WWF, in cooperation with the Lantau Bovine Association (LBA), introduces a new buffalo into Mai Po Nature Reserve to begin the second phase of the Buffalo Wetland Management Research Project. The aim is to demonstrate that buffaloes can be an effective and appropriate management tool for creating a unique habitat attractive to some of Hong Kong's iconic waterbird species, some of whose numbers are decreasing, as well as reducing site management costs.

"We are always seeking opportunities to be more resourceful at the Reserve, especially within the current economic climate. Buffaloes have enormous potential in this respect and the project will provide scientific-based information to answer this" said Bena Smith, WWF Hong Kong Mai Po Reserve Manager. He added "the project could have wider implications for conservation managed wetlands in Hong Kong and across the border which add to the importance of the project".

Based upon overseas conservation experience, in 2006 WWF commenced the Buffalo Wetland Management Research Project, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, by introducing a female Asian Water Buffalo - 'Siu Mai' - into Mai Po Nature Reserve. 'Siu Mai' was then given 18-months to graze, roam and trample freely within an enclosed 1.8 hectare freshwater habitat to show her worth and to put the case forward for more of her kind at Mai Po.

Indeed she did so by controlling and diversifying the height of grass better than human management methods and, by creating a favorable habitat for birds, increased bird abundance and species density to levels comparable with human management methods.

The initial study provided valuable insight into the impact water buffalo have on the Mai Po wetlands. To further investigate buffalo impact, and answer questions such as what is an appropriate grazing density for Mai Po? Can buffalo attract locally declining waterbird species such as Greater Painted Snipe, Grey Headed Lapwing and Cattle Egret? And can buffalo create a shorter grass sward in winter to benefit duck? WWF obtained a male buffalo from the Pui O area on Lantau Island through the LBA. In preparation for his arrival, the buffalo shelter in southern Mai Po has been enlarged to accommodate him and the existing buffalo 'Siu Mai'.

"With the paddy fields being abandoned, the local buffaloes lost their home and just roamed around the countryside. Also, the increasing population in South Lantau has brought continuous threats and harmful conditions to not only the original ecological environment, but also to buffaloes. With this 12-month project, the LBA aims to study how the environment affects living creatures by relocating a buffalo from Pui O to Mai Po. During the project period, the physical condition of this buffalo will be closely monitored, and his condition will be compared to that of the 8 selected members remaining on Lantau. We hope the project can be adopted in more wetlands in Hong Kong and remind people of the contributions made by our local 'friends of farming' to the community." said Loy Ho, the Chairwoman of the Lantau Bovine Association.

WWF has launched a naming competition for the new buffalo and members of the public can submit online suggestions until the end of August. The winner will be given a chance to visit "Siu Mai" and her new companion at the internationally important wetland.
For details, please visit: http://www.wwf.org.hk/chi/whatsnew/buffalo.php