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
8.1
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).
8.2
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.
8.3
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
8.4
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: |
10th, 11th, 14th,
15th, 21st, 23rd, 30th, 31st
December 2020 |
|
Date
of night-time monitoring: |
11th,
23rd December 2020 |
Monitoring
Location
8.5
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.
8.6
The location of
Transects T1, T2, T3 and T5 is shown in Figure
7 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
8.7
The monitoring
parameters and survey methodology for each transect are described below:
•
Abundance of
birds
•
Types of
habitat 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.
8.8
Other
information at the time of survey such as weather condition, tidal condition,
tide level and noticeable natural or anthropogenic activities would be
documented.
8.9
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
8.10 In total, 68 species of birds were recorded during
the bird surveys within assessment area. Among the recorded birds, there were 25
species of waterbirds. The detailed list of waterbirds and all recorded birds are shown in Appendix H1k and H1l respectively.
8.11 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.
8.12 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.
8.13 A high abundance of Himantopus himantopus and Tringa glareola were found roosting at
night-time in shallow water habitats. Recurvirostra
avosetta, Gallinago gallinago and Gallinago
stenura were
also found in Shallow Water Habitat during the night survey.
8.14 Soil
turning with excavator and landscape formation works were observed in T5 in the
reporting month.
8.15 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.
8.16 Transect T1 and T2 are located at Ng Tung River. Ardeola bacchus
and Egretta garzetta were
commonly found and were observed feeding and roosting along the Ng Tung River.
Fishing activities were observed during the avifauna monitoring.
8.17 Ceryle rudis was recorded for the first time
since the first reporting month for avifauna survey in July 2020.
8.18
Avifauna
monitoring in construction phase was conducted during the reporting month and
the detailed results are attached in Appendix
H1.
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
8.19
As
required under Section 12.3.2.14 of Updated EM&A Manual, aquatic faunal
monitoring should be carried out during the construction phase.
8.20
Larger
organisms such as fish would be monitored by direct counting, while
kick-netting and sweep-netting would be used for invertebrate sampling. There
would be three replicates for invertebrate sampling at each sampling point. For
kick-netting, the net would be placed with the opening facing the water
current, and the substrate would be disturbed by kicking to dislodge organisms
from the stream bed. Sweep-netting would be conducted when kick-netting was not
feasible, such as in area with no water current. Small organisms that could not
be identified with naked eye would be brought to the laboratory for
identification under the dissecting microscope.
Monitoring
Frequency
8.21
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 would be performed respectively.
Monitoring
Location
8.22
During
the Reporting Month, the monitoring location 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 |
8.23
The
location of Monitoring Stations shown in
Figure 8 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
8.24
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
8.25
Other
information at the time of survey such as weather condition and noticeable
natural or anthropogenic activities would be recorded.
Monitoring
Status
8.26
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 carried out.
Monitoring
Requirements and Protocol
8.27
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.
8.28
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
8.29
Mammal
survey would 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 would be observed. Mammals directly observed would be
recorded, and identification would be made as accurate as possible form the
field signs observed.
8.30
Bat
survey would 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 would be estimated using a scale from one
(single individual recorded) to five (very abundant). Nomenclature of mammal
will be based on Shek (2006).
Herpetofauna
survey (Amphibians and Reptiles)
8.31
Amphibian
surveys would 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 would be recorded, supplemented by visual observation of eggs,
tadpoles, adult frogs, and toads.
8.32
Active
searching of appropriate microhabitats such as stones, pond bunds, crevices and
leaf debris would be performed mainly. Observation of exposed, basking and
foraging reptiles would also be conducted. Nomenclature of amphibian and
reptile will be based on Chan et al. (2005) and Karsen
et al. (1998), respectively.
Insect
survey (Butterfly and Dragonfly)
8.33
Butterflies
and dragonflies observed along the transects would be
identified and counted. Preferable habitats of the insects such as
watercourses, fishponds, and vegetated areas would be observed with special
attention. Nomenclature and protection status of the species will be based on
Lo et al. (2005) for butterflies and Tam et al. (2011) for dragonflies
Monitoring
Frequency
8.34
Monitoring
surveys of ecological sensitive receivers such as mammals, insects (butterflies
and dragonflies), and herpetofauna will be undertaken
on a monthly bases.
|
Date
of Monitoring surveys of ecological sensitive
receivers: |
7th,
18th December 2020 |
Monitoring
Location
8.35
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
8.36
The
location of Transects is shown in Figure
9 for reference.
Monitoring
Parameters
8.37
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
8.38 During the survey, a total of 6 mammal species were
recorded from transects T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6. A total of 2 species of
conservation importance were recorded, namely Cynopterus sphinx and Pipistrellus abramus, which are both bat species.
8.39 Domestic cat, Felis catus was found at T1, T3 and T5.
Domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris,
was found at T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6, while Roof Rat, Rattus
rattus was recorded at T1, where associated with
human settlements.
8.40 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, T3, T4, T5 and T6. Pipistrellus
abramus was recorded in flight at nighttime at
T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6, while an unidentified bat species was found in flight at
T1.
8.41 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).
Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)
8.42 Along the transects, a total
of 8 herpetofauna species were observed. None of them
were species of conservation importance. Species including frog, gecko, lizard
and turtle were recorded near wetland habitats and watercourse. Transect T1 has
higher species diversity and abundance than other transects.
Insects (Butterfly and Dragonfly)
8.43
During the
insect survey, total 20 butterfly species and 9 odonata
species were recorded from the transects, with none of
the species being of conservation importance. Transect T4 and T5 had higher
butterfly species diversity than other transects. Rare species Cynitia whiteheadi was found at transect T5.
8.44
Number of
dragonfly species recorded in the reporting month is similar among all of the transects. Most of the dragonfly species recorded were
common and abundant in Hong Kong.
8.45
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 H2 to H5.
Details of the Influencing Factors
Major Activities
8.46 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.
8.47 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.
8.48 During the survey of Monitoring of Measures to Minimise Disturbance to Water Birds in Ng Tung River,
anthropogenic activities such as recreational fishing by fishing rod was
observed.
Weather Conditions
8.49
According
to the observation during survey, temperature and the rain flow record in the
Reporting Month (Reference:
http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/pastwx/metob202012.htm), weather condition
might pose influence towards the monitoring result.
8.50
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.
8.51
The
detailed Ecological monitoring results are attached in Appendix H.
Post-translocation Monitoring of Rose
Bitterling Relocation
8.52
Translocation of
Rose Bitterling was conducted by the ecologist of the main Contractor, Sang Hing-Kuly
Joint Venture (SKJV) under Contract No. ND/2019/03 Kwu
Tung North and Fanling North New Development Areas,
Phase 1: Development of Long Valley Nature Park in the reporting month, at
collection sites C1, C2 and C3.
8.53
Initial
monitoring was undertaken for 2 continuous hours immediately after the
translocation, and daily monitoring was conducted for one week upon the
completion of translocation works at receptor sites R1 and R4.
8.54
Since the
translocation works for C2 lasted for 2 days (16th and 17th December 2020),
daily monitoring was conducted for 8 days.
8.55
Table 8.1
summarizes the dates of the translocation works and monitoring works.
Table 8.1 Dates of Translocation Works and Monitoring
Works
|
Translocation Works |
Date of Translocation |
Receptor Sites Used |
Date of Initial Monitoring |
Date of Daily Monitoring |
|
C1 |
10th December
2020 |
N/A* |
N/A* |
N/A* |
|
C2 |
16th and
17th December 2020 |
R1 and R4 |
16th and
17th December 2020 |
16th to
23rd December 2020 |
|
C3 |
8th December 2020 |
R1 |
8th December
2020 |
8th to 14th December 2020 |
*No Rose Bitterling was found in C1
according to the ecologist of SKJV.
8.56
Detailed
monitoring results will be presented in a separated Rose Bitterling
Post-translocation Monitoring Report.