Letters | Hong Kong’s buffaloes deserve an approach that secures their future
Readers discuss the benefit Lantau’s animals bring to Hong Kong, missed foot-traffic opportunities, taxi industry investments, and the Hang Seng Index
Lantau Island’s free-roaming buffaloes and cows are a special part of Hong Kong’s history. These animals are descendants of those that worked on local rice farms. When farming ended decades ago, they adapted to a free life on the island. Today, they are part of Lantau’s natural beauty and culture. Sadly, their future is at risk because of urban development and government policies, like the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s desexing programme.
Desexing, while aimed at population management, could harm the long-term survival of these iconic animals. A better approach is needed – one that both respects the animals and ensures their future on Lantau.
Protecting natural treasures like these animals is not a new idea. Over a hundred years ago, US president Theodore Roosevelt, after a famous hike with naturalist John Muir, created national parks to protect the wilderness for future generations. Hong Kong can learn from this and save the buffaloes and cows for the future.
President Xi Jinping’s words about leaving “clear waters and green mountains” to future generations also align with this vision. Preserving Lantau’s animals is a chance to protect Hong Kong’s natural heritage while balancing development with nature.
These animals also benefit people. In Hong Kong’s crowded and fast-paced society, seeing the buffaloes and cows in their natural setting offers people a peaceful escape and a connection to nature and our past. Research shows that such experiences with animals can lower stress and improve well-being.
