Conservation Corner
Situated in the heart of the business zone of Central, Hong Kong Park (HKP) is not only an oasis for the public and visitors where they can enjoy fresh air and relax their body and mind in the bustling city, but also a conservation corner for butterflies, dragonflies and squirrels.
Out of around 20 000 species of butterflies recorded worldwide, China is home to around 2 100 species, and around 240 species are recorded in Hong Kong. The species of butterflies most commonly found in the urban parks of Hong Kong include skippers (Hesperiidae), swallowtails and birdwings (Papilionidae), whites and yellows (Pieridae), gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae), nymphs (Nymphalidae) and browns (Satyridae). Here at the HKP, an eco-friendly approach is adopted for routine horticultural maintenance, including minimising the use of chemicals, planting more flowering and fruit-bearing native trees, as well as reducing trimming and removal of vegetation to preserve habitats for butterflies.
Tailed Jay
Graphium agamemnon
Map Wing
Cyrestis thyodamas
Tailed Jay
Graphium agamemnon
Map Wing
Cyrestis thyodamas
Common Tiger
Danaus genutia
Have you ever seen the following butterfly species that are often found in the HKP?
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Papilionidae (Swallowtails, Birdwings)
Papilionidae (Swallowtails, Birdwings)
Papilionidae (Swallowtails, Birdwings)
Papilionidae (Swallowtails, Birdwings)
Pieridae (Whites, Yellows)
Pieridae (Whites, Yellows)
Pieridae (Whites, Yellows)
Pieridae (Whites, Yellows)
Nymphalidae (Nymphs)
Nymphalidae (Nymphs)
Nymphalidae (Nymphs)
Nymphalidae (Nymphs)
Despite its small size, Hong Kong is home to a rich variety of dragonflies. Over 130 species, including two endemic ones, i.e. Fukienogomphus choifongae and Leptogomphus hongkongensis, have been recorded in Hong Kong to date.
Hong Kong Tusktail
Fukienogomphus choifongae
Hong Kong Clubtail
Leptogomphus hongkongensis
Hong Kong Tusktail
Fukienogomphus choifongae
Hong Kong Clubtail
Leptogomphus hongkongensis
A Conservation Corner for dragonflies is set up on the Artificial Lake of the HKP. The gentle flow of water, tranquil pond surface and diversified vegetation provide an ideal habitat for dragonflies.
Have you ever seen the following dragonfly species that are often found in the HKP?
Common Bluetail
Ischnura senegalensis
Common Bluetail
Ischnura senegalensis
Orange-tailed Sprite
Ceriagrion auranticum ryukyuanum
Orange-tailed Sprite
Ceriagrion auranticum ryukyuanum
Common Red Skimmer
Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum
Common Red Skimmer
Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum
Common Blue Skimmer
Orthetrum glaucum
Common Blue Skimmer
Orthetrum glaucum
For more information on dragonflies in Hong Kong, please click the following link to access the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
The squirrels living freely in the HKP are mainly belly-banded squirrels (Callosciurus flavimanus), also known as Thai squirrels. They are native to Western Thailand and Myanmar.
Wild Squirrel
Wild Squirrels first appeared in Hong Kong in the 1960s. It is unknown whether these animals were released deliberately or escaped accidentally. They can be found in well-wooded areas on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories. They feed on insects, small animals, and the blossoms, young foliage and fruits of various kinds of trees.
