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Natural History

HONG KONG is one of the world's most heavily populated places and large-scale housing and industrial development programmes have resulted in the rapid spread of urbanisation. However, factors such as the territory's generally hilly topography and the designation of water catchment areas have enabled a large expanse of the countryside to be preserved. It is in these locations that wildlife and many plant species can be found. Most of Hong Kong's countryside is under the protection of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance, the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance and the Country Parks Ordinance.

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. 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 increasingly scarce, yet they continue to be very important for many birds. Recent new sightings from woodland areas have included an assortment of Phylloscopus Warblers and there is growing evidence to suggest that the Black Baza, a bird of prey, may breed in Hong Kong.

Of the larger indigenous mammals, the Chinese Pangolin (Scaly Anteater) is seen occa- sionally. 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 trees to be fed by visitors. There are breeding groups of both Long-tailed Macaques and Rhesus Monkeys. Smaller mammals are common, with the Grey Shrew and the House Shrew being numerous in some rural areas. The Chinese Porcupine, with its strikingly-coloured black and white quills, is still present in parts of the New Territories and on Hong Kong Island. Once, wild pigs were sufficiently scarce to warrant their being protected under law. But the numbers increased to such an extent that the damage to crops caused by wild pigs resulted in bitter complaints from farmers. Accordingly, this species was removed from the Second Schedule of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance and is no longer protected.

Occasional reports are still received of less common species such as the Leopard Cat and Barking Deer - sadly these are often killed on roads. The increasing presence of people in the countryside means an uncertain future for these larger species.

Snakes, lizards and frogs are plentiful in Hong Kong. There also are various species of terrapins and turtles, although none is common. Most of the snakes are non-poisonous and