Nengdan, Nantou County (14288)
Taiwan, China, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Nengdan, Nantou County
Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.8167, Longitude: 120.2167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 560 to 3468
Area of KBA (km2): 1280.3991
Protected area coverage (%): 82.20
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Extent of this site: from the west on the upper reaches of the Wanda River and the mid and upper reaches of the Zhoushui River on the east of Aowanda. The eastern border includes the north side of Chiakan River, the upstream of the Shoufeng River. On the north, the site includes the Cross-mountain Historical Trail’s highest section on the northern slope of the Chilai South Mt. next to the Taroko National Park. To the south, the site includes the ruins of Wusuang Tribe at the upstream branches of the Chuanda River, Hayilalui Stream. The southern border of Nengdan is next to Yushan National Park. This area penetrates deeply into the core of the Central Mountain Range, and the changes in elevation are extreme, so external communications are difficult, and the biological resources arc correspondingly better preserved in an original condition. These include very diverse ecosystem of natural forests, grasslands, and forested rivers, with these habitats of natural plant communities creating a haven for wildlife, which has experienced extremely little outside disturbance. Among these areas is Chitsai Lake at the elevation of 2900 m on the Danda forest road, which is especially mystical and attractive to people. This IBA site is considered as a sacred ground of the Atayal and the Bunan whose ancestors had been living here long time ago.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: IBA A2 criterion species: Nine endemic species are commonly here: including Mikado Pheasant, White-throated Hill Partridge, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, White-eared Sibia, Steere’s Liocichla, Formosan Yuhina, Formosan Blue Magpie, Taiwan Firecrest, Formosan Barwing, Formosan Yellow Tit, Collared Bush Robin, Formosan Whistling Thrush, and Formosan Laughing Thrush. • Because transportation to this site is very inconvenient, investigations of bird resources are incomplete. Currently Wild Bird Society of Nantou is conducting initial investigations here, and over 90 species have been recorded. In addition to the 13 endemic species, the rare or endangered species include: Besra Sparrow Hawk, Asian Crested Goshawk, Crested Serpent Eagle, Emerald Dove, Collared Owlet, Brown Hawk Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Spotted Scops Owl, White-backed Woodpecker, Grey-faced Woodpecker, Varied Tit, Melodious Laughing Thrush, Rufous Laughing Thrush and Little Forktail. Non-bird biodiversity: • In the Nengdan area, 36 species of mammals in 8 orders and 17 families have been recorded including 12 protected species: Formosan Reeve’s Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi Micrurus, Formosan Serow Capricornis crispus swinhoei, Formosan Sambar Cervus unicolor swinhoei, Formosan Macaque Macaca cyclopis, Formosan Pangolin Manis pentadactyla, Formosan Gem-faced Civet Paguma larvata raivana, and Crab-eating Mongoose Herpestes urva. • There are 5 species of protected reptiles and amphibians, as well the fish, Sinogastromyzon Puliensis Liang.
Delineation rationale: 2015: 2001 IBA site area has changed from 134,400 ha to 128,015 ha; easting changed from 121d13mE to 120d13mE
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 6 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 1 | |
| Other | 4 | |
| Forest | 68 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: • Protection of the natural forests has not received emphasis, and the banning of illegal cutting has not been actively pursued. In addition, the forestry agency uses inappropriate reforestation techniques, selectively cutting small-diameter trees, and planting uniform and economically important species. • Road construction is facilitating excessive opening of cultivation and illegal cutting. • There is illegal cultivation. • Illegal hunting is extremely serious. • There are pressures from recreational activities, mountain climbing, and jeep traffic that need to be controlled. • Local aboriginals are opposed to the creation of a national park or the designation of a reserve.
Additional information
References: • Wang, C. M. 1992. Investigation research on fauna at the section of Kashe River of Danda Forest District. Forestry Bureau, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Taiwan Provincial. • Lin, J. C. 1998. Initial research and investigation on the wildlife population at Danda Area. Forestry Bureau. Department ofAgricuiture and Forestry. Taiwan Provincial Government. • Wang, Y., C. C. Lai, and Y. C. Chen. 1998. Initial investigations and research on the wildlife population at Danda Area. Nantou Administrative District, Forestry Bureau. • Wang. Y. and Y. C. Chen. 1999. Initial investigations and research on the wildlife population at Danda Area II. Nantou Administrative District, Forestry Bureau. • Shuishalien Magazine. No. 12: 22-28.