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e) The Mai Po/ Deep Bay area is the type locality for two species new to science, viz.
Rhyacodrilus lutlentus Chiromanthes maipoensis
f)
Annelida, Oligochaeta, Tubificidae Decapoda, Brachyura, Graspidae
In a regional context there is no doubt that the Mai Po/Deep Bay area is very important for waterfowl. Observations in areas of the People's Republic of China adjacent to Hong Kong (other than the Fu Tien Nature Reserve in Shenzhen) reveal a dearth of birds and it is known that, for example, destruction of mangroves has been widespread in China (Melville 1984a), thus the Deep Bay mangal is considered by some to be amongst the largest remaining stands on the south coast of China (excluding Hainan).
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We are well aware that Matthews (1978) considered that Mai Po was not deserving of international listing. However since Matthews' visit to Hong Kong in 1977 additional information has been forthcoming, especially regarding waterfowl populations, distributions and movements, and additionally numbers of birds using the Mai Po/Deep Bay area have increased markedly (see attached figure). The reasons for this increase are uncertain but it is considered to relate in part the destruction of wetlands in adjacent areas of the People's Republic of China, thus forcing more birds to use Mai Po/Deep Bay. Thus it can be expected that the value of Mai Po/Deep Bay will increase in future years as further wetlands are destroyed/degraded in China.
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In view of the foregoing we urge the Hong Kong Government to give very serious consideration to recommending the Mai Po/Deep Bay area to be included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. As noted above, the next Conference of the Contracting Parties will be held this summer it would be an excellent opportunity for Hong Kong to gain international recognition by having the site listed before or during the Conference.
Should you require any further information regarding the site or this proposal we should be pleased to provide it.
Yours faithfully
David Meluth
David S Melville
Reserve Manager Mai Po: WWF Hong Kong
c.c. Secretary for Municipal Services, Hong Kong
Director of Agriculture & Fisheries, Hong Kong
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, United Kingdom
b.c.c. Sir David Akers-Jones, Chairman: WWF Hong Kong Mai Po Marshes
Management & Development Committee
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