NATURAL HISTORY
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Many species of plants in Hong Kong are noteworthy for the beauty or fragrance of their blossoms. They attract butterflies and insects, while other plants bear fruit and seeds that serve as important sources of food for birds and animals. The orchid species are described and illustrated in Hong Kong Orchids by G. Barretto and J. L. Young Saye (Urban Council series).
Many villagers have a good working knowledge of the usefulness of some local plants. Aquilaria sinensis is used in the manufacture of scented joss sticks. And among those used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines are Psychotria rubra, Ardisia crispa and Strophanthus divaricatus, which are considered good for bruises and certain injuries.
Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, managed by the Urban Council, were established as the Botanic Gardens in 1871 with an area of about seven hectares. The layout of the present 5.35-hectare garden is strictly formal with wide paths, pavilions, flower beds and a central fountain. In two green-houses, tropical shade-loving plants are cultivated. The gardens contain a wide range of plants from various climates, but it is planned to concentrate more on native species in future.
Zoological exhibits in the gardens comprise both animals and birds. They include Jaguars, Tree Kangaroos, Orang-utans, Clouded Leopards, Acouchis, Crested Porcupines, Common Squirrel Monkeys, Tree Squirrels, Siamangs, Golden Agoutis, Celebes Black Apes, Red-cheeked Crested Gibbons, Common Marmosets, Red Mantle Saddleback Marmosets, and Mouse Deer. Some of these animals have bred in the gardens. A new enclosure for Siamangs, Lemurs and Marmosets was completed in 1982 on the former palm lawn.
The bird collection, which is among the best in Asia, concentrates on rare or protected species. Altogether, more than 800 specimens representing about 300 species are housed. An excellent breeding record for birds in captivity has been achieved in recent years, including success with the White-naped Crane and the Count Raggi's Bird of Paradise, the latter being only the fifth instance on record in the world.
The success of the bird collection has led to the creation of aviaries in the Urban Council's public parks. As a first step, a new display aviary has been built in an attractively landscaped setting in Kowloon Park to supplement the existing open aviary in Victoria Park, while in the Zoological and Botanical Gardens a substantial, new free-flight aviary with pools and a waterfall was completed during the year.