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 Introduction
Within the 25 hectares of farmland, which is about the size of one to two Victoria Park, more than 210 bird species have been recorded, nearly half the Hong Kong list. Of these, three species are "vulnerable" and eight are "near-threatened" by global standards. Long Valleyˇ¦s importance is comparable to Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve. Unfortunately, Government's development plan will destroy the future of this green treasure. Besides the KCRC's plan to build the Sheung Shui - Lok Ma Chau spur line which cut across the Long Valley floodplain, the Government's proposed Fanling Bypass will also enter Long Valley and fragment the plain. Fragmentation of habitat will lead to increased environmental disturbance, which will seriously affect the habitation of wildlife. Last year, there were breeding records of Painted Snipe at this piece of wetland. HKBWS data shows that there are only 20-30 birds resident in Hong Kong. Following the destruction of Kam Tin snipe marsh by railway development, is the last remaining site for Painted Snipe in Long Valley.
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society has produced "Save Long Valley". With the aim of introducing the importance of this piece of wetland, the close relationship between freshwater wetland and birds, as well as ecology and local cultural characteristics,. We hope to encourage our members and the general public to understand the importance of biodiversity in Hong Kong, to reflect problem that the environment faces and to express their views.
Copyright 1999, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
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Destroying Long Valley will reduce the chance of birds' survival. Habitat destruction is permanent and cannot be compensated for. The impact is not only on reducing space of survival for wildlife, but also soil and water quality deterioration. Farming activities, and relationship between flora and fauna will also be affected.