A rare lizard which is unique to Hong Kong is among obstacles standing before construction of the superjail on Hei Ling Chau.
A Security Bureau paper submitted to the Legislative Council yesterday noted that the island off Lantau is an ecologically important habitat for the rare Bogadek's Burrowing Lizard.
The lizard is named after a retired Hong Kong teacher, Father Anthony Bogadek - a renowned herpetologist - who discovered the species in 1987.
The senior conservation officer of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Michael Lau Wai-neng, said the lizard had so far only been found in Hong Kong.
Mr Lau said other than Hei Ling Chau, the lizard had also been found in Chau Kun To (Sunshine Island) and Shek Kwu Chau, also off Lantau.
The lizard is legless, about 20cm long and light brown in colour. It lives underground and preys on small insects, Mr Lau said.