Habitat
Enhancement and Translocation Plan for
Amphibian
Species of Conservation Importance
for
Tung Chung New Town Extension (West)
(EP
No. EP-519/2016)
October
2021
1.
Project Description
The
development of Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE), comprising Tung Chung
East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW), is a mega-scale and complex project
aiming to provide land to meet the future housing economic and social
development needs of Hong Kong. Due to the fact that the proposed works are
geographically separated, the implementation of mega-scale Project is divided
into two packages, namely TCE and TCW respectively. In accordance with the
tight delivery programme, the Project will be implemented in phases under
separate contracts for the developments of TCE and TCW.
2. Scope
of Works for Tung Chung New Town Extension
The
Tung Chung New Town Extension project (the Project) comprises the following
elements:
(i)
reclamation of the seabed by a
non-dredged method at TCE to form a total of about 130 hectares of land;
(ii)
construction of about 4.9 kilometers
of seawalls, with an eco-shoreline, three drainage box culvert outfalls, three
circulation drains and a seawater intake at TCE;
(iii)
provision of infrastructure for Tung
Chung Area 58, including construction of a single two-lane road with a footpath
and the associated utility works;
(iv)
site formation works at TCW;
(v)
construction of the River Park
including a visitor centre at TCW;
(vi)
construction of proposed open space;
(vii)
construction of sustainable urban
drainage systems at TCW;
(viii)
construction of roads, footpaths,
cycle tracks and the associated junction / road improvement works;
(ix)
engineering infrastructure works
covering drainage, sewerage, waterworks (including a fresh water service
reservoir, a salt water service reservoir and a salt water pumping station),
common utility tunnels and landscaping works; and
(x)
implementation of environmental
mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit programme for the
works.
3. Implementation
Programme
The
Contract No NL/2020/05 – Tung Chung New Town Extension – Site Formation and
Infrastructure Works at Ma Wan Chung (i.e. Contract 5) at TCW has been awarded
in May 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The main contractor for
Contract No. NL/2020/05 is Build King – Richwell Civil Joint Venture (BKRCJV).
The
Contract No NL/2020/06 – Tung Chung New Town Extension – Site Formation and
Infrastructure Works at Tung Chung Valley, Phase 1 (i.e. Contract 6) at TCW has
been awarded in May 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The main
contractor for Contract No. NL/2020/06 is China Railway Group Limited (CREC).
The
detailed design for the first phase of site formation and infrastructure works
at TCE and TCW (First Phase development) has been completed, while the detailed
design for the remaining phase of site formation and infrastructures works is
in progress.
4. Submission
under EP
In
view that only Contract 6 has construction works at Tung Chung Valley, this
submission is prepared based on the latest information of Contract 6 according
to the relevant requirements contained in the EM&A Manual, EIA Report and
EP. Please find the Habitat Enhancement and Translocation Plan for Amphibian
Species of Conservation Importance enclosed below.
2.2 Review of Previous Local Examples of Capture-and-Translocation of Target Species
3 Methodology for Pre-construction survey, Capture and Translocation
4 Receptor Sites Identification and Enhancement Measures
4.1 Criteria of Receptor Site Selection
4.2 Site Visits & Selection of Receptor Sites
5 Post-translocation Monitoring Programme
Tables
Table
1 Summary
of Previous Local Examples of Capture-and-Translocation Exercise of Amphibian
Species
Table
2 Implementation
schedule
Photo Plate
Plate
1 Photos of the proposed receptor sites for Romer’s Tree Frog
and Chinese Bullfrog
Plate 2
Artificial breeding pool in Tsiu Hang
Plate 3
Artificial breeding pool
Plate 4
Artificial breeding pool
Plate 5 Earthen pot
providing breeding habitats of Romer’s Tree Frog (Lau and Banks 2008)
Figures
Figure
1 Sighting
locations of amphibian species of conservation importance during the EIA study
(from Figure 9.6a of TCNTE EIA Report)
Figure
2 Names of
Development Areas in the Northern Tung Chung Valley during the EIA study (from
Figure 9.8b(ii) of TCNTE EIA Report)
Figure
3 Names of Development Areas in the Southern Tung Chung Valley
during the EIA study (from Figure 9.8b(i) of TCNTE EIA Report)
Figure
4a Areas proposed for
public works under the present assignment and areas required for capture-and-
translocation exercise (Sheet
1 of 2)
Figure
4b Areas proposed for
public works under the present assignment and areas required for capture-and-
translocation exercise (Sheet
2 of 2)
Figure 5 Areas
proposed for private residential development and required for capture-and-
translocation exercise
Figure
7a Proposed Receptor Site
C1: Recommended Receptor Site for Chinese Bullfrog
Figure 7b Proposed Receptor Sites R1 - R3: Recommended Receptor Sites for Romer's
Tree Frogs
Appendices
Appendix A Sample Land Sale Clause for Amphibian Translocation
1.1.1
China
Railway Group Ltd. (known as CREC) was commissioned by the Civil Engineering
and Development Department (CEDD) of the Government of Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 31 May 2021 as the contractor to provide
construction works for Tung Chung New Town Extension – Site Formation And
Infrastructure Works At Tung Chung Valley, Phase 1 (Contract No.: NL/2020/06).
1.2.1
In
mid-1996, the Government completed the Territorial Development Strategy Review
(TDSR) which identified housing shortfall in the medium to long term. The
TDSR also identified the North Lantau New Town (NLNT) as a strategic growth
area, among other areas to meet the territorial housing demand, with a revised
population target of 320,000 by 2011.
1.2.2
In 2004,
the Administration formulated a concept plan for planning initiatives on Lantau
(Concept Plan). The Concept Plan was then revised in mid-2007 taking into
account comments collected from the public consultation (Revised Concept Plan).
Under the Revised Concept Plan, Tung Chung is to remain a comprehensively
planned new town for a population of 220,000 with adequate community facilities
and regional facilities to serve the whole of Lantau.
1.2.3
The CEDD
and the Planning Department (PlanD) jointly commissioned Agreement No. CE
32/2011(CE) - Planning and Engineering Study on the Remaining Development in
Tung Chung (P&E Study) in 2012. The P&E Study aims at identifying
development potentials and opportunities to extend Tung Chung into a distinct
community to meet housing, social, economic, environmental and local needs.
Under the P&E Study, various planning, engineering and environmental
studies were carried out to formulate a development scheme to extend existing
Tung Chung to Tung Chung East (TCE) and Tung Chung West (TCW).
1.2.4
The
P&E Study adopted a three-stage Public Engagement (PE) programme to
facilitate public discussions and foster consensus building. Taking into
account the public views and the planning and technical assessments, the
Recommended Outline Development Plans (RODPs) for TCE and TCW were finalized
under the P&E Study and were endorsed in January 2015. The planned new
population of TCE and TCW under the RODPs would be around 120,000 and 25,000
respectively. With the new population in TCE and TCW, the total planned
population in Tung Chung will reach about 270,000 upon full development.
1.2.5
The
development theme of Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) will pursue a
sustainable and balanced approach while taking account of its strategic
location and the synergy effect to make Tung Chung a regional commercial hub
for retail and office developments. The TCNTE development, comprising TCE and
TCW, will provide about 49,600 flats for an additional population of 145,500
and about 877,000m2 gross floor area (GFA) for commercial uses. The
housing mix for public housing and private housing is of a ratio of 65:35
approximately.
1.2.6
Two
amphibian species of conservation importance, including Romer’s Tree Frog Liuixalus
romeri and Chinese Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, were recorded
in some of the proposed development areas of TCW. Romer’s Tree Frogs were
mainly recorded near the eastern branch of Tung Chung Stream, inside or near
orchard and woodland habitats. Chinese Bullfrog was found in orchard near
Shek Mun Kap (Figure 1, from Figure 9.6a of TCNTE
EIA Report). Capture-and-translocation of amphibian species of conservation
importance in these areas with sightings prior to site formation was
recommended in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stage as mitigation to
minimize the impacts on these fauna species of conservation importance.
These areas with sighting records of Romer’s Tree Frog / Chinese Bullfrog included
some areas proposed for public works as well as some areas zoned for
residential/commercial developments by private developers. As stated in the EIA
report, the capture-and-translocation exercise will cover areas for public
works near the eastern branch of Tung Chung Stream, in particular 1) the River
Park, 2) the Distributor Road along the eastern branch of Tung Chung Stream, 3)
the road upgrade along the existing Shek Mun Kap Road, and 4) the stormwater
attenuation and treatment ponds in TCV-k, TCV-e, TCV-l, TCV-c, and TCV-n (see Figure 2 and Figure 3,
showing the names of the various development areas during the EIA study, from
Figure 9.8b(i) and 9.8b(ii) of the TCNTE EIA report). Capture-and-translocation
exercise for those public works will be provided before site formation
commences by the government departments responsible for the construction of
those public works or the site formation works for those sites.
Capture-and-translocation exercise of amphibian species of conservation
importance will also be required in areas which are zoned for
residential/commercial developments by private developers (i.e. TCV-1 and TCV-5
in the TCNTE EIA study, also see Figure 2 and Figure 3) and the lands within mostly belong to private
lots. It was stated in the EIA report that the future project proponents
of those private lots shall be requested to conduct capture-and-translocation
exercise prior to site formation via the established mechanism for land
transaction application.
1.2.7
After the EIA
study, the naming of the development areas in TCW followed the Outline Zoning
Plan S/I-TCV/2. During the present assignment, the locations of areas proposed
for public works in TCW were determined, and are shown in Figure
4a and Figure 4b. Among them,
capture-and-translocation exercise will cover those near the eastern branch of
Tung Chung Stream and the orchard near Shek Mun Kap. Under the current
naming, these areas should include, in particular 1) the River Park Phase 1, 2)
the Distributor Road L29 along the eastern branch of Tung Chung Stream, 3) the
road upgrade along the existing Shek Mun Kap Road, and 4) the stormwater
attenuation and treatment ponds near the eastern branch of Tung Chung River
(see Figure 4a and Figure
4b). Capture-and-translocation exercise for the above areas for
public works will be provided before commencement of site formation by CEDD,
which is the government department responsible for the construction of those
public works or the site formation works for those sites.
1.2.8 There are a number of
lands in TCW which are zoned for residential/commercial developments by private
developers and the lands within mostly belong to private lots (see Figure 5). Among them, Area 60 and Area 71A (i.e.
referred as TCV-1 and TCV-5 in the TCNTE EIA study) had records of amphibian
species of conservation importance during the EIA study, and
capture-and-translocation exercise will also be required. It is the
future project proponents of the private residential/commercial developments to
be responsible for the site formation of these areas and the
capture-and-translocation exercise prior to site formation. The
requirements of these measures will be stipulated when processing the lease
modification applications and/or land sales via the established mechanism for
land transaction application.
A sample of relevant land sale clause to request
capture-and-translocation exercise from a previous land sale document is
attached in Appendix A for reference, and the
actual land sale clause for Area 60 and Area 71A will be confirmed and issued
by Lands Department.
1.2.9
Infrastructural
works in TCW including roads, sewerage facilities, river Park and stormwater
attenuation and treatment ponds will be constructed by phases. There is no
schedule for developments in lands zoned for residential/commercial
developments by private developers and the lands within mostly belong to
private lots during the writing of this plan.
1.2.10 This Habitat Enhancement
and Translocation Plan for Amphibian Species of Conservation Importance
provides a framework for CEDD and private developers (or the
contractors/specialists they assign) to prepare a translocation proposal for
the required tasks and the
implementation. The translocation proposal will cover preparation of capture
and translocation implementation programme, habitat enhancement proposal in
selected receptor site(s), methodology of capture-and-translocation exercise
and other necessary pre- and post- monitoring shall be carried out by the
contractors/specialists assigned by CEDD of each respective public works
contract of TCW Project.
1.3.1
This Plan
is prepared in accordance with the Conditions of Approval under Section 8(3) of
the EIA Ordinance (letter ref. (37) in EP2/N9/S3/145 Pt. 12 dated 8 April 2016)
and Clause 2.20 – Submission of Habitat Enhancement and Translocation Plan for
Amphibian Species of Conservation Importance (the Plan) of the EP (EP No.
EP-519/2016) for the amphibian species of conservation importance, including
Romer’s Tree Frogs, that could be affected by the Project. The Permit
holder shall submit the Plan to EPD for approval no later than 3 months before
commencement of construction works at Tung Chung Valley.
1.3.2
In
accordance with clause 2.20 of EP-519/2016, this Plan will include the
following information:
(a)
Target
species;
(b)
Methodology
for pre-construction survey, capture and translocation for each species;
(c)
Identification
of suitable receptor sites with recommended measures for enhancing the
habitats for each species at the receptor sites;
(d)
Implementation programme;
and
(e)
Post-release
monitoring programme.
1.3.3
The site formation of
the development areas in TCW will be implemented by phases. Preparation of
capture and translocation implementation programme, habitat enhancement
proposal in selected receptor site(s), capture-and-translocation exercise and
other necessary pre- and post- monitoring shall be carried out by the
contractors/specialists assigned by CEDD by each respective works contract of
TCW Project as specified in Figure 4a and Figure 4b or by private developers for private
residential developments in Area 60 and Area 71A in Figure
5 in order to fulfil the EP requirements. Revised / separate
submission(s) will be conducted for the other remaining public works contract
for TCW.
1.3.4
A
capture-and-translocation exercise shall be implemented for each development
area specified in Figure 4a, Figure 4b, and Figure 5.
This Plan provide a framework for the assigned contractors/specialists to prepare
a translocation proposal that includes the methodology
and other necessary procedures to be implemented for the
capture-and-translocation exercise of each development area. Methodology to be
applied during the capture-and-translocation exercise should follow the
procedures described in Section 3. Potential receptor sites are
recommended in Section 4. Selection of alternative receptor sites should
base on the ecology of the target species (Section 2.1) and criteria
described in Section 4. Proposed habitat enhancement measures and the
monitoring requirement are described in Section 4 and Section 5,
respectively. Implementation schedule is described in Section
6. A detailed translocation proposal of each development area shall
be prepared by the assigned contractors/specialists and submitted to relevant
authorities for comments.
2
Target Species
2.1.1
The target
species of the capture-and-translocation exercise are Romer’s Tree Frog and
Chinese Bullfrog and any other amphibian species of conservation importance
encountered during the capture exercise.
2.1.2
Romer’s
Tree Frogs were mainly found in orchard within the TCW during the EIA study.
This species was also found in woodland and urbanised/disturbed habitats in the
TCW, and woodland outside the proposed development areas. Romer’s Tree
Frog is protected under Cap. 170, ranked as “endangered” in IUCN (2015) and
considered of “potential global concern” by Fellowes et al.
(2002). This species is endemic to Hong Kong.
2.1.3
Romer’s
Tree Frog breeds in shaded, still or slow flowing waters without fish (Chan et
al. 2005a). This species is also known to breed in artificial
waterbodies and structures (e.g., polystyrene box, earthen or plastic pots)
(Lau 1998, Chan et al. 2005b). Breeding sites are usually
associated with woodland or shrubland. Non-breeding individuals are found in
woodland and plantation (Chan et al. 2005a).
2.1.4
Chinese
Bullfrog was found in ditches in orchard within the TCW and woodland outside
the TCW during the EIA study. This species is Class 2 Protected Animal of
China, and considered of “potential regional concern” by Fellowes et al.
(2002).
2.1.5
Chinese
Bullfrog is a lowland species and mainly occurs in agricultural land, ponds,
streams and marshes in Hong Kong (Chan et al. 2005a).
2.1.6
Both
Romer’s Tree Frogs and Chinese Bullfrog breed between March and September (Chan
et al. 2005a).
2.2
Review of Previous Local Examples of
Capture-and-Translocation of Target Species
2.2.1
There were
six previous examples of capture-and-translocation exercise of amphibian
species in Hong Kong (Table 1). Five of
those involved capture-and-translocation of Romer’s Tree Frog. The study
by Ecosystems Ltd. (2009) involved the capturing of Romer’s Tree Frog and
Chinese Bullfrog. The study of Ramboll Environ Hong Kong Limited. (2017)
involved the capturing of Big-headed Frog Limnonectes fujianensis and
Lesser Spiny Frog Quasipaa exilispinosa for a private development
project.
(a)
Lau
(1998): Habitat use by Hong Kong amphibians, with special reference to the
ecology and conservation of Philautus romeri. University of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong;
(b)
ERM
(2004): Improvement to Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha:
Amphibian and Fish Translocation;
(c)
The Hong
Kong Electric Co. Ltd. (2005): Renewable Energy by a Wind Turbine System On
Lamma Island;
(d)
Halcrow
China Ltd. (2008): Translocation Manual for Philautus romeri;
(e)
Ecosystems
Ltd. (2009): Drainage Improvement in South Lantau and Construction of Mui Wo
Village Sewerage – Phase 1: Construction Phase Monitoring - Report for Frog
Capture Survey and Translocation; and
(f)
Ramboll
Environ Hong Kong Limited. (2017): Proposed Residential Development at New
Kowloon Inland Lot No. 6542, Tai Wo Ping Translocation Survey for Stream Fauna:
Translocation Report.
2.2.2
In the
previous studies, Romer’s Tree Frog were translocated to both lentic and lotic
habitats (Table 1). These aquatic habitats were
usually associated with woodland/plantation/shrubland.
2.2.3
Chinese
Bullfrog was only translocated in one previous study and the selected habitat
type was abandoned agricultural land.
2.2.4
The
proposed receptor sites are usually be assessed and evaluated, if the
conditions of the proposed receptor sites do not meet all the requirement of
the target species being translocated, enhancement measures for the habitat
might be required. Besides, prevention of recolonization of the target species
in the capture sites should be formulated after translocation. In the studies
by Lau (1998) and ERM (2004), habitat modification works were carried out in
the capture site / receptor sites.
2.2.5
In the
study of ERM (2004), potential breeding habitats in capture sites (e.g.,
abandoned containers, U-shaped pipes) were removed or modified (e.g., covering
immovable water trapping structure) after capture survey. These would
ensure no breeding would occur during site
formation.
2.2.6 In the studies by Lau
(1998), enhancement measures were implemented in two receptor sites, Lions
Nature Education Centre and Zoological and Botanical Gardens, where breeding
sites were limited. These included earthen/plastic pots of 25 to 50cm
diameter, and concrete/
butynol-lined pools smaller than 2m2.
2.2.7
Post-translocation
monitoring was conducted in the studies by Lau (1998). The post
monitoring of both studies focused on determining of the occurrence of breeding
in the receptor sites. Post-monitoring surveys of both studies covered wet
season, when Romer’s Tree Frog bred. In the studies by Lau (1998),
translocated frogs bred in seven of the eight translocated sites. This
showed that the success rate of capture-and-translocation is high.
|
Studies |
Locations of Capture Sites |
Habitat Types in Translocation Site(s) |
Remarks |
|
Lau (1998) |
Chek Lap Kok |
Eight translocation sites throughout the
New Territories and Hong Kong Island Terrestrial habitats: secondary
woodland, plantation, riparian woodland, shrubland Breeding habitats: stream pools, seep
pools, rainwater pools, marshes and abandoned agricultural lands |
Artificial breeding habitats at two
translocation sites where breeding sites are considered limited; Post-translocation monitoring surveys
were performed |
|
The Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd. (2005) |
Shrubby grassland near the service
reservoir of Tai Leng Tsuen of Lamma |
Pools of a seasonal stream |
No target species captured; Post-monitoring and habitat enhancement
not necessary |
|
ERM (2004) |
Secondary woodland at Shek Mun Kap and
Lung Tseng Tau, plantation woodland and tall
shrub at Pak Kung Au, Tung Chung Stream |
Woodland near a stream. Ground
surface of the woodland covered by fallen leaves/ leaf litters and free from
disturbance which is favourable habitat for the Romer’s Tree Frog.
Well-wooded flat areas near a small stream or other water source convenient
for breeding; usually lives on ground or among fallen leaves |
Removal/ Modification of breeding
habitats after capture surveys |
|
Halcrow China Ltd. (2008) |
Sok Kwu Wan of Lamma |
Caves, woodland, marshes and streams |
Some frogs were released to the capture
site after construction works were completed |
|
Ecosystems Ltd. (2009) |
Mui Wo in Lantau |
Seasonal streams associated with
woodland for Romer’s Tree Frog; Abandoned agricultural land for Chinese
Bullfrog |
No target species captured; Post-monitoring and habitat enhancement
not necessary |
|
Ramboll Environ Hong Kong Limited (2017) |
Tai Wo Ping in Kowloon |
Perennial streams associated with
woodland for Big-headed Frog and Lesser Spiny Frog |
Post-translocation monitoring surveys
were performed; Habitat enhancement not considered
necessary |
3.1.1
A
qualified ecologist should be engaged by the Contractor to carry out the works
relating to the capture-and-translocation works. The ecologist should
possess a degree in a relevant subject and have at least 5 years’ experience in
Hong Kong on amphibian surveys and translocation works, and preferably with a
relevant professional qualification, including but not limited to the
membership of Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment (HKIEIA)
and Chartered Biologist.
3.1.2 Before the commencement
of capture-and-translocation exercise, site visits by ecologist will be
conducted to identify the locations and types of habitats within each
development area (specified in Figure 4a, Figure 4b and Figure 5).
Locations and types of habitats likely to be utilised by amphibians such as
aquatic habitats within each development area will be recorded and marked on a
map for the capture-and-translocation exercise. A preliminary assessment
will be conducted after the site visits, to determine the potential habitats of
the two target species in each development area. Pre-construction surveys
should be conducted at night in the wet season to determine the locations and
relative abundance of the target species within each development area. The
information collected from the surveys should be incorporated in the
Translocation Proposal.
3.1.3
Capture-and-translocation
exercise shall be conducted at seasons when both Romer’s Tree Frog and Chinese
Bullfrog breed and adult male frogs can be easily located by their calls, and the
programme will be provided in the future translocation proposal. Frogs
within each development area shall be located by active searching in addition
to acoustic search. As both species are nocturnal (ibid.), the
tasks should be commenced after dusk and completed before dawn.
Capture-and-translocation exercises of frogs shall start one month in advance
of the site formation works and programmed as far as possible for consecutive
nights schedule. If no individual of both species of conservation interest is
found from a particular capture area for three consecutive surveys are
conducted in three evenings, the capture-and-translocation exercise for that
capture area can be ceased.
3.1.4
All frogs,
tadpoles and eggs seen in each development area during the tasks will be
captured/collected using hands and/or hand net. Permit
for using hand
nets to collect frogs, tadpoles and eggs
shall be applied from Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Suitable techniques as
recommended in Chan et al. (2005a) should be used to avoid any injury on
them. The ecologists should cup one hand over the frog to prevent its
escape and then gently grab the frog by the waist.
3.1.5
Collected
frogs and tadpoles shall be temporarily stored in plastic containers with a
small amount of water for temporary storage before release to avoid mortality
due to desiccation. Tadpoles and eggs, which need more water during
transportation, shall be stored separately from adults. A few wet, dead leaves
shall also be added to provide shelter and maintained the humidity. There
should be enough room for the captured frogs in the containers during transport
(no ‘stacking’ should occur). Captured frogs and collected tadpoles/eggs
should be moved to the receptor site(s) on the same night and released as soon
as possible to enhance their survival rate. Care should be taken during
the whole handling process in order to ensure no harm to the captured
individuals.
3.1.6
Other
amphibian species of conservation importance sighted will also be captured and
translocated with the target species.
3.1.7
Artificial
containers (e.g., pots, tanks) were noticed within some of the proposed development
area during the surveys in EIA stage. These containers might trap
rain-water and provide breeding habitats to the target species. It is
recommended that these artificial containers should be removed after the
capture-and-translocation exercise. Immovable structures should be
properly covered.
3.1.8
The
capture-and-translocation exercise should be conducted before commencement of
the site formation works, and would be finished when no individual of the
target species is caught for three consecutive days.
3.1.9
Measures
such as fencing off each Capture-and-translocation Exercise Zone, redirect the
water sources entering the Capture-and-translocation Exercise Zone, fill the
ponding, after Capture-and-translocation exercise to avoid recolonization of
the Target Species shall be formulated. Site check shall be conducted 1 week
before commencement of site formation works to ensure no Target Species will be
affected. If Target
Species were found in the site check, they will be captured/collected. Captured
frogs and tadpoles should be moved to the receptor site(s) on the same night
and released as soon as possible to enhance their survival rate.
Capture-and-translocation exercises will be conducted again to ensure no Target
Species found in that area.
4
Receptor Sites Identification and
Enhancement Measures
4.1
Criteria of Receptor Site Selection
4.1.1
Criteria
of selection of receptor site for Romer’s Tree Frog was made reference to Lau
(1998). Two criteria were used in the selection of receptor sites of
Romer’s Tree Frog. These included 1) a large area of woodland /
plantation / shrubland; 2) suitable breeding habitats, i.e., shaded, slow
flowing or standing waters which are fish-free and with plenty of leaf litter.
4.1.2
For
Chinese Bullfrog, criteria of selection of receptor site were also referred to
Lau (1998). Chinese Bullfrog usually inhabits and breeds in permanent or
seasonal inundated lentic habitats in lowland areas (e.g., ponds, agricultural
lands, streams, marshes).
4.1.3
Capture-and-translocation
exercise and post-translocation monitoring shall be implemented for each
development area. A Translocation Proposal summarizing the results of site
visits and pre-construction surveys, translocation plan with necessary
enhancement measures (e.g., installation of earthen pot) and post-translocation
monitoring shall be submitted to relevant authorities by the contractor at
least 1 month before the site formation work for each development area.
4.2
Site Visits & Selection of Receptor
Sites
4.2.1
Field
surveys for selection of receptor sites were conducted in wet season of
2017. A total of 23 sites were visited by Arup (Figure
6), including localities with previous records, receptor sites of
previous capture-and-translocation exercises and localities with the preferred
habitat features of the target species.
4.2.2
Three proposed receptor
sites (R1 to R3) for Romer’s Tree Frog are shown in Figure
7a, Figure 7b & Photo Plate 1, all are within Lantau South Country
Park. Fish-free pools covered by litter, which can provide breeding habitats
for Romer’s Tree Frog and are located near
shaded slow flowing perennial streams, are found at Sites R1 to R3, which are
all considered suitable as receptor sites for Romer’s Tree Frog.
Woodlands are found at/near all these four sites. Litter on the ground of
woodland can provide foraging habitats for the translocated Romer’s Tree Frogs.
4.2.3
The part
of Fong Yuen Marsh within the Conservation Section of the future River Park
(C1) (Figure 7a and Figure
7b) will be the proposed receptor site for Chinese Bullfrog. Fong Yuen
Marsh is a wet abandoned agricultural land, and can provide breeding habitats
for Chinese Bullfrog. Fong Yuen Marsh is covered by a mixture of plant
species adopted to wet places (e.g. Leersia hexandra, Melastoma candidum,
Cyclosorus interruptus, Ludwigia perennis), which can provide foraging
habitats for the translocated frogs. The translocated frogs are preferably
released in the part of Fong Yuen Marsh within the Conservation Section of the
future River Park as the area will be preserved under the River Park design.
4.2.4
According to the ecological surveys during EIA stage, Romer’s Tree
Frogs were mainly found in orchard and was also found in woodland and
urbanized/disturbed area within the development area, while Chinese Bullfrog
was found in ditches in orchard within the development
area. Only low to moderate number of Romer’s Tree Frog and low number of
Chinese Bullfrog were recorded. Hence, the numbers and carrying capacity of the
proposed receptor sites for the two target species are considered appropriate.
However, should abundant Romer’s Tree Frog or Chinese Bullfrog be recorded
during the pre-construction survey, more receptor sites might be required and
subject to the comments from AFCD.
Photo Plate 1. Photos of the proposed
receptor sites for Romer’s Tree Frog and Chinese Bullfrog
|
Stream at R1 |
Woodland at R1 |
|
Stream at R2 |
Woodland at R2 |
|
Stream at R3 |
Woodland at R3 |
|
C1 Fong Yuen Marsh |
|
4.3.1
Distribution
and abundance of frogs are affected by the availability of breeding habitats
(Denton et al. 1997 and Tocher et al. 1997 in Lau 1998).
Romer’s Tree Frog can utilise a wide range of breeding sites, including
man-made structures (Lau 1998). Hence, provision of breeding habitats in
the receptor sites, if considered necessary, could enhance the sustainability
of the translocated frogs. For example, artificial breeding pools were
constructed in Tsiu Hang to provide breeding habitats for Romer’s Tree Frog (Photo
Plate 2). Other examples of artificial breeding pools are shown in Photo
Plates 3 and 4.
Photo Plate 2. Artificial breeding pool in Tsiu Hang (https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_fau/con_fau_rom/con_fau_rom_con/con_fau_rom_con.html)
Photo Plate 3.
Artificial breeding pool
Photo Plate 4.
Artificial breeding pool
4.3.2 In Hong Kong, Romer’s Tree Frog mainly breeds in
seasonally-inundated lentic habitats, and occasionally in permanent or
intermittent lotic habitats (Lau 1998). Sizes of waterbodies with
breeding records of Romer’s Tree Frog ranged from less than 0.1m2 to
over 10m2
(ibid.). The substratum were mostly covered by mud/silt and
sand/gravel. Most of these waterbodies were surrounded by
forest/plantation/shrubland and had medium to dense canopy cover and had
variable amount of marginal macrophyte cover.
4.3.3 Earthen pots of openings of
diameter of 20 to 25 cm with depth of 20 cm can also be used to provide
breeding habitats to Romer’s Tree Frog (Photo Plate 5).
Photo Plate 5. Earthen pot providing breeding habitats of
Romer’s Tree Frog (Lau and Banks 2008)
4.3.4
All the three proposed receptor sites R1-R3 for Romer’s Tree Frog
are located inside Lantau South Country Park which are in good conditions (well
covered by vegetation) and under protection and management by authority. During
the site visit in wet season 2017, the natural
pools found in these receptor sites were all fish-free. In light of there are
sufficient fish-free breeding habitats for the future translocated frogs, no
immediate need to implement habitat enhancement measures in these receptor
sites is identified. In the case that reduction of fish-free breeding habitats
is observed when the translocation is implemented, the translocation team may
discuss with management authority on the need of implementing habitat
enhancement measure, and the authority will make the final decision on the
necessity of habitat enhancement based on the site conditions.
4.3.5 The Fong Yuen Marsh (C1) (which was partly included as
conservation zone of the future Tung Chung River Park and partly zoned as Green
Belt in the Approved Tung Chung Valley Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCV/2 with
no development was proposed) was chosen as the
receptor site for Chinese Bullfrog. Both breeding and foraging habitats
of Chinese Bullfrog are already present in this marsh. Hence, no habitat
enhancement is considered necessary. However, suitable locations in Fong Yuen
marsh should be identified for translocation of Chinese Bullfrog. If the
environmental conditions of the marsh are no longer suitable for Chinese
Bullfrog, another suitable receptor site should be considered.
5.1.1
Post-translocation
monitoring surveys will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the
capture-and-translocation programme. Translocated frogs will not be
monitored individually. The effectiveness of the
capture-and-translocation exercise will be qualitatively assessed by monitoring
the breeding habitats in the receptor sites to determine whether reproduction
occurs. Monitoring surveys will be carried out at night during the
breeding seasons of Romer’s Tree Frog and Chinese Bullfrog (March to September)
(Chan et al. 2005a).
5.1.2
Romer’s
Tree Frog / Chinese Bullfrog might already be present in the proposed receptor
sites. Existing population (baseline condition) of Romer’s Tree Frog /
Chinese Bullfrog in each receptor site will be estimated from the number of
calling males during breeding season, which is a widely applied survey
technique (e.g., Hayek 1994, Woodford and Meyer 2003, Costa et al.
2013). Surveys will be conducted in each receptor site at night before
release of frogs from the development areas. Other evidence of breeding
including the findings of eggs and tadpoles will also be recorded.
5.1.3
Both
Romer’s Tree Frog and Chinese Bullfrog breed between March and September in
Hong Kong (Chan et al. 2005). At least three surveys will be conducted in each
release site during the breeding season, preferably monthly between April and
June, Signs of breeding including calling males, eggs and tadpoles will be
indications of breeding. Number of calling males in each receptor site will be
compared to the baseline condition before release of captured frogs.
5.1.4
In case
the target species are not recorded in the receptor sites during
post-translocation monitoring surveys, the factor(s) leading to the failure of establishment of breeding population in the receptor site
will be identified. Site(s) potentially with these factor(s) will be
avoided as receptor sites in capture-and-translocation exercises in the future. On the other hand, if
target species can still be recorded at the receptor sites during
post-translocation monitoring, the measures of translocation works are
considered effective.
5.1.5
One report
for this Post-translocation Monitoring shall be prepared and submitted to
authorities (e.g. AFCD) within 1 calendar month after the Post-translocation
Monitoring surveys.
6.1.1
Adult male
frogs can be easily located by their calls, and the programme will be provided
in the future translocation proposal. Capture-and-translocation exercise
of each development area shall be conducted between March and November prior to
site formation. Frogs within the development areas shall be located by active
searching in addition to acoustic search.
6.1.2
The
qualified ecologist(s) shall prepare a Translocation Report. The Translocation
Report shall be submitted within 1 calendar month after the completion of the
Capture-and-translocation exercise to the Project Manager, ET, IEC and
subsequently submitted to AFCD and EPD.
6.1.3
For the
proposed receptor sites for Romer’s Tree Frog R1 to R3, in case habitat
enhancement is considered necessary, the enhancement measures should be
conducted before frogs are translocated to these sites.
6.1.4
In case
the proposed receptors are no longer suitable habitats for the target species
during the site visits and verification surveys by the contractors/specialist,
other potential receptor site(s) for translocation should be proposed in the
Translocation Proposal prepared by contractors and agreed by the authorities.
An implementation schedule summarized the translocation programme is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 Implementation
schedule
|
Section Ref. |
Task |
Implementation agent |
Location / timing |
Implementation stage |
Requirement |
|
3.1.2 |
Site visit |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
Development areas of
public and private works, and proposed receptor sites during day time |
Before capture-and-translocation
exercise |
By qualified
ecologist |
|
3.1.2 |
Pre-construction
survey |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
Development areas of
public and private works, and proposed receptor sites during night time |
Before
capture-and-translocation exercise |
By qualified
ecologist |
|
4.1.4 |
Translocation
Proposal |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
N/A |
Before
capture-and-translocation exercise and at least 1 month before site formation
of each development area |
By qualified
ecologist |
|
3.1.3 |
Capture-and-translocation
exercise |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
Development areas of
public and private works and proposed receptor site(s) during night time. |
one month before site
formation works |
By qualified
ecologist |
|
3.1.8, 3.1.9 |
Measures to prevent
recolonization of amphibians |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
Development areas of
public and private works |
After capture-and-translocation
exercise, and 1 week before site formation |
|
|
6.1.2 |
Translocation report |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
N/A |
Within 1 calendar
month after capture-and-translocation exercise |
By qualified
ecologist |
|
4.3.3, 4.3.4 |
Habitat enhancement
(if considered necessary) |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
Receptor site(s) |
Before
capture-and-translocation exercise |
Not necessary at the
moment, but will be discussed with the authority regarding the necessity of
habitat enhancement during implementation |
|
5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 |
Post-translocation
monitoring |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
Receptor site(s)
during night time |
After
capture-and-translocation exercise |
By qualified
ecologist |
|
5.1.5 |
Post-translocation
report |
Contractor/specialist
assigned by CEDD or private developer |
N/A |
Within 1 calendar
month after Post-translocation monitoring surveys |
By qualified
ecologist |
7
References
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Sample
Land Sale Clause for Amphibian Translocation
