Mai Po Wildlife

Amphibians and Reptiles

Twenty one species of amphibians and 7 reptiles can be found at Mai Po.

The amphibians account for over 30% of the total number of frog and toad species recorded in Hong Kong. All are native species, being common and widely distributed throughout the New Territory areas in Northern Hong Kong. At Mai Po, amphibians find refuge in the numerous freshwater ponds and marsh habitats where they also reproduce in the summer months. In the breeding season, the Chinese Bullfrog Rana rugulosa and Gunther's Frog Rana guentheri can be heard calling and croaking throughout the night and egg sacs of the Brown Tree Frog are commonly found on pond edge vegetation.

The reptiles recorded in Mai Po fall into 3 groups: turtles, lizards and snakes.

© Alan Leung

Half of the six species of fresh water turtle found in Hong Kong occur at Mai Po as well as the only softshell species in Hong Kong. Among these turtles, only the Reeves' Terrapin Chinemys reevesi and the Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis are native and protected by the Wild Animal Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). By far the most abundant species inside Mai Po is the non-native Red-eared Slider, a popular pet, which is now found in most gei wai and fresh water ponds.

Five native lizards are known from Mai Po; 2 geckos, 2 skinks and 1 grass lizard. The Stump-toed Gecko Gehyra mutilate is often found on buildings such as the Mai Po Education Center and gei wai huts, particularly at night. Skinks and grass lizard like to bask on or beside the footpaths where they absorb heat from the sunshine.

There are twelve native snake species at the Reserve, all land snakes. Only five are mildly venomous or venomous and four of them are regarded as uncommon or rare in Hong Kong, including the Mangrove Water Snake Enhydris bennetti, which is only found in Inner Deep Bay and Tai O. Visitors don't often see snakes at the Reserve, but during the summer breeding season, they are occasionally seen moving across paths and cut grassy areas.

Research and monitoring on the amphibian and reptile fauna in Mai Po is carried out by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Field surveys are carried out regularly to assess populations of amphibians and reptiles.