Hualien River Estuary (14311)
Taiwan, China, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Hualien River Estuary
Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.9500, Longitude: 121.6000
System: marine, terrestrial
Area of KBA (km2): 4.854844
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD’
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Extent of this site: in the north from the levee on the north edge of the Amei Cultural Village south for 8 km to Provincial Highway 11; in the west from where the Mugua and Hualien Rivers converge at the Hualien Bridge east to below Lingding on the coastline to about the low tide line. County Road 193 is the primary transportation route. The natural landscape includes the convergence of the Hualien River and the Pacific Ocean, and the river beach wetlands. From the Hualien River Bridge downstream to the estuary there is much silt which, under the interaction of the tidal influence, has formed wetlands where fresh and saltwater mix. Shallow water areas, muddy beaches, and sand flats are formed. Average annual temperature is about 22.78°C, average annual relative humidity is 53%~82%, and average annual precipitation is 2,400 mm. The Hualien River Estuary is one of the important sites on Taiwan’s east coast for migrating and over-wintering birds. The site includes the unique culture of the Amei Aboriginals, who have worshiped the sea at Chi’an for many generations.
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 Al criterion species: Chinese Egret • Each year in April and May Chinese Egret (CE) passes through this area, with a maximum of 38 birds: Date 4/1995 5/1996 5/1997 4/1998 4/1999 5/2000 No. of CE 38 25 4 5 3 17 • At this site, 180 species have been recorded; important migrants include numerous Scolopacidae, Charadriidae, Anatidae and Ardeidae in fall: the Laridae is dominant in spring. • Special birds include the globally threatened Chinese Egret, Black-faced Spoonbill, and Baikal Teal; the endemic Formosan Bulbul, the rare Mandarin Duck and Little Tern (up to 400 birds) can also be observed. Non-bird biodiversity: • In 1997, the mangrove Kandelia Kandelia candel was restored in the estuary. • Each November, there is the spectacular sight of young Varuna litterata crabs scurrying from the sea into the freshwater.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (38%) | energy production and mining (2%) | military (1%) | not utilised (7%) | urban/industrial/transport (2%) | water management (36%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 33 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: • Wastewater from an industrial zone is discharged here. • Gravel is extracted and processed here. • Exotic species have invaded this area. • There is filling in of the wetlands. • The water quality of the Hualien River is affected by wastewater discharges from a paper-making plant, the nearby Guanghua Industrial Zone and the landfill site at Chian.
Additional information
References: • Wetlands Conservation Workgroup. 1994. 1994 Planning examples of environmentally sensitive areas at the coast of Taiwan- bird, mangrove, and wetland investigations. Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, Taiwan. • Chen, S. H. and H. C. Chang. 1997. Investigation plan of the distribution of wildlife ecological resources in Hualien County. Hualien County Government. • Chang, H. C. et al. 1997. Birdwatching Handbook for the Hualien River Estuary. Wild Bird Society of Hualien. • Chen, S. H. and H. C. Chang. 1998. Investigation plan of wildlife resources in Hualien County. Hualien County Government. • Chang, H. C. 1999. Investigations and planning for the Hualien River Estuary Waterbird Reserve. Hualien County Government. • Wild Bird Society of Hualien. 1999. Huilien Guide for Birdwatching- A Guide of Commonly Seen Birds in Hualien County. Hualien County Government. • Unpublished. Records of bird species at the Hualien River estuary 1994- 2000. Wild Bird Society of Hualien.