Butterfly
   Hotspots
Survey

Hong Kong is home to over 260 butterfly species, accounting for one-tenth of all butterfly species in China. We collect butterfly data in various hotspots across Hong Kong to build up Hong Kong Butterfly Inventory. Through the surveys, we are able to effectively monitor environmental change and expose environmental damage at the earliest opportunity.

On the other hand, there are still many butterfly rich areas in Hong Kong yet to be discovered. Our survey helps to find out these areas so that we can protect the valuable butterfly habitats.

By making use of the concept of “citizen scientist”, we train the public to become Butterfly Surveyors and participate in butterfly conservation first hand. They are important human resources for local conservation in the long run.

The collected data is used to build up Hong Kong Butterfly Inventory, which allows the public to monitor butterfly hotspots together.

YEAR 2023/2024
  • In progress.
YEAR 2022/2023
  • Annual survey included 7 sites, 189 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 71% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 27 very rare (VR) and 33 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2021/2022
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, butterfly survey and data collection were hindered. 176 species of butterflies were recorded in 4 survey locations , accounting for 66% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 20 very rare (VR) and 32 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2020/2021
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, butterfly survey and data collection were hindered. 162 species of butterflies were recorded in 10 survey locations , accounting for 60% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 20 very rare (VR) and 24 rare (R) species
YEAR 2019/2020
  • Annual survey included 11 sites, 183 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 69% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 27 very rare (VR) and 30 rare (R) species
YEAR 2018/2019
  • Annual survey included 12 sites, 178 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 67% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 24 very rare (VR) and 31 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2017/2018
  • Annual survey included 11 sites, 181 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 68% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 25 very rare (VR) and 28 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2016/2017
  • Annual survey included 10 sites, 197 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 74% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 36 very rare (VR) and 35 rare (R) species.
  • During May to July, 3 surveys were conducted at Sha Lo Wan, San Shek Wan and Shum Wat on Lantau. A total of 84 butterfly species were recorded. A stable population of Common Archduke (Lexias pardalis), which was only recently discovered in Hong Kong, was found.
YEAR 2015/2016
  • Annual survey included 10 sites, 174 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 65% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 23 very rare (VR) and 27 rare (R) species.
  • In January, a notable butterfly species – European Beak (Libythea celtis), was found at Sha Tau Kok. This was the first Hong Kong record of the species.
YEAR 2014/2015
  • Annual survey included 9 sites, 173 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 65% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 20 very rare (VR) and 30 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2013/2014
  • Annual survey included 8 sites, 171 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 64% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 20 very rare (VR) and 29 rare (R) species.
  • In July, Hooked Oak Blue (Arhopala paramuta), a species that had not been recorded in Hong Kong for 32 years, was found at Sha Tau Kok.
  • In February, the surveyors discovered illegal excavation work at the Ta Tit Yan butterfly hotspot.
YEAR 2012/2013
  • Annual survey included 7 sites, 183 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 68% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 28 very rare (VR) and 29 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2011/2012
  • Annual survey included 6 sites, 166 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 62% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 9 very rare (VR) and 22 rare (R) species.
  • In October, ecological vandalism was discovered at butterfly hotspot - Yuen Tun Ha.
YEAR 2010/2011
  • Annual survey included 5 sites, 151 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 56% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 5 very rare (VR) and 21 rare (R) species.
  • In July, ecological vandalism was discovered at butterfly hotspot - Yuen Tun Ha.
YEAR 2009/2010
  • Annual survey included 4 sites, 142 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 53% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 3 very rare (VR) and 17 rare (R) species.
YEAR 2008/2009
  • Commencement of “Butterfly Surveyor” community survey programme.
  • First year survey covered 3 sites, 128 species of butterflies were recorded, accounting for 48% of the butterfly species in Hong Kong. They included 6 very rare (VR) and 14 rare (R) species.
  • In October, ecological vandalism was discovered at butterfly hotspot - Luk Keng.
FOLLOW US
CONTACT US

3961 0200 (T)
2314 2661 (F)
butterfly@greenpower.org.hk

 

Rm. 607, 6/F, Cheung Sha Wan Plaza Tower I,
No. 833 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon,
(Lai Chi Kok MTR Exit A)

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