Conservation call: The control of certain species such as the Seahorse will be tightened starting June 1.

More endangered species will be put on the protection list under the Animals & Plants Ordinance from June 1.

There will be tighter control of certain freshwater turtles, Whale Shark, Basking Shark, Seahorses and the Bigleaf Mahogany tree, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

Under the Animals & Plants Ordinance, except with exemptions, the import, export and possession of the controlled species, including their parts and derivatives, are subject to licensing controls.

The department said the control of the newly-listed species will bring Hong Kong in line with the latest revisions of the list of controlled species of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora.

It reminded keepers of live seahorses and certain freshwater turtles to apply for a possession licence.

The grace period to apply for a possession licence for live seahorses and certain freshwater turtles will end on August 31.

As Whale Shark, Basking Shark, Seahorses - excluding live animals - and the Bigleaf Mahogany tree are considered less endangered, the possession or control of these species are exempted from the licensing requirements to facilitate legitimate trade without compromising Hong Kong's obligations under CITES.

Import, export without licence could trigger $5m fine

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

Any person found guilty of importing, exporting or possessing any endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens.

For enquiries, please call the Government hotline on 1823.