ENG-2015 — Page 282

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The Environment

The Mai Po Marshes form one of the most important wildlife conservation sites in Hong Kong. Together with the Inner Deep Bay area, the Mai Po Marshes area is listed as a 'Wetland of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention. About 1,500 hectares of inter-tidal mudflats, fish ponds, marshes, reedbeds and mangroves provide a rich habitat for migratory and resident birds, particularly waterbirds. More than 390 species of birds have been observed in this area. Forty-nine species are considered globally threatened, including the Black-faced Spoonbill, Baer's Pochard, Nordmann's Greenshank and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department implements a wetland conservation and management plan to conserve the ecological value of the area.

Traditional fung shui woods near old villages and temples and secondary forests provide important habitats for many woodland birds. Birds sighted in the wooded areas include different species of warblers, flycatchers, robins, thrushes, bulbuls and tits.

Areas around the Kowloon reservoirs are inhabited by monkeys that are the descendants of individuals released there in the early 20th century. There are breeding groups of the Rhesus Macaque and hybrids of the Rhesus Macaque and Long-tailed Macaque. Some monkeys have migrated to the forested areas of Shing Mun Reservoir and Tai Po Kau. Feeding of monkeys is prohibited to make them revert to foraging for natural food in the countryside.

Other mammals, such as the Red Muntjac and Eurasian Wild Pig, are very common in the countryside, while the Leopard Cat, Small-toothed Ferret Badger and Masked Palm Civet are relatively uncommon. Bats including the Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat, Pomona Leaf-nosed Bat and Chinese Horseshoe Bat are found in caves and water tunnels. Sightings of rare species such as the Eurasian Otter, Crab-eating Mongoose and Chinese Pangolin are reported occasionally.

Hong Kong has more than 100 species of amphibians and reptiles. Of the 24 species of amphibians, the Hong Kong Cascade Frog, Hong Kong Newt and Romer's Tree Frog are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Most of the 52 species of snakes are non-venomous, and reports of people being bitten by highly venomous snakes are rare. Among the 10 native species of chelonians, the Green Turtle is of particular conservation interest as it is the only known species of sea turtle breeding in Hong Kong.

Marine

Hong Kong's subtropical marine environment supports species found in both tropical and temperate climates. Local waters contain a wide diversity of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine life, of which at least 150 species are of fisheries significance. Situated on the eastern bank of the Pearl River Estuary, Hong Kong receives fresh water from the river, especially in its western waters. The waters on the eastern side, on the other hand, are little influenced by the Pearl River outflow and are predominantly oceanic in nature. This unusual hydrography contributes to the diversity of marine life.

Despite being close to the northern geographic limit for their growth, Hong Kong supports 84 species of hard corals. This diversity is quite rich by international standards. A variety of marine fish also breeds in local waters. Typical of the eastern waters is the red pargo, one of several sea bream varieties whose fry are abundant along the shore of Mirs Bay in early spring.

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