Kam Shan Country Park

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Monkeys in the country park

Kam Shan Country Park (金山郊野公園), established on 24 June 1977), is a country park located in the ranges north of Kowloon, Hong Kong. It covers an area of 3.37 km². Most of the area is covered by the Kowloon Group of Reservoirs.

[edit] Flora and Fauna

The Country Park is very rich in flora, with a great diversity of native and exotic species.

Melastoma species, Rose Myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), Acronychia (Acronychia pedunculata), Hong Kong Gordonia (Gordonia axillaris), Fragrant Litsea (Litsea cubeba), Red Machilus (Machilus thunbergii), Pop-gun Seed (Bridelia tomentosa) and Ivy Tree (Schefflera heptaphylla), and the rather special Ram-rod Bamboo (Arundinaria hindsii) are the common varieties in the Country Park. ^[1]

Since the 1950's, exotic flora species have been progressively introduced to Kam Shan Country Park. These exotic species includes Brisbane Box(Lophostemon confertus) and Eucalyptus species from Australia, and the charming Paper-bark Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia). They can be found in abundance along the waterlogged uplands on Kam Shan Road near the shooting range.^[1]

Kam Shan, or Monkey Hill to most locals, is a famous macaques kingdom in Hong Kong. The macaques are the largest group of mammals in the park. Major species occurring here are Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) and Longtailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis). These monkeys are probably descendants of individuals released by pet owners, whereas wild macaque groups native to Hong Kong have almost disappeared due to habitat destruction and over-hunting. Apart from monkeys, this Country Park is also a shelter of squirrels and many bird species.^[1]

Common winged species found in the Counrtry Park includes Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius), Great Coucal (Centropus sinensis), House Swift (Apus affinis) and Rufous-backed Shrike (Lanius schach).^[1]