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Planning Department Agreement No CE 60/2005 (TP) Land Use Planning for the Closed Area - Feasibility Study Ecological Assessment of Hoo Hok Wai – Final Report G:\ENV\PROJECT\25112-03\REPORTS\HOO HOK WAI\2009-02-25\HHW ASSESSMENT 25022009.DOC Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd Final February 2009 Content Page 1 Introduction 1 2 Methods 1 2.1 Habitats 1 2.2 Birds 1 2.3 Non-bird fauna 2 2.4 Flora 2 3 Results 3 3.1 Habitats 3 3.2 Birds 3 3.3 Non-bird fauna 5 3.4 Flora 9 4 Discussion and Conclusions 13 4.1 Habitat Evaluation 13 4.2 Non-bird Fauna 13 4.3 Avifauna 14 4.4 Planning Issues 14 5 References 16 List of Figures Figure 1 Study Area of this assessment and ponds surveyed as part of HKBWS/AFCD Waterbird Monitoring Programme Figure 2 Habitat Map of Hoo Hok Wai and surrounding area Figure 3 Botanical Survey Areas List of Appendix Appendix 1 List of plant species recorded in the Hoo Hok Wai Study Area, August 2008 Appendix 2 Summary of counts of waterbirds and wetland-dependent species at Shenzhen River B Appendix 3 Landbird species recorded at Hoo Hok Wai

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Page 1: Content - Planning Department I.pdf · marsh/reedbed, major streams/drainage channel, seasonally wet grassland and inactive wet agricultural land constitute 267.29ha, or 87.6% of

Planning Department Agreement No CE 60/2005 (TP) Land Use Planning for the Closed Area - Feasibility StudyEcological Assessment of Hoo Hok Wai – Final Report

G:\ENV\PROJECT\25112-03\REPORTS\HOO HOK WAI\2009-02-25\HHW ASSESSMENT 25022009.DOC

Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong LtdFinal February 2009

Content

Page 1 Introduction 1 2 Methods 1

2.1 Habitats 1 2.2 Birds 1 2.3 Non-bird fauna 2 2.4 Flora 2

3 Results 3 3.1 Habitats 3 3.2 Birds 3 3.3 Non-bird fauna 5 3.4 Flora 9

4 Discussion and Conclusions 13 4.1 Habitat Evaluation 13 4.2 Non-bird Fauna 13 4.3 Avifauna 14 4.4 Planning Issues 14

5 References 16 List of Figures Figure 1 Study Area of this assessment and ponds surveyed as part of HKBWS/AFCD Waterbird Monitoring Programme Figure 2 Habitat Map of Hoo Hok Wai and surrounding area Figure 3 Botanical Survey Areas List of Appendix Appendix 1 List of plant species recorded in the Hoo Hok Wai Study Area, August 2008 Appendix 2 Summary of counts of waterbirds and wetland-dependent species at Shenzhen

River B Appendix 3 Landbird species recorded at Hoo Hok Wai

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Planning Department Agreement No CE 60/2005 (TP) Land Use Planning for the Closed Area - Feasibility StudyEcological Assessment of Hoo Hok Wai – Final Report

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1 Introduction Hoo Hok Wai is a large area of land that largely comprises fishponds and marshy wetland. Due to its current location in the Frontier Closed Area (FCA), it has lain relatively undisturbed for many years. It contains a mixture of habitats, including fish ponds managed at both low and relatively high intensity, reed marsh, natural stream courses and seasonal marsh areas. Habitat diversity compared to other managed fish pond areas in the Deep Bay area is relatively high, and pond size is on average rather large. Together, these characteristics mean the area is different from other areas of commercial fish ponds in the Deep Bay area. Figure 1 illustrates the Study Area in this assessment.

While the waterbirds of the area are comparatively well known due to monitoring activities carried out by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) since the early 1990s, other aspects of the flora and fauna are not. Thus, although it is known that Eurasian Otter occurs, it is not known if, for example, the reedbed dependent dragonfly Mortonagrion hirosei occurs. This and other questions needed to be addressed as far as possible in order to prepare an ecological assessment of the site.

2 Methods This assessment is based on the following work:

2.1 Habitats

A habitat map of the area was prepared based on the latest aerial photos and via subsequent ground-truthing in August 2008. This is required both in order to identify important micro-habitats and to bring this area in line with the rest of the Study baseline.

2.2 Birds

Wetland-dependent bird species are the primary constituent of the ecological significance of Hoo Hok Wai in terms of its avifauna. Although there is no definitive list of the birds of Hoo Hok Wai, based on the data provided in Carey et al. 2001 and in issues of the Hong Kong Bird Report over the last 20 years, fishpond areas in the Deep Bay area support significant populations of only a small number of conservation-significant landbirds, and these are listed in Table 3.3 below. It is considered Hoo Hok Wai is not any different from other parts of the Deep Bay area in this respect.

As wetland-dependent and wetland-associated birds of the area are closely monitored via the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site Waterbird Monitoring Programme under service tender of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), and as the non-waterbird avifauna is also relatively well-known and, based on the habitat presents, relatively predictable, no further field work for birds was carried out. A desktop review was carried out of data and literature, in particular that of the most recent ten years, in order to describe the ecological significance of Hoo Hok Wai to birds. The primary sources consulted were as follows:

• Waterbird Monitoring Programme at Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site (since 1998) (Reported by HKBWS to AFCD); and

• Hong Kong Bird Reports since 1998 (Published by the HKBWS). • Carey et al. 2001. The Avifauna of Hong Kong.

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� Hong Kong Bird Reports since 1998 (Published by the HKBWS). � Carey et al. 2001. The Avifauna of Hong Kong.

Other sources were reviewed, but in general offered very little that was not already recorded or described in the above sources. It should be noted that Hoo Hok Wai has generally been referred to as ‘Ma Tso Lung’ in bird-related literature and surveys. However, given that Ma Tso Lung more accurately refers to the village area inland, it is considered more appropriate to refer to the area under discussion as Hoo Hok Wai.

Landbird species recorded at Hoo Hok Wai are shown in Appendix 3.

2.3 Non-bird fauna

Data regarding other fauna are limited, as relatively little fieldwork has been carried out due to the location of Hoo Hok Wai in the Closed Area and there has been no systematic, repeated survey, as with birds. Consequently, in addition to literature review, it was necessary to carry out a rapid assessment of the area’s ecological significance in this respect. In August 2008 diurnal surveys of dragonflies and reptiles were carried out on 20th and 21st, and nocturnal surveys of amphibians were carried out on 25th. Fish observed and any evidence of mammals were also recorded during these surveys. Butterflies were surveyed on 22nd September. Methods recommended in the EIAO Guidance Notes No. 07/ 2002 and No. 10/ 2004 were followed.

2.4 Flora

Although fish pond areas in Hong Kong do not generally contain much of floral significance, the fact that Hoo Hok Wai contains a relatively undisturbed mosaic of micro-habitats arising from the mixture of low and high intensity managed ponds and freshwater marsh suggested that a rapid assessment of its botanical significance, including an assessment of the impact of invasive species such as Water Hyacinth, was desirable. Consequently botanical surveys were carried out in August 2008 sufficient to carry out a rapid ecological assessment.

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3 Results 3.1 Habitats

Figure 2 provides a habitat map of the area. Table 3.1 lists the habitats found within the the Study Area at Hoo Hok Wai. It can be seen that fishponds and freshwater marsh or reedbed are the dominant habitat types. Wetland habitats, comprising ponds, marsh/reedbed, major streams/drainage channel, seasonally wet grassland and inactive wet agricultural land constitute 267.29ha, or 87.6% of the area.

Table 3.1 Habitats present in the Hoo Hok Wai area and the size of each areaHabitat Area (ha) Pond Area 185.29

Marsh/ Reedbed 65.11

Secondary Woodland/ Plantation 18.85

Major Stream/ Drainage Channel 12.21

Upland Grassland 10.17

Seasonally Wet Grassland 4.67

Shrubland 3.65

Wasteland 3.03

Developed Land 1.59

Lowland Grassland 0.52

Inactive Wet Agricultural Land 0.01 Total 305.10

3.2 Birds

Appendix 2 summarises data collected in the Hoo Hok Wai area during the monthly counts of waterbirds and selected wetland-dependent or wetland-associated species carried out by the HKBWS for AFCD as part of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site Waterbird Monitoring Programme (WMP) from December 1998 to March 2008 (during missing months no survey was carried out at Hoo Hok Wai). These data were used as the basis for part of this assessment. The monitoring programme includes surveys of 77 fish ponds that lie in the area from Lok Ma Chau Border Crossing Point to Hoo Hok Wai (survey area ‘Shenzhen River B’). At present the ponds that lie to the south of Lok Ma Chau Loop up to and including Pond 346 lie within the Wetland Conservation Area (WCA), while those to the east do not possess any zoning or protection designation.

Figure 1 illustrates the location of ponds surveyed as part of the waterbird monitoring programme. In terms of the total area of fishponds at Hoo Hok Wai (185.29ha), approximately 50% of these ponds (93.14ha) are surveyed each month, which means that the number of waterbirds recorded should be regarded as representative, but not complete. It is certain that the area supports more waterbirds than are recorded.

In terms of overall numbers, the highest numbers of individual waterbirds are recorded in the winter months, with the five highest counts of birds occurring in the months January to March. These counts ranged from 879-1063 birds and constituted 15.7% to 48.7% of the total number of waterbirds recorded in fishpond areas of Deep Bay in the same months (Table 3.2).

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Table 3.2 The five highest counts of waterbirds at Hoo Hok Wai (Shenzhen River B) in the Waterbird Monitoring Programme since December 1998, the percentage of the Deep Bay fishpond count of waterbirds

Date Hoo Hok Wai Count

Deep Bay fishpond area count

Percentage of Deep Bay fishpond pop.

March 2001 1063 2183 48.7% February 1999 966 4430 21.8% February 2004 960 3523 27.2% January 2005 927 5920 15.7% January 2002 879 2889 30.4%

Since December 1998 the number of waterbirds recorded at Hoo Hok Wai has averaged 15.8% of the total for all fishponds surveyed in the Deep Bay area. The number of fishponds surveyed at the WMP recording area Shenzhen River B (which constitutes areas to the east of Lok Ma Chau BCP) comprises 19.25% of the 399 ponds surveyed as part of the WMP. As might be expected given the higher levels of disturbance and smaller pond size, the fishponds lying alongside the Lok Ma Chau Loop (pond numbers 323-346) support a proportionately lower (by approximately 40%) number of waterbirds than the ponds in the core area of Hoo Hok Wai itself (numbers 347-399), where disturbance levels are lower and habitat diversity is greater. However, 35 species of waterbird have been recorded in these fishponds since the WMP began.

In terms of species of conservation concern recorded at Hoo Hok Wai, Table 3.3 lists those considered to be globally threatened by BirdLife International (2006) or of Regional or Global concern by or Fellowes et al. (2002).

Table 3.3 Species of birds recorded at Hoo Hok Wai (HHW) listed by BirdLife International (2006) or listed as of Global or Regional Concern by Fellowes et al (2002)

Species BirdLife International

Fellowes et al.

Status at Hoo Hok Wai (HK primary status in

brackets) Species recorded at HHW as part of WMP Great Egret Egretta alba RC Common all year (1) Little Egret E. garzetta RC Common all year (1) Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus RC Common all year (1)

Falcated Duck Anas falcata Near-threatened RC Rare (4)

Chinese Spotbill A. zonorhyncha* RC Rare (4)

Northern Pintail Anas acuta RC Scarce (2) Northern Shoveler A. clypeata RC Scarce (2)

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra RC Small numbers in winter (4)

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus RC Regular in winter and on

passage (3) Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta RC Rare in winter (2)

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus RC Rare on passage (2)

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis RC Rare on passage (3)

Dunlin Calidris alpina RC Rare on passage (2) Collared Crow Corvus torquatus #

Near-threatened Common all year (1)

Other species recorded at HHW but not as part of WMP

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Species BirdLife International

Fellowes et al.

Status at Hoo Hok Wai (HK primary status in

brackets) Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor Endangered PGC Occasional winter

records (2) Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga # Vulnerable GC Previously regular, now

rare (4)

Imperial Eagle A. heliacal # Vulnerable GC Previously regular, now rare (4)

Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei # Vulnerable GC One record (Aspinwall

1997) (4) Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus # RC Regular in winter (2)

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola # Vulnerable RC Regular in winter and on

passage (3) Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus # GC Common in winter (2)

White-cheeked Starling S. cineraceus # PRC Common in winter (2)

RC = Regional Concern, GC = Global Concern, PGC = Potential Global Concern. WMP = Waterbird Monitoring Programme. * indicates change in taxonomic treatment since Carey et al. (2001); # indicates wetland-associated species of landbird, remainder are waterbirds. Key to Hong Kong status: 1: common wetland species present all year; 2: common winter visitor to Deep Bay area; 3: common winter visitor and passage migrant; 4: scarce winter visitor to Deep Bay area. As noted above, Hoo Hok Wai provides an important foraging area for egrets and herons during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Previously, the area was known to be an important foraging area for Chinese Pond Herons breeding at the Ho Sheung Heung egretry (Aspinwall 1997), although its significance in this respect has declined in recent years. Two species for which Hoo Hok Wai’s value is probably underestimated by the WMP are Grey Heron and Black-crowned Night Heron, for which the highest WMP counts are 184 and 142 respectively. For much of the year in Hong Kong these are mainly crepuscular or nocturnal feeders, and thus their numbers are likely to be underestimated in the majority of diurnal WMP surveys.

The Hoo Hok Wai area is also an important foraging ground for the Hong Kong wintering population of Great Cormorants. The most recent data available concern winter 2004-05, when up to 1728 birds or 23% of the wintering population was recorded flying to forage in fishponds at Hoo Hok Wai (Anon. 2005).

3.3 Non-bird fauna

Very little ecological information regarding non-bird fauna could be gathered for the Hoo Hok Wai area. The Department of Ecology and Biodiversity of The University of Hong Kong conducted a territorial-wide wetland study in 1996 (Dudgeon and Chan, 1996), but did not survey the Hoo Hok Wai area. A study of the ecological value of fish ponds in Deep Bay area conducted in 1995 and 1996 included the Hoo Hok Wai area, but mainly focused on avifauna, and other faunal groups were not investigated in detail. Several EIAs (e.g. Lok Ma Chau Spur Line EIA; Shenzhen River Regulation Project EIA) surveyed nearby areas, but none surveyed the core area of Hoo Hok Wai.

3.3.1 Herpetofauna According to past EIA reports and studies, herpetofauna species of conservation concern recorded in the fish pond area in Hong Kong include Burmese Python Python molurus, Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus chinensis, Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus and Reeves’ Terrapin Chinemys reevesii. Although none of these species were found during present surveys, a Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle was observed in a fish pond at Ma Tso Lung in June.

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According to Karsen et al. (1998), in Hong Kong the wild population of this species has only been recorded in fish pond areas in the northwestern New Territories.

During the nighttime survey conducted on 25th August, seven amphibian species were recorded (Table 4). Six of these are considered common in Hong Kong. Two-striped Grass Frog was the only uncommon species found at Hoo Hok Wai. This species is regarded as being of Local Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002), and its distribution is considered to be restricted in Hong Kong (Chan et al. 2005). In the Study Area, it was found in the overgrown area of an active fish pond and nearby marsh near Liu Pok. No reptile species was recorded during surveys.

With regard to amphibians, it should be noted that vocalising activity was not very strong during the present survey, as it was rather late in the wet season. In order to give a fuller picture of amphibian diversity inside the Hoo Hok Wai area, surveys should also be carried out during the peak mating season of amphibians (e.g. March to June) in the future. In addition, although no Chinese Bullfrogs were recorded at Hoo Hok Wai, this species was found to be very abundant at Lok Ma Chau Village and Ma Tso Lung during surveys earlier in the wet season. Since these sites are nearby, the freshwater marsh and abandoned fish ponds within Hoo Hok Wai are likely to provide suitable habitats for this species. Table 3.4 lists herpetofauna species recorded at Hoo Hok Wai in August 2008.

Table 3.4 Herpetofauna species recorded at Hoo Hok Wai during surveys in late August 2008 Species Active Fish

PondAbandoned Fish Pond

Marsh/ Reedbed

Bufo melanostictus (Asian Common Toad) + Fejervarya limnocharis (Paddy Frog) + + + Microhyla butleri (Butler’s Pigmy Frog) + +++++ Microhyla ornate (Ornate Pigmy Frog) + Polypedates megacephalus (Brown Tree Frog) + ++ +

Rana guentheri (Günther’s Frog) ++++ + Rana taipehensis (Two-striped Grass Frog) ++ +

+ = 1-5 individuals, ++ = 6-10 individuals, +++ = 11-25 individuals, ++++ = 26-50 individuals, +++++ = >50 individuals

Additional species recorded in the Hoo Hok Wai area as part of fieldwork carried out for the Secondary Boundary Fence Ecological Impact Assessment were as follows: Asiatic Painted Frog, Butler’s Pigmy Frog, Spotted Narrow-mouthed Frog, Chinese Gecko, Chinese Waterside Skink, Burmese Python, Chinese Cobra, Chinese Water Snake, Common Rat Snake and Taiwan Kukri Snake. Two species were seen in the fishponds southeast of the Lok Ma Chau Loop: Burmese Python and Chinese Water Snake.

3.3.2 Dragonflies Odonate species recorded are listed in Table 3.5. None of the species recorded is of particular conservation importance, and all are common species in Hong Kong (Wilson, 2004). Although a species of Local Concern (Fellowes et al. 2002), Scarlet Basker, was recorded, it is now regarded as common in Hong Kong (Wilson 2004).

Active fish pond is the dominant habitat type within the Study Area. According to Wilson (1995), due to the disturbance caused by fish pond operation (e.g. dredging, drying out), the importance of active fish ponds to odonates is limited. Notwithstanding

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this, Wilson (1995) emphasized that fish ponds in Hong Kong could still provide habitats for about 30% of the total odonate species found in Hong Kong.

Although special attention was paid to reedbeds and marshes in order to search for the reedbed dependent odonate Four-spot Midget Mortonagrion hirosei, no individuals of this species were found. According to Wilson (2004), it usually occurs in brackish environments, and as the wetland habitats at Hoo Hok Wai appear to be primarily, if not entirely, freshwater, this would explain the absence of the species.

Table 3.5 Odonate species observed at Hoo Hok Wai and nearby areas in late August 2008

Species Active Fish Pond

Abandoned Fish Pond

Marsh/ Reedbed

Ischnura senegalensis (Common Bluetail) + Ceriagrion auranticum (Orange-tailed Sprite) + + Ictinogomphus pertinax (Common Flangetail) + Epophthalmia elegans (Regal Pond Cruiser) + Acisoma panorpoides (Asian Pintail) + ++ Brachydiplax chalybea (Blue Dasher) + + + Brachythemis contaminata (Asian Amberwing) +++++ +++ ++++ Crocothemis servilia (Crimson Darter) +++ + + Neurothemis tullia (Pied Percher) + + Orthetrum pruinosum (Common Red Skimmer) + Orthetrum sabina (Green Skimmer) +++ + Pantala flavescens (Wandering Glider) +++++ + ++ Rhyothemis variegata (Variegated Flutterer) +++++ + +++++ Tholymis tillarga (Evening Skimmer) + Tramea virginia (Saddlebag Glider) + + Urothemis signata (Scarlet Basker) + + +

+ = 1-5 individuals, ++ = 6-10 individuals, +++ = 11-25 individuals, ++++ = 26-50 individuals, ++++ = >50 individuals.

Additional species recorded in the Hoo Hok Wai area as part of fieldwork carried out for the Secondary Boundary Fence Ecological Impact Assessment were as follows: Amber-winged Glider, Blue Percher, Crimson Dropwing, Lesser Blue Skimmer, Orange-faced Sprite, Orange-tailed Midget, Pale-spotted Emperor and Pied Skimmer.

3.3.3 Mammals Not surprisingly, no mammals were recorded during surveys, but Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, which is of conservation significance (‘Near Threatened’ - IUCN; ‘Vulnerable’ - China Red Data Book, Wang 1998) is known to occur here (AEC unpub. obs.). The Hong Kong distribution of this protected species appears to be confined to the northwest New Territories (Shek 2006). Other mammals typical of fishpond areas in the northwest New Territories have been recorded (AEC unpub. data): Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica, Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus and Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis. The mongoose was recorded in the narrow strip of fishponds southeast of Lok Ma Chau Loop during surveys for the Secondary Boundary Fence Ecological Impact Assessment.

3.3.4 Fish During the surveys, seven fish species, including Barcheek Goby Rhinogobius giurinus,Edible Goldfish Carassius auratus, Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Mosquito

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Fish Gambusia affinis, Nile Tilipia Oreochromis niloticus, North African Catfish Clarias gariepinus and Snakehead Murrel Channa striata, were observed. Some of these are commercially farmed in Hong Kong (Edible Goldfish, Grass Carp and Nile Tilapia), while the latter four species are exotic (Lee et al. 2004). Barcheek Goby usually appears in streams locally (Lee et al. 2004), although it was observed in fish ponds in present surveys. In view of the enclosed nature of fish ponds, this species is highly unlikely to occur naturally and is believed to be introduced with commercial fish fry.

In the streams/water bodies flowing into the Hoo Hok Wai area, Chinese Barb Puntius semifasciolatus, Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, Dwarf Snakehead Channa gachua,Spotted Snakehead Channa maculata and Swampy Eel Monopterus albus were observed during other surveys. These species are likely to also appear in the marshes and streams at Hoo Hok Wai.

Most of the areas at Hoo Hok Wai are occupied by active and abandoned fish ponds; thus, the following commercial species should also be present: Big Head Carp Aristichthys nobilis, Mud Carp Cirrhinus molitorella and White-spotted Walking Catfish Clarias fuscus.

Although fish diversity at Hoo Hok Wai seems to be quite high, none of the aforementioned species are of high conservation interest in Hong Kong. Most are commercially farmed locally and some of them are exotic. Table 3.6 summarises the details.

Table 3.6 Fish species observed or likely to occur at Hoo Hok Wai Species Habitats Status in Hong

Kong* Aristichthys nobilis (Big Head Carp) Not observed Commercially farmed

Carassius auratus (Edible Goldfish)

Observed in a fish pond in the Hoo Hok Wai area and in

streams draining into Hoo Hok Wai

Commercially farmed

Channa gachua (Dwarf Snakehead)

Observed in streams and wetlands draining into Hoo Hok

Wai Exotic

Channa maculata (Spotted Snakehead)

Observed in a wetland draining into Hoo Hok Wai Commercially farmed

Channa striata (Snakehead Murrel) Observed within Hoo Hok Wai Exotic Cirrhinus molitorella (Mud Carp) Not observed Commercially farmed Clarias fuscus (White-spotted Walking Catfish) Not observed Common

Clarias gariepinus (North African Catfish) Observed within Hoo Hok Wai Exotic

Ctenopharyngodon idellus (Grass Carp)

Observed in a fish pond in the Hoo Hok Wai area Commercially farmed

Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp) Observed in a wetland draining into Hoo Hok Wai Commercially farmed

Gambusia affinis (Mosquito Fish) Observed within Hoo Hok Wai Exotic

Monopterus albus (Swampy Eel) Observed in a stream draining into Hoo Hok Wai Common

Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilipia) Observed within Hoo Hok Wai Exotic and commercially farmed

Puntius semifasciolatus (Chinese Barb)

Observed in a stream draining into Hoo Hok Wai

Common and widespread

Rhinogobius giurinus (Barcheek Goby)

Observed in fish ponds within Hoo Hok Wai

Common and widespread

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*: Status in Hong Kong follows Lee et al. (2004)

Fish ponds in the area are enclosed in nature, and periodic draining and liming occur. In addition, water quality in the streams and marshes in the area appears to be poor, as it was black and sometimes odorous. All these factors suggest that the ecological importance of the water bodies within Hoo Hok Wai to native fish species is very limited.

3.3.5 Butterflies A survey of butterflies was carried out at Hoo Hok Wai on 22nd September 2008. Butterfly diversity was found to be very low, involving just eight species, all present in low abundance (Table 3.7). All species recorded are common and widespread throughout Hong Kong.

This low species diversity is typical for fishpond habitats in Hong Kong, although the relatively late timing of a single survey has much to do with the low number of species. These habitats generally have relatively sparse vegetation containing a low diversity of plant species, due to regular disturbance and vegetation management. This limits the availability of plant species that act as hosts for butterfly larvae or provide nectar as food for adult butterflies.

Various other butterfly species can be expected to occur, at least on occasion, around the fishponds at Hoo Hok Wai. A total of 39 species was recorded in the area as part of fieldwork carried out for the Secondary Boundary Fence Ecological Impact Assessment. A total of 38 species was recorded nearby at Liu Pok. Many of these are associated with shrubland or woodland habitats, but may wander to other habitats. Other species, including the wetland-associated Bush Hopper Ampittia dioscorides, should be expected at Hoo Hok Wai.

Table 3.7 Butterfly species observed at Hoo Hok Wai on 22nd September 2008

3.4 Flora

Though Hoo Hok Wai and its neighboring wetland systems have been highlighted as an important natural habitat for birds, no systematic surveys or evaluation of its ecological and conservation value in terms of flora have been conducted. Though Hoo Hok Wai lies within the study boundary of an earlier large-scale fishpond study (Aspinwall 1997), this focused on the ecological functions with respect to birds only, and descriptive botanical study within the fishpond and marsh areas was very limited.

A large-scale regional study of the ecological value of freshwater marshes in Hong Kong (Dudgeon and Chan, 1996) provided a comprehensive account of the flora and fauna in 28 such sites. However, Hoo Hok Wai was not included. The nearby Liu Pok marsh and Ma Tso Lung marsh were included but only their utilisation by amphibians, reptiles and macro-invertebrates were systematically monitored. Therefore, no preliminary botanical assessment in Hoo Hok Wai and its neighboring habitats have been published and the present preliminary assessment is essential to assess any

Species Number recorded Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon 1Transparent 6-line Blue Nacaduba kurava 1Pale Grass Blue Zizeeria maha 3Dark-brand Bush Brown Mycalesis mineus 1Common Five-ring Ypthima baldus 1Peacock Pansy Junonia almana 3Great Egg-fly Hypolimnas bolina 2Common Tiger Danaus genutia 1

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potential ecological or conservation significance of the flora composition at Hoo Hok Wai.

3.4.1 Botanic Survey Results of the botanical survey are separated into four areas, comprising Liu Pok, Hoo Hok Wai-Tai Sha Lok, areas south of the Lok Ma Chau Loop and the water channel around the Lok Ma Chau Loop (Figure 3).

3.4.1.1 Liu Pok Liu Pok is located to the east of Hoo Hok Wai and its vegetation is mainly comprised of a wetland mosaic of marsh and ponds, in addition to a considerable plantation area to the north. Most ponds have been maintained to have a large open water body surrounded by grassy vegetation, including Panicum maximum, Brachiaria mutica,Paspalum conjugatum and Miscanthus sinensis, with isolated semi-woody herbs such as Ludwigia octovalvis, sub-shrubby herbs Urena lobata and Aeschynomene indica andthe tree Trema tomentosa. The marsh is waterlogged grassy wetland that may have developed from the succession of abandoned fishponds or an overgrown channel in the area. The marsh is extensively covered by aggressive exotic grass species such as Panicum maximum and Brachiaria mutica, with small patches of marshy species Cyperus malaccensis, Cyperus iria and Phragmites australis, herbs Alocasia odora and Colocasia esculenta, semi-woody herb Ludwigia octovalvis, and isolated sub-shrubby herb Aeschynomene indica and trees Melia azedarach and Sapium sebiferum surrounding the boundary of the marsh. The vegetation recorded in both marsh and pond areas ranges from common to very common species, and the invasive weedy herbaceous climber Mikania micrantha was often noted in these two habitat types.

The plantation comprises common exotic plantation species such as Acacia confusa,Acacia mangium, Casuarina equisetifolia and Eucalyptus citriodora. Exotic shrubs Lantana camara and tree Leucaena leucocephala were commonly established in the understory and at the edge of the plantation. Native tree Broussonetia papyrifera andFicus microcarpa were also recorded at a lower density in the plantation. The canopy of the plantation ranged from 4 to 15 m tall. The plantation age is at least 20 years.

3.4.1.2 Hoo Hok Wai - Tai Sha Lok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok are the major assessment areas of this study. These areas consist of marsh, pond, seasonally wet grassland, small areas of lowland grassland, stream/drainage channel and shrubland. Pond and marsh areas are the two major habitat types. The pond area, which includes active, inactive and abandoned overgrown fishponds, is typically surrounded by grassy vegetation on the bunds, comprising invasive exotic grass species such as Brachiaria mutica, Panicum maximum, Paspalum conjugatum, Rhynchelytrum repens and the native grass Digitaria ciliaris. Managed fishponds undergo active pond management in which cutting along the grassy bunds is a common practice. The pond bunds are thus also invaded by common to very common herbaceous vegetation such as the native herbs Portulaca oleracea, Emilia sonchifolia, Polygonum chinense, Solanum nigrum and the exotic Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens alba, Mimosa pudica, Mikania micrantha and Sesbania cannabina. Fruit trees such as Artocarpus macrocarpus and the perennial herb Musa xparadisiaca are commonly planted around the pond areas. Native trees Macaranga tanarius, Mallotus apelta, Sapium sebiferum and Trema tomentosa, the shrub Rhodomytrus tomentosa and the exotic tree Melia azedarach and shrub Lantana camara are often recorded in patches or as isolated individuals along the pond bund. Abandoned and overgrown ponds are mainly covered by weedy grass Panicum maximum, Brachiaria mutica and Mikania micrantha. Some of these ponds have been invaded to some extent by reed Phragmites australis and weedy exotic herbs such as

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Eichhornia crassipes. These abandoned ponds may be transformed into seasonally wet grassland and marsh by the natural process of succession in the near future.

A number of large freshwater marsh areas were identified in the survey. These grassy marsh areas were largely covered by exotic grass species Panicum maximum andBrachiaria mutica, and colonised by isolated small patches of wetland species such as the fern Cyclosorus interruptus, and the herbs Cyperus malaccensis, Cyperus pilosus,Cyperus imbricatus, Eleocharis dulcis, Ludwigia octovalvis, Polygonum lapathifolium and Phragmites australis in different densities. In particular, the marshy area lying in the south-eastern part of Hoo Hok Wai was colonized by common herbaceous vegetation including Alocasia odora, Colocasia esculenta and Hedychium coronarium. The large marsh area located in the central and northern parts of Hoo Hok Wai was extensively covered by reed Phragmites australis. This large reedbed was associated with extensive weedy grass species and the creeping herb Ipomoea aquatica and the wetland plants Polygonum barbatum and Polygonum lapathifolium. A considerable large open water body was found in this large marsh area and the exotic floating herb Eichhornia crassipes dominated its edge. It is believed that E. crassipes could potentially colonise much of this water surface if no active management is implemented.

Several small patches of seasonally wet grassland were recorded in the study. This grassland type is different from marsh as it is dominated by grass species and is seasonally dry during October to March. Also present are herbs such as Alocasia odora, Colocasia esculenta, Cyperus imbricatus, Cyperus pilosus and Ludwigia octovalvis, the perennial herb Musa x paradisiaca, and isolated trees including the native Macaranga tanarius, Ficus hispida and Sapium sebiferum, and exotic Melia azedarach. If this grassland remains intact with a continuous supply of ground water or rainwater, seed sources of wetland plants and reduced competition with weedy grass, it would undergo natural succession into a marsh.

Several channels were located near marsh and pond areas within the study site. These channels were largely dominated by grasses such as Brachiaria mutica, Panicum maximum and Digitaria ciliaris, the fern Cyclosorus interruptus, and herbs such as Alternanthera philoxeroides, Bidens alba, Colocasia esculenta, Commelina diffusa,Ludwigia perennis, Ludwigia octovalvis, Manihot esculenta and Polygonum chinense.More woody species such as the native trees Aporusa dioica, Cinnamomum burmannii,Ficus superba var. japonica, Macaranga tanarius, Sapium sebiferum, the exotic trees Melia azedarach, Mangifera indica and the shrub Lantana camara were recorded along the channels. All species are common to very common in Hong Kong.

A small wooded area located to the south of Hoo Hok Wai was dominated by common species such as the shrubs Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Breynia fruticosa, Lantana camara and the trees Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius, Trema tomentosa, Celtis sinensis, Ficus hirta, Syzgium jambos and Sapium sebiferum.

3.4.1.3 South of Lok Ma Chau Loop This area mainly consists of ponds and small channels and marsh areas. The vegetation recorded in the pond area was similar to those identified in Hoo Hok Wai. The ponds were predominated by the exotic grass Panicum maximum and Brachiaria mutica along the bunds, in association with common herbaceous vegetation. The channels are overgrown with grassy vegetation, common herbs and isolated trees. The small marshy areas were colonised by grass species and Phragmites australis.

3.4.1.4 Water channel around Lok Ma Chau Loop The channel surrounding Lok Ma Chau Loop comprised herbaceous vegetation such as the grasses Bracharia mutica, Echinochloa crusgalli, Panicum maximum andPennisetum purpureum, the herbs Fimbristylis nutans, Bidens alba, Manihot esculenta

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and Phytolacca acinosa, the creeping herbs Mikania micrantha and Wedelia trilobata,and isolated trees Macaranga tanarius, Leucaena leucocephala and Trema tomentosa.All these species are common to very common species in such disturbed areas in Hong Kong.

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4 Discussion and Conclusions 4.1 Habitat Evaluation

The Study Area, which includes Liu Pok, Hoo Hok Wai, Tai Sha Lok and their nearby areas, mainly comprises typical wetland habitats such as ponds and freshwater marsh. Seasonally wet grassland and channels with vegetated banks are also common habitats. In general, these freshwater wetland habitats are dominated by common to very common species, including fern, herb and isolated tree and shrub species (Appendix 1). The floristic structure is simple and the floristic composition shows a typical transitional pattern from abandoned ponds or inactive agricultural land via the natural successional process, i.e. initially invaded with herbaceous vegetation and gradually by isolated woody species establishment. Freshwater wetlands support a wider variety of flora (including submerged macrophytes, emergent wetland species and aquatic floating plants), fauna and aquatic insects than brackish wetlands (Dudgeon and Chan, 1996). Though the identified plant species are common to very common and are of low conservation value, the vegetation along the pond bunds, channel banks and within marsh and seasonally wet grassland may possibly provide some nursery grounds for invertebrates such as dragonflies and nursery grounds for herpetofauna. The presence of semi-permanent or seasonal marsh and reedbed within the Study Area enhances habitat heterogeneity for fauna and aquatic insects, possibly one of the reasons for its attraction to birds.

In evaluating the long-term ecological and conservation values of these wetland habitats and associated areas at Hoo Hok Wai, the values also depend on the land-use changes in localities surrounding these wetland habitats (Dudgeon and Chan, 1996). Most wetland habitats in Hong Kong have developed from abandoned rice paddies, associated ditches or fishponds (Dudgeon and Corlett, 2004). The majority of wetland habitats at Hoo Hok Wai developed from abandoned fishponds, and many areas remain dominated by the grass Brachiaria mutica, the fern Cydosorus interruptus, the sedge Cyperus malaccensis and reed Phragmites australis. Similar to other wetland habitats in Hong Kong, the wetland system at Hoo Hok Wai comprises transitional habitats vulnerable to plant invasion. Currently, several localised wetland patches have been extensively covered by aggressive weedy climbers Mikania micrantha and Ipomoea cairica, from the surrounding areas. Though a large proportion of these marshlands retain their grassy and reedy characteristics, without active management, monitoring and a permanent or seasonal supply of water, it is highly unlikely that these wetland habitats, especially grassy marsh and seasonally wet grassland, would remain at their current ecological and conservation values.

4.2 Non-bird Fauna

In line with other fishponds areas of the northwest New Territories, the non-bird fauna appears to be of little conservation significance. Wilson (1995) noted that up to 30 species of dragonfly may be encountered at or adjacent to fish pond areas in the northwest New Territories. Species that are common in such habitats tend, however, to be widespread and have little or no conservation significance. A total of 28 species have been recorded at the LMC Spur Line Wetland Compensation Area (AEC 2008), but only Anaciaeschna jaspidea, Sinictinogomphus clavatus and Macrodiplax cora are regarded by Wilson (2004) as ‘uncommon’ in Hong Kong. Surveys for the present study support this.

Although surveys of non-bird fauna were by no means comprehensive, especially in respect of amphibians for which nocturnal vocalising activity was far from its peak, in view of the limited potential for species of conservation-significance to be present, it is

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not considered that further surveys of these groups are required. The same applies to Eurasian Otter, which has been recorded at Hoo Hok Wai on a number of occasions in fish ponds, including adjacent to the river meander surrounding Lok Ma Chau Loop. However, it is not considered necessary to carry out further surveys of this species in respect of this ecological assessment, though careful monitoring would be required in respect of future proposals for development in the area or active conservation management measures.

4.3 Avifauna

In terms of conservation significance, the main focus at Hoo Hok Wai is birds, and in particular large waterbirds. The area supports a significant proportion of the total number of waterbirds frequenting fish pond areas in the Deep Bay area at densities comparable to those occurring in fish pond areas west of the Lok Ma Chau Border Crossing Point, as well as a number of threatened species or species of regional concern. The Study on the Ecological Value of Fish Ponds in the Deep Bay Area (Aspinwall 1997) confirmed the unique international and regional importance of the fish pond ecosystem, especially for herons and egrets. The provision by fish pond areas of food supply and roosting areas is critical to the continued presence of these birds in significant numbers in the Deep Bay area. The fish pond system, including the Hoo Hok Wai area, is closely linked to the Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay areas. Although of all significantly-sized areas of fish ponds in the Deep Bay area the fish ponds at Hoo Hok Wai lie furthest from the Mai Po Marshes, data on Great Cormorants (Anon. 2005) indicates the existence of a close linkage.

Fish ponds are used asymmetrically in that concentrations of birds occur at particular ponds at certain stages of the production cycle. Usually, the highest concentrations occur during draindown. Aspinwall (1997) observed greater bird usage at ponds that are contiguous with other ponds, and ponds that form part of a larger more continuous area rather than fragmented and isolated ponds. Hoo Hok Wai is just such a large area of contiguous ponds; moreover, its location is also one that is relatively undisturbed.

With regard to the related issue of the flightline of large waterbirds over the Lok Ma Chau Loop area, this was discussed in detail in Appendix C – LMC Ecological Corridor in Working Paper No. 3 under the current study. Further, the LMC Loop Study will include relevant environmental studies to determine the specific land use and development restrictions imposed by the corridor and will further enhance the outcomes of this Study.

4.4 Planning Issues

Part of the study area falls within areas zoned “Conservation Area” (“CA”), “Green Belt” (“GB”) and “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) on the approved San Tin Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/YL-ST/8. Any filling of land/pond or excavation of land under the “CA” zoning requires planning permission from the Town Planning Board, while any filling of land/pond or excavation of land under the “GB” zoning involved in works co-ordinated or implemented by Government does not require planning permission from the Board.

Part of the study area falls within the Wetland Conservation Area and the Wetland Buffer Area under the Town Planning Board Guidelines for Application for Developments within Deep Bay Area (TPB PG-No. 12B). The Town Planning Board, in TPB PG-No. 12B, has adopted a precautionary approach to conservation of the Deep Bay wetlands in view of the known ecological value of fish ponds and the complex responses of birds to landuse change, which in turn affects the carrying capacity of the wetland. The intention is ‘to protect and conserve the existing ecological functions of

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fish ponds in order to maintain the ecological integrity of the Deep Bay wetland ecosystem as a whole’. As a significant part of that ecosystem, Hoo Hok Wai is worthy of protection, although the exact mechanism for this is not part of the scope of this paper. The project proponent of any proposed development should demonstrate how the ecological impact could be mitigated to the satisfaction of the DAFC.

In terms of threats, the release of the Hoo Hok Wai area from the FCA will inevitably mean that the fish ponds are at greater risk from such activities as fly-tipping, illegal land-filling and open storage.

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5 References Anon. 2005. Field Trials on Pond Wiring to Reduce Cormorant Predation in Commercial Fish Ponds 2004-05. Report to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong SAR Government.

Aspinwall. 1997. Agreement No. CE 72/94. Study on the Ecological Value of Fish Ponds in the Deep Bay Area. Final Report. Report prepared for Planning Dept, Hong Kong.

BirdLife International. 2006. Threatened birds of Asia. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona and Cambridge.

Chan, S.K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N. and Tang, W.S. (2005) A Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd, Hong Kong.

Dudgeon D. and Chan, E.W.C. 1996. Ecological Study of Freshwater Wetland Habitats in Hong Kong. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Fellowes, J.R., Lau, M.W.N., Dudgeon, D., Reels, G.T., Ades, G.W.J., Carey, G.J., Chan, B.P.L., Kendrick, R.C., Lee, K.S., Leven, M.R., Wilson, K.D.P. and Yu, Y.T. 2002. Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong. Memoirs of The Hong Kong Natural History Society, No. 25, pp. 117-123.

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

Lee, V.L.F., Lam, S.K.S., Ng, F.K.Y., Chan, T.K.T. and Young, M.L.C. 2004. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Hong Kong. Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd, Hong Kong.

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

Wang, S. (Chief Editor) 1998. China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: Mammalia. National Environmental Protection Agency. Science Press, Beijing.

Wilson, K. (1995) Dragonflies, Diversity and Fish Ponds. Porcupine! Newsletter of the Department of Ecology and Biodiversity of The University of Hong Kong. No. 12. pp. 6-7.

Wilson, K. 2004. Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Hong Kong. 2nd ed., Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd, Hong Kong.

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Appendix I – Figures

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Figure 1 Study Area of this assessment and ponds surveyed as part of HKBWS/AFCD Waterbird Monitoring Programme

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Figure 2 Habitat Map of Hoo Hok Wai and surrounding area

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Figure 3 Botanical Survey Areas

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Appendix I – Appendices

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Appendix 1. List of plant species recorded in the Hoo Hok Wai Study Area, August 2008 (see Figure 3 for Botanical Survey Areas).

Key: SFP – Secondary Forest Plantation; SWG – Seasonally Wet Grassland; SDC – Stream/Drainage Channel; SHD – Shrubland; TFP – Trees around Fish Ponds; LMCL – Water channel around Lok Ma Chau Loop.

Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Acacia auriculiformis Tree Exotic, common Y Y

Acacia confusa Tree Exotic, common Y Y Y Y

Acacia mangium Tree Exotic, common Y

Aeschynomene indica Herb Very common Y Y

Ageratum conyzoides Herb Exotic, common Y Y Y Y

Alocasia odora Perennial herb Common Y Y Y Y

Alternanthera philoxeroides

Perennial herb Common Y

Aporusa dioica Tree Very common Y Y

Artocarpus macrocarpus Tree

Exotic, commonly planted for their fruits

Y Y

Bambusa spp.Clumped tree bamboo

Common Y

Bidens alba Herb Exotic, very common Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Bombax ceiba Tree Exotic, very common Y

Brachiaria mutica Herb Exotic, common Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

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Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Breynia fruticosa Shrub Very common Y

Bridelia tomentosa Shrub/ small tree

Very common Y Y

Broussonetia papyrifera Tree Common Y

Casuarina equisetifolia Tree Exotic, common Y

Celtis sinensis Tree Very common Y Y Y

Chloris barbata Herb Very common Y Y Y Y

Cinnamomum burmannii Tree

Common, also widely planted

Y Y

Cinnamomum camphora Tree

Common, also widely planted

Y Y

Colocasia esculenta Herb Very common Y Y Y

Commelina diffusa Herb Common Y Y Y Y

Conyza canadensis Herb Exotic, very common Y

Cyclosorus interruptus Fern Very common Y Y Y

Cyperus imbricatus Herb Common Y Y Y Y

Cyperus iria Herb Common Y

Cyperus malaccensis Herb Common Y Y

Cyperus nutans Herb Common Y

Cyperus pilosus Herb Common Y Y

Dianella ensifolia Herb Very common Y

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Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Digitaria ciliaris Herb Very common Y Y Y Y

Echinochloa crusgalli Perennial herb Common Y Y

Eichhornia crassipes Aquatic herb

Exotic, common Y Y

Eleusine indica Herb Very common Y

Emilia sonchifolia Herb Very common Y Y

Eucalyptus citriodora Tree Exotic, common Y

Euphirbia hirta Herb Exotic, very common Y Y

Ficus elastica Tree Exotic, widely planted

Y

Ficus hirta Shrub Common Y Y

Ficus hispida Shrub/ Small tree

Very common Y Y

Ficus microcarpa Tree

Very common, also planted

Y Y Y

Ficus superba var. japonica Tree Common Y Y Y

Fimbristylis nutans Herb Common Y Y

Hedychium coccineum Perennial herb

Exotic, usually cultivated

Y

Hedychium coronarium Perennial herb

Exotic, usually cultivated

Y

Hedyotis auricularia Herb Common Y

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Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Hibiscus tiliaceus Shrub/ Small tree

Very common Y Y

Imperata koenigii Herb Very common Y Y Y Y

Ipomoea aquatica Herb Exotic, usually cultivated

Y

Ipomoea cairica Climber/ Twining herb

Exotic, very common Y Y

Ipomoea triloba Herb Common Y Y

Kyllinga brevifolia Herb Common Y Y Y Y Y

Lantana camara Shrub Exotic, very common Y Y Y Y Y Y

Lemna minor Aquatic herb Common Y

Leucaena leucocephala

Shrub/ Small tree

Exotic, locally common, planted or naturalized in disturbed area

Y Y

Lindernia antipoda Herb Common Y

Lonicera longiflora Climber Common Y

Ludwigia octovalvis Perennial herb Common Y Y Y Y

Ludwigia perennis Perennial herb Common Y Y Y

Lygodium scandens Fern Very common Y

Macaranga tanarius Small tree Very common Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

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Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Macrothelypteris torresiana Fern Common Y Y

Mallotus apelta Shrub Common Y Y Y

Mallotus paniculatus Tree Very common Y

Malvastrum coromandelinum Shrub Common Y Y Y

Mangifera indica Tree

Exotic, widely cultivated for fruits

Y

Manihot esculenta Shrub Exotic, commonly planted

Y Y

Melia azedarach Tree Exotic, commonly planted

Y Y Y Y Y Y

Microcos paniculata Tree Common Y Y

Mikania micrantha Climbing herb

Exotic, common Y Y Y Y

Mimosa bimucronata Shrub Exotic, common Y

Mimosa pudica Herb Exotic, common Y Y

Miscanthus floridulus Perennial herb Common Y

Miscanthus sinensis Perennial herb Common Y Y Y Y

Musa x paradisiaca Perennial herb

Exotic, commonly planted for their fruits

Y Y Y Y

Neyraudia reynaudiana Perennial herb Common Y

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Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Paederia scandens Climber Very common Y

Panicum maximum Perennial herb

Exotic, common Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Panicum paludosum Perennial herb

Very common Y

Paspalum conjugatum Perennial herb

Exotic, common Y Y Y

Paspalum orbiculare Perennial herb Common Y Y

Paspalum paspaloides Perennial herb Common Y Y

Passiflora foetida Climber Very common Y

Pennisetum purpureum

Perennial herb

Very common Y

Phragmites australis Perennial herb Common Y Y Y Y Y

Phytolacca acinosa Herb Exotic, common in wasteland

Y

Polygonum barbatum Herb Common Y

Polygonum chinense Herb Very common Y Y Y

Polygonum lapathifolium Herb Common Y

Polygonum orientale Herb Common Y

Polygonum perfoliatum Climbing herb Common Y Y

Portulaca oleracea Herb Common Y Rhodomyrtus tomemtosa Shrub Common Y Y Y

Rhus chinensis Tree Common Y

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Liu Pok Hoo Hok Wai and Tai Sha Lok Area southeast of LMC Loop

Species Growth form

Status in HK

Pond Marsh SFP Pond Marsh SWG SDC SHD TFP Marsh SDC

Lok Ma Chau LoopChannel

Rhus succedanea Tree Common Y

Rhynchelytrum repens Perennial herb

Exotic, common Y Y Y

Sapium sebiferum Tree Common Y Y Y Y Y Y

Scoparia dulcis Herb Exotic, common Y

Sesbania cannabina Herb Exotic, common Y Y

Sida acuta Subshrub Common Y Y

Solanum erianthum Herb Exotic, common Y

Solanum nigrum Herb Very common Y Y

Spp. from Commelinaceae Herb / Y

Syzgium jambos Tree

Exotic, common, in Feng Shui wood, also planted

Y

Trema tomentosa Shrub/ small tree Common Y Y Y Y Y

Urena lobata Subshrubby herb Common Y Y

Vernonia cinerea Herb Very common Y Y

Wedelia trilobata Perennial herb

Exotic, widely planted and weedy

Y Y Y

Total number of species 109 28 16 8 46 49 20 27 16 19 4 8 17

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Appendix 2. Summary of counts of waterbirds and wetland-dependent species at Shenzhen River B carried out as part of the Mai Po Inner DeepBay Ramsar Site Waterbird Monitoring Programme, December 1998 to March 2008. Source: HKBWS/AFCD.

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Appendix 3: Landbird species recorded at Hoo Hok Wai (source: Carey et al. 2001, Hong Kong Bird Reports 1999-2002, HKBWS records 2003-2006)

English name Scientific name

Rock Dove Columba livia Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Spotted Dove Steptopelia chinensis Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Horsfield's Cuckoo Cuculus horsfieldi Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Himalayan Swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris Pacific Swift Apus pacificus Little Swift Apus affinis Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Pale Martin Riparia diluta Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea White Wagtail Motacilla alba Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis Sooty-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata Common Blackbird Turdus merula Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus Japanese Bush Warbler Cettia diphone Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes Russet Bush Warbler Bradypterus seebohmi Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis

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English name Scientific name

Bright-capped Cisticola Cisticola exilis Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Plain Prinia Prinia inornata Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus Great Tit Parus major Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola Japanese Yellow Bunting Emberiza sulphurata Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala Yellow-billed Grosbeak Eophona migratoria White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Red-billed Starling Sturnus sericeus Purple-backed Starling Sturnus sturninus White-cheeked Starling Sturnus cineraceus Black-collared Starling Sturnus nigricollis White-shouldered Starling Sturnus sinensis Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Crested Myna Acridotheres cristatellus Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha Common Magpie Pica pica Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Collared Crow Corvus torquatus