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Natural Environment of Hong Kong
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Hong Kong's topography and sub-tropical climate provide a wide range of habitats to support a rich variety of flora and fauna. Scenically, it has a great deal to offer- a landscape rising from sandy beaches and rocky foreshores to a height of almost 1,000-metre high, woodlands and hilly areas covered by open grassland and a variety of scenic vistas rarely matched in such a small place.
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In Hong Kong, there are more than 3,300 species of vascular plants, of which about 2,100 are native; 55 species of terrestrial mammals; over 570 species of birds; 90 species of reptiles and 25 amphibian species. Insect diversity is also very high with 245 species of butterflies and 132 species of dragonflies.
The objectives of conservation work:
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To conserve local flora, fauna and natural habitats through offering conservation advice on development proposals, planning strategies and environmental impact assessment; law enforcement; research and implementing biodiversity conservation plans; and identifying Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs);
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To conduct regular ecological surveys to take inventory and update the status of our biodiversity assets and to establish an ecological database for Hong Kong;
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To monitor the ecology of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site; and to develop and manage the Hong Kong Wetland Park;
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To conserve endangered species of animals and plants through controlling their international trade; and
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To promote public awareness and participation in nature conservation through publicity and educational activities.
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