Blogs
Investigating the Lantau Island Water Buffaloes: An Unforgettable Fieldwork Experience
Ariel Wong, City University of Hong Kong
[Figure 1. Female buffalo digging wallow in Lo Uk marshland, Pui O; Figure 2. Female buffalo rolling in wallow in Lo Uk marshland, Pui O; Figure 3. CHE CHE and AMY sitting together in Ham Tin River at low tide; Figure 4. The bachelor herd bathing in San Wai river, Pui O. Credit: Ariel Wong]
As a second-year veterinary student, I was extremely honoured to be selected for an undergraduate project fellowship from the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB, see link here: https://www.asab.org/scholarships/) to address the above-mentioned questions. ASAB is a leading organisation that promotes and supports the study of animal behaviour. I’m still analysing my data, so I will share my field experience below
In the Shadows of Skyscrapers: the Unconventional Human-Buffalo Interplay in Hong Kong
Dr. Danhe Yang
[Photo: Buffalo's Close-Up: A Nosey Moment, Shui Hau, Lantau Island. Credit: Dr. Danhe Yang]
As cultural anthropologists, we need to study animals and, more importantly, comprehend human-animal relationships beyond our species, HUMAN. Traditional anthropology has predominantly focused on humans alone, portraying animals as passive objects in the background, examining their symbolic meanings and/or utilitarian values to humans only, and sidelining other relational practices. However, in recent years, influenced by the philosophical concept of the 'Animal turn', anthropology has been expanding its scope.
Buffalo on the beach
Dr. Debottam Bhattacharjee
[Photo: A herd of buffalo at Pui O beach, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Credit: Dr. Debottam Bhattacharjee]
The Lantau island is highly rich in biodiversity and home to many different species, one of them being the buffalo. Interestingly, the not-so-big population of feral buffalo is one of the top attractions to travellers visiting the island. But these animals are much more than just tourist attractions; they are an integral part of the island and are of significant value to the functioning of the Lantau ecosystem.
Chapters from the Field
Dr. Debottam Bhattacharjee & Dr. Danhe Yang
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Feral water buffalo hanging out on the beach (credit: Debottam Bhattacharjee)
Subtropical summers aren’t just tough on us–feral water buffalo feel the heat too! But Hong Kong’s iconic animals have some slick strategies up their hooves for thriving in scorching conditions. Watching them reveals a surprising parallel to our own social lives. As the sun set, buffaloes roamed beyond the fields, partaking in a nightly dance with residents as villagers peacefully walked alongside these gentle giants, unveiling an unplanned interaction that offers a heartfelt glimpse into the natural flow of life in this tranquil South Lantau community.
