The Natural Environment, Plants & Animals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's rich biodiversity is both the advantage of its location and wise management of resources. Here you can learn more about the natural environment of Hong Kong, the species within its borders, informative websites maintained by Government departments, and the Hong Kong biodiversity database.

The Natural Environment, Plants and Animals

Although renowned as a compact urban centre, Hong Kong has over a thousand kilometres of rugged coastline, mountain ranges and country parks. So not surprisingly it is home to an impressive range of wildlife. Straddling the transition zone between the tropics and the temperate region, its biodiversity is greater than usually found in such a small area. Approximately 3,300 species of plants, 55 species of terrestrial mammals, 115 species of amphibians and reptiles, 200 species of freshwater fish, 133 dragonfly species and 245 butterfly species make their homes here. With over 580 species recorded, Hong Kong also boasts one third of the total bird species in China. Humans are only a small part of the environment, but we need to do what we can to protect the rest.

Butterflies in Hong Kong's Urban Parks

A particular aspect of Hong Kong's environment that is attracting more attention all of the time is the large variety of butterfly species in our urban parks. You don't have to travel far to see the best of nature on offer. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department maintains a dedicated website on butterflies in Hong Kong's urban parks. You will be able to find information on specific habitats and species, what food they eat and how to watch them.

Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub is a web-based platform for providing a one-stop shop for information on biodiversity (species descriptions, photos and videos, educational materials and activities, occurrence records, etc.) of Hong Kong. It is managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, with its content and data contributed and maintained by the Department and its collaborators/partners. The Department also publishes an informative biodiversity newsletter that is available on the site.

Hong Kong Biodiversity Online

Hong Kong Biodiversity Online is an initiative of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department that contains detailed information on the animal and plant species in Hong Kong, categorised into mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish, butterflies, dragonflies, plants and mangrove fauna. Each section provides an introduction to the taxa group, as well as information about the respective conservation measures and tips and codes for observation.