ENG-2019 — Page 280

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The Environment

The major types of vegetation cover comprise woodland, shrubland and grassland. Remnants of the original forest cover can still be 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 micro-climate, or because they are protected for cultural reasons.

Continual afforestation efforts coupled with 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 protect water catchments from soil erosion.

Fauna

Terrestrial

The climate and physical environment provide a wide range of habitats and support for a rich and varied fauna that includes over 550 species of birds, 55 species of terrestrial mammals, 25 species of amphibians, 90 species of reptiles, 187 species of freshwater fish, 245 species of butterflies and 128 species of dragonflies.

Among the rich terrestrial biodiversity, some species, such as the Bogadek's burrowing lizard, have been recorded only in Hong Kong. The territory is also home to a number of globally threatened species, such as the three-banded box turtle, yellow-breasted bunting, short-legged toad, Chinese pangolin and Chinese tiger dragonfly.

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 is listed as a 'Wetland of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention. About 1,500 hectares of inter-tidal mudflats, fish ponds, marshes, reed beds and mangroves provide a rich habitat for migratory and resident birds, particularly waterbirds. Around 400 species of birds have been observed in this area. About fifty species are considered globally threatened or near threatened, including the black-faced spoonbill, Baer's pochard, Nordmann's greenshank and spoon-billed sandpiper. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department implements a wetland conservation and management plan to conserve the ecological value of the area.

Traditional fung shui woods near old villages and temples and secondary forests provide important habitats for many woodland birds. Warblers, flycatchers, robins, thrushes, bulbuls and tits are among the birds that have been sighted.

Areas around the Kowloon reservoirs are inhabited by monkeys descended from individuals released there in the early 20th century. These monkeys include the rhesus macaque and hybrids of the rhesus macaque and long-tailed macaque. Some have migrated to the forested areas of Shing Mun Reservoir and Tai Po Kau. The feeding of monkeys is prohibited, to make them forage for natural food in the countryside.

Other mammals that are very common in the countryside include the red muntjac and Eurasian wild pig, while the leopard cat, small-toothed ferret badger and masked palm civet are less commonly seen. Cave-dwelling bats such as the Pomona leaf-nosed bat and Chinese horseshoe bat are found in caves and water tunnels, while the short-nosed fruit bat roosts

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