The Eurasian otter was once widespread in western Hong Kong, but its population declined sharply from the 1930s and was thought to be locally extinct by the 1970s. Recent studies confirmed only around seven individuals remaining in its core habitat between Mai Po and Hoo Hok Wai (蠔殼圍), making it one of Hong Kong’s rarest native mammals.

Since 2020, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden has studied otter distribution, population status, and threats through faecal DNA analysis and infrared camera surveys. This programme uses the Eurasian otter as a case study to help students understand local wildlife, ecological security, and human-nature coexistence in an urbanised city.

School Talk Content

• Introduction to Eurasian otters and other native mammals in Hong Kong
• Otter behaviour, habitats and distribution
• How science helps reveal otter history, status and threats in Hong Kong
• KFBG’s otter conservation work in the Greater Bay Area
• Exploring how Hong Kong can become an otter-friendly city
• Citizen science actions students can join to help protect otters

Add-on Option
Schools may borrow the exhibition panels ‘Safeguarding Hong Kong’s Last Otters‘ (7 panels) free of charge for one week to extend learning and strengthen conservation awareness. A refundable HKD500 deposit is required.

Learning Objectives	Knowledge	Skill	Value
1. Understand Hong Kong’s endangered wildlife and the ecological role of Eurasian otters
2. Understand the relationship between human activities and wildlife population changes
3. Understand basic ecological concepts (habitats, food chains, species interactions)
4. Understand how scientific research supports conservation decisions
5. Analyse threats faced by wildlife and explore possible solutions
6. Develop respect for life and awareness of ecological security
7. Explore conservation actions at personal and community levels

CLICK HERE to download the Programme Catalogue.

Date
Monday - Friday (except public holidays)

Talk Duration
45 - 60 minutes

Venue
Self-organised by applicants

Language
Cantonese / English

Target Audience
Senior primary students (P4) or above

Capacity
Unlimited

Fee
HK$3,750
*20% off for registered schools and charity organisations

Note
Payment is not refundable after acceptance unless the programme is cancelled due to inclement weather

Application
Please contact us to verify available dates prior to submitting the application form. CLICK HERE to submit your online application. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enquiry
Contact Ms Lam Lau at 2483 7284 during office hours or email winglam@kfbg.org

Related Links

• Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.

• Nature Art Programmes: Immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.

• Nature Education Programmes: Become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different senses to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.

• Group Guided Tours: Led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.
  
  
• Corporate Programmes: Our Holistic Education Department staff can design either half-day or full-day nature education and art programmes for  corporate staff or their family members based on specific needs. Leveraging the unique natural landscape and cultural ambiance of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, our activities may include guided tours, farm-to-table experiences, nature-based workshops, talks and art activities, aiming to promote understanding and practice of sustainable living for organisations.