ENG-2018 — Page 369

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Recreation, Sport, Culture and the Arts

roadside amenity areas. In 2018, the department planted 2.14 million trees, shrubs and other plants, and enhanced the landscaping at about 17 hectares of park and roadside amenity areas.

Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park occupies 8.16 hectares at the former military barracks in Central District. The park features flowing water as its central motif and has artificial waterfalls, streams and ponds. Its main features include an aviary, a conservatory, a sports centre, a squash centre, a children's playground, an Olympic Square, a vantage point and a restaurant. The aviary resembles a tropical rainforest in which about 550 birds of 70 species are kept. In 2018, two bird species in the aviary reared offspring. The conservatory's three sections, namely the Display Plant House, Dry Plant House and Humid Plant House, have adjustable environmental control equipment to simulate different climatic conditions for plants from arid and tropical regions. About 300 begonias representing over 50 species were featured in a begonia exhibition at the Display Plant House from December 2017 to January 2018.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, developed between 1861 and 1871, is the territory's oldest public garden and occupies 5.6 hectares overlooking Central. Despite the urban surroundings, the garden provides a conservation centre for endangered species. Twelve endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles lived there in 2018. The bird collection comprises about 160 birds of 40 species. The mammal collection consists of about 70 animals of 14 species, mainly primates. More than 600 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the garden. The medicinal plant collection and a greenhouse help promote public interest in 500 or more species of herbs, orchids, ferns and indoor plants. An education and exhibition centre provides teaching facilities for guided visits and for the display of zoological specimens.

Country and Marine Parks

Some 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area is designated as country parks and special areas for nature conservation, outdoor recreation and nature education. The 24 country parks and 22 special areas provide extensive hiking trails, barbecue, picnic and camp sites and visitor centres. Visitors can learn about the beauty and diversity of local marine life at five marine parks and one marine reserve.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages the country parks, special areas, marine parks, marine reserve, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark.

Hong Kong Wetland Park

The 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park stretches from the northern part of Tin Shui Wai to the southern tip of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. It is a special area designated under the Country Parks Ordinance. The park promotes wetland conservation, education and nature- based tourism, and gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate wetlands and local wildlife in an open and natural setting.

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