WWF has commenced an exciting new research project inside Mai Po Nature Reserve in May by enlisting the help of a very unusual team member to be in charge. She is a 5-year old female Asian Water Buffalo and WWF introduced her into a 1.4 hectare freshwater marshland home, giving her 18-months to show how she can help to increase wildlife diversity inside the reserve, such as attracting Cattle Egrets, Snipe and dragonflies.

© Bena Smith / WWF

The project is based upon overseas conservation experience which has shown that buffalo can, by going about their normal carefree daily routine of treading loose the muddy pond floor, creating puddles and munching grasses, create habitat conditions for waterbirds far better than humans can.

Mr. Bena Smith, WWF Hong Kong Reserve Officer, who designed the project, said that, “WWF uses a lot of financial and staff resources every year to control aquatic vegetation, particularly in the summer months, so we really hope our new staff member can bring benefits to the Mai Po freshwater marshes and demonstrate to us the natural way to manage our ponds.”

To help the buffalo settle into her new surroundings better, and ensure she doesn’t become too wild, WWF staff give her a daily short walk around the marshland. Aside from the morning exercise routine, WWF staff carry out a daily inspection of her general physical condition looking for signs of bad health or sickness. Every couple of months she receives a full health check by a professional veterinarian who administers routine medication such as deworming lotion. Mr Smith said that ,“Her health had already improved in the short time since coming to Mai Po. She now seems much happier and there is a noticeable improvement in her skin and fur condition from eating natural vegetation and being in an outdoor environment.”

“She is an exceptionally tame and well behaved animal”, commented Mr. Smith. He added, “Our staff at Mai Po have all warmed to her easy going and inquisitive nature. She is undoubtedly a highly popular member of staff.” The new staff at Mai Po Nature Reserve does not have a name at the moment and WWF welcomes suggestions from the general public.

The project had been in the planning stages for several years and it was not until funding from the Environmental Conservation Fund was secured that the project could finally start. Special thanks also extended to Hong Kong Jockey Club, Kadoorie Farm Botanical Gardens Corporation and the Agriculture and Fisheries Conservation Department Animal Management Centre at Sheung Shui who provided essential assistance to ensure the buffalo’s safe arrival at Mai Po.

A full report about the buffalo study can be downloaded from the WWF website at http://www.wwf.org.hk/eng/maipo/updates/index.php

If you are interested to give a name for our buffalo, please send your suggestions to maipo@wwf.org.hk with your name and contact details. Deadline: 31 July 2006