We love Butterflies

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 2022/2023

In progress.

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.

Press release: Green Power’s Latest Butterfly Survey recorded High Species Number in 3 Hotspots First Breeding Record of Dark Himalayan Oak Blue in Yuen Tun Ha, Tai Po (27 Oct 2022)

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.

Press Release: Surveyor Discovered Rare Butterflies (27 Sept 2009)

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.

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)

Butterfly
Hotspots Survey