Issue and revision record

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..

Revision	Date	Originator	Checker	Approver	Description	Standard
A	May 2014	Brandon Wong	Terence Kong	Eric Ching	Issue to Client

Contents

Chapter Title Page

1 Introduction 1

1.1______ Background_____________________________________________________________________ 1

1.2______ Survey Area_____________________________________________________________________ 2

1.3______ EM&A Requirements on Ecological Impact_____________________________________________ 2

2 Ecological Monitoring 3

2.1______ Introduction_____________________________________________________________________ 3

2.2______ Monitoring of Birds_______________________________________________________________ 3

2.3______ Monitoring of Herpetofauna_________________________________________________________ 4

2.4______ Monitoring of Dragonflies and Butterflies_______________________________________________ 4

2.5______ Monitoring of Mammals____________________________________________________________ 4

2.6______ Monitoring of Water Quality_________________________________________________________ 4

3 Ecological Issues 6

3.1______ Vegetation Management___________________________________________________________ 6

3.2______ Wildlife Management_____________________________________________________________ 6

4 Conclusions 7

4.1______ Summary of Findings_____________________________________________________________ 7

4.2______ WRA Performance for the Target Species______________________________________________ 8

5 References 10

5.1______ List of References_______________________________________________________________ 10

Tables

Table 1.1:__ Summary of Ecological Impact EM&A Requirements 2

Table 4.1:__ Summary of Ecological Monitoring in WRA and Survey Area_ 7

Table 4.2:__ Annual Mean of the Three Bird Target Species Recorded at the WRA between May 2013 and Apr 2014_ 8

List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Survey Area and Transect Walked

List of Appendices

Appendix A Schedule of Ecological Monitoring

Appendix B Summary of Bird Surveys

Appendix C Summary of Herpetofauna Monitoring, Mammals and Insects Surveys

Appendix D Summary of Water Quality Monitoring

1 Introduction

1.1 Background

In March 2005, the Project Proponent, Profit Point Enterprises Limited, acquired the development site at Wo Shang Wai in Yuen Long. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was then carried out and approved under the EIA Ordinance (EIAO), and the Environmental Permit (EP) for construction of the comprehensive development in Wo Shang Wai was first granted by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on 9 September 2008 (EP-311/2008) and has been subsequently varied, with the current version (EP-311/2008/D) issued by EPD on 20 March 2013.

The Project involves the residential development and associated infrastructure and 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 (hereafter WRA) were completed on 15 November 2010, while the 30-month establishment period of the WRA was concluded in October 2012 – this indicated that planting works as scheduled in the approved Wetland Restoration and Creation Scheme (WRCS; Nov 2009) were complete, 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. This factor remains applicable in the current valid EP (EP-311/2008/D) which also 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 by the Contractor, Heng Shung Construction Co. Ltd., 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 8^th Biannual EM&A report and it summarises the findings on EM&A results of ecological aspects during the period from 1 November 2013 to 30 April 2014. This report documents surveys and management activities conducted in the Survey Area and WRA from 1 November 2013 to 30 April 2014, which is based on ecological surveys and advices on management which were undertaken by the appointed ecological consultant (Green Power/Ecological Resource Centre) during the reporting period.

1.2 Survey Area

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

1.3 EM&A Requirements on Ecological Impact

The EM&A programme requires environmental monitoring of ecology as specified in the approved EM&A Manual. A summary of ecological impact EM&A requirements is presented 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	Daytime: 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 size 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

2 Ecological Monitoring

2.1 Introduction

In accordance with the EM&A requirements, monitoring of birds, dragonflies and butterflies, and herpetofauna was 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 methodology and frequency outlined 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 period. A total of 64 bird species were recorded in the Survey Area (excluding the WRA) in November 2013 to April 2014, 37 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 in the survey periods, 34 of which were species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependent species. Of all three target species (i.e. Little Egret (Egtretta garzetta), Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus coromandus) and Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus)), all of them were recorded in the WRA. The WRA has attracted a number of species of conservation interest, including Yellow Bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis (this species is listed by Fellowes et al. as of “Local Concern” in 2002), Black-faced Spoonbill, Platalea minor (this is an endangered species which also listed by Fellowes et al. as of “Potential Global Concern” in 2002), and one local concern wetland dependence species, Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, indicating that the WRA was effective in providing habitat suitable for species of interest. Outside routine surveys, a Eurasian Eagle Owl, Bubo bubo, was observed in the WRA, indicating that the WRA was effective in providing habitat suitable for species of interest.

The fishponds to the north of the WRA are at a greater distance from the residential portion and any disturbance impact(s) from the construction works which would have first affected the WRA. Further, 34 bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence, were observed using the under review, including some bird species which are highly sensitive to disturbance and three target species (i.e. Little Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret and Chinese Pond Heron). Thus, the WRA is considered to be effective both in acting as a buffer against potential disturbance impacts from the construction site and in providing suitable wetland habitats and the fringe of the Deep Bay system.

2.3 Monitoring of Herpetofauna

Monitoring was undertaken following the survey methodology in the EM&A Manual. Day-time herpetofauna surveys were conducted once per month in November 2013 and April 2014. Further, notable herpetofauna observations during other surveys were also recorded.

No herpetofauna species were recorded in the survey area (excluding WRA) in the survey period.

Gunther's Frog, Rana guentheri, and Chinese Bull Frog, Hoplobatrachus chinensis, were recorded during the survey period within the WRA. Chinese Bull Frog is listed by Fellowes et al. as of “Potential Regional Concern” in 2002. A summary of survey data is provided in Appendix C.

2.4 Monitoring of Dragonflies and Butterflies

Monitoring of dragonflies and butterflies was conducted once per month in November 2013 and March 2014 and twice per month in April 2014. Further, notable dragonfly and butterfly observations during other surveys were recorded.

A total of four dragonfly species and two butterfly species were recorded using the ponds in the survey area (excluding WRA) in the survey period. At the WRA, a higher diversity of dragonfly species (10 species) and butterfly species (7 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. No mammal was recorded in the Survey Area within the survey period.

Japanese Pipistrelle, Pipistrellus abramus, was recorded in the WRA during regular survey. 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. Monitoring parameters followed that in the EM&A Manual. During the reporting period, the pH of Cell 2 and 4 in November 2013 reached Action Levels, but returned to acceptable levels in the following month. Monitoring data are presented in Appendix D.

3 Ecological Issues

3.1 Vegetation Management

Vegetation management activities undertaken at the site primarily involved watering of plants, tree pruning, weeding and grass cutting.

Removal of exotic vegetation in all cells was undertaken; these included but not limited to Ipomoes sp., Mikania sp., Mimosa sp., Pennisetum sp. and Typha sp..

3.2 Wildlife Management

Golden Apple Snails were removed on an “as-seen” basis.

All fire ant nests were treated with an approved pesticide and covered with overturn baskets for a week. All treated fire ant nests were inactive within one week of treatment.

4 Conclusions

4.1 Summary of Findings

Ecological monitoring between 1 November 2013 and 30 April 2014 was carried out following the survey methodology and frequency outlined in the EM&A Manual.

Summary of survey findings are listed as follows (Table 4.1):

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

Species	Number recorded in Survey Area (excluding WRA)	Number recorded in WRA
Birds (total)	64	63
Birds (of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence)	37	34
Amphibians	0	2
Reptiles	0	0
Mammals	0	1
Dragonflies	4	10
Butterflies	2	7

A total of 63 bird species, 2 amphibian species, 1 mammal species, 10 dragonfly species and 7 butterfly species were recorded in the WRA, including 34 bird species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence, while all dragonfly species are wetland-dependent. These findings indicate that the WRA is supporting wetland-dependent birds and other species of conservation importance.

Survey findings indicate that the WRA is attracting the three target species to varying degrees. During the survey period (i.e. November 2013 to April 2014), the site was particularly attractive to Little Egret, which was recorded on nearly-weekly basis, with monthly means ranging from 1.4 to 4.4 birds per survey. Chinese Pond Heron was also recorded every month in regular survey under review (November 2013 to April 2014) with monthly means ranging from 1.0 to 6.8 bird per survey. Eastern Cattle Egret was least attracted to the site, Eastern Cattle Egret was only recorded in April under review period (May 2013 to October 2013), with monthly means 1.6 birds per survey.

With the completion of planting as scheduled in the approved 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 a previous Variation to Environmental Permit (EP-311/2008/C) to defer planting at the location was approved by EPD and remains applicable in the current valid EP (EP-311/2008/D)), and the 30-month establishment period concluded in October 2012. A review of the performance of the WRA in terms of target species attraction during and after the 30-month establishment period 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 not intended to be maintained as a long-term tree density at the WRA. It is a standard arboricultural practice to apply appropriate horticultural/arboricultural maintenance methods in the subsequent five or six years after initial planting to remove less desired specimens to facilitate the successful growth of those which are of higher landscape and/or ecological value. Further, some fine tuning of planting locations and tree/shurb mix is required in order to fulfill the design intent of the habitat structure at WRA after reviewing the site configuration following site formation. Vegetation management hereafter should largely consist of maintenance of planted trees and shrubs for the creation of suitable habitats for target species and long-term habitat structure of the site.

4.2 WRA Performance for the Target Species

The provision, maintenance and operation of a WRA are a requirement 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; they are Little Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret and Chinese Pond Heron. Target levels of these species are the annual mean number 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 (Nov 2009, hereafter WCRS), the WRA was anticipated to be fully operational after an establishment period of 2.5 years (30 months).

Of all three target species, all of them were recorded using the site under review period (November 2013 – April 2014). Among all target species, Little Egret and Chinese Pond Heron were recorded in all six months and Eastern Cattle Egret was recorded in one month during the reporting period. Table 4.2 below presents the target level achievement of the three target bird species during and after the establishment period.

Table 4.2: Annual Mean of the Three Bird Target Species Recorded at the WRA between May 2013 and Apr 2014

Common Name	Scientific Name	Conservation Status ^(2)	Annual mean number recorded during the Baseline Ecological Monitoring	May 2013 – Apr 2014 *
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	PRC, (RC)	5.5	2.3
Eastern Cattle Egret	Bubulcus coromandus	(LC)	1.3	0.1
Chinese Pond Heron	Ardeola bacchus	PRC, (RC)	1.3	1.9

Note:

(1) Values in bold indicate that the Target Level was achieved.

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

* The mean number of the target species was calculated in annual basis.

Based on Table 4.2 above, the target levels for Little Egret and Eastern Cattle Egret have not been achieved between May 2013 and April 2014. As the Proposed Comprehensive Development at Wo Shang Wai is still under construction phase, it is considered acceptable. However, should this situation continue, a review of the management of the WRA and adaptive management steps will be required.

Preliminarily actions will be taken to increase the WRA utilization by birds, results of these actions will be closely monitored. The mitigation actions are:

1. Lowering the water level;

2. Restocking the Cell in the WRA;

3. Installing flooding platform; and

4. Controlling the vegetation

A total of 108 bird species have been recorded within the WRA since completion of site formation. Of the 108 species, 71 were species of conservation importance and/or wetland dependence - indicating that the WRA provides suitable habitat for these species despite the construction work within the residential portion of the Project Site. A list of the bird species recorded at the WRA since completion of site formation is provided in Appendix B (Table B4 & B5).

The site continuously attracts bird species of conservation importance, indicating that the WRA not only provides a buffer for potential disturbance during construction phase, it is also a valuable habitat for wetland dependent species and species of conservation importance.

5 References

5.1 List of References

Chan, S. K.F., K.S. Cheung, C.Y. Ho, F.N Lam & W.S. Tam, 2005. A Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong. Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong.

Fellowes et al., 2002. Wild Animals to Watch: Terrestrial and Freshwater Fauna of Conservation Concern in Hong Kong.

Karsen, S., M.W.N. Lau & A. Bogadek, 1998. Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles. Provisional Urban Council, Hong Kong.

IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 07 October 2011.

Lo, P. Y. F. and W.L. Hui, 2004. Hong Kong Butterflies. Hong Kong, Cosmos Books Ltd.

Mott, 2008. WSW Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual (March 2008).

Mott, 2008. WSW Environmental Impact Assessment Report Volumes 1 to 3 (March 2008).

Shek, C. T. 2006. A Field Guide to the Terrestrial Mammals of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong.

Tam, T. W., K.K. Leung, B.S.P. Kwan, K.K.Y. Wu, S.S.H. Tang, I.W.Y. So, J.C.Y. Cheng, E.F.M. Yuen, Y.M. Tsang, and W.L. Hui, 2011. The Dragonflies of Hong Kong (1^st edition). Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Friends of Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong.

Young, J.J. & Yiu, V., 2002. Butterfly Watching In Hong Kong. Wan Li Book Co. Ltd., Hong Kong.

Appendix A. Schedule of Ecological Monitoring

Nov 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Mammals	ü				ü							ü							ü							ü
Birds	ü				ü							ü							ü							ü
Herpetofauna												ü
Dragonflies & Butterflies												ü
Water Quality																											ü
Inspection Visits	ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü
Dec 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Mammals			ü							ü							ü							ü							ü
Birds			ü							ü							ü							ü							ü
Herpetofauna
Dragonflies & Butterflies
Water Quality																				ü
Inspection Visits			ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü
Jan 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Mammals			ü				ü							ü							ü							ü
Birds			ü				ü							ü							ü							ü
Herpetofauna
Dragonflies & Butterflies
Water Quality																								ü
Inspection Visits			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü

Feb 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Mammals				ü							ü							ü							ü
Birds				ü							ü							ü							ü
Herpetofauna
Dragonflies & Butterflies
Water Quality																					ü							ü
Inspection Visits				ü							ü			ü				ü			ü				ü
Mar 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Mammals				ü							ü							ü							ü
Birds				ü							ü							ü							ü
Herpetofauna
Dragonflies & Butterflies																		ü
Water Quality																					ü
Inspection Visits				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü				ü			ü
Apr 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Mammals	ü							ü							ü							ü							ü
Birds	ü							ü							ü							ü							ü
Herpetofauna								ü
Dragonflies & Butterflies								ü														ü
Water Quality																												ü
Inspection Visits	ü			ü				ü			ü				ü							ü			ü				ü

Note:

1. Light grey cells indicate public holidays, Saturdays or Sundays.

2. Dark cells indicate that no survey was required during the relevant month.

Appendix B. Summary of Bird Surveys

Table B1. Summary of bird monitoring (for species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence) within the Survey Area (excluding the WRA)

Common Name ^(4)	Scientific Name ^(4)	Conservation Status ^(2)	Nov Mean ^(3)	Dec Mean ^(3)	Jan Mean ^(3)	Feb Mean ^(3)	Mar Mean ^(3)	Apr Mean ^(3)
Little Grebe	Tachybaptus ruficollis	LC, (1)	10.0	8.6	5.6	6.3	5.0	3.6
Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	PRC, (1)	8.4	8.0	3.4	5.3	3.5
Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea	PRC, (1)	8.8	5.4	4.6	3.0	0.8	0.2
Great Egret	Egretta alba	PRC, (RC), (1)	4.0	4.0	3.8	3.0	16.3	3.0
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	PRC, (RC), (1)	17.8	9.8	9.6	13.5	67.5	23.2
Eastern Cattle Egret	Bubulcus coromandus	LC, (1)					0.3	9.0
Chinese Pond Heron	Ardeola bacchus	PRC, (RC), (1)	9.6	4.0	8.4	6.8	6.0	7.0
Black-crowned Night Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	(LC), (1)		0.2				0.2
Yellow Bittern	Ixobrychus sinensis	LC, (1)	0.2
Black-faced Spoonbill	Platalea minor	PGC, (1)	0.6		V	2.0	2.5
Northern Shoveler	Anas clypeata	RC, (1)		1.2	5.8
Tufted Duck	Aythya fuligula	LC, (1)		2.8	13.0	18.3	16.3
Black Kite	Milvus migrans	RC, (1)		0.2	0.2	0.5	0.5
Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus	(-)		V
Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus	LC		V
White-breasted Waterhen	Amaurornis phoenicurus	(1)	1.0	1.6	V	0.5	0.3	0.6
Common Moorhen	Gallinula chloropus	(1)	0.8	0.4		0.5	0.3	0.6
Black-winged Stilt	Himantopus himantopus	(RC), (1)	0.6
Pied Avocet	Recurvirostra avosetta	RC, (1)	4.6	V
Little Ringed Plover	Charadrius dubius	(LC), (1)	7.0	0.8		1.0	1.3	0.2
Kentish Plover	Charadrius alexandrinus	RC, (1)	1.8	V
Green Sandpiper	Tringa ochropus	(1)			0.2			0.8
Wood Sandpiper	Tringa glareola	(LC), (1)						0.2
Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos	(1)	4.0	2.0	1.6	3.5	3.0	2.6
Common Snipe	Gallinago gallinago	(1)						0.2
Black-headed Gull	Larus ridibundus	PRC, LC, (1)					1.3
Whiskered Tern	Chlidonias hybrida	LC, (1)				0.8	1.5	0.2
Eurasian Eagle Owl	Bubo bubo	RC				V
Pied Kingfisher	Ceryle rudis	(LC), (1)	0.2	0.4		0.3	0.8	0.4
White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis	LC, (1)	0.2	0.6	0.2	0.5	V
Common Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis	(1)	2.2	1.6	1.0	0.5	1.0	2.4
Eastern Yellow Wagtail	Motacilla tschutschensis	(1)	1.6	2.6	3.2	2.0	2.3	5.8
White Wagtail	Motacilla alba	(1)	10.4	11.0	8.2	11.8	6.5	7.4
Richard's Pipit	Anthus richardi	(1)			1.6	0.8	1.0	1.6
Red-billed Starling	Spodiopsar sericeus	(1)		2.6	5.4	6.8	1.3	0.8
White-cheeked Starling	Spodiopsar cineraceus	PRC, (1)	0.2
Collared Crow	Corvus torquatus	LC, (1)	0.8	0.4			0.5	1.6
		No. of species recorded	22	25	19	22	24	22

Note:

(1) Indicates wetland-dependent or wetland-associated species.

(2) Conservation status follows that of Fellowes et al. (2002) and BirdLife International listing (2010). See Table B3.

(3) Refers to the mean number of individuals recorded in each survey in the Survey Area (excluding the WRA).

(4) Follows HK bird list (dated 2013-3-25).

(5) “V” indicates the species is recorded outside regular surveys.

Table B2. Summary of bird monitoring (for species of conservation importance and/or wetland-dependence) in the WRA

Common Name ^(4)	Scientific Name ^(4)	Conservation Status ^(2)	Nov Mean ^(3)	Dec Mean ^(3)	Jan Mean ^(3)	Feb Mean ^(3)	Mar Mean ^(3)	Apr Mean ^(3)
Little Grebe	Tachybaptus ruficollis	LC, (1)	0.6	2.2	1.8	5.3	4.5	2.4
Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	PRC, (1)	V	0.4	0.6	0.5
Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea	PRC, (1)	2.8	2.6	1.6	2.5
Great Egret	Egretta alba	PRC, (RC), (1)	0.6	2.4	1.2	1.8	0.8	0.2
Intermediate Egret	Egretta intermedia	RC, (1)				V
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	PRC, (RC), (1)	1.4	2.4	4.4	4.0	3.8	3.2
Eastern Cattle Egret	Bubulcus coromandus	LC, (1)						1.6
Chinese Pond Heron	Ardeola bacchus	PRC, (RC), (1)	1.4	2.6	6.8	3.5	2.5	1.0
Black-crowned Night Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	(LC), (1)					V
Yellow Bittern	Ixobrychus sinensis	LC, (1)	0.4	0.2			V	V
Black-faced Spoonbill	Platalea minor	PGC, (1)				V	V
Northern Shoveler	Anas clypeata	RC, (1)		1.2	7.0	5.5	V
Black Kite	Milvus migrans	RC, (1)	0.2		V	0.5	0.8	0.4
Crested Serpent Eagle	Spilornis cheela	(LC)				V
White-breasted Waterhen	Amaurornis phoenicurus	(1)	0.4				V	0.2
Common Moorhen	Gallinula chloropus	(1)					V	0.2
Black-winged Stilt	Himantopus himantopus	(RC), (1)	V
Little Ringed Plover	Charadrius dubius	(LC), (1)	0.4		V	0.5	0.8
Common Greenshank	Tringa nebularia	LC, (1)		V			V
Green Sandpiper	Tringa ochropus	(1)	0.6	V	V		0.5
Wood Sandpiper	Tringa glareola	(LC), (1)	V	V	V	V	V
Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos	(1)	1.6	0.2	V	0.3	1.3	0.2
Pintail Snipe	Gallinago stenura	(1)	V
Eurasian Eagle Owl	Bubo bubo	RC	V			V
Pied Kingfisher	Ceryle rudis	(LC), (1)		0.4	V	0.3	V
White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis	LC, (1)		0.2
Common Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis	(1)	2.0	1.6	1.2	2.3	0.8	1.0
Eastern Yellow Wagtail	Motacilla tschutschensis	(1)	0.2	0.6	0.6	1.0	0.3	0.2
White Wagtail	Motacilla alba	(1)	3.6	2.6	1.2	1.3	2.5	1.6
Richard's Pipit	Anthus richardi	(1)		0.4	0.8	2.0	2.3	3.0
Zitting Cisticola	Cisticola juncidis	LC, (1)			0.4		0.3	1.2
Chinese Penduline Tit	Remiz consobrinus	RC, (1)		V		4.5	V
Red-billed Starling	Spodiopsar sericeus	(1)				V
Collared Crow	Corvus torquatus	LC, (1)	0.2			V	0.5	0.8
		No. of species recorded	21	20	18	22	24	16

Note:

(1) Indicates wetland-dependent or wetland-associated species.

(2) Conservation status follows that of Fellowes et al. (2002) and BirdLife International listing (2010). See Table B3.

(3) Refers to the mean number of individuals recorded in each survey in the Survey Area (excluding the WRA)

(4) Follows HK bird list (dated 2013-3-25)

V Indicates the species is recorded outside regular surveys.

Table B3. Conservation Status Categories of Bird Species

Code	Category	Brief/Description	Source
GC	Global Concern	Habitat loss/damage in Hong Kong would pose significant threat to global survival	Fellowes et al. (2002)
RC	Regional Concern	Habitat loss/damage in Hong Kong would pose significant threat to regional survival.
LC	Local Concern	Habitat loss/damage in Hong Kong would pose significant threat to local survival.
PGC	Potential Global Concern	Large, secure population in Hong Kong is of global significance.
PRC	Potential Regional Concern	Large, secure population in Hong Kong is of regional significance.
CR	Critically Endangered	Best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.	BirdLife International (2010)
EN	Endangered	Best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
VU	Vulnerable	Best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable, and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
NT	Near Threatened	Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Table B4. Summary of Bird Species Recorded at the WRA and their Respective Monthly Mean between September 2010 and October 2012

Common name	Scientific name	Conservation status	Sep-10	Oct-10	Nov-10	Dec-10	Jan-11	Feb-11	Mar-11	Apr-11	May-11	Jun-11	Jul-11	Aug-11	Sep-11	Oct-11	Nov-11	Dec-11	Jan-12	Feb-12	Mar-12	Apr-12	May-12	Jun-12	Jul-12	Aug-12	Sep-12	Oct-12
Little Grebe	Tachybaptus ruficollis	LC, (1)					0.5						1.0	3.8	0.8	0.5	0.5		0.6		1.4	1.6	0.8	1.0	1.3	0.2		0.2
Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	PRC, (1)					0.8									0.3	0.3	0.4	1.2	0.7	0.2
Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea	PRC, (1)			1.0	1.6	2.0	2.0	0.4							1.0	2.5	1.8	0.8	2.3	0.8				0.3			0.4
Purple Heron	Ardea purpurea	RC, (1)														0.3	0.3
Great Egret	Ardea alba	PRC, (1)				0.4	14.0	2.0	0.2	0.5	0.3	0.5	0.3		1.5	1.8	0.8	1.2	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.6	1.0	0.3		0.4	0.5	1.5
Intermediate Egret	Egretta intermedia	RC, (1)					1.7	0.8	0.2						1.5	1.5	1.5	1.0	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.6					0.3	0.9
Little Egret	Egretta garzetta	PRC, (1)				1.8	8.0	2.0	0.4	0.5	0.8	0.3	0.3	1.0	1.0	0.5	1.5	1.6	1.4	2.0	1.6					0.8	0.3	1.2
Eastern Cattle Egret	Bubulcus coromandus	(LC), (1)										0.3	11.8		1.3	0.3			0.4					0.3		0.2
Chinese Pond Heron	Ardeola bacchus	PRC, (1)			1.0	0.2				0.3	0.3	0.3	1.5	4.2	7.8	4.5	5.3	2.4	0.3	2.3	2.6	1.4	0.8	1.0	0.8	2.0	1.8	2.2
Yellow Bittern	Ixobrychus sinensis	(LC), (1)														0.3	0.3
Black-crowned Night Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	LC, (1)
Eurasian Spoonbill	Platalea leucorodia	LC, (1)
Black-faced Spoonbill	Platalea minor	PGC, EN, (1)					0.3	10.3											0.4
Mandarin Duck	Aix galericulata	(1)														0.3
Eurasian Wigeon	Anas penelope	RC, (1)				1.6	2.5
Eurasian Teal	Anas crecca	RC, (1)					1.0
Northern Pintail	Anas acuta	RC, (1)				0.2	7.0
Northern Shoveler	Anas clypeata	RC, (1)
Tufted Duck	Aythya fuligula	LC, (1)
Garganey	Anas querquedula	(1)
Western Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	RC, (1)				0.2
Black Kite	Milvus migrans	(RC)					0.8	0.3	0.2		0.3				0.3				0.2			0.2	0.5					0.4
Crested Serpent Eagle	Spilornis cheela	(LC)
Eastern Buzzard	Buteo japonicus	-							0.2
Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus	-			1.0	0.4	1.0	0.3	0.4
Eurasian Hobby	Falco subbuteo	(LC), (1)
Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus	-
Imperial Eagle	Aquila heliaca	-
Japanese Quail	Coturnix japonica	LC, (1)
White-breasted Waterhen	Amaurornis phoenicurus	(1)									0.5	0.8	1.3	2.6	1.3	1.5	0.3				0.4			0.5	1.0	0.5
Common Moorhen	Gallinula chloropus	(1)																							0.2
Pheasant-tailed Jacana	Hydrophasianus chirurgus	LC, (1)															0.3
Greater Painted-snipe	Rostratula benghalensis	LC, (1)								0.5
Black-winged Stilt	Himantopus himantopus	RC, (1)	8.0													1.0
Pied Avocet	Recurvirostra avosetta	RC, (1)				0.2															0.2
Oriental Pratincole	Glareola maldivarum	LC, (1)								2.5
Little Ringed Plover	Charadrius dubius	LC, (1)	3.0		24.5	7.4	3.8	9.0	6.8	10.5	5.5	0.5		0.2						1.0	0.6
Kentish Plover	Charadrius alexandrinus	RC, (1)
Spotted Redshank	Tringa erythropus	RC, (1)
Common Redshank	Tringa totanus	RC, (1)
Marsh Sandpiper	Tringa stagnatilis	RC, (1)
Common Greenshank	Tringa nebularia	RC, (1)			0.5												0.3	0.8	0.2
Green Sandpiper	Tringa ochropus	(1)			1.0	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.4				0.3							0.2		0.2	0.4			0.2
Wood Sandpiper	Tringa glareola	LC, (1)						0.5	1.2											0.8	0.3					0.6
Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos	(1)	1.0		0.5	1.0		0.5	0.6	1.0	0.3			0.2								0.4	0.2					0.9
Eurasian Woodcock	Scolopax rusticola	(1)
Pintail/Swinhoe's Snipe*	Gallinago stenura/G. megala	LC*,(1)			0.5											0.3
Common Snipe	Gallinago gallinago	(1)						0.3	0.2
Red-necked Stint	Calidris ruficollis	LC, (1)	3.0
Temminck's Stint	Calidris temminckii	LC, (1)			0.5			2.5	0.4	1.3
Long-toed Stint	Calidris subminuta	LC, (1)																		0.3
Whiskered Tern	Chlidonias hybrida	(1)																					1.3
Domestic Pigeon	Columba livia	-												DS
Oriental Turtle Dove	Streptopelia orientalis	-													0.2
Red Turtle Dove	Streptopelia tranquebarica	-
Spotted Dove	Spilopelia chinensis	-																DS		DS	DS		DS			DS		0.6
Asian Koel	Eudynamys scolopaceus	-
Greater Coucal#	Centropus sinensis
Eurasian Eagle Owl	Bubo bubo	RC
Savanna Nightjar	Caprimulgus affinis	-
Pacific Swift	Apus pacificus	(LC)								0.3
House Swift	Apus nipalensis	-	10.0						0.2											DS	DS
Pied Kingfisher	Ceryle rudis	(LC), (1)				0.2	0.3	0.5	0.2			0.3									0.2				0.5
Common Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis	(1)				0.4	0.5	0.3		0.3	0.5	1.0	0.3	1.0	0.8	0.5	0.8	1.0	0.4		0.8					0.6		0.4
White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis	(LC)															0.3								0.3
Barn Swallow	Hirundo rustica	-	25.0					1.5												DS	DS		DS		DS	DS	3.0
Red-rumped Swallow	Hirundo daurica	-
Eastern Yellow Wagtail	Motacilla tschutschensis	(1)			14.5	10.2	15.0	23.5	8.2	11.8	1.8			0.2	0.8	1.5	2.0	1.2	0.6		4.0	1.0
Grey Wagtail	Motacilla cinerea	(1)				0.2		0.3	0.2						0.3
White Wagtail	Motacilla alba	(1)	3.0			1.8												DS	DS	DS	DS	DS				DS	1.8	3.2
Richard's Pipit	Anthus richardi	(1)			1.5	0.8	0.5	1.0	1.0	1.8	0.5					0.3		DS		DS	DS	DS
Olive-backed Pipit	Anthus hodgsoni	-			0.5													DS
Red-throated Pipit	Anthus cervinus	LC		2.0	2.5	1.2	0.5	0.5	0.2													0.4						0.7
Buff-bellied Pipit	Anthus rubescens	LC		1.0	1.5
Red-whiskered Bulbul	Pycnonotus jocosus	-
Chinese Bulbul	Pycnonotus sinensis	-																			DS		DS		DS
Long-tailed Shrike	Lanius schach	-																	DS	DS					DS	DS
Oriental Magpie Robin	Copsychus saularis	-																		DS
Daurian Redstart	Phoenicurus auroreus	-
Stejneger's Stonechat	Saxicola stejnegeri	-		3.0	0.5	1.0	1.0	0.8	0.2	0.3						1.0		DS	DS		DS
Masked Laughingthrush	Garrulax perspicillatus	-																							DS
Lanceolated Warbler	Locustella lanceolata	(1)														0.3
Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler	Locustella certhiola	LC, (1)														0.3
Black-browed Reed Warbler	Acrocephalus bistrigiceps	(1)														0.3
Zitting Cisticola	Cisticola juncidis	LC							0.2	1.5	2.5	2.5	1.0	0.4		0.3	0.8	1.8	0.2	0.3	0.6					0.2
Yellow-bellied Prinia	Prinia flaviventris	-																	DS		DS		DS		DS	DS	0.8	0.4
Plain Prinia	Prinia inornata	-																			DS		DS		DS	DS
Dusky Warbler	Phylloscopus fuscatus	-														0.5		DS
Yellow-browed warbler	Phylloscopus inornatus	-																										1.4
Chinese Penduline-Tit	Remiz consobrinus	RC, (1)																			1.2	0.2
Japanese White-eye	Zosterops japonica	-
Little Bunting	Emberiza pusilla	-			0.5
Black-faced Bunting	Emberiza spodocephala	-								0.5
Chinese Grosbeak	Eophona migratoria	LC														0.3
Scaly-breasted Munia	Lonchura punctulata	-	20.0				2.5		15.0	7.5													DS		DS	DS	1.5
Eurasian Tree Sparrow	Passer montanus	-																			DS		DS		DS
Red-billed Starling	Spodiopsar sericeus	GC													0.3		0.8	1.6	6.6	39.0	17.4
White-cheeked Starling	Spodiopsar cineraceus	PRC												6.6
Black-collared Starling	Gracupica nigricollis	-																DS	DS	DS	DS					DS
White-shouldered Starling	Sturnia sinensis	(LC)									0.3		0.5	2.4
Common Myna	Acridotheres tristis	(1)																		DS
Crested Myna	Acridotheres cristatellus	–	3.0															DS					DS			DS		V
Black-napped Oriole	Oriolus chinensis	LC													1.0
Black Drongo	Dicrurus macrocercus	-																							DS	DS
Azure-winged Magpie	Cyanopica cyanus	-
Eurasian Magpie	Pica pica	-																			DS					DS	0.3
Large-billed Crow	Corvus macrorhynchos	-				0.4			0.2
Collared Crow	Corvus torquatus	LC, NT				0.2	0.3			0.5		0.3		0.8	0.8	0.8	0.5							0.8
No. of species recorded	108

Note: Conservation Status follows that of Fellowes et. al. (2002)

(1) Indicates the bird species is wetland dependent.

* Pintail Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe cannot be distinguished in field, conservation status refers to Swinhoe's Snipe.

V Indicates the species is recorded outside regular surveys.

DS Indicates species recorded during survey.

# Greater Coucal is listed as vulnerable (VU) in China Red Data Book and it is protected under terrestrial wildlife state protection (category II).

Table B5. Summary of Bird Species Recorded at the WRA and their Respective Monthly Mean between November 2012 and April 2014

Common name	Scientific name	Conservation status	Nov-12	Dec-12	Jan-13	Feb-13	Mar-13	Apr-13	May-13	Jun-13	Jul-13	Aug-13	Sep-13	Oct-13	Nov-13	Dec-13	Jan-14	Feb-14	Mar-14	Apr-14
Little Grebe	Tachybaptus ruficollis	LC, (1)	1.0	1.0	1.2	0.4	0.6	0.4	1.5	0.5		0.6	0.5	1.2	0.6	2.2	1.8	5.3	4.5	2.4
Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	PRC, (1)	0.8	3.2	0.8	1.0	0.0	0.0						0.2	V	0.4	0.6	0.5
Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea	PRC, (1)	0.8	1.4	0.8	1.4	0.0	0.0					V	1.0	2.8	2.6	1.6	2.5
Purple Heron	Ardea purpurea	RC, (1)
Great Egret	Ardea alba	PRC, (1)	1.4	0.6	1.0	0.8	0.2	0.6		0.8	0.6			0.6	0.6	2.4	1.2	1.8	0.8	0.2
Intermediate Egret	Egretta intermedia	RC, (1)	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0