Infographic：Look up at the sky!
【明報專訊】Owing to the unique geographical position of Hong Kong, we can observe over 550 bird species here. They constitute one-third of the total species recorded in China. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow(麻雀) is one of the most common species observed in urban areas. Can you name some other types of commonly seen birds?
◆How many Eurasian Tree Sparrow are there in urban Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) records the population of Eurasian Tree Sparrow in urban Hong Kong every year. According to the newest record, there are about 266,000 sparrows in Hong Kong.
◆How many bird species are recorded in Mai Po(米埔)?
Over 400! We can find globally endangered species like the Black-faced Spoonbill (黑面琵鷺) there. There are 361 Black-faced Spoonbills in 2020 at Deep Bay (后海灣) ( including Hong Kong and China ).
◆How many threatened species can be observed in Hong Kong?
40. Among the birds recorded in Hong Kong, almost 40 species are listed on both the Red List of Threatened Species of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Red List of China's Vertebrates (Near Threatened or above).
◆Which government department is responsible for conserving our natural environment and safeguarding ecological integrity? How does the law protect wild birds?
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
Any person who willfully disturbs, takes, removes or injures wild birds, or their nests and eggs, is committing an offence, and is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment of 1 year. Biodiversity is important, and we must take cautious steps to protect wild birds.
■Do you know?
Identify the following birds.
(See picture 4)
1. Black-faced Spoonbill
2. Eurasian Tree Sparrow
3. Crested goshawk(鳳頭鷹)
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
observe (v) 觀察
ecological (adj) 生態的
injure (v) 傷害
biodiversity(n) 生物多樣性
[Smarties' Power English 第304期]
