Skip to content

The Ting Kok mangrove in Tolo Harbour is the fourth largest among 44 mangrove stands in Hong Kong, with a total area of 8.77 hectares. It was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985. This unique mangrove stand grows on hard substrate, rather than on soft bottom which is more common in Hong Kong. The mangrove supports a high diversity of flora and fauna. Six out of eight true mangrove species can be found in Ting Kok, including Milky Mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha), Aegiceras corniculatum, Many-petaled Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza), Black Mangrove (Avicennia marina), Kandelia obovata, and Lumnitzera (Lumnitzera racemosa). Mangrove associates (e.g. Cuban Bast (Hibiscus tiliaceus)) are common there. Other coastal plant species such as Screw Pine (Pandanus tectorius), South Sea-blite (Suaeda australis) and Sea Lavender (Limonium sinense) can also be found in the area.

The mangrove ecosystem is one of the most important ecological habitats in Hong Kong. The detritus, which is mainly composed of fallen leaves, provides food for numerous creatures on the shore. The high productivity of mangrove offers shelters, breeding and nursery grounds for marine and coastal fauna such as juvenile fish, crabs, shrimps, mollusks, and other marine invertebrates. The infauna, such as bivalves, polychaete worms and other burrowing crabs are also commonly found in the mangrove area. These little creatures on the shore attract a number of bird species such as Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) foraging there.

Ting Kok MangroveDense mangrove stand<em>Kandelia obovata</em>Screw Pine (<em>Pandanus tectorius</em>)Cuban Bast (<em>Hibiscus tiliaceus</em>)Ting Kok Tree Climbing Crab (<em>Haberma tingkok</em>)Field tripObserving animal behaviour

Transportation

Kowloon Motor Bus:

75K Tai Po Market Railway Station Bus Terminus – Tai Mei Tuk
275R Tai Po Market Railway Station Bus Terminus – Wu Kau Tang (available on Sunday and Holidays only)

Get off at Ting Kok or Shan Liu stop

Green Minibus:

20C Tai Po Market Railway Station Bus Terminus – Tai Mei Tuk

Get off at Ting Kok Village or Shan Liu

Top