Terrestrial Fauna

Hong Kong's physical and climatic environment provides woody and
grassy habitats for a wide variety of animals and plants. Under the
pressures of urbanisation, larger animal species are rarely seen, but
reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects are still common.

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 were listed as a 'Wetland of International Importance
Especially as Waterfowl Habitat' under the Ramsar Convention in
September 1995. Some 835 hectares of mudflats, fish ponds and dwarf
mangroves provide a rich habitat, particularly, for migratory and resident
birds as well as ducks and waders. Some 300 species of birds have been
observed in this area, and at least 110 of them are rarely seen elsewhere in
Hong Kong. Yim Tso Ha, also a restricted area, is one of the largest
egretries in Hong Kong.

The traditional fung shui woods near old villages and temples have
provided an important habitat for many birds. Sightings in wooded areas
include warblers, flycatchers, robins, bulbuls and tits.

Areas around the Kowloon reservoirs are inhabited by monkeys
descended from animals which had been released or had escaped from
captivity. There are breeding groups of long-tailed macaques and rhesus
monkeys - and their hybrids. Smaller mammals are common, with the
woodland shrew, house shrew and bats prevalent in some rural areas.
Occasional sightings are still reported of less common species such as the
Chinese porcupine, the leopard cat, civet cat, ferret badger, pangolin and
barking deer. Wild boar occasionally cause damage to farm crops in some
remote areas.

Hong Kong has more than 200 recorded species and forms of butterflies.
Among the many local moths are the giant silkworm moths, including the
cythia, fawn, atlas and moon. Dragonflies and damselflies are also
common, as are wasps and metallic-coloured beetles.

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