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 Sponsored by OPCFHK, eight students from The University of Hong Kong Department of Ecology and Biodiversity recently participated in four different OPCFHK funded field research projects, led by leading international scientists, to gain first-hand experience in the field for the conservation projects.
The Foundation realized that there are growing opportunities for conservation-related jobs in Hong Kong and China. However the industry is experiencing a shortage of talent and more young professionals are needed. Therefore OPCFHK aims to encourage more students to consider a career in conservation by giving them a chance to experience a real-life conservation job in the field.
The 2005-06 OPCFHK University Sponsorship research projects included:
| Project #1 |
Chinese White Dolphin (Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin) – Population Monitoring |
| Date |
5 to 15 February 2006 |
| Location |
Sanniang Bay and adjacent waters in Qinzhou City, Guangxi, China |
| Principal Investigator |
Professor Pan Wenshi |
| Students |
Shadow Sin, Vivian Lam |
| Description |
Students studied the threatened Chinese White Dolphin in Guangxi to understand their populations and challenges |
| Outcome |
Findings to be used to help develop effective conservation measures to save the Chinese White Dolphin from extinction |
| Student's diary |
Vivian Lam 5 Feb, 6 Feb, 7 Feb, 8 Feb, 9 Feb, 10-15 Feb (PDF) |
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| Project #2 |
Study of Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve |
| Date |
4 to 14 December 2005 |
| Location |
Sichuan, China |
| Principal Investigator |
Sichuan Forestry Department |
| Students |
Fion Cheung, Tony Hung |
| Description |
Studying the ecosystem of the Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve, Sichuan to understand how diverse the animals and plants are in the region. |
| Outcome |
Information can be used to develop appropriate long-term management plan for the Reserve |
| Student's diary |
Fion Cheung (PDF) (Only Chinese Version available) |
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| Project #3 |
Baiji (Yangtze river dolphin) and Finless Porpoise – Population Monitoring |
| Date |
15 to 24 November 2005 |
| Location |
Poyang Lake, Jiangxi, China |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr Wang Kexiong, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences |
| Students |
Milla Fok, Tracy Pang |
| Description |
With their habitat shrinking due to pollution and by-catch, there are less than 50 baiji left in the Yangtze River. Students monitored the daily movements of the porpoise and baiji between the lake and river. |
| Outcome |
Findings to be used in the design, establishment and management of reserves in the area needed to help save them from extinction |
| Student's diary |
Milla Fok 15 Nov, 16 Nov, 17 Nov, 18 Nov, 19 Nov, 20 Nov, 21 Nov, 22 Nov (PDF) |
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| Project #4 |
Giant Pandas – Enrichment items design program |
| Date |
7 to 19 January 2006 |
| Location |
China Research and Conservation Centre for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, China |
| Principal Investigator |
Initiated by OPCFHK, collaborated with Wolong 7 to 19 January 2006 |
| Students |
Vivien Bao, Angela Lam |
| Description |
Students design play/enrichment items for giant pandas at Wolong Nature Reserve to try out |
| Outcome |
Enrichment items designed by students to stimulate giant pandas both physically and mentally in order to keep them healthy in zoological facilities. |
| Student's diary |
Angela Lam (PDF) |
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