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NATURAL HISTORY

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the Kowloon Reservoir area were reported seen at the beginning of the year and again in September. All of these may be descend- ants of released or escaped specimens and it is possible that those in the Tai Tam area are survivors of the indigenous Rhesus Monkeys which less than a hundred years ago inhabited most of the small islands about Hong Kong. Another indigenous mammal is the little Chinese Ferret-Badger, seldom seen on account of its shy nocturnal habits, which lives in the Peak district on Hong Kong Island and in other suitable localities. The Eastern Chinese Otter has been seen rarely in recent years. Two species of civets` still to be found in the Colony are the Rasse or Small Indian Civet and the Masked Palm Civet; both are shy nocturnal creatures and good climbers, feeding on small animals and fruit.

The attractive little Barking Deer, known also as Reeves' Muntjac, inhabits various hilly wooded localities on Hong Kong Island. Being largely nocturnal it is seldom seen, although its characteristic bark is familiar to many residents of the Peak. It is a small deer, about the size of a large dog; males have simple antlers, and their canines are developed as short curved tusks. In the New Territories, where it has been hunted, this animal has now become scarce. The Wild Boar, which has also been hunted for many years, now occurs only in very small numbers in certain parts of the New Territories.

Rodents deserving special mention are the Chinese or Crestless Himalayan Porcupine, found both on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories, the Smaller Bandicoot Rat, and a pretty little animal called the Eastern Spiny-haired Rat which is bright yellowish-brown above and pure white on the belly. All three are entirely 'wild' (non-domestic) species. Others among the Colony's small mammals are the House Shrew, and several species of insectivorous and frugivorous bats.

Cetaceans so far recorded in Hong Kong waters or nearby are the Common Dolphin, the Black Finless Porpoise, and the Common Rorqual or Finback Whale (there has been a single record of the latter during 1955). The name Black Finless Porpoise is misleading because these animals are a steel-grey colour in life, becoming entirely black only after death.

Birds. A wide variety of birds, represented by well over 300 species, have been identified in Hong Kong. Consequently, there