Leopard Cat

Cathemeral

Carnivorous

The Leopard Cat is the only wild felid species remaining in Hong Kong and a terrestrial apex predator, vital for maintaining ecological balance. A previous KFBG study has identified at least nine wild Leopard Cat individuals on-site, making KFBG one of the areas with the highest population densities globally. Although they are widespread across KFBG, these elusive animals are not easy to spot.

Short-legged Toad

Head-body length 4 – 6 cm

Nocturnal

Insectivorous

Distinguished by horn-like projections above its upper eyelids, Short-legged Toad inhabits forest streamsides and has excellent camouflage. Males produce a distinctive “ga-ga-ga” call that can be heard at KFBG’s Walter Kerr Garden, but the toads themselves are not easy to spot.

Big-headed Turtle

Carapace length up to 20 cm

Nocturnal

Omnivorous

The Big-headed Turtle is native to Hong Kong. It has a large head with a powerful skull and jaws, and a flattened body that allows it to hide easily in rock crevices during the day. Its well-developed claws and tail, which can support its entire body weight, make it a natural climber, well adapted to Hong Kong’s steep and rocky streams.

Once widespread across the hilly streams of Southern China, it is now globally Critically Endangered due to persistent and severe poaching. In 2019, KFBG rescued a juvenile that had swallowed a poacher’s hook; after surgery and rehabilitation, it was successfully released back to the wild. In recent years, KFBG has stepped up efforts to monitor wild populations and promote freshwater turtle conservation, including micro-chipping wild individuals and identifying poaching activities to enhance protection, while also conducting basic ecological research to support the conservation of this highly threatened species.

Golden Birdwing

Wingspan 9 – 16 cm

Diurnal

The Golden Birdwing is China’s largest butterfly and a key pollinator for the rare native Hance’s Viburnum. Once heavily hunted for its striking appearance, the species is now listed as a protected species, prohibiting capture, trade and restricting specimen exports. The Indian Birthwort planted at KFBG serves as one of its larval host plants.

Mystery Pin: ???

Nocturnal

Carnivorous

This species naturally dispersed into Hong Kong from neighbouring Southern China within the last 20 years. It has now established itself at KFBG, with multiple breeding records. They are rarely seen due to their elusive behaviour.