More endangered species are set to be added to Hong Kong's protection ordinances, along with tightened controls for some species.

The Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules) Notice 2004 is set to be introduced in February.

The changes affect species like certain freshwater turtles, whale sharks, basking sharks, seahorses and bigleaf mahogany.

The Government will at the same time introduce the Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species)(Exemption)(Amendment) Order 2004.

It will exempt the possession or control of whale sharks, basking sharks, seahorses (excluding live animals) and bigleaf mahogany from the licensing requirements.

The amendments aim to update Hong Kong's legislation with the latest revisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora's list of controlled species.

The Environment, Transport & Works Bureau said these species were considered less endangered. The exemptions will facilitate legitimate trade in these species without compromising our obligations.

The import and export of these four species, however, will still require licences issued by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation.

Under the Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance - apart from some exemptions - the import, export and possession of the controlled species, including their parts and derivatives, are subject to licensing controls.

The Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules) Notice and the Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) (Exemption) (Amendment) Order 2004 will be gazetted on January 21 and tabled in the Legislative Council on February 4.