Conservation in Hong Kong: six endangered species highlighted for Ocean Park’s ‘Cherish the Hidden Treasures’ themed event
- Hong Kong has a rich biodiversity, but a number of species living or breeding in its waters are under threat
- By focusing on six species as examples, this weekend’s Conservation Day at the city’s Ocean Park marine theme park aims to raise awareness of the issue
Hong Kong has a wealth of wildlife, which sometimes comes as a surprise to people who think of it as a highly built up city.
Its freshwater wetlands, hill forests and streams, mangrove-fringed coastal mudflats and inshore waters dotted with islands, Hong Kong is home to 23 species of lizard, 52 species of snake, 250 species of butterfly, 55 species of terrestrial mammal, and two types of marine mammal. More than 550 bird species have been recorded here.
The foundation is holding its 26th Conservation Day – themed “Cherish the Hidden Treasures” – at Ocean Park. Its aims are to broaden public understanding of Hong Kong’s biodiversity and promote the connection people have to nature as well as their awareness of conservation.
The OPCFHK is focusing on six endangered species known to live or breed in Hong Kong: the green turtle, Chinese horseshoe crab, Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, Beale‘s eyed turtle, golden birdwing butterfly and Acropora coral. Visitors to the theme park will learn about the roles these creatures play in the ecosystem and the threats they face.
As well as educational games and exhibitions, scientists will be on hand to talk about their research into these species. Although conservation efforts are ongoing, with varying degrees of success, much more must be done if we are to sustain our diversity of wildlife while meeting the needs of a busy city.
