Establishing the diversity and status of Hong Kong’s wasps

 Team: Alexey Reshchikov, Brinna Barlow, Clara Park, Louise Amy Ashton, Mike Boyle.

Wasps are gaining global attention as keystone species in natural systems, but knowledge on the diversity, distribution and conservation status of wasps in Hong Kong is highly limited.

This study addresses this knowledge gap by collating existing records and undertaking new surveys to compile a comprehensive baseline assessment of the biodiversity of Hong Kong’s wasps. We are identifying biodiversity hotspots and mapping wasp diversity and distributions. The project will generate a number of useful open-source outputs, including GIS, an interactive website, a DNA database and specimen reference collection of Hong Kong’s wasps held at the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum. 

This project will establish the first baseline of the diversity, distribution and status of Hong Kong’s wasps. This information pertains to key objectives of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Action Plan (BSAP), and will directly aid the government in evaluating the success of initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and enhancing the biodiversity of Hong Kong.

 This project is funded by The Environment and Conservation Fund

Follow project updates here: www.instagram.com/hkwasps/