ENG-1965 — Page 295

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NATURAL HISTORY

residents of the Peak. Other indigenous mammals still to be found, though nowhere common, are the Chinese Ferret-Badger, Small Indian Civet, and Masked Palm Civet.

Rodents deserving special mention are the Chinese or Crestless Himalayan Porcupine, the Large Bandicoot Rat, and an attractive 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, occurring both on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories. The insectivores are represented in Hong Kong by only two species--the well-known and compara- tively large House Shrew and the small Grey Shrew. About 17 species of bats have so far been found in the Colony, and there is little doubt that these unique flying mammals are represented locally by yet more species.

Cetaceans so far known from within or near Hong Kong waters are the Common Rorqual or Finback Whale, the Pygmy Sperm Whale, the Black Finless Porpoise, and the Common Dolphin.

There is ample opportunity in Hong Kong for either serious study or simple enjoyment of the Colony's bird life. Including both resident and migratory birds, nearly 350 species in more than 60 different families have so far been recorded in the Colony. They provide considerable variety of form and occur in a wide range of habitats. Some of the families represented are those containing the Grebes, Bitterns and Herons, Ducks and Geese, Hawks and Eagles, Falcons, Crakes and Rails, Plovers and other waders, Snipe and Sandpipers, Gulls 'and Terns, Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Nightjars, Swifts, Kingfishers, Swallows 'and Martins, Shrikes, Drongos, Starlings and Mynahs, Crows, Cuckoo-shrikes and Minivets, Bul- buls, Babblers, Flycatchers, Warblers, Thrushes, Pipits and Wag- tails, Finches and Buntings, and Sparrows and Munias.

Birds of particular interest recorded in 1965 include a White- tailed Sea Eagle, a Horsfield's Goshawk, three Black-tailed Godwits, and a Crested Kingfisher. It is also interesting to note that nine species of terns were recorded during April, May, and June.

Snakes, lizards, and frogs are all well represented in Hong Kong. There are also various species of terrapins and turtles, the Common Indian Toad, and the Hong Kong Newt. There is a strong Indian element in this section of the local fauna, although several species are so far known only from Hong Kong. Most of the common