Mai Po Wildlife

Mammals

Small Asian Mongoose © James Lam

Over 40% of Hong Kong's terrestrial mammals occur inside Mai Po. The twenty-four species include 6 species of bats, 9 large and 9 small mammals. Of particular interest is the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, a species listed as near threatened (IUCN) and believed to be restricted to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay area in southern China, and the Crab-eating Mongoose Herpestes urva which is of regional concern.

By far the most commonly encountered native mammal in the Reserve during daytime is the Small Asian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus. Individuals and sometimes small families are seen at most times of the year moving across foot paths and gei wai bunds. Japanese Pipistrele Pipistrellus abramus forage above ponds and gei wai at dusk in spring and summer months and can number over a thousand individuals per pond. Other mammals such as the Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis and Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica, are generally nocturnal and less easily seen. Domestic cats and feral dogs are unwanted intruders which can disturb and even kill other wildlife. WWF Hong Kong monitors and assists the government to control their numbers in the Reserve.

Mammal research in Mai Po Nature Reserve is carried out by a number of different organisations using infra-red cameras, small mammal traps, and both ultra-sound detectors and mist nets for bats.