Chuyanshan Nature Reserve (14301)
Taiwan, China, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Chuyanshan Nature Reserve
Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.9833, Longitude: 120.8167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 2772
Area of KBA (km2): 72.71612
Protected area coverage (%): 71.86
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Extent of this site: under the administration of Taiwan Forestry Bureau and sits within Taoyuan and Maolin Village, Kaohsiung County. The elevations range from 700 to 2,772m. The Malishan and Wanshan Rivers pass through the area. Both consist important water systems of the Laonung River’s upstream section. In addition to Chuyanshan (at 2772 m) which sits on the Central Mountain Range, other important peaks include Shechihlai Mt. (1863 m), Hsinchi Mt. (1557 m) and Donglai Mt. (1845 m).
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: 13 endemic species are commonly seen 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. • From previous investigations and the literature, 89 species have been recorded at this site. This is an important habitat for the endangered raptors Hodgson’s Hawk Eagle and Indian Black Eagle. According to research by Chou (1991), scrub and forest birds are dominant species at this site, and in winter there are several high-elevation species which move downward to this area. Non-bird biodiversity: • This site is protected under the Cultural Heritage Conservation Law and registering to enter the area is not easy, so the disturbance by people is not great. The site holds extremely abundant wildlife resources, including the Formosan Macaque Macaca cyclopsis, Formosan Gem-faced Civet Paguma larvata taivana, Formosan Wild Boar Sus scrofa taivanus, and Formosan Sambar Cervus unicolor swinhoei (see related References for more information).
Delineation rationale: 2015: minimum altitude changed from 700 m (2001 IBA) to 400 m (2015 IBA).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 1 | |
| Forest | 83 | |
| Shrubland | 1 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 14 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 1 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: • This area is adjacent to Baoshan Village and the Tengchih tribe of Taoyuan Village. Because the aboriginals have a tradition of hunting, patrols and educational campaign should be strengthened. • There are natural disasters like soil and rock flows. • Tourist activities could result in negative impacts at this area.
Additional information
References: • Lu, G. Y, J. B. Chiu, Y. L. Chen, and W. S. Chang. 1989. Investigations on the animals at Chuyanshan Nature Reserve. Taiwan Forestry Bureau, Department of Agriculture and Forestry. • Chou, L. S. 1991. Investigations on the animals at Chuyanshan Nature Reserve II. Taiwan Forestry Bureau, Department ofAgriculture and Forestry. • Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society. 1992. Chirrups, No. 149. • Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society. 1996. Chirrups, No. 189. • Geography Department, National Taiwan University. 1997. Nature reserves in Taiwan. Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. • Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society. 1998. Chirrups, No. 208. • Pingdung Forest District Administration. 1999. Management and maintenance plan for the Chuyanshan Nature Reserve. • Nature Conservation Website, Council of Agriculture: http://www.coa.gov. tw/external/preserve/reserve/chu/chu.htm. • Taiwan Forestry Bureau. Council of Agriculture: http://www.forest.gov.tw/recreate/pro14.htm.