GBA, ideal sanctuary for rare wildlife

Chinese white dolphins, a national Grade I protected species known as the "giant pandas of the sea," were spotted near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (Photo: Zhang Youqiong)

Acting as a "Noah's Ark" for rare and endangered plants, the South China National Botanical Garden is dedicated to plant ex-situ conservation. Its core functional zones span 319 hectares, establishing it as a key component of China's national botanical garden system. (Photo: Xu Wu)

A wild leopard cat was rescued and recently returned to the wild in Shenzhen's Wutong Mountain. As a national Grade II protected species in China, it is nicknamed the "money cat" in Chinese. The name comes from its beautiful rosette-patterned fur, which is thought to look like strings of ancient coins, making it a symbol of prosperity. (Photo: Zhu Hongbo)

In the Dapeng Sea area of Shenzhen, a Bryde’s whale, a national Grade I protected species in China, leaps out of the water to feed, with a rainbow visible in the background. (Photo: Shi Lei)

In the waters off Wailingding Island, Zhuhai, extensive colonies of Acropora pulchra, a national Grade II protected coral species in China, are thriving. (Photo: Shi Lei)

In the Wuqinzhang Pangolin Conservation Area of Huidong County, Huizhou, a baby Chinese pangolin, a national Grade I protected species in China, curiously peeks out from its burrow. (Photo: Li Cheng)

On the Jiangmen side of the Huangmao Sea Crossing, flocks of egrets gather and play, forming a picturesque scene alongside the distant bridge. (Photo: Shi Lei)

Close-up of the eyes of the Takifugu alboplumbeus in Lichi Wo, New Territories, Hong Kong. (Photo: Tommy Hui)

In Tin Shui Wai Park, Yuen Long, Hong Kong, red-billed blue magpies are playing by the water. (Photo: Chen Tigen)

A large stretch of mangrove forests lies near the residential area of Cotai, Macao. (Photo: Huang Minghui)