Rewilding reaches Kai Tak
Following the successful revitalization of the Jordan Valley Channel, Hong Kong's Drainage Services Department has undertaken another 'green river' project at the Kai Tak River, formerly known as the Kai Tak Nullah (drainage channel). The river still flows though a concrete channel but rocks have been added to create elements of a natural river. While increasing the drainage capacity of the channel, vegetation has been planted along the banks. To date, the most extensive revitalization has affected the 'midstream' section of the river between Tai Shing Street and Prince Edward Road East.
As in the case of the Jordan Valley Channel, ecological effects are already visible. Butterflies and birds forage in the foliage. Numerous Black-crowned Night Herons and a few egrets use the riverbanks, while a recent observation seems to show a migrating Malayan Night Heron on one of the newly reinstated rocks. This would explain why I seemed to hear a Malayan Night Heron calling at night in Kowloon City last May.
Most encouraging of all is the presence of several species of fish, including snakehead and mullet, attesting to the water quality. To those old enough to remember the 'notorious' Kai Tak Nullah, this a remarkable transformation.
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