XN000022-1996-12-13 — Page 19

·

- 17 -

Mr Melville pointed out that there are 12 species of wild cattle, of which nine are currently regarded as endangered or threatened and four have been domesticated.

The loss of habitat and the spread of disease from domestic to wild animals resulted in the extinction of the African Buffalo in southern Africa.

AFD's Assistant Director (Conservation), Mr Frank Lau, paid tribute to WWF HK for producing these items.

"Like WWF HK, we are concerned about the environment. Oxen are important in ecological balance and in agriculture," he said.

"It is essential to protect the environment for all forms of wildlife."

11

Purchasing these philatelic products is a valuable way to support WWF HK's conservation and education work.

The quantity for distribution includes 10,000 Normal Covers, 10,000 sets of Postcards, 1,000 pairs of Special Covers and sets of Souvenir Packs.

Anyone interested can either place in advance order while stock last or through shop sale.

The Normal Covers and Postcards will be on sale from December 28 (Saturday) and the Special Covers and Souvenir Packs will be available from January 25 (Saturday) at the WWF HK Office, No. 1, Tramway Path, Central.

Enquiries on the collection set can be directed to Ms Maxine Chu or Mr Tony Tam of WWF HK on telephone 2526 1011 or fax 2845 2734.

End

Air quality report for November

The Environmental Protection Department today (Friday) released air quality information for November 1996.

Air quality levels in November were within the 24-hour air quality objectives of Hong Kong though the background levels of particulates and nitrogen dioxide were relatively high.