9
ECOLOGICAL MONITORING
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 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 was 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 Methodology specified in Table
12.1 in Updated EM&A Manual.
9.3
Monitoring
in Long Valley should follow the methodology adopted by the regular HKBWS bird
monitoring programme in order to obtain comparable
results and complete coverage of the area in the shortest time possible.
Monitoring
Frequency
9.4
High
tide and low tide avifauna monitoring is required to be carried out on weekly
basis.
Additional night-time avifauna
monitoring in Long Valley is required to be carried out twice monthly from
September to April.
|
Date
of avifauna monitoring: |
1st, 2nd, 9th,
10th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 25th
February 2021 |
|
Date
of night-time monitoring: |
10th, 23rd February
2021 |
Monitoring
Location
9.5
The
avifauna monitoring was carried out at Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River and Long
Valley in Reporting Month according to construction works. 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
As the sensitive receivers (large waterbirds)
are easily visible, the transect route will only need to follow one bank of the
rivers.
9.6
The location of
Transects T1, T2, T3 and T5 is shown in Figure
7 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
9.7
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
though birdcalls that could not be located would be marked as “heard”, while
birds flying over the survey area would be marked as “flight”. Species of
conservation significance would be specified.
9.8
Other
information at the time of survey such as weather condition, tidal condition,
tide level and noticeable natural or anthropogenic activities would be documented.
9.9
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
Result
9.10 In total, 64 species of birds were recorded during
the bird surveys within assessment area. Among the recorded birds, there were 20
species of waterbirds. The detailed list of waterbirds and all recorded birds
are shown in Appendix L1k and L1l respectively.
9.11 Among the four transects, the 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.
9.12 Along the transect T5 in Long Valley, species with
conservation interest such as Himantopus himantopus, which
is a passage migrant, and Tringa glareola, which is a passage migrant and winter
visitor, were also commonly observed in shallow water habitat.
9.13 A high abundance of Himantopus himantopus and Tringa glareola were
found roosting at night-time in wet agricultural lands and shallow water
habitats. Ardeola bacchus, Gallinago gallinago, Tringa ochropus and Amaurornis phoenicurus were
also found in wet habitats during the night survey.
9.14 Soil
turning with excavator and landscape formation works were observed in T5 in the
reporting month.
9.15 Transect T3 was conducted along the Sheung Yue
River. Bird species such as Ardeola bacchus, Tringa ochropus and Egretta garzetta were commonly
observed feeding and roosting on the river bank and river bed. Construction
work was observed beside Sheung Yue River.
9.16 Transect T1 and T2 are located at Ng Tung River. Ardeola bacchus and Egretta garzetta were
commonly found feeding and roosting along the Ng Tung River. Fishing activities
were observed at both T1 and T2, while construction activities were observed at
T2 during the avifauna monitoring.
9.17 Spodiopsar sericeus was recorded
for the first time since the first reporting month for avifauna survey in July 2020.
9.18
Avifauna
monitoring in construction phase was conducted during the reporting month and
the detailed results are attached in Appendix
L1.
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
9.19
As
required under Section 12.3.2.14 of Updated EM&A Manual, aquatic faunal
monitoring should be carried out during the construction phase.
9.20
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
9.21
Quantitative
aquatic fauna replicate surveys of stream fauna is
required to be carried out on monthly basis during wet season. Three replicates
for invertebrates sampling and direct counting of fish fauna should be
performed respectively.
Monitoring
Location
9.22
During
wet season, the monitoring location required to be carried out in Ma Tso Lung Stream
according to construction works are as follow:
|
•
MS_01 |
•
MS_02 |
•
MS_03 |
•
MS_04 |
•
MS_05 |
|
•
MS_06 |
•
MS_07 |
•
MS_08 |
•
MS_09 |
•
MS_10 |
9.23
The location of Monitoring Stations shown in Figure 8 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
9.24
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
9.25
Other
information at the time of survey such as weather condition and noticeable
natural or anthropogenic activities would be recorded.
Monitoring
Status
9.26
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 conducted.
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
9.27
As
required under Section 12.3.2.17 of Updated EM&A Manual, monitoring of
measures to minimize impacts should be carried out during the construction
phase.
9.28
The
purpose of survey is to monitor the effectiveness of measures to minimize
impacts on ecologically sensitive habitats from disturbance and pollution by
standard faunal transect surveys.
Mammal survey
9.29
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.
9.30
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, 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)
9.31
Amphibian
surveys should be conducted whenever possible on evenings 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.
9.32
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)
9.33
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
9.34
Monitoring
surveys of ecological sensitive receivers such as mammals, insects (butterflies
and dragonflies), and herpetofauna should be undertaken on a monthly
bases.
|
Date
of Monitoring surveys of ecological sensitive
receivers: |
8th,
22nd February 2021 |
Monitoring
Location
9.35
The
transect routes in the Reporting Month according to 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
9.36
The
location of Transects is shown in Figure
9 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
9.37
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
Result
Mammal
9.38 During the survey, a total of 5 mammal species were
recorded from transects T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6. A total of 3 species of
conservation importance were recorded, namely Miniopterus sp., Pipistrellus abramus and Cynopterus sphinx,
which are all bat species.
9.39 Domestic cat, Felis
catus was found at T1 and T3. Domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris,
was found at T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6, where associated with human settlements.
9.40 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).
9.41 Identification of bat species encountered in the
surveys was made with consideration to the possible bat species suggested by
the bat detector, the distribution of the 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).
9.42 Miniopterus sp. was recorded
with echolocations in call structure of FM/QCF (frequency modulated/quasi constant
frequency) and frequency around 49 kHz to 90 kHz (Wordley
et al., 2014, p.215). Pipistrellus abramus was
recorded with FM/QCF call structure and frequency around 43 kHz to 64 kHz (Ma
et.al, 2010, p.6). The above characteristics were further compared with data
from relevant literatures to confirm the identities. References were also made
to Tong (2016).
9.43 Bat species, Cynopterus sphinx was observed roosting in the tent-shaped shelter under
fronds of Chinese Fan-palm during daytime survey, and was found in flight at
nighttime at T1 and T3. Miniopterus sp. was recorded in flight at nighttime at T1, Pipistrellus abramus was recorded in flight at nighttime at
T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6.
Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)
9.44 Along the transects, a total of 3 herpetofauna
species were observed. None of them were species of conservation importance. Species
including toad and gecko were recorded near wetland habitats and watercourse. Transect
T1 had higher species diversity and abundance than other transects.
Insects (Butterfly and Dragonfly)
9.45
During the
insect survey, a total of 20 butterfly species and 6 odonata
species were recorded from the transects, with none of the species being of conservation
importance. Transect T3 and T5 had higher butterfly species diversity than
other transects. Uncommon species Suastus gremius was found at transect T3.
9.46
Transect T1 and
T6 had higher dragonfly species recorded in the reporting. All of the dragonfly
species recorded were common and abundant in Hong Kong.
9.47
Ecological
sensitive receivers such as mammals, insects (butterflies and dragonflies), and
herpetofauna monitoring in construction phase was conducted during the
reporting month and the results are attached in Appendix L2 to L5.
9.48
For
the monitoring conducted on 22nd February 2021 on transect T5, a
section of the transect route was found located within private property, and
was not accessible. Another section on transect T5 was found blocked by fallen
trees. The inaccessible parts are shown in Photo
1 to Photo 4 below. The adjusted
accessible transect route is shown in Figure
9.
|
|
|
|
Photo
1 and Photo 2. Inaccessible part of transect T5 located within private
property |
|
|
|
|
|
Photo 3 and Photo 4.
Inaccessible part of transect T5 blocked by fallen trees |
|
Results and Observation
Details of the Influencing Factors
Major Activities
9.49 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
landscape formation works were observed in Long Valley. Construction work was
observed beside Sheung Yue River.
9.50 The anthropogenic activities affected only a small
area of habitat in Long Valley during the monitoring and would only pose minor
disturbances to the birds. It was observed that Bubulcus coromandus foraged in close vicinity to
the excavators.
9.51 During the survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise Disturbance to Water Birds in Ng Tung River, anthropogenic
activities including construction works at T2, and recreational fishing by
fishing rod at both T1 and T2 were observed.
Weather Conditions
9.52
According
to the observation during survey, temperature and the rain flow record in the
Reporting Month (Reference: http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/pastwx/metob202102.htm),
weather condition might pose influence towards the monitoring result.
9.53
Since
the Final Baseline Ecological Monitoring Report has not been issued yet during
the Reporting Month, the Action and Limit Level of ecological monitoring will
be compared with the monitoring results in the Reporting Month and track back
exceedance reporting (if any) after the Final Baseline Ecological Monitoring
Report has been issued.
9.54
The
detailed Ecological monitoring results are attached in Appendix L.
Reference
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)
Wordley, C. F., Foui, E. K., Mudappa, D.,
Sankaran, M., & Altringham, J. D. (2014).
Acoustic
identification of bats in the southern Western Ghats, India. Acta Chiropterologica, 16(1), 213-222.