ENG-1978 — Page 306

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HODN

RMED TH

Natural History

WHILE in recent years Hong Kong has witnessed the rapid spread of urbanisation, the territory still possesses an area of countryside where people can enjoy wildlife and plants.

Most of Hong Kong's countryside is under one or another protection order, such as the Forests and Countryside Ordinance, the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance and the Country Parks Ordinance. During 1978, the Schedules to the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Chapter 187, were amended to include all species listed in the revised appendices to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. A few local species are included, among them pythons (including their skins) and sea turtles (including shell, meat and eggs). In 1977, new regulations under the Country Parks Ordinance were drawn up and enacted. The regulations provide for the management and control of country parks and special areas, and specifically include the prohibition of hunting and damage to vegetation.

Wildlife

The Mai Po Marshes, which is a restricted area under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, is the main attraction for Hong Kong birdwatchers. The 380 hectares of mudflats, shrimp ponds and dwarf mangrove form a very rich habitat, particularly for ducks and waders. Three of the species recently added to the list of birds seen in Hong Kong - the Glossy Ibis, White-throated Needletail Swift and Asiatic Mouse Martin were recorded at the Mai Po Marshes.

Yim Tso Ha, also restricted, is the largest egretry in Hong Kong and five species - Chinese Pond Heron, Night Heron, Cattle and Little Egrets, and the rare Swinhoe's Egret - nest there regularly. About 1,000 egrets can be found in the egretry during the nesting season between April and September. There is one other egretry in Hong Kong, but it is not used by Swinhoe's Egret or Night Heron.

Traditional fung shui woods near older villages and temples are becoming in- creasingly scarce in Hong Kong, yet they continue to be very important for many birds, particularly winter visitors such as thrushes. Recent new sightings from wood- land areas include the Slatey-backed Forktail and Emerald Cuckoo.

Of the larger indigenous mammals, the Chinese Pangolin (Scaly Anteater) is seen occasionally. It grows to a length of about one metre and is protected by horny scales. Areas around the Kowloon reservoirs are inhabited by monkeys that originated from specimens either released or escaped from captivity, and they emerge from the