Sai Kung Archipelago
by Thomas Gomersall
For many Hong Kongers, the islands off the sleepy seaside town of Sai Kung are the perfect places for sunbathing, splashing around and boating. But for nature lovers, these islands can also be an ideal place to find some of our most elusive, extraordinary and often overlooked wildlife. So hop on a sampan, break out your fins and binoculars, and see how many of the following species you can spot in the sky and sea.
White Bellied Sea Eagle: With striking black and white plumage and a wingspan that can be as long as two metres, this enormous bird is easily one of Hong Kong’s most awe-inspiring raptors. Despite its size however, it feeds largely on fish, which it dives for in calm, sheltered waters. While 10 pairs of white bellied sea eagle nest in Hong Kong, Sai Kung offers the most reliable sightings. The breeding pair here nest on Yeung Chau Island, which is easily visible from the waterfront between the old pier and the golf course car park, and can often be seen soaring above the island or perching on top of its trees.
Finless Porpoise: With the plight of the Chinese White Dolphin so often making headlines, it is easy to forget that there is another endangered marine mammal in Hong Kong: the finless porpoise. The waters off Sai Kung are a stronghold for this animal. Despite this, it is very difficult to spot one as not only is it very shy, its dark colouration and lack of a dorsal fin help it to blend in with the waves when it surfaces to breathe. One sign of its presence are its vertebrae, which are sometimes found washed up on island beaches. All the same, keep an eye on the water. You might just get lucky!
Black Naped Tern: During the summer months, many species of tern will visit eastern Hong Kong to breed on the offshore islands, particularly in the Sai Kung archipelago. Among the most common of these species is the black naped tern. Easily recognisable by its white body with a black streak circling the back of its head from eye to eye, it can often be seen flying over Sai Kung harbour and behind boats.
Horned Nosed Boxfish: Named for the pointed tip above its mouth, this bizarre spotted fish is found in boulder reefs, sandy habitats and (occasionally) coral reefs, where it feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. While at first glance it may seem to have little in the way of natural defences, it has a sneaky trick up its sleeve. When threatened, special cells in its skin secrete a toxin into the water that poisons its predator and any other marine animals unlucky enough to be nearby. Though not a common fish, it can be seen in the coral reefs off Sharp Island.
Lined Butterflyfish: Clearwater Bay is a sanctuary for many reef-dwelling fish in Hong Kong, including the lined butterflyfish. Unlike many butterflyfish species, you are unlikely to find one of these in a pet shop for exotic fish as its diet of coral polyps and anemones make it very difficult to keep in captivity. In Hong Kong’s wild, it is moderately common in coral reefs in Port Shelter.
