Monitoring of Measures
to Minimise Disturbance to Water Birds in Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River, Shek
Sheung River and Long Valley
Monitoring Requirements and
Protocol
9.1
As required under
Section 12.3.2.5 of the Updated EM&A
Manual, where development under the NDAs project is undertaken within 200m (the
maximum distance at which it is predicted there may be some disturbance, and
hence a reduction in numbers of large waterbirds) of Sheung Yue River and Long
Valley, weekly transect at both high and low tides should be followed (It is
considered high tide when the tidal levels are above 1.5m and low tide when the
tidal levels are below 1.5m at Tsim Bei Tsui Station).
9.2
The purpose of the
survey is to identify and
enumerate all bird species utilizing the river channels and Long Valley Nature
Park (LVNP) and identify any sources of actual or potential disturbance to
birds due to construction activities throughout the construction period
according to the methodology specified
in Table 12.1 in the Updated EM&A
Manual.
9.3
Monitoring in Long
Valley followed the methodology
adopted by the regular HKBWS bird monitoring programme in
order to obtain comparable results and a complete coverage of the area in the shortest
possible time.
Monitoring Frequency
9.4
High tide and low tide
avifauna monitoring was required to be carried
out on a weekly basis. Additional night-time avifauna monitoring in
Long Valley was required to be carried
out twice monthly from September to April.
|
2, 3, 12, 13, 17, 19, 23 and 27 December 2024 |
|
|
Date
of night-time monitoring: |
3 and 13 December 2024 |
Monitoring Location
9.5
The avifauna
monitoring was carried out at Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River and Long Valley
in the reporting month
according to the construction
programme. The transect routes in the reporting month were as follows:
• T1. Ng
Tung River
• T2. Ng
Tung River
• T3.
Sheung Yue River
• T5. Long
Valley
9.6
As the sensitive
receivers (large waterbirds) were easily visible, the
transect route only needed to follow one bank of
the rivers.
9.7
The location of Transects T1, T2, T3 and T5 is shown
in Figure 9 for reference.
Monitoring Parameters
9.8
The monitoring parameters and survey methodology for
each transect are described below:
•
Abundance of birds
•
Types of habitat of which
birds in use
•
Notable bird behaviours such as roosting, feeding,
nesting and presence of juveniles
•
Birds heard through birdcalls that could not be
located were marked as “heard”, while birds flying over the survey area were
marked as “flight”. Species of conservation significance were specified.
9.9
Other information at
the time of survey such as weather condition, tidal condition, tide level and
noticeable natural or anthropogenic activities were documented.
9.10
For Avifauna survey,
Ornithological nomenclature would make reference to
The Avifauna of Hong Kong (Carey et al.
2001), The Birds of Hong Kong and South China (Viney et al. 2005), and the most recent updated list from other sources
(e.g. Hong Kong Bird Watching Society).
Monitoring Results
9.11 In total,
67 species of birds were recorded during the bird surveys within assessment
area. Among the recorded birds, there were 28 species of waterbirds. The
detailed list of waterbirds and all recorded birds are shown in Appendices L1k and L1l respectively.
9.12 Among the
four transects, transect T5 had a higher species diversity and abundance due to
its diverse habitat types within Long Valley. Species such as Ardeola bacchus and Egretta garzetta were commonly found roosting and foraging at wetland
habitats such as agricultural lands and shallow water habitats.
9.13 Along
transect T5 in Long Valley, species with conservation interest such as Himantopus himantopus, which is a passage migrant, was
commonly observed in shallow water habitats. In addition, Greater Painted-Snipe
Rostratula benghalensis
of Local Concern was also observed in shallow water habitat in the
reporting month.
9.14 Minor
defect works were observed in T5
in the reporting month.
9.15 Transect
T3 was conducted along Sheung Yue River. Bird species such as Ardeola bacchus, Ardea
alba and Egretta garzetta were
commonly observed feeding and roosting on the river bank and river bed.
Construction works were observed beside Sheung Yue River.
9.16 Transects
T1 and T2 are located at Ng Tung River. Ardeola bacchus, Ardea alba and Egretta garzetta were also commonly found feeding and roosting along
the Ng Tung River. Fishing activities were observed at both T1 and T2.
Potential anthropogenic sources of disturbance observed along T1 and T2
including the usage of remote control boats.
9.17
Avifauna monitoring in
construction phase was conducted during the reporting month and the detailed
results are attached in Appendix L1.
9.18 Table 9.1 summarises the avifauna monitoring results during the reporting month.
Table 9.1 Summary Table of
Avifauna Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Monitoring Parameter |
Result in Reporting Month |
Baseline Level in
Corresponding Month |
Action Level |
Limit Level |
|
Mean abundance of large water birds* using
Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River and Shek Sheung River |
113 |
34 |
24 |
17 |
|
Mean abundance of Ardeola
bacchus using Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River
and Shek Sheung River |
20 |
11 |
7 |
5 |
|
Mean Abundance of Bird recorded in LVNP |
1,655 |
901 |
631 |
451 |
|
Mean Abundance of Ardeola bacchus recorded in LVNP |
19 |
15 |
11 |
8 |
|
Environmental disturbance and damage from
activities in LVNP |
- |
- |
Activity
likely to cause unacceptable environmental disturbance or damage noted in
LVNP. |
Activity
causing unacceptable environmental disturbance or damage noted in LVNP. |
|
*Note Large Waterbirds includes: Ardea alba, Ardea
cinerea, Egretta eulophotes, Egretta
garzetta, Ardea
intermedia and Phalacrocorax carbo |
||||
9.19 No Action
or Limit Level exceedance in avifauna monitoring was recorded during the
reporting month.
Monitoring of Measures
to Minimise Impacts to Ma Tso Lung Stream and Siu Hang San Tsuen Stream, and
Long Valley
Monitoring Requirements and
Protocol
9.20
As required under
Section 12.3.2.14 of the Updated EM&A
Manual, aquatic faunal monitoring should be carried out during the construction
phase.
9.21
Larger organisms such
as fish should be monitored by direct counting, while kick-netting and
sweep-netting should be used for invertebrate sampling. There should be three
replicates for invertebrate sampling at each sampling point. For kick-netting,
the net should be placed with the opening facing the water current, and the
substrate should be disturbed by kicking to dislodge organisms from the stream
bed. Sweep-netting should be conducted when kick-netting is not feasible, such
as in area with no water current. Small organisms that could not be identified
with naked eye should be brought to the laboratory for identification under the
dissecting microscope.
Monitoring Frequency
9.22
Quantitative aquatic fauna replicate
surveys of stream fauna was required to be carried out on a monthly
basis only during wet season. Three replicates for invertebrates
sampling and direct counting of fish fauna should be performed respectively.
Monitoring Location
9.23
During wet season, the
monitoring locations required to be
carried out in Ma Tso Lung Stream are as follow:
|
•
MS_01 |
•
MS_02 |
•
MS_03 |
•
MS_04 |
•
MS_05 |
|
•
MS_06 |
•
MS_07 |
•
MS_08 |
•
MS_09 |
•
MS_10 |
|
•
MS_11 |
•
MS_12 |
•
MS_13 |
•
MS_14 |
•
MS_15 |
9.24
The location of monitoring stations is shown in
Figure 10 for reference.
Monitoring Parameters
9.25
The monitoring
parameters and survey methodology for each monitoring station are described
below:
•
Species composition
•
Abundance
•
Distribution for invertebrates and fish fauna
• Species
of conservation significance would be specified
9.26
Other information at
the time of survey such as weather conditions and noticeable natural or anthropogenic
activities were recorded.
Monitoring Status
9.27
According to the Updated
EM&A Manual, quantitative aquatic fauna replicate surveys of stream fauna
is required to be carried out on monthly basis during wet season. During the
reporting month, no aquatic fauna
replicate surveys was carried out.
Monitoring of Measures
to Minimise Impacts on Ecological Sensitive Habitats from Disturbance and
Pollution
Monitoring Requirements and
Protocol
9.28
As required under
Section 12.3.2.17 of the Updated EM&A
Manual, monitoring of measures to minimise impacts should be carried out during the
construction phase.
9.29
The purpose of survey
is to monitor the effectiveness of measures to minimise impacts on ecologically sensitive habitats
from disturbance and pollution by standard faunal transect surveys.
Mammal survey
9.30
Mammal survey should
be performed during both day and night times, in areas along the transect
routes which may potentially be utilized by terrestrial mammals. Field signs
such as droppings, footprints, diggings and burrows left by larger terrestrial
mammals should be observed. Mammals directly observed should be recorded, and
identification should be made as accurate as possible form the field signs
observed.
9.31
Bat survey should be
conducted along the transect routes shortly after sunset, with the use of a bat
detector to record the echolocation calls. The relative abundance of the
species encountered should be estimated with reference to the baseline
monitoring results, i.e. using a scale from one (species recorded within
transect routes) to three (dominant species within transect routes), for
comparison between baseline results and the current monitoring results.
Nomenclature of mammal should be based on Shek (2006).
Herpetofauna survey (Amphibians and Reptiles)
9.32
Both day-time and
night-time amphibian surveys should be conducted whenever possible following or
during periods of rainfall, focusing on areas suitable for amphibians (e.g.
forest, shrublands, grasslands, streams, ponds, marshes, etc.). Calling
amphibians should be recorded, supplemented by visual observation of eggs,
tadpoles, adult frogs, and toads.
9.33
Active searching of
appropriate microhabitats such as stones, pond bunds, crevices and leaf debris
should be performed mainly. Observation of exposed, basking and foraging
reptiles should also be conducted. Nomenclature of amphibian and reptile should
be based on Chan et al. (2005) and Karsen et al. (1998), respectively.
Insect survey (Butterfly and Dragonfly)
9.34
Butterflies and
dragonflies observed along the transects should be identified and counted.
Preferable habitats of the insects such as watercourses, fishponds, and
vegetated areas should be observed with special attention. Nomenclature and
protection status of the species should be based on Lo et al. (2005) for
butterflies and Tam et al. (2011) for dragonflies.
Monitoring Frequency
9.35
Monitoring surveys of
ecological sensitive receivers such as mammals, insects (butterflies and
dragonflies), and herpetofauna was undertaken on a monthly basis.
|
Date of monitoring surveys of ecological sensitive receivers: |
6th
& 18th December 2024 |
Monitoring Location
9.36
The transect routes in
the reporting month according to the construction works are as follows:
•
T1.
Ma Tso Lung riparian zone and associated wetland habitats;
•
T1.
Green belt areas E1-8, D1-8 and G1-3 in KTN NDA;
•
T1.
AGR one C2-4 and C2-2 in KTN NDA;
•
T1.
Area north of Ng Tung River;
•
T3.
Area west of Siu Hang San Tsuen Stream;
•
T4.
South side of Fanling Highway and Castle Peak Road in
the vicinity of Pak Shek Au;
•
T5.
Area west and east of the southern limit of the FLN NDA work area; and
•
T6.
Areas in the western part of KTN.
9.37
The location of
Transects is shown in Figure 11 for
reference.
Monitoring Parameters
9.38
The monitoring
parameters and survey methodology for each transect are described below:-
•
Species composition
•
Abundance
•
Distribution for fauna observed
• Species
of conservation significance would be specified
Monitoring Results
Mammal
9.39 During the survey, a total of 4 mammal species were
recorded from transects. Two (2) species of conservation importance were
recorded, namely Cynopterus sphinx and Pipistrellus abramus.
9.40 Domestic
dogs, Canis lupus familiaris,
were commonly found at T1, T4 and T6, where associated with human settlements,
whilst domestic cats, Felis catus,
were found at T1 and T4.
9.41 Echolocation
calls of bats were recorded with a bat detector. The bat detector would list
out possible bat species having similar echolocation calls in pattern and
frequency. The structure of the echolocation calls from the recordings was
later analysed to identify species as far as possible (the lack of literature
on echolocation call structure makes the field
identification of some bat species in Hong Kong difficult, and some species
could only be identified to genus level, or remain unidentified from the
recordings).
9.42 Identification
of bat species encountered in the surveys was made with consideration of the
possible bat species suggested by the bat detector, the distribution of
suggested bat species in Hong Kong, previous records of bat species in the EIA
Report and Baseline Monitoring Report, and the structure of echolocation calls
of the recordings (including call structure, frequency, duration, inter pulse
interval etc., with reference to relevant literatures).
9.43 Pipistrellus
abramus was
recorded with FM/QCF call structure and frequency around 45 kHz to 68 kHz (Ma
et al., 2010, p.319). The above characteristics were further compared with data
from relevant literatures to confirm the identities. References were also made
to Tong (2016).
9.44 Bat
species, Cynopterus sphinx was observed roosting in the
tent-shaped shelter under fronds of Chinese Fan-palm during the monitoring at
T1, whilst Pipistrellus abramus were recorded
in flight at nighttime at all transects.
Herpetofauna
(Amphibians and Reptiles)
9.45 Among the
transects, a total of three (3) herpetofauna species were observed. No species
of conservation importance was found. Species including frogs and geckos
were recorded near wetland habitats and watercourse. Transects T1 had the
highest species diversity among all transects.
Insects
(Butterfly and Dragonfly)
9.46
During the insect survey, a total of forty-three (43)
butterfly species were recorded from transects. Five (5) species of butterfly
recorded was of particular conservation interest.
Transect T1 had recorded the highest butterfly diversity among all transects.
9.47 Six (6)
species of odonata were recorded in the reporting
month. One (1) species of odonata recorded was of particular conservation interest. Transect T1 had recorded
the highest odonata diversity among all transects.
9.48
Ecological sensitive
receivers such as mammals, insects (butterflies and dragonflies), and
herpetofauna monitoring during construction phase
was conducted in the reporting month
and the results are attached in Appendices L2 to L5.
9.49 Table 9.4 summarises the mammal monitoring results during the reporting month.
Table 9.4 Summary Table of Mammal
Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species
Recorded in each transect |
Result
in Reporting Month |
Baseline
Level in Corresponding Month |
Action
Level |
Limit
Level |
|
T1 |
2 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T3 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T4 |
2 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T5 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T6 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
9.50 Table 9.5 summarises the herpetofauna monitoring results during the reporting
month.
Table 9.5 Summary Table of
Herpetofauna Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species
Recorded in each transect |
Result
in Reporting Month |
Baseline
Level in Corresponding Month |
Action
Level |
Limit
Level |
|
T1 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
T3 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T4 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T5 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
T6 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
9.51 Table 9.6 summarises the butterfly monitoring results during the reporting month.
Table 9.6 Summary Table of
Butterfly Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Species Recorded in
each transect |
Result
in Reporting Month |
Baseline
Level in Corresponding Month |
Action
Level |
Limit
Level |
|
T1 |
31 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
T3 |
6 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T4 |
14 |
2 |
NA |
1 |
|
T5 |
16 |
2 |
NA |
1 |
|
T6 |
11 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
9.52 Table 9.7 summarises the odonata monitoring results
during the reporting month.
Table 9.7 Summary Table of
Odonata Monitoring Results to Corresponding Action and Limit Levels.
|
Number of Native Species
Recorded in each transect |
Result
in Reporting Month |
Baseline
Level in Corresponding Month |
Action
Level |
Limit
Level |
|
T1 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
T3 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
T4 |
1 |
1 |
NA |
NA |
|
T5 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
T6 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
9.53
Four (4) Action Level exceedance and Two (2) Limit Level exceedance was recorded in non-aquatic fauna monitoring
during the reporting month.
9.54
For the monitoring
conducted on 18th
December 2024 at Transect T5, a section of the transect route
was found located within a private property and hence not accessible. The inaccessible part are shown in Photo 1
below. The adjusted accessible transect route is shown in Figure 11.
|
|
|
Photo 1.
Inaccessible part of transect T5 located within a private property. |
Action and Limit Level Exceedance
9.55
Four (4) Action Level exceedance and Two (2) Limit Level exceedance for non-aquatic fauna were recorded at T1, T3, T5 and T6. The exceedances recorded were for
herpetofauna at T1, T5 & T6, and for odonates at T3, T5 &
T6. The exceedances were
considered non-project related, as no evidence to suggest that the exceedances were related to project activities,
supported by environmental monitoring data. Future result will be continuously
reviewed.
Details of the Influencing Factors
Major
Activities
9.56 During
the survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise Disturbance to Water Birds in
Sheung Yue River and Long Valley, anthropogenic activities including soil
turning with excavator and other construction activities were observed near
Long Valley. Construction works were observed beside Sheung Yue River.
9.57 The Long
Valley Nature Park has been opened to public starting from 9 November
2024. The anthropogenic activities may affect the habitat in Long Valley and disturbances
to the birds during monitoring.
9.58 During
the survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise Disturbance to Water Birds in
Ng Tung River, anthropogenic activities including construction works beside T2,
recreational usage of remote control boats and
helicopters at both T1 and T2, and recreational fishing by fishing rod at both
T1 and T2 were observed.
9.59 During
the survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise Impacts on Ecological
Sensitive Habitats from Disturbance and Pollution, construction activities NOT
under this Project were observed at T3 and T5.
Weather
Conditions
9.60
According to the
observation during survey, temperature and the rain flow records in the reporting
month (Reference: https://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/pastwx/metob202411.htm), weather conditions might pose influence towards the monitoring
results.
9.61
The detailed ecological monitoring results are attached in Appendix L.
Ma, J., Jones, G., Zhu, G. J., & Metzner, W.
(2010). Echolocation behaviours of the Japanese pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus abramus
during foraging flight. Acta Theriologica, 55(4),
315-332.
Tong, C. F. (2016).
Distribution and preference of landscape features and foraging sites of
insectivorous bats in Hong Kong urban parks. (Master dissertation)