Lingnan University study records over 1,400 newt fatalities on Hong Kong roads
A study by Lingnan University reveals that over 1,400 near-threatened Hong Kong newts died in road accidents over two months. Researchers are calling for urgent infrastructure and traffic management interventions.
A two-month survey conducted by Lingnan University’s Science Unit has identified a significant road mortality rate for the Hong Kong newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis). Between March and May 2024, researchers and trained volunteers recorded 1,427 newt carcasses across four identified hotspots, accounting for more than 90 per cent of all wildlife deaths observed in the study.
The findings highlight a non-random distribution of fatalities, with high concentrations occurring at specific segments such as Kowloon Peak. The research indicates that heavy rainfall events correlate with spikes in roadkill, as the amphibians become more active during migration from streams to riparian forests.
Anthony Lau, assistant professor at the university, noted that as a near-threatened species protected under local ordinance, the newts face severe pressure from current traffic patterns. The research team is urging government authorities to implement protective measures, including eco-friendly road design and traffic control protocols, to mitigate the impact on the local population.