ENG-1997 — Page 458

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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The gardens house 19 endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Despite its urban environment, it is a successful breeding centre. Its bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with about 662 birds of 224 species. More than 100 of these species have reared offspring. Although less comprehensive, the mammal collection nevertheless has a good variety, including such diverse creatures as Australia's egg-laying mammal, the echidna, and the world's third-largest cat, the jaguar. More than 750 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants are featured. The medicinal plant collection, established in 1987, and a new greenhouse built in 1993 have generated much interest. They contain some 500 species of herbs, orchids, ferns, cacti, succulents and other indoor plants. Renovation of the orang- utan enclosure was completed in January. Re-tiling of the fountain in the garden terrace was completed in July. Renovation of the siamang enclosure and refurbishment of the old circular toilet near the main entrance are progressing well.

Provisional Regional Council Parks

The Provisional Regional Council manages more than 600 parks and gardens of various sizes, including six major parks. Tai Po Waterfront Park is the largest park in the New Territories, covering 22 hectares. It has a specially designed lookout tower which forms a major feature of the park.

Country Parks and Marine Parks

Despite Hong Kong's dense urban environment, opportunities for outdoor recreation are not lacking. There are 22 country parks provided with barbecue sites, picnic sites, camp sites and extensive hiking trails. In 1997, over 10 million visits were made to these parks covering some 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area.

In addition to country parks, three marine parks at Hoi Ha Wan; Yan Chau Tong; and Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau; plus one marine reserve at Cape D'Aguilar, are being managed for nature conservation and education. Opportunities for public enjoyment of our marine environment will be provided in marine parks. The Agriculture and Fisheries Department manages the country and marine parks.

Horticulture and Landscape Services

Provisional Urban Council

The Provisional Urban Council is committed to improving the urban environment with landscape and tree preservation. The services include landscape design and planting, plant production, horticultural research, tree maintenance and conservation. During the year, the council completed 44 landscape projects and planted about 7 000 trees, 29 000 seedlings and one million flowering shrubs. About 90 per cent of these plants were supplied from the council's nurseries, with the balance coming from commercial nurseries.

A City Beautification Scheme was launched in June to tie in with the celebration for reunification of Hong Kong with China. Special decorative lighting and hand-made lanterns were displayed at key council venues to enhance the festive atmosphere. Landscape improvements were also carried out at over 30 roadside amenity plots to beautify the environment.