Hong Kong biologist warns about dangers of reclamation after discovering new species of fireworm on city islet
- Team from Baptist University finds double spot fireworm Chloeia bimaculata
- Professor Qiu Jianwen says discovery highlights city’s rich biodiversity, and calls for more prudence in planning decisions
A new species of fireworm has been discovered on an outlying islet in Hong Kong by a team of biologists, becoming the 28th species of the creature found across the world.
“More work should be done in discovering and identifying [fireworm] species in Hong Kong,” said Professor Qiu Jianwen, who led a team of biologist from Baptist University, when announcing the findings on Tuesday.
“The government should also exercise more prudence in major development planning like reclamation. Otherwise, many species might become extinct before they are found,” he added, noting the discovery reflected the rich biodiversity of the city.
The newly discovered fireworm species will officially become the 28th found across the world – and the fourth in the past 100 years – when a report, jointly composed by Qiu and three of his students, is published in the scientific journal, Zoological Studies.
Qiu named the species Chloeia bimaculata, combining its genus Chloeia and the characteristics of its appearance.
