Talk of the town：Diverse range of wildlife in Hong Kong
【明報專訊】You may be accustomed to the urban landscapes of Hong Kong, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. However, hidden within the city's concrete jungle is a world of extraordinary biodiversity. Hong Kong is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including some fascinating wild animals that roam its woods, wetlands, and hills.
Wild boars in Hong Kong
One of the most well-known wild animals in Hong Kong is the wild boar. These sturdy creatures, with their distinctive tusks and bristly fur, can always be found in hills and woods. Some wild boars can wander into urban areas in search of food, causing disturbances and damaging crops or other personal property.
Before the implementation of the new policy in 2021, the government took a more lenient approach towards dealing with the wild boar's problem in Hong Kong. After wild boars were captured, they would be sterilized or given contraception measures, before being released back to their original location or relocated to areas far away from residential areas. The AFCD introduced new measures in November 2021 to address the issue of wild boars in urban areas. When reports of wild boar sightings in urban or residential areas are received, the AFCD takes action to capture boars by using dart guns with anaesthetics to catch the wild boars and then handle them in a "humane manner".
Protect our wild animals
There are many protected wild animals in Hong Kong, such as bats, Chinese pangolins, barking deers and monkeys. To protect wildlife and their habitats, citizens are prohibited to hunt, intentionally disturb, sell, export, or possess these protected wild animals. The maximum punishment can be a fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.
Do not feed wild animals!
Feeding wild animals can have negative consequences. It disrupts their natural behaviour and can disturb the balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, it can lead to environmental hygiene and nuisance issues. Anyone who feeds the wild animals can face a maximum fine of $10,000.
■Glossary
bustling (adj) 熙熙攘攘的
tusks (n) 長牙
wander (v) 遊盪
anaesthetic (n) 麻醉劑
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[Smarties' Power English 第407期]
