Lingnan University Detects Critically Endangered Chinese Bahaba in Western Hong Kong Waters
Lingnan University's research division has identified traces of the critically endangered Chinese bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis) in western Hong Kong waters using a newly developed environmental DNA (eDNA) technique. This marks the first scientific discovery of the species in over a decade.
Researchers at Lingnan University have detected evidence of the critically endangered Chinese bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis) in the western waters of Hong Kong SAR. This discovery, the first scientific confirmation of the species in the region in more than ten years, was made possible through a newly co-developed environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring technique.
The study, led by Lingnan University's Division of Science, created a cost-effective, species-specific qPCR-based eDNA method tailored for the Chinese bahaba. This technology allows for the detection of the fish's genetic material in seawater without needing to capture or disturb the animals, providing crucial data for marine conservation planning.
The Chinese bahaba, often referred to as the "Panda of the Sea," is the largest member of the croaker family in the South China Sea and was once abundant in areas like Tai O, Hong Kong. Overfishing has led to a severe population decline, classifying it as critically endangered and a first-class protected wild animal in China. The fish can grow up to two meters in length.
The research team conducted surveys at 23 sites in western Hong Kong between January and September 2025, collecting and analyzing 414 seawater samples. The developed technique can accurately identify the Chinese bahaba's DNA, even from trace amounts present in the water, distinguishing it from other fish species.