Harmonious co-existence of
human and urban wildlife
Our Service
We are committed to fostering the harmonious co-existence of human and urban wildlife.
Our service aims at reducing the impact of urban wildlife
to the living environment of humans and commercial activities.
Rodents
Rats and mice are a common pest in developed cities. They are omnivorous and consume 15-30g of food and 30g of water daily on average. Rodents are alarmingly productive – a female adult typically gets pregnant 5 to 8 times a year and can give birth to 5 to 14 pups per litter.
Rats and mice gnaw on and damage everything in sight. They contaminate food with their urine and droppings, and they are carriers of viruses and bacteria. Rodents can also spread diseases such as plague, urban typhus, spotted fever, Hepatitis E, etc. Chewing marks, rodent excreta, rub stains, and noises in the dark are signs of rodent infestation.
Measures
Rodent management is never a simple task. Seek professional assistance to limit further damage.
Wild Pigs
Wild pigs can cause extensive damage to crops and properties when they scavenge for food and water. In particular, when a young pig tags along to look for food, the protective mother could become highly sensitive and easily provoked. When they are provoked, wild pigs may also attack humans and other animals, including pets.
Wild pig management can only be effective using a multi-pronged approach. Citizens must stop feeding stray animals and keep outdoors garbage bins animal-proof to limit the food source and to control wild pig population.
To protect crops from wild pigs’ invasion, erect strong fences and use auto-trigger lights to deter wild pigs. Traps, contraceptives and chemicals can also be used to control wild pig populations.
If you see a wild pig, stay calm, keep a distance and do not disturb or provoke it. Never make big, forward movements. Do not chase wild pigs or use flash photography as these actions further provoke them. Detour, or keep a safe distance and wait for their departure.
Measures
HKACC can help inspect your situation and recommend the best way to keep wild pigs away. We can also liaise with the relevant departments and work together for the optimal solution for minimising wild pig nuisance.
Wild Birds
Sparrows, wild pigeons, crows, koels and spotted doves are common wild birds in Hong Kong. Birds are an integral part of the natural environment and play a critical role in transmitting seeds, fostering pollination and even pest removal.However, when wild birds breed in massive numbers and live in cities as colonies, they will create noise, disease and hygiene problems.
Measures
To prevent wild birds from developing into colonies, HKACC could install netting along the path of frequent wild bird visits, for example, on patios and balconies. Our netting solutions feature a variety of materials and designs, which are both aesthetic and durable. Anti-bird spikes can be used at places where wild birds could easily gather. By changing the topography of these locations, wild birds will naturally look for other suitable shelters. To deter larger birds, low-profile stainless steel bird wires can be suspended at popular nesting spots and along their usual routes. These can effectively reduce wild bird gatherings and are less conspicuous than bird nets.
Stray Cattle and Buffalos
Cattle and buffalos were once used by local farmers as draught animals and helped to plough fields when Hong Kong was still partly agricultural. When farms were taken over by economic development, these animals were abandoned, but they continued to produce new generations. As a result, stray cattle and buffalos are seen in some rural areas.
Measures
HKACC can help assess what is needed to keep stray cattle and buffalos away and make the appropriate plans, including installation of protective fencing. We hope to minimise cattle and buffalo nuisance so that they can live in harmony with humans.
Stray Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs become strays because of impulse and irresponsible ownerships. Many dogs are kept to guard construction sites, but they are often abandoned upon project completion. The strong sense of territory of these “construction site dogs”, however, could become a threat for residents at building entrances.
Free roaming strays may fall victim to cruel treatment. Cases of neglect and traumatic physical injury are not unheard of in Hong Kong. As it is very expensive to keep large stray colonies fed while maintaining a hygiene shelter for them, there were occasions that strays were left to die as a result of food shortage. The most effective control of stray pets is to manage from source.
Measures
At HKACC, we uphold our principle of “trap-neuter-release”when cases of stray cats and dogs are reported. If necessary, HKACC veterinarians would also treat them in our facility before releasing them to their original habitat.
Pests
The warm and humid climate is Hong Kong is conducive for insect breeding. Although urban dwellers are quite used to seeing tiny insects in their homes, many of them feel intimidated by larger critters, such as mosquitos, midges, cockroaches, termites, centipedes, fleas, spiders, locusts and so forth.
As some of these insects do sting, destroy furniture and properties, and carry bacteria and viruses, they should be treated and controlled as soon as possible.
Measures
Different insect species call for different control measures. HKACC can help with identifying the pests, zoning the affected area and separating other animals before the appropriate pesticides are applied. If it is deemed necessary after our evaluation, a site may be treated with heat to eradicate remnant insect eggs.
Endangered Species
Tai Mo Shan, Kap Lung, Lui Kung Tin, Shek Kong, Long Yuen, Mai Po, Deep Bay Westland, Po Toi Island and Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve are some of the eco-attractions found throughout Hong Kong.
They are homes to certain endangered wild animals.
As a relatively small city, Hong Kong is blessed with a phenomenal amount of coastline, endless verdant mountains and expansive country parks. No wonder it is the perfect shelter and breeding location for many wild animals. Its sub-tropical location also offers an ideal environment for biodiversity. In fact, it is the home of almost 3,300 plant and 55 terrestrial mammal species; 15 amphibians and reptiles, 193 species of freshwater fish, 129 dragonfly and 245 butterfly species. The more than 550 bird species recorded in Hong Kong represent one-third of the total bird species in China.
The more well-known endangered wild animals living in Hong Kong are Indian star tortoise, Chinese pangolin, Chinese Hwamei, Burmese Python, Liuixalus romeri, Amolops hongkongensis and Paramesotriton hongkongensis. Some of them were native species, and some were abandoned pets.
Measures
If you suspect to have encountered endangered wild animals, please call HKACC. We have always been in close contact with various animal control organisations around the world and have helped bringing endangered animals back to nature. Please do contact us so that these endangered species can return to their natural habitats under the best care.
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