Breeding raptors
With the recent completion of purpose-built raptor breeding cages at KFBG, we can begin a new, more formal, raptor breeding programme, with the ultimate aim of helping to conserve selected rare birds of prey. Breeding from wild birds of prey (as opposed to birds that were themselves captive-bred) can be very difficult as it takes a long time for these nervous animals to feel comfortable enough to nest and mate. For example, in 1996 we bred (and later released) two offspring from a Eurasian Kestrel. She had been in captivity for seven years and therefore had become accustomed to a captive life.
Our breeding cages are designed to minimize disturbance to the birds and therefore reduce the length of this 'settling in' period. Furthermore, we will select for the first, experience-building phase of our breeding programme birds that we currently hold that have already shown signs of being likely breeders. These include:
- Collared Scops Owl (Otus lempiji). Two of our females nested and laid eggs in 1996 and 1997, but these proved to be infertile.
- Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides). Our female first laid and incubated eggs in her 3rd year of captivity in 1997 and has continued to do so every year. We are hoping to acquire a mate for her shortly.
- Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo). One of our birds, admitted in 1994, has begun to nest this year.
- Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus). Our pair appear to be very compatible and often roost side by side. The female, admitted in 1989, although showing no signs of nesting or incubating, has laid 1 or 2 eggs every year since 1997.
It must be noted that all the above behaviour has occurred in cages on display to the public, so we have high hopes of success once these birds are placed in the new secluded breeding cages. All birds mentioned above are native resident species found in Hong Kong that cannot be released to the wild as a result of their injuries.
In future, before any species is placed in a breeding programme at KFBG, a meeting will be held by relevant staff and consultants to determine the conservation and scientific value of breeding that species. We hope to gain valuable experience from breeding the above birds, which can then be put to use in collaboration with other conservation organizations, to share our experiences and help with worthwhile breeding projects.
Rupert Griffiths
Conservation OfficerBreeding turtles
One of our 10 Black Pond Turtles Geoclemys hamiltoni (CITES I) laid 22 eggs on 18 April. Unfortunately, most of the eggs have some shell damage, although none are leaking. They have been removed for artificial incubation.
Currently, only 110 individuals of this species are listed in captivity in world zoos by the International Species Information System (ISIS), and there have been no births in the last six months. Hence our egg clutch represents a potentially important development in the captive breeding of this CITES I species.
Rehabilitation of Blackfaced Spoonbill
On 15 January a Black-faced Spoonbill from Mai Po Marshes was admitted for veterinary assessment and rehabilitation. The spoonbill had been caught and fitted with a radio monitoring device to allow the tracking of the migration route of the critically endangered bird. It was successfully rehabilitated and later released at Mai Po Marshes on 20 January.
Blyth's Kingfisher comes to Hong Kong!
On 4 May 1999 the SPCA were called to collect a weak and grounded bird from an area near the Hung Hom railway station. The bird was delivered the next day to KFBG where rehabilitation staff rapidly enlisted the help of Lee Kwok Shing for identification of this non-resident species. It turned out to be a Blyth's Kingfisher which, after receiving rest, warmth and fluid-therapy, began to perk up. Its only other problem appeared to be ulceration to the surface of both eyes, which is clearing up rapidly with treatment. Once it is recovered and quarantined we will be considering the purchase of a one-way ticket back to China. Quite how it got here in the first place remains a mystery, although its proximity to Kowloon Railway Station has given rise to speculation that it came in by train.
Paul Crow
Conservation OfficerKadoorie beetles
At least 14 new species of rove beetles (Saphylinidae) have been described from KFBG and KARC recently. They were collected between 1990 and 1997 by Gary Ades, Graham Reels and Guillaume de Rougemont.
Update on constructed wetland project
The new constructed wetland system (CWS) for treating wastewater at KFBG is up and running. A practical design was chosen - one that emphasized low cost, low technology and the use of locally available aquatic plant life. Phragmites australis reeds were gathered, with kind permission, from the Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve. Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) came from an organic farm on Lamma Island. Remaining plants for the system were found in ponds at KFBG -Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce), Lemna minor (duckweed), and the floating ferns Salvinia and Azolla.
These aquatic plants, transplanted into the CWS ponds, are specifically chosen for their ability to assist in the biological treatment of wastewater, whether by absorption of nutrients or their ability to transfer oxygen from their leaf to their root system.
Alternating aerobic and anaerobic environments work together to remove nitrogen from wastewater. Phosphorous is reduced as it chemically binds to crushed brick - the substrate used in the reed beds. BOD and phosphorous removal are relatively quick processes requiring an aerobic environment, while nitrogen transformation takes a longer period. The retention of wastewater in the CWS allows for this treatment to take place.
The system also fosters the growth of organisms such as zooplankton that feed on bacteria, and dragonfly nymphs and aquatic beetles which feed on mosquito larvae. Brown Tree Frogs have deposited spawn at several locations in the system. Eventually a functioning ecosystem will develop, which will aid in wastewater treatment.
At present, a walkway is being constructed for observation and education purposes and it is expected that the CWS will be open to visitors in June.
Energy Conservation Programme
A programme is under way at KFBG to reduce the present power consumption, involving the modification of all buildings that use energy. Individual building shells will receive particular attention during renovation work to ensure that highest efficiencies are achieved in thermal protection. At the same time the use of environmentally friendly materials will be promoted in conjunction with an innovative approach involving appropriate technology applications.
Electrical appliances have received a thorough audit resulting in plans for many of these to be replaced with latest technology units that have greater efficiency. 'Energy-saver' adaptors for these appliances will further reduce power consumption.
An important aspect of the programme will be to develop educational features at KFBG that highlight and promote the conservation of energy, and the ensuing environmental benefits.
David Sanders
Horticulture OfficerUpdate on SCBT activities
From 3 to 25 March, John Fellowes was joined by Prof. Zhou Shanyi of Guangxi Normal University. Prof. Zhou is the only other ant specialist active in the coastal China tropics, and his collaborative visit has greatly facilitated the synthesis and progress of ant taxonomy in the region.
In April, Billy Hau and John Fellowes attended the fourth China-Taiwan Convention on National Parks and Protected Areas, in Taipei. We joined a delegation from the mainland led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Vice-President Prof. Chen Yi-yu, and with a number of leading officials from the State Forestry Administration. After the symposium the delegation visited several of Taiwan's National Parks, scenic areas and museums. Thanks to wide public support Taiwan invests a great deal in its protected areas, particularly in educational facilities which are world-class. During the trip we discussed with Prof. Li Bosheng, of Beijing institute of Botany, plans for a study on eco-tourism in South China's nature reserves.
KFBG is funding a postgraduate student registered at Guangxi Normal University (GNU) to undertake research on the regionally threatened Forest Musk Deer, Moschus berezovskii. He is co-supervised by Prof. Xu Hungfa of the East China Normal University at Shanghai, and Prof. Lu Liren of GNU. In addition, we have provided tuition fees at Edinburgh University for Mr. Li Zhaoyuan to complete his Ph.D. research on the endangered White-headed Leaf Monkeys of Guangxi.
John Fellowes
Senior Conservation OfficerThe 16th World Orchid Conference
The l6th World Orchid Conference was held in Vancouver from April 22nd to May 3rd. This tri-annual event is one of the most important gatherings of horticulturists and scientists in the orchid world, and more than 400 delegates from all around the world attended this event. The Conference was composed of 2 main elements - an extensive exhibition of orchid displays and sessions of lectures. This year Conservation was the theme of the whole event - there were some special poster displays on conservation works in the main exhibition arena and also conservation topics were presented in the opening plenary sessions. All lectures were by invitation and a total number of about 70 speakers gave talks on horticultural and scientific topics. The latter covered topics such as taxonomy, anatomy, molecular biology, germplasm preservation and conservation actions worldwide (e.g. China, India, Peru and Mexico etc.). We were invited to present a lecture in the first day's conservation session and the title was "Orchid Conservation initiatives in Southern China". There was also a display of poster papers of interesting topics in different fields.
On April 30th the Orchid Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of IUCN held a meeting during the course of the conference, as many of the OSG members were in attendance. Altogether about 40 OSG members came to Vancouver and turned up at the meeting, which was chaired by Dr. Phillip Cribb of Kew Garden, who is also the Chairman of the OSG. Being members of the OSG, we both attended this meeting, during which the role and strategy of the OSG was discussed. A main direction of work of OSG in the near future is to form regional networks to facilitate communication, sharing experience in conservation and organized collaborative actions within a region by the members together.
This conference provided a good opportunity for us to meet other orchid experts and enthusiasts, especially those in the Asian region, and learn about their work. We also had a glimpse of the latest developments in orchid studies in the world.
Altogether 3 speakers talked about orchids in China and all shared the same feeling that orchid diversity in China is important for the region and there is an urgent need to act on conservation practices now. Overall the conference gave us many new ideas and stimulation for orchid conservation work in this region in the future.
Lawrence Chau
Manager, Flora Conservation & SCBT &
Gloria Siu
Senior Conservation OfficerP.4-6
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