292 The Environment
and typhoon shelters, and another 82 stations for inland waters. It also keeps 41 bathing beaches under surveillance.
The water quality monitoring programme provides a comprehensive record of the chemical, physical and microbiological quality of Hong Kong's waters. The monitoring data is depicted in the annual water quality reports available on the EPD's home page. Information on the latest water quality of the major marine and river stations is also published on a monthly basis on the home page. The latest water quality grades of bathing beaches are issued on a weekly basis to the media and frequently updated on the department's website.
Government Laboratory
The Government Laboratory supports the enforcement of environmental protection legislation and the implementation of various environmental programmes through the provision of comprehensive analytical and advisory services. The laboratory's commitment to protecting the environment is further exemplified by providing round-the-clock support in the handling of emergencies involving chemical spills or suspected emission of noxious and irritating gas.
In 2006, the laboratory performed a total of 226 510 tests on environmental samples including air, water, sediment, soil, biota and waste samples, and provided a large volume of useful data for various environmental programmes such as the toxic air pollutants monitoring programme, the river and marine water monitoring programmes, the biological monitoring programme, the toxic substances monitoring programme and illegal discharges investigations. The laboratory has also contributed to various environmental impact studies and environmental monitoring and audit projects.
Flora
Hong Kong is near the northern limit of the distribution of tropical Southeast Asian flora, sharing similar species and structure with the flora of Guangdong Province. Despite its small size, Hong Kong has a rich flora with about 3 100 species of vascular plants. Various conservation measures have transformed the formerly bare hillsides and slopes into impressive woodlands. Besides greening and beautifying the countryside, woodlands are important habitats for wildlife and are essential for protecting water catchments from soil erosion. They also provide recreational opportunities for the public.
Remnants of the original forest cover, either scrub forest or well-developed woodlands, are still found in steep ravines or behind traditional villages in rural areas. They have survived through their location in precipitous topography and the moist winter micro-climate or because they are protected for cultural reasons.
Terrestrial Fauna
Hong Kong's climate and physical environment provide a wide range of habitats. and support a rich and varied fauna. These include about 465 species of birds, 56