Document reference:

370161 | 05|03 | A

 

 

 

This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above-captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.

We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties.

This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.

 

 

Contents

1       Introduction                                                                                                            

1.1      Background                                                                                                     

1.2      Survey Area                                                                                                     

1.3      EM&A Requirement on Ecological Impact                                                          

2       Ecological Monitoring                                                                                           

2.1      Ecological Monitoring                                                                                       

2.2      Monitoring of Birds                                                                                           

2.3      Monitoring of Herpetofauna                                                                             

2.4      Monitoring of Dragonfly and Butterflies                                                            

2.5      Monitoring of Mammals                                                                                  

2.6      Monitoring of Water Quality                                                                             

3       Ecological Issues                                                                                                

3.1      Vegetation Management                                                                                 

3.2      Wildlife Management                                                                                      

4       Summary of Wetland Restoration Area Performance                                  

4.1      Summary of Findings                                                                                      

4.2      WRA Performance for the Bird Target Species                                                 

4.3      Adaptive Management for WRA                                                                      

4.4      Conclusions                                                                                                   

5       References                                                                                                          

Figures                                                                                                                           

Appendices                                                                                                                   

A.      Schedule of Ecological Monitoring                                                                  

B.      Summary of Bird Surveys                                                                                 

C.      Summary of Herpetofauna Monitoring, Mammals and Insect Surveys     

D.      Summary of Water Quality Monitoring                                                            

 

Tables

Table 1.1: Summary of Ecological Impact EM&A Requirements 

Table 4.1: Summary of Ecological Monitoring in Survey Area (excluding WRA) and WRA 

Table 4.2: Biannual mean & Annual mean of the three target species of the WRA from May 2023 to April 2025 

Table 4.3: Total number of bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence recorded in the WRA from November 2010 to April 2024 

Table 4.4: Mean number of bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence in the WRA during reporting period 

 

 

 

1        Introduction

1.1      Background

In March 2005, the Project Proponent, Profit Point Enterprises Limited, acquired the development site in Yuen Long at Wo Shang Wai. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was then carried out under the EIA Ordinance (EIAO), and the Environmental Permit (EP-311/2008) for construction of the comprehensive development in Wo Shang Wai was first granted by EPD on 9 September 2008 and has been subsequently varied, with the current version (EP-311/2008/E) issued by EPD on 19 December 2017.

The Project involves the residential development, associated infrastructure, wetland restoration area and linear landscape area. The construction works under the Environmental Permit commenced on 12 May 2010. The site formation construction works of the Wetland Restoration Area (WRA) were completed on 15 November 2010, and the WRA was established by October 2012, within 30 months from the commencement of construction as stipulated in the EP. This indicated that planting works as scheduled in the approved Wetland Restoration and Creation Scheme (WRCS; November 2009) was completed, except along the western and southern boundary where the planting is affected by the existing site boundary and noise barrier, and for which a Variation to Environmental Permit (EP-311/2008/C) to defer planting at the location was approved. The current valid EP (EP-311/2008/E) includes specific mitigation measures to minimise certain identified noise impacts during the operation phase of the Project.

Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Ltd. (“MMHK”) has been commissioned to undertake the Environmental Team (ET) services to carry out environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) for both pre-construction and construction phases of the Proposed Comprehensive Development at Wo Shang Wai, Yuen Long.

According to the EP Condition 4.6, the EM&A results on ecological aspects during the construction phase should be reported to the EIA Subcommittee of the Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE), EPD and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on a biannual basis. This is the 30th Biannual EM&A report and it summarises the findings on EM&A results of ecological aspects during the period from 1 November 2024 to 30 April 2025. This report documents surveys and management activities conducted in the Survey Area and WRA from 1 November 2024 to 30 April 2025, which is based on ecological surveys and advice on management undertaken and provided by the appointed Non-Government Organisation (Eco-Institute) during the reporting period.

1.2      Survey Area

Surveys were conducted within 500m of the Project area. The WRA has been surveyed since early September 2010. The survey area and transect are provided in Figure 1.1.

1.3      EM&A Requirement on Ecological Impact

The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring of ecology as specified in the approved EM&A Manual, summarised in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Summary of Ecological Impact EM&A Requirements

Descriptions

Locations

Frequencies

Birds

Within the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m

Weekly

Dragonflies and Butterflies

Within the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m

Once per month during Mar and Sep to Nov, and twice per month during Apr to Aug

Herpetofauna

Within the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m

Day-time: Once per month during Apr to Nov

Night-time: Once per month during Mar to Aug

Water quality of Wetland Restoration Area (WRA)

WRA

After filling of WRA with water, monthly for in situ water quality and every six months (end of wet season and end of dry season) for laboratory testing

Site Inspections

Within the Project Area and Assessment Area of 500m

Weekly

Source: Extract from Table 7-1 of the Proposed Comprehensive Development at Wo Shang Wai, Yuen Long EM&A Manual (March 2008)

 

2        Ecological Monitoring

2.1       Ecological Monitoring

In accordance with the EM&A requirements, monitoring of birds, dragonflies and butterflies, and herpetofauna were carried out during the reporting period. In addition, monitoring of mammals was also conducted concurrently with other surveys and the results were reported although it is not required by the EM&A Manual. The dates of surveys are summarised in Appendix A.

2.2       Monitoring of Birds

Monitoring was undertaken following the survey requirements in the EM&A Manual (Table 7-1). Since September 2010, monitoring included the newly formed cells to monitor faunal usage of this area. All bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland dependent were identified and enumerated. Flying birds were not recorded unless they were foraging and/or associated with the habitat (such as swifts). Further, notable bird observations during other surveys were also recorded.

Bird surveys were conducted on a weekly basis throughout the reporting period. A total of 65 bird species were recorded in the Survey Area (excluding the WRA) in the survey period (i.e. 1 November 2024 to 30 April 2025), 33 of which were species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence. A summary of survey data is provided in Appendix B.

A total of 63 species were recorded in the WRA during the survey period, 29 of which were species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependent species. Two of the three target species (Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus)) were recorded in the WRA during regular surveys.

The WRA continues to attract a number of species of conservation importance, including Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia), Little Egret,  Chinese Pond Heron, Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), Greater Painted-snipe (Rostratula benghalensis), Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola), Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) and Collared Crow (Corvus torquatus). Little Grebe, Yellow Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-winged Kite, Greater Painted-snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Pied Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher and Collared Crow are listed by Fellowes et al. (2002) as of “Local Concern”. Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron are listed by Fellowes et al. (2002) as of “Potential Regional Concern”. Purple Heron, Intermediate Egret, Black Kite and Common Greenshank are listed by Fellowes et al. (2002) as of “Regional Concern”. Collared Crow is also listed as “near threatened” species on the IUCN list.

In addition to wetland-dependence birds and/or species of conservation importance, the WRA also attracts a number of terrestrial birds including Besra (Accipiter virgatus), Eastern Buzzard (Buteo japonicus), Eastern Marsh Harrier (Circus spilonotus) and Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) which are protected under terrestrial wildlife state protection (Category II). Greater Coucal is also listed as vulnerable (VU) in the China Red Data Book.

Eastern Buzzard and Eastern Marsh Harrier are wetland-dependent birds of prey. Eastern Marsh Harrier was first recorded in the WRA.

The fish ponds to the north of the WRA (i.e. within the Survey Area (excluding WRA), with 33 bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence recorded during the survey period) are at a greater distance from the residential portion and any disturbance impact(s) from the construction works would have first affected the WRA. Nevertheless, 29 bird species of conservation importance and /or wetland dependence were also observed using the site within the WRA during the survey period, including some bird species which are highly sensitive to disturbance. The WRA is therefore considered to be effective both in acting as a buffer against potential disturbance and impact from the construction site, and in providing suitable wetland habitats at the fringe of the Deep Bay system which includes the Mai Po Marshes and the Ramsar Site as a whole.

2.3      Monitoring of Herpetofauna 

Monitoring was undertaken following the survey methodology in the EM&A Manual. Day-time herpetofauna surveys were conducted once a month from 1 November 2024 to 30 April 2025. Night-time herpetofauna surveys were conducted once a month from March 2025 and April 2025. Further, notable herpetofauna observations during other surveys, site inspections and habitat management works were also recorded.

One  amphibian species (Gunther’s Frog (Hylarana guentheri)) and three reptile species (Long-tailed Skink (Eutropis longicaudata), Many-banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus) and Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis flavipunctatus)) were recorded in the Survey Area (excluding WRA) during the reporting period. Within the WRA, a total of three amphibian species and four reptile species were recorded during the reporting period.

A summary of survey data is provided in Appendix C.

2.4      Monitoring of Dragonfly and Butterflies 

Monitoring of odonates and butterflies was conducted once a month in November 2024 and March 2025, and twice a month in April 2025. Further, notable odonate and butterfly observations during other surveys, site inspections and habitat management works were also recorded. 

A total of 5 odonate species and 6 butterfly species were recorded in the Survey Area (excluding WRA) during the survey period. Within the WRA, a higher diversity of odonate species (10 species) and butterfly species (15 species) were recorded.

A summary of the survey findings is provided in Appendix C.

2.5      Monitoring of Mammals

Monitoring of mammals was conducted concurrently with other surveys. Further, notable mammals observed during site inspections and habitat management works were also recorded.

No mammal species recorded in the Survey Area (excluding WRA) during the reporting period. Three mammal species, Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Eurasian Wild Pig (Sus scrofa) and Japanese Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus), were recorded within the WRA during the reporting period.

A summary of the survey findings is provided in Appendix C.

2.6      Monitoring of Water Quality

Monthly water quality monitoring continued during the reporting period.  In the reporting period (November 2024 to April 2025) the water levels of all Cells fluctuated between higher and lower levels due to repeated heavy rainfalls and dry periods.

The increased water level suppressed the grow of weeds along the edges of the Cells, as well as maintained a suitable habitat for fish, aquatic invertebrate and water plants which will provide food and a habitat for wetland birds. The lower water level, on the other hand, provided foraging habitat for waders, egrets and herons including the target species Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron.

Monitoring data is presented in Appendix D. Locations for the monitoring of water quality for the ecological monitoring are shown in Figure 1.2.

3        Ecological Issues

3.1      Vegetation Management

Vegetation management activities undertaken within the WRA included the removal of exotic and excessive vegetation in all cells and along the main access road. These activities primarily involved removal of excess grass and sedges, shrubs and tree branches, as well as excessive climbers and floating vegetation. Removal of vegetation included but was not limited to Ludwigia spp., Typha angustifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Macaranga tanarius, Ficus macrocarpa, Rhaphiolepis indica, Lantana camara, Mimosa sp., Pennisetum sp., Ipomea sp., Bidens alba, Paederia foetida and Mikania micrantha.

Leucaena leucocephala growing along the hoarding of Cell 1, Cell 2, Cell 3 and Cell 4 were mostly trimmed. The remaining tree trunks left during the previous clearance works were also cleared to ground level. The clearance works were conducted over a period of several months to avoid a sudden and drastic change of vegetation cover along the Cell bunds.

Exotic Cattails (Typha sp.) growing in the Cells were cleared by hand. At the end of April 2024, all noticeable cattail stands were removed in the WRA. Clearance works were also conducted over a period of several months to avoid a sudden and drastic change of vegetation cover within the Cells (See Photos 1 to 3). Any regrown Cattails (Typha sp.) in Cell 1 and Cell 2 were subsequently removed during vegetation management works within the reporting period (November 2024-April 2025).

Photo 1

Removal of Excessive Climbers (March 2025)

 

 

Photo 2

Clearance of weed along Cell 1 (March 2025)

 

 

Photo 3

Weeding along the hoarding of the WRA (April 2025)

 

 

 

3.2      Wildlife Management

Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata/ Pomacea maculata) and their eggs were removed on an “as-seen” basis. (See Photo 4)

During the site inspection works in the reporting period there were no active Red Imported Fire Ant nests found within the WRA. Site inspection works in the coming months will continue to check if there is any active Red Imported Fire Ant nest found. Active nests will be treated with approved pesticides during the dry season. Pesticide usage will only be confined to nests found on terrestrial areas which are further away from the Cells to prevent the contamination of water.

Preliminarily actions have been taken to increase the WRA utilization by birds. The mitigation actions are:

1.   Maintaining the low water level of Cell 1, Cell 2, Cell 3 and Cell 4;

2.   Controlling the vegetation at Cell 1, Cell 2, Cell 3 and Cell 4 (See Photo 5).

These mitigation actions aim to increase the foraging area and maintain a suitable habitat for target species, wetland-dependent species as well as species of conservation importance.

 

Photo 4

Clearance of apple snails and their eggs (January 2025)

 

 

 

Photo 5

Vegetation Control in Cell 4 (December 2024)

 

 

4        Summary of Wetland Restoration Area Performance

4.1      Summary of Findings

Ecological monitoring between 1 November 2024 and 30 April 2025 was carried out following the survey methodology and frequency outlined in the EM&A Manual.

Summary of ecological monitoring in the Survey Area and WRA between 1 November 2024 and 30 April 2025 (Table 4.1):

Table 4.1: Summary of Ecological Monitoring in Survey Area (excluding WRA) and WRA

Species

Number of species recorded in Survey Area (excluding WRA)

 Number of species recorded in WRA

Birds (total)

65

63

Birds (of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence)

33

29

Amphibians

1

3

Reptiles

3

4

Mammals

0

3

Dragonflies

5

10

Butterflies

6

15

A total of 63 bird species, 3 mammal species, 10 dragonfly species, 15 butterfly species, 3 amphibian species and 4 reptile species were recorded in the WRA, including 29 bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence. These findings indicate that the WRA is supporting wetland-dependent birds and other species of conservation importance. The biodiversity of WRA is higher than those in the survey area (excluding WRA), indicate that the wetland and vegetation management works have increased ecological values of the WRA.

Venn diagrams showing the number of common species and species only found in the WRA or Survey Area (excluding the WRA) are presented in Appendix B and Appendix C. An ecological connection between the WRA and Survey Area (excluding the WRA) is observed given the number of common species attracted to both areas. Particularly for birds, 52 common species were recorded within both the WRA and Survey Area (excluding the WRA) during the reporting period (see Appendix B, Chart B1). The WRA attracts a high number of species (i.e., 11 birds, 2 amphibians, 3 reptiles, 3 mammals, 5 dragonflies and 9 butterflies were recorded only in the WRA), indicating that ecological restoration can enhance biodiversity (see Appendix C, Charts C1 to C5). From the species only recorded in the WRA, four birds, one amphibians (Ornate Pygmy Frog) and one reptile (Chinese Cobra) were of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence.

Survey findings indicate that the WRA is attracting two of the three target species (Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron) to varying degrees. During the survey period (i.e. November 2024 to April 2025), Little Egret was recorded in all months between November 2024 to April 2025, with monthly means ranging from 1.0 (January 2025) to 4.0 (April 2025) birds per survey. Chinese Pond Heron was also recorded in all months between November 2024 to April 2025, with monthly means ranging from 1.0 (January 2025) to 2.5 (March 2025) birds per survey.

A list of the bird species recorded within the WRA since the completion of the site formation is provided in Appendix B (Table B4). A total of 165 bird species have been recorded within the WRA since the completion of the site formation in November 2010. Of the 165 species, 91 were species of conservation importance and/or wetland dependence.

With the completion of planting as scheduled in the approved Habitat Creation and Management Plan (HCMP) in August 2012, establishment work at the WRA is considered complete (except along the western and southern boundary where the planting is affected by the existing site boundary and noise barrier, and for which an approved Variation to Environmental Permit (EP-311/2008/D) to defer planting at the location applies), and the 30-month establishment period concluded in October 2012. A review of the performance of the WRA during the review period in terms of target species attraction is provided in Section 4.2 below.

It should be noted that the high planting density was intended to ensure a rapid establishment of the site prior to occupation intake, and the planted vegetation is not intended to be maintained as a long-term tree density at the WRA. Regular horticultural/ arboricultural practice is applied in the WRA to remove excessive and less desired specimens to facilitate the successful growth of those which are of higher landscape and/or ecological value. Vegetation management is largely consistent of maintenance of planted trees and shrubs for the creation of suitable habitats for target species, as well as removal of excessive and exotic species. These works should maintain and uphold the long-term habitat structure and the overall biodiversity of the WRA.

4.2      WRA Performance for the Bird Target Species

The provision, maintenance and operation of a WRA are requirements under the Environmental Permit for compensation for predicted ecological impacts to species of conservation importance. Three bird target species were identified during the EIA process: Little Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret and Chinese Pond Heron. Target levels of these species are the annual mean numbers recorded during the Baseline Ecological Monitoring (i.e., a mean of 5.5 Little Egret, 1.3 Eastern Cattle Egret and 1.3 Chinese Pond Heron over a 12-month period). Thus, the ecological impact of the project to the species concerned is considered to have been fully compensated when the target level for each of the three species is achieved. Whilst further discussion and agreement regarding the target level is yet to be undertaken with the relevant Government departments prior to the operation of the WRA, the proposed level offers a clear reference to the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. According to the approved Wetland Creation and Restoration Scheme (November 2009, hereafter WCRS), the WRA is anticipated to be fully operational after an establishment period of 2.5 years (30 months).

Two of the three target species (Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron) were recorded using the WRA during the survey period (November 2024 to April 2025). Both of Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron were recorded in all six months during regular surveys.

Table 4.2: Biannual mean & Annual mean of the three target species of the WRA from May 2023 to April 2025

Common Name

Scientific Name

Conservation Status (1)

Baseline Annual Mean (2)

 

Biannual Mean(3)

Annual Mean(3)

May 23 -Oct 23

Nov 23 - Apr 24

May 24 -Oct 24

Nov 24 - April 25

May 23 - Apr 24

May 24-Apr 25

 

Chinese Pond Heron

Ardeola bacchus

PRC, (RC)

1.3

2.2

1.7

2.2

1.8

2.0

2.1

 

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

PRC, (RC)

5.5

2.4

1.7

1.3

2.1

2.0

1.7

 

Eastern Cattle Egret

Bubulcus coromandus

(LC)

1.3

0.0

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.0

0.1

 

Notes:

(1)    Conservation Status follows that of Fellow et. al. (2002). See Appendix B (Table B3).

(2)    Annual mean number recorded during Baseline Ecological Monitoring.

(3)    Values in bold indicated the Target Level was achieved.

Based on Table 4.2 above, the target level of the Chinese Pond Heron has been achieved between November 2024 to April 2025, while the target levels for Little Egret and Eastern Cattle Egret have not been achieved.

According to the ecological monitoring data of the Survey Area (excluding the WRA), Eastern Cattle Egret was not observed in all 25 regular surveys and the biannual mean of the Eastern Cattle Egret at the Survey Area (excluding the WRA) was 0.0 bird per survey (November 2024 to April 2025).

Eastern Cattle Egret is mainly a spring and autumn passage migrant in Hong Kong with peak count in August (Carey et al. 2001). This species mainly forages along short grass habitat, preying on insects, invertebrates and small vertebrates. The large expanse of grassland in the Survey Area (excluding the WRA) and the open storage areas in the vicinity of the WRA and the Survey Area (excluding the WRA) provide foraging sites for the Eastern Cattle Egret. Upon the completion of the WRA, the area had changed from open storage to restored open-water wetland, reedbeds, tall vegetation as well as short grassland along the cell bunds. Apart from short grassland habitat, most other habitats within the WRA are not typical foraging habitats for Eastern Cattle Egret. In the coming months the vegetation along the main access road and pond bunds of the cells will be closely monitored, controlled and maintained, in order to attract more insects and Eastern Cattle Egrets.

Although the biannual mean of Little Egret did not meet the target level, the species was recorded in 22 out of 25 regular surveys within the WRA. The highest count in this period was 6 birds in the WRA on 1 April 2024.

Although no Eastern Cattle Egret has been recorded between November 2024 to April 2025, the WRA continues to attract wetland dependent birds and/or species of conservation importance, as well as terrestrial birds of conservation importance.

The biannual change of bird species number and composition since the WRA establishment in Oct 2012 is presented in Table 4.3. It shows a steady number of conservation importance species and/or wetland-dependent species continuously recorded in the WRA. This indicates that the WRA provides a suitable habitat for these species.

Table 4.3: Total number of bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence recorded in the WRA from November 2010 to April 2024

Common Name

Nov 10

- Oct 11

Nov 11

- Oct 12

Nov 12

- Oct 13

Nov 13

- Oct 14

Nov 14

- Oct 15

Nov 15

- Oct 16

Nov 16

- Oct 17

Nov 17

- Oct 18

Nov 18

- Oct 19

Nov 19

- Oct 20

Nov 20

- Oct 21

Nov 21

- Oct 22

Nov 22

- Oct 23

Nov 23

- Oct 24

Nov 24

- Apr 25(1)

Bird species of conservation importance and/ or wetland-dependence

48

33

36

39

45

46

46

42

34

52

51

47

49

33

29

Note:

(1)    The annual data will be presented in the next bi-annual report.

4.3      Adaptive Management for WRA

As the Proposed Comprehensive Development at Wo Shang Wai is still under construction phase, it is considered acceptable for the target species levels to have not been achieved. However, should this situation continue, a review of the management of the WRA and adaptive management steps will be required.

The mitigation actions including: 1) Controlling the water level; 2) Controlling the vegetation; and 3) Removal of Red Imported Fire Ant nests have been taken in the WRA during the survey period to increase the WRA utilization by birds, especially for the three target species of the WRA. The mitigation actions will be continued in the WRA, and monitoring will be carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the mitigation actions.

A summary of the annual mean of bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence recorded in the WRA from November 2024 to April 2025 is shown in Table 4.4. 16 additional species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence have been recorded in the WRA in the survey period when compared to the Baseline Ecological Monitoring. The increase in number of the species of conservation importance indicates that the WRA is providing a suitable habitat for them.

Table 4.4: Mean number of bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence in the WRA during reporting period

Common Name

Scientific Name (1)

Wetland Dependence

Conservation Status (2)

Annual mean number recorded during the Baseline Ecological Monitoring

Mean number recorded between November 2024 - April 2025 (3)

Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficollis

Y

LC

0.0

1.0

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

Y

PRC

0.5

0.6

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Y

PRC

0.1

1.3

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

Y

RC

0.0

<0.1

Great Egret

Ardea alba

Y

PRC, (RC)

V

0.6

Intermediate Egret

Egretta intermedia

Y

RC

0.0

0.4

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

Y

PRC, (RC)

5.5

2.0

Chinese Pond Heron

Ardeola bacchus

Y

PRC, (RC)

1.3

1.8

Yellow Bittern

Ixobrychus sinensis

Y

(LC)

0.0

0.2

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Y

(LC)

0.2

0.1

Black Kite#

Milvus migrans

Y

Class II, (RC)

1.2

0.4

Eastern Buzzard#

Buteo japonicus

Y

Class II

0.0

<0.1

Black-winged Kite#

Elanus caeruleus

Y

Class II, LC

0.0

<0.1

Eastern Marsh Harrier#

Circus spilonotus

Y

Class II

0.0

<0.1

White-breasted Waterhen

Amaurornis phoenicurus

Y

-

0.2

1.0

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Y

-

0.0

0.2

Greater Painted-snipe

Rostratula benghalensis

Y

LC

0.0

0.1

Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos

Y

-

0.2

0.7

Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

Y

RC

0.0

0.2

Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus

Y

-

0.0

0.4

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

Y

LC

0.0

0.1

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubius

Y

(LC)

0.1

0.1

Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

Y

-

0.1

0.1

Pied Kingfisher

Ceryle rudis

Y

(LC)

0.0

0.4

White-throated Kingfisher#

Halcyon smyrnensis

Y

Class II, (LC)

0.0

0.3

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

Y

-

0.0

0.5

White Wagtail

Motacilla alba

Y

-

0.9

0.9

Eastern Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla tschutschensis

Y

-

10.0

0.1

Collared Crow

Corvus torquatus

Y

LC, NT

0.0

0.2

Notes:

(1) Follows the List of Hong Kong Birds (ver. 2020-03-10)
(2) Conservation status follows that of Fellowes et al. (2002) and BirdLife International listing (2017). Letters in parentheses indicate that the assessment is on the basis of restrictedness in breeding and/or roosting sites rather than in general occurrence. (Fellowes et al. 2002)
(3) Refers to the mean number of individuals recorded between November 2024 – April 2025 in the WRA
V indicates the species is recorded outside regular surveys   

4.4      Conclusions

After commencement of works in May 2010, the site formation of the Wetland Restoration Area (WRA) was completed on 15 November 2010. In accordance with the requirement as stipulated in Clause 7.2.12 of the EM&A Manual, the WRA was in operation since October 2012 (i.e., within 2.5 years of commencement of construction).

The survey data shows that when compared with the surrounding fishponds which cover a much larger area, the WRA attracts a good number of wetland dependent birds or species of conservation importance, with 29 bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence recorded during the survey period.

The WRA is attracting two of the three target species (Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron) identified during the EIA process, to varying degrees. Even though the target level for Little Egret was not met, the species was recorded in 22 out of 25 regular surveys within the WRA during the survey period. Although no Eastern Cattle Egret has been recorded within the WRA between November 2024 and April 2025, the WRA continues to attract wetland dependent birds and/or species of conservation importance and terrestrial birds of conservation importance. It is noted that 91 bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland dependence (out of 165 bird species) have been recorded within the WRA since the completion of its site formation.

The site is therefore considered to have achieved no net loss of wetland in terms of area and function because it continuously attracts bird species of conservation importance, indicating that the WRA not only provides a buffer for potential disturbance during construction phase, but also a valuable habitat for wetland dependent species and species of conservation importance.

5        References

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