7 Terrestrial Ecological Assessment

7.1 Introduction

This Section presents the baseline conditions of ecological resources within the Study Area (including 500m from the Project Site boundary, within the HKSAR boundary), and the findings of the terrestrial ecological assessment associated with the construction and operation of the Project. Baseline conditions for ecological components of the terrestrial and associated aquatic environment were evaluated based on information from available literature and recent ecological field update surveys conducted during both dry and wet seasons for the purposes of this ecological impact assessment. Measures required to mitigate any identified ecological impacts have been recommended, where appropriate.

7.2 Relevant Legislation & Assessment Criteria

The criteria for evaluating terrestrial ecological impacts are laid out in the EIAO-TM and EIA Study Brief (ESB-200/2009). Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM sets out the general approach and methodology for the assessment of impacts to ecological resources arising from a project or proposal. Annex 8 of the EIAO-TM recommends the criteria that can be used for evaluating such impacts.

Relevant legislative requirements and evaluation criteria relevant to this Study for the protection of species and habitats of terrestrial ecological importance are summarised as follows:

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96);

· Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170);

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

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

· Environment Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499)

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

· United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992);

· Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention); and

· PRC Regulations and Guidelines.

Details on each of the above are presented below.

7.2.1 Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO-TM)

Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM sets out the general approach and methodology for assessment of ecological impacts arising from a project or proposal, to allow a complete and objective identification, prediction and evaluation of the potential ecological impacts. Annex 8 recommends the criteria that can be used for evaluating ecological impacts.

7.2.2 Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96)

The Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96) prohibits the felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and growing plants in forests and plantations on Government land. The subsidiary Forestry Regulations prohibit the picking, felling or possession of listed rare and protected plant species. The list of protected species in Hong Kong which comes under the Forestry Regulations was last amended on 11 June 1993 under the Forestry (Amendment) Regulation 1993 made under Section 3 of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance.

7.2.3 Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170)

Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (WAPO) (Cap 170), designated wild animals are protected from being hunted, whilst their nests and eggs are protected from destruction and removal. All wild birds and most mammals, including all cetaceans, are protected under this Ordinance, as well as certain reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The Second Schedule of the Ordinance that lists all the animals protected was last revised in June 1997.

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

The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586) was enacted to align Hong Kong to control regime with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). With effect from 1 July 2006, it replaces the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap 187). The purpose of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance is to restrict the import and export of species listed in CITES Appendices so as to protect wildlife from overexploitation or extinction. The Ordinance is primarily related to controlling trade in threatened and endangered species and restricting the local possession of them.

7.2.5 Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131)

The amended Town Planning Ordinance provides for the designation of areas such as “Coastal Protection Areas”, “Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)”, “Green Belt” and "Conservation Area” to promote conservation or protection or protect significant habitat.

7.2.6 Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 (HKPSG)

Chapter 10 of the HKPSG 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.

7.2.7 Other Relevant Legislation

The Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) is a Contracting Party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity of 1992. The Convention requires signatories to make active efforts to protect and manage their biodiversity resources. The Government of the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) has stated that it will be “committed to meeting the environmental objectives” of the Convention (Planning, Environment and Lands Branch 1996).

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention) applies to the HKSAR. The Convention requires parties to conserve and make wise use of wetland areas, particularly those supporting waterfowl populations. Article 1 of the Convention defines wetlands as ‘areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.’. The Mai Po/Inner Deep Bay wetland was declared a Wetland of International Importance (“Ramsar site”) under the Convention in 1995.

The PRC in 1988 ratified the Wild Animal Protection Law of the PRC, which lays down basic principles for protecting wild animals. The Law prohibits killing of protected animals, controls hunting, and protects the habitats of wild animals, both protected and non-protected. The Law also provides for the creation of lists of animals protected at the state level, under Class I and Class II. There are 96 animal taxa in Class I and 161 in Class II. Class I provides a higher level of protection for animals considered to be more threatened.

7.3 Description of the Study Area

Within the HKSAR boundary, the Study Area was defined as the area within 500 m of the Project Site boundary, including the improvement works of an approximately 4.5km long section of Shenzhen River (hereafter “the river modification and associated works”) and re-provision of a boundary patrol road and boundary security fence of about 4.5km in length (hereafter “the advanced works”) (see Figure 7.1). The Study Area for aquatic ecology also included those areas covered by the water quality impact assessment including Shenzhen River, Ping Yuen River (River Ganges) and Kong Yiu Drainage Channel.

The Shenzhen River runs though the centre of the Study Area westwards, mainly in an unchannelised section from Pak Fu Shan to Ta Kwu Ling and also in a small channelised section running west from where it intersects with the Ping Yuen River (also channelised). It forms the official boundary between the HKSAR and the Shenzhen Municipality. To the north of the Shenzhen River lies the Special Economic Zone of Shenzhen which is a highly developed, urban area.

To the south of the Shenzhen River, the HKSAR section of the Study Area is more diverse. The boundary patrol road follows the course of the river on its south bank and part of this road lies to the north of the current boundary fence where access is restricted by police controlled gates (between Gates 41 and 54 and between Gates 56 and 58). The rest of the boundary patrol road (between Gates 54 and 56 and west of Gate 58), lies to the south of the boundary fence and there are no barriers to access. As well as the Shenzhen and Ping Yuen Rivers, the Kong Yiu Drainage Channel runs through the Study Area for about 1.4km, joining the Shenzhen River just south of the current Chuk Yuen village. The Study Area to the south of the Shenzhen River is mainly flat and dominated by cultivated land and abandoned agricultural land, with one larger hill to the north (Pak Fu Shan) covered by shrubby grassland. The Ta Kwu Ling Police Station lies to the west of the Study Area and there are a few small villages as well as some abandoned factories (a bean curd factory and a chicken factory). There are also patches of woodland including two small patches of fung shui woodland, shrubby grassland, low-lying grassland, plantation and pond.

7.4 Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance Downstream of the Study Area along the Shenzhen River

7.4.1 Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site

The Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site covers the Mai Po Marshes SSSI, the Inner Deep Bay area and the inter-tidal mudflats with 1,500 hectares of wetlands (see Figure 7.2). It was designated as a “Wetland of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention on 4 September 1995. The Ramsar Site is a natural shallow estuarine area, with extensive intertidal mudflats, dwarf mangroves, gei wai and fishponds. These wetlands provide a wide range of habitats to support a high diversity of fauna ([1]), including some rare mammals and restricted-range invertebrates. This habitat is particularly important to migratory waterbirds for resting and feeding. More than 60,000 waterbirds including a number of globally threatened species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor, Saunder’s Gull Larus saundersi and Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca stop-over or overwinter at this wetland annually ([2])([3]). Moreover, 30 of the over 380 bird species that have been recorded in the Ramsar Site are of global conservation concern, including three critically endangered species ([4]) (see Table 7.1).

Table 7.1 Bird species of global conservation concern recorded at Deep Bay ([5])

Species	Global IUCN Status	Occurrence at Deep Bay
Regularly Recorded
Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus	Vulnerable	Winter visitor
Swinhoe's/ Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes	Vulnerable	Passage migrant
Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor	Endangered	Winter Visitor
Falcated Duck Anas falcata	Near Threatened	Winter Visitor
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca	Near Threatened	Winter Visitor
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga	Vulnerable	Winter Visitor
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca	Vulnerable	Winter Visitor
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa	Near Threatened	Passage migrant and winter visitor
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquatus	Near Threatened	Passage migrant and winter visitor
Nordmann's Greenshank Tringa guttifer	Endangered	Passage migrant
Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus	Near Threatened	Passage migrant
Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmaeus	Critically Endangered	Passage migrant
Relict Gull Larus relictus	Vulnerable	Winter visitor
Saunders's Gull Larus saundersi	Vulnerable	Winter visitor
Styan's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei	Vulnerable	Winter visitor
Manchurian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus tangorum	Vulnerable	Passage migrant
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola	Vulnerable	Passage migrant
Collared Crow Corvus torquatus	Near Threatened	Local resident and breeder
Less Frequently Recorded
Christmas Island Frigatebird Fregata andrewsi	Critically Endangered	Single record (1997)
Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana	Endangered	Historical winter visitor
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus	Near Threatened	Historical winter vi
Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus	Vulnerable	Single record (2007)
Baikal Teal Anas formosa	Vulnerable	Occasional winter visitor
Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri	Endangered	Occasional winter visitor
Eurasian Black Vulture Aegypius monachus	Near Threatened	Historical winter visitor
Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus	Critically Endangered	Single record (2002)
Japanese Swamp Warbler Megalurus pryeri	Vulnerable	Two records (2007, 2009)
Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher Rhinomyias brunneata	Vulnerable	Terrestrial species
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone atrocaudata	Near Threatened	Terrestrial species
Japanese Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata	Vulnerable	Terrestrial species

7.4.2 Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

The Mai Po Marshes were designated as SSSI on 15 September 1976 and the Inner Deep Bay was designated as SSSI on 18 March 1986. They now fall within the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. The marshes contain the largest and most important area of dwarf mangrove in Hong Kong and the areas provide a rich food source for both resident and migratory birds, as well as nesting habitats for a number of bird species.

7.4.3 Mai Po Village Site of Special Scientific Interest

The Mai Po Village was designated as SSSI in 1979 because of the presence of an egretry.

7.4.4 Wetland Conservation Area

In order to conserve the ecological value of the existing contiguous and adjoining active/abandoned fishponds in the Deep Bay Area, which form an integral part of the wetland ecosystem, a Wetland Conservation Area (WCA) was designated by the Town Planning Board ([6]). It mitigates the negative impact arising from undesirable land uses and human disturbance, by protecting the ecological resources of the wetland and fishponds and conserves the integrity of the Deep Bay wetland ecosystem. The Mai Po fishponds, ecological mitigation area at Sham Po Shue and part of the Lok Ma Chau fishpond areas fall within the WCA. This habitat is an important foraging site for waterbird species, including the globally threatened Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor and the Ardeids (heron, egrets and bitterns) breeding at adjacent egretries.

7.4.5 Wetland Buffer Area

The Wetland Buffer Area (WBA) is a buffer area of about 500m landward of the WCA boundary. A substantial number of the fishponds within the WBA have been filled and certain areas degraded by the presence of open storage use. These degraded areas may be considered as target areas to allow an appropriate level of residential/recreational development so as to provide an incentive to remove the open storage and/or restore some of the lost fishponds.

7.5 Literature Review of Terrestrial Ecological Resources within the Study Area

A literature review was conducted to characterise the existing condition within the Study Area and to identify habitats and species of potential importance in the area. The literature review included Government and private sector reports, independent and Government published literature, vegetation maps and land use maps. Reviewed information included, but was not limited to, the following:

· Shenzhen River Regulation Project Stage 3 - Environmental Impact Assessment ([7]);

· Construction of a Secondary Boundary Fence and new sections of Primary Boundary Fence and Boundary Patrol Road – EIA Study ([8]);

· Stream Improvement at Ta Kwu Ling associated with the Resite of Chuk Yuen Village ([9]); and

· Land Use Planning for Closed Area - Feasibility Study ([10])

Ecological surveys covering both wet and dry seasons have been conducted along various sections of the Shenzhen River with regard to earlier stages of the Shenzhen River Regulation Project. The north eastern part of the Study Area for the Shenzhen River Regulation Project Stage 3 – EIA ([11]) covers the south west area of the current Study Area (Ping Yuen, Shenzhen River intersection) while Section 3 of the Study Area for the Construction of a Secondary Boundary Fence and new sections of Primary Boundary Fence and Boundary Patrol Road – EIA Study ([12]) runs from Lo Wu to Lin Ma Hang via Man Kam To, Ta Kwu Ling and Pak Fu Shan, and the middle part of this section is the same as the current Study Area. The smaller Stream Improvement at Ta Kwu Ling associated with the Resite of Chuk Yuen Village ([13]) project falls completely within the current Study Area.

7.5.1 Habitat and Vegetation

According to the literature review, habitats found in the Study Area included woodland (including Fung Shui woodland), shrubland, plantation, pond, abandoned fish pond, marsh, wet and dry agricultural land, abandoned agricultural land/low-lying grassland, hillside grassland, stream/river, drainage channel and developed area ([14]) ([15]). At least 99 floral species were recorded in the Study area but from the reviewed literature, information about the vegetation found in each habitat type within the Study Area is limited to those detailed below.

The Fung Shui woodland was reportedly found at Kan Tau Wai, south of Ta Kwu Ling village and at Tsung Yuen Ha and was said to be dominated by Cinnamomum camphora, Celtis sinensis, Aquilaria sinensis, Schima superba, Aporosa dioica and Syzygium levinei. The main area of woodland was located south east of Chuk Yuen and the dominant species included Celtis sinensis, Macaranga tanarius and Microcos paniculata.

The wet agricultural land was mainly located west of the Ping Yuen River and other than the crop Ipomoea aquatica, common wetland species such as Panicum repens, Eclipta prostrata and Ammannia areneria were found on the edges of farmlands.

The abandoned agricultural land/low-lying grassland was dominated by Mikania micrantha, Paspalum conjugatum, Panicum maximum as well as Bidens alba and Pennisetum purpureum.

The abandoned fish pond was dominated by Cyclosorus interruptus, Panicum maximum and Phragmites australis.

One species of conservation interest was recorded, Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis, including one individual found at the edge of the abandoned fish pond south of Chuk Yuen ([16]).

7.5.2 Mammals

According to the literature review including data from a mammal camera trap survey conducted by AFCD from 2002-2006 in woodland near Chuk Yuen, at least twelve mammal species were recorded in the Study Area, including, Small-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale moschata, Domestic Dog Canis lupus familiaris, Domestic Cat Felis catus and Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa. Night surveys in the area recorded the Roof Rat Rattus rattus and the Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus. In addition species of conservation interest recorded during the camera trap survey included Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus, Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica, East Asian Porcupine Hystrix brachyura, Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis, Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata and Red Muntjac Muntiacus muntjak ([17]) (See Annex D, Table 2 for details). Ecological field surveys conducted as part of the land use planning feasibility study ([18]) also recorded East Asian Porcupine Hystrix brachyura at Lin Ma Hang Road, just outside the northern boundary of the Study Area.

7.5.3 Birds

According to the literature review at least 35 bird species were definitely recorded in the Study Area, including five species of conservation interest; Black Kite Milvus migrans, Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis, Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis and Hwamei Garrulax canorus ([19]) (see Annex D, Table 4). Locations of further bird species recorded in the other studies reviewed were not precise enough to be ensure they were of relevance to the current study.

The Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Hwamei and Greater Coucal were all recorded in woodland near Chuk Yuen village. The Greater Coucal was also recorded in abandoned and active agricultural land in this area, as was the Lesser Coucal. The Lesser Coucal was also recorded in habitat reported as shrubland, to the south east of Chuk Yuen village.

To the south of the Study Area, 17 bird species of conservation importance and wetland-dependant species were recorded during previous field surveys ([20]) in the agricultural lands at Chow Tin Tsuen such as Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus, Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus, White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus and Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis.

The above-mentioned field surveys ([21]) also recorded 9 bird species of conservation importance at the agricultural areas in Tsung Yuen Ha and Heung Yuen Wai such as White-breasted Waterhen, Lesser Coucal and Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola.

7.5.4 Herpetofauna (Amphibians & Reptiles)

According to the literature review at least five amphibians including Asiatic Painted Frog Kaloula pulchra, Paddy Frog Rana limnocharis ,Common Toad Bufo melanostictus, Brown Tree Frog Plypedates megacephalus and Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis and three reptiles, Chinese Gecko Gekko chinensis , Checkered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator and Burmese Python Python molurus bivittatus were recorded in the Study Area ([22]) ([23])([24])([25]) (see Annex D, Table 6 & 8). Among these species, Chinese Bullfrog and Buremese Python are regarded as species of conservation interest.

7.5.5 Butterflies & Dragonflies

According to the literature review at least 29 butterfly species and 16 dragonfly species were recorded in the Study Area ([26])([27]) , of which butterfly Small Three-ring Ypthima norma and Spotted Angle Caprona alida recorded at Tsung Yuen Ha and Tawny Hooktail (Paragomphus capricornis) recorded at Chow Tin are species of conservation interest (see Annex D, Tables 10 & 12).

7.5.6 Aquatic Fauna

According to the literature review approximately ten aquatic fauna species were recorded in the Study Area including Chinese Barb Puntius semifasciolatus, Chinese Catfish Clarias fuscus, Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, Mosquito fish Gambusia affinis, Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, Freshwater Shrimps Caridina cantonensis and Macrobrachium hainanence, Goldfish Carassius auratus and Guppy Poecilia reticulata and Apple Snail Pomacea lineatai found in ditches.

No fish species of conservation interest was recorded within the Study Area from previous field surveys as part of the land use planning feasibility study ([28]).

7.6 Ecological Baseline Surveys - Methodologies

In order to verify the information collected, supplement the existing ecological information and fulfil the objectives of the EIA study, six months of ecological field surveys (covering both wet and dry seasons) were conducted from August 2009 to January 2010. The Study Areas within the HKSAR boundary and Shenzhen boundary were defined as the area within 500m and 200m from the Project Site boundary, respectively.

The ecological surveys were aimed at establishing an updated general ecological profile of the Study Area and describing the characteristics of each habitat found. The methodology of the ecological surveys made reference to the technical guidelines of ecological assessment in Annex 16 of EIAO-TM and the related Guidance Notes (GN 7/2002 and GN 10/2004). They were designed to identify the existing ecological status of the area in order to facilitate this ecological impact assessment and to recommend any appropriate mitigation measures. Details of the methodologies employed in the ecological surveys undertaken for the assessment are provided below.

7.6.1 Habitat and vegetation surveys

Field surveys focusing on habitat and vegetation within the Study Area were performed in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary in September, November and December 2009 (covering both the wet and dry seasons). Special attention was given to plant species of conservation interest. The aim of the surveys was to record ecological data within the Study Area, and establish or update the ecological profile.

Habitats were mapped based on government aerial photos (year 2008) and field ground truthing, and with reference to the habitat map presented in the approved Secondary Boundary Fence EIA Report ([29]). Representative areas of each habitat type were surveyed on foot. Plant species of each habitat type encountered and their relative abundance were recorded with special attention given to rare or protected species. Nomenclature and conservation status of plant species follow Xing et al. (2000) ([30]), Wu and Lee (2000) ([31]), Siu (2000) ([32]), AFCD (2003) ([33]) and AFCD (2004) ([34]).

7.6.2 Wildlife surveys

Wildlife surveys included day and night-time surveys, covering both the wet and dry seasons (see Box 1).

Box 1 – Surveyed Months for Wildlife Surveys

Survey Type	Surveyed Months (Daytime)	Surveyed Months (Night-time)
Mammal Surveys	2009 - August, September, October, November and December 2010 - January	2009 - September, October, November and December 2010 - January
Bird Surveys	2009 - August, September, October, November and December 2010 - January	2009 - September, October, November and December 2010 - January
Herpetofauna Surveys	2009 - August, September, October, November and December 2010 - January	2009 - September, October, November and December 2010 - January
Odonates and Butterflies Surveys	2009 - August, September, October, November and December 2010 - January	2009 - September, October, November and December 2010 - January

For the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary, qualitative and some quantitative data were recorded from transects and using the point count method. The locations of sampling points and transects are shown in Figure 7.3.

Mammals

As most mammals occurred at low densities, all sightings, tracks, and signs of mammals (including droppings) were actively searched along the survey transects (see Figure 7.3) and special attention was paid to observing or looking for evidence of bats and the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra. Nomenclature for mammals follows AFCD (2006) ([35]). No quantification of abundance of mammals in the Study Area was made, due to the difficulties in translating sights and tracks (eg burrows) to actual abundance.

Birds

The bird communities of the major habitats (ie secondary woodland, shrubby grassland, low-lying grassland, cultivated land, abandoned agricultural land, plantation, stream/river, channel, pond and developed area) within the Study Area were surveyed using the transect/ point count method subject to the on-site conditions. Ten minutes were spent counting birds at each sampling point, and all birds seen or heard within 30 m of each point were counted and identified to species level where possible. Birds flying directly overhead at each sampling point (eg birds of prey, swifts and swallows, corvids) were also included in the sampling point records. Signs of breeding (eg nests, recently fledged juveniles) within the Hong Kong SAR Study Area were also recorded, if any. Observations were made using 8x binoculars and photographic records were taken, if possible. Bird species encountered outside counting points but within the Hong Kong Study Area were also recorded to produce a complete species list. Ornithological nomenclature in this report follows Viney et al (2006) ([36]).

Herpetofauna

Herpetofauna surveys were conducted through direct observation and active searching in all major representative habitat types along survey transects and in potential hiding places such as among leaf litter, inside holes and under stones and logs within the Study Area. Auditory detection of species-specific calls was also used to survey frogs and toads. During the surveys, all reptiles and amphibians sighted and heard were recorded.

Nomenclature and status used for reptiles follows Karsen et al 1998 ([37]) and AFCD 2006 ([38]) while that of amphibians follows AFCD 2005 ([39]).

Odonates and Butterflies

Odonates and butterflies of different habitats within the Study Area were surveyed using the transect / point count method subject to the on-site conditions. Odonates and butterflies within 10 m from either side of the survey transect or within 30 m of each point were identified and counted. Odonates and butterflies encountered outside counting points but within the Study Area falling within the HKSAR boundary were also recorded in order to produce a complete species list. Nomenclature for butterflies in this report follows Walthew 1997 ([40]) and Yiu 2004 ([41]), and for odonates, nomenclature follows Wilson (2004) ([42]).

7.6.3 Aquatic surveys

Streams identified within the Study Area were visited and surveyed for freshwater fish in September 2009 and February 2010, covering both the wet and dry seasons. Freshwater fish were studied by methods including bank side observation, active search using hand nets, and fish capturing using fish cages and gillnets. Freshwater fish were recorded and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Nomenclature for fish in this report follows Lee et al (2004) ([43]).

7.7 Ecological Baseline Surveys - Results

7.7.1 Habitat and Vegetation

Habitats found in the Study Area included Woodland (including two small patches of Fung Shui Woodland at Kan Tau Wai and at Tsung Yuen Ha), Plantation, Shrubby Grassland, Low-lying Grassland, Marshy Low-lying Grassland, Abandoned Agricultural Land, Cultivated Land, Stream/River, Channel, Pond and Developed Area. Habitats found are shown in the habitat map (see Figures 7.4a-c). Photographic records of the various habitats found in the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary are presented in Figures 7.5 to 7.7. A total of 286 plant species were recorded during the study period, in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary (see Annex D). Although the one species of conservation interest recorded in previous reports (the individual Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis at the edge of the abandoned fish pond south of Chuk Yuen) was not identified during the current surveys, a different specimen of Aquilaria sinensis was found among the Fung Shui Woodland near Tsung Yuen Ha village, in the HKSAR Study Area (for its location, see Figure 7.8). Table 7.2 lists the number of plant species recorded in, and the total area occupied by, each habitat in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary.

Table 7.2 Plant Species Recorded within Each Habitat of Study Area within the HKSAR Boundary

Habitat	Number of Plant Species Total (Wet / Dry Season)	Area (ha)
Woodland (including Fung Shui Woodland)	90 (86/87)	~20.4
Plantation	53 (45/49)	~ 3.1
Shrubby Grassland	70 (59/60)	~44.3
Low-lying Grassland	54 (42/47)	~11.3
Marshy Low-lying Grassland	54 (42/47)	~6.6
Abandoned Agricultural Land	84 (58/76)	~82.5
Cultivated Land (Dry)	95 (64/75)	~55.2
Wet Active Agricultural Land	23 (19/14)	~1.6
Stream / River	45 (37/38)	~ 2.8 (6.0 km)
Channel	45 (29/38)	~ 9.1 (3.6 km)
Pond	37 (28/34)	~ 0.5
Developed Area (including road /. Path)	68 (60/45)	~38.2
TOTAL	286 (250/135)	~276

Woodland

Small patches of secondary woodland were found throughout the HKSAR Study Area with two small patches of fung shui woodland located near Kan Tau Wai and at Tsung Yuen Ha. Tree species that were most commonly found in the woodland were all native. Schefflera heptaphylla was the most abundant tree species found with other tree species such as Aporusa dioica, Macaranga tanarius, Sterculia lanceolata and Zanthoxylum avicennae also widely recorded. The understory was dominated by the native shrubs Psychotria asiatica and Bridelia tomentosa with climbers including Dalbergia benthamii, Dalbergia hancei, Cassytha filiformis, Cansjera rheedii and Eleutherococcus trifoliatus and the exotic species Mikania micrantha. Five species of very common ferns were recorded, all native, with two in high abundance, Lygodium japonicum and Adiantum flabellulatum.

The fung shui woodland near Kan Tau Wai was dominated by Bambusa spp. as well as some individuals of Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius, Bischofia javanica and Dimocarpus logan. The dominant species recorded in the fung shui woodland near Tsung Yuen Ha included Machilus cf. kwangtungensis, Schefflera heptaphylla and Cinnamomum camphora.

Overall, 90 species of plants were recorded within the woodland habitat, with almost equal numbers in the wet and dry seasons (86 and 87 species respectively). 83 species were found in both wet and dry seasons and the only species of conservation interest recorded in the whole Study Area, the Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis, was recorded in the fung shui woodland near Tsung Yuen Ha (for location refer to Figure 7.8). Aquilaria sinensis is a common tree in Hong Kong but is listed in Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). It is also listed as a Category II protected plant in China, in the List of Wild Plants under State Protection and is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by both the China Plant Red Data Book and by IUCN (2009).

The floristic diversity of woodland was moderate. A photographic record of secondary woodland and fung shui woodland is shown in Figure 7.5.

Plantation

Small plantation patches were found in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary. The plantation was located in three small patches to the west, middle and north of the Study Area. A tiny area of plantation can be found at the north-eastern end of the Project Site, belonging to a small patch which predominantly falls outside the Project Site.

Within the HKSAR Study Area, a total of 53 different species of plants were found, 45 in the wet season and 49 in the dry season, with 41 species recorded in both seasons. The dominant trees were exotic species, including Acacia confusa and Lophostemon confertus. Understory plants included the climbers Eleutherococcus trifoliatus and Mikania micrantha.

No plant species of conservation interested were recorded in this habitat. The floristic diversity of plantation was low to moderate. A photographic record of plantation is shown in Figure 7.5.

Shrubby Grassland

Shrubby grassland habitat was found in the HKSAR Study Area, principally in three medium-sized patches; one in the south, one in the mid-east and one in the north.

Overall 70 species of plant were found in this habitat with an almost identical number found in the wet and dry seasons (59 and 60 species respectively). 49 species were found in both seasons, including the tree Celtis sinensis, the climber Mikania micrantha and the herb Bidens pilosa var. radiata which were all found in high abundance in both seasons. The shrub Lantana camara was abundant in both seasons, whereas the herb Microstegium vagans, while abundant in the dry season, was not recorded in the wet season.

The floristic diversity of shrubby grassland was low to moderate. A photographic record of shrubby grassland is shown in Figure 7.5.

Low-lying Grassland and Marshy Low-lying Grassland

Low-lying grassland and marshy low-lying grassland were found mainly bordering the river channel within the Project Site but also outside the Project Site in the HKSAR Study Area. These habitats, in particular marshy low-lying grassland, could be flooded and become marshy during heavy storms, and the strong flushing water flow restricts the diversity of the associated vegetation. The habitat structure and species diversity of the marshy low-lying grassland is very similar to low-lying grassland but more frequent to be flooded after storms. The habitat boundary of the marshy low-lying grassland is mainly defined by the predicted extent of 1 in 2 year flood (Figure 1.2). 54 species of plant were found in these two habitats, with similar numbers of species in the wet and dry seasons (42 and 47 species respectively) and 35 species found in both seasons. The climbers Mikania micrantha and Ipomoea cairica and the herbs Neyraudia reynaudianai and Tithonia diversifolia were abundant in both the wet and dry seasons, as was the shrub Lantana camara.

No species of conservation interest were recorded. The floristic diversity of low-lying grassland and marshy low-lying grassland was low to moderate. A photographic record of low-lying grassland and marshy low-lying grassland is shown in Figure 7.5.

Abandoned Agricultural Land

Abandoned agricultural land was, with Cultivated Land, the predominant habitat type in the Study Area falling within the HKSAR boundary. It was found in the Project Site but mainly outside it. Only dry abandoned agricultural lands were recorded within the Study Area during the surveys. Overall, 84 species were found in this habitat, with a lower number of species found in the wet season (58) compared to the dry season (76). 50 species were recorded in both seasons, including the climber Mikania micrantha and the banana plant (herb) Musa x paradisiaca.

No species of conservation interest were recorded.

The floristic diversity of abandoned agricultural land was moderate. A photographic record of abandoned agricultural land is shown in Figure 7.6.

Cultivated Land (Dry)

Cultivated land, as mentioned previously, along with abandoned agricultural land, was the predominant habitat type in the Study Area falling within the HKSAR boundary. The cultivated land was dry land and was mainly recorded in the Study Area but was outside of the Project Site. Vegetables were the main crops with some fruit trees also found in orchards. Overall, 95 species were found in this habitat, with a higher number of species found in the dry season (75) compared to the wet season (64). 44 species were recorded in both seasons, including the banana plant (herb) Musa x paradisiaca.

21 plant species classified as ‘restricted’ were recorded in this habitat, including three native herbs (Chenopodium ficifolium, Cyperus exaltatus and Polygonum plebeium) and one native climber (Cardiospermum halicacabum), which were only recorded in the dry season and four herbs (Dicliptera chinensis, Lindernia crustacean, Ludwigia decurrens and Physalis angulata) which were only recorded in the wet season. No species of conservation interest were recorded in this habitat.

The floristic diversity of cultivated land was moderate. A photographic record of cultivated land is shown in Figure 7.6.

Wet Active Agricultural Land

A small area of wet, active agricultural land was located at the southern part of the Study Area, next to the Ping Yuen River. Plant species recorded during the surveys was grouped together with those found in the cultivated land (dry). Aquatic plant species including Water Spinach Ipomoea aquatica and Water Cress Nasturtium officinale were the main vegetable crops found in this habitat. No species of conservation interest were recorded in this habitat.

The floristic diversity of wet active agricultural land was low.

Stream / River

Shenzhen River flowed from the east end of the Project Site to the west, becoming a channelized river in the later stages. Direct discharge of domestic sewages from the households of Shenzhen is the main source of pollution to the river section of the Project Site. Small streams, generally with sandy bottom, were also found just north of Ha Heung Yuen and south of Kan Tau Wai in the Hong Kong section of the Study area.

45 plant species were recorded in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary, with almost identical numbers in the wet and dry season (37 and 38 respectively) and 30 found in both including a Commelina species of herb, the restricted, native shrub, Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia and the restricted, native climber Merremia hederacea. The common, exotic herb Cyperus odoratus was also recorded in both the wet and dry seasons.

No plant species of conservation interested were recorded in this habitat overall. The floristic diversity of stream /river was low. Photographic records of stream and river are shown in Figure 7.7.

Channel

Channel habitat was found in the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, with the wide channel at Ping Yuen and smaller channel leading from just south of Chuk Yuen westwards through Tsung Yeun Ha. The most abundant species recorded in the channel, in both wet and dry seasons, were the herbs Bidens pilosa var. radiata, Brachiaria mutica and Commelina sp. and the trees Acacia confusa and Leucaena leucocephala.

Overall 45 species of plant were found in channel habitat, with more in the dry season (38) than the wet season (29). 22 species were found in both seasons including all species previous mentioned as occurring in abundance and others including the trees Acacia auriculiformis and Macarange tanarius, the climber Mikania micrantha, the herbs Ludwigia hyssopifolia and Polygonum lapathifoliumi and the shrub Lindera communis.

No plant species of conservation interest were recorded. The floristic diversity of the channel habitats was low. Photographic records of channel are shown in Figure 7.6.

Pond (active and abandoned)

Ponds, both active and abandoned, were found in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary. One such active pond was located adjacent to Ling Ma Hang road and north of Heung Yuen Wai. The remaining ponds recorded within the Study Area were found to be abandoned.

Overall 37 plant species were found in this habitat, 28 in the wet season and 34 in the dry season, with 25 species found in both seasons. The herb Hedyotis corymbosa was found in very high abundance in both seasons, while the climber Mikania micrantha and the herb Scoparia dulcis were found in very high abundance in the dry season and less abundance in the wet season. Eight plant species including six herbs (Conyza sumatrensis, Eclipta prostrate, Emilia sonchifolia, Ludwigia hyssopifolia, Rorippa indicia and Solanum americanum) were only found in the dry season and three, including two herbs Synedrella nodiflora and Youngia japonica) were only found in the wet season.

All plant species found in this habitat were either common or very common and no plant species of conservation interest were recorded. The floristic diversity of pond was low. A photographic record of pond and abandoned pond is shown in Figure 7.7.

Developed Area (including road / path)

Developed area found throughout the entire the Study Area, comprising villages, roads, paths, parks and wasteland. In the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, there were only small patches of developed area dispersed throughout. Overall 68 plant species were found in this habitat, with 60 species recorded in the wet season and 45 in the dry season. 37 species were found in both seasons, including the herbs Amaranthus viridis, Bidens pilosa var. radiata and climbers Ficus pumila and Mikania micrantha recorded in very high abundance.

No plant species of conservation interest were found in this habitat type. The floristic diversity of developed area was low to moderate. A photographic record of developed area is shown in Figure 7.6.

7.7.2 Mammals

A total of eight mammal species were recorded during the surveys. Very few mammals were recorded during day time surveys; sightings and tracks of Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa were recorded as well as one road-killed East Asian / Malayan Porcupine Hystrix brachyura being observed. During the night surveys in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary, seven mammal species were recorded, including at least three different unidentified species of bat, Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis, Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica, Eurasian Wild Pig Sus scrofa and Musk Shrew Suncus murinus (Annex D). All bats are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong and three other species are also considered as species of conservation interest; the East Asian / Malayan Porcupine Hystrix brachyuran, Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis and Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica

East Asian / Malayan Porcupine although abundant in Hong Kong, is protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). The animal recorded was a road-kill individual and it was recorded along the main road in the north of the Study Area (outside the Project Site).

The Leopard Cat is uncommon in Hong Kong. It is a Class II protected animal of the PRC and is listed as “Vulnerable” in the China Red Data Book and is listed in Appendix I of CITES. It is protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) and Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586) in Hong Kong. Animals were not seen, but rather scats were encountered along the controlled boundary road fence, towards Gate 41 in the north of the Study Area.

The Small Indian Civet, although abundant in Hong Kong, is protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). Animals were not seen, but rather scats were encountered during a night survey, along Ha Heung Yuen’s trail by stream and abandoned agricultural land (see Figure 7.8 for location of scats). All species of bats found in Hong Kong are protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). Bats were observed on three different night surveys. At least three species of bats were seen (based on their different sizes) near Gate 54 (north of Tsung Yuen Ha) one evening, while on another evening, small unidentified bats were seen flying around the village areas. On a third evening, both small and large unidentified bats were observed flying around Tsung Yuen Ha.

7.7.3 Birds

There were a total of 88 species of birds recorded in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary, during the ecological surveys (see Annex D). Nine species were recorded only in the wet season, 35 species only in the dry season and 44 were recorded in both seasons.

Relative abundance and species richness of birds in each type of surveyed habitat, based only on the results of the point count method of the surveys, are shown in Table 7.3. Shrubby grassland showed the highest mean abundance of birds in the wet season, whereas in the dry season, channel had the highest mean abundance of birds followed closely by abandoned agricultural land. In terms of species richness, plantation, cultivated land, channel and pond all showed low species richness in the wet season, but only pond was still low in the dry season. Channel actually had the highest species richness in the dry season, closely followed by plantation. Stream and woodland also recorded high species richness in the dry season.

Among the bird species recorded there are 26 species of conservation interest; eleven species are PRC nationally protected species, four are listed in CITES Appendix 2 and one in CITES Appendix 1 and ten are protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, (Cap 586) (NB all bird species in Hong Kong are also protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (WAPO) (Cap. 170). The 26 species recorded included, Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela, Besra Accipiter virgatus, Black Kite Milvus migrans, Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus, Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis, Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis, Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis, Asian Barred Owlet / Cuckoo Owl Glaucidium cuculoides, Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis, Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus ,Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis, Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus, Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Great Egret Casmerodius albus, Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Little Green Heron Butorides striatus, Common Teal Anas crecca, White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus and Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola.

The Crested Serpent Eagle is a Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC and being a member of the Falconiformes is listed in CITES Appendix 2. It is listed as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book. It is also protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. The species is a rare resident to Hong Kong ([44]), and is mostly found in woodland area or soaring near woodlands. It was recorded flying over fung shui woodland near Tsung Yuen Ha.

The Besra is protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. It is a scarce resident in Hong Kong and was recorded soaring above secondary woodland/plantation in the south of the Study Area and perching in the fung shui woodland near Tsung Yuen Ha, which was considered a possible roosting or nesting site.

The Black Kite is a very widespread and common species in Hong Kong. It is conspicuous in the urban area and over Victoria Harbour all year around. It is more numerous in winter than in summer and the number peaks in December and January ([45]). It is found in a wide variety of coastal and inland habitats, including small islands, sea-coasts, intertidal mudflat, fish ponds, reservoirs, landfills and grassy hillsides at all altitudes. It is listed as a Class 2 Protected Animal of the PRC and being a member of the Falconiformes, is listed in CITES Appendix 2 as well as being protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. It was recorded soaring above the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area as well as over the secondary woodland year Chuk Yuen in the middle of the Study Area.

The Common Buzzard is a Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC and being a member of the Falconiformes is listed in CITES Appendix 2. It is protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. The species is a winter visitor to Hong Kong and is mainly found in open habitats. It was recorded on multiple occasions throughout the full range of the Study Area, both perching and soaring above.

The Peregrine Falcon is listed in Appendix 1 of CITES as well as being a Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC and protected by Cap 586 in Hong Kong. It is a scarce resident and winter visitor in Hong Kong, being widely distributed. It was recorded soaring above the Study Area over the stream north of Ta Kwu Ling village, hunting for Feral Pigeon.

The Greater Spotted Eagle is a Class 1 Protected Animal of PRC and protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. It is listed as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book and also holds “Vulnerable” status on the IUCN Red List. It is a rare winter visitor and was recorded soaring above the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area.

Bonelli's Eagle is a Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC and is listed as “Rare” in China Red Data Book. It is also protected under Cap. 586 in Hong Kong. It was recorded soaring above the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area.

The Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis, an uncommon (but potentially rare) resident and passage migrant in Hong Kong, was recorded in the Study Area. It was heard calling during the night survey in the dry abandoned agricultural land near Tsung Yuen Ha village within the Study Area.

Emerald Dove is categorised as ”Vulnerable” in the China Red Data Book. It is a rare and local resident in Hong Kong. It was recorded both over developed area in the middle of the Study Area, as well as over shrubby grassland in the north and on one occasion was displaying territorial behaviour, indicating possible breeding.

The Greater Coucal is a Class 2 Protected Animal in the PRC and is categorised as ”Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book. However, it occupies many types of habitats in Hong Kong ([46]), and is a common resident. It is frequently found in grasslands, mangroves, marshes, agricultural lands with scattered trees and bushes, open canopy shrubland, fung shui woods and gardens, and has been noted foraging in refuse. It was recorded both roosting and perching in low-lying grassland, cultivated land and abandoned agricultural land in the Study Area, habitats that could constitute breeding habitats.

The Lesser Coucal is a Class 2 Protected Animal in PRC and is categorised as ”Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book and an uncommon bird in Hong Kong. It occupies many types of habitats in Hong Kong, including shrubby grassland and agricultural areas ([47]). It was mainly recorded towards the north of the Study Area, with one sighting in the south. Sightings were mainly over abandoned agricultural land and shrubby grassland, which similarly to the Greater Coucal, could constitute possible breeding habitats.

The Asian Barred Owlet / Cuckoo Owl is a Class 2 Protected Animal of the PRC and is protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. It is a rare resident in Hong Kong. It was recorded calling during night surveys in both the south of the Study Area near the Ping Yuen channel and further north near the secondary woodland near the abandoned chicken farm. Since only its call was recorded the locations indicated on Figure 7.8 are only approximations.

The Japanese Sparrowhawk is protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong, where it is a rare passage migrant and winter visitor. It was recorded flying into secondary woodland in the south of the Study Area, after being flushed from a nearby perch.

The Crested Goshawk is a Class 2 Protected Animal of PRC and being a member of the Falconiformes is listed in CITES Appendix 2. It is listed as “Rare” in China Red Data Book. It is protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. It is a locally uncommon resident widespread in the forest and mature woodlands of the New Territories of Hong Kong. It was recorded flying overhead in the northern and middle region of the Study Area.

Two Greater Painted Snipe were seen among the vegetation in the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area, located at least 200 m from the Project Site boundary. It was unclear from their plumages whether they were adult males or juvenile males/females. Greater Painted Snipe is a passage migrant in Hong Kong in addition to there being records of localized breeding populations. In the breeding season, the female Greater Painted Snipe leaves the nest after laying eggs and the male incubates the eggs and accompanies the chicks after hatching. The environment of the studied site where the Greater Painted Snipe were recorded was very similar to two known breeding sites in Hong Kong (Long Valley and Kam Tin). The area was composed of channel (with extensive shallow water area and dense grass cover) and active agricultural area. Therefore, although the two birds may have been migrating individuals, there is a possibility that the channel, located outside the Project Site, was a breeding site for a Greater Painted Snipe colony.

Eight ardeid species recorded during the surveys are considered of “potential regional concern”, while Common Teal, White-breasted Waterhen and Yellow-breasted Bunting are considered of “regional concern” by Fellowes et al ([48]). Yellow-breasted Bunting is also listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. The breeding population of Little Egret, Chinese Pond Heron and Great Egret are considered of “regional concern” ⁽¹⁾. However, no breeding of these species was recorded within the Study Area. Chinese Pond Herons were found in various habitats including stream, abandoned agricultural land, channel, developed area and marshy low-lying grassland. Black-crowned Night Herons were found in stream habitat during daytime surveys and stream and channel habitats during night time surveys. Grey Herons were found in stream, channel and marshy low-lying grassland habitats. Great Egrets and one Intermediate Egret were only found in stream habitat. Little Egrets were found in stream, pond, marshy low-lying grassland and developed area habitat. One Cattle Egret was recorded in cultivated land outside the Project Site. Little Green Herons were recorded outside the Project Site in secondary woodland during daytime surveys and along streams during night time surveys. Common Teal was recorded within the Project Site in the stream habitat and White-breasted Waterhen was found in various habitats including stream, marshy low-lying grassland, abandoned agricultural land and pond habitats.

Table 7.3 Bird Species Recorded with Each Habitat of the HKSAR Study Area

	HKSAR Study Area
	Plantation	Woodland	Shrubby Grassland	Low-lying Grassland/ Marshy Low-lying Grassland	Abandoned Agricultural Land	Cultivated Land (Dry) ^(1)	Stream	Channel	Pond	Developed Area
Wet Season
Mean Abundance of Birds (Mean # birds per sampling point)	4.00	20.50	22.50	10.00	15.67	9.00	14.60	10.50	9.00	12.00
Species Richness ( Mean # of species per sampling point)	3.00	11.00	7.00	7.00	7.67	4.50	8.40	5.00	5.00	4.50
Total # of Species Recorded (included transect and point count data)	10	32	18	16	30	18	40	27	11	20
Dry Season
Mean Abundance of Birds (Mean # birds per sampling point)	21.50	21.25	17.50	31.00	51.33	22.25	30.80	58.25	12.00	26.75
Species Richness ( Mean # of species per sampling point)	11.00	10.25	6.00	6.50	9.83	8.75	10.10	11.25	5.50	8.75
Total # of Species Recorded (included transect and point count data)	16	36	21	16	39	26	47	38	13	22

(1) This included the wet active agricultural land.

7.7.4 Herpetofauna (Amphibians & Reptiles)

No herpetofauna were recorded during day time surveys. During the night surveys in the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary, ten herpetofauna species were recorded including seven amphibian species (Asian Common Toad Bufo melanosticus, Gunther's Frog Rana guentheri, Paddy Frog Fejervarya limnocharis, Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis, Spotted Narrow-mouthed Frog Kalophrynus interlineatus, Brown Tree Frog Polypedates megacephalus and Ornate Pigmy Frog Microhyla ornate) and one reptile species (Keelback / Striped Water Snake Xenochrophis piscator).

The Chinese Bullfrog, being a Class II protected animal of PRC, is considered a species of conservation interest. It was recorded along the small stream of Ha Heung Yuen (See Figure 7.8).

7.7.5 Butterflies

There were a total of 56 species of butterflies recorded within the Study Area within the HKSAR boundary, during the ecological surveys (see Annex D). 29 species were recorded in both the wet and the dry season whereas 10 were recorded only during the wet season and 17 only during the dry season.

Relative abundance and species richness of butterflies in each type of surveyed habitat, based only on the results of the point count method of the surveys, are shown in Table 7.4. Woodland recorded the highest mean abundance and species richness of butterflies in the wet season, whereas channel habitat showed the lowest figures, with no records of butterflies at all. During the dry season, abandoned agricultural land had the highest meant abundance of butterflies, whereas woodland again had the highest species richness and was the habitat in which the most number of butterflies were recorded. Channel habitat again showed the lowest mean abundance and species richness.

Most butterfly species recorded are either common or very common in Hong Kong. One butterfly species of conservation interest, Courtesan Euripus nyctelius, was recorded during the surveys. Courtesan was first photographed in HKSAR only in the summer of 2006 and considered as rare species in Hong Kong. The species has the habit of hill-topping, so is limited to hilly areas and highlands ([49]). It was recorded in the low-lying grassland near the Shenzhen River just south of Chuk Yuen (see Figure 7.8). It is noted that its larval food plant Trema sp. was recorded in various habitats within the Study Area including plantation, shrubby grassland, low-lying grassland and cultivated land etc (see Annex D).

Table 7.4 Butterfly Species Recorded with Each Habitat of the HKSAR Study Area

					HKSAR Study Area
	Plantation	Woodland	Shrubby Grassland	Low-lying Grassland/ Marshy Low-lying Grassland	Abandoned Agricultural Land	Cultivated Land (Dry)^(1)	Stream	Channel	Pond	Developed Area
Wet Season
Mean Abundance of Butterflies (Mean # butterflies per sampling point)	5.00	10.00	2.50	1.00	2.00	8.00	1.40	0.00	1.00	1.50
Species Richness ( Mean # of species per sampling point)	5.00	8.00	2.50	1.00	2.00	5.50	1.40	0.00	1.00	1.50
Total # of Species Recorded (included transect and point count data)	10	20	13	4	10	16	17	1	2	12
Dry Season
Mean Abundance of Butterflies (Mean # butterflies per sampling point)	4.00	5.25	5.75	4.00	7.33	2.75	4.50	0.25	0.50	5.25
Species Richness ( Mean # of species per sampling point)	2.50	4.50	3.75	3.50	1.67	1.75	1.70	0.25	0.50	4.75
Total # of Species Recorded (included transect and point count data)	7	24	17	7	11	15	18	1	3	16

(1) This included the wet active agricultural land.

7.7.6 Odonates

26 species of odonates were recorded within the Study Area during the ecological surveys (see Annex D). Eleven species were recorded only during the wet season and four during the dry season only, while eleven species were recorded in both the wet and the dry seasons.

Relative abundance and species richness of odonates in each type of surveyed habitat, based only on the results of the point count method of the surveys, are shown in Table 7.5. During the wet season, by far the highest mean abundance of odonates was found in channel habitat and this was largely due to a record of approximately 200 Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens individuals during one survey in this season. Abandoned agricultural land and cultivated land also showed high mean abundance but channel also showed the highest species richness. Both shrubby grassland and low-lying grassland/ marshy low-lying grassland habitats have the lowest mean abundance and species richness in wet season. In the dry season stream showed the highest mean abundance of odonates, closely followed by channel, but channel again had the highest species richness. Far fewer odonates were recorded during the dry season compared to the wet season with only one species of odonate (Wandering Glider Pantala flavescens) recorded in plantation, shrubby grassland and pond in the dry season.

No odonate species of conservation interest were recorded during the surveys.

Table 7.5 Odonate Species Recorded with Each Habitat of the HKSAR Study Area

					HKSAR Study Area
	Plantation	Woodland	Shrubby Grassland	Low-lying Grassland/ Marshy Low-lying Grassland	Abandoned Agricultural Land	Cultivated Land (Dry) ^(1)	Stream	Channel	Pond	Developed Area
Wet Season
Mean Abundance of Odonates (Mean # odonates per sampling point)	3.00	17.00	1.00	1.00	33.67	32.00	3.20	131.00	3.00	2.00
Species Richness ( Mean # of species per sampling point)	3.00	3.50	0.50	0.50	4.67	7.00	1.80	9.00	2.00	2.00
Total # of Species Recorded (included transect and point count data)	4	6	1	4	11	11	12	16	2	6
Dry Season
Mean Abundance of Odonates (Mean # odonates per sampling point)	2.00	0.75	1.00	2.00	0.83	0.50	6.00	5.75	1.00	1.50
Species Richness ( Mean # of species per sampling point)	0.50	0.50	1.00	1.50	0.50	0.50	1.50	3.00	0.50	1.00
Total # of Species Recorded (included transect and point count data)	4	3	2	5	7	8	10	12	1	5

(1) This included the wet active agricultural land.

7.7.7 Aquatic Fauna

In total, six species, which belong to six genera and four families, of freshwater fish species were found along the stream / rivers within the Study Area in both the dry and wet seasons (Table 7.6). Except the species Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis niloticus, which are introduced and originated in America and Africa, respectively, the rest are all native species. None of the species found is considered as a species of conservation interest.

Table 7.6 Aquatic Fauna Recorded in the Study Area

Common Name	Species Name	Relative Abundance	Distribution	Status and Distribution in Hong Kong*	Habitat Recorded
Family Cichlidae
Nile Tilapia	Oreochromis niloticus	+++	Introduced	Common and widespread	Shenzhen river, River Ganges, Stream near Ha Heung Yuen
Family Poeciliidae
Mosquito Fish	Gambusia affinis	+++	Introduced	Common and widespread	Shenzhen river, River Ganges, Stream near Ha Heung Yuen
Family Clariidae
Chinese Catfish	Clarias fuscus	+++	Native / Introduced	Common and widespread	Shenzhen river, Stream near Ha Heung Yuen
Family Cyprinidae
Mud Carp	Cirrhinus molitorella	+	Native / Introduced	Status of this species is unavailable but it occurs in large numbers in many reservoirs and cultivated in fishponds as food fish	Shenzhen river
Common Carp**	Cyprinus carpio	+	Native / Introduced	Status of this species is unavailable but it occurs in large numbers in many reservoirs and cultivated in fishponds as food fish	Shenzhen river, Stream near Ha Heung Yuen
Chinese Barb	Puntius semifasciolatus	+++	Native / Introduced	Common and widespread	River Ganges
Note: # + = 0-5 individuals ++ = 5-10 individuals +++ = >10 individuals *Status and distribution in Hong Kong refers to AFCD Hong Kong Biodiversity Database ** Wild population of common carp is considered Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. The Common Carp recorded during the field surveys is considered an introduced population (a common cultivated species in New Territories and Shenzhen) and therefore not considered as species of conservation interest.

7.8 Ecological Evaluation

Habitats recorded within the Study Area included woodland (including two small patched of fung shui woodland), plantation, shrubby grassland, low-lying grassland, marshy low-lying grassland, abandoned agriculture land, cultivated land, stream / river, channel, pond and developed area (including road/path). The ecological importance of the habitats and wildlife identified within the Study Area during the survey are evaluated in accordance with the EIAO-TM Annex 8 criteria, and presented in Tables 7.7 to 7.16.

The ecological value of fung shui woodland was considered to be high. The ecological value of woodland and stream / river (apart from the Shenzhen River) were moderate while that of plantation, shrubby grassland, abandoned agricultural land, marshy low-lying grassland and Shenzhen River were low to moderate. The ecological value of low-lying grassland, wet active agricultural land, cultivated land, channel, pond and developed area (including road / path) were all considered to be low. One small section of the Ping Yuen River, located outside the Project Site, was considered of low to moderate ecological value, due to it acting as a possible breeding site for Greater Painted Snipe (see last paragraph of Section 7.7.3 for details).

Table 7.7 Ecological Evaluation of Woodland

Criteria	Secondary Woodland	Fung Shui Woodland
Naturalness	Semi-natural dominated by native plants.	Semi-natural dominated by native plants.
Size	Patches of secondary woodland were recorded within the Study Area, within the HKSAR boundary. The overall size of secondary woodland was approximately 18.0 ha.	Two very small patches of fung shui woodland were recorded within the Study area, with the HKSAR boundary; near Kan Tau Wai and near Tsung Yuen Ha. The overall size of fung shui woodland was approximately 2.4 ha
Diversity	Moderate floral and faunal diversity.	Moderate floral and faunal diversity
Rarity	Bird species of conservation interest included Besra (Accipiter virgatus) flying overhead; Black Kite (Milvus migrans) flying overhead; Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) both flying overhead and perching; Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) perching; Little Green Heron (Butorides striatus) perching. Some mammal species of conservation including Small Asian Mongoose, Small Indian Civet, East Asian Porcupine, Leopard Cat, Masked Palm Civet and Red Muntjac were recorded in woodland near Chuk Yuen.	Plant species of conservation interest included Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis). Bird species of conservation interest included Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) flying overhead; Besra (Accipiter virgatus) perching (with possible roosting or nesting site in this habitat)
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are natural and mature. It would take more than 30 years for the secondary woodland to be re-created.	Habitat characteristics and species composition are natural and mature but cultural significance difficult to recreate. Given a suitable location, it would take over 30 years to re-create the fung shui woodland
Fragmentation	Highly fragmented.	Highly fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Overall, not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	High, secondary woodland becoming mature woodland if given time and protection from disturbance.	High. Significant cultural and ecological value
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None	Possible breeding ground for Besra.
Age	All woodland of moderate age (around 30 years) based on tree size, woodland structure and species composition.	Of differing age based on species composition and size (around 30 – 60 years)
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Moderate abundance / richness of fauna.	Moderate abundance / richness of fauna.
Overall Ecological Value	Moderate for secondary woodland.	High for fung shui woodland

Table 7.8 Ecological Evaluation of Plantation

Criteria	Plantation
Naturalness	Plantation woodland dominated by a few exotic plants.
Size	Overall size of approximately 3.1 ha.
Diversity	Low to moderate floral and low faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Besra (Accipiter virgatus) flying overhead.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate. It will take about 10 years for the plantation to be re-created.
Fragmentation	Highly fragmented within the Study Area.
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Moderate, becoming mature woodland if given time and protection from disturbance.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None.
Age	Low (10-20 years) based on tree size, woodland structure and species composition.
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna.
Overall Ecological Value	Low to Moderate

Table 7.9 Ecological Evaluation of Shrubby Grassland

Criteria	Shrubby Grassland
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat with slightly more native than exotic plants.
Size	Three patches; one in the south, one in the mid-east and one in the north of the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, with an overall size of approximately 44.3 ha.
Diversity	Low to moderate floral and faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) flying overhead; Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) perching; Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) perching; Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) flying overhead.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate. It would take 5 to 10 years to re-create the shrubby grassland.
Fragmentation	The three principle patches are entirely separate. Highly fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Moderate, becoming mature shrubland if given time and protection from disturbance.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	Possible breeding ground for Emerald Dove
Age	Young (<10 years) based on plant size, structure and species composition.
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna.
Overall Ecological Value	Low to Moderate

Table 7.10 Ecological Evaluation of Low-lying Grassland and Marshy Low-lying Grassland

Criteria	Marshy Low-lying Grassland	Low-lying Grassland
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat, periodically disturbed by humans cutting and clearing. Also more frequent flooding by Shenzhen river.	Semi-natural habitat, periodically disturbed by humans cutting and clearing. Also possible flooding by Shenzhen river.
Size	with an overall size of approximately 6.6 ha.	with an overall size of approximately 11.3 ha.
Diversity	Low to moderate floral and low faunal diversity.	Low to moderate floral and low faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) foraging; Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) foraging; Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) foraging; White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) foraging.	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) flying above; Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) perching. One butterfly species of conservation interest, Courtesan Euripus nyctelius, was recorded.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate.	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate.
Fragmentation	Mainly one large and elongated patch surrounding stream / river within Study Area. Low fragmentation.	Mainly one large and elongated patch surrounding stream / river within Study Area. Low fragmentation.
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Moderate, becoming mature shrubland if given time and protection from disturbance.	Moderate, becoming mature shrubland if given time and protection from disturbance.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None	Possible breeding ground for Greater Coucal
Age	Young (<10 years) based on plant size, structure and species composition.	Young (<10 years) based on plant size, structure and species composition.
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna	Low abundance / richness of fauna
Overall Ecological Value	Low to Moderate	Low

Table 7.11 Ecological Evaluation of Abandoned Agricultural Land

Criteria	Abandoned Agricultural Land
Naturalness	Man-made habitat abandoned for natural succession.
Size	One of the main habitat types in the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, with an overall size of approximately 82.5 ha.
Diversity	Moderate floral and low to moderate faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) flying above; Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) calling; Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) perching; Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) perching; Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) foraging; White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) perching.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to re-create and may take 1 to 2 years to mature.
Fragmentation	Interspersed with cultivated land but mainly linked. Low fragmentation
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Low.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	Possible breeding ground for Greater Coucal and Lesser Coucal
Age	Young (<10 years)
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna
Overall Ecological Value	Low to Moderate

Table 7.12 Ecological Evaluation of Cultivated Land (Dry)

Criteria	Cultivated Land
Naturalness	Man-made habitat actively cultivated.
Size	One of the main habitat types in the Study Area within the Hong Kong boundary, with an overall size of approximately 55.2 ha.
Diversity	Moderate floral and low to moderate faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) flying above; Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) perching; Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) foraging.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to re-create immediately.
Fragmentation	Interspersed with abandoned agricultural land but mainly linked. Low fragmentation.
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Low.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	Possible breeding ground for Greater Coucal.
Age	Not applicable
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna
Overall Ecological Value	Low

Table 7.13 Ecological Evaluation of Wet Active Agricultural Land

Criteria	Wet Active Agricultural Land
Naturalness	Man-made habitat actively cultivated but also considered as wetland.
Size	A small area of 1.6ha outside the Project Site.
Diversity	Low in floral and faunal diversity.
Rarity	No flora and fauna species of conservation interest.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to re-create immediately.
Fragmentation	Not applicable
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Low.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None.
Age	Not applicable
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna
Overall Ecological Value	Low

Table 7.14 Ecological Evaluation of Stream / River

Criteria	Natural stream/river section of the Shenzhen River	Other Natural Streams within Study Area
Naturalness	The stream / river section of the Shenzhen River (without channelization) is semi-natural (the banks are frequently disturbed by humans). Direct discharge of domestic sewages from the households of Shenzhen is the main source of pollution to the river section of the Project Site.	Natural with some disturbance observed between surveys.
Size	Overall size of approximately 2.1 ha (approximately 3.4 km).	Overall size of approximately 0.7 ha (approximately 2.6 km).
Diversity	Low floral and faunal diversity.	Low floral and faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Black Kite (Milvus migrans) flying overhead; Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) flying above hunting; Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) foraging, Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) foraging, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) foraging; Great Egret (Casmerodius albus) foraging; Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia) foraging; Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) foraging; Common Teal (Anas crecca) foraging; White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) foraging.	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) perching nearby; Little Green Heron (Butorides striatus) foraging. Herpetofauna species of conservation interest included Chinese Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus chinensis).
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics are difficult to recreate.	Habitat characteristics are difficult to re-create.
Fragmentation	Not applicable	Not applicable
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Moderate to high if given time and protection from disturbance.	Moderate to high if given time and protection from disturbance.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	Potential breeding and development of odonates.	Potential breeding and development of odonates.
Age	Possibly over 50 years old.	Possibly over 50 years old.
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance/richness of aquatic fauna. Moderate abundance / richness of terrestrial fauna.	Low abundance/richness of aquatic fauna. Moderate abundance / richness of terrestrial fauna.
Overall Ecological Value	Low to Moderate	Moderate

Table 7.15 Ecological Evaluation of Channel

Criteria	Channelized section of Shenzhen River	Other Channels within the Study Area
Naturalness	Shenzhen river channelized towards the western end of the Study Area and completely modified by humans. Direct discharge of domestic sewages from the households of Shenzhen is the main source of pollution to the river section of the Project Site.	Entirely man-made habitat.
Size	Overall size of approximately 1.7 ha (approximately 0.8 km).	Overall size of 7.4 ha (length of approximately 2.8 km).
Diversity	Low floral and faunal diversity.	Low floral and faunal diversity.
Rarity	No flora species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) foraging, Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) foraging, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) foraging.	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Black Kite (Milvus migrans) flying overhead; Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) flying overhead; Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) flying overhead; Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) foraging, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) foraging Greater Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) in the vegetation within the channel, possibly part of a breeding colony.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate
Fragmentation	Not applicable	Not applicable
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Low.	Low.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None.	Possible breeding ground for Greater Painted Snipe.
Age	Not applicable	Not applicable
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Moderate abundance / richness of fauna	Moderate abundance / richness of fauna
Overall Ecological Value	Low	Low (except Low to Moderate in Ping Yuen River, to the east of bridge [see Figure 7.8])

Table 7.16 Ecological Evaluation of Pond

Criteria	Pond
Naturalness	Semi-natural habitat, some partially controlled by humans.
Size	Overall size of approximately 0.5 ha.
Diversity	Low floral and faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) foraging; White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) foraging.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate.
Fragmentation	Highly fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Low.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None.
Age	Young (<10 years).
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna.
Overall Ecological Value	Low

Table 7.17 Ecological Evaluation of Developed Area

Criteria	Developed Area
Naturalness	Man-made habitat dominated by landscape plants and weed plants.
Size	Small patches throughout the Study Area with an overall size of approximately 38.2 ha.
Diversity	Low to moderate floral and low faunal diversity.
Rarity	No plant species of conservation interest. Bird species of conservation interest included Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) both perching and flying overhead; Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus flying overhead; Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) calling in the vicinity; Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus) flying overhead; Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) flying overhead.
Re-creatability	Habitat characteristics and species composition are easy to recreate.
Fragmentation	Highly fragmented.
Ecological Linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential Value	Low.
Nursery/Breeding Ground	None.
Age	Not applicable.
Abundance / Richness of Wildlife	Low abundance / richness of fauna
Overall Ecological Value	Low

A list and evaluation of recently recorded key floral and faunal species of ecological interest during ecological field update surveys recorded within the Study Area, according to the EIAO-TM, are given in Table 7.18. The species of conservation interest shown in Table 7.18 present only those species recorded during the update ecological surveys but not the species from the literature review which have been previously detailed in Section 7.5.

Table 7.18 Evaluation of Floral and Faunal Species of Conservation Interest recorded within the Study Area during the Ecological Surveys in both Dry and Wet Seasons ⁽¹⁾

Species	Location and Activities (if any)	Protection Status	Distribution	Commonness in Hong Kong
Plant
Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis	Recorded in secondary woodland to the south of Tsung Yuen Ha Village	Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). Category II protected plant in the List of Wild Plants under State Protection in PRC. Near Threatened in PRC ([50]). Listed as “Vulnerable” in the China Plant Red Data Book and by IUCN (2009).	Lowland forests and Fung shui woods	Common
Mammal
Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica	Scats recorded along Ha Heung Yuen’s trail by stream and abandoned agricultural land	Protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170).	Widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong, except Lantau Island.	Abundant
Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis	Scats recorded along the restricted boundary patrol road towards Gate 41, in the north of the Study Area	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) and Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586). Listed as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book Appendix I of CITES	Widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong, except Lantau Island.	Uncommon
East Asian / Malayan Porcupine Hystrix brachyura	Road-kill individual recorded along the main road in the north of the Study Area	Protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170)	Widespread throughout most of Hong Kong, but no record found on Lantau Island.	Abundant
Three unidentified bat species	At least three species of bats recorded (based on their different sizes) near Gate 54 (north of Tsung Yuen Ha) one evening, while on another evening, small unidentified bats were seen flying around the village areas. On a third evening, both small and large unidentified bats were observed flying around Tsung Yuen Ha	All bat species in Hong Kong are Protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170).	Undetermined but some species are widely distributed in forested areas throughout Hong Kong. Some species are also distributed in urban areas	Unknown
Bird		NB All birds in Hong Kong are Protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170).
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela	Recorded flying over secondary woodland near Tsung Yuen Ha	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Listed as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book. Appendix 2 of CITES.	Found in woodland area; India, South China, Philippines and Indonesia	Rare resident or passage migrant in Hong Kong
Besra Accipiter virgatus	Recorded soaring above secondary woodland/plantation in the south of the Study Area and perching in the secondary woodland of Tsung Yuen Ha, which was considered a possible roosting or nesting site	Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586)	Usually in woodland area but can also be found in mangrove; India and SE Asia.	Rare resident in Hong Kong
Black Kite Milvus migrans	Recorded soaring above Ping Yuen channel and over the Shenzhen River in the south of the Study Area as well as over the secondary woodland near Chuk Yuen in the middle of the Study Area	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Appendix 2 of CITES	Found in many types of habitats; East Eurasia	Common and widespread. Resident and winter visitor in Hong Kong
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo	Recorded on multiple occasions throughout the full range of the Study Area, both perching and flying above	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Appendix 2 of CITES	Found in many types of habitats; Palaearctic, Himalayas, African, Oriental	Uncommon passage migrant or winter visitor in Hong Kong
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus	Recorded soaring above the Study Area over the stream north of Ta Kwu Ling village, hunting for Feral Pigeon	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Appendix 1 of CITES	Widely distributed in many types of habitats in Hong Kong; Worldwide distribution.	Rare resident or winter visitor in Hong Kong
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga	Recorded soaring above the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area	Class I Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Listed as “Vulnerable” in IUCN Red List Status. Listed as “Rare” in China Red Data Book.	Found in Deep Bay area; Eurasia and Africa.	Rare winter visitor in Hong Kong
Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus	Recorded soaring above the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Listed as “Rare” in China Red Data Book	Nest on rocky outcrops; South Eurasia and Africa. Resident in South China.	Rare resident in Hong Kong
Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis	Recorded calling in the dry abandoned agricultural land near Tsung Tuen Ha village within the Study Area during night survey only. Location shown is only estimate	Uncommon but widely distributed in Hong Kong.	South Asia	Uncommon (but potentially rare) resident and passage migrant in Hong Kong
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica	Recorded both over developed area in the middle of the Study Area, as well as over shrubby grassland in the north and on one occasion was displaying territorial behaviour, indicating possible breeding	Listed at “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book.	Favours thick woodland and good secondary growth. South Asia and Australia	Rare and local resident in Hong Kong
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis	Recorded both roosting and perching in low-lying grassland, cultivated land and abandoned agricultural land in the Study Area, habitats that could constitute breeding habitats	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Listed as ”Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book.	Found in many types of habitats in Hong Kong; Oriental	Common and widespread resident in Hong Kong; Very rare in China
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis	Mainly recorded towards the north of the Study Area, with one sighting in the south. Sightings were mainly over abandoned agricultural land and shrubby grassland, which similarly to the Greater Coucal, could constitute possible breeding habitats	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Listed as “Vulnerable” in China Red Data Book.	Found in shrubby area of Hong Kong; Oriental	Uncommon resident in Hong Kong
Asian Barred Owlet / Cuckoo Owl Glaucidium cuculoides	Recorded calling in the Study Area during night surveys only. Locations shown are only estimates	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586)	Widely distributed in woodland throughout Hong Kong. Oriental including South China	Rare resident in Hong Kong
Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis	Recorded flying into secondary woodland in the south of the Study Area, after being flushed from a nearby perch	Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586)	Found in Chek Lap Kok, Mai Po, Tsim Bei Tsui, Mong Tseng, Cheung Chau, Po Toi, Tung Ping Chau; Asia.	Rare passage migrant and winter visitor in Hong Kong
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus	Recorded flying overhead in the northern region of the Study Area	Class II Protected Animal of PRC. Protected under Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Listed as “Rare” in China Red Data Book. Appendix 2 of CITES	Widely distributed in woodlands and shrublands throughout Hong Kong, widespread in PRC	Locally uncommon resident in Hong Kong
Collared Crow Corvus torquatus	Recorded in the secondary woodland opposite to Chuk Yuen village, and the channel outside the Project Site.	Listed as “Near-threatened” in IUCN Red List Status.	Usually recorded near water and often feeds along the shore. Found in Inner Deep Bay area, Nam Chung, Kei Ling Ha, Tai Mei Tuk, Pok Fu Lam, Chek lap Kok, Shuen Wan, Lam Tsuen.	Uncommon resident in Hong Kong
Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis	Recorded among the vegetation in the Ping Yuen channel in the south of the Study Area. Unclear from plumage whether birds were adult males or juvenile males/females. Greater Painted Snipe is a passage migrant in Hong Kong in addition to there being records of localized breeding populations. Although the two birds may have been migrating individuals, there is a possibility that there was a breeding colony in the channel	-	Breeding colonies recorded in Long Valley, Mai Po and Kam Tin.	Rare passage migrant, winter visitor and occasional breeder in Hong Kong
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus	Found foraging in stream, abandoned agricultural land, channel, and marshy low-lying grassland habitats and flying overhead in developed area in the Study Area;	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Breeds at several egretries in Hong Kong; East Asia.	Common and widespread resident in Hong Kong.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax	Found in stream and channel habitats in the Study Area; foraging.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Several breeding colonies known in Hong Kong and large concentrations of mostly immature birds roost at Mai Po in the summer and autumn. One of the few heron species to still maintain colonies in South China; Worldwide distribution.	Uncommon resident and passage migrant in Hong Kong
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea	Found in stream, channel and marshy low-lying grassland habitats in the Study Area; foraging.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	In Deep Bay area and at Starling Inlet (where it has bred) throughout the year in Hong Kong and many roost at Mai Po outside the breeding season. Occasionally seen elsewhere in Hong Kong; Eurasia and Africa. Breeds throughout China.	Uncommon resident and passage migrant in Hong Kong
Great Egret Casmerodius albus	Found in stream habitat in the Study Area; foraging.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Mainly in northern New Territories in Hong Kong; Worldwide but declining.	Common and widespread resident and winter visitor in Hong Kong.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia	Found in stream habitat in the Study Area; foraging.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Seen annually in Deep Bay area and occasionally elsewhere in Hong Kong; Asia, Africa and Australasia. Breeds South East China.	Rare passage migrant, winter and summer visitor to Hong Kong.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta	Found foraging in stream, pond and marshy low-lying grassland habitats and flying overhead in developed area in the Study Area;.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Mostly in northern New Territories in Hong Kong; Eastern hemisphere.	Common and widespread resident and winter visitor to Hong Kong.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis	Found foraging in cultivated land habitat in the Study Area, but outside the Project Site.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Mostly confined to the northern New Territories in Hong Kong; Worldwide distribution.	Common and widespread resident and passage migrant in Hong Kong.
Little Green Heron Butorides striatus	Found perching in secondary woodland and foraging in stream habitat in the Study Area, but outside the Project Site.	All ardeid species are considered of “potential regional concern”.	Wherever mangroves are still found in Hong Kong; almost worldwide excluding Europe.	Uncommon resident as well as summer and winter visitor and passage migrant.
Common Teal Anas crecca and	Found foraging in the stream habitat within the Project Site	This species is considered of “regional concern”.	Found in Deep Bay area, Shuen Wan, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, Victoria Harbour, Urban Park; Holarctic, Africa and China.	Common winter visitor.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus	Found foraging in stream, marshy low-lying grassland and pond habitats, and perching in abandoned agricultural land within the Study Area.	This species is considered of “regional concern”.	Widely distributed in wetland throughout Hong Kong; South Asia.	Common resident.
Herpetofauna
Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis	Recorded along the small stream of Ha Heung Yuen	Class II Protected Animal of PRC.	Widespread throughout the New Territories and Lantau Island	Common
Butterfly
Courtesan Euripus nyctelius	Recorded in the low-lying grassland near the Shenzhen river just south of Chuk Yuen	-	First photographed in HKSAR only in the summer of 2006	Rare

Note: Based on literature review, there are a number of wildlife species of conservation interest including Small Asian Mongoose, Small Indian Civet, East Asian Porcupine, Leopard Cat, Masked Palm Civet and Red Muntjac, Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Hwamei and Greater Coucal recorded within the Study Area (details refer to Section 7.5).

7.9 Project Site

Under the proposed Stage 4 regulation, about 4.5km of the Shenzhen River will be regulated, running between Pak Fu Shan in the east and the confluence with Ping Yuen River (ie the endpoint of the Stage 3 regulation works) in the west. The Project Site falling within the Hong Kong boundary affects eight of the ten habitats found in the Study Area, including stream / river, low-lying grassland, marshy low-lying grassland, abandoned agricultural land, cultivated land, developed area, channel, and very small areas of secondary woodland and plantation to the north of the Project Site. The Project Site does not contain pond habitat nor shrubby grassland, as seen in the Study Area. No other wetland habitat of ecological concern, ie marsh, was recorded within the Project Site during the surveys.

The stream / river is the key habitat in the Project Site and it is this, namely the Shenzhen River, that forms the boundary between HKSAR and the Shenzhen Municipality. The Shenzhen River is channelized at the western tip of the Project Site and there is also a channel connecting to the river just south of Chuk Yuen village. Otherwise the river is not channelized but its banks have been modified to a degree along the length of the Project Site. The banks of the river on the Hong Kong side vary from being gentle in most areas, to having some steep concrete banks in others. The river water is murky and water levels vary according to the season, sometimes flooding onto the surrounding low-lying grassland in the wet season or during heavy storms.

Low-lying grassland/ marshy low-lying grassland are the major habitats of the Project Site and surrounds the river on either side. It is dominated by the perennial, native herbs, Burma-reed Neyraudia reynaudiana and Matting grass Microstegium vagans, which are regularly cut back by humans.

The Project Site overlaps with the edges of some abandoned agricultural land west of Gate 56, east of Gate 55 and to a tiny degree near Gate 54. It also covers a larger patch of abandoned agricultural land near Chuk Yuen village. This habitat is overgrown and exotic plants such as Banana plant Musa x paradisiaca and Sweet Broomwort Scoparia dulcis can be seen growing in high abundance.

The Project Site also overlaps with patches of cultivated land. The cultivated land borders both abandoned agricultural land and developed area.

There is some secondary woodland in the north-eastern end of the Project Site. This small patch of secondary woodland largely falls outside the Project Site and follows the current boundary patrol road west, in an area of road only accessible via boundary police controlled gates. It extends north to a derelict old chicken farm (developed area) and is also bordered by low-lying grassland and shrubby grassland. One of the bird species of conservation interest, Common Buzzard, was recorded in this secondary woodland.

A tiny area of plantation can be found at the north-eastern end of the Project Site, belonging to a small patch which predominantly falls outside the Project Site.

Some channel habitat falls within the Project Site. At the western-most edge of the Project Site, a small section of the Shenzhen River is channelized and there is also a channel connecting to the Shenzhen River just south of Chuk Yuen village.

Species of conservation interest recorded within the Project Site included butterfly Courtesan, bird species Greater Coucal, Common Buzzard, Black Kite flying overhead, Peregrine Falcon flying overhead, Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen. The ecological evaluation of the Project Site is summarized in Table 7.19.

Table 7.19 Ecological Evaluation of Project Site

Criteria	Project Site
Naturalness	Overall, only moderately natural. Secondary woodland is natural and largely protected from human disturbance by merit of falling within a boundary police controlled region. Low-lying grassland/ marshy low-lying grassland are frequently modified by humans, cutting back the main vegetation and are therefore disturbed. Channel, plantation, abandoned-agricultural land, cultivated land and developed area are man-made habitats/intensively modified by humans. The Shenzhen River consists of both natural and man-made areas. However, the majority of the River experiences moderate level of human disturbance as a result of anthropogenic activities.
Size	Within the HKSAR boundary, the total size is about 24.3 ha of which approximately 1.9 ha (3.6 km) of stream / river, 6.3 ha of low-lying grassland, 5.9 ha of marshy low-lying grassland, 4 ha of developed area (including road / path), 3.3 ha of abandoned agricultural land, 1.9 ha of cultivated land, 0.4 ha of secondary woodland, 0.6 ha (0.2 km) of channel and 0.03 ha of plantation.
Diversity	Overall low to moderate floral and faunal diversity.
Rarity	Species of conservation interest recorded included butterfly Courtesan, bird species (Greater Coucal, Common Buzzard, Black Kite flying overhead, Peregrine Falcon flying overhead, Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen).
Re-creatability	It would take about 30 years for the secondary woodland to be re-created; plantation is easy to recreate but would take about 10 years to re-create. Low-lying grassland would take approximately 1-2 years to re-create. Abandoned agricultural land may take to up to 2 years to re-create. Stream / river is difficult to re-create. Cultivated land, channel and developed area are readily and immediately re-creatable.
Fragmentation	Not fragmented.
Ecological linkage	Not functionally linked to any very highly valued habitat in close proximity.
Potential value	Moderate.
Nursery/breeding ground	Stream / river is potential breeding ground for odonates.
Age	Overall the Project Site is possibly over 20 years old. Stream / river is possibly over 50 years old, secondary woodland is about 20-30years old, plantation is 10-20years old, and the area has been being cultivated for many years (cultivated land and abandoned agricultural land). Channel is more recent (5-10years), as is the low-lying grassland, with the boundary patrol road being approximately 25 years old (developed area).
Abundance/Richness of wildlife	Abundance of terrestrial and aquatic fauna was low
Overall Ecological Importance	Low to Moderate

7.10 Terrestrial Ecological Impact Assessment and Evaluation

The potential impacts due to the construction and operation of the Project, are identified and assessed (following the EIAO-TM Annex 16 guidelines) in Sections 7.10.1 and 7.10.2, and the impacts evaluated (based on the criteria in EIAO-TM Annex 8) in Section 7.10.3.

7.10.1 Potential Sources of Impact

Construction Phase

Construction phase activities are divided into two main components, ‘advanced works’ and ‘river modification & associated works’. The works activities that may cause ecological impacts including loss of habitat, habitat fragmentation and isolation, changes in water quality and hydrodynamic properties, potential impacts on species of conservation interest, noise and other disturbance generated by the construction activities etc, are discussed below:

For the advanced works, on the HKSAR side of the Study Area about 4.5km of the boundary patrol road will be reprovisioned. It will be paved with concrete and will be 3.5m wide, with passing bays (12m long and 6m wide) every 200-300m. Boundary fences will be constructed on both sides of the boundary patrol road. The height of the secondary and primary boundary fences will be 3.5m and 4.6m respectively and the primary fence will be equipped with a security sensing system and barbed wire.

Within the HKSAR, the ‘river modification and associated works’ phase of activities will include river sediment and soil excavation for river widening, embankment works, as well as a new bridge at Luo Fang. Three main channelization methods will be used for the river widening: compound channel design, trapezoid channel design and vertical channel design with compound channel design being used in most of the river section (See Section 3 for details). Cofferdams, built for the river widening, will also have to be demolished after river widening has been completed.

In addition, a flood retardation pond is proposed on the Shenzhen side of the river. It will cover an area of approximately 22,000m² and have a storage capacity of 80,000 m³. Overflow weirs will be used in the inlet and outlet of the retardation pond.

Operation Phase

During the operational phase, water is expected to flow through the newly channelised river and therefore changes in hydrodynamic properties and hydrology may occur. Boundary control along the boundary patrol road is not expected to change after the advanced works, nor is public use of those boundary roads that are accessible to the public. Noise and other disturbance generated by the operation activities are expected to be similar to the current operation. Maintenance dredging of the river channel will take place when necessary.

The construction and operation phase activities that may cause ecological impacts including loss of habitat and other disturbances, are assessed below following the EIAO-TM Annex 16 guidelines.

7.10.2 Assessment of Ecological Impacts

Construction Phase – Advanced Works

Habitat Loss

Within the HKSAR boundary, there will be permanent loss of low-lying grassland (approximately 4.1 ha), marshy low-lying grassland (approximately 2.9 ha), developed area (approximately 3.5 ha), abandoned agricultural land (approximately 3.3 ha), cultivated land (approximately 1.9 ha), stream / river (approximately 0.3 ha), channel (approximately 0.05 ha) and plantation (approximately 0.03 ha) (see Table 7.20). Approximately 0.4 ha of the secondary woodland which was located within the works area may be disturbed during the construction phase (such loss is considered as the worst case scenario for the purpose of the assessment and the Project will preserve/avoid such habitat as far as possible; it will be reinstated after construction if this small patch of woodland could not be avoided due to the project works), but additional secondary woodland habitat (~0.5 ha) will be formed after the Advanced Works. No fish ponds, wet agricultural land or marshes will be directly affected by the advanced works.

Table 7.20 Overall Habitat Loss due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Impacted Habitat	Habitat Loss during Construction due to Advanced Works (ha)	Reinstatement Habitats after Completion of Advanced Works (ha)	Habitat Loss during Construction due to the River Modification & Associated Works (ha)	Reinstatement Habitats after Completion of River Modification & Associated Works (ha)	Total Permanent Loss due to the Project (ha)	Ecological Importance of the Affected Habitat	Total Area of said Habitat within the Study Area (ha)
Low-lying grassland	~4.1	0	~2.2	0	~6.3	Low	~11.3
Marshy low-lying grassland	~2.9	0	~3.0	~1.9 ^(a)	~4 ha Additional ~4.1 ha of Riverbank Landscaping Areas will be provided ^(b)	Low to moderate	~6.6
Stream / river	~0.3 (0.9 km)	0	~1.6 ha (2.8 km)	~1.6 ha ^(c)	~0.3 ha Additional ~2.1 ha stream/ river habitat will be formed ^(c)	Low to moderate	~2.8 (6.0 km)
Abandoned agricultural land	~3.3	0	0	0	~3.3	Low to moderate	~82.5
Developed area (including road / path)	~3.5	0	~0.5	0	~4.0	Low	~38.2
Channel	~0.05 (0.03 km)	0	~0.6 (0.2 km)	0	~0.65 (0.23 km)	Low	~9.1 (3.6 km)
Cultivated land	~1.9	0	~0.04	0	~1.94	Low	~56.8
Secondary Woodland	~0.4 ha ^(d)	~0.4 ha ^(d)	0	0	Additional ~0.5 ha secondary woodland will be formed ^(d)	Moderate	~18.0
Plantation	~0.03	0	0	0	~0.03	Low to moderate	~3.1
Note: (a) Approximately 1.9 ha of the marshy low-lying grassland will be reinstated at three flood plain areas (location refer to Figures 3.3-3.4) after river modification. (b) Further details refer to Section 7.11.3. (c) Approximately 1.6 ha of the Shenzhen River will be disturbed due to River Modification & Associated Work during construction (which will be reinstated after river modification) and approximately 0.3 ha will be lost due to Advanced Works, but Shenzhen River will be widened after the river modification works and therefore additional stream/river habitat with natural bottom (~2.1 ha) will expect to be formed. (d) For the purpose of assessment, a worst case scenario in which approximately 0.4 ha of the secondary woodland will be disturbed due to Advanced Works during construction has been adopted. The habitat will be reinstated after construction) and additional secondary woodland habitat (~0.5 ha) will be formed after the Advanced Works.

Habitat Fragmentation and Isolation

Habitat fragmentation and isolation is expected to be low as there are existing boundary patrol road and security fences running along the boundary, and the alignment and the design of the new boundary patrol road and boundary fences will be similar to the existing road and fences, except that the future patrol road will have security fences on both sides while the existing patrol road only have security fence on one side.

Impacts to Wildlife in particular Species of Conservation Interest

In view of the generally poor habitat quality of the site, it is believed that the Project Site does not provide optimal habitats for most of the recorded species of conservation interest as listed in Table 7.18. The confirmed species of conservation interest recorded within the advanced works area during the ecological surveys included Common Buzzard, ardeid species including Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret and Little Egret, and two wetland dependent bird species including Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen. Although some mammal and bird species of conservation interest including Small Asian Mongoose, Small Indian Civet, East Asian Porcupine, Leopard Cat, Masked Palm Civet and Red Muntjac, Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Greater Coucal, Lesser Coucal Hwamei, and Yellow-breasted Bunting, were recorded within the Study Area from the literature review, locations of such species were often not precisely defined and most of these were recorded in the woodland near Chuk Yuen, or in the agricultural areas in villages (Tsung Yuen Ha and Heung Yuen Wai). A Coutesan butterfly was also recorded in the advanced works area in low lying grassland by Shenzhen River near Chuk Yuen. Potential impacts on species of conservation interest including those recorded from literature review are summarised in Table 7.21. Although there is potential loss of perching sites, foraging and feeding grounds for wildlife it is anticipated that the construction works will not cause any significant adverse impacts to any species of conservation interest, given that extensive natural habitats are available in close proximity.

Table 7.21 Impacts on Species of Conservation Interests due to the Advanced Works Area and River Modification & Associated Work

Species of Conservation Interest	Impact	Location
Mammal
East Asian / Malayan Porcupine, Leopard Cat, Small Indian Civet; Small Asian Mongoose, Masked Palm Civet, Red Muntjac and unidentified bat species	Although the Project Site may form part of their associated habitat used for foraging; there are extensive shrubby grassland and secondary woodland habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.	All recorded outside the Project Site (refer to Sections 7.5.2 & 7.7.2)
Bird
Common Buzzard	Although part of their associated habitat used for perching/ foraging will be affected; there are extensive shrubby grassland and secondary woodland habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.	Found in many types of habitats in Hong Kong. Recorded in low-lying grassland near developed area west of main road and south of Chuk Yuen village during the surveys.
Greater Coucal	Although part of their associated habitat used for perching/ foraging will be affected; there are extensive shrubby grassland and secondary woodland habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.		Found in many types of habitats in Hong Kong. Recorded in low-lying grassland by Shenzhen River, between Gates 56 and 58 during the surveys.
Black Kite	Although part of their associated habitat used for foraging will be affected; there are extensive shrubby grassland and secondary woodland habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.		Found in many types of habitats in Hong Kong. Recorded flying above Shenzhen River, between Gates 56 and 58 during the surveys.
Peregrine Falcon	Although part of their associated habitat used for foraging will be affected; there are extensive shrubby grassland and secondary woodland habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.		Found in many types of habitats in Hong Kong. Recorded flying over the Shenzhen River stream north of Ta Kwu Ling village, near Gate 55, hunting for Feral Pigeon.
Crested Serpent Eagle, Lesser Coucal and Hwamei	Although the Project Site may form part of their associated habitat used for perching/ foraging; there are extensive shrubby grassland and secondary woodland habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.	Usually prefer woodland or shrubby areas in Hong Kong. Location not precisely defined during the surveys (refer to Section 7.5.3)
Ardeid species including Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret and Little Egret, two wetland dependent bird species of conservation interest Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen, and Yellow-breasted Bunting	Although the Project Site may form part of their associated habitat used for perching/ foraging; there are extensive similar habitats, ie stream, channel, agricultural lands (active/ abandoned), ponds in proximity. In addition, the construction works will be temporary and relatively small scale. Impact is expected to be low to moderate and acceptable. There will also be reprovision of similar habitats in operation phase and therefore the potential impacts expect to be further minimised.	Found in many types of wetland habitats in Hong Kong. Recorded in stream, abandoned agricultural land, channel, pond, cultivated land and marshy low-lying grassland.
Herpetofauna
Chinese Bullfrog	Since this species recorded outside the Project Site, potential impact on this species is not expected to be anticipated.	Recorded in agricultural land and along the small stream of Ha Heung Yuen and outside the Project Site (refer to Sections 7.5.4 & 7.7.4)
Burmese Python	Since this species recorded outside the Project Site, potential impact on this species is not expected to be anticipated.	Recorded in agricultural land near Chow Tin Village (refer to Sections 7.5.4)
Butterfly
Courtesan	Part of their associated habitat used for perching/ foraging will be affected but there are extensive hillside shrubby grasslands in proximity. Although its larval food plants were recorded in the low-lying grassland (also recorded in various habitats within the Study Area), this habitat was considered not their major habitat. This is because the habitat could be flooded during the wet season. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.	The species has the habit of hill-topping, so is usually limited to hilly areas and highlands. Recorded in the low-lying grassland near the Shenzhen river just south of Chuk Yuen during the surveys.
Small Three-ring and Spotted Angle	Both recorded in Tsung Yuen Ha (mainly agricultural areas) but outside the Project Site. Although the Project Site may form part of their associated habitat used for foraging; there are extensive similar habitats in proximity. Impact is expected to be low and acceptable.	Both recorded outside the Project Site (refer to Sections 7.5.5 & 7.7.6)
Odonate
Tawny Hooktail	Recorded in Chow Tin Village but outside the Project Site, potential impact on this species is not anticipated.	Recorded outside the Project Site (refer to Sections 7.7.5

Impacts on Water Quality

The advanced works will take place prior to the river modification. Construction site run-off into the Shenzhen River and nearby streams/channels could potentially affect the water quality (see Section 6) but expect to be not significant. As long as good construction practise is followed, no adverse impact on water quality along the Shenzhen River or nearby streams/channels is anticipated. Further details of good construction practises are given in Section 7.11.

Impacts to Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance downstream of the Study Area along the Shenzhen River

There will be no direct impacts to receptor sites further downstream from the Study Area along the Shenzhen River, such as the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site and Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay SSSI which include habitats such as intertidal mudflats and mangroves. There is the potential for secondary impacts to arise in these areas should water in the Shenzhen River become polluted by construction run-off or excavated spoils and such polluted water reach these sites, and the actual impact will subject to the construction practice.. Given good construction practice and implementation of appropriate run-off measures as well as the distance of these sites from the Study Area (over 8 km), it is not expected to cause adverse water quality due to the Project (details refer to Section 6).

Noise, Dust and Other Disturbance Generated by the Advanced Works’ Construction Activities

Secondary impacts to the surrounding habitats and wildlife groups may arise from the increased noise impact, dust generation, human activities and disturbance. The construction works will be implemented by phase so that disturbance could be minimised. The impacts are expected to be low to moderate owing to the temporary nature and relatively small scale of the construction works. With the implementation of environmental management measures and regular checks on construction boundaries, the potential impacts are expected to be further minimised.

Construction Phase - River Modification & Associated Works

Habitat Loss

Within the HKSAR boundary, low-lying grassland (approximately 2.2 ha), developed area (approximately 0.5 ha), channel (approximately 0.6 ha) and cultivated land (approximately 0.04 ha) will be directly affected due to the river modification (see Table 7.20). The stream / river (approximately 1.6 ha) habitat will be disturbed during construction. Most of the affected habitats will be converted to stream/river habitat (approximately 4 ha) after river modification works, with result of net increase of approximately 2.4 ha of stream / river habitat (noted that there will be permanent loss of approximately 0.3 ha of stream / river habitat due to Advanced Works). No fish ponds, wet agricultural land or marshes will be directly affected by the river modification and associated works. However loss of approximately 3 ha of marshy low-lying grassland (in which ~1.9 ha will be reinstated at three flood plain areas, location refer to Figure 3.3-3.4), is noted as during heavy storms this habitat near the river could flood and become marshy.

Habitat Fragmentation and Isolation

The Shenzhen River will be widened and deepened under the river modification and associated works phase, however since the existing meandering profile of the river will be maintained as far as possible, no new habitats will be fragmented. With regard to habitat isolation, although the habitats across the river from each other will become further apart, design and landscaping of the new Shenzhen River channel walls will not impeded access across the river and habitat isolation is also expected to be low.

Impacts to Wildlife in particular Species of Conservation Interest

In view of the generally poor habitat quality of the site, it is believed that the Project Site does not provide optimal habitats for most of the recorded species of conservation interest as listed in Table 7.18. Confirmed species of conservation interest recorded within the river modification and associated works area included one butterfly Courtesan and six birds, the Common Buzzard and Greater Coucal in low-lying grassland, Black Kite and Peregrine Falcon flying overhead, Common Teal in stream and White-breasted Waterhen in marshy low-lying grassland. Potential impacts on species of conservation interest recorded during literature review and surveys are summarized in Table 7.21.

Impacts on Water Quality

Construction of the river modification will be carried out in phases. Water will be diverted before the commencement of soil excavation and construction works in a particular phase. Excavation for river modification and flood retardation pond (at Shenzhen side of the river) will be both wet excavation and dry excavation and the excavated spoils will be transported by dump trucks and temporary stored at the stockpiling area within the Project Site. Since the water of the Shenzhen River will have been diverted away from the phase of the river where construction is taking place by the use of cofferdams and central line of the river course as diversion dyke, there is little potential for the excavated spoils to affect the water quality of the Shenzhen River (details refer to Section 6). The use of cofferdam and “diversion dyke” had been adopted for the river diversion works of the Shenzhen River Regulation Project Stage III which are proven as effective measures for diverting water from the construction sites and consequently minimise the potential water quality impacts. In order to minimise surface runoff and the chance of soil erosion from the cofferdam and “diversion dyke”, good construction site practices outlined in ProPECC PN 1/94 “Construction Site Drainage” will be followed as far as practicable (please also refer to Section 6.8.1) and adverse impacts to ecological sensitive receivers as a result of perturbation of water quality are thus unlikely to occur. 

Change in Hydrology

Both sides of the central line of the designated river course of a particular phase will be excavated first and the river course along the central line will be kept as a ‘diversion dyke’. When the excavation and placement of the embankment foundation are carried out on one side, the river course on the other side will be used as a diversion channel. A longitudinal cofferdam will be built at the centre of the designated river course and additional cofferdams will be built across the river in 200 to 300m intervals in designed river course to meet the need of construction. At the end of this phase of construction works, the cofferdams will be demolished. Given the consideration of providing diversion dyke/channel as the Project working method and the temporary nature of the construction works, impact on the change in hydrology is therefore not anticipated.

Impact to Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance downstream of the Study Area along the Shenzhen River

Secondary impacts to receptor sites further downstream from the Study Area along the Shenzhen River, such as the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site and Mai Po Marshes, Inner Deep Bay SSSI, Wetland Conservation Area and Wetland Buffer Area may arise should water in the Shenzhen River become polluted with construction run-off or excavated spoils, and the actual impact will subject to the construction practice. Given good construction practice, implementation of appropriate run-off measures and the distance of these sites from the Study Area (over 8 km), this is not considered a significant impact. In fact the water quality modelling results suggest that changes to the water quality around the Shenzhen River mouth are not significant and therefore adverse impact to these sensitive receivers is not anticipated (see Section 6).

Noise, Dust and Other Disturbance Generated by the River Modification & Associated Works’ Construction Activities

Secondary impacts to the surrounding habitats and wildlife groups may arise from the increased noise impact, dust generation, human activities and disturbance. The construction works will be implemented by phase so that disturbance could be minimised. The impacts are expected to be low to moderate owing to the temporary nature and relatively small scale of the construction works. Regular checks on construction boundaries will be conducted along with implementation of environmental management measures.

Operation Phase

Maintenance Dredging of the Shenzhen River

The frequency and scale of maintenance dredging required along the river channel and the flood retardation pond is anticipated to be very small compared with the dredging works during the capital works. Given the scale and volume of dredging, it is not anticipated that there will be adverse impact to the water quality of Shenzhen River (see Section 6).

Changes in Water Quality and Hydrodynamics

The water quality modelling results (Section 6) suggest that overall there will be no unacceptable water quality impacts from operation of the Project.

With regard to hydrodynamics, the results of the water modelling results suggest the Project will be beneficial to the hydrodynamics of the Project Site by improving the flood prevention performance (see Section 6). However, due to tidal influence from Deep Bay, the water level during the operation phase at the river section downstream of Ping Yuen River confluence (ie downstream of the Project Site) will be similar to the original water level before construction implementation of the Project under all working conditions. In addition, the incoming tide from Deep Bay is the source of deposited sediments between Huanggong River confluence and Shenzhen River mouth.

Therefore, operation of the Project is not expected to significantly affect the hydrodynamic conditions or sediment deposition downstream of the Project Site and hence adverse impacts to the sensitive receptors near the Shenzhen River mouth, including Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, Mai Po Marshes SSSI, Inner Deep Bay SSSI, Wetland Conservation Area and Wetland Buffer Area, are not anticipated.

Noise and Other Disturbance Generated by the Operation Activities

Boundary control along the boundary patrol road is not expected to change after the completion of the advanced works, nor is public use of those boundary patrol roads that are accessible to the public. Noise and other disturbance generated by the operation activities are expected to be similar to the current operation, and therefore no unacceptable impact will expect to be anticipated. In addition, no indirect impacts on habitat or wildlife groups are anticipated.

Impact to Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance downstream of the Study Area along the Shenzhen River

As described previously, changes in hydrodynamics, water quality caused by the Project, as well as maintenance dredging carried out during operation phase of the Project are not expected to have any adverse impacts on receptor sites further downstream from the Project Site along the Shenzhen River, such as the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site and Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay SSSI etc.

7.10.3 Impact Evaluation

Impacts identified and assessed in Section 7.10.2 are further evaluated in this section, based on the criteria in EIAO-TM Annex 8.

Construction Phase – Advanced Works & River Modification & Associated Works

Habitat Loss

As detailed in Tabel 7.19 various habitats will be directly affected by the construction phase of the Project, and the evaluation of the permanent habitat loss for each habitat is presented below.

Low-lying Grassland

There will be permanent habitat loss of approximately 4.1 ha of low-lying grassland due to the river modification & associated works and 2.2 ha due to the advanced works within the HKSAR boundary. Overall the impact of both phases of construction on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.22)

Table 7.22 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Low-lying Grassland due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works	River Modification & Associated Works
Habitat Quality	Low.	Low.
Species of Conservation Interest	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat [ie perching/ foraging]) include Common Buzzard. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat [ie perching/ foraging]) include Common Buzzard and Greater Coucal. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 4.1 ha of low-lying grassland of a total 11.3 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.	Permanent loss of approximately 2.2 ha of low-lying grassland of a total 11.3 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	The low-lying grassland can be re-created in approximately 1-2 years.	The low-lying grassland can be re-created in approximately 1-2 years.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is moderate – it constitutes approximately 36% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is moderate – it constitutes approximately 20% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low	Low

Marshy Low-lying Grassland

There will be permanent habitat loss of approximately 3.0 ha of marshy low-lying grassland due to the river modification & associated works and 2.9 ha due to the advanced works within the HKSAR boundary. Overall the impact of both phases of construction on this habitat is considered to be low to moderate (see Table 7.23)

Table 7.23 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Marshy Low-lying Grassland due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works	River Modification & Associated Works
Habitat Quality	Low to moderate.	Low to moderate.
Species of Conservation Interest	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat [ie perching/ foraging]) include Common Buzzard and Chinese Pond Heron. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. These species are common and widespread in Hong Kong and there exists areas of other suitable habitats in proximity. In addition, the construction works will be temporary and relatively small scale. The impacts are expected to be low.	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat [ie perching/ foraging]) include Common Buzzard, White-breasted Waterhen, Greater Coucal Chinese Pond Heron and Little Egret. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of other suitable habitats in the surrounding area. In addition, the construction works will be temporary and relatively small scale.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 2.9 ha of low-lying grassland of a total 6.6 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.	Approximately 3.0 ha of low-lying grassland of a total 6.6 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area will be disturbed during the construction phase. Approximately 1.9 ha of the marshy low-lying grassland will be reinstated at three flood plain areas (location refer to Figures 3.3-3.4) after river modification.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	The low-lying grassland can be re-created in approximately 1-2 years.	The low-lying grassland can be re-created in approximately 1-2 years.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is moderate – it constitutes approximately 44% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is moderate – it constitutes approximately 45% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate

Stream / River

Approximately 1.6 ha (2.8 km) of stream / river all from the Shenzhen River will be disturbed during construction and approximately 0.3 ha (0.9 km) will be lost due to the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. No permanent net loss but with net gain of approximately 2.1ha of stream habitats with natural bottom that expect to be formed due to the advanced works and river modification & associated works. Overall the impact from the advanced works and river modification and associated works on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.24).

Table 7.24 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Stream / River due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works	River Modification & Associated Works
Habitat Quality	Low to moderate.	Low to moderate.
Species of Conservation Interest	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat) include Chinese Pond Heron. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat) include Peregrine Falcon, Black Kite, Common Teal, Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret and Little Egret. These birds were recorded flying overhead and are highly mobile. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area and the mobility of the birds. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 0.3 ha (0.9 km) of stream / river all from the Shenzhen River. The Study Area contains 2.8 ha (6.0 km) of stream / river.	No permanent loss but with net gain of approximately 2.4 ha of stream habitats. Approximately 1.6 ha (2.8 km) of stream / river all from the Shenzhen River will be disturbed during construction and Shenzhen River will be widened after the river modification works and therefore approximately 4 ha of stream/river habitat with natural bottom will expect to be formed. The Study Area contains 2.8 ha (6.0 km) of stream / river.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.	The impact will persist mainly during the construction phases.
Reversibility	The stream / river is difficult to recreate.	The stream / river is disturbed during construction.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes approximately 10% of this habitat type by area and 3% by length within the whole Study Area.	The total size of stream/river habitat will be increased to 4 ha after river modification although approximately 1.6 ha of the habitat will be disturbed during construction.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low	Low

Abandoned Agricultural Land

There will be permanent habitat loss of approximately 3.3 ha due to the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. Overall the impact from the construction work on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.25)

Table 7.25 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Abandoned Agricultural Land due to the Advanced Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works
Habitat Quality	Low to moderate.
Species of Conservation Interest	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat) include Chinese Pond Heron. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 3.3 ha of abandoned agricultural land of a total 82.9 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	Abandoned agricultural land can be re-created. It may take approximately 1-2 years to mature.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes approximately 3% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low

Developed Area

There will be permanent habitat loss of approximately 0.5 ha of developed area due to the river modification & associated works and 3.5 ha due to the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. Overall the impact from both phases of the construction work on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.26).

Table 7.26 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Developed Area due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works	River Modification & Associated Work
Habitat Quality	Low.	Low.
Species of Conservation Interest	None recorded during the surveys. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.	None recorded during the surveys. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 3.5 ha of developed area (including road / path) of a total 38.2 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.	Permanent loss of approximately 0.5 ha of developed area (including road / path) of a total 38.2 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	Developed area can be readily and immediately re-created.	Developed area can be readily and immediately re-created.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes approximately 7.5% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes approximately 3% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low	Low

Channel

There will be permanent habitat loss of approximately 0.6 ha (0.2 km) of channel due to the river modification & associated works and 0.05 ha (0.03 km) due to the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. Overall the impact from both phases of the construction work on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.27).

Table 7.27 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Channel due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works	River Modification & Associated Work
Habitat Quality	Low	Low
Species of Conservation Interest	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat) include Chinese Pond Heron. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.	Bird species of conservation interest that are potentially affected (due to the loss of associated habitat) include Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Grey Heron. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 0.05 ha (0.03 km) of channel. The Study Area contains 9.2 ha (3.6km) of channel.	Permanent loss of approximately 0.6 ha (0.2km) of channel. The Study Area contains 9.2 ha (3.6 km) of channel.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	Channel can be readily and immediately re-created. The current project will create much more of this habitat.	Channel can be readily and immediately re-created. The current project will create much more of this habitat.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes < 1% of this habitat type by area and < 1% by length within the whole Study Area.	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes 6.5% of this habitat type by area and 3% by length within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low	Low

Cultivated Land

There will be permanent habitat loss of approximately 0.04 ha of cultivated land due to the river modification & associated works and 1.9 ha due to the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. Overall the impact from both phases of the construction work on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.28).

Table 7.28 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Cultivated Land (Dry) due to the Advanced Works and River Modification & Associated Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works	River Modification & Associated Work
Habitat Quality	Low.	Low.
Species of Conservation Interest	None recorded during the surveys. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.	None recorded during the surveys. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 1.9 ha of cultivated land of a total 56.9 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.	Permanent loss of approximately 0.04 ha of cultivated land of a total 56.9 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	Cultivated land can be readily and immediately re-created.	Cultivated land can be readily and immediately re-created.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes approximately 3% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is negligible – it constitutes <0.1 % of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low	Low

Secondary Woodland

There will be no permanent habitat loss of secondary woodland due to the river modification and associated works and the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. Impact on the loss of secondary woodland would be avoided and minimised as far as possible during the construction phase. Approximately 0.4 ha of the secondary woodland will be disturbed during construction (which will be reinstated after construction), but additional secondary woodland habitat (~0.5 ha) will be provided after the Advanced Works. The overall unmitigated impact from the advanced works phase of the construction work on this habitat is considered to be low to moderate (see Table 7.29).

Table 7.29 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Secondary Woodland due to Advanced Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works
Habitat Quality	Moderate.
Species of Conservation Interest	None recorded during the surveys. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	No permanent loss of secondary woodland of a total 20.4 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area. Approximately 0.4 ha of the secondary woodland will be disturbed during construction (which will be reinstated after construction), but additional secondary woodland habitat (~0.5 ha) will be formed after the Advanced Works.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	Secondary woodland is difficult to re-create and would take approximately 30 years to re-create.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes < 2% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low to Moderate

Plantation

There will be no permanent habitat loss of plantation due to the river modification and associated works and permanent habitat loss of approximately 0.03 ha due to the advanced works area within the HKSAR boundary. The impact is expected to be mitigated through the provision of higher quality compensatory woodland. The overall impact from the advanced works phase of the construction work on this habitat is considered to be low (see Table 7.30).

Table 7.30 Overall Unmitigated Impact Evaluation for Plantation due to Advanced Works

Evaluation Criteria	Advanced Works
Habitat Quality	Low to Moderate.
Species of Conservation Interest	None recorded during the surveys. Other wildlife species of conservation interest that may use the areas are presented in Table 7.21. The impacts are expected to be low due to the abundance of similar habitat in the surrounding area.
Size/Abundance	Permanent loss of approximately 0.03 ha of plantation of a total 3.1 ha within the whole Hong Kong side of the Study Area.
Duration	The impact will persist during the construction and operational phases.
Reversibility	Plantation is readily re-creatable and would take approximately 10 years to do so.
Magnitude	The scale of the habitat loss and impact is low – it constitutes approximately 1% of this habitat type within the whole Study Area.
Overall Unmitigated Impact Conclusion	Low

Impacts to Wildlife in particular Species of Conservation Interest

Despite some permanent habitat loss due to the Project, relatively this loss is small compared to the quantity of similar habitats or other suitable types of habitats in the immediate vicinity. In addition, the conduction works will be temporary and relatively small scale. Given the high mobility of the majority of the wildlife recorded (birds and some mammals such as bats) and the ability of the less mobile wildlife such as butterflies, odonates and herpetofauna to still relocate to nearby similar habitats, the overall impacts to wildlife are likely to be minimal.

Overall twelve bird species and one butterfly species of conservation interest were recorded in or flying above the Project Site during the surveys; Common Buzzard, Greater Coucal, Black Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Common Teal, White-breasted Waterhen and Coutesan butterfly. Common Buzzard, Greater Coucal, Black Kite and Peregrine Falcon are Class 2 Protected Animals of the PRC and except the Greater Coucal are protected under Cap 586 in Hong Kong. The Black Kite and Common Buzzard are also both is listed in CITES Appendix 2 while the Peregrine Falcon is listed in CITES Appendix 1. All the recorded ardeid species, and wetland dependent bird species (Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen) are considered of either “potential regional concern” or “regional concern” by Fellow et al ([51]). For all these species and other species of conservation that may use the habitats within the Project Site (refer to Table 7.21), a part of their associated habitat used for perching and foraging will be affected; but given that there are extensive similar habitats or other suitable types of habitats in proximity, reprovision of similar habitats in operation phase, and the temporary and relatively small-scale nature of the construction works, the overall impact on these species is not considered significant.

Although a possible breeding site for Greater Painted Snipe was recorded within the Study Area, it falls outside of the Project Site (at least 200m away) and no adverse impact to this site or its associated wildlife is anticipated.

Eurasian Otter (protected under Cap 586, listed in CITES Appendix 1 and Class 2 Protected Animals of the PRC) is a protected species and considered as species of conservation interest with restricted records in Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site and nearby wetland areas ([52]). However, within the Study Area and Project Site, no ecologically sensitive wetlands of high habitat quality as well as Eurasian Otter were recorded during the surveys. Potential impacts to this habitat type and this species are therefore not anticipated.

Overall, there will be no significant loss of feeding grounds or change in ecological carrying capacity of the area and no reduction in species abundance/ diversity is anticipated.

Other Impacts

As assessed in Section 7.10.2, given the temporary nature, relatively small-scale and phase implementation of the construction works, as well as the provision of cofferdam/diversion dyke and good construction site practices, other identified potential impacts, such as habitat fragmentation and isolation, changes to water quality and hydrology and other impacts due to noise, dust and human disturbance were expected to be low impact and therefore are evaluated as not being significant (see also Section 6.7).

Operation Phase

Assessment of potential impacts during the operation phase, such as maintenance dredging at the flood retardation pond, change in hydrology and noise and other disturbances generated by the operation activities were assessed to be low impact and therefore are evaluated as not being significant.

7.11 Mitigation Measures

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.

7.11.1 Avoidance

An options evaluation exercise was conducted to identify a technically feasible, cost-effective, environmentally and socially acceptable option for the Stage 4 regulation works. The hydraulics model MIKE 11, developed by the Danish Hydraulics Institute (DHI), was used to assess the effects of different design options on the hydrology and hydraulics of the Shenzhen River. Land requirements, environmental considerations and management and maintenance during operation as well as cost were considered to decide on the preferred design option.

This option maintains the existing alignment of the concerned section of the Shenzhen River as far as possible to minimise alternation to the existing river profile and meandering nature, minimise landtake and avoid large amounts of excavation, dredging or filling. The design principle of the works is to protect the livelihood of residents on both sides of the river with an ecological sensible design, which should maintain the naturalness of the river and riparian habitats and hence protect the biodiversity. As shown in Figures 2.1 to 2.5, the designed alignment will follow the existing watercourse as far as possible.

7.11.2 Minimisation

Potential ecological impacts associated with the Project during the construction phase are the disturbance of mainly low quality habitats (Developed Area, Low-lying Grassland, Cultivated Land and Channel) (approximately 13 ha) and their associated wildlife. About 11 ha of low to moderate quality habitats (Marshy Low-lying Grassland, Abandoned Agricultural Land, Plantation and the Shenzhen River) and their associated wildlife will be affected.

Approximately 0.4 ha of the secondary woodland which was located within the works area may be disturbed during the construction phase, but such loss is considered as the worst case scenario for the purpose of the assessment and the Project will preserve/avoid such habitat as far as possible. If this small patch of woodland could not be avoided due to the project works, it will be reinstated after construction.

Approximately 1.9 ha of the Shenzhen River and approximately 5.9 ha of the marshy low-lying grassland will be disturbed due to the Project.

In order to minimise the impacts associated with the habitat loss, approximately 1.6 ha of the stream/river habitat and approximately 1.9 ha of the marshy low-lying grassland will be reinstated respectively after the construction works. Moreover, additional secondary woodland habitat (~0.5 ha) and stream/river habitat with natural bottom (~2.1 ha) will be formed after the advanced works and river modification works (see also Section 7.11.3).

As discussed in Section 7.10, the potential ecological impact caused by the Project is anticipated to be low to moderate and the suggested mitigation measure would further reduce the possible ecological impacts:

Implementation of good construction practices as follows:

· Avoid potential impacts on the trees/ secondary woodland habitat whenever possible during the detailed design stage. Where possible, the retained trees/ woodland will be fenced off as protection from the construction works. If the trees cannot be avoided due to the engineering constraint, the affected individual(s) will be transplanted to compensatory woodland planting site near Pak Fu Shan (Figure 7.9) or a similar habitat in the vicinity of the Project Site if considered suitable (subject to the detailed assessment of the feasibility of transplantation). A detailed vegetation survey on the trees within the impacted area would be conducted by a suitably qualified botanist/ ecologist to identify and record the affected individuals prior to the commencement of site clearance works. Feasibility and suitability of transplanting the affected plant species of conservation interest would be carefully studied and suitable receptor sites would be identified during Tree Felling Application;

· Avoid any damage and disturbance, particularly those caused by filling and illegal dumping, to the surrounding habitats through proper management of waste disposal (details refer to Section 9.6.2);

· Arrange river excavation works to be conducted in dry season (November to March) in order to minimize the potential water quality impacts on downstream areas of high ecological value. Impacts due to the excavation works on the habitat and associated wildlife during dry season can be minimised through phase implementation of works and adoption of good site practices (see also Section 6.8.1);

· Regularly check the Site boundaries to ensure that they are not breached and that no damage occurs to surrounding areas;

· Regularly check the performance and/ or effectiveness of the cofferdam and “diversion dyke” in order to minimise surface runoff and the chance of soil erosion (see also Section 6.8.1);

· Prohibit and prevent open burning within the site boundary during construction and provide temporary fire fighting equipment in the work areas; and

· Reinstate temporary work sites/disturbed areas (including approximately 1.6 ha of the Shenzhen River, approximately 0.4 ha secondary woodland (if unavoidable, location refer to Figure 7.9) and approximately 1.9 ha of the marshy low-lying grassland (location refer to Figure 7.10)), immediately after completion of the construction works.

7.11.3 Compensation

Since approximately 0.4 ha of secondary woodland will be disturbed and 0.03 ha of plantation habitat will be lost as a result of the Project’s advanced construction works, approximately 0.5 ha of compensatory woodland planting (in addition to the reinstatement of the 0.4 ha secondary woodland if unavoidably affected) will be provided within the Project Site near Pak Fu Shan (Figure 7.9). The proposed compensatory woodland planting site will locate adjoining to the reinstated and existing (undisturbed by the Project) secondary woodland. The compensatory woodland planting will provide ecological linkage to the existing secondary woodland therefore avoided/ minimised habitat fragmentation. The selection of planting species shall be made with reference to the species identified in the Tree Survey and be native to Hong Kong or the South China region. In view of the presence of the rare butterfly species (Courtesan) within the Study Area and the potential loss of its larval food plant in the low-lying grassland habitat (even it was also be recorded in various habitats within the Study Area), it is recommended that the compensatory planting species shall include their larval food plants (Trema sp.) within the compensatory woodland. The arrangement of the on-site compensatory planting, ie tree/ shrub mix and Trema sp., will be subject to detailed landscape design and planting plan, and recommended to be implemented prior to the construction activities as far as practical.

Approximately 4.0 ha of stream/river habitat and 4.1 ha of riverbank landscape areas (locations refer to Figure 7.10) will be formed after the advanced works and river modification works. The river bed will be retained as natural bottom while the stream bank will be modified by adopting a sloping landscape where suitable native riparian vegetation will be planted to resemble the naturalness of the river. The design of reprovisioned stream/river habitat is presented in Section 3.2.1.

Proper ecological design will be adopted for the landscape works along the river banks, including the floodplains (the 1.9ha marshy low-lying grassland will be reinstated in the floodplains at Hong Kong side; which is in addition to the small potion of approximately 0.4 ha at Shenzhen side). With the adoption of ecological design, the landscaping works at the river banks of the modified Shenzhen River (aimed at providing similar habitat as the marshy low-lying grassland) could provide ecological function and linkage to the surrounding habitats even the Advanced Works areas will still be fenced as the current practice. Provision of approximately 4.1 ha of riverbank landscape planting can therefore compensate the loss of approximately 4 ha of marshy low-lying grassland (of low to moderate ecological value) in certain extent. The typical design of riverbank landscaping areas for the Project is presented in Figure 7.11 and as follows, while the details will be developed during Detailed Design Stage.

· Riverbank landscaping planting works will be carried out after the completion of the embankment construction and slope protection works. The landscape characters along the river course will be designed in view of mitigating any potential environmental or landscape impacts, and taking into consideration the local characteristics and the landuse planning in the adjacent area. The works will be carried out under the supervision of qualified landscape professionals.

· The overall objectives for the landscaping works will be mainly concerned with ecological enhancement but also include landscape enhancement. Further details will be developed during Detailed Design Stage. The river bank will be designed in order to:

o re-establish the natural riparian ecosystem and enhance local biodiversity;

o provide similar habitat for marshy low-lying grassland;

o protect the water resources; and

o avoid erosion.

· The arrangement of the planting, ie tree/ shrub/ grass mix, will be subject to detailed landscape design and in line with the landscape planting in Shenzhen side. Vegetation chosen for the landscaping works will be based on the following:

o Well adapted to the environment – mainly use native species supplement by suitable exotic plants;

o Able to contribute to enhancing the local biodiversity (mixed vegetations of trees, groundcovers and grasses will be placed along the river bank); and

o Low management requirements - those species with low management requirements will be chosen to minimize the maintenance cost; and

o Prevent obstruction of sight view - design should fulfil the security requirements for boundary patrolling and therefore should not obstruct the sight view along the boundary patrol road.

7.11.4 Additional Ecological Measure

With the implementation of the above mitigation measures, no adverse residual impacts due to the construction and operation of the Project are expected. The following additional ecological measure will provide added ecological value for the Project:

In addition to the recommended mitigation measures listed in Sections 7.11.1-7.11.3, proper ecological design will be adopted for the flood retardation pond (at Shenzhen side). A flood retardation pond will be constructed at chainage 14+778 to 15+183 within the Shenzhen boundary of the Project Site to further enhance the ecological function of the area, which can serve as a wetland habitat for flora and fauna. It will have a total area of approximately 2.2 ha and a water depth of usually not more than 1.2m. Two weirs with penstocks will the used to control water level during the dry season. Areas of water depth of 0.3-0.8m will have ‘emergent plant’ such as native Phragmites australis and exotic Lepironia articulata planted in it. Areas of water depth of 0.8-1.2m will have ‘submerged and floating plants’ such as the native Vallisneria natans, Euryale ferox andTrapa spp. planted. Further details will be developed during Detailed Design Stage.

7.12 Cumulative Impacts

The current Project is scheduled to start advanced works in February 2012, have a preparation phase between March and July 2013 followed by a construction period of 44 months starting in August 2013 and ending in March 2017.

Three further projects, including Liantang / Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Crossing Point (LT/HYW BCP) and the Associated Works, Construction of the Secondary Boundary Fence and new Sections of Primary Boundary Fence and Patrol Road and New Development Areas (NDA) in North East New Territories, are planned in the vicinity of the Project Site. Within the Study Area but outside the Project Site, there are two planned projects, including the Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories, Package C (Remaining Works) and the study on Land Use Planning for the Closed Area which recommended village, recreation and green belt uses and the LT/HYW BCP.

The LT/HYW BCP and the Associated Works falls directly in the current Project Study area and some cumulative habitat loss is anticipated. Only habitats of low ecological value including shrubland, plantation, active and abandoned agricultural lands, drainage channel and developed area will be affected in Works Area of Section 1 (BCP), which is located within/ adjacent to the Project areas. Although permanent loss of some area of woodland will be expected due to the tunnel portals and connecting roads in other sections of the LT/HYW BCP and the Associated Works, the impacts will be mitigated after woodland instatement and compensation. Given that there are extensive similar habitats available for the wildlife in particular species of conservation interest and with the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, no unacceptable ecological impacts due to the construction and operation of the LT/HYW BCP and the Associated Works will expect to be anticipated. And therefore no significant cumulative impacts are anticipated with the current Project.

For the Construction of the Secondary Boundary Fence and new Sections of Primary Boundary Fence and Patrol Road project, the reprovisioning of the boundary patrol road and boundary fences along the concerned section of Shenzhen River under the Stage 4 regulation has already been incorporated into the design and construction programme of this Project.

The Drainage Improvement in Northern New Territories, Package C (Remaining Works) project involves the construction of a drainage channel at Ping Yuen River. Construction works will mainly involve site clearance, site preparation, earthworks and other general construction activities while no operational activities will be undertaken apart from minor maintenance work. Project details and its environmental assessment are currently not available. As this project is located outside the southern boundary of the Study Area and with the implementation of its own mitigation measures, no significant cumulative construction and operational impacts associated with ecology and water quality are anticipated with the current Project.

The feasibility study "Land Use Planning for the Closed Area" was conducted by the Planning Department for the future planning use of the areas to be released from the Closed Area. The project encompasses the northern New Territories from Inner Deep Map to Sha Tau Kok, as well as the Study Area of the Project. Based on the finalised recommended development plan, all proposed development areas will be located outside the Study Area and potential impacts on habitats or species of high ecological value will be avoided. In addition, potential designation of Country Park in Robin’s Nest (located outside the Study Area) and other subsequent management activities will be carried out to preserve and enhance ecologically important habitats and associated wildlife. With the implementation of its own mitigation measures, no significant cumulative construction and operational impacts are anticipated with the current Project.

Detailed assessment of the cumulative impacts cannot be carried out for the NDA planned under the New Development Areas (NDA) in North East New Territories project in Ping Che since there is no confirmed development schedule and programme available for assessment. However, as advised by the project proponent of the NENT NDAs Study, the earliest construction works in Ping Che/Ta Kwu Ling (PC/TKL) NDA is unlikely to commence before 2017. As such, it is anticipated that no works in PC/TKL NDA would be conducted concurrently with the works under this Project. Nonetheless, the nearest NDA to the Project Site is located at more than 600m from Shenzhen River and assuming this project has its own mitigation measures and no unacceptable ecological residual impacts, no unacceptable cumulative ecological impacts are anticipated with the current Project.

7.13 Residual Environmental Impacts

No adverse residual impact due to the construction and operation of the Project is expected after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures proposed in Section 7.11. The proposed mitigation measures included reinstatement of ~0.4 ha secondary woodland, ~1.6 ha of Shenzhen River and ~1.9 ha of marshy low-lying grassland, provision of approximately 0.5 ha of compensatory woodland planting for the loss of ~0.03 ha plantation, ~2.4 ha stream/river habitat for the loss of ~0.3 ha of Shenzhen River and ~0.65 ha of channel and approximately 4.1 ha of riverbank landscaping areas for the loss of ~4 ha marshy low-lying grassland. For the loss of other habitats including plantation, abandoned agricultural land, cultivated land (dry), wet active agricultural land, low-lying grassland and developed area, no significant residual ecological impacts is anticipated under the project.

7.14 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

7.14.1 Construction Phase

No ecological mitigation measures apart from the adoption of good construction practise is required to be checked as part of the environmental monitoring and audit procedures during the construction phase.

The completed landscape works (including compensatory planting and riverbanks landscape plantings on Hong Kong side) adopting ecological design at the Hong Kong side (proposed in Section 7.11.3) and planted vegetation will be monitored during the one year establishment period. For the landscaping works at the river banks, specific monitoring and audit program is recommended during the operation phase (see Section 7.14.2 below) but not during the construction phase.

7.14.2 Operation Phase

Although no adverse residual impacts are envisaged based on the results of impact assessment, wetland dependent bird monitoring for one year after the establishment of the landscape plantings in the reprovisioned/reinstated habitats. The purpose of the operation monitoring is to review the performance of the reprovisioned/reinstated habitats. Particular focus will be made on bird species of conservation interest (especially ardeid species including Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret and Little Egret, and two wetland dependant species Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen).

Standard, quantitative point count surveys will be undertaken at designated sampling locations at once per month after the establishment of the landscape plantings of the Project. The necessity for further ecological monitoring would be reviewed after the first year ecological monitoring programme. Locations of sampling transects shall include reprovisioned/reinstated habitats including riverbank landscape areas, floodplains and watercourse, and other reference locations within Hong Kong boundary. Details of the monitoring programme will be formulated and further submitted under the Project.

7.15 Summary & Conclusions

The ecological impact assessment has been prepared using the results of a literature review and ecological field update surveys conducted between the end of 2009 and early 2010, covering wet and dry seasons. While data was collected for the whole Study Area (Shenzhen side and Hong Kong side), results and impact evaluation has focused, in this Report, on the Hong Kong side.

The ecological resources recorded within the Study Area included twelve habitats (woodland [including fung shui woodland], plantation, shrubby grassland, low-lying grassland, marshy low-lying grassland, abandoned agricultural land, cultivated land (dry), wet active agricultural land, stream / river, channel, pond and developed area) of which only two were not found in the Project Site (shrubby grassland and pond). Low-lying grassland, wet active agricultural land, cultivated land (dry), channel, pond and developed area (including road / path) were considered as having low ecological value, secondary woodland and the stream / river other than the Shenzhen River as having moderate ecological value, fung shui woodland as having high ecological value and the remainder (plantation, shrubby grassland, abandoned agricultural land marshy low-lying grassland and Shenzhen River) as having low to moderate ecological value. One small section of the Ping Yuen channel, located outside the Project Site, was considered of low to moderate ecological value, due to it acting as a possible breeding site for Greater Painted Snipe. Overall 286 plant species were recorded in the Study Area, only one of which was a species of conservation interest (Incense Tree), which was recorded in the secondary woodland habitat to the south of the Tsung Yuen Ha within the Study Area. No plant species of conservation interest was recorded within the Project Site.

A total of 38 wildlife species of conservation interest were recorded within the Study Area , including six mammal species (Small Indian Civet, East Asian / Malayan Porcupine, Leopard Cat and three unidentified bat species), 26 bird species (Crested Serpent Eagle, Besra, Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Greater Spotted Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Savanna Nightjar, Emerald Dove, Greater Coucal, Lesser Coucal, Asian Barred Owlet / Cuckoo Owl, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Crested Goshawk and Greater Painted Snipe, Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Green Heron, Common Teal, White-breasted Waterhen and Yellow-breasted Bunting), two herpetofauna species (Chinese Bullfrog and Burmese Python), three butterfly species (Courtesan, Small Three-ring and Spotted Angle) and one dragonfly species, (Tawny Hooktail). Only 13 of these species were recorded in the Project Site during the surveys, 12 of them being highly mobile birds (Greater Coucal, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Black Kite, Chinese Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Common Teal and White-breasted Waterhen) and the other being the Courtesan butterfly which despite not being as mobile, has an abundance of similar habitat in the immediate vicinity.

The Project Site is split into two components, the advanced works area and the river modification & associated works and will cause some permanent habitat loss. The Shenzhen River will be disturbed during construction but additional stream/river habitat (> 2 ha), woodland habitat (~0.5ha) and riverbank landscaping areas (>4 ha) will be formed after river modification works. Given the relatively low value of the habitat and the low faunal abundance / diversity in the area, the impact of the Project is anticipated to be low. With the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures and good construction practice no unacceptable ecological impact is anticipated.

A bird monitoring programme will be undertaken to monitor the effectiveness of the reprovisioned/reinstated habitats during the operation of the Project. Monitoring of bird abundance and occurrence will be undertaken for one year after the establishment of the landscape plantings of the Project.

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([1]) Tsim S.T., Lock N.Y. 2002. Knowing Ramsar Site. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong.

([2]) AFCD General Information about Mai Po Ramsar Site. Available at: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_wet/con_wet_look/con_wet_look_gen/con_wet_look_gen.html [Accessed 18 June 2010]

([3]) WWF Hong Kong website. Available at: http://www.wwf.org.hk/en/whatwedo/conservation/wetlands/managemaipo/maipowildlife/birds/ [Last accessed 18 June 2010]

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([7]) AXIS Environmental Consultants and CES (Asia) Ltd (2000) Shenzhen River Regulation Project Stage 3 - Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Prepared for Drainage Services Department.

([8]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Construction of a Secondary Boundary Fence and new sections of Primary Boundary Fence and Boundary Patrol Road – EIA Study. Prepared for Secretary for Security.

([9]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile for Stream Improvement at Ta Kwu Ling associated with the Resite of Chuk Yuen Village. Prepared for Civil Engineering and Development Department.

([10]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Land Use Planning for Closed Area - Feasibility Study. Appendix G – Ecological Field Survey. Final Report prepared for Planning Department.

([11]) AXIS Environmental Consultants and CES (Asia) Ltd (2000), op. cit.

([12]) Mott MacDonald (2009) EIA Study, op. cit.

([13]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile, op. cit..

([14]) Mott MacDonald (2009) EIA Study, op. cit..

([15]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile, op. cit.

([16]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile for Stream Improvement at Ta Kwu Ling associated with the Resite of Chuk Yuen Village. Prepared for Civil Engineering and Development Department.

([17]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile, op. cit...

([18]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Op Cit.

([19]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile, op. cit...

([20]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Op Cit.

([21]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Op Cit.

([22]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile, op. cit...

([23]) AXIS Environmental Consultants and CES (Asia) Ltd (2000), op. cit.

([24]) Mott MacDonald (2009) EIA Study, op. cit..

([25]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Op Cit.

([26]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Project Profile, op. cit..

([27]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Op Cit.

([28]) Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd (2010) Op Cit.

([29]) Mott MacDonald (2009) Construction of a Secondary Boundary Fence and new sections of Primary Boundary Fence and Boundary Patrol Road – EIA Study. Prepared for Secretary for Security.

([30]) Xing, F.W., Ng, S.C., Chau, L.K.C. (2000). Gymnosperms and angiosperms of Hong Kong. Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society. 23: 21-136.

([31]) Wu, S. H. and Lee.T. C. (2000). Pteridophytes of Hong Kong. Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society: 23:5-20.

([32]) Siu, L.P. G. (2000) Orchidaceae of Hong Kong. Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society: 23:137-148.

([33]) AFCD (2003). Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. Power Digital Printing Co. Ltd.

([34]) AFCD (2004). Check List of Hong Kong Plants. Hong Kong Herbarium.

([35]) Shek, C. T. (2006) A Field Guide To The Terrestrial Mammals Of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Book Ltd.

([36]) Viney, C., Phillipps, K., Ying L.C. (2006) The Birds of Hong Kong and South China. 8th ed. Hong Kong: Government Printer

([37]) Karsen, S. J., Lau, M. W. N. and Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles. Urban Council, Hong Kong

([38]) AFCD (2006). A Field Guide to the Venomous Land Snakes of Hong Kong. Friends of Country Park.

([39]) AFCD (2005). A Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong. Friends of Country Park.

([40]) Walthew, G. (1997). The status and flight periods of Hong Kong butterflies Porcupine! 16: 34-37

([41]) Yiu V (2004). Field Guide to the butterflies of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Discovery Ltd.

([42]) Wilson, K.D.P. (2004). Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Hong Kong. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of Country Park and Cosmos Book Ltd. Hong Kong.

([43]) Virginia L.F. Lee, Samuel K. S. Lam, Franco K. Y. Ng, Tony K. T. Chan and Maria L. C. Young (2004). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Hong Kong. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of Country Park and Cosmos Book Ltd. Hong Kong

([44]) Viney, C., Phillipps, K., and Lam, C.Y. (2006). Birds of Hong Kong and South China. Government Printer, Hong Kong.

([45]) Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leader, P.J., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M., and Young, L. (2001). The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong.

([46]) Carey, G.J., Chalmers, M.L., Diskin, D.A., Kennerley, P.R., Leader, P.J., Leven, M.R., Lewthwaite, R.W., Melville, D.S., Turnbull, M., and Young, L. (2001). The Avifauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong.

([47]) Viney, C., Phillipps, K., and Lam, C.Y. (2006). Ibid

([48]) Fellowes, J. R. et al. (2002). Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong. In Hodgkiss, I.J. (ed.). Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society, No. 19, Hong Kong. pp.123-159.

([49]) http://www.greenpower.org.hk/gp/pressrelease/pr_download/270909_butterfly_eng.doc

([50]) AFCD (2003) Rare and Precious Plants in Hong Kong. AFCD and Friends of the Country Parks

([51]) Fellowes, J. R. et al. (2002). Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong. In Hodgkiss, I.J. (ed.). Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society, No. 19, Hong Kong. pp.123-159.

([52]) AFCD Biodiversity Database. [Accessed in October 2010] [http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/hkbiodiversity/database/search.asp?lang=en.]