Uncommon owl bred in Hong Kong attracts bird enthusiasts, yet site limits visitor entry
A rare and significant breeding event has taken place at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) in Hong Kong, with the elusive medium-sized brown wood owl successfully reproducing after a four-year hiatus. The sighting of the owl family, including a young member, has attracted a large crowd of birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts, causing a partial closure of the site to protect the birds.
Social media images show crowds jostling for position along a path in the farm's nature reserve, pointing their equipment at the trees where the owls were nesting. Recognizing the need to safeguard the owls' well-being, KFBG announced the temporary closure of the road leading to the nesting site on its Facebook page.
The brown wood owls, notable for their deep, dark brown eyes, are native to Hong Kong according to the farm's website. Thought to have arrived in the city over the past two decades, they are believed to have expanded their range from neighboring Guangdong province in mainland China. The species can also be found in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
In light of the increased interest, KFBG has urged visitors to avoid using potentially harmful methods like laser pointers or owl hooters to attract the birds. The farm also stresses the importance of balancing public interest with the protection of these rare creatures, expressing understanding for any frustration this may cause among wildlife enthusiasts.
The conservation measures taken by KFBG reflect a proactive approach to ensure the survival and welfare of the brown wood owl in Hong Kong. These measures include visitor monitoring, strict restrictions on harmful behaviors, and communication through social media to inform the public about the breeding event and the need for restrictions.
By prioritizing the protection of the brown wood owl during the critical breeding period, KFBG underscores the importance of the site as a hub for local biodiversity. The farm's conservation efforts, including habitat protection and visitor management, play a crucial role in the continued survival of this species within Hong Kong's green spaces.
Visitors to KFBG are urged to balance their interest in the brown wood owl with the owl's well-being, as the home-and-garden center has announced temporary restrictions on access to the nesting site due to the successful breeding event of this rare species. The farm's ongoing lifestyle conservation initiatives, such as visitor monitoring, restrictions on harmful behaviors, and social media communication, aim to protect and ensure the survival of the brown wood owl in the context of Hong Kong's home-and-garden landscape.
