Feral water buffalo have made their permanent abode in the marshlands of South Lantau Island, Hong Kong. These animals, though an important and attractive element of the local ecosystem, often draw a complicated web of attitudes from the public. In a recent study conducted by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), we investigated residents’ acceptance of feral buffalo. The research revealed a nuanced dynamic between the local Indigenous community and the buffalo herd.
Conducted by a team of specialists in animal behavior, welfare, and conservation, including Alan McElligott, Kate Flay, and Hannah Mumby, the research gathered insights on how demographics influence public perceptions. The survey consisted of 657 responses gathered through both virtual and in-person approaches from late fall 2023 through early winter 2024.
Study Findings on Public Attitudes
The research categorized public attitudes toward the buffalo into four key areas: appreciation and conditional acceptance, concern regarding community impacts, recognition of the buffalo’s value for conservation and education, and individual perceptions based on personal encounters.
One notable trend highlighted in the findings is the… Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they felt indifferent or neutral about buffalo changing their lives in a positive way. Of the rest, 27% of their responses were as positive as possible and 23% as negative. This change is the best example of how people started to see the buffalo not only as animals but as influences on their social ecosystems.
“Demographic factors also correlate with opinions, with differences based on age, gender, ethnicity, birthplace, and whether respondents lived on Lantau,” – Hannah Mumby
Reactions to buffalo acceptance and love mirrored these patterns. Approximately 61% of respondents reported feelings that were neutral, and 25% of respondents reported strong positive feelings, with 14% reporting very negative feelings. Their research pointed out that the closer people lived with wildlife in rural Indian landscapes, the more they positively viewed the buffalo.
“We found that familiarity with wildlife in rural areas often leads to more positive perceptions,” – McElligott
Emotional Responses and Community Concerns
This key finding exposed how emotional reactions took center stage in interviews. Most of them said they liked buffalo or did not have strong feelings toward them. Yet, as they often do, some raised alarms over possible dangers associated with their use.
“Emotional responses were common in interviews, with a majority expressing fondness for the buffalo or neutral attitudes, and a minority noting concern over safety risks.” – Hannah Mumby
For some, the buffalo are a tangible link to Hong Kong’s deep rural roots. Some are concerned about safety hazards, environmental harm, or roadway disruption as a result of the animals wandering into urban settings.
“Some see the buffalo as a living link to the territory’s rural past, while others worry about safety, environmental impact, or traffic disruptions,” – McElligott
Others argue that the buffalo provide an accessible way to connect with nature and understand human-animal interactions within such landscapes.
“Yet they provide an accessible link to nature and an opportunity to understand human-animal interactions in such landscapes,” – Kate Flay
Implications for Conservation and Education
The study focused on public interest in preservation and education about the buffalo. The analysis produced some interesting outcomes, which showed that 46% of responses were neutral, with 41% highly positive and 13% highly negative.
The responses differ by gender, ethnicity as well as where students are born. Precision targeting educational outreach strategies to specific demographics will increase public understanding and support for buffalo conservation efforts.
This short but powerful study underscores the value of listening to community concerns. It highlights the ecological and educational advantages provided by the continued existence of feral water buffalo populations.