ENG-2009 — Page 352

284 The Environment

conducted numerous tests on environmental samples of air, water, sediment, soil, biota and waste samples and other substances, providing a large volume of useful data for various environmental programmes. In 2010, it will provide new analytical service for biodiesel testing. It will also develop new test methods targeting the additional groups of chemicals that have recently come under the control of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Flora

Hong Kong is situated near the northern boundary 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, of which 2 100 are native to Hong Kong. Continual efforts in afforestation coupled with various conservation measures have transformed formerly bare hillsides and slopes into impressive woodlands. Besides greening and beautifying the countryside, woodlands are important habitats for wildlife and are essential to 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 as a result of 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 for a rich and varied fauna which include about 490 species of birds, 56 species of mammals, over 100 species of amphibians and reptiles, 238 species of butterflies and 115 species of dragonflies.

The Mai Po Marshes form one of the most important wildlife conservation sites in Hong Kong. Together with the Inner Deep Bay area, the Mai Po Marshes area has been listed as a 'Wetland of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention. About 1500 hectares of mudflats, fish ponds, marshes, reedbeds and dwarf mangroves provide a rich habitat for migratory and resident birds, particularly ducks and waders.

Some 370 species of birds have been observed in this area. Many of these are considered globally threatened and endangered, such as the black-faced spoonbill, oriental stork, Nordmann's greenshank and Saunders's gull. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) implements a wetland conservation and management plan to conserve the ecological value of the area.

The traditional fung shui woods near old villages and temples and the secondary forests provide important habitats for many woodland birds. Birds sighted in the wooded areas include warblers, flycatchers, robins, bulbuls and tits.

Areas around the Kowloon reservoirs are inhabited by monkeys which were released or which have escaped from captivity, and their offspring. There are