The Cotai Ecological Zones have surprising biodiversity, according to the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Bureau, which found that the combined 55 hectares are home to nearly 2,100 species of fauna and flora.
The survey, reported in Jornal Tribuna de Macau, found that the area has 762 plant types including 319 species of algae. When it comes to animals, the zones provide sanctuary to 652 kinds of insects, 116 species of fish, 22 kinds of reptiles, 12 mammals and 5 species of amphibian.
In addition, 197 species of bird have been spotted feeding and nesting in the Ecological Zones.
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The bureau told Tribuna that it had been “striving to optimise the environment of ecological zones, in order to provide a habitat for migratory birds that come to winter in Macao.”
Data from the Municipal Affairs Bureau shows that overall Macao is home to 218 species of fish, nine amphibians, 35 types of reptile, 101 native birds, 29 kinds of mammal and 720 kinds of insect.
Created in 2003, the Cotai Ecological Zones are an artificial wetland that includes mangrove plantations and sugarcane fields as well as bird and animal habitats.