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42-540: Lung Fu Shan Country Park , established 18 December 1998, is a country park in the Central and Western District of Hong Kong . It covers the densely vegetated slopes of Lung Fu Shan ( aka. Hill Above Belcher's), and includes the disused Pinewood Battery as well as the Pinewood Garden picnic area, providing a scenic backdrop to the residential and commercial districts of Hong Kong Island . In proximity to

84-1179: A Country and Marine Parks Board to advise the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation, who, like the Country and Marine Parks Authority, is responsible for all matters on Country Parks and Special Areas. A total of 24 country parks have been designated. The country parks and special areas cover a total area of 440 km . Country Parks are designated for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside recreation, and outdoor education. The country parks comprise scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, and coastlines in all parts of Hong Kong. The parks include Tai Mo Shan , Pat Sin Leng mountain range, Ma On Shan , Lion Rock , Sai Kung Peninsula , forest plantations at Shing Mun and Tai Lam , Shek Lei Pui Reservoir group, and Lantau Island . Several islands, such as Ping Chau in Mirs Bay , are included, and Hong Kong Island has six Country Parks. The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) manages

126-674: A Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. This area is also one of the East Asian – Australasian Shorebird Reserve Network participants. See also: List of Hong Kong amphibians . Hong Kong has over 100 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among them, over 40 species are snakes. Most snakes in Hong Kong are harmless, and there have been very few cases of known bites by highly venomous snakes. There are nine species of chelonians found in Hong Kong, of which

168-404: A collection of fruit-bearing and amenity trees, vegetables, rocks and minerals, and other local vegetation, established for nature education. The Shing Mun Arboretum has a collection of about 300 plant species. Along with nature trails and tree walks, there are on-site interpretative signs for those who wish to study nature. AFCD has also set up a website and several fax-on-demand lines to provide

210-512: A day when conditions are particularly bad. In 1986, a 34-hour blaze destroyed 282,500 trees at Shing Mun and Tai Mo Shan and ravaged 7.4 km of countryside. Fire is the greatest threat to the country parks. Litter is another problem. One of the major tasks of park management is to collect litter left by the visitors which in 2001 totalled some 3,850 tonnes. With such problems in mind, the Country and Marine Parks Authority has provided barbecue pits and litter bins located strategically throughout

252-473: A significant role in supporting the studies on taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of Hong Kong flora. Established in 1878, it houses approximately 48,000 plant specimens and is equipped with a specialized library to support its function. Efforts have been made to conserve rare and endangered plant species. In addition to habitat protection, they are also conserved through the following approaches. Larger wild mammals are declining in Hong Kong, mainly because of

294-399: A transition to shrubland under drier conditions or during early stages of primary or secondary succession . Higher-density areas of trees with a largely closed canopy that provides extensive and nearly continuous shade are often referred to as forests . Extensive efforts by conservationist groups have been made to preserve woodlands from urbanization and agriculture . For example,

336-486: Is a major stopover point for Asia's bird migration routes. The wide varieties of local habitats, including wetlands , grasslands , woodlands , seashores , and farmlands , contribute to the diversity of the birds. There are over 490 species of wild birds, including residents, winter visitors, passage migrants, and summer visitors recorded in Hong Kong. Some of these are globally endangered species, such as Black-faced Spoonbill. About 120 species have been recorded breeding in

378-540: Is a total ban on the lighting of fires in the woodland area. This is Hong Kong's best site for forest birding, with species including chestnut bulbul , scarlet and grey-throated minivets , orange-bellied leafbird , fork-tailed sunbird , and scarlet-backed flowerpecker . Several species that were certainly or probably escapees from captivity have become established here – for instance, velvet-fronted nuthatch , blue-winged manila , and silver-eared mesia . Migrants occur here, especially during spring and autumn, and winter;

420-713: Is exceptionally diverse. Though primarily tropical, it is an admixture of the tropical South China Sea and temperate Chinese forms because of the seasonal fluctuations of warm and cold water and monsoon weather conditions. Of an estimated 1,800 species of fish on the South China continental shelf, clupeoids, croakers, and sea breams are the dominant groups in Hong Kong waters. Farther offshore, golden thread, big-eyes, and others are also highly valued to fishermen. Marine invertebrates are also abundant – ranging from corals and mollusks to crustaceans. There are 84 species of stony corals in Hong Kong. The richest coral communities prevail to

462-423: Is given when developments in or near these sites are proposed. For example, San Chau and Ngong Ping at Lantau have been listed as SSSIs in recognition of the largest population of Rhododendron champion and Romer's Tree Frog (Philautus Romero) in Hong Kong, respectively. Tree Frogs normally appear in Hong Kong. The flora of Hong Kong is diverse in character and surprisingly numerous in species. Many typical species of

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504-463: Is to maintain and take care of nature through education by working together with the University, Government, and the community. Its main goal is to provide accessible education to the community, so that they can grow and become closer to nature On top of building public awareness and education, the centre is now carrying out Citizen Science projects. Their first BioBlitz was held in 2017, with

546-635: Is used in British nature conservation to refer to any wooded land that has existed since 1600, and often (though not always) for thousands of years, since the last Ice Age (equivalent to the American term old-growth forest ) Woodlot is a closely related term in American forest management , which refers to a stand of trees generally used for firewood. While woodlots often technically have closed canopies, they are so small that light penetration from

588-900: The Atlas moth ( Attacus atlas ) is outstanding for its large size with a wingspan up to 30 centimeters. In contrast, the Chinese moon moth ( Actias ningpoana ) is eye-catching for its long hindwing tails. Endemic moth species include Athletes hongkongensis , Agia purpurea , Athletes bispurca , and Egira ambigua . The dragonfly fauna is diverse, with over 110 species recorded, some of which are endemic to Hong Kong. Hong Kong also has 235 species of ants, 17 species of praying mantids, 31 species of cockroaches, six species of flea, 78 species of mosquitoes, and 124 species of grasshoppers. 4,583 species are plant-eating (phytophagous), and over 1,000 species are beneficial insects either preying on or existing as parasites over other pests. The marine fauna of Hong Kong

630-661: The Mid-levels and the Western District , Lung Fu Shan is intensively used by members of the public, especially by morning walkers and picnickers. It is situated to the north of Pok Fu Lam Country Park . Towards the east of Lung Fu Shan Country Park is Hatton Road , to the south is Harlech Road whereas to the north and west is a covered conduit constructed by the Waterworks Office . This country park covers an area of about 47 hectares (120 acres), making it

672-454: The greater coucal , great barbet , Chinese bulbul , crested mynah , spotted dove and black-eared kite ; and a large variety of insects and about 240 species of butterflies . Over 500 bird nest boxes have been introduced into country parks to enhance the breeding of birds. The Tai Po Kau Special Area is a nature reserve and caters to those who wish to study tree, plant, bird, and insect life and provide pleasant and interesting walks. There

714-597: The 100 participants and volunteers observing 151 species in Lung Fu Shan Country Park with the guidance of 11 experts. In 2018 this was expanded to separate BioBlitz surveys into four animal groups: Birds; Butterflies, (other) Insects, and Amphibians and Reptiles The Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail is a 2,750-metre (3,010 yd)-long trail on the Peak. Signs on the trail offer information about safe hiking. The trail starts at Pinewood Garden and proceeds through

756-482: The Green Turtle is of particular interest in that it is the only known species of sea turtle breeding locally. The nesting site of Green Turtles at Sham Wan of Lamma Island was designated a restricted area in 1999 to protect the species during the breeding season. Hong Kong has a total of 23 species of amphibians. The Hong Kong Cascade Frog, Hong Kong Newt, and the endemic Romer's Tree Frog have been listed under

798-642: The New Territories. The Government's increasing concern with the protection of the natural environment has been demonstrated both by legislation and by the activities of its conservation staff. Game hunting is prohibited. About 38 percent of land in Hong Kong has been designated as country parks and special areas which provide statutory protection for the habitats of our diverse flora and fauna. In addition, 67 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) have been listed to recognize these sites' scientific importance and ensure that due consideration to conservation

840-466: The Pinewood Battery, a few barbecue sites, a number of shelters, a flight of steps, and a stretch of steep road before arriving at the junction of Harlech Road and Hatton Road. It takes about 60 minutes to hike the entire trail. Pinewood Battery is a disused military site constructed around 1903, which has been preserved within the country park. The park has interpretive signage illustrating

882-472: The Southeast Asian tropical flora are seen here at the limit of their northern distribution range. More than 3,100 species and varieties of vascular plants have been recorded in Hong Kong, approximately 2,100 of which are native, and the rest are of exotic origin. Many species of plants in Hong Kong are noteworthy for the beauty or fragrance of their blossoms. Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)

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924-700: The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance due to their rarity. A site that supports the largest population of the Romer's Tree Frog – part of Ngong Ping on Lantau Island was also designated as SSSI in May 1999. Hong Kong has rich insect fauna. At least 6,784 species have been recorded so far, and 700 additional species are expected to be found. About 240 butterfly species, including the beautiful swallowtails and birdwings ( Troides Helena and Troides Aeacus ). Of over 2,000 moth species recorded,

966-695: The chief executive in council. The 47-hectare country park, the 23rd in Hong Kong, was formally designated on 18 December 1998. Situated on Kotewall Road and near University Drive. Established in 2008 by the Hong Kong University and the Environmental Protection Department , the Environmental Education Visitor Centre has been set up to address environmental challenges through collaborative and constructive actions. Its mission

1008-591: The east of Hong Kong, where the waters are both sheltered and free from the influence of the Pearl River. Marine mammals, the Chinese White Dolphin, and Finless Porpoise are resident species and can be found year-round. All cetaceans are protected in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. More than 120 species of native freshwater fish were recorded, of which about 30 primary freshwater species spend their entire lives in freshwaters. Of

1050-417: The edge makes them ecologically closer to woodland than forest. North American forests vary widely in their ecology and are greatly dependent on abiotic factors such as climate and elevation. Much of the old-growth deciduous and pine-dominated forests of the eastern United States was harvested for lumber, paper pulp, telephone poles, creosote, pitch, and tar. In Australia, a woodland is defined as an area with

1092-582: The fringes of country parks to in an attempt solve issues of housing in Hong Kong . Earlier in 2018, when the proposal was discussed, the Liber Research Community found almost 730 hectares of available land on brownfield sites, which would negate the need to build housing in country parks. Special Areas are created mainly for the purpose of nature conservation, inside or outside Country Parks. List of Special Areas outside Country Parks: The Marine Parks Ordinance protects and conserves

1134-425: The globally near-threatened Japanese paradise flycatcher occurs annually in small numbers. Fire is the major hazard and it bedevils park management for about six months every year. This is the time of the cool, dry winter when many people like to spend a day out in the hills-especially at weekends and public holidays. In a normal fire season there can be as many as 300 hill fires in the parks with five to seven fires

1176-564: The hills and the woodlands for visitors. Major paths are being improved and waymarked through the hilly terrain. The four long-distance hiking trails are considered to be popular among hikers: Increasing emphasis is being given to facilities to help visitors enjoy and understand the countryside. Aberdeen , Plover Cove , Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay , Shing Mun, and Tai Mo Shan have established six visitor centers. The Lions Nature Education Centre at Tsiu Hang Special Area in Sai Kung has

1218-498: The historical significance of the battery. Some visitors have illegally used the site for wargaming . To prevent further damage to the battery, the Country and Marine Parks Authority of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) erected a warning sign, stating that "using or possession of any firearm, airgun, propelling or releasing instrument are prohibited". However, many plastic BB bullets are still found on

1260-567: The increased urbanization. Civets , leopard cats , and Chinese porcupines are seen occasionally at night in the New Territories. Indian muntjac (also called barking deer) are uncommon but are heard and seen in wooded areas. There are wild boars in some remote areas, occasionally causing damage to crops. Unlike others, rhesus macaques are easily seen in Kam Shan Country Park. Visitors are reminded not to feed these wild animals as uncontrolled feeding has led to unnatural growth of

1302-479: The marine environment and a rich collection of aquatic animals and plants, such as corals, seagrasses, and dolphins. The ordinance also provides the legal framework for the designation, control, and management of marine parks and reserves. The Marine Parks and Marine Reserve Regulation allows the prohibition and control of certain activities in marine parks and marine reserves. A wide variety of animal and plant life can be found in large areas of Hong Kong, especially in

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1344-399: The monkey population and caused nuisances. A feeding ban has been implemented and enforced in the area since July 1999 to help the monkeys revert to foraging natural food in the natural environment. Smaller mammals such as squirrels, the woodland shrew, house shrew, and bats are common in rural areas. As of 2005, some 54 species of terrestrial mammals have been recorded in Hong Kong. Hong Kong

1386-527: The park areas for the visitors. The Authority also prosecutes anyone found littering, damaging facilities or lighting fires outside the approved barbecue sites in the Country Parks. A number of management centres have been established in strategic locations within the Country Parks from which construction, maintenance and protection services are provided. In May 2021, CY Leung revived an earlier plan to build housing on less than 100 hectares of land on

1428-465: The parks and is responsible for tree planting, litter collection, fire fighting, development control, and recreation and education facilities. The country parks are popular with all community sectors, with about 13.5 million visitors recorded in 2011. Park facilities provided in recreational sites include tables and benches, barbecue pits, litter bins, children's play equipment, shelters, campsites, and toilets. Footpaths and family walks provide access to

1470-546: The primary freshwater fish, cyprinids are dominant. [ citation needed ] There are four freshwater crab species described and recorded from Hong Kong, and so far considered endemics: Three potamids , of which two belong to the genus Nanhaipotamon ( N. hongkongense and N.aculatum ) and one to the genus Cryptopotamon ( C. anacoluthon ), and one gecarcinucid , Somanniathelphusa zanklon .[1] Woodland Woodlands may support an understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants including grasses . Woodland may form

1512-808: The public with information about country parks. Furthermore, community-involved conservation programs such as the Corporate Afforestation Scheme, School Visit Programme, Guided Walks, and many other voluntary services have been organized. In 2004, more than 200,000 people participated in these conservation programs. The parks and the special areas contain various vegetation, including native and introduced tree species such as camphor laurel ( Cinnamomum camphora ) , Machilus , Schima , Acacia , slash pine , and Brisbane box . There are also animals such as barking deer , rhesus macaques , long-tailed macaques , wild boar , civet , pangolin , Chinese porcupine , and squirrel ; birds such as

1554-662: The site. The View Compass commands an excellent vistas of the western part of the territory and the Victoria Harbour . 22°16′38″N 114°08′09″E  /  22.27730°N 114.13571°E  / 22.27730; 114.13571 Conservation in Hong Kong#Country parks Out of the total 1,092 km of land in Hong Kong , three-quarters is countryside, with various landscapes including beaches, woodlands , and mountain ranges being found within

1596-502: The small territory. Most of Hong Kong's parks have abundant natural diversity, usually containing over 1,000 species of plants. To conserve and, where appropriate, open up the countryside for the greater enjoyment of the population, the Country Parks Ordinance was enacted in 1976 to provide a legal framework for the designation, development, and management of Country Parks and Special Areas. It provides for establishing

1638-496: The smallest country park in Hong Kong. In 1993, a government planning study (the Territorial Development Strategy Review) identified the area as a potential site for a new country park. The Country and Marine Parks Authority prepared a draft map of the proposed Lung Fu Shan Country Park, which was published for public inspection on 5 June 1998. In November 1998, the draft map was approved by

1680-423: The territory. The Mai Po Marshes are listed as a restricted area, and access is restricted to permit holders. This mudflat, mangrove , and shrimp ponds area is the richest habitat for migratory birds. More than 320 species of birds have been recorded in the area, and about 120 of these are rarely seen elsewhere in the territory. The Marshes form part of the 15 km Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site, listed in 1995 as

1722-646: The woodlands of Northwest Indiana have been preserved as part of the Indiana Dunes . Woodland is used in British woodland management to mean tree-covered areas which arose naturally and which are then managed. At the same time, forest is usually used in the British Isles to describe plantations , usually more extensive, or hunting Forests , which are a land use with a legal definition and may not be wooded at all. The term ancient woodland

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1764-476: Was discovered in 1908 at Pok Fu Lam . It is among the finest of the Bauhinia genus anywhere in the world. The bauhinia flower is prominently featured on the flag of Hong Kong . It is widely planted – being propagated by cuttings since its seeds are usually sterile. AFCD's Hong Kong Herbarium is responsible for the systematic collection, identification, and curation of Hong Kong flora plant specimens. It plays

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