There has been a 73% average decline in monitored wildlife population sizes in Hong Kong over 50 years (1970-2020), and now nearly 30% of Hong Kong’s species are at risk of losing their habitats. Experts are raising serious concerns about deforestation, climate change, and rapid urban development. As a result of these, Hong Kong is facing a biodiversity crisis, highlighting the scope and worldwide significance of this problem. Let’s dig deeper into the biodiversity crisis of Hong Kong.
What Is Driving the Biodiversity Crisis?
With more than 3,300 plant species, 580 bird species, 90 reptiles, and several more animals and flora, Hong Kong has long been known for its enormous biodiversity. The small city is exceptionally rich for its size due to its diverse range of terrestrial and marine environments, including freshwater marshes, woods, and wetlands. However, the main reasons why this variety is in danger are:
- Core ecosystems are being harmed by urban expansion and “eco-vandalism.”
- The survival of native species is directly impacted by climate change, as annual temperatures rise.
- Ongoing large-scale infrastructure projects are causing habitat loss and increasing fragmentation.
Of the 886 terrestrial and freshwater species evaluated, over 25% (232 species) are at risk of local extinction, with birds and freshwater fish being the most severely affected—nearly half face moderate to high extinction risk, according to data from the State of Hong Kong Biodiversity 2025.
Climate Change Intensifies the Crisis
In spite of habitat destruction, Hong Kong is facing a biodiversity crisis that has been made much worse by warming temperatures and climate change. With an average annual temperature of 24.8°C, the territory saw its warmest year on record in 2024. This was 1.3°C warmer than the average from 1991 to 2020. Because it alters migratory patterns, reproductive cycles, and the availability of suitable habitats for native species, this sharp temperature rise has significant effects on the biodiversity of the area.
In 2024, Hong Kong broke 35 high temperature records, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. These milestones included the warmest April, the hottest first half-year, and the most “hot nights” in August. For wildlife populations already battling habitat loss and fragmentation, these extreme weather events add to the stress.
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A City of Skyscrapers, But Nature Is Shrinking
People typically picture Victoria Harbour, neon-lit avenues, and upscale retail centers when they think of Hong Kong. Few people are aware that the countryside, which makes up almost 40% of Hong Kong’s area, is abundant in rivers, forests, marshes, and coasts. However, these natural gems are vanishing.
Wetlands and farms have been engulfed by urban growth and massive infrastructure projects, such as the Northern Metropolis and San Tin Technopole, endangering hundreds of species. Because of this, Hong Kong is experiencing a biodiversity crisis at a quicker rate than many Asian cities.
Also Read: Effective Biodiversity Conservation Strategies For Tropical Forests
Why the “30% Risk” Figure Matters
Given that around 30% of species face habitat loss, it represents both projected and observed trends. Although there are currently about 26% of species that are considered to be at risk, forecasts indicate that species that do not have access to sufficient habitat—particularly those that require certain wetland, lowland, aquatic, or high-altitude environments—will soon surpass thresholds where continuing to exist is not feasible. The reduction in the number of Chinese white dolphins from 2003 to 2020 (from around 158 to about 37 individuals) is one of several instances where pollution, habitat degradation, and human activity have already driven species to the brink of extinction.
Key Threats to Hong Kong’s Biodiversity
| Threat Factor | Details | Species/Area Affected | Numerical Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat Loss (Urban Expansion & Land Reclamation) | Conversion of wetlands, forests, and coastal areas into residential and commercial spaces. | Wetland birds, freshwater fish, and forest mammals. | Over 78.7 hectares of protected wetlands lost; 587 hectares at risk (WWF, 2023). |
| Climate Change | Rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves are impacting ecosystems. | Amphibians, insects, freshwater species. | Hong Kong recorded its warmest year in 2024, +1.3°C above baseline. |
| Marine Traffic & Coastal Development | High-speed ferries and construction projects disrupt marine life. | Chinese White Dolphin, coral reefs, and fish populations. | Dolphin population fell from 158 (2003) to 37 (2020) (Hong Kong Dolphin Watch). |
| Pollution (Air, Water, Plastic) | Runoff from cities and untreated waste is damaging natural systems. | Coral reefs, freshwater fish, and migratory birds. | Over 6,300 tons of plastic waste enter Hong Kong waters annually (Environmental Protection Dept., 2022). |
| Unprotected Biodiversity Hotspots | 27 critical areas identified, but many overlap with urban projects. | 95% of at-risk species across Hong Kong. | Only 40% of hotspots are inside protected zones (WWF, 2023). |
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Key Drivers of Habitat Loss
Due to projects like the Northern Metropolis and the San Tin Technopole, 78.7 hectares of protected wetland have been lost, and an additional 587 hectares are in danger of being destroyed in the future. This is the most significant wetland loss in thirty years.
Hong Kong broke 35 heat records in 2024 with its highest average annual temperature of 24.8°C, which has an impact on the migratory and reproductive habits of both plants and animals.
Poaching and Invasive Species:
Reptiles, amphibians, birds, and other species are at risk due to widespread poaching and the spread of exotic species. There is a risk of local extinction for all six native turtle species.
The most vulnerable species frequently rely on lowland habitats like marshes, rivers, and farmlands that are not sufficiently protected by law, although many protected areas are located on hillsides and along the shore.
Also Read: Can Wildlife Bridge Truly Make A Difference In Conserving Endangered Species?
Critical Habitat Loss and Biodiversity Hotspots
Source: HKBWS
The complete biodiversity report and the Hong Kong Terrestrial Biodiversity Hotspot Map 2025 both highlight 27 important biodiversity hotspots outside of protected areas that are vital habitats for the most endangered species in the region. Approximately 95% of at-risk species are found in these hotspots, which make up only 6% of Hong Kong’s total land area, yet are essential refuges for biodiversity preservation.
But the state of affairs around these hotspots is really worrisome. Nearly 50% of these crucial regions overlap with government-planned or committed development projects, and nearly 80% of them have already experienced environmental harm and eco-vandalism. This overlap includes significant infrastructure projects, including the San Tin Technopole project, which is a component of the government’s larger Northern Metropolis development plan, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which was finished in 2018.
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Marine Biodiversity Under Siege
There are equally serious dangers to the marine ecosystem around Hong Kong, which makes up almost 60% of the 1,648 square kilometers of territory. At least 5,943 marine species have been documented in Hong Kong’s seas, which accounts for more than 25% of all Chinese marine species. However, overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and the effects of climate change are all putting ongoing strain on this amazing marine biodiversity.
The decline of the Chinese white dolphin population serves as a stark example of how Hong Kong is facing a biodiversity crisis in its marine ecosystems. The Chinese white dolphins population decrease in Hong Kong waters represents a devastating 80% decline. This precipitous drop has been attributed to land reclamation projects, high-speed ferry traffic, water pollution, and the construction of major infrastructure such as the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport and the artificial island for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
Also Read: What Will Happen If Animals Continue To Go Extinct At The Current Rate?
Urgent Conservation Recommendations
The scientific community and conservation organizations have proposed comprehensive strategies to address the biodiversity crisis. Hong Kong is facing a biodiversity crisis that demands immediate designation of the 27 identified biodiversity hotspots as “no-go” zones where large-scale development is prohibited. Dr. Carmen Or, Manager of Wetlands Research at WWF-Hong Kong, emphasized that “the last comprehensive species status assessment and biodiversity hotspot map for Hong Kong was produced over two decades ago.”
Key recommendations include expanding marine protected areas to cover 30% of Hong Kong waters by 2030, establishing robust management plans for existing protected areas, and implementing mandatory ecological surveys before any zoning decisions. The integration of nature-based solutions into climate action plans could provide dual benefits for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Also Read: Climate Change Is Quietly Altering Indian Rivers, Threatening Biodiversity And Fueling Floods
Conclusion
In sum, Hong Kong is facing a biodiversity crisis at a critical juncture. With somewhere between 25–30% of assessed species already at moderate or high risk of local extinction, and many more projected to lose their habitats in the coming years, the situation demands urgent, concerted action. The dual pressures of urban development and climate change compound the risk, especially for species in lowland, freshwater, and wetland habitats.
It is not too late, but every year—every hectare of habitat preserved or lost, every community engaged or ignored—matters. Hong Kong’s biodiversity is not just about wild species; it is intimately connected to human well-being, culture, resilience, and identity. If Hong Kong wants to ensure nature continues to thrive alongside humanity, it must treat these warnings not as distant alarms, but as guides to immediate change.
FAQ: Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Crisis
Q1. What does it mean that 30% of species in Hong Kong risk losing habitat?
It means nearly one in three species in Hong Kong — including marine mammals, birds, and freshwater fish — may no longer have suitable places to live, feed, or reproduce due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Q2. What are the main drivers of biodiversity loss in Hong Kong?
The biggest factors are urban development, pollution, coastal reclamation, climate change, and illegal or unsustainable fishing and hunting practices. These pressures shrink and degrade natural habitats.
Q3. Which species are most at risk?
Iconic species like the Chinese White Dolphin, the Black-faced Spoonbill, and several species of freshwater fish and reef-associated organisms are among the most vulnerable.
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