected species in China (www.sepa.gov.cn 2008) and these include the Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the Collared Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena).  The Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) and Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) are both listed as ‘Near Threatened’ (CSIS 2008). The Pacific Reef Egret and Emerald Dove are listed as Rare and Vulnerable respectively in the China Red Data Book (Zheng & Wang 1998).

7.5.2.6 Shrubland habitats produced the highest number of bird species, with a total of 18 species recorded during the wet season.  None of these species are listed as being of conservation concern (Fellowes et al. 2002), although three species are listed in China Red Lists, namely the Emerald Dove, Collared Scops Owl and Hwamei (CSIS 2008).  Within the shrubland habitat, the Chinese Bulbuls (Pycnonotus sinensis) were the most numerous species and small parties of birds were frequently observed foraging in fruiting bushes.

7.5.2.7 Surveys of soft shore habitats revealed a total of nine species, including eight wetland-dependant species and two that are closely associated with wetlands. Overall bird abundance in this habitat was relatively low, however. The highest species count was of 11 Little Ringed Plovers (Charadrius dubius) at Sha Lo Wan on the 16th September 2008. Migrant waders such as Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes) were also observed on soft shore habitats within the Study Area. These waders appeared to be utilizing the soft shore habitat for foraging.

7.5.2.8 Hard shore habitats included rocky headlands and artificial shorelines of the Airport Island and the north Lantau coast.  A total of seven species were recorded in this habitat, the most numerous species being Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), which was most abundant along the artificial shoreline of the Airport Island.  These ardeids appeared to be utilising the hard shore habitat as feeding areas. The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) were frequently observed foraging along the hard shores, also.

7.5.2.9 The literature review revealed that limited information on avifauna was available in the Tuen Mun Study Area.

7.5.3 Mammals

7.5.3.1 Studies on the distribution of Hong Kong’s large mammal fauna have been conducted by Hills and Phillipps (1981), Goodyer (1992) and Reels (1996). Sightings of large mammal species, such as Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Chinese Porcupine, Chinese Leopard Cat, Seven-banded Civet, Masked Palm Civet, Ferret Badger and Chinese Otter were made across the territory but records of larger mammals are scarce for Lantau (Hills and Phillipps, 1981; Goodyer, 1992; Reels, 1996; Mouchel, 2000, 2002a; Mott, 2003).

7.5.3.2 The study of Lantau North-South Road Link between Tai Ho Wan and Mui Wo Investigation (Mouchel, 2000) reported that Barking Deer (Muntiacus reevesi) were found by the villagers in the woodland of west Tai Ho and over 30 abandoned cattle were sighted grazing on the abandoned agricultural lands at Tai Ho.  These cattle were found to be habitating the areas adjacent to the abandoned agricultural land.

7.5.3.3 Bats were observed near the Ngau Kwu Long (upstream of the Tai Ho Stream) in September 1998 as well as the eastern shore of Tai Ho Wan in February 1999 (Mouchel, 2000). The abandoned mines on the eastern shore provide a roosting site for the bats. A large population (approximately 100 individual) of Fulvous Leaf-nosed Bat (Hipposideros pomona sinensis), as well as a few individuals of Least’s Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus pusillus) and Rufous Horseshoe Bat (R. rouxi sinicus) have been found in the abandoned mine (Mott Connell Ltd. et al, 1999). The orchards and woodland adjacent to the roosting site are important foraging habitat for bats. All bat species in Hong Kong are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Although some bats are common and widespread in the territory, some were rare in Hong Kong such as Least’s Horseshoe Bat and Rufous Horseshoe Bat.

7.5.3.4 Rats were also surveyed in Tai Ho area. The Rattus huang were recorded in the shrubland and the Rattus sikkimensis were caught in abandoned agricultural land (Mouchel, 2000). The species (Rattus sikkimensis and Rattus huang) were common and widespread in Hong Kong.

7.5.3.5 The literature review revealed that limited information on mammals was available in the Tuen Mun Study Area.

7.5.4 Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)

7.5.4.1 Several restricted amphibian species have been recorded previously from locations on Lantau including the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis), the toads (Leptolalax pelodytoides and Megophrys brachykolos) (possibly endemic), and the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog (Philautus romeri) (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999).

7.5.4.2 The study of Lantau North-South Road Link between Tai Ho Wan and Mui Wo Investigation (Mouchel, 2000) reported that several unpolluted streams and the wet abandoned agricultural paddies in Tai Ho were found to support amphibians.  The three-striped Grass Frog (Rana macrodactyla) was one of the uncommon species in Hong Kong and it was recorded at the marsh of lower Tin Liu (upstream of the Tai Ho Stream). Other species recording in the marsh are common in Hong Kong.

7.5.4.3 There was a good population of Romer’s Tree Frog (Philautus romeri) recorded at Tai Ho (Mouchel, 2000) and many males were heard calling in various habitats. It thus indicates that Tai Ho area is a nursery site for the Romer’s Tree Frog. This species was even noted on the eastern side of the Tai Ho stream. Romer’s Tree Frog is endemic and protected in Hong Kong. Romer’s Tree Frog was previously considered to be restricted to only a few locations in Hong Kong and was threatened by the airport development at Chek Lap Kok encompassing Scenic Hill (Karsen et al., 1998). Romer’s Tree Frog from Chek Lap Kok were, however, bred in captivity and released at selected sites in the New Territories in the early 1990s.

7.5.4.4 Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko), which is the largest species of gecko in Hong Kong, was found at village of Tai Ho near Ngau Kwu Long (Mouchel, 2000). The species was first recorded in 1951 at Tung Chung (Hill & Phillipps, 1981) and presently is rarely found in Hong Kong. It is protected in China and has a restricted distribution in Hong Kong. Other reptiles included Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor), Bowring’s Gecko (Hemidactylus bowringii) and Reeve’s Smooth skink (Leiolopisma reevesi) were found around Tai Ho. These species are common and widespread in Hong Kong.

7.5.4.5 The literature review revealed that limited information on herpetofauna was available in the Tuen Mun Study Area.

7.5.5 Insects (Dragonflies and Butterflies)

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

7.5.5.2 Some studies documented a number of notable butterfly species of conservation interest in the proximity of the study area. The Lantau North-South Link EIA (Mouchel, 2000) reported 3 uncommon species, including Common Tiger (Danaus genutia), White-edged Blue Baron (Euthalia phemius) and Small Grass Yellow (Eurema brigitta) at Tai Ho. Also a rare species Painted Jezebel (Delias hyparete) and a protected species Birdwing Butterfly (Troides Helena) have been noted at the woodland and agricultural land of Tai Ho respectively (Mott Connell et al, 1999).

7.5.5.3 The dragonfly Orange-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion rubriceps) and Chinese Greenwing (Neurobasis chinensis) have been recorded in the Tai Ho area by Wilson, 1997. Both species are fairly common in Hong Kong.

7.5.5.4 Although literature review revealed that limited information on insects (dragonflies and butterflies) was available within the Tuen Mun Study Area, Siu Lang Shui (SLS) is a site for overwintering butterflies in the broad study area. SLS is believed to be the largest butterfly overwintering site in Hong Kong and has been used by Danaids since 1999 (Wong et al., 2004). Seven recorded Danaid included E. midamus, E. core, E. mulciber, D. genutia, L. similis, T. liminace and T. septentrionis in 1999. These species are regarded as very common or common except E. mulciber as uncommon. The observed species in 2002/03 were consistent with 1999 survey except no T. septentrionis was recorded. The estimated number of overwintering individuals was over 40,000 in 2002/03.    

7.5.6 Freshwater and Estuarine Fish

7.5.6.1 The freshwater streams present on north Lantau are generally unaffected by pollution and support comparatively diverse aquatic communities (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992; EPD, 2000; Mouchel, 2002a). The lowland freshwater streams and their resident fauna are considered one of the most endangered habitats in Hong Kong and those present within the study area require careful assessment.

7.5.6.2 Approximately 140 species of freshwater fish have been recorded in Hong Kong (Lam, 2002). Of these 140 species, 63 are obligate freshwater species, 39 marine vagrants, 32 are brackish water fish, 3 are catadromous (i.e., migrate from fresh to marine water for breeding) and 3 are amphidromous (i.e., migrate between fresh and marine water unrelated to breeding; Lam, 2002). A short overview of local freshwater fish ecology is provided in Dudgeon and Corlett (1994). An informative source of species present in Hong Kong is the comprehensive checklist produced by Chong and Dudgeon (1992) which provides details of 96 indigenous fish species, including some information on distribution and conservation status. A recent publication Freshwater Fish in Hong Kong (Lam, 2002) provides useful information on species identification (39 commoner species are fully described), distribution and conservation status of the 140 predominantly freshwater fish species recorded locally.

7.5.6.3 In Tai Ho, most fish found in the streams were common and widely distributed in Hong Kong. However, two species Barcheek goby (Rhinogobius giurinus) and Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica) has only been recorded on Lantau Island and has a restricted distribution (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992). Barcheek goby (Rhinogobius giurinus) and Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica) were reported to be the most abundant in middle and lower reaches of streams in Tai Ho, respectively, under the survey of Lantau North-South Link EIA (Mouchel, 2000).

7.5.6.4 The fish species Predaceous chub (Parazacco spilurus) were the most abundant in middle reach of stream and inhabited in rapid stream while Fork tongue goby (Glossogobius giuris) was the most abundant in lower reaches of stream as this species can occur in both marine and freshwater and feeds on small insects, crustacea and small fish (Mouchel, 2000). Due to sea water entering the lower course of Tai Ho stream at high tide, brackish water fish such as Shimofuri goby (Tridentiger bifasciatus), and Greenback mullet (Liza dussumieri) were often noted in the stream. Large population of mullets, Green-backed Mullet (Mugil dussumieri), were also noted and these are caught by gill nets set by the villagers at the estuary of Tai Ho at high tide.

7.5.6.5 Chong and Dudgeon (1992) reported that the Tai Ho Stream (46 species recorded during 1980-1991) is the most species-rich stream in Hong Kong. There were 46 fish species recorded from 1980 to 1991 (Chong and Dudgeon 1992). The water quality as well as naturalness is very high due to the lack of disturbance. The presence of numerous juvenile fish suggested that the stream was an important nursery and breeding ground for some fish species. The locally rare Ayu (Plecoglossus altivilis) was first described in Hong Kong from the Tai Ho stream (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992) and is listed in the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. The catadromous Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilla marmorata) has also been recorded in Tai Ho stream (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992) and is also listed in the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Owing to the high diversity of fish, the Tai Ho stream has been designated as a SSSI.

7.5.6.6 The literature review revealed that limited information on freshwater and estuarine fish was available in the Tuen Mun Study Area.

7.5.7 Aquatic (Stream) Fauna

7.5.7.1 The streams on north Lantau are generally unaffected by pollution inputs and support comparatively diverse aquatic communities (Chong and Dudgeon, 1992; EPD, 2000; Mouchel, 2002a). Wilson (1995) and Mouchel (2002a) also reported the presence of several endemic odonates on Lantau and the larval stages are completed in uncontaminated freshwater. The streams of Hong Kong are known to support a diverse group of freshwater macroinvertebrates some of which are endemics (e.g., certain odonates and water beetles). The recently published China Water Beetle Trilogy (Jach and Ji, 1995, 1998, 2003) reported that some of the water beetles including Sinonychus lantau (Elmidae) from Ngau Kwu Long near to Tai Ho in Hong Kong are probably endemic as they have far not been recorded in other parts of Mainland China.

7.5.7.2 The study of Lantau North-South Road Link between Tai Ho Wan and Mui Wo Investigation (Mouchel, 2000) reported that the fauna in Tai Ho Stream was dominated by shrimps and dipteran larvae. Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera) found to be diverse in the stream and some of the case-dwelling caddisflies were not commonly recorded from other local streams. The crab Eriocheir japonicus, recorded at Tai Ho stream, is one of the most important crab species with economic value in China. This species feed and grow in freshwater streams and migrate to estuarine water in autumn for breeding. The crab larvae crawl back into streams in spring (Dai & Yang, 1991). The species has a restricted distribution in Hong Kong and only occurs in some relatively large and undisturbed streams.

7.5.7.3 The literature review revealed that limited information on freshwater macroinvertebrates was available in the Tuen Mun Study Area.

7.5.8 Habitats and Vegetation

7.5.8.1 A recent checklist of the Hong Kong Vascular Plant was published by AFCD (2001) and provides comprehensive information on species locally found. The conservation status of each plant species recorded was derived primarily from the comprehensive studies by Siu (2000), Wu and Lee (2000), Xing et al. (2000) and the AFCD (2003).

7.5.8.2 Rare/protected species recorded during the Lantau North-South Link EIA floral surveys (Mouchel, 2000), included the Pear-fruit Fig (Ficus pyriformis), the Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis) and some orchids. Some fung shui woods are located behind Pak Mong. Floral survey (Mott, 1998) recorded the presence of a locally restricted tree species Soft-fruited Ormosia (Ormosia semicastrata) in Pak Mong fung shui woods (Xing et al., 2000).

7.6 Scope of Field Surveys

7.6.1.1 As noted above, two comprehensive ecological baseline surveys were previously conducted along the north Lantau shores for Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Section (Meinhardt, 2004) and the Tuen Mun shores for Tuen Mun Western Bypass (TMWB) – Investigation.  The HZMB baseline survey was conducted between September 2003 to May 2004 while the TMWB ecological survey was conducted between September 2008 to February 2009.  The two surveys covered both the wet and dry seasons. The surveys conducted for HZMB and TMWB are highly relevant to the TM–CLKL project as the TM–CLKL interfaces with part of HZMB scheme (the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF), as described in Section 3), as well as the TMWB at Pillar Point, Tuen Mun.   The details of the Ecological Verification Survey for HKLR (2008-2009) has been included in the literature review above as its survey areas do not directly interface with the TM-CLKL study area.

7.6.1.2 Notwithstanding the data obtained from the HZMB and TMWB surveys and the literature review, it was considered necessary to undertake further terrestrial field surveys to provide more project specific ecological data for the TM-CLKL assessment.  The field work was focussed on habitats and species identified in the literature review where adequate data were not available. Other habitats and species groups were also surveyed to characterise the ecology of the study area and prepare an ecological profile.

7.6.1.3 The surveys for this Assignment comprised both the wet and dry seasons and covered a period of 10 months between July 2008 and April 2009 to supplement to ecological data already available and provide sufficient details on which to establish the baseline ecological conditions of the Study Area at Pillar Point, Tuen Mun and Tai Ho Wan, North Lantau.

7.6.1.4 The purpose of the ecological surveys was to focus on the optimal census technique and survey period when each animal group was likely to be encountered. The overall quality of the study is dependent on selecting the correct survey period and survey technique.  The survey effort also focussed on those areas mostly likely to be impacted by the Project such as landing points and the proposed toll plaza in Tuen Mun. The following TM-CLKL surveys were undertaken:

· Avifauna;

· Mammals;

· Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians);

· Insects (Dragonfly and Butterfly);

· Freshwater and Estuarine Fish;

· Aquatic (Stream) Fauna; and

· Habitats and Vegetation.

7.6.1.5 The methodologies for each of the surveys are detailed in Section 7.7 below, together with those of the HZMB and TMWB surveys.

7.6.1.6 Works areas have been identified for use during the construction of the TM-CLKL.  These included two in the Tuen Mun area (WA18 and WA19), three in Lantau (WA4, 5 and 6) and one on Tsing Yi (WA23).  Details of the works area are shown in Figures 3.8a to 3.8b.  As detailed in Section 3, all of the work sites are currently formed and on developed land, with some already being used as works areas for on-going construction projects. The exception to this is WA19 which is within the Pillar Point landfill area and is largely covered with vegetation. However, the terms for use of this site during the TM-CLKL construction requires that no trees will be removed and therefore, only the already formed areas will be utilised. As the works areas will only be used for offices and material storage and would not result in the loss of any vegetation, further surveys of these areas were not considered necessary and as such, surveys were restricted to within 500m of the TM-CLKL alignment.  Notwithstanding, works areas WA18 and WA19 in Tuen Mun and WA4 in Lantau are contained within this 500m study area.

7.7 Field Survey Methodologies

7.7.1 Avifauna

7.7.1.1 Avifauna surveys were conducted to collect the latest information about birds at the Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong, North Lantau as well as Pillar Point, Tuen Mun. The surveys covered birds utilizing habitats along the north Lantau coast and those observed flying over the study area.

7.7.1.2 The majority of avifauna surveys were conducted in the early-morning onwards as bird activity is generally higher during this period and both activity and singing decrease later in the day, particularly during hotter periods (Gibbons et al., 1996). Standardised line transects were used to accurately and rapidly survey the avifauna present in the study area. In addition, night surveys were conducted in order to assess the activity of nocturnal species. It should be noted, however, that most bird species are active during the day and only a limited number of nocturnal species such as owls, nightjars and species that frequently call at night were likely to be encountered.  The species observed and associated habitats were recorded.

7.7.1.3 During the HZMB ecological baseline survey, walk-through transect surveys were conducted over the period of September 2003 until May 2004 at the north Lantau coast. The daytime surveys were conducted on 30 September, 24, 28 and 29 October, 19 November, 22 December 2003, 27 January, 23 February, 31 March, 30 April and 11May 2004.  In order to accurately assess the presence of nocturnal species, night surveys were conducted on 5 and 27 November 2003, 19 February 2004 and 27 April 2004 with binoculars and a powerful search light.

7.7.1.4 During the avifauna survey for TMWB investigation, the bird communities of habitats were surveyed quantitatively using the transect count method. There were 3 day-time surveys and 2 night-time surveys conducted at Pillar Point in Tuen Mun. The day time avifauna surveys were undertaken on 17 October 2008, 11 December 2008 and 2 March 2009. The night-time surveys were conducted on 17 October 2008 and 2 March 2009.

7.7.1.5 During the 2008/09 TM-CLKL avifauna surveys, walk-through transect surveys were conducted over the period of August 2008 until April 2009 at the north Lantau and Tuen Mun. The wet season surveys were conducted on 11 and 28 August, 25 September and 25 October 2008.  The dry season daytime surveys of the study area were conducted on 29 and 30 November, 31 December 2008, 6 January, 8 February, 15 March, 11, 22 and 23 April 2009.

7.7.1.6 Quantitative point counts at Pak Mong were also established to study the migratory birds over the sea between Tai Ho, the Brothers and the HKIA platform. The species, flight path and height of avifauna observed were recorded. The wet season quantitative point count surveys were conducted on 11 August and 25 September 2008. The dry season quantitative point count surveys were conducted on 29 November, 31 December 2008 and 6 January, 8 February, 15 March, 23April 2009.

7.7.1.7 The locations of the line transects of avifauna surveys under HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL studies, as well as the point count locations for the TM-CLKL study, are presented in Figures 7.2a, 7.3, 7.4a and 7.4b, respectively.

7.7.2 Mammals

7.7.2.1 Mammal surveys did not include any element of trapping since this is an intrusive and a potentially harmful technique and the main conservation interest lies in larger mammals that appear to be scarce on Lantau (Goodyer, 1992; Reels, 1996; Mouchel, 2002a). Day-time searches for mammal activity (prints, burrows and scats) were used and night-time spot-lighting or auditory detection of larger mammals (most of which are primarily nocturnal) were adopted. In addition, experience suggests that some small carnivores such as Seven-banded Civet have the habit of defecating at exposed sites such as on top of large boulders or on the aprons of hill-side graves and these areas were also surveyed.

7.7.2.2 During the mammal surveys for the HZMB ecological baseline, there were fourteen active day-time surveys, covering the wet and dry seasons, and these were undertaken on 28 October, 26 November, 15 December 2003 and 27 January, 17 March, 9 May 2004. Night surveys were undertaken on 19 February, 27 April and 9 May 2004.

7.7.2.3 During the mammal surveys for TMWB ecological survey, there were 2 day-time surveys and 2 night-time surveys conducted at Pillar Point of Tuen Mun. The day-time and night-time surveys were undertaken on 17 October 2008 and 2 March 2009.

7.7.2.4 During the 2008/09 TM-CLKL mammal survey, there were 4 active day-time surveys, covering the wet and dry seasons, and these were undertaken on 11, 12, 28 August 2008 and 24 April 2009. Night surveys were also undertaken on 11, 28 August 2008 and 11 February, 24 April 2009.

7.7.2.5 The area surveyed for mammals under HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Figures 7.2a, 7.3, 7.4a and 7.4b, respectively.

7.7.3 Herpetofauna (Reptiles and Amphibians)

7.7.3.1 Reptiles and amphibians surveys were conducted by active searching in all habitats, with particular attention given to potential shelters sites and hiding places such as streams and watercourses.  Frogs and toads were surveyed by auditory as well as visual detection.  As most of the amphibian species are more active during night time, surveys were also conducted at night.

7.7.3.2 The herpetofauna surveys at North Lantau were previously conducted in the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study and spread throughout the 9 month survey period covering both the wet and dry seasons.  Late wet season data were collected on 24, 27 and 28 October 2003 during the day-time and 23, 27 October 2003 during the night-time.  Dry season data were collected on 25 and 26 November 2003, 22, 27 January during day-time and 5 November and 10, 15 December during night-time.  Additional early wet season surveys were carried out on 17 March and 9 May 2004 during the day-time and 27 April and 9 May during the night-time.

7.7.3.3 During the herpetofauna surveys for TMWB ecological surveys, there were 2 day-time surveys and 2 night-time surveys conducted at Pillar Point, Tuen Mun. The day-time surveys were undertaken on 17 October and 11 December 2008 while the night-time surveys were conducted on 17 October 2008 and 2 March 2009.

7.7.3.4 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey, there were 5 day-time surveys and 4 night-time surveys conducted on North Lantau for herpetofauna.  Wet season data were collected on 11, 12, 28 August 2008 during the day-time and 11, 28 August 2008 during the night-time. Dry season data were collected on 9, 11 February and 22, 23 April 2009 during day-time and 11 February and 22, 23 April 2009 during night-time.

7.7.3.5 The locations surveyed for herpetofauna under HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Figures 7.2a, 7.3, 7.4a and 7.4b, respectively.

7.7.4 Insects (Dragonfly and Butterfly)

7.7.4.1 The focus of the insect surveys was on dragonfly, damselfly and butterfly groups. These insect groups are generally known to be indicators of a high quality habitat and the dragonflies and damselflies require clean freshwater for the successful completion of the larval stages of their lifecycle (Mouchel, 2002a).  Special attention was given to habitat often frequented by dragonflies such as streams and riparian shrubland/woodland.  Within these broad habitats, various micro-habitats (riffles, pools, small cut-off ponds, mossy banks, seepages, and overhanging vegetation) support different dragonfly species and all these micro-habitats were investigated.  Dragonflies were identified with the aid of binoculars, and a telescopic hand net was also used to capture specimens for identification in the hand (when necessary).

7.7.4.2 Butterfly surveys were conducted in tandem with the dragonfly surveys, using a similar methodology. Although most butterflies are readily observed, some species are cryptic and stay close to the ground in shady wooded areas. Others tend to stay on top of the canopy, making only short rapid flights before settling out of view. Accordingly, both of these microhabitats were investigated, by ground searching and by sweeps with a long-handled (5m) butterfly net.

7.7.4.3 The Siu Lang Shui SSSI is an important butterfly overwintering site and as this is within 1.8km of the TM-CLKL northern landfall at Pillar Point and 1.6km from the proposed toll plaza at Area 46, a higher survey effort at the Tuen Mun landing area was allocated to ascertain if the project area is utilised by overwintering butterflies.

7.7.4.4 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline survey, the qualitative insect surveys were spread throughout the 6 month survey period covering both the wet and dry seasons.  Late wet season data were collected on 2, 8, 24, 27 and 28 October 2003. Dry season data were collected on 5, 25 and 26 November, 10, 15 December 2003 and 27 January, 19 February 2004. Additional early wet season surveys were conducted on 17 March, 27 April and 9 May 2004.

7.7.4.5 During the insects surveys for TMWB ecological surveys, there were 2 day-time surveys conducted at Pillar Point of Tuen Mun. The day-time surveys were undertaken on 17 October and 11 December 2008.

7.7.4.6 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey, the qualitative insect surveys covered both the wet and dry seasons.  Wet season data were collected on 11, 12 and 28 August and 25 October 2008. Dry season data were collected on 11 February and 23 April 2009.

7.7.4.7 The locations surveyed for insects under HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Figures 7.2a, 7.3, 7.4a and 7.4b, respectively.

7.7.5 Freshwater and Estuarine Fish

7.7.5.1 The Tai Ho Stream SSSI is relatively far (approximately 600m) from the southern landing of TM-CLKL and is unlikely to be affected by the project works.  Hence, the proposed survey focuses on the area closer to the North Lantau Highway (NLH) (e.g., Pak Mong and outer Tai Ho Bay) where the TM-CLKL will merge with the NLH.  The lower stream course was channelized and covered due to road construction and other coastal development facilities.   

7.7.5.2 As the seasonal streams cannot support permanent population of freshwater fish, the survey focused on the larger stream courses. The larger streams occurring within the study area were surveyed and their fish fauna identified with the aid of a hand-net of 1mm diameter mesh size. At the estuarine area, gill nets were also deployed to assist in collecting fish samples.

7.7.5.3 The streams near Pak Mong, Tai Ho and North Lantau Highway area were previously surveyed in the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study and the surveys were carried out on the 22 and 23 October, 15 and 16 December 2003, 17 and 18 February, 12 and 13 April and 12 May 2004.

7.7.5.4 During TMWB study, no freshwater and estuary fish surveys were conducted for Pillar Point as the watercourses in the TMWB study area where found to be have either no flow and/or were channelised, with no natural habitat.

7.7.5.5 During this TM-CLKL survey, fish surveys were carried out for Tai Ho area on 11 August 2008 and 11 February, 11 April 2009. No freshwater and esturary fish surveys were conducted on Tuen Mun. All fish were identified to species level and abundance recorded.

7.7.5.6 The locations surveyed for freshwater and estuarine fish under the HZMB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Figures 7.2b and 7.4a, respectively.

7.7.6 Aquatic (Stream) Fauna

7.7.6.1 Freshwater macroinvertebrates were sampled at representative sites (riffle, pool) along each major stream course. Five 3-minute standardized kick samples were collected at each sampling location.  Macroinvertebrates were identified to suitable taxonomic resolution (e.g., Dudgeon, 1999).  Due to the many of the small streams in the area being seasonal and drying up completely during the dry periods, surveys were conducted at the larger stream courses (e.g., near the agricultural field at Pak Mong and Pillar Point landfill).

7.7.6.2 The freshwater macroinvertebrates surveys at Pak Mong and Tai Ho were previously conducted in the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study. A total of six macroinvertebrate stream surveys were carried out on 18, 25, 26 September 2003 and 7, 15, 16 January 2004.

7.7.6.3 During TMWB study, no freshwater surveys were conducted for Pillar Point as the streams in the TMWB study area were found to be either channelised or have no flow.

7.7.6.4 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey, the freshwater macroinvertebrates were surveyed at both the northern (Tuen Mun) and southern (Pak Mong and Tai Ho) landing areas. A total of 5 surveys were carried out on 11, 12 and 28 August 2008 as well as 6 January and 24 April 2009.

7.7.6.5 The locations surveyed for aquatic fauna under the HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Figures 7.2a, 7.4a and 7.4b, respectively.

7.7.7 Habitats and Vegetation

7.7.7.1 A habitat survey was conducted to identify and delineate the distribution of different ecological habitats found within the study area. General habitat attributes such as vegetation type, structural complexity, or degree of disturbance will be noted and photographs taken during the field study.  A habitat map of the study area has been prepared at 1:5000 scale and presented in Figures 7.5a-7.5f for both north Lantau and Pillar Point.

7.7.7.2 A floral survey was conducted to identify the presence of any plant species of conservation interest within the study area. Surveys were conducted by using a stratified sampling technique and covering all representative habitat types found during the habitat mapping.  Stratified sampling involved dividing the study area into sub-areas (strata) that differ in vegetation density and then these sub-areas are randomly surveyed.  The sub-area is selected prior to the field investigation through preliminary data and aerial photographs. This method is an efficient means of sampling habitat types present and provides better results than by simple random sampling. During the floral surveys, the location of rare or protected plant species were noted.  Floral characteristics including species list and relative abundance were provided.

7.7.7.3 The vegetation of the southern landing near Pak Mong – Tai Ho was previously covered in the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study and seventeen field surveys were conducted on 25 September and 16, 26 and 28 October and 2, 4, 15, 29 and 30 November and 2 December 2003, 26 and 28 January and 22, 25 and 26 March and 6 and 7 May 2004.

7.7.7.4 During the TMWB ecological survey, the vegetation of the northern landing at Tuen Mun was surveyed. A total of 2 field surveys have been conducted on 18 September 2008 and 24 February 2009.

7.7.7.5 During the recent 2008/09 survey, the vegetation of the southern landing near Pak Mong – Tai Ho and northern landing at Tuen Mun were also surveyed and three field surveys have been conducted on 11, 12, 28 August 2008 and 24 April 2009.  The results of the surveys for 2008/09 TM-CLKL are detailed in the sections below, together with those of the HZMB and TMWB surveys.

7.8 Field Survey Results

7.8.1 Avifauna

7.8.1.1 A summary of the species of conservation interest recorded within the study area under the HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study is given in Table 7.2 below and details are presented in Appendices E1-3.  The locations of species of conservation interest are presented on Figures 7.6a and 7.6b, for Lantau and Pillar Point respectively.

7.8.1.2 The avifauna survey undertaken at Pak Mong and Tai Ho, North Lantau during September 2003 and May 2004 under the HZMB study reported a total of 68 species of birds. The majority of the bird species recorded in 2003/2004 are common and widespread and found in similar habitats throughout Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001), although a number of species are uncommon and of conservation interest. Eleven uncommon/scare avifauna species, namely Striated Heron (Butorides striatus), Japanese Bush Warbler (Cettia diphone), Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler (Cettia fortipes), Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis), Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius), Pallas's Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus proregulus), Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), Japanese Thrush (Turdus cardis), Pale Thrush (Turdus pallidus) and Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma) were recorded during 2003-2004.

7.8.1.3 In addition, there were 15 species that are considered to be of conservation interest (Fellowes et al., 2002) including the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus), Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo Bubo), Striated Heron (Butorides striatus), Great Egret (Egretta alba), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Chestnut-eared Bunting (Emberiza fucata), Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes), Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). Of the species of conservation interest recorded, 9 were identified by Fellowes et al. (2002) as being of local concern, while 6 species were of (potential) regional concern.

7.8.1.4 Some avifauna species were also listed under CITES Appendices. Seven species namely Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo Bubo), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Hwamei (Garrulax canorus), Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Collared Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) are classified as threatened species in CITES.  Of these avifauna species, all are protected in China except the Little Egret and Hwamei.  In addition, the Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) and Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) are also protected species in China.  It should, however, be noted that such listings are based mainly on the level of exploitation. 

7.8.1.5 Avifauna surveys conducted at Tai Ho Wan in October 2003 revealed the presence of a pair of Brown Fish Owls which is a species of very high conservation interest and has only been recorded previously in Hong Kong in four other locations, mostly in Sai Kung (Carey et al., 2001).  It is notable that this owl species was also previously recorded at Discovery Bay, Lantau but abandoned the area following habitat loss as a consequence of construction activity. The survey concluded that they owls are resident and likely to breed in Tai Ho Wan.

7.8.1.6 The TMWB avifauna survey was undertaken at Pillar Point, Tuen Mun during October 2008 - March 2009. It reported that a total of 31 species of birds were recorded. The majority of the bird species recorded is common and abundant in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001) although a number of species are uncommon and of conservation interest. Two uncommon/scare avifauna species Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) and Siberian Thrush (Zoothera sibirica) were recorded during the surveys. Uncommon Sooty-headed Bulbul was recorded utilising low shrubland and plantation at Tuen Mun while scare Siberian Thrush were recorded in low shrubland only. Of the species of conservation interest recorded, 2 species (Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Black Kite (Milvus migrans)) were identified by Fellowes et al. (2002) as (potential) regional concern. The Little Egret were recorded at the intertidal seawall while the Black Kite were recorded flying over low shrubland but not utilising the habitat. It is noted that and Black Kite were also under list of Wild Animals under State Protection in China.  

7.8.1.7 The TM-CLKL Survey (including a qualitative walkthrough and quantitative point count/flightline surveys) was undertaken between August 2008 and April 2009.  The results of walk-through transect survey on August 2008 revealed that the species richness of avifauna in Lantau (Tai Ho and Pak Mong) is higher than in Tuen Mun.  Fifty-two species were observed in Lantau but only sixteen species were recorded in Tuen Mun area.

7.8.1.8 In the North Lantau area, there were 12 species that are considered to be of conservation interest (Fellowes et al., 2002) including the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus), Striated Heron (Butorides striatus), Great Egret (Egretta alba), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), White Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) recorded. The species of conservation interest recorded at Tuen Mun were Black Kite (Milvus lineatus), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and Little Egret (Egretta garzetta).

7.8.1.9 Of the species of conservation interest recorded, 5 were identified by Fellowes et al. (2002) as local concern while 7 species were of (potential) regional concern.  Uncommon species including Reef Egret (Egretta garzetta), Chestnut Bunting (Emberiza sacra), White Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Spotted Munia (Lonchura punctulata), Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maura), Blackbird (Turdus merula) as well as rare species Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) and Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) were also observed.    

7.8.1.10 During the quantitative point count and flightline surveys, flightlines of the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus), White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) and Black Kite (Milvus lineatus) were recorded over Tai Ho Pier on Lantau. The direction of their flight path was noted to be mostly either from east to west or from west to east except the circular flight direction of the Black Kite. The flightline height recorded generally ranged from 1-20m, except for the Black Kite which flew at a height of 50-150m. It should be noted that Little Egrets with flightline heights ranging from 1-10m was frequently recorded.

Table 7.2        A Summary of the Avifauna Species of Conservation Interest Recorded During 2003-2009

Species name	Common name	Local Abundance ^(1)	Status ^(2)	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations Recorded	Level of Concern^(3)
Ardea cinerea	Grey Heron	A	WV*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong	PRC
Ardeola bacchus	Chinese Pond Heron	C	R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong	PRC(RC)
Bubo bubo	Eurasian Eagle Owl	S	R	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong	RC
Butorides striatus	Striated Heron	U- S	Su*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong	LC
Egretta alba/Casmerodius albus	Great Egret	C- A	R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong	LC
Egretta garzetta	Little Egret	A	R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tuen Mun Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	PRC(RC)
Egretta sacra	Pacific Reef Egret	U	R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Pak Mong, Tai Ho	LC
Emberiza fucata	Chestnut-eared Bunting	S	M	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan	LC
Halcyon pileata	Black-capped Kingfisher	C	AM, WV	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan	LC
Halcyon smyrnensis	White-throated Kingfisher	C	AM, WV, R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong	(LC)
Heteroscelus brevipes	Grey-tailed Tattler	C	M	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan	LC
Haliaeetus leucogaster	White Bellied Sea Eagle	U	R*	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan	RC
Ketupa zeylonensis	Brown Fish Owl*	S	R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan	RC
Milvus migrans	Black Kite	A	WV,R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong Tuen Mun Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	PRC(RC)
Nycticorax nycticorax	Black-crowned Night Heron	C-A	R*	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	(LC)
Scolopax rusticola	Eurasian Woodcock	S	WV,M	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan	LC

Note: *After Wilson (1997, 2003). (1)Local Abundance:  A- Abundant; C- Common; U- Uncommon; S- Scarce; N/A – Not listed in Carey et al., 2001; Un- Uncertain. (2) Status: SpM- Spring Migrant; M- Passage Migrant; R- Resident; WV- Winter Visitor; Su- Summer Visitor; AM- Autumn Migrant. (3) Level of Concern: RC- Regional Concern; LC- Local Concern; PRC- Potential Regional Concern; (  ) - Based on restricted nesting or roosting site. Local abundance and status based on Carey et al. (2001) and Vieny et al. (1994).

7.8.2 Mammals

7.8.2.1 A summary of the species recorded within the study area under the HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study is given in Table 7.3 below and details are presented in Appendices E4-6.  The locations of mammal species of conservation interest are presented in Figures 7.6a and 7.6b, for Lantau and Pillar Point, respectively.

7.8.2.2 No large mammal species was recorded during the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study and the recent 2008/09 surveys. This concluded that large mammals are scarce across Lantau Island.  However, during the February, April and May 2004 night surveys, some unidentified insectivorous bats were observed flying across Tai Ho Wan.

7.8.2.3 The TMWB reported the Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus) on developed area/wasteground in Tuen Mun. Although this species is abundant in Hong Kong, Japanese Pipistrelle are of conservation interest, identified by Fellowes et al. (2002) as being of local concern and, also, protected in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.

7.8.2.4 During the 2008/09 TM-CLKL ecological survey, unidentified Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus sp.) were recorded in Tai Ho and Tuen Mun in August 2008 and February 2009.  They were ranked as rare and protected species. The bat Rhinolophus were recorded in Pak Mong in April 2009. They are of local or potential regional concern. All bat species are protected in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.  Bat species have been reported previously from Lantau such as Least’s Horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus pusillus) in Tai Ho (Ades, 1999; Mouchel, 2000), the Long-fingered Bat in Mui Wo (Green Lantau Association, 1998) and Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx) in north Lantau (Ades, 1999). Although many bats are common and widespread in Hong Kong, some are rare including the Least’s Horseshoe Bat in Tai Ho (Mouchel, 2000).

Table 7.3       A Summary of the Mammal Species Recorded under during 2003-2009

Species / Group	Protection Status	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations Recorded	Local Abundance and Level of Conservation Interest
Pipistrellus abramus	WAPO	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point of Tuen Mun	Abundant (AFCD); Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Rhinolophus	WAPO	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong	Abundent to Rare; Local Concern to Potential Regional Concern

7.8.3 Herpetafauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)

7.8.3.1 Reptiles and amphibians were detected by active searching in all habitats, with particular attention given to streams and watercourses.  Frogs and toads were surveyed by auditory as well as visual detection.  A summary of the species recorded within study area is provided in Table 7.4 below and details under HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study is presented in Appendices E7-9.  The locations of species of conservation interest are presented in Figure 7.6a for Lantau.  No herpetofauna species of conservation interest were found at Pillar Point.

Amphibians

7.8.3.2 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study, 6 amphibian species, including the Asian Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus), Asiatic Painted Frog (Kaloula pulchra), Brown Tree Frog (Polypedates megacephalus), Lesser Spiny Frog (Rana exilispinosa), Günther’s Frogs (Rana guentheri and Rana limnocharis), were recorded in the Pak Mong – Tai Ho area. 

7.8.3.3 During the TMWB study, 3 amphibian species, including the Asian Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus), Asiatic Painted Frog (Kaloula pulchra) and the Spotted narrow-mouth Frog (Kalophrynus interlineatus) were recorded in the Tuen Mun area. 

7.8.3.4 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL study, 7 amphibian species, including Lesser Spiny Frog (Rana exilispinosa), Paddy Frog (Rana limnocharis), Short-legged Toad (Megophrys brachykolos), Asian Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus), Brown Tree Frog (Polypedates leucomystax), Asiatic Painted Forg (Kaloula pulchra pulchra) and Gunther’s Frog (Rana guentheri) were recorded. Among these, five species were recorded in the Pak Mong and Tai Ho area while six species were recorded in the Tuen Mun area. They were mainly found in streams, cultivated land and develped area.

7.8.3.5 Of the 7 amphibian species recorded in the study area, the Lesser Spiny Frog (Rana exilispinosa) is of conservation concern. The Lesser Spiny Frog was recorded in stream of North Lantau. Although this species is widespread in the hills and mountain streams in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998), this frog is considered threatened in China due to a decline in populations throughout its range (Hunan, Fujian and Guangdong). This species is, therefore, considered to be of conservation concern (Fellowes et al., 2002). The other amphibian species are common and widespread in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998).

7.8.3.6 Although several populations of Romer's Tree Frog (Philautus romeri) have been recorded on Lantau Island (Lau and Dudgeon, 1999; Mouchel, 2002a), no signs of the Romer's Tree Frog (including tadpoles and audible frog calls) were found during the present 2008/09 surveys.  Romer's Tree Frogs are widespread on north Lantau (Mouchel, 2002a) and of very high conservation interest.  Recent records have indicated that a remnant population of Romer’s Tree Frog is extant on Scenic Hill where 2.86ha of secondary woodland is present. The Scenic Hill secondary woodland and aquatic habitats utilised by the frog is not expected to be impacted by the project due to large spatial difference from the alignment.

Reptiles

7.8.3.7 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study, 9 reptile species were recorded in the Pak Mong – Tai Ho study area.  During the recent 2008/09 study, 2 reptile species were recorded in the Pak Mong – Tai Ho area while only 1 species was recorded in the Tuen Mun area. All species recorded are common in Hong Kong except the Taiwan Kukri snake (Oligodon formosanus). Although the Common Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus) is common in Hong Kong, they are, also, of conservation interest in the wider region (Fellow et al., 2002).  The Common Rat Snake is protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and listed as an Endangered Species in China Red Data Book Status.

7.8.3.8 During the TMWB study, the Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor) was recorded in the plantation woodland, developed area and wasteground of Tuen Mun.  This species is common and widely distributed in Hong Kong.  

7.8.3.9 During the TM-CLKL study, a total of 5 reptile species were recorded. Four species, including the Chinese Gecko (Gekko chinensis), Bamboo Snake (Trimeresurus albolabris), Four clawed Gecko (Gehyra mutilata) and Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor), were recorded in the Pak Mong and Tai Ho area. They were mainly found in develped area. Only two species were surveyed in the Tuen Mun area. The Chinese Gecko (Gekko chinensis) were recorded in developed area while the Malayan Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) were recorded in the streams. All the species recorded except Malayan Box Turtle are common and widely distributed in Hong Kong. The Malayan Box Turtle are listed as Vulnerable under IUCN red list of Threatened Species.

Table 7.4         Herpetofauna Recorded in the Study Area during 2003-2009

Species Name	Common Name	Status*	Period Recorded (Survey)	Location Recorded	Remarks
Bufo melanostictus	Asian Common Toad	Very abundant, common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan. Pillar Point Tuen Mun, Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong
Kaloula pulchra	Asiatic Painted Frog	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong. Pillar Point
Polypedates megacephalus	Brown Tree Frog	Common/ Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan.
Rana exilispinosa	Lesser Spiny Frog	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan. Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong.	Wide spread and common in local streams and hills (Karsen et al., 1998). Global population in marked decline and considered of Potential Global Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002).
Rana guentheri	Günther's Frog	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong. Tuen Mun.
Rana limnocharis	Paddy Frog	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan. Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong and Tuen Mun.
Kalophrynus interlineatus	Spotted narrow-mouth Frog	Widely distributed	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Kalo pulchra pulchra	Asiatic Painted Forg	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tuen Mun
Megophrys brachykolos	Short-legged Toad	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tuen Mun, Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong.
Polypedates leucomystax	Brown Tree Frog	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong and Tuen Mun.
Oligodon formosanus	Taiwan Kukri Snake	Not generally common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long.
Trimeresurus albolabris	Bamboo Snake	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong.
Calotes versicolor	Changeable Lizard	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong.
Cuora amboinensis	Malayan Box Turtle	Uncommon	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong.	Listed as “Vulnerble” under IUCN red list of Treatened Species
Eumeces chinensis	Chinese Skink	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan
Gehyra mutilata	Four Clawed Gecko	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Wan and Pak Mong.
Gekko chinensis	Chinese Gecko	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan. Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong and Tuen Mun.
Hemidactylus bowringii	Bowring's Gecko	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan.
Mabuya longicaudata	Long-tailed Skink	Fairly common and widespread	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan.
Scincella reevesii	Reeves' Smooth Skink	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong
Ptyas mucosus	Common Rat Snake	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan	Listed in Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586); listed as Endangered Species in China Red Data Book Status; Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)

Note: *After Karsen et al. (1998).

7.8.4 Insects (Dragonfly and Butterfly)

7.8.4.1 The insect survey under the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study was conducted over the 9-month period between September 2003 and May 2004.  The TMWB dragonfly and butterfly survey was conducted on October and December 2008. The recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL insect survey was conducted between July 2008 and April 2009.  All these surveys covered both the wet and dry seasons. The dragonfly and butterfly species recorded during the surveys are summarised in Table 7.5 and Table 7.6, respectively.  Details of the HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL insect surveys are presented in Appendices E10-12 for dragonflies and Appendices E13-15 for butterflies, respectively.  The locations of species of conservation interest recorded are presented Figure 7.6a for Lantau.  No insect species of conservation interest were found at Pillar Point.

Dragonflies

7.8.4.2 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study, 18 species of dragonfly were recorded in the Pak Mong – Tai Ho area. The dragonflies recorded during the surveys were all common and abundant in Hong Kong although a number of the species are considered uncommon (Wilson, 1997, 2003) and of conservation interest (Fellowes et al., 2002). The Elegant Clubtail (Leptogomphus elegans) recorded near Tai Ho Wan are of local concern. It is noted that Elegant Clubtail has been previously recorded in the vicinity of the study area (Mouchel, 2002a).

7.8.4.3 The abundance of dragonfly species showed significant seasonal variation. The abundance was apparently higher in March to May 2004 surveys when compared with those conducted between September and November 2003. During the January and February 2004 surveys, no species of dragonfly was recorded.

7.8.4.4 During the TMWB study, 5 species of dragonfly were recorded in the Tuen Mun area. The dragonflies recorded during the surveys were all common and abundant in Hong Kong. Most of the species are found in plantation and developed area/wasteground.

7.8.4.5 During the recent 2008/09 study, 4 dragonfly species, including Black-banded Gossanewing (Euphaea decorate), Common Blue Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysis), Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) and Black Threadtail (Prodasineura autumnails), were recorded in the Pak Mong – Tai Ho area while 4 species, including Common Blue Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysis), Wandering Gilder (Pantala flavescens), Crimson dropwing (Trithemis aurora) and black-kneed featherlegs (Urothemis signata signata), were recorded in the Tuen Mun area.  Most of the species are found in streams and cultivated land. The dragonflies recorded during the surveys were all common/very common in Hong Kong.

7.8.4.6 The dragonflies recorded in the study area between 2003 and 2009 are presented in Table 7.5 below.

Table 7.5         Dragonflies Recorded in the Study Area during 2003-2009

Species name	Common name	Status*	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations Recorded	Remarks
Acisoma panorpoides	Asian Pintail	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan
Anax immaculifrons	Fiery Emperor	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Brachythemis contaminata	Asian Amberwing	Abundant	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Copera marginipes	Yellow Featherlegs	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long, Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Crocothemis servilia	Crimson Darter	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Diplacodes trivialis	Blue Percher	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan
Euphaea decorata	Black-banded Gossamerwing	Abundant- Very Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Leptogomphus elegans	Elegant Clubtail	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan	Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Lyriothemis elegantissima	Forest Chaser	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Neurothemis tullia	Pied Percher	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tung Chung Bay
Orthetrum chrysis	Red-faced Skimmer/ Common Blue Skimmer	Common- Very Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho, Tuen Mun
Orthetrum glaucum	Common Blue Skimmer	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long, Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Orthetrum pruinosum	Common Red Skimmer	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan
Orthetrum sabina	Green Skimmer	Abundant, common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan
Pantala flavescens	Wandering Glider	Abundant- Very Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan,  Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point Tai Ho, Pak Mong and Tuen Mun
Prodasineura autumnails	Black Threadtail	Abundant- Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Rhinocypha perforata	Common Blue Jewel	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Trithemis aurora	Crimson Dropwing	Abundant- Very Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tuen Mun
Trithemis festiva	Indigo Dropwing	Abundant	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long, Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Urothemis signata signata	Black-kneed Featherlegs	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tuen Mun

Note: *After Wilson (1997, 2003).

Butterflies

7.8.4.7 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study, 64 species of butterfly were recorded in the wide study area of Tai Ho Wan. Six uncommon species were recorded including Bush Hopper (Ampittia dioscorides), Three-spot Grass Yellow (Eurema blanda), Spotless Grass Yellow (Eurema laeta), Common Jay (Graphium doson), Lemon Pansy (Junonia lemonias) and Short-banded Sailer (Phaedyma columella).

7.8.4.8 During the TMWB survey, 24 species of butterfly were recorded in the Pillar Point of Tuen Mun.  Three uncommon species were recorded including the Grass Demon (Udaspes folus), Silver Streak Blue (Iraota timoleon) and the Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya orithya).

7.8.4.9 During the recent 2008/09 study, 26 butterfly species were recorded in the Pak Mong – Tai Ho area. Most of the species are found in secondary woodland, tall shrubland, shrubby grassland and cultivation land. Five species were recorded in the Tuen Mun area and mainly found in tall shrubland and plantation woodland.

7.8.4.10 All of these butterfly species encountered during 2003-2009 were mostly common and abundant in Hong Kong. None of them is of conversation interest.  The butterflies recorded in the study area between 2003 and 2009 are presented in Table 7.6 below.

Table 7.6         Butterflies Recorded in the Study Area during 2003-2009

Species Name	Common Name	Status*	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations Recorded
Abisara echerius	Plum Judy	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point Tai Ho, Pak Mong and Tuen Mun
Acytolepis puspa	Common Hedge Blue	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Tai Ho
Ampittia dioscorides	Bush Hopper	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay
Ariadne ariadne alterna	Angled Castor	Common	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Artogeia canidia	Common white	Very common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun
Astictopterus jama	Forest Hopper	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pak Mong
Athyma perius	Common Sergeant	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay
Athyma selenophora	Staff Sergeant	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Catopsilia pomona	Lemon Emigrant	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun
Catopsilia pyranthe	Mottled Emigrant	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Cepora nerissa	Common Gull	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Cethosia biblis	Hong Kong Lacewing	Rare	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Charaxes bernardus	Tawny Rajah	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Chilades lajus	Lime Blue	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Cupha erymanthis	Rustic	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point Tai Ho
Cyrestis thyodamas	Mapwing	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Danaus genutia	Common Tiger	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong, Tai Ho Bay Pillar Point
Delias pasithoe	Red-base Jezebel	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point Tai Ho
Discophora sondaica	Common Duffer	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong
Euchrysops cnejus	Gram Blue Cupid	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay
Euploea midamus	Blue-spotted Crow	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Eurema blanda	Three-spot Grass Yellow	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Eurema hecabe	Common Grass Yellow	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long, Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Eurema laeta	Spotless Grass Yellow	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Everes lacturnus	Tailed Cupid	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Faunis eumeus	Common Faun	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Graphium Agamemnon	Tailed Jay	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Graphium doson	Common Jay	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Graphium sarpedon	Common Bluebottle	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Hebomoia glaucippe	Great Orange Tip		2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Heliophorus epicles	Purple Sapphire	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pak Mong
Hestina asslimilis	Red Ring-skirt	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Hypolimnas bolina	Great Eggfly	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point
Ideopsis similis	Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Tai Ho
Iraota timoleon	Silver Streak Blue	Uncommon	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Janides bochus	Dark Cerulean	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Junonia almana	Peacock Pansy	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Junonia atlites	Grey Pansy	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Junonia lemonias	Lemon Pansy	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Junonia orithya orithya	Blue Pansy	Uncommon	2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pillar Point Tai Ho
Kaniska canace	Blue Admiral	Common	2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pillar Point Pak Mong
Lampides boeticus	Long-tailed Blue/ Pea Blue	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point
Lethe confusa	Banded tree brown	Very common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Melanitis leda	Common Evening Brown	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay
Mycalesis mineus	Dark Brand Bush Brown	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Mycalesis zonata	South China Bush Brown	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Nacaduba kurava	Rounded Six-line Blue	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Neptis hylas	Common Sailer	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun
Odontoptilum angulatum	Chestnut Angle	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Papilio bianor	Chinese Peacock	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Papilio clytia	Common Mime	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Papilio demoleus	Lime Butterfly	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long Pillar Point
Papilio helenus	Red Helen	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Papilio memnon	Great Mormon	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Papilio paris	Paris Peacock	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point Tai Ho and Pak Mong
Papilio polytes	Common Mormon	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point Tai Ho and Pak Mong
Papilio protenor	Spangle	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho
Parantica aglea melanoides	Glassy Tiger	Common	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Parnara guttata	Common Straight Swift	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay
Pathysa antiphates	Five-bar Swordtail	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho
Phaedyma columella	Short-banded Sailer	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Pieris canidia	Indian Cabbage White	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TMWB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Pillar Point
Polyura nepenthes	Shan Nawab	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Potanthus pava	Yellow Dart	Uncommon	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pal Mong
Rapala manea	Slate Flash	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Remelana jangala	Chocolate Royal	Uncommon	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong
Rohana parisatis	Black Prince	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Spindasis lohita	Long-banded Silverline	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay
Suastus gremius	Indian Palm Bob	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long,
Symbrenthia lilaea	Jester	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan
Udaspes folus	Grass Demon	Uncommon	2008/09 (TMWB)	Pillar Point
Vanessa indica	Indian Red Admiral	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Ypthima baldus	Common Five-ring	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Bay, Pak Mong to Ngau Kwu Long
Ypthima lisandra	Straight Five-ring	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho Bay Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Zizeeria maha / Pseudozizeeria maha	Pale Grass Blue	Very common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun
Zizina otis	Lesser Grass Blue	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho Wan

Note: After Young and Yiu (2002).

7.8.5 Freshwater and Estuarine Fish

7.8.5.1 The freshwater and estuarine fish species surveyed in the study area are provided in Table 7.7 below and details of species surveyed under HZMB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Appendices E16-17 respectively.  The locations of species of conservation interest are presented in Figure 7.6a for Lantau.  No freshwater and estuarine fish survey was conducted at Tuen Mun area under both TMWB and TM-CLKL study. 

7.8.5.2 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study, 57 fish species were recorded in the streams near Tai Ho, Pak Mong and North Lantau Highway along the coast of north Lantau.  Survey results reconfirmed that the Tai Ho Stream still support high fish diversity and species of conservation interest. However, it should be note that the 2003/04 HZMB baseline has covered a larger study area and the Tai Ho Stream were outside the 500m study boundary of the TM-CLKL although the results of Tai Ho Stream has been included in this report for completeness.

7.8.5.3 Notable fish species of conservation interest recorded in the streams include the Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilia marmorata) (Streams at Tai Ho), Chinese Moon Snakehead (Channa asiatica) (Streams at Pak Mong and Tai Ho), Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) (Streams at Tai Ho) and Archpatch Puffer (Takifugu ocellatus) (Streams at Pak Mong and Tai Ho). Among these, the Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilla marmorata) is of global concern and the remaining species are considered locally/regionally restricted.

7.8.5.4 The Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilla marmorata) was recorded in Tai Ho during the surveys conducted in May 2004. The population of Giant Mottled Eel was reported to be in marked decline locally and considered a species threatened globally (Fellowes et al., 2002). This species is also listed in the China Red Data Book.

7.8.5.5 The Chinese Moon Snakehead (Channa asiatica) was recorded in streams at Pak Mong and Tai Ho during the May 2004 surveys.  The overall population of this species has been in marked decline and this species is considered to be of local concern (Fellowes et al., 2002). The species is, however, distributed in several streams in Hong Kong and also cultured for food (Lam, 2002).

7.8.5.6 During the May 2004 survey, the Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) was also recorded in the streams at Tai Ho.  The declining population of this species has been reported locally, regionally and globally. This species is identified as of being of immediate regional concern (Fellowes et al., 2002) and only recorded once during the course of the surveys.

7.8.5.7 The Archpatch Puffer (Takifugu ocellatus) is rated as local concern and thought to be in population decline (Fellowes et al., 2002). During the surveys on December 2003, February and April 2004, this species was recorded in streams at Pak Mong and Tai Ho.

7.8.5.8 The locally common Predaceous Chub (Parazacco spilurus) was recorded in a number of streams including Pak Mong and Tai Ho. This species is listed as “Vulnerable” in the China Red Data Book. However, this is more a reflection of lack of fish research in the region than of the real vulnerability of the species (Mouchel, 2002a).

7.8.5.9 During the TMWB survey, no freshwater fish survey was conducted for Pillar Point due to no flow conditions and the channelised status of the watercourses.  

7.8.5.10 The 2008/09 TM-CLKL freshwater and estuarine fish surveys were conducted at Tai Ho and 14 fish species were surveyed. Fish species recorded in the streams include the Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus), Bartail Flathead (Platycephalus indicus) and the Yellowfin Bream (Rhabdosargus sarba), Common Mudskipper (Periophthalmus cantonensis), Bluespotted mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris), Mottled spinefoot (Siganus fuscescens), Halichoeres poecilopterus, Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus), Therapon theraps, Parargyrops edita, (Sparus macrocephalus), Marbled rock fish (Sebastiscus marmoratus) and Shortnose ponyfhish (Leiognathus maruadsi).

7.8.5.11 The crustacean Scylla paramamosain, Portunus pelagicus, Portunus trituberculatus, Charybdis spp., Metapenaeus affinis and Metapenaeus spp. were also sighted during the survey. All of these species are common in Hong Kong.

Table 7.7         Freshwater and Estuarine Fish Species Recorded Around the Study Area during 2003-2009

Species Name	Common Name	Status*	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations of Streams Recorded	Remarks
Acanthopagrus berda  (Forsskål, 1775)	Gold silk seabream	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Acanthopagrus latus  (Houttuyn, 1782)	Yellowfin seabream	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Acentrogobius caninus  (Valenciennes, 1837)	Tropical sand goby	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Acentrogobius viridipunctatus  (Valenciennes , 1837)	Spotted green goby	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Ambassis gymnocephalus  (Lacepède, 1802)	Bald glassy	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Anguilla japonica (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)	Japanese Eel	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Anguilla marmorata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1842)	Giant Mottled Eel	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho	Global Concern; Listed as Endangered species in China Red Data Book
Bathygobius meggetti (Hora & Mukerji, 1936)	-	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Butis butis (Hamilton, 1822)	Crimson- tipped flathead gudgeon	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Capoeta semifasciolatus  (Günther, 1868)	Chinese Barb	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Channa asiatica (Linnaeus, 1758)	Small snakehead	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	Local Concern
Chelon subviridis  (Valenciennes, 1836)	Greenback mullet	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Clarias fuscus (Lacepède, 1803)	Whitespotted Walking Catfish	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Eleotris acanthopoma acanthopoma (Bleeker, 1853)	Spinecheek Gudgeon	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Eleotris melanosoma  (Bleeker, 1852)	Black sleeper	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho
Eleotris oxycephala  (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845)	Sharphead sleeper	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Gambusia affinis affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)	Mosquito fish	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong
Gerres filamentosus (Cuvier, 1829)	-	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Gerres poeti (Cuvier, 1829)	-	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Glossogobius giuris  (Hamilton, 1822)	Fork tongue goby	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Glossogobius olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845)	Spotty band goby	Uncommon	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Lateolabrax japonicus  (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843)	Japanese seaperch	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho
Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)	Giant Perch	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho
Liniparhomaloptera disparis disparis (Lin, 1934)	Broken-band hillstream loach	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Luciogobius guttatus (Gill, 1859)	Flat-headed goby	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Lutjanus argentimaculatus  (Forsskål, 1775)	Mangrove snapper	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Lutjanus russellii (Bleeker, 1849)	Russell's snapper	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus  (Cantor, 1842)	Oriental Weatherfish	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Momopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793)	-	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong
Mugil cephalus (Linneaus, 1758 )	Grey mullet	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong Tai Ho
Mugilogobius abei (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)	Estuarine goby	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Mugilogobius chulae (Smith, 1932)	Yellowstripe goby	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Oreochromis mossambicus  (Peters, 1852)	Mozambique tilapia	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Oreonectes platycephalus  (Günther, 1868)	Flat-headed loach	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Parazacco spilurus  (Günther, 1868)	Predaceous chub	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	Listed as Vulnerable species in China Red Data Book
Pisodonophis boro  (Hamilton, 1822)	Rice-paddy Eel	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong
Pisodonophis cancrivorus  (Richardson, 1848)	Longfin snake-eel	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Plecoglossus altivelis (Temminck et Schlegel, 1846)	Ayu	Rare	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho	Regional Concern; Listed as Vulnerable species in China Red Data Book
Plotosus anguillaris (Bloch, 1794)	Striped eel catfish	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho
Pseudogastromyzon myersi (Herre, 1932)	Sucker-belly loach	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Pseudogobius javanicus (Bleeker, 1856)	-	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre, 1935)	-	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong, North Lantau Highway
Rhinogobius giurinus  (Rutter, 1897)	Barcheek goby	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Rhynchorhamphus georgii  (Valenciennes , 1847)	Long billed half beak	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Scatophagus argus  (Linnaeus, 1766)	Spotted scat	Common	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong Tai Ho
Schistura fasciolata (Nichols & Pope, 1927)	Striped Loach	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Siganus fuscescens  (Houttuyn, 1782)	Mottled spinefoot	-	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong Tai Ho
Sillago japonica (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843)	Japanese sillago		2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Sillago sihama (Forsskål, 1775)	Silver sillago	-	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Silurus cochinchinensis  (Valenciennes , 1840)	Vietnam Catfish	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Takifugu niphobles (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)	Grass puffer	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Takifugu obscurus (Abe, 1949)	Archpatch puffer	Rare	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Takifugu ocellatus  (Linnaeus, 1758)	Archpatch puffer	Rare	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	Local Concern
Terapon jarbua (Forsskål, 1775)	Jarbua terapon	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Tridentiger bifasciatus  (Steindachner, 1881)	Chameleon goby	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Tridentiger trigonocephalus (Gill, 1859)	Chameleon goby	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong
Tylosurus strongylurus (Van Hasselt, 1823)	Spottail needlefish	Common	2003/04 (HZMB)	Tai Ho
Rhabdosargus sarba	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus, 1758 )	Bartail Flathead	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Periophthalmus cantonensis	Common mudskipper	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Boleophthalmus pectinirostris	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Halichoeres poecilopterus	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Therapon theraps	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Parargyrops edita	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Sparus macrocephalus	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Leiognathus brevirostris	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Decapterus maruadsi	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho
Sebastiscus marmoratus	-	-	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho

7.8.6 Aquatic (Stream) Fauna

7.8.6.1 In Lantau area, there are a number of streams running through from hills to the shore line. The Tai Ho Stream and Pak Mong stream are the two main streams close to the TM-CLKL. The stream beds of these streams were comprised of boulders, rocks, pebbles, sands which created micro-habitats for stream fauna. While the Tai Ho Stream are very rich in freshwater fish diversity, it is outside the 500m study boundary of the TM-CLKL.   Nonetheless, the results of Tai Ho Stream has been included in because of the ecological importance of the stream and the relatively proximity of this stream. There were also a few small seasonal streams with no permanent flow at both eastern and western side of Tai Ho Wan. No fish and large invertebrates, however, were recorded in separated water ditches presented along those seasonal streams.

7.8.6.2 In Tuen Mun area, a main stream running through from up-hill through a landfill site on mid-hill to coast line. While, it has permanent flow, it was found to have very limited stream fauna. There are also four seasonal streams located within 500m study area. The lower reaches of all these streams were channelized due to road construction and other coastal development facilities.

7.8.6.3 During the 2003/04 HZMB baseline study, aquatic (stream) fauna were surveyed only at Pak Mong as quantitative survey was not suitable in the streams at Tai Ho due to no water flow. Three species including amphipod Gammaridae spp., small shore crab Grapsidae spp. and trueflies Chironomidae spp. were recorded at Pak Mong. Among these, trueflies are the most abundance species.

7.8.6.4 During the TMWB survey, no freshwater stream survey was conducted for Pillar Point due to no flow conditions and the channelised status of the watercourses.

7.8.6.5 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey, 22 and 15 taxa of aquatic fauna were identified from Tai Ho and Pak Mong respectively. Only 4 taxa of aquatic fauna were identified from Tuen Mun. The species diversity at Tai Ho is higher than at Pak Mong while that at Tuen Mun is the lowest.

7.8.6.6 Stream aquatic fauna was generally dominated by freshwater fish during this 2008/09 survey.  Eight and five species of freshwater fish were surveyed at Tai Ho and Pak Mong respectively but none was recorded at Tuen Mun. Zacco platypus is the most abundant freshwater fish species at Pak Mong and Tai Ho. All fish species recorded during the survey are common in Hong Kong and summarized in Table 7.8 below. 

Table 7.8   Fish Species Recorded from Streams within Study Area during 2008/09

Species Name	Status	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations of Streams Recorded	Remarks
Gambusia affinis	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Liniparhomaloptera disparis	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Puntius semifasciolatus	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Rhinogobius duospilus	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Rhinogobius giurinus	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Schistura fasciolata	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Zacco platypus	Common	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-

7.8.6.7 Beside freshwater fish, one plecoptera (Perla sp.), two diptera (trueflies Chironomidae spp. and Tubifex sp.), two trichoptera (caddisflies Agapetus sp. and Cheumatopsyche sp.), three heteroptera (true bugs Enithares sp., Gerris sp. and Metrocoris sp.), one hirudinea (leech Hellobdella stagnalis), three mollusks (Biomphalaria straminea, Brotia hainanensis and Pomacea lineata) and four crustacea (Caridina contonensis, Crytopotamon anacoluthon, Eriocheir japonicus and Macrobrachium hainanense) were recorded. All species recorded during the survey are summarised in Table 7.9 below.

Table 7.9       Aquatic Species Recorded from Streams within Study Area during 2008/09

Order	Species Name	Year Recorded (Survey)	Locations of Streams Recorded	Remarks
Plecoptera	Perla sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Diptera	Chironomidae spp.	2003/04 (HZMB) 2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	-
Diptera	Tubifex sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Trichoptera	Agapetus sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Pak Mong	-
Trichoptera	Cheumatopsyche sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Heteroptera	Enithares sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Heteroptera	Gerris sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	-
Heteroptera	Metrocoris sp.	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Hirudinea	Hellobdella stagnalis	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Mollusk	Basommatophora straminea	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Mollusk	Brotia hainanensis	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Mollusk	Pomacea lineata	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Crustacea	Caridina contonensis	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	-
Crustacea	Crytopotamon anacoluthon	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho	-
Crustacea	Eriocheir japonicus	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong	-
Crustacea	Macrobrachium hainanense	2008/09 (TM-CLKL)	Tai Ho, Pak Mong, Tuen Mun	-
Crustacea	Gammaridae spp.	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong	-
Crustacea	Grapsidae spp.	2003/04 (HZMB)	Pak Mong	-

7.8.6.8 The aquatic faunal species recorded in the surveys are common and widespread in Hong Kong and South China. There is no unique ecological and conservation value of the streams based on the quality of stream habitats and the associated fauna which have been identified.  Nevertheless wetland habitats are not common in Hong Kong and, despite the man-made nature of some of the water bodies, unnecessary disruption to remaining assemblages of aquatic habitats should be avoided as far as possible on conservation grounds.

7.8.6.9 Details of species surveyed under HZMB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Appendices E18-19 respectively. 

7.8.7 Habitats and Vegetation

7.8.7.1 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey, the habitats within the study area at both Tuen Mun and north Lantau were surveyed.  The habitats recorded within the study area of North Lantau were dominated by developed area, secondary woodland and shrubby grassland, with isolated patches of tall shrubland. The habitats recorded within the study area of Tuen Mun were dominated by developed area, plantation woodland and shrubland.  Numerous streams traverse these habitats at the north Lantau while only one main stream runs from the hillside to the coastline in Tuen Mun.

7.8.7.2 A summary of the overall coverage of habitat types in the study area surveyed during the 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey is provided in Table 7.10 below. The habitat map covering the entire terrestrial area is presented in Figures 7.5a-7.5f for both the Lantau and Tuen Mun study areas. The locations of species of conservation interest are presented on Figures 7.6a-7.6b, for Lantau and Pillar Point respectively. The representative photographs of floral species of conservation interest and major habitat types present are provided in Figures 7.8a, 7.8b and 7.9. Details of species surveyed under HZMB, TMWB and TM-CLKL study are presented in Appendices E20-22 respectively. 

7.8.7.3 Based upon the information obtained during the survey period and from previous study, a summary of each habitat type is detailed in the following sections.

Table 7.10  Coverage of the Different Habitat Types within the Study Area

Habitat Type	North Lantau		Tuen Mun
	Area (m^2)	No. of plant species recorded	Area (m^2)	No. of plant species recorded
Secondary Woodland	264,800	128	N/A	N/A
Plantation / Fung Shui Woodland	41,900	24	524,200	39
Tall Shrubland	87,200	83	669,900	55
Shrubby Grassland	978,200	69	N/A	N/A
Cultivated Land	86,800	43	N/A	N/A
Developed Area	865,600	48	905,700	61
Wasteland	21,700	46	N/A	N/A
Stream	2,200*	N/A	830*	10^#

Note: “Study Area” is within 500m of the project boundary. N/A = not applicable; * Only permanent streams (natural and with permanent flow) are included and length (metres) has been measured; # Number of species surveyed in the TMWB study.

7.8.7.4 During the recent 2008/09 TM-CLKL survey, a total of 297 plant species were recorded within the study area including restricted tree species Biond’s Hackberry (Celtis biondii), Philippine's Hackberry (Celtis timorensis), Longan (Dimocarpus longan), Lychee (Litchi chinensis) and Portia Tree (Thespesia populnea). The Longan and Lychee are orchard trees and widely cultivated. The Longan were recorded in variety of habitats such as secondary woodland, cultivated field, developed area and fung shui woods.  The Lychee was recorded in secondary woodland and cultivated woodlands. In addition, a restricted shrub species Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) was surveyed and found in wasteland and secondary woodland. 

7.8.7.5 Notable species of conservation interest included orchid species Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia), the tree Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) and Silver-back Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus), the shrub Chinese Antirhea (Antirhea chinensis), Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides) and Red Azalea (Rhododendron simsii) as well as the Herb Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis).

Secondary Woodland

7.8.7.6 Notable woodland patches can be found at Tai Ho Wan headland of North Lantau. This habitat is extensive and relatively rich in flora with a total of 128 species recorded within this habitat type. Major/dominant plant species include Sea Mango (Cerbera manghas), Three-leaved Eleutherococccus (Eleutherococcus trifoliatus), Common Macaranga (Macaranga tanarius), Acronychia (Acronychia pedunculata) and Philippine's Hackberry (Celtis timorensis).

7.8.7.7 Notable species of conservation interest included the tree Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) and Silver-back Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus), the shrub Chinese Antirhea (Antirhea chinensis) and Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides), and the Herb Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis).

7.8.7.8 The Incense Tree was found within the secondary woodland on the north-west of Tai Ho Wan while the Silver-back Artocarpus was found within the secondary woodland next to the mangrove at Tai Ho Wan. They are listed under State Protection (Class III) and classified as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species. Despite the nationally protected status of Silver-back Artocarpus, this species is considered common (Xing et al., 2000) in Hong Kong. However, the Incense Tree is considered uncommon (Xing et al., 2000) in Hong Kong.

7.8.7.9 A patch of the Chinese Antirhea was recorded within the secondary woodland on the north-west of Tai Ho Wan.  It is one of the key protected wild species at mainland China.

7.8.7.10 The Small Persimmon was recorded within the secondary woodland at the upland of Tai Ho Wan. It is classified as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species.  In addition, the Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis) was found within the secondary woodland on the north-east of Tai Ho Wan.  It is protected under the Foresty Regulations (Cap. 96) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). 

Plantation Woodland

7.8.7.11 The woods behind Pak Mong of North Lantau are known to have fung shui significance. A total of 24 plant species were recorded in this habitat. However, recent surveys revealed that the woodland behind Pak Mong has been heavily modified.  There are some exotic fruit tree species including Rose Apple (Syzygium jambos) and Longan (Dimocarpus longan). This woodland, therefore, is now marked under the habitat type of plantation woodland. The protected and vulnerable threatened Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) was also recorded in this habitat.

7.8.7.12 In Tuen Mun, plantation woodland habitats are located near developed areas. A total of 39 plant species were present in the plantation woodland habitats. This habitat type is dominated by Taiwan Acacia (Acacia confusa) which is pioneer species with high amenity value. This exotic plantaion trees are recorded in roadside plantings and mainly function for landscaping and ornamental purpose, not for ecological purpose. The Red Azalea Rhododendron simsii was recorded in this habitat. While Rhododendron are protected under Forestry and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), the frequently-cultivated individuals of the cultivated indivudals of Rhododendron simsii is not covered by Cap. 96A (section 3).

Tall Shrubland

7.8.7.13 Tall shrubland within the study area is dominant on the hill-slope of the Tai Ho Wan headland and behind plantation woodland at Tuen Mun.  A total of 83 and 55 species were recorded in this habitat at North Lantau and Tuen Mun respectively. Abundant species found in this habitat type were Rose Myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomeentosa) (North Lantau and Tuen Mun) and Hong Kong Gordonia (Gordonis axillaris) (Tuen Mun).  

7.8.7.14 Tall shrubland habitat is densely populated with a mix of native tree and shrubby plant species. Species found in this habitat type included tree species such as Yellow Cow Wood (Cratoxylum cochinchinense), Wax Tree (Rhus succedanea) and Panicled Mallotus (Mallotus paniculatus); the shrub Blood-red Melastoma (Melastoma sanguineum), the climbers Chinese Alyxia (Alyxia sinensis), White-flowered Embelia (Embelia ribes), Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum), Cassytha (Cassytha filiformis) and Sandpaper Vine (Tetracera asiatica) as well as the herbs Dichotomy Forked Fern (Dicranopteris pedata).

7.8.7.15 The Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis) was found within the tall shrubland of Tuen Mun.  It is protected under the Foresty Regulations (Cap. 96) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). 

Shrubby Grassland

7.8.7.16 The shrubby grassland is composed of a range of plant species showing various growth forms (from herbaceous ferns to woody tree species) that are patchily distributed on the hill-slopes within the study area.  Generally, this habitat type is open in structure and has a height of less than 2m.  Moreover, it is believed that part of this habitat may be disturbed frequently by hill-fire as evidenced by the presence of patches of the fire-resistant Dichotomy Forked Fern (Dicranopteris pedata), especially in the areas behind the burial grounds.

7.8.7.17 Shrubby grassland habitats are located on the north Lantau and large area of this habitat is within North Lantau Country Parks Extension.  There were 69 floral species recorded within this habitat. Of these, a grass of Tre-awned Minireed (Arundinella setosa) was dominated species within this habitat. Tree species recorded were not particularly diverse and included Varied-leaf Fig (Ficus variolosa) and Cochin-china Homalium (Homalium cochinchinensis). However, a range of shrubs species were commonly/abundantly found including Dwarf Mountain Pine (Baeckea frutescens), (Aster baccharoides), Waxy Leaf (Breynia fruticosa), Long-leaved Litsea (Litsea rotundifolia), Common Melastoma (Melastoma candidum), Bloodred Melastoma (Melastoa sanguineum), Rose Myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), Hong Kong Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) and Narrow-leaved Screwtree (Helicteres angustifolia) as well as the herbs Dichotomy Forked Fern (Dicranopteris pedata) and Tre-awned Minireed (Arundinella setosa), together with the climber Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum). Species present were similar to those present in the tall shrubland although fewer tree species were recorded.

7.8.7.18 The uncommon Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) was found within the shrubby grassland on the north-east of Tai Ho Wan.  It is protected under the Forestry Regulations and the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap. 187).

Coastal Habitat

7.8.7.19 Since mangroves, seagrass bed and salt marshes are closely associated, these habitats are collectively classified and described as coastal habitat.  The evaluation of coastal, together with other inter-tidal habitats such as sandy beaches, have been assessed in the Marine Ecology in Section 8 and are not further discussed in this section. 

Cultivated Field

7.8.7.20 Cultivated field includes both active, inactive cultivation fields and orchards. Cultivated fields are mainly scattered among the village areas.  These habitats are planted with fruit trees and ornamental plants such as Lychee (Litchi chinensis), Longan (Dimocarpus longan), Wampi (Clausena lansium), Pummelo (Citrus maxima) and Mandarin (Citrus reticulate). A total of 43 species were present in this habitat. Although no rare or protected species was recorded, the restricted species Longan (Dimocarpus longan) and Lychee (Litchi chinensis) were surveyed.

Developed Area

7.8.7.21 The developed area refers to urbanised areas including roads, buildings and villages that can be found in both Tuen Mun and North Lantau study area. This habitat is artificial. The developed area in Lantau is predominantly composed of herbs and climbers and occasionally with some planted or orchard trees such as Wampi (Clausena lansium) and Longan (Dimocarpus longan).  The 48 species recorded are common and widespread in Hong Kong. No locally rare or protected species was recorded.

7.8.7.22 A total of 61 species were recorded in Tuen Mun developed area. The tree/shrub Cuban Bast (Hibiscus tiliaceus), China-berry (Melia azedarach), Acacia confusa and Lemon-scented Gum (Eucalyptus citriodora) are common species in this habitat. No locally rare or protected species was recorded. 

Wasteland

7.8.7.23 Wasteland is dominated by mainly weedy herbaceous ruderal vegetation, and is mostly to be found in heavily disturbed or previously developed areas.  Within the study area this habitat type is poorly represented.  In general, the species diversity of this habitat is poor and its structural complexity is simple. Dominant species are mainly herbaceous, such as Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Gairo Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica), Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), Dhaincha (Sesbania cannabina) and Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon).

7.9 Evaluation of Ecological Importance

7.9.1 Species of Conservation Interest Present and Faunal Diversity

7.9.1.1 Annex 8 of the TMEIAO specifies three criteria by which a species’ conservation significance may be measured: protection status (local, Chinese or international), with legally protected species afforded higher conservation value; geographical distribution, with higher conservation value afforded to species with more restricted geographical ranges; and rarity, with higher conservation value afforded to species which are internationally rare than to species which are only regionally or locally rare.

7.9.1.2 As mentioned above, the published literature on Hong Kong fauna does not always provide a clearly-defined objective basis for conservation assessment of species, and for this reason the assessments below is complimented with reference to Fellowes et al. (2002). This paper examines the local (Hong Kong), regional (southern China) and global restrictedness of native fauna species occurring in a wild state in Hong Kong, combined with an assessment of the vulnerability of populations, using the most reliable and up to date information available, and assigns a rating to each species accordingly. Thus, a species of ‘Local Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally or regionally, but is rare or restricted in Hong Kong. A species of ‘Regional Concern’ may not be particularly threatened globally, but is rare or restricted in the region. For a species of ‘Global Concern’, a given Hong Kong locality is considered to be of global importance. Some species are regarded as being of ‘Potential Regional Concern’ or ‘Potential Global Concern’ and these species are considered to be relatively secure in Hong Kong but all Hong Kong localities are of potential regional and global importance, respectively. Based on the criteria mentioned above, species of conservation interest recorded within the study area during field surveys are listed in Table 7.11 below.

Table 7.11     Faunal and Floral Species of Conservation Interest Recorded within the Study Area during the Surveys (September 2003 - May 2004, August 2008 - April 2009)

Species / Group	Protection Status	Distribution	Locations Recorded	Rarity
Avifauna
Ardea cinerea (Grey Heron)	WAPO	In most of the Palearctic, sub-Saharan Africa, much of the oriental region and Indonesia (Carey et al., 2001) Starling Inlet, Shuen Wan, Lantau and Deep Bay (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Shore at Pak Mong and Tai Ho	Abundant winter visitor (Carey et al., 2001) Potential Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Ardeola bacchus (Chinese Pond Heron)	WAPO	Breeds in Burma, China, Japan; winters in Malay peninsula, Indochina, Borneo and Sumatra (Carey et al., 2001) Mainly New Territories including Mai Po, Lok Ma Chau and also Hong Kong Island and Lantau (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Shore and stream at  Pak Mong and Tai Ho	Common resident (Carey et al., 2001) Potential Regional Concern/ Regional Concern based on restricted breeding and/or roosting sites (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Bubo bubo (Eurasian Eagle Owl)	WAPO	Norway to Sahara and east to Sakhalin and southern China (Carey et al., 2001) Fairly widespread in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Shrubby grassland at Pak Mong	Scarce but widespread resident (Carey et al., 2001) Regional population in marked decline but possibly under-recorded (Fellowes et al., 2002) Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Butorides striatus (Striated Heron)	WAPO	America, Africa and Asia (Carey et al., 2001) Deep Bay, Lai Chi Wo, Shuen Wan, Hebe Haven and some other localities in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Sea off Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Stream at Pak Mong and Tai Ho	Uncommon to scarce summer visitor (Carey et al., 2001) Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Egretta alba / Casmerodius alba (Great Egret)	WAPO	Eurasia, Indian sub-continent to southern China, Indonesia, Australia (Carey et al., 2001) Records are mainly from wetlands such as Mai Po, Inner Deep Bay, Starling Inlet, Shuen Wan and also Hebe Haven, Cape D’Aguilar, Lantau and Lamma (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Shore at Tai Ho and Pak Mong	Common to abundant resident (Carey et al., 2001) Regional population in marked decline (Fellowes et. al., 2002) Potential Regional Concern based on restricted breeding or roosting sites (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Egretta garzetta (Little Egret)	WAPO	Eastern Europe, Central and Southern Asia, Austalia and South Africa (Carey et al., 2001) Breeding records in Yuen Long, Nam Sang Wai, Lok Ma Chau, Tsim Bei Tsui, Mai Po, Shuen Wan (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan TMWB: Coastal habitat at Tuen Mun TM-CLKL: Stream and shore at Tai Ho, Pak Mong and Tuen Mun.	Abundant resident (Carey et al., 2001) Regional population in marked decline (Fellowes et. al., 2002) Potential Regional Concern based on restricted breeding and/or roosting sites (Fellowes et. al., 2002)
Egretta sacra (Pacific Reef Egret)	WAPO	Eastern and southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand (Carey et al., 2001) Mostly found along rocky coastline in southern areas of Hong Kong Island, and coast of outlying islands such as Sokos, Lamma, Po Toi, Waglan Island (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat  at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Stream and Shore at Tai Ho and Pak Mong	Uncommon Resident (Carey et al., 2001) Scarce visitor in Hong Kong and inadequate information on restrictedness (Fellowes et al., 2002) Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Emberiza fucata (Chestnut-eared Bunting)	WAPO	From western Himalayas to Japan (Carey et al., 2001) Most records in Deep Bay, Sha Lo Tung, Ho Chung, Long Valley, Tai Mong Tsai, Lantau and Luk Keng (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat  at Tai Ho Wan	Scarce migrant and rare in winter (Carey et al., 2001) Local population in marked decline and Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Halcyon pileata (Black-capped Kingfisher)	WAPO	Breeding records in India, Indochina, China, Korea and winters south to Sri Lanka Malaysia and Indonesia (Carey et al., 2001) In suitable habitats throughout New Territories and Lantau, occasionally seen in Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and offshore islands (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Shore at Tai Ho	Common autumn migrant and winter visitor (Carey et al., 2001) Local population in marked decline (Fellowes et al., 2002) Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Halcyon smyrnensis (White-throated Kingfisher)	WAPO	Turkey, India, Indochina, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Sumatra and the Philippines (Carey et al., 2001) Widespread in winter and autumn and nesting sites were found in Lung Tsai Ng Yuen, Shuen Wan, Chi Ma Wan, Luk Keng and Tung Chung (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Stream and Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Shore at Pak Mong and Tai Ho	Common autumn migrant, winter visitor and resident (Carey et al., 2001) Local Concern based on restricted breeding and/or roosting sites (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Haliaeetus leucogaster (White Bellied Sea Eagle)	WAPO, AP	Widely distributed in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong	TM-CLKL: flying/foraging at Tai Ho	Uncommon resident in Hong Kong. Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002) Listed as Indeterminate under the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals
Heteroscelus brevipes (Grey-tailed Tattler)	WAPO	Breeds in Siberia, Kamchatka and the Kuril and winters in Taiwan, the Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, through Indonesia and New Guinea (Carey et al., 2001) Highest number found in Deep Bay and also widespread in coastal areas throughout Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan	Local and Regional population in marked decline (Fellowes et al., 2002) Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Ketupa zeylonensis (Brown Fish Owl)	WAPO	Middle East to southern China (Carey et al., 2001) Restricted in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Stream, coastal and woodland habitat at Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: secondary woodland at Tai Ho Wan	Scarce resident in Hong Kong (Carey et al., 2001) Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Milvus migrans/ milvus lineatus (Black Kite)	WAPO	Africa, Europe, Asia and Australasia. considered the commonest bird of prey in China (Carey et al., 2001) Widespread in Hong Kong and found in a wide variety of coastal and inland habitats such as small islands, sea-coast, intertidal mudflat, landfills, grassy hillsides (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Secondary woodland, tall shrubland, shrubby grassland, and coastal habitat at Pak Mong and Tai Ho Wan TMWB: Low shrubland and coastal habitat at Tuen Mun TM-CLKL: plantation, secondary woodland, shrubby grassland, developed area and shore at Tuen Mun, Tai Ho and Pak Mong.	Abundant winter visitor and Resident (Carey et al., 2001) Regional population in marked decline and highly concentrated (Fellowes et al., 2002) Potential Regional Concern  based on restricted breeding and/or roosting sites (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Nycticorax nycticorax (Black-crowned Night Heron)	WAPO	Worldwide distribution (Carey et al., 2001) Breeds in Yim Tso Ha, Mai Po, Hebe Haven, Ho Chung and Shuen Wan (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Stream and coastal habitat at Tai Ho Wan. TM-CLKL: Shore at Tai Ho and Pak Mong; Stream at Tuen Mun.	Common to abundant Resident (Carey et al., 2001) Local Concern based on  restricted breeding and/or roosting sites (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Scolopax rusticola (Eurasian Woodcock)	WAPO	Breeds from Europe through Central Asia to Sakhalin and Japan, winters in Europe, North Africa, southeast Asia and southern China (Carey et al., 2001) Throughout Hong Kong but mostly recorded in Tai Po Kau, Shek Kong and Hong Kong Island (Carey et al., 2001)	HZMB: Secondary woodland at Tai Ho Wan.	Scarce winter visitor (Carey et al., 2001) Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Herpetofauna
Cuora amboinensis (Malayan Box Turtle)	None	Released individuals found in some parts of New Territories (Hong Kong); Occurs in South-east Asia.	TM-CLKL: Streams at Pak Mong	Listed as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species.
Ptyas mucosus (Common Rat Snake)	None	Central and southern China including Taiwan, south and southeast Asia (Karsen et al., 1998)	HZMB: Shrubby grassland and secondary woodland at Pak Mong and Tai Ho.	Common in Hong Kong (Karsen et al., 1998) Potential Regional Concern, marked decline in regional and global population (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Rana exillispinosa (Lesser Spiny Frog)	None	Common in Hong Kong hill streams. Also known from Hunan, Fujian and Guangdong provinces (Karsen et al., 1998)	HZMB: Streams at Tai Ho Wan and a stream near Pak Mong (TH4, TH1, NLH4) TM-CLKL: Streams at Tai Ho and Pak Mong	Potential Global Concern (Fellowes et al.,  2002)
Dragonfly
Leptogomphus elegans (Elegant Clubtail)	None	Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi (Wilson, 2003)	HZMB: Secondary woodland at Pak Mong to Tai Ho Wan	Common and widespread in Hong Kong (Wilson, 1997; 2003) Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Mammal
Pipistrellus abramus (Japanese Pipistrelle)	WAPO	Russia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Burma and India. Widely distributed throughout Hong Kong.	TMWB: Developed area and waste-ground at Tuen Mun	Abundant in Hong Kong Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Rhinolophus	WAPO	Widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong.	TM-CLKL: Abandoned house at Pak Mong	Abundant to Uncommon in Hong Kong; Local concern to potential regional concern (Fellowes et al., 2002).
Freshwater Fish
Anguilia marmorata (Giant Mottled Eel)	None in Hong Kong, Class II protected species in Mainland China.	Distributed from South Africa, Mauritius, China, Taiwan, Japan	HZMB: Tai Ho (TH1) (See Figure 7.2b)	Global Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002). Listed in the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals
Channa asiatica (Chinese Moon Snakehead)	None	Widespread in south-east China, Taiwan, Japan and Sri Lanka	HZMB: Pak Mong (PM1) and Tai Ho (TH1) (See Figure 7.2b)	Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Plecoglossus altivelis (Ayu)	None	Widely distributed in rivers along the coasts of Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam (Chong and Dudgeon, 1999)	HZMB: Tai Ho (TH1) (See Figure 7.2b)	Regional Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002) Listed in the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals
Takifugu ocellatus (Archpatch Puffer)	None		HZMB: Pak Mong (PM3), Tai Ho (TH1) (See Figure 7.2b)	Local Concern (Fellowes et al., 2002)
Flora
Antirhea chinensis (Chinese Antirhea)	Key protected wild species at mainland China	-	TM-CLKL: Secondary woodland at North Lantau	-
Aquilaria sinensis (Inscense Tree)	Class III protected at mainland China	-	TM-CLKL: Secondary woodland and Fung Shui Woodland at North Lantau	Listed as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species
Artocarpus hypargyreus (Silver-back Artocarpus)	Class III protected at Mainland China	-	TM-CLKL: Secondary woodland at North Lantau	Listed as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species
Arundina chinensis / Arundina graminifolia (Bamboo Orchid)	AP, FR	Central, east, south,  southwest China and Tropical Asia (AFCD, 2001)	HZMB: Shrubby grassland near Tai Ho Wan TM-CLKL: Shrubby grassland at North Lantau	Classified as very common (Siu et al., 2000) Common in Hong Kong (AFCD, 2001)
Diospyros vaccinioides (Small Persimmon)	None	-	TM-CLKL: Secondary woodland at North Lantau	Listed as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species
Nepenthes miirabiliis (Pitcher Plant)	AP, FR	-	TMWB: Low shrubland at Tuen Mun TM-CLKL: Secondary woodland at North Lantau	-
Pavetta hongkongensis (Hong Kong Pavetta)	FR	Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Philippines (AFCD, 2001)	HZMB: Secondary woodland and tall shrubland near Tai Ho Wan	Classified as common (Xing et al., 2000 and AFCD, 2001)
Rhododendron simsii (Red Azalea)	FR	-	TM-CLKL: Plantation woodland at Tuen Mun	-

Notes:          WAPO = Wild Animals Protection Ordinance; AP = Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance; FR = Forestry Regulations; UN= United Nations.

7.9.1.3 A total of twenty-six terrestrial and freshwater fauna species of conservation interest were recorded from various habitats within the study area. The localities where these faunal species of conservation interest were recorded are presented in Figures 7.6a and 7.6b.  Many of these species, in particular birds and mammals, have high mobility and are not always restricted to a single habitat.  Conversely, fauna such as freshwater fish are restricted to the streams and impact avoidance is more difficult.  Similarly, certain bird species form highly concentrated flocks and in this regard the ardeids are of greater conservation concern than more mobile generalists.

7.9.1.4 A total of eight floral species of conservation interest were recorded from various habitats within the study area. The localities where these floral species of conservation interest were recorded are presented in Figures 7.6a and 7.6b.

7.9.1.5 The floral and faunal species occurrence within the different habitats present in the North Lantau and Pillar Point study areas are presented below in Tables 7.12 and 7.13, respectively.

Table 7.12     Number of Floral and Terrestrial Faunal Species Present in Different Habitat Types within the North Lantau Study Area

Areas/Species	Secondary Woodland	Plantation Woodland	Tall Shrubland	Shrubby Grassland	Stream/  Riparian/ Pond	Developed Area	Waste- land	Cultivated Field/Orchard
HZMB
Butterfly	43(0)	10(0)	3(0)	57(0)	0	1(0)	0	0
Dragonfly	5(1)	1(0)	0	8(0)	10(0)	1(0)	0	0
Herpetofauna	3(1)	1(0)	0	5(1)	5(1)	1(0)	0	0
Avifauna	34(3)	1(0)	29(1)	26(2)	15(3)	15(0)	8(0)	28(0)
Freshwater fish	-	-	-	-	58(4)	-	-	-
Mammal	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total No. of Faunal Species	85(5)	13(0)	32(1)	96(3)	88(8)	18(0)	8(0)	28(0)
Total No. of Flora Species*	188(1)	100(0)	158(1)	131(1)	-	102(0)	139(0)	86(0)
TM-CLKL
Butterfly	17(0)	0	15(0)	15(0)	0	1(0)	0	11(0)
Dragonfly	0	0	0	0	4(0)	0	0	3(0)
Herpetofauna	0	2(0)	0	1(0)	6(2)	4(0)	0	2(0)
Avifauna	14(2)	7(0)	0	14(1)	6(4)	7(1)	0	19(0)
Freshwater fish	-	-	-	-	14(0)	-	-	-
Mammal	0	0	0	0	0	0	2(1)	0
Total No. of Faunal Species	31(2)	9(0)	15(0)	30(1)	30(6)	12(1)	2(1)	35(0)
Total No. of Flora Species	128(5)	24(1)	83(0)	69(1)	-	48(0)	46(0)	43(0)

Note: ( ) = number of species of conservation interest recorded; - = not applicable; * = Vegetation surveys were conducted at North Lantau (from Tung Chung to Tai Ho Wan).

Table 7.13   Number of Floral and Terrestrial Faunal Species Present in Different Habitat Types within the Pillar Point Study Area

Area/Species	Tall Shrubland	Plantation	Grassland	Developed Area/ Wasteground	Watercourse/Stream	Village/ Orchard
TMWB
Butterfly	10(0)	17(0)	2(0)	12(0)	2(0)	-
Dragonfly	0	3(0)	1(0)	3(0)	2(0)	-
Herpetofauna	0	2(0)	0	4(0)	0	-
Avifauna	14(0)	17(0)	4(0)	13(1)	3(0)	-
Freshwater fish	-	-	-	-	-	-
Mammal	0	0	0	1(1)	0	-
Total No. of Faunal Species	24(0)	39(0)	7(0)	33(2)	7(0)	-
Total No. of Flora Species	75(1)	91(0)	6(0)	36(0)	10(0)	32(0)
TM-CLKL
Butterfly	4(0)	4(0)	0	1(0)	0	0
Dragonfly	0	0	0	0	4(0)	0
Herpetofauna	0	0	0	2(0)	6(0)	0
Avifauna	0	11(1)	0	9(1)	3(2)	0
Freshwater fish	-	-	-	-	-	-
Mammal	0	0	0	1(0)	0	0
Total No. of Faunal Species	4(0)	15(1)	0	13(1)	13(2)	0
Total No. of Flora Species	55(1)	39(1)	-	61(0)	-	-

Note: ( ) = Number of species of conservation interest recorded; - = not applicable.

Secondary Woodland at North Lantau

7.9.1.6 A total of 85 and 31 faunal species were recorded in the secondary woodland across the study area during the HZMB and TM-CLKL surveys, respectively. This habitat was rich in butterflies (HZMB: 43 species; TM-CLKL: 17 species recorded) and avifauna (HZMB: 34 species; TM-CLKL: 14 species recorded). Of these species, 3 avifauna species of conservation interest were recorded, namely the Eurasian Woodcock, Brown Fish Owl and Black Kite.  However, despite of the high number recorded, no butterfly species were of conservation interest.

7.9.1.7 Five species of dragonfly were, also, recorded within this habitat type and the species Elegant Clubtail is of conservation interest.  This was the only habitat in which Elegant Clubtail was recorded.

7.9.1.8 Three species of herpetofauna were recorded within this habitat and only the Common Rat Snake is of conservation interest.

7.9.1.9 This habitat supports the highest number of floral species. Of these, threatened and/or protected species Pavetta hongkongensis, Antirhea chinea, Aquilaria sinensis, Artocarpus hypargyreus, Diospyros vaccinioides and Nepenthes miirabiliis were recorded.  Patches of the protected shrub Pavetta hongkongensis were recorded within this habitat at Tai Ho Wan during HZMB study. The Antirhea chinea, Aquilaria sinensis were recorded at Pak Mong, while the Artocarpus hypargyreus, Diospyros vaccinioides and Nepenthes miirabiliis were recorded at Tai Ho during TM-CLKL survey.

Shrubby Grassland at North Lantau

7.9.1.10 During the the HZMB study, this habitat contained 96 species, including 57 species of butterfly, 8 species of dragonfly, 5 species of herpetofauna and 26 species of avifauna.  In respect of the 26 species of avifauna recorded within this habitat, 2 are of conservation interest, namely the Eurasian Eagle Owl and Black Kite. This was the only habitat in which Eurasian Eagle Owl was recorded.  Apart from the avifauna, one reptile species (Common Rat Snake) is of conservation interest.

7.9.1.11 During the TM-CLKL study, 14 species of avifauna, 1 species of herpetofauna and 15 species of butterfly were recorded.  Of these, only one avifauna species (Black Kite) is of conservation interest.

7.9.1.12 A total of 131 and 69 floral species were recorded within this habitat during the HZMB and TM-CLKL studies, respectively. The protected Bamboo Orchids (Arundina chinensis or Arundina gramminifolia) were recorded within this habitat.  This flora species is common in Hong Kong (Xing et al., 2000). 

Tall Shrubland at North Lantau

7.9.1.13 During HZMB study, this habitat contained 29 species of avifauna, one of which, namely the Black Kite, is considered to be of some conservation interest.  Three and fifteen species of butterfly were recorded during the HZMB and TM-CLKL studies, respectively. Among the butterfly species, none of the species were of conservation interest.

7.9.1.14 A total of 158 and 83 floral species were recorded within this habitat during the HZMB and TM-CLKL studies, respectively. There was one species of conservation interest which is the protected shrub Hong Kong Pavetta (Pavetta hongkongensis).

7.9.1.15 In addition, shrubland habitats in wider stuey area along Chek Lap Kok Channel produced the highest number of bird species, with a total of 18 species recorded during the wet season of HZMB-HKLR ecological survey. Four species of conservation interest have been identified in this habitat within study area of HZMB-HKLR. Among these, three species (Emerald Dove, Collared Scops Owl and Hwamei) are listed in China Red Lists: (CSIS 2008) and one species (Blyth’s Leaf Warbler) are of Local concern. Within the shrubland habitat, Chinese Bulbuls Pycnonotus sinensis were the most numerous species.

Plantation Woodland at North Lantau

7.9.1.16 During the HZMB study, 10 species of butterfly, 1 species of dragonfly, 1 species of herpetofauna and 1 species of avifauna were recorded within this habitat.  During the TM-CLKL study, 2 species of herpetofauna and 7 species of avifauna were recorded within this habitat.  No floral and fauna species of conservation interest were present, however.

7.9.1.17 A total of 100 and 24 floral species were recorded within this habitat during the HZMB and TM-CLKL studies, respectively.  There was one species of conservation interest, the Insense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis).

7.9.1.18 In addition, one species of conservation interest are recorded in plantation habitats in wider study area along Chek Lap Kok Channel during HZMB-HKLR ecological survey. The Black-naped Oriole were of local concern.

Stream Habitat at North Lantau

7.9.1.19 During the HZMB study, this habitat was rich in faunal species with 88 species of fauna recorded, of which 8 are of conservation interest.

7.9.1.20 Seventy species of freshwater fish recorded at streams within the study area and, of these, 4 species are considered to be of conservation interest, namely the Giant Mottled Eel, Chinese Moon Snakehead, Ayu and Archpatch Puffer. The survey provided further data on the importance of stream systems throughout the study area and Tai Ho Stream is an ecologically important stream.

7.9.1.21 A total of 15 avifauna species were recorded within this habitat, of which the White-throated Kingfisher, Brown Fish Owl and Black-crowned Night Heron are of conservation interest. Five herpetofauna species were recorded of which one, the Lesser Spiny Frog, is of conservation. This was the only habitat in which Lesser Spiny Frog was recorded.  In addition, a total of 10 dragonfly species were recorded within this habitat but none of them are of conservation interest.

7.9.1.22 During the TM-CLKL study, 14 species of freshwater fish, 6 species of avifauna, 4 species of dragonfly and 6 species of herpetofauna were recoreded within this habitat. Of these, 4 avifauna species and 2 herpetogauna species were of conservation interest. These avifauna were comprised of Chinese Pond Heron, Striated Heron, Little Egret and Pacific Reef Egret. This was the only habitat in which Striated Heron was recorded. The herpetofauna species of conservation interest were Lesser Spiny Frog (Rana exilispinosa) and Malayan Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis).

Wasteland at North Lantau

7.9.1.23 Given the limited area within the study area, 8 avifauna species and 139 floral species were recorded in this habitat type during the HZMB study. None of these species were of conservation interest.

7.9.1.24 Two mammal species were recorded in this habitat during the TM-CLKL study. The bat Rhinolophus surveyed were of conservation interest. A total of 46 floral species was recorded but none were of conservation interest.

Cultivated field at North Lantau

7.9.1.25 During the HZMB study, 28 avifauna species and 86 floral species were recorded in this habitat but none of these species were of conservation interest.  During TM-CLKL study, 19 avifauna species, 11 butterfly species, 3 dragonfly species, 2 herpetofauna species and 43 floral species were recorded. None of the species were of conservation interest.

7.9.1.26 Developed Areas at North Lantau

7.9.1.27 During the HZMB study, 15 avifauna species, 1 butterfly species, 1 dragonfly species, 1 herpetofauna species and 102 floral species were recorded.  None of the species were of conservation interest.

7.9.1.28 During the TM-CLKL study, 7 avifauna species, 1 butterfly species, 4 herpetofauna species and 48 floral species were recorded.  Of these, one avifuana species (Black Kite) is of conservation interest.

7.9.1.29 In addition, two species of conservation interest are recorded in developed area in wider study area along Chek Lap Kok Channel during HZMB-HKLR ecological survey. The Common Rosefinch and White-shouldered Starling were of local concern.

Tall Shrubland at Tuen Mun

7.9.1.30 During the TMWB study, 14 avifauna, 10 butterfly species and 75 floral species were recorded.  Of these, the protected herb pitcher plant (Nepenthes mirabilis) was recorded.  During the TM-CLKL study, 4 butterfly species and 55 floral species were recorded. Of these, none of the species were of conservation interest.

Plantation Woodland at Tuen Mun

7.9.1.31 During TMWB study, 17 avifauna species, 3 dragonfly species, 17 butterfly species, 2 herpetofauna species and 91 floral species were recorded.  None of the species were of conservation interest.   During the TM-CLKL study, 11 avifauna species, 4 butterfly species and 39 floral species were recorded. Of these, one avifuana species (Black Kite) and one floral species (Red Azalea) are of conservation interest.

Streams Habitat at Tuen Mun

7.9.1.32 During the TMWB study, 3 avifauna species, 2 dragonfly species, 2 butterfly species, and 10 floral species were recorded.  None of the species were of conservation interest.  During the TM-CLKL study, 3 avifauna species, 4 dragonfly species and 6 herpetofauna species were recorded. Of these, 2 avifuana species (Little Egret and Black-crowned Night Heron) are of conservation interest.

Developed Areas at Tuen Mun

7.9.1.33 During the TMWB study, 13 avifauna species, 3 dragonfly species, 12 butterfly species, 4 herpetofauna species, 1 mammal species and 36 floral species were recorded.  Of these, the bat Japanese Pipistrelle and the avifauna Little Egret are of conservation interest. 

7.9.1.34 During the TM-CLKL study, 9 avifauna species, 2 herpetofauna species, 1 buttefly species, 1 mammal species and 61 floral species were recorded.  Of these, the avifauna Black Kite is of conservation interest.

7.9.2 Habitat Quality

7.9.2.1 The ecological importance of the terrestrial habitats and wildlife identified within the Study Area are evaluated below in accordance with the EIAO TM Annex 8 criteria.

· Naturalness;

· Size;

· Diversity;

· Rarity;

· Re-creatability;

· Ecological Linkage;

· Potential value;

· Nursery Ground;

· Age; and

· Abundance.

7.9.2.2 The evaluation is based upon the information presented in the previous sections above. The following main habitats within North Lantau Study Area were identified:

· secondary woodland;

· shrubby grassland;

· tall shrubland;

· plantation woodland; 

· streams habitat;

· stream to be affected by the slope works (Figure 7.10); 

· wasteland;

· cultivated field; and

· developed areas.

7.9.2.3 The ecological value of each habitat type identified within the North Lantau Study Area are presented in Table 7.14 – Table 7.17 below. 

Table 7.14 Ecological Habitats Evaluation of Secondary Woodland and Shrubby Grassland in North Lantau

Criteria	Secondary Woodland in North Lantau	Shrubby Grassland in North Lantau
Naturalness	Natural habitat but may suffer slightly human disturbance such as vegetation clearance. Road and villages were located at the fringe of this habitat.	Natural habitat but may suffer occasional disturbance (hill fire).
Size	Medium in size (about 264,800m^2).	Relatively large habitat within the project area (about 978,200m^2).
Diversity	Rich in term of floral diversity (HZMB: 188 species; TM-CLKL: 128 species).	Low to moderate (HZMB: 131 species; TM-CLKL: 69 species).
Rarity	Species of conservation interest included the tree Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), the Herb Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis), the shrub Chinese Antirhea (Antirhea chinea), Silver-back Artocarpus (Artocarpus hypargyreus), Hong Kong Pavetta (Pavetta Hongkongensis) and Small Persimmon (Diospyros vaccinioides).	The Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) was found. It is protected under the Forestry Regulations and the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance Cap. 586 (AP Ordinance).
Re-creatability	It will take some time (~30-40 yrs) for the secondary woodlands to be re-created.	Readily re-created naturally or artificially and would recover easily from disturbance.
Fragmentation	Fragmentation of patches is minimal.	Generally not fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Native secondary woodland may provide a movement corridor for wildlife and it could serve as a seed source to facilitate the succession process in the surrounding area. Functionally linked to streams passing through this habitat.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.
Potential Value	Moderate to high in terms of size and species diversity.	Despite of the potential for fire disturbance, part of this habitat falls within the area of the North Lantau Country Parks Extension. Thus, the potential value is considered as moderate.
Nursery/ Breeding Ground	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.
Age	Relatively mature. The height of the trees was generally around 5 to 6 metres with some individuals reaching a maximum of 10m.	The habitats are frequently disturbed and therefore are secondary in nature.
Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	HZMB: Medium - High species richness with 34 avifauna, 43 butterfly, 5 dragonfly and 3 herpetofauna species present. Among these, 3 avifauna, 1 dragonfly and 1 herpetofauna species are of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Medium species richness with 14 avifauna and 17 butterfly species present. Two avifauna species are of conservation interest.	HZMB: Medium species richness with 26 avifauna, 57 butterfly, 8 dragonfly and 5 herpetofauna species present. Among these, 2 avifauna and 1 herpetofauna species are of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Medium species richness with 14 avifauna, 1 herpetofauna and 15 butterfly species present. One avifauna species is of conservation interest.
Overall Ecological Importance	Moderate - High.	Moderate.

Table 7.15  Ecological Habitat Evaluation of Tall Shrubland and Plantation Woodland in North Lantau

Criteria	Tall Shrubland in North Lantau	Plantation Woodland in North Lantau
Naturalness	Natural habitat but subject to hill-fire.	Man-made planted habitat.
Size	Medium in size (about 87,200m^2).	Relatively small (about 41,900m^2).
Diversity	Moderate (HZMB: 158 species; TM-CLKL: 83 species).	Low in diversity of plants (HZMB: 100 species; TM-CLKL: 24 species).
Rarity	The protected shrub Hong Kong pavetta (Pavetta hongkongensis) was recorded in this habitat during HZMB study.	The Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) were recorded. It is listed under State Protection (Class III) and classified as “Vulnerable” under IUCN red list of Threatened Species.
Re-creatability	The vegetation type is secondary and readily re-created naturally or artificially and would recover easily from disturbance.	Readily re-creatable provided that adequate resources and suitable substrate are available and in the absence of disturbance.
Fragmentation	Generally not fragmented.	Generally not fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.
Potential Value	Moderate as the dense vegetation cover suggested it has the potential to be transformed into woodland..	Low value for man-made habitats.
Nursery/ Breeding Ground	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.
Age	The habitats are disturbed and therefore are secondary in nature.	Well established and around 6-9 metres in height.
Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	HZMB: Medium species richness of avifauna (29 species) and low species richness of butterfly (3 species). Among these, 1 avifauna species are of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 15 butterfly species present. None are species of conservation interest.	HZMB: Low-medium species richness with 10 butterfly, 1 herpetrofauna, 1 Dragonfly and 1 avifauna species present. None is species of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 2 herpetrofauna and 7 avifauna species present. None is species of conservation interest.
Overall Ecological Importance	Moderate.	Low.

Table 7.16    Ecological Evaluation of Stream Habitats and Wasteland in North Lantau

Criteria	Streams in North Lantau	Stream (NL1) to be affected by Slope Work in North Lantau
Naturalness	Natural habitat, pristine at higher elevations, generally more disturbed at lower elevations.	Natural stream near the slope work.
Size	Relatively short (about 2,200m).	Relatively short (about 153m).
Diversity	Botanically diverse riparian strip as a whole for the habitat mosaic.	Low species diversity was surveyed.
Rarity	Number of rare/endangered species of fauna were present. Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica), Small snakehead (Channa asiatica), Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) and Archpatch puffer (Takifugu ocellatus) were recorded in streams within study area.	Malayan Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) was surveyed in NL1. Although this reptile species is listed as “Vulnerable” at CITES Appendix II, it is extotic species.
Re-creatability	Re-creatable provided that works conducted in ecologically-sensitive manner and original flow not diverted or polluted, and in the absence of disturbance.	Natural stream can be re-created in the absence of disturbance.
Fragmentation	Generally non-fragmented continuous linear habitat.	Not fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Functionally linked to surrounding terrestrial and the ecological sensitive marine coastal habitats such as mangrove, seagrass bed and mudflat.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.
Potential Value	High as a result of the pristine condition and generally low level of disturbance.	The potential value is low.
Nursery/ Breeding Ground	Significant breeding grounds of numerous species of conservation interest, including Small snakehead (Channa asiatica), Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), and Archpatch puffer (Takifugu ocellatus) as well as potential breeding location for Lesser Spiny frog.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.
Age	Ancient geomorphological drainage features.	No information.
Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	HZMB: High freshwater fish species richness with 58 species recorded. Medium species richness with 5 herpetrofauna, 10 Dragonfly and 15 avifauna species present.  Among these, 4 freshwater fish, 3 avifauna and 1 herpetofauna species are of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Moderate freshwater fish species richness with 14 species recorded. Low species richness with 6 avifauna, 6 herpetrofauna and 4 Dragonfly species present. Among these, 4 avifauna species and 2 herpetrofauna are of conservation interest.	TM-CLKL: Low species richness. The crustacean Macrobrachium japonica and Caridina contonensis were surveyed. They are common freshwater species in Hong Kong. The threatened Reptile Cuora amboinensis is present.
Overall Ecological Importance	High.	Low

Table 7.17     Ecological Evaluation of Cultivated Field and Developed Area in North Lantau

Criteria	Wasteland in North Lantau	Cultivated Field in North Lantau	Developed Area in North Lantau
Naturalness	Created habitat.	Created habitat.	Man-made habitat with intensive human activities.
Size	Comparatively small area (about 21,700 m^2).	Small in size (about 86,800m^2).	Large habitat (about 865,600m^2).
Diversity	The species diversity is low (HZMB: 139 species; TM-CLKL: 46 species).	Species diversity is low to moderate (HZMB: 86 species; TM-CLKL: 43 species).	Species diversity is low (HZMB: 102 species; TM-CLKL: 48 species).
Rarity	No rare or protected species reported.	No rare or protected species reported.	No rare or protected species reported.
Re-creatability	The habitat can be re-created easily.	Habitat can be re-created easily.	Habitat can be re-created easily.
Fragmentation	The habitat is not fragmented.	Relatively fragmented given the size of the patches.	The habitat is not fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.
Potential Value	The potential value is low.	Potentially high depending on the agricultural management practices.	The potential value is low.
Nursery/ Breeding Ground	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.
Age	Young.	Unknown.	No information.
Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	HZMB: Low species richness with 8 avifauna species present and no species of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: One mammal species of conservation interest was recorded.	HZMB: Medium species richness with 28 avifauna species present and no species of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 2 herpetrofauna, 3 Dragonfly, 19 avifauna and 11 butterfly species present.  None are species of conservation interest.	HZMB: Low species richness with 15 avifauna, 1 herpetofauna, 1 butterfly and 1 dragonfly species present at North Lantau and no species of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 7 avifauna, 4 herpetofauna and 1 butterfly species present at North Lantau. One avifauna species is of conservation interest.
Overall Ecological Importance	Low.	Low.	Low.

7.9.2.4 Based upon the baseline surveys described in the previous sections above, the following main habitats within the Tuen Mun study area at Pillar Point were identified:

· tall shrubland;

· plantation woodland; 

· streams habitat;

· streams to be affected by the construction of toll plaza; and

· developed areas.

7.9.2.5 The ecological value of each habitat type identified within the Tuen Mun study area are presented in Table 7.18 and Table 7.19 below. 

Table 7.18   Ecological Habitat Evaluation of Tall Shrubland and Plantation Woodland in Tuen Mun 

Criteria	Tall Shrubland in Tuen Mun	Plantation Woodland in Tuen Mun
Naturalness	Natural habitat but the sfridge may suffer human disturbance.	Man-made planted habitat.
Size	Medium in size (about 669,900m^2).	Relatively small (about 524,200m^2).
Diversity	Moderate (TMWB: 75 species; TM-CLKL: 55 species).	Low – medium in diversity of plants (TMWB: 91 species; TM-CLKL: 39 species).
Rarity	The Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes mirabilis) was found within the shrubland of Tuen Mun. Although it is protected under the Foresty Regulations (Cap. 96) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), Pitcher Plant is common in Hong Kong.	No rare or protected species reported.
Re-creatability	Readily re-creatable provided that adequate resources and suitable substrate are available and in the absence of disturbance.	Readily re-creatable provided that adequate resources and suitable substrate are available and in the absence of disturbance.
Fragmentation	Fragmented as there already exists various types of land uses within this habitat including areas of developed and disturbed land.	Fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.
Potential Value	Low given that the habitat is not homogeneous.	Low value for man-made habitats with distrubance.
Nursery/ Breeding Ground	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.
Age	The height of the shrubs was generally around 4-5 metres.	Well established and around 6-9 metres in height.
Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	TMWB: Low species richness with 14 avifauna and 10 butterfly species present. None are species of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 4 butterfly species present. None are species of conservation interest.	TMWB: Low-medium species richness with 17 butterfly, 2 herpetrofauna, 3 dragonfly and 17 avifauna species present. None is species of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 4 butterfly species and 11 avifauna species present. One avifauna species is of conservation interest.
Overall Ecological Importance	Low.	Low.

Table 7.19   Ecological Habitat Evaluation of Stream Habitat and Developed Area in Tuen Mun 

Criteria	Streams in Tuen Mun	Streams to be affected by the construction of Toll Plaza (TM1 and TM2)	Developed Area in Tuen Mun
Naturalness	Natural habitat but down stream was channelized, cemented and/or covered due to road construction and other coastal development facilities.	Upper section is natural but lower section is open channel.	Man-made habitat with intensive human activities.
Size	Three natural streams (one with permanent flow; two with seasonal flow) were found within Tuen Mun study area. The total length of these streams is approximately 2600m (800m+900m+900m).	Two seasonal streams (TM1: 400m and TM2: 700m) would be affected by the construction of toll plaza. About 10m of TM1 and 30m of TM2 are channelized at the lower reach.	Large (about 905,700m^2)
Diversity	Low floral diversity (TMWB: 10 species recorded).	Species diversity is low.	Species diversity is low (TMWB: 36 species; TM-CLKL: 61 species).
Rarity	No species of conservation interest.	No species of conservation interest.	No rare or protected species reported.
Re-creatability	Re-creatable provided that works conducted in ecologically-sensitive manner and original flow not diverted or polluted, and in the absence of disturbance.	Habitat can be re-created.	Habitat can be re-created easily.
Fragmentation	Generally non-fragmented continuous linear habitat.	The habitat is not fragmented.	The habitat is not fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Functionally linked to surrounding terrestrial and marine coastal habitat.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.	Not linked to any ecologically significant area.
Potential Value	Low as scare stream fauna.	Low	The potential value is low.
Nursery/ Breeding Ground	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.	No record of significant nursery or breeding ground was reported.
Age	No information.	No information.	No information.
Abundance/ Richness of Wildlife	TMWB: Low species richness with 2 dragonfly, 3 avifauna and 2 butterfly species present.  No species are of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 6 herpetrofauna, 3 avifauna and 4 dragonfly species present. Two avifauna species are of conservation interest.	Although streams are natural, no water flow was recorded (except after rainfall). Thus, it is unlikely that they support species of conservation interest.	TMWB: Low species richness with 13 avifauna, 4 herpetofauna, 12 butterfly, 3 dragonfly and 1 mammal species present. One mammal species and one avifauna species are of conservation interest. TM-CLKL: Low species richness with 9 avifauna, 2 herpetofauna, 1 butterfly and 1 mammal species present. One avifauna species are of conservation interest.
Overall Ecological Importance	Low.	Low	Low.

7.9.2.6 The habitats present within the study area have been ranked according to their overall ecological value and summarized in Table 7.20 below. The streams and secondary woodland in North Lantau are considered to be the first and second most valuable habitats present.  The shrubby grassland and tall shrubland at North Lantau, are, also, ecologically valuable habitats.  However, all other habitats, including the plantation woodland, cultivated fields, developed areas and wasteland and stream to be affected by the slope wotks at North Lantau as well as tall shrubland, plantation woodland, stream and developed areas at Tuen Mun, are considered to be of the lowest ecological value.

Table 7.20  Summary of the Ecological Value of Habitats within the Study Area

Habitat	Location	Ecological Value
Streams	North Lantau	High
Secondary woodland	North Lantau	Moderate-High
Shrubby Grassland	North Lantau	Moderate
Tall Shrubland	North Lantau	Moderate
Tall Shrubland	Tuen Mun	Low
Plantation Woodland	North Lantau	Low
Plantation Woodland	Tuen Mun	Low
Cultivated Field	North Lantau	Low
Developed Area	North Lantau	Low
Developed Area	Tuen Mun	Low
Wasteland	North Lantau	Low
Streams	Tuen Mun	Low
Stream to be affected by Slope Work	North Lantau	Low
Streams to be affected by the construction of Toll Plaza	Tuen Mun	Low

7.10 Ecological Impact Assessment Methodology

7.10.1.1 The objective of the ecological assessment is to predict the direct and indirect impacts of TM-CLKL. The significance of ecological impacts have been evaluated based on the criteria specified in Table 1, Annex 8 of the TM-EIA (TM), as follows:

· habitat quality;

· species affected;

· size/ abundance of habitats affected;

· duration of impacts;

· reversibility of impacts; and

· magnitude of environmental changes.

7.10.1.2 Impacts are ranked as “minor”, “moderate” or “severe”, although in a few cases, “insignificant” (less than “minor”) or “extremely severe” may also be given.  The ranking of a given impact will vary based on the criteria listed above.  For example, an impact might be ranked as “minor” if it affected only common species and habitats, or if it affected only small numbers of individuals or small areas, whereas it might be ranked as “severe” if it affected rare species or habitats, large numbers of individuals or large areas. The major factors giving rise to a ranking of “moderate” or “severe” are spelled out in the text as far as possible.  As noted in Annex 16 of the TM, a degree of professional judgement is involved in the evaluation of impacts.

7.10.1.3 Impacts to species or groups assessed as ‘minor’ are predicted to cause a slight, and/or short term reduction in the local population numbers or geographic distribution of a species or group, but the species or groups are predicted to recover from the perturbation with no long-term adverse impacts.  Habitat impacts are considered ‘minor’ when no species of conservation or regulatory concern are found, and when the habitat in question was widely distributed locally.

7.10.1.4 Impacts to species or groups assessed as ‘moderate’ are predicted to cause local reduction of species or group population numbers. The reductions would be long-term, and probably not recoverable, but the species or groups in question are considered widely distributed or common, and abundant on a local, regional, or global scale.  Habitat impacts are judged ‘moderate’ when the habitat in question was of limited local or regional distribution or declining in extent, and when the potential for the habitat to support fauna and flora was considered of conservation or regulatory importance.

7.10.1.5 Impacts to species or groups are assessed as ‘severe’ when they are judged to adversely affect species or groups which are of conservation or regulatory concern locally, regionally, or globally due to scarcity or declining population or distribution trends.  Impacts to habitats are considered ‘severe’ when the habitats are found to be limited or declining in geographic distribution, contain plant species of regulatory or conservation concern, or are generally considered by the scientific community to be of local, regional or global importance to the support of wild fauna.

7.10.1.6 If ecological impacts are found to be significant (i.e., moderate to severe) mitigation needs to be carried out in accordance with the TM. Mitigation measures are not required for insignificant impacts although precautionary and/or enhancement measures may be recommended if desirable.  The policy for mitigating significant impacts on habitats and wildlife is to seek to achieve impact avoidance, impact minimisation and impact compensation in that order of priority. Impact avoidance typically consists of modifications to the project design, but may in extreme cases require abandonment of the project (the “no-go” alternative). Impact minimisation includes any means of reducing the scope or severity of a given impact, e.g. through timing of construction works, modification in design, or ecological restoration of disturbed areas following the completion of works.  Impact compensation assumes that an irreversible impact will occur upon a given habitat or species and attempts to compensate for it elsewhere, for example, by enhancement or creation of suitable habitat.  Compensation may take place on-site or off-site.

7.10.1.7 Construction of the alignment will result in permanent loss of habitat. There will be an additional temporary loss resulting from the construction of haulage roads, works areas and temporary work sites. The temporary areas will not be permanently occupied and may, therefore, be left to re-establish naturally or be re-instated once the construction works have been completed.

7.10.1.8 In calculating the permanent and temporary areas of habitat lost, all areas under the permanent alignment, including all slopes and embankments have been regarded as permanent loss.  All areas within the site boundary but not forming a permanent part of the road, namely off-line sections of the haul road and the works areas have been assumed to be temporarily lost.

7.11 Construction Phase Impact Assessment

7.11.1.1 The potential terrestrial ecological impacts arising from the project construction activities may include:

· Direct impacts in the form of terrestrial habitat loss and associated impacts to wildlife resulting from permanent land take for the viaducts, road links and toll plaza and associated structures construction;

· Direct impacts in the form of terrestrial habitat loss and associated impacts to wildlife resulting from temporary land take for the works areas;

· Direct impacts on waterchannels and streams in the form of terrestrial habitat loss and associated impacts to wildlife resulting from construction of slope work at Lantau;

· Potential indirect impacts to the nearby streams due to elevations of suspended solids arising from construction site runoff; and

· Potential indirect impacts to the surrounding habitats and the associated wildlife, in particular birds and butterflies, as a result of fragmentation and disturbance due to increased human activities and background noise.

7.11.1.2 Habitat loss is a potential threat to many species as it may be linked to direct mortality, species displacement, and is most severe in species that have an inability to translocate to suitable habitat elsewhere (Treweek, 1999). Although species-area relationships have been extensively studied (larger areas of habitat generally support a greater number of species), it is difficult to estimate the minimum area of habitat required for most animals and this is more difficult with highly mobile species such as birds. Where the new alignment passes through high value habitat such as secondary woodland and stream, the road will be as narrow as possible (consistent with functional objectives), so that habitat loss is no more than is absolutely necessary.

7.11.1.3 In respect of the land based section of the project, the majority of the roads will be on viaduct and connected into the existing road networks. As such, the land take for the project is mostly limited to developed areas which are already subject to constant human disturbance and for which the ecological value is low. This is the case for both the southern landfall and viaducts connecting to the North Lantau transport corridor and also in the north, although some small areas of other habitats are affected.

7.11.1.4 In the Lantau study area, a small area of roadside shrubby grassland and secondary woodland would be affected by the slope works adjacent to North Lantau Highway, while in Tuen Mun, the proposed toll plaza at Area 46 will form the largest area of terrestrial landtake for the projects. This facility does interface with some fringe areas of shrubland and plantation woodland which would be directly affected by its construction.

7.11.1.5 The areas of different potential terrestrial habitat loss as a result of the project are estimated in Table 7.21 below.  It should be noted that the works areas at Tai Ho, Yam O Wan, Tuen Mun and Wok Tai Wan are on cleared and disturbed ground and no trees or vegetation would be removed.  As such, no natural habitats would be lost by the use of these areas.  Permanent habitat loss comprises the area of the permanent footprint of the TM-CLKL alignment. Temporary losses of habitat would be confined to within site boundary of the TM-CLKL alignment. 

7.11.1.6 It should be noted that while the site boundary is generally limited to an approximately 10m setback from the permanent works area to allow space for construction, there are two larger areas which would comprise tall shrubland at the back of the toll plaza in Tuen Mun and shrubby grassland adjacent to the proposed slope works in north Lantau (see Figure 7.1).  These areas are included in the site boundary in order to allow for future detailed Natural Terrain Hazard Assessments (NTHA) to be undertaken.  A preliminary NTHA has been undertaken and this has concluded that there may be a need for protection against possible rockfalls from the natural slopes and debris flows along some of the natural drainage channels.  Neither of these activities would require extensive vegetation removal and as such, for the purposes of estimating potential habitat loses, a temporary set back area of 10m has been assumed.

Table 7.21  Estimation of Potential Terrestrial Habitat Loss within Study Area (Tuen Mun and North Lantau)

Habitat	Study Area (m^2)	Temporary Loss (m^2)^(3)	Percentage of Temporary Loss (%)	Permanent Loss (m^2)^(3)	Percentage of Permanent Loss (%)	Total Area Affected (m^2)
Shrubby Grassland	978,200	4,500	0.46	2,300	0.24	6,800
Developed Area	1,771,300	119,000	6.72	160,700	9.07	279,700
Tall Shrubland ^(1)	757,000	5,000	0.66	42,500	5.61	47,500
Secondary Woodland	264,800	3,600	1.35	1,700	0.64	5,300
Plantation Woodland ^(1)	566,100	5,400	0.96	60,500	10.68	65,900
Streams (m)	3,000^(2)	0	0	0	0	0
Wasteland	21,700	6,000	27.60	8,500	39.05	14,500
Cultivated Field	86,800	0	0	0	0	0
Grand Total	4,446,000	143,500	N/A	276,200	N/A	419,700

Note:  ⁽¹⁾The scale and loss of habitat associated with the toll plaza in Tuen Mun may be conservative as a combined toll plaza with the TMWB has been assumed for the purposes of the assessment (Section 2) but it is possible that a smaller TM-CLKL only toll plaza will be implemented. ⁽²⁾ Streams (permanent and natural) are measured in length (metres). ⁽³⁾ Permanent habitat loss comprises the area of the permanent footprint of the TM-CLKL alignment. Temporary losses of habitat would be confined to within site boundary of the TM-CLKL alignment.

7.11.1.7 Habitat fragmentation (i.e., the breaking down of existing habitat into smaller areas of habitat) is associated with linear construction projects such as roads. Fragmentation of habitats, such as woodlands, is known to lead to the reduction in numbers of many species such as birds (Treweek, 1999). Increased habitat fragmentation caused by large road projects has also been shown to reduce the reproductive success of species such as birds that are intolerant to an increase in edge to habitat ratio (Reijnen et al., 1995).

7.11.1.8 The habitats present in the north Lantau study area are generally not fragmented, with most of the existing roads being located in dedicated transport corridor on the fringe of the terrestrial habitats adjacent to the coast.  The habitats present in the Tuen Mun study area (especially plantation woodland) are slightly fragmented due to the presence of the existing Mong Fat Street in Pillar Point.

7.11.1.9 One of the major construction impacts associated with this project is disturbance to fauna present in the study area.  Disturbance during the construction phase is likely to be associated with noise and movement from construction traffic and the greater presence of human activities on-site.  Short-term disturbance can affect the time species have available for feeding, whilst longer term effects can cause a reduction in the use of a particular area for feeding and/or breeding (Treweek, 1999). Many animal populations can gradually habituate to low levels of disturbance and transient constructional phase impacts are not predicted to be significant to fauna present, provided that all measures are taken to ensure that disturbance is kept to a minimum.

7.11.1.10 The construction works at toll plaza in Tuen Mun for the exit tunnel from the toll plaza to the Lung Mun Road/Lung Fu Road roundabout would include drilling and blasting. The drill and blast method would only be requried for the deeper section of the tunnel and undertaken behind blast door. Hence, the associated noise disturbance would be minimal. There were no fauna of high concservation interest recorded near the tunnel alignment. Thus, the underground blasting is not expected to cause significant disturbance to the terrestrial ecology.

Tall Shrubland in Tuen Mun

7.11.1.11 The tall shrubland in Tuen Mun is of low ecological value as it is fragmented and not linked to any ecologically significant area. A total of about 4.8ha (Table 7.21) of this low valued shrubland will be directly affected by the construction of the toll plaza at Tuen Mun. In the area to be affected various land uses exist which are highly distrubed by human activities. Although the protected but common flora species, the Pitcher Plant, was recorded, the pitcher plant colony recorded (approximately 10m×30m) is located uphill, with a 16m buffer zone from the proposed toll plaza boundary.  While no direct loss of this species would be expected, given the need to a 10m works boundary, some disturbance may occur and thus, potential disturbance to this species is considered as a minor impact.  Although the species is of conservation interest Black Kite was recorded flying over the shrubland, this habiat is not recorded to be their breeding or nursery ground. Thus, loss of the 4.2ha of this habitat is considered as a minor and insignificant impact.

7.11.1.12 As noted above, a larger area of slope behind the toll plaza has been allocated to allow for future detailed Natural Terrain Hazard Assessments (NTHA) to be undertaken at a later stage.  Based upon the preliminary NTHA, the slope stabilisation works may involve protection against possible rockfalls and unstable boulders and sections of rock outcrop which could require stabilisation with rock dowels or concrete buttresses.  Such measures would likely require the use of a small working platform, comprising scaffolding tubes and timber planks for each boulder with a typical works area of about 4m².  The habitat loss from such measures, if required, is expected to be limited and not significant.

7.11.1.13 Although the construction of the toll plaza would cause lost of this habitat, only the fringes of this habitat would be affected, which are already partially fragmented by other landuses, such as developed and disturbed land in the area. The uphill habitat would remain intact and not be segmented. Therefore, fragmentation impacts are likely to be insignificant.

7.11.1.14 Disturbance to avifauna and butterfly during construction phase are likely to be associated with noise, traffic and human activities.  Faunal species in this habitat are believed to habituate to disturbance and noise as the area is currently next to a developed area and highly disturbed by road traffic and many avifauna species in Hong Kong are known to tolerate to disturbance and noise. Therefore, any additional disturbance impacts are considered to be insignificant.  

7.11.1.15 In addition, insect surveys were conducted in Tuen Mun during 2008-2009. There is no rare species or species of conservation interest recorded. The nearest SSSI, Siu Lang Shui SSSI, is a butterfly over-wintering site and of high ecological value. As the site of conservation important are some distance (approximately 1.4km) from the alignment, it would not be affected directly and no significant impact is expected. 

Plantation Woodland in Tuen Mun

7.11.1.16 The majority of the TM-CLKL would be on newly reclaimed area and existing developed area.  Only part of the toll plaza at Tuen Mun Area 46 would be constructed on plantation woodland. A total of about 6.3ha (Table 7.21) of this low valued plantation woodland will be directly affected but this represents only 11% of the plantation woodland within the study area. Although 39 floral species were recorded in plantation woodland at Tuen Mun during TM-CLKL survey, no rare or protected floral species were found. One uncommon (Sooty-headed Bulbul) avifauna were recorded but avifauna species are mobile and, thus, only limited impact to this fauna would be expected from the loss of this area. Although two uncommon (Grass Demon and Silver Streak Blue) butterfly species were recorded, larval plant food of these butterfly species (Butterfly Lily (Hedychium coronarium) and Superb Fig (Ficus superba var. japonica)) are absent indicating this habitat is not likely to be a nursery ground.  While the area of loss is relatively large, the impact is expected to minor and insignificant. 

7.11.1.17 The plantation woodland in Tuen Mun exist in patches and is transversed by roads and already divided by various land uses, showing that this habitat has been fragmented.  The toll plaza would transverse the already fragmented plantation woodland and the further marginal segmention of this low ecological valued habitat would not be expected to bring significant fragmentation impacts.

7.11.1.18 Disturbance to avifauna and butterfly at Tuen Mun during construction phase are likely to be associated with noise, traffic and human activities. However, as affected species have moderate to high mobility and no nesting was recorded, the disturbance impacts are considered to be insignificant. As the Siu Lang Shui SSSI is some distance (approximately 1.6km) from the alignment, it would not be affected and no significant impact is expected.

Plantation Woodland in North Lantau

7.11.1.19 A total of about 0.31ha (Table 7.21) of the roadside plantation woodland will be directly affected due to the construction of the slip road connections to the North Lantau Highway at North Lantau. Although the vulnerable floral species, Insence Tree, was recorded in plantation woodland, it is located more than 400m from the alignment.  The highly disturbed roadside section of plantation woodland has not been noted to contain fauna species of ecological interest and given the small area to be affected, insignificant impacts would be anticipated. 

7.11.1.20 Fragmentation impacts are generally likely to be insignificant since the construction works will impact only the edges, which already abut onto the existing roads.

7.11.1.21 Disturbance to fauna during construction phase are likely to be associated with noise, traffic and human activities.  Faunal species in this habitat are believed to have habituated to disturbance and noise as the area is next to developed areas and highly disturbed by road traffic from the North Lantua transport corridor.  Therefore, any disturbance impacts are considered to be insignificant.  

Secondary Woodland in North Lantau

7.11.1.22 A total of about 0.57ha (Table 7.21) of the roadside secondary woodland will be directly affected due to the construction of link road and the slope works next to North Lantau Highway. Although several floral (Bamboo Orchid, Incense Tree, Chinese Antirhea, Small Persimmon and Pitcher Plant) and avifauna (Brown Fish Owl, Black Kite and Eurasian Woodcock) species of conservation interest were recorded in this habitat, the closest floral species of conservation interest (Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis) in secondary woodland was recorded more than 150m from the alignment and the highly disturbed roadside section of woodland would unlikely contain fauna species of ecological interest. Although this habitat has moderate-high ecological value, the amount to be affected is relatively small and thus no significant impact associated with this loss would be anticipated. 

7.11.1.23 Fragmentation impacts are generally likely to be insignificant since the slope works generally appear to impact only the very edges of this habitat.

7.11.1.24 Disturbance to fauna during construction phase are likely to be associated with noise, traffic and human activities.  Faunal species in this habitat are believed to habituate to disturbance and noise as the areas are next to developed areas and highly disturbed by road traffic. Therefore, any construction phase disturbance impacts are considered to be insignificant.  

Shrubby Grassland in North Lantau

7.11.1.25 A total of about 0.7ha (Table 7.21) of the roadside shrubby grassland in Lantau will be directly affected as a result of slope stability and improvement works next to the North Lantau Highway. Several floral (Bamboo Orchid) and avifauna (Eurasian Eagle Owl and Black Kite) species of conservation interest were recorded in this habitat and the closest species of conservation interest (Eurasian Eagle Owl) was recorded more than 300m of the slope work. Although the fauna may possibly utilize this habitat, the highly disturbed roadside section of vegetation (next to slope work) would unlikely contain many species and species of ecological interest who would generally be expected to use the less disturbed habitats further in land.  The Bamboo Orchid is, also, too far away (approximate 125m) to be directly affected by the works in this area. Although this habitat has moderate ecological value, the amount to be affected is relatively small and thus no significant impact associated with this loss would be anticipated. 

7.11.1.26 As noted above, a larger area of slope behind the proposed slope works has been allocated to allow for future detailed Natural Terrain Hazard Assessments (NTHA) to be undertaken at a later stage.  Based upon the preliminary NTHA, the slope stabilisation works may involve protection against debris flows along the main stream NL1 in the areas and the possible effects of this are discussed in Section 7.11.1.34 below.  However, it is possible that some protection against possible rockfalls and unstable boulders and sections of rock outcrop which could require stabilisation with rock dowels or concrete buttresses would be needed.  Such measures would likely require the use of a small working platform, comprising scaffolding tubes and timber planks for each boulder with a typical works area of about 4m².  The habitat loss from such measures, if required, is expected to be limited and not significant.

7.11.1.27 Although this habitat partly falls within the area of the North Lantau Country Parks Extension, no vegetation from the country park would be lost as a result fo the project and there would be no direct impacts on this resource.  Indirect impacts associated with flora due to construction dust and with fauna due to noise and increased human actives may be potentially induced.  However, the indirect impacts are likely to be insignificant as the fauna have been constantly subjected to indirect impacts of similar nature from the existing roads and the dust impacts wil be controlled to with acceptable levels by the mitigation measures detailed in Section 4.  

7.11.1.28 Fragmentation impacts are generally likely to be insignificant since the slope works would impact only the edges of this habitat and not cut through or segregate the main area of habitat.

7.11.1.29 Disturbance to fauna during construction phase are likely to be associated with noise, traffic and human activities. Faunal species in this habitat are believed to habituate to disturbance and noise and the area is already next to a developed area and highly disturbed by road traffic. Therefore, the disturbance impacts are considered to be insignificant. 

Wasteland

7.11.1.30 A total of about 1.4ha (Table 7.21) of the wasteland along the North Lantau Highway will be directly affected. This habitat has low species richness and is of low ecological value. Faunal species in this habitat are believed to habituate to disturbance and noise as the area is next to developed area and highly disturbed by road traffic.  No species of conservation interest recorded in this habitat. Therefore, insignificant ecological impact and disturbance to fauna during the construction phase would be anticipated. 

Developed Area

7.11.1.31 In both the north and south parts of the study area, the areas along the proposed alignment comprise mostly developed areas or busy transport corridors of low ecological interest due to the relatively high level of existing disturbance. Although the developed area is the largest ‘habitat’ within study area to be affected (279,700m² or nearly 28ha), it only supports low species diversity.  Two species of conservation interest (the bat Japanese Pipistrelle and the bird Little Egrets) were recorded in the developed areas of the Tuen Mun study area, while one species (the bird Black Kite) was recorded in North Lantau.

7.11.1.32 In Tuen Mun, Japanese Pipistrelle was surveyed near WA18 which is an existing developed area currently occupied by the temporary land use, the River Trade Golf.  The Little Egrets were spotted on the intertidal seawall next to River Trade Terminal.  In North Lantau, Black Kites were spotted on North Lantau Highway during this TM-CLKL ecological study. These areas are generally subject to constant human disturbance, and hence, are of low ecological value.  The species of conservation interest recorded are abundant or common in Hong Kong and would be able to make use of the inland shrubland and plantation woodland habitats.  Also, the habitat is of low ecological value and, as such, insignificant habitat loss impact to the developed area and disturbance to fauna during construction phase would be anticipated. 

Streams in North Lantau and Tuen Mun

7.11.1.33 There will be no direct impacts to the high-moderate valued streams in Pak Mong.  Potential indirect impacts from the construction works would be associated with siltation as a result of construction run-off.  However, sections of these streams are generally cemented and channelized and do not contain any species of conservation interest.  In addtion, in both cases the streams all upstream of the works and are not expected to be affected by runoff.  Therefore, impacts on the streams would be insignificant.

7.11.1.34 Streams (TM1 and TM2) at Tuen Mun will be affected by the construction of toll plaza. Although the streams are natural, no water flow was recorded and most of the streams comprise open channels in their lower sections. Thus, while the habitat supports some dragonfly, butterfly and bird species, no species of conservation interest were found. Thus, the streams are considered to be of low ecological value. The middle section of some low-valued streams would be affected by the construction of toll plaza and some natural part would be culverted (10m in TM1 and 320m in TM2). Fragmentation of the streams would be expected as toll plaza would be constructed in the middle section of the streams. However, no significant impacts associated with habitat lost and fragmentation would be anticipated due to its low ecological value.   

7.11.1.35 However, streams and water channels near the existing slope work next to the North Lantau Highway would be affected during construction of new slope works (Figure 7.10).  The slope work will affect mainly the existing drainage channels on the existing slopes, which are of no ecological value.  However, one natural stream (NL1) is located between two existing slope faces and expected to be affected by the extention for the new slope works.  The upper reaches of the stream consist of a natural stone bottom and the stream has a constant but small water flow, with water depth of about 1-3 cm.  In its lower reaches the stream has already been affected by the existing slope works and is in man-made, open channel. About 10m of natural stream NL1 would be temporarily affected by the slope work and, thus, about 6% of the remaining natural section of NL1 would temporarily lost. In addition, while a further detailed NTHA will need to be undertaken in the vicinity of stream NL1, the preliminary NTHA has determined that a debris trap, in the form of a gabion wall to be located near the toe of the drainage line, may be required to prevent debris from blocking the watercourse.

7.11.1.36 Although species diversity of this stream is low, the Malayan Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) was surveyed using the stream.  This reptile species is listed as “Vulnerable” at CITES Appendix II.  While there are many other streams in the broader study area, the temporary loss of part of stream NL1 and the possible construction of a gabion wall in and across the areas, given its use by key species, is considered to be a minor direct impact which would require mitigation. 

Works Areas

7.11.1.37 As noted above, during the construction phase, six works areas have been designated (three in Lantau, two in Tuen Mun and one at Wok Tai Wan, in Tsing Yi) for use as site offices, casting yard for fabrication precast units and storage of material, viaduct segment and work boat (Figures 3.8a and 3.8b). The proposed works areas (WA 4, 5 and 6) on Lantau would be placed on reclamation area and/or former site office/casting yard of Penny’s Bay Reclamation while the proposed works area (WA18 and WA19) at Tuen Mun would be located at existing River Trade Golf and closed Pillar Point Valley Landfill.  The casting yard (WA23) is proposed to be situated at Wok Tai Wan on Tsing Yi where an existing stockpile area for wave-breakers is located.  All the proposed areas, except the closed Pillar Point Valley Landfill site (WA19), comprise cleared and disturbed gound which are subject to constant human disturbance, and hence, are of low ecological value.  Thus, significant terrestrial ecological impacts are not expected as a result of the use of these areas. The majority habitat of closed Pillar Point Valley Landfill (WA19) is plantation.  The plantation would be kept intact with only the already paved areas being used for the works areas.  Therefore, the impact is anticipated to be insignificant as no trees or vegetation will be removed and no natural habitats would be lost by the use of these areas.

7.11.1.38 A summary of the overall impact evaluation as a result of habitat loss is presented in Tables 7.22 and 7.23 below.

Table 7.22  Overall Impact Evaluation of Habitat Loss

Criteria	Tall Shrubland (Tuen Mun)	Plantation Woodland (North Lantau)	Plantation Woodland (Tuen Mun)	Secondary Woodland (Lantau)	Shrubby Grassland (Lantau)
Habitat Quality	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality ranges from moderate-high.	The habitat quality is moderate.
Species	The protected and uncommon flora species Pitcher Plant was recorded. However, there is 16m burffering distance from the proposed toll plaza and isturbance of this species is considered as minor impact. The species of conservation interest Black Kite was recorded flying over this habitat but no evidence to shoe this habiat is their breeding or nursery ground. Thus, loss/disturbance of habitat is considered as a minor impact to this fauna.	Although the vulnerable floral species, Insence Tree, was recorded in plantation woodland, it was recorded more than 400m from the alignment.  The highly disturbed roadside section of plantation woodland would also unlikely contain fauna species of ecological interest.	No fauna species of conservation interest was recorded in this habitat.	Although several floral (Bamboo Orchid, Incense Tree, Chinese Antirhea, Small Persimmon and Pitcher Plant) and avifauna (Brown Fish Owl, Black Kite and Eurasian Woodcock) species of conservation interest were recorded in this habitat, the closest floral species of conservation interest (Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis) was recorded more than 150m away from the alignment and the highly disturbed roadside section of woodland would unlikely contain fauna species of ecological interest.	Several floral (Bamboo Orchid) and avifauna (Eurasian Eagle Owl and Black Kite) species of conservation interest were recorded in this habitat and the closest species of conservation interest (Eurasian Eagle Owl) was recorded more than 300m of the slope work. Although the fauna may possibly utilize this habitat, the highly disturbed roadside section of woodland (next to slope work) would unlikely contain many species and species of ecological interest.
Size/ Abundance	About 4.8ha will be directly affected.	About 0.31ha will be directly affected.	About 6.3ha will be directly affected.	About 0.57ha will be directly affected.	About 0.7ha will be directly affected.
Duration	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.
Reversibility	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.
Magnitude	The scale of the impact is considered low.	The scale of the impact is considered negligible due to small area to be affected.	The scale of the impact is considered low.	The scale of the impact is considered negligible due to small area to be affected.	The scale of the impact is considered negligible due to small area to be affected.
Overall Impact Severity	Minor.	Insignificant.	Minor.	Insignificant.	Insignificant.

Table 7.23  Overall Impact Evaluation of Habitat Loss

Criteria	Wasteland (Lantau)	Developed Area (North Lantau and Tuen Mun)	Stream near Slope work (Lantau)	Streams to be affected by the construction of Toll Plaza (Tuen Mun)	Works Area
Habitat Quality	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality is low.	The habitat quality is low.
Species	No species of conservation interest in this low ecological valued habitat.	Two species of conservation interest (the bat Japanese Pipistrelle and the bird Little Egrets) were recorded in Tuen Mun while one species (the bird Black Kite) was recorded in North Lantau. They are abundant and common in Hong Kong.	No species of conservation interest was found in open channel.	No species of conservation interest was found in open channel.	Species of conservation interest is unlikely to be found as bare grounds are subject to constant human disturbance. For WA 19, the plantation would be kept in intact with only the already paved areas being used for works area. Generally, The impacts are insignificant.
Size/ Abundance	About 1.45ha will be directly affected.	About 28ha will be directly affected. .	About 10m of natural stream NL1 would be affected by the slope work and thus 6% of the NL1 would be temporarily lost.	Two seasonal streams (TM1 and TM2) would be affected. Estimated length to be affected is approximately 370m, including 330m of natural section (TM1: 10m; TM2: 320m) and 40m of channelized section (TM1: 10m; TM2: 30m).	13ha will be used temporarily.
Duration	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Loss of habitat would be permanent while the duration of temporary distrurbance is app. 4 years.	Temporary.
Reversibility	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	Loss of habitat would be irreversible.	n/a
Magnitude	The scale of the impact is considered negligible.	The scale of the impact is considered to be negligible.	The scale of the impact is considered to be negligible.	The scale of the impact is considered to be negligible.	The scale of the impact is considered negligible.
Overall Impact Severity	Insignificant.	Insignificant.	Minor	Insignificant.	Insignificant.

7.11.1.39 The potential ecological impacts during construction phase in the study area resulting from the project have been evaluated according to Table 1 of Annex 8 of the TM-EIAO and area summarised in Table 7.24 below.  Mitigation and enhancement measures are discussed in Section 7.13 below. 

Table 7.24      Summary of Construction Phase Impacts

General Impact	Specific Impact	Severity of Impact	Mitigation Required	Enhancement Recommended
Habitat Loss	Loss of about 4.8ha of tall shrubland in Tuen Mun	Minor	No	Yes
	Loss of about 6.3ha of plantation woodland in Tuen Mun	Minor	No	Yes
	Loss of about 0.31ha of plantation woodland in North Lantau	Insignificant	No	No
	Loss of about 0.57ha of secondary woodland in North Lantau	Insignificant	No	No
	Loss of about 0.7ha of shrubby grassland in North Lantau	Insignificant	No	No
	Loss of about 1.45ha of wasteland in North Lantau	Insignificant	No	No
	Loss of about 28ha of developed area in both North Lantau and Tuen Mun	Insignificant	No	No
	Stream NL1 in Lantau to be temporarily affected by the slope works and possible NTHA measures	Minor	Yes, minimisation method	No
	Streams to be affected by the construction of Toll Plaza at Tuen Mun	Insignificant	No	No
	Works Areas	Insignificant	No	No
Fragmentation	Fragmentation of habitat (secondary woodland, shrubby grassland, wasteland, plantation and tall shrubland)	Insignificant	No	No
	Fragmentation of streams to be affected by the slope work at Lantau and the construction of Tall Plaza at Tuen Mun	Insignificant	No	No
Disturbance	Disturbance to butterfly and avifauna species of conservation interest	Insignificant	No	No
	Disturbance (noise, traffic and human activities) to fauna	Insignificant	No	No
	Potential disturbance to Pitcher Plant colony in tall shrubland habitat in Tuen Mun	Minor	Yes, avoidance method	No
	Siltation of streams	Insignificant	No	No

7.12 Operation Phase Impact Assessment

7.12.1.1 The potential terrestrial ecological impacts arising from the project operational activities will comprise mainly potential indirect impacts to the surrounding habitats and associated wildlife, in particular birds and butterflies, associated with interference of viaduct structure to flight patterns, pollution emissions from vehicles and disturbance due to increased human activities and background noise. These potential impacts are discussed further in the sections below.

Interference of Viaduct Structure to Avifauna

7.12.1.2 The barrier effect of a bridge might be regarded as an alternative form of habitat fragmentation in that the physical presence of the bridge could be predicted to affect bird flight. The results of the avifauna point count and flightline survey revealed that most of the avifauna utilise the offshore area from Tai Ho Wan and fly beneath or over the proposed TM-CLKL viaducts with only few birds flying on the deck level.  Results of the bird survey are presented in Figure 7.11 and summarized in Appendix E3. Total numbers of birds surveyed were 55, some 28 of which were Little Egret. Most of the birds fly beneath the average bridge soffit level of 14.03m. The height of frequent flightlines recorded for the avifauna ranged from 1-10m (Figure 7.11). This suggests that common avifauna (such as Little Egret and Crested Myna) would likely fly under or above the viaduct, but occasionally at the road deck level (17.23m). During the survey, 9 out of 43 individuals were recorded flying between the average bridge soffit and deck level. Hence, the flightline of those birds could potentially be interfered with by the structure of TM-CLKL.

7.12.1.3 Based on extensive literature review (>1,500 references spanning the last 117 years), the bird collision study of the Shenzhen Western Corridor (SWC) EIA study (HyD, 2002) suggested that bridge impacts upon bird mortality and flight paths are insignificant. It could be argued that bird collisions with bridges have not been addressed in the literature or in applied research projects because dead or stunned birds simply fall into the water and are not seen or recovered. However, Podolsky et al. (1998) investigated that some seabird carcasses float on seawater and are detectable.  It is, also, believed that if collision frequency were high, at least some birds would fall onto the highway surface, thereby alerting wildlife researchers and highway-bridge authorities to the existence of a problem. Indeed, this was the case on the Pensacola Bay Bridge, where bird carcasses on the bridge deck alerted authorities that a problem had developed. The bird collision study of SWC EIA study revealed that birds collide with some man-made structures, but typically not with bridges and, thus, no adverse impacts have been seen in the areas where bridges and birds are both abundant.  Field work in Macau at the Lotus Bridge conducted for SWC EIA showed that no birds collided with the bridge or with vechicles on the bridge. Other studies in the Netherlands, San Francisco-Oakland Bays, and Japan (where bridges and birds are both abundance and impacts are undetectable) concluded that the bridge would not adversely affect bird use of short-distance (local) and long distance (migration) flight paths.

7.12.1.4 Bird movements in relation to 3 bridge or flyovers in Hong Kong (the Route 3 flyover at Kam Tim River Channel, the Shatin Road above Shing Mun River Channel and Tsing Tsuen Bridge) and one in Macau (the Lotus Bridge) were studied in SWC EIA. The results showed that waterbirds foraged beneath bridge decks and flew either under or over bridge decks and no bird mortality due to collisions with bridges, piers, or vehicles using bridges was recorded. Highways Department has routinely monitored bridge and highway structures in the HKSAR since the 1970s.  During the last 30 years the only recorded birds kills have occurred at newly erected and relatively transparent noise barriers.  However, no noise barrier is proposed for the offshore area for the TM-CLKL viaduct.  Global experience of bird-bridge interaction includes bridges of a wide variety of designs and never have such bridges been cited as vectors of increased bird mortality (HyD, 2002).  As there is no evidence to indicate that bird collision with bridges is a cause of fatalities, any impacts from the potential interference of viaduct structure to avifauna are considered to be insignificant.  

Lighting and Glare

7.12.1.5 The bird collision study of SWC EIA study (HyD, 2002) discussed the the impacts of various types of lighting on bird mortality and concluded that only flood lights deployed under adverse weather conditions could confuse migrating birds and, therefore, have the ability to increase mortality due to collisions with, particularly telecom and ceilometer towers.  However, bridge structures were not included in the list other structures which could cause increased bird mortality. 

7.12.1.6 Nocturnally active species that could be affected by lighting include Night Herons, Grey Herons, bats and other nocturnal mammals.  However, only one individual of night heron was recorded during the TM-CLKL bird flight (quantitative point count) survey flying over the sea and this was at a height that would be above the proposed southern viaduct deck height.  Notwithsatanding, the night heron was frequently recorded (10 out of 11 avifauna surveys) in North Lantau (Tai Ho and Pak Mong).

7.12.1.7 Standard bridge lighting would comprise street lighting on the bridge deck for vehicles and also on the bridge perios and undersurface of the bridge for the navigation channel for marine vessels.  Such lighting would help to increase the visibility of the deck for birds flying over and under the structure at night and given the lack of evidence of adverse effects on lighting on bird mortality, the few numbers of nocutal species noted in the study area and the apparent preference of the birds to fly over land, the standard bridge lighting would be considered sufficient and significant impacts would not be predicted. 

7.12.1.8 Lighting on the viaduct could also add to the intensity of ambient, however, given the location of the vaiduct in the vicinity of Tung Chung, the Airport island and the North Lantau Highway, the extra lighting is not expected to contribute significantly to the light intensity.  In addition, it seems that the birds can habituate to increased light (HyD, 2002) and are therefore, not expected to be significantly affected.  Thus, overall no significant impacts assocated with lighting and glare on birdlife would be expected.

Pollution Emission from Vehicles

7.12.1.9 Pollution impacts from road traffic can affect the abundance of insect prey available to birds. Vehicle emissions could potentially have impacts on the availability of food and, hence, reduce breeding bird populations (Reijnen et al., 1995).  Vehicle emissions, also, have the potential to induce toxic responses in bird populations inhabiting roadside habitats. Although both reductions in insect populations and presence of pollutants are known to be highly localised impacts (Reijnen et al., 1995), the impacts would not be expected to be significantly higher than already occur based on the pollution from existing roads and, thus, are not considered to be significant to the avifauna of the study area.

Disturbance to Fauna Associated with Noise and Increased Human Activity

7.12.1.10 Indirect impacts to terrestrial fauna may arise from increased human activities and background noise during operational phase. The alignment is mostly along existing transportation corridors (e.g. Lung Mun Road and North Lantau Highway) and the nearby habitats have been constantly subjected to indirect impacts of similar nature.  The fauna present around the area should have already been adapted to or be tolerant to indirect disturbance of a similar nature.  As such, the severity of additional impacts would be expected to be insignificant.

7.12.1.11 The potential ecological impacts during construction phase in the study area resulting from the project have been evaluated according to Table 1 of Annex 8 of the TM-EIAO and area summarised in Table 7.25 below.  

Table 7.25      Summary of Operation Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures

General Impact	Specific Impact	Severity of Impact	Mitigation Required
Interference	Interference of viaduct structure to avifauna	Insignificant	No
Lighting and Glare	Interference of viaduct lighting to avifauna	Insignificant	No
Pollution emission from vehicles	Toxic effects of vehicle exhaust fumes on fauna which predate them	Insignificant	No
Disturbance	Disturbance to fauna associated with increased traffic noise and human activity	Insignificant	No

7.13 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

7.13.1 Construction Phase Impact Mitigation

General

7.13.1.1 Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM states that the general policy for mitigation of significant ecological impacts, in order of priority, is:

· Avoidance:  Potential impacts should be avoided to the maximum extent practicable by adopting suitable alternatives;

· Minimisation:  Unavoidable impacts should be minimised by taking appropriate and practicable measures such as constraints on intensity of works operations or timing of works operations; and

· Compensation:  The loss of important species and habitats may be provided for elsewhere as compensation.  Enhancement and other conservation measures should always be considered whenever possible.

7.13.1.2 As described in Section 2, a detailed option assessment of various alignments has been undertaken and the preferred alignment selected on the basis that it was preferred on environmental grounds, as well as meeting all the necessary engineering and operational constraints and requirements.  In terms of the terrestrial elements of the alignment, the project has avoided and minimised key habitats as far as possible by proposing to use land which is, overall, already disturbed and/or developed.  In Tuen Mun, the landfall and toll plaza area is commercial and industrial in nature and only the fringes of natural habitats would be affected. 

7.13.1.3 In north Lantau, while the TM-CLKL makes landfall at the ecological sensitive Tai Ho Wan, the alignment would be some distance from the San Tau Beach SSSI (about 4.2km) and Tai Ho SSSI (about 600m) and not directly affect this area, interfacing instead with the north Lantau transport corridor which is formed on reclaimed land and already disturbed. The Works Areas for site office and storage have also been selected carefully and comprise sites already used as works areas or are on disturbed and developed land.

7.13.1.4 Further minimisation of construction impacts can also be achieved through good construction practice measures which should be implemented and should include:

· avoid damage and disturbance to the remaining and surrounding natural habitat;

· placement of equipment in designated areas within the existing disturbed land;

· spoil heaps should be covered at all times;

· construction activities should be restricted to the proposed works boundary; and

· disturbed areas to be reinstated immediately after completion of the works.

7.13.1.5 Further mitigation measures for the specific impacts identified are detailed below.

Habitat Loss

7.13.1.6 Vegetation losses would be incurred along the road alignment, at the Toll Plaza at Tuen Mun. Although a total of 4.7ha of tall shrubland and 6.3ha of plantation woodland would be directly affected, they contribute only a small portion of the same habitat type within study area (6.2% for tall shrubland and 11.1% for plantation).  In addition, tall shrubland and plantation in Tuen Mun have been determined to have low ecological value (Table 7.20) and are already subject to fragmentation and disturbance.  Notwithstanding, given the relatively larger areas involved, minor impacts are predicted and thus, some tree and shrub planting as an enhancement measure is recommended.

7.13.1.7 All land disturbed during the course of the works that will not subsequently be occupied by the permanent works, will be planted with either native tree or shrub species.  As a general approach, where these areas lie within or alongside areas of existing woodland then woodland species will be planted.  In areas bordered by tall and low scrub, then appropriate scrub species will be established.

7.13.1.8 A total of 33ha of landscape planting would mainly served as a mitigation for the loss of landscape (refer to Chapter 10), while it would also function as an enhancement of tree and habitat loss as a result of TM-CLKL. In Tuen Mun, areas of 8.1ha and 2.6ha would be allocated for tree and shrub/grassland planting, respectively. In North Lantau, area of 17ha and 5.3ha would be allocated for tree and shrub/grassland planting, respectively. A summary of the planting area arrangement within the TM-CLKL works boundary are presented in Table 7.26 below.

Table 7.26  Summary of Planting Areas within the Works Boundary

Location	Tree Planting Area (ha)	Shrub and Grassland Area (ha)
Tuen Mun
Toll Plaza (Rock Slope)	0	1.0
Toll Plaza (except Rock Slope)	1.3	0.2
Lung Mun Road	0.8	0.5
Northern Reclamation	6.0	0.9
Sub-total for Tuen Mun	8.1	2.6
North Lantau
Southern Reclamation	13.0	0.1
NLH (Slope)	1.7	0
NLH (Road Side)	2.2	5.2
Sub-total for North Lantau	17	5.3
TOTAL	25.1	7.9

7.13.1.9 A combination of shrubs, trees, climbers and ground cover species are suggested to be planted as part of the enhancement measures. The proposed species for planting are listed on Table 7.27 below and the planting plans are provided in Figure 10.9.1 to 10.9.13.  Trees, groundcovers and climbers are proposed for roadside planting while shrubs are mainly for woodland planting. Native shrubs species will be planted on the newly formed slopes around the toll plaza and in north Lantau and will, also, be used to reinstate disturbed areas alongside the existing area of plantation woodland and tall shrubland.  The habitat to be lost, while permanent, mainly comprises the fringe of plantation woodland and tall shrubland in Tuen Mun which is highly disturbed and considered to be of low to moderate ecological value only. 

Table 7.27      Recommended Planting Species

Floral Type	Botanical Name
Trees	Bauhinia blakeana, Bauhinia variegata, Bischofia javanica, Bombax ceiba, Cassia surattensis, Cerbera manghas, Cinnamomum burmannii, Coccoloba uvifera, Crateva unilocularis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Ficus benjamina, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Liquidambar formosana, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Syzygium jambo, Thespesia populnea, Vernicia Montana
Whips	Aglaia odorata , Asparagus sprengeri, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Calliandra haematocephala, Desmos chinensis, Gardenia jasminoides, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Ilex asprella, Ilex pubescens, Jasminum mesnyi, Justicia gendarussa, Ligustrum punctifolium, Ligustrum sinense, Melastoma candidum , Michelia figo , Murraya paniculata , Psychotria asiatica, Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhododendron farrerae
Groundcovers	Lantana hybrida, Lantana montevidensis, Ophiopogon japonicus, Russelia equisetiformis
Climbers / Creepers	Ficus pumila,  Parthenocissus dalzielii

7.13.1.10 For the loss of the 6.3ha of plantation woodland in Tuen Mun, 6.3ha of trees would be planted in this area as an enhancement measure on a 1:1 ratio. As the plantation woodland is of low ecological value and already fragmented, the planting of other roadside and ornamental trees would be effective in replacing this habitat.

7.13.1.11 In terms of the loss of 4.7ha of tall shrubland, this area is, also, of low ecological value being a fringe habitat which is subject to disturbance from human activities in the area.  As such, it is recommended to undertaken enhancement planting of 2.9ha of shrubs and grasses, together with 1.8ha of trees, a total of 4.7ha of enhancement planting.  In addition to this enhancement planting, a further 22ha of planting within the TM-CLKL boundary will be undertaken.

7.13.1.12 The construction of the toll plaza will be very close to a colony (covering area of approximately 10m×30m) of the protected floral Pitcher Plant species (Nepenthes mirabilis), protected under the Forests Regulation, Cap. 96, and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinace, Cap. 586.  In order to protect the species present and also surrounding plants, it is recommended that a hoarding be erected along the works boundary of the Project Site before the commencement of works to prevent vehicle movements and encroachment of personnel onto adjacent areas where the Pitcher Plants are located.  No openings in the hoarding should be provided on the northern side of the work areas to avoid access to the uphill area where the Pitcher Plants are present.  Regular checking of the works site boundaries should be undertaken to ensure that they are not breached and that damage does not occur to the surrounding areas.  In addition, environmental briefing/training sessions should be provided and scheduled for site staff to raise their awareness on environmental protection.

7.13.1.13 The stream NLl next to the North Lantau Highway would be affected by the slope work at Lantau and a length of 10m of the lower end of the stream would be temporarily lost.  In addition, a debris trap may be required to build near the toe of the drainage line which would affect the stream.  In order to avoid disturbance of key species that may utilise the stream during periods of high flow and for breeding (breeding may occur throughout the year) and to avoid any downstream effects of construction of the gabion wall, it is recommended that works in the stream should be conducted in the dry season when the flow is limited.

Fragmentation

7.13.1.14 Fragmentation of the streams at Tuen Mun would be expected due to the construction of toll plaza. However, no significant impact would be anticipated due to its low ecological value and thus no mitigation is required.

Disturbance

7.13.1.15 Disturbance is an unavoidable impact of the road construction process. However, it will have insignificant impacts on mobile taxa, or taxa which do not have highly specific habitat requirements, such as birds, large mammals, most reptiles, and butterfly and dragonfly adults, and in these cases disturbance impacts will be avoided by ensuring that the works area is as small as practicable.

7.13.1.16 Within the study area, disturbance of individuals of the flora species of conservation interest such as Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) and Chinese Antirhea (Antirhea chinensis) are not anticipated and thus no mitigation is required.

7.13.2 Operation Phase Impact Mitigation

7.13.2.1 No significant impacts associated with the operational phase of the project are expected with potential interferences of viaduct structure, pollution emission from vehicles and disturbance due to increased human activities and background noise not being anticipated to cause signficiant impacts.  As such, in the operation stage, no mitigation is required.

7.13.3 Summary of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

7.13.3.1 The impacts during construction and operation phase and their mitigation are summarised in Table 7.28 below.  

Table 7.28      Summary of Impacts, Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

Impact	Description	Mitigation	Enhancement
Habitat Loss	Loss of 4.7haof tall shrubland in Tuen Mun	Not required.	Restoration of disturbed areas in accordance with the landscape proposal. Cut slopes for the new road should be landscaped using environmentally-sensitive bio-engineering measures as described in GEO (2000) such as incorporating a ‘stepped’ design with soil in the resultant terraces to facilitate establishment of vegetation. Enhancement planting of 2.9ha of shrubs and grasses, together with 1.8ha of trees, a total of 4.7ha of planting.
Habitat Loss	Loss of 6.3ha of plantation in Tuen Mun	Not required.	Restoration of disturbed areas in accordance with the landscape proposal. Cut slopes for the new road should be landscaped using environmentally-sensitive bio-engineering measures as described in GEO (2000) such as incorporating a ‘stepped’ design with soil in the resultant terraces to facilitate establishment of vegetation. Enhancement planting of 6.3ha of trees within the site boundary.
	Flora of conservation interest (Pitcher Plants) potentially disturbed by the construction works.	Erect hoarding along the works boundary of the Project Site before the commencement of works to prevent vehicle movements and encroachment of personnel onto adjacent areas. Regularly check the work site boundaries to ensure that they are not breached and that damage does not occur to surrounding areas. Provided environmental briefing/training sessions for site staff.	n/a
	Temporary disturbance from slope works and possible construction of gabion wall in the lower reaches of stream NL1	Undertake works in the dry season.	n/a

7.14 Residual Impacts

7.14.1.1 With implementation of the above mitigation measures and following the re-establishment of vegetation in reinstated works areas, it was considered that the TM-CLKL project would have no long-term, unacceptable residual terrestrial ecological impacts.

7.15 Cumulative Impacts

7.15.1.1 As detailed in the construction programme in Section 3, it is anticipated that land based construction works of TM-CLKL will commence in October 2011 and the works last for about 5 years.  However, the land based works will be of a shorter duration.  Other planned projects which will be undertaken concurrently and that have potential for cumulative direct and/or indirect terrestrial ecological impacts in the study area include:

· Tuen Mun Western By-pass (TMWB); and

· Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge Hong Kong Link Road (HZMB HKLR). 

7.15.1.2 The works associated with the TMWB in the TM-CLKL study area will comprise a tunnel portal on the eastern side of the proposed toll plaza in Tuen Mun.  Contruction of the tunnel will be undertaken in areas which are already developed and, as such, negligible natural habitat should be affected by these works.  Therefore, no cumulative habitat loss resulting from the TMWB and TM-CLKL projects is expected.  While some additional disturbance to fauna in the area is possible as a result of the concurrent construction of the TMWB tunnel and TM-CLKL toll plaza, this is expected to be limited and short-term as noise impacts will be controlled once the works progress further into the tunnel itself.  

7.15.1.3 The HKLR will affect both grassland/shrubland habitats at Scenic Hill as a result of the portal for the HKLR tunnel.  The areas to be affected are small, however, at about 1ha in total.  No woodland habitat will be impacted by the HKLR.  This compares to about 6ha of shrubby grassland and 4.2ha of tall shrubland for the TM-CLKL.

7.15.1.4 Overall, the large area of compensatory planting for the TM-CLKL would ameliorate any combined impacts and as such no cumulative terrestrial impacts are predicted with this and the mitigation recommended by the HKLR project.

7.16 Ecological Monitoring and Audit Requirements

7.16.1.1 The implementation of the ecological mitigation measures described in Section 7.13 will be checked as part of the EM&A procedures during the construction period.  Environmental audit is needed to ensure the ecological impacts from the construction and operation of the Project is kept within acceptable levels, and the application and mitigation measures are practical and effective.  A detailed specification for the hoarding to protect the Pitcher Plants adjacent to the proposed toll plaza will need to be prepared at the detailed design stage.  Further details of the specific EM&A requirements are detailed in Section 15.0 of this report and in the EM&A Manual.

7.17 References

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AFCD (2003). Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong. 

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