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Oscar Liu

Hong Kong conservation authorities have released a rescued green turtle – among the only endangered sea turtle species known to nest locally – into the city’s southern waters after placing it in veterinary care for nearly a year.
The turtle, measuring 66cm (26 inches) and weighing 39kg (86lbs), was found in October 2022 in waters near Chi Ma Wan Peninsula of Lantau Island by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) officers, and released on Monday.
Department officials conducted an initial check-up on the turtle then transferred it to Ocean Park, where it was further assessed by park veterinarians and placed under their monitoring and care.
The park concluded after 11 months that the reptile was in “in good condition and ready to be returned to the sea”, a department spokesman said on Monday.
Before its release, the turtle was tagged with a microchip for identification and a satellite transmitter was also attached to its shell to allow marine scientists to track its movements and feeding grounds in the sea.
“The AFCD can collect data for formulating appropriate conservation measures and will share its findings with agencies from other regions, so there is better conservation of green turtles through everyone’s concerted efforts,” the spokesman said.
All wild turtles, including sea turtles, are protected in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.
Engaging in activities such as hunting, disturbing, possessing, selling or exporting sea turtles can result in fines of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,800) and a prison term of one year. Specimens kept or held by offenders will also be confiscated.

Sea turtle species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – an international agreement signed by 184 parties to ensure that international trade in animals and plants does not threaten their survival in the wild – are protected under the city’s Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
The ordinance enforces penalties of up to HK$10 million, a 10-year prison term and specimen forfeiture for unauthorised sea turtle-related activities including import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession.


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Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong conservation authorities free rescued sea turtle kept for nearly a year in care

Conservation officers release the green turtle into Hong Kong’s southern waters. Photo: Handout  

The turtle is tagged for identification and a satellite transmitter attached to its shell to track its movements and feeding grounds in the sea. Photo: AFCD

HSBC’s charity arm steps up support for Mai Po wetlands with otter conservation project

HSBC supports WWF-Hong Kong’s work in Mai Po wetlands to protect Eurasian otters. The bank’s charity arm, The Hongkong Bank Foundation, has worked with WWF-Hong Kong since 1999 as part of a mission to collaborate with different stakeholders on sustainability.

Hong Kong’s Mai Po Nature Reserve, near Yuen Long, is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Eurasian otter.

An image of Eurasian otters at Mai Po, captured at night by a camera trap, which is used to help develop specific strategies to protect the species. Photo: WWF-Hong Kong/Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.

Dog trainer Garay Wong (left), Maggie Kwok, WWF-Hong Kong’s project manager (centre), and Bonnie Yip, HSBC’s senior corporate sustainability manager for Asia-Pacific, with Aljo, a dog which can help detect Eurasian otters’ faeces in Mai Po.

The Hongkong Bank Foundation

Hong Kong’s nocturnal wildlife on view in a Kadoorie Farm night walk

A bicoloured stream snake, one of the species spotted on a night walk at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. Photo: Mabel Lui

The Asian common toad is the most widespread amphibian species in Hong Kong, and can be seen on a Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden night walk. Photo: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

KFBG’s night walk begins with an introduction to the nocturnal animals in its conservation area. Photo: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Gary Ades, head of KFBG’s fauna conservation department, came up with the idea for the night safari – predecessor of the night walk – in the early 2000s. Photo: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Yang Jianhuan, KFBG conservation manager, takes visitors on night walks to see the nocturnal wildlife in its conservation area. Photo: Jonathan Wong

A vibrant green cascade frog at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. Photo: Mabel Lui

Bamboo snakes are among the reptiles which can be spotted on KFBG’s night walks. Photo: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Manis the leopard cat lives in an enclosure at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden because it was born in a zoo. Nine wild leopard cats have been counted in the KFBG conservation area. Photo: Jonathan Wong

A Hong Kong newt, one of the amphibians that can be seen during KFBG’s night walk. Photo: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department found injured turtle in local waters in October 2022 and will continue to track its progress


Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department found injured turtle in local waters in October 2022 and will continue to track its progress.
