The ecological richness of the Tung Chung valley and estuary could be higher than previously thought after a green group reported finding species that have never been recorded there.
Green Power said it found at least 35 dragonfly species in summer last year in the Tung Chung valley. It was equal to a third of the total ever recorded in Hong Kong. At least one, Aethriamanta brevipennis brevipennis, was recorded for the first time at the site.
Dragonfly species of local and global concern were found there too. Near the river mouth, the group's researchers found a Pacific seaweed pipefish, also said to be new to Hong Kong.
With more studies, "the ecological database will grow for sure", Green Power's scientific and conservation head Dr Cheng Luk-ki, said.
The new findings are expected to lend strength to an emerging campaign that aims to monitor closely the proposed reclamations in Tung Chung. One of the sites is close to the river mouth.
The discoveries and the established ecological resources in the valley will be shared with the public in a series of free eco-education tours called Home - Tung Chung to be organised by the group from July to September.