Dawushan Nature Reserve and Shuang-guei Lake Major Wildlife Habitat (14304)
Taiwan, China, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Dawushan Nature Reserve and Shuang-guei Lake Major Wildlife Habitat
Central coordinates: Latitude: 22.5833, Longitude: 120.8500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 3090
Area of KBA (km2): 947.00699
Protected area coverage (%): 97.52
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Extent of this site: The Tawushan Nature Reserve is situated on the eastern slope of the southern section of the Central Mountain Range, and includes the watersheds of five major rivers: Chihben, Taimali, Jinluen, Dachu, and Lichia rivers. The Hsuangkuei Lake Wildlife Major Habitat is situated on the border of Maolin Village in Kaohsiung County, Wutai Village in Pingdung County, and Yanping Village in Taitung County, and is part of the southern section of the Central Mountain Range. Most of this area consists of national forests, and most still remains at very natural condition. Forests cover over 90% of the area, among which natural forests account for the greatest share. This IBA site is characterized with that it has the largest area and the most intact natural forests in Taiwan. Elevations range from 200 to 3,090 m, and annual precipitation is 4,400-4,800 mm. Forests of different climatic types can be found here. The biological resources are very diversified, and animals grow abundantly. Disturbance from humans is rare.
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: Fourteen endemic species are common in this area : among which the Mikado Pheasant and Swinhoe’s Pheasant are more easily seen here than in other places in Taiwan. • At this site, 113 species have been recorded including 20 protected species: Indian Black Eagle, Tawny Fish Owl, Maroon Oriole, Hodgson’s Hawk Eagle, Brown Wood Owl, Besra Sparrow Hawk, Asian Crested Goshawk, Crested Serpent Eagle, Melodious Laughing Thrush, and Rufous Laughing Thrush. Non-bird biodiversity: • This site is the most possible location for sighting the Formosan Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa and the Formosan Black Bear Selenarctos thibetanus formosanus.
Delineation rationale: 2015: site area changed from 90,215 ha (2001 IBA) to 94,724 ha (2015 IBA).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 1 | |
| Grassland | 1 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 1 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 6 | |
| Other | 3 | |
| Forest | 88 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: • The proposed national southern cross-island expressway which is under the planning stage will pass through the reserve area. • In 1998, the central government promulgated a plan for the expansion of national requirements. Taitung County government planed to open a cross highway from Dawu in Taitung County to Shuidiliao in Pingdung County without appropriate Environmental Impact Assessment. In March 2000, part of the construction work was contracted out. This highway is slated to pass through three reserves in the Central Mountain Range, seriously affecting the integrity of the vegetation and biological structure. • In addition, there is illegal felling of trees, excessive hunting, and leisure activities. • There are natural disasters like earthquakes.
Additional information
References: • Taiwan Forestry Bureau. 1994. National Forest Reserves. • Wang, H. et al. 1987. Initial Investigation of Natural Resources I. • Wang, H. et al. 1988. Initial Investigation of Natural Resources II. • Wang, H. et al. 1989. Initial Investigation of Natural Resources III. • Wang, H. et al. 1990. Initial Investigation of Natural Resources IV. • National Highway Construction Bureau. 1994. Investigation report on fauna and floral ecology of the National Southern Cross-island Expressway. • Pei, C. C. and Y. S. Sun. 1998. Investigation report on fauna at the Hsuangguei Lake Forest Reserve (Taitung Forest District) I. Taitung Forest District, Taiwan Forestry Bureau, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. • Pingdung Forest District. 1999. Executive results of the management plan on Tawushan Nature Reserve and its buffer zone. • Taiwan Forestry Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan Website: http://www.forest.gov.tw/frames/frame03.htm