【明報專訊】A masked palm civet (果子狸) was found wandering at Central(中環). Like bats, squirrels, green turtles and leopard cats, etc., civets are specified in the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance and are protected by law. Any person who contravenes the regulations of the Ordinance shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK＄100,000 and to imprisonment for 1 year.

Hong Kong has a wide variety of habitats which contribute to the diversity of local fauna especially birds and insects. However, urbanization may cause environmental degradation or loss of habitats. The government protect the natural environment through legislation and the activities of its conservation staff.(Sources: Ming Pao, AFCD)

■Game １

Pat is shocked to see this animal run into a shopping mall. It is the largest wild animal in Hong Kong and is not protected under law. It is often found in the rural areas in Sai Kung, Tai Lam Chung and Sha Tau Kok.

Do you know what is it?

(Answers on next text)

■Game ２

Apart from humans, macaques (獼猴) are the only wild primates (靈長類動物) found in Hong Kong and they are protected under the law. Eason violates the feeding restriction and shares his bananas to his new friends. Count the number of bananas eaten.

■English highway﹕

Fauna (動物群)

Fauna refers to all the animals living in an area or in a particular period of history.

e.g. The documentary features the fauna of the African plains.

■Glossary

contravene (v) 違犯

conviction (n) 定罪

degradation (n) 惡化

conservation (n) 保育

[Smarties' Power English 第195期]