The Unseen World Beneath Our Wheels: A Filmmaker’s Quest to Save Hong Kong’s Forgotten Newt
One spring night in 2023, something extraordinary happened on Fei Ngo Shan Road in Sai Kung. It wasn’t a celebrity sighting or a viral social media moment. Instead, it was a massacre—over a hundred Hong Kong newts, crushed under the wheels of passing cars. This grim scene became the catalyst for filmmaker Fung Hon-shing’s latest project, a documentary that’s as much about resilience as it is about extinction. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how Fung’s work forces us to confront a larger truth: we’re often blind to the ecosystems thriving—and dying—right under our noses.
The Newt: A Symbol of Adaptability and Vulnerability
The Hong Kong newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) is no ordinary amphibian. With its black or brown back and bright orange belly—a warning sign of its toxicity—it’s a creature that’s both striking and misunderstood. Personally, I think what’s most compelling about this species is its adaptability. As Fung notes, these newts can thrive in streams, ponds, or even drains. Yet, this very adaptability has lulled us into a false sense of security. Just because they’re resilient doesn’t mean they’re invincible. The fact that they’re listed as ‘near threatened’ on the IUCN Red List should be a wake-up call, but it’s one that’s often ignored.
The Roadkill Epidemic: A Silent Crisis
Fei Ngo Shan Road isn’t just a thoroughfare; it’s a death trap. Fung’s collaboration with Professor Anthony Lau revealed that over 1,400 newts were killed on Hong Kong’s roads in just two months. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t an isolated issue. Roads fragment habitats worldwide, turning them into barriers that wildlife can’t cross. But here’s the kicker: we’ve known about this problem for decades, yet we’ve done little to address it. Fung’s documentary doesn’t just highlight the tragedy; it forces us to ask: Why aren’t we doing more?
The Filmmaker as Ecologist: Fung’s Dual Role
Fung isn’t just a filmmaker; he’s an ecologist at heart. His background in biology and his work as a research assistant give him a unique perspective. In my opinion, this dual role is what sets his work apart. He’s not just capturing footage; he’s telling stories that bridge the gap between science and emotion. His 10-minute film, Life (cycle) of the Hong Kong Newt, isn’t just a visual masterpiece—it’s a call to action. But here’s the irony: even Fung admits that individual efforts, like his, are limited in the face of climate change. This raises a deeper question: What’s the role of art in conservation? Can a film truly change behavior?
The Emotional Attachment to Place
What makes Fung’s work even more compelling is his deep connection to Hong Kong. Unlike many ecological filmmakers who flock to exotic locations, Fung is committed to documenting the wildlife in his own backyard. From my perspective, this emotional attachment is what gives his work its power. It’s not just about the newts or the spoonbills; it’s about the stories they tell about Hong Kong’s ecology. Fung’s films are love letters to a place that’s often overlooked in favor of more ‘glamorous’ ecosystems. But if you take a step back and think about it, isn’t that the point? Conservation starts with seeing the value in what’s right in front of us.
The Unpredictability of Nature: A Lesson in Patience
Ecological filming is no walk in the park. Fung’s experience with the black-faced spoonbills is a testament to that. One day, he captures a whole flock foraging; the next, he finds just one bird—and no usable footage. But what’s truly remarkable is his response. Instead of frustration, he offers a scientific explanation: the tide was different, the water too deep for the birds to forage. This level-headedness is rare, and it’s a reminder that nature operates on its own terms. We can’t control it, but we can learn from it. Personally, I think this unpredictability is what makes Fung’s work so authentic. It’s not polished or staged; it’s raw and real.
The Broader Implications: A Global Problem with Local Solutions
Fung’s focus on Hong Kong might seem narrow, but it’s actually a microcosm of a global issue. Roads, urbanization, and climate change are threatening wildlife everywhere. What this really suggests is that local efforts matter—a lot. Fung’s collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) shows that change is possible, even if it’s slow. But here’s the challenge: How do we scale these efforts? How do we make people care about a newt they’ve never seen? Fung’s documentary is a step in the right direction, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Storytelling
Fung’s quest to document the Hong Kong newt isn’t just about saving a species; it’s about changing how we see the world. In a city as fast-paced as Hong Kong, it’s easy to forget that there’s an entire ecosystem thriving—and struggling—beneath our feet. What makes Fung’s work so important is its ability to make the invisible visible. As I reflect on his journey, I’m reminded of something he said: ‘It’s mainly a matter of emotional attachment.’ And maybe that’s the key. Conservation isn’t just about data or policies; it’s about connection. Fung’s films don’t just inform; they inspire. And in a world where so much feels broken, that’s no small feat.
