Taiwan is an island located on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. Measuring just 394 kilometers (246 miles) long and 140 kilometers (88 miles) wide, the island displays an incredible amount of geographical variation for in a small place. More than 42% of the land in Taiwan consists of mountains. The island has more than 100 peaks higher than 10,000 feet!
There are about 440 species of birds to be found in Taiwan. In other words, of the world's 8,600 species of birds, more than five percent can be found on the island. In comparison, Japan has approximately 500, the United States about 800, and China is home to 1,200 species of birds.
In order to promote education, conservation and tourism, Taiwan has established five National Parks.
Of the five national parks, Yangmingshan National Park is located in Taipei, the capital and the largest city of Taiwan. It features a volcanic landscape and huge numbers of various butterflies. Birds commonly found everywhere and they are plentiful at Yangmingshan. With the exception of boar and monkey, no large mammals live within the confines of the park.
Yushan National Park is located in central Taiwan and features Taiwan's highest peak, Yushan (Jade mountain),
which is 12,000 feet high! With its vast amounts of virgin forests, Yushan National Park is host to a wide variety of species of flora. Here amateur botanists can examine plants and flowers commonly found in various weather zones. Almost all the species of birds endemic to Taiwan are available for viewing at Yushan.
Shui-Ba National Park, also located in central Taiwan, is the newest of the five parks. It is slightly lower than Yushan. This park also offers a wide variety of bird species, especially those commonly found at middle elevations.
Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan offers spectacular coastal scenery and tropical climate. One of the best diving sites on the island, Kenting's shoreline abounds with coral and tropical fish. Each October large numbers of birds migrate through the park. At the height of the migration period, 2,000 Grayfaced Buzzard Eagles and 30,000 Chinese Sparrow Hawks could pass through Kenting in a single day.
Taroko National Park is located on the east coast of Taiwan. Taroko has breath-taking mountain and ocean scenery. The area displays a wide variation in elevation, and as a result, many different species of plants and animals life could be found in this island paradise. There are an estimated 130 species of birds inhabiting the park.
Aside from the five national parks, Taiwan has three national scenic areas. The Northeast Coast National Scenic Area is known for its majestic and varied coastal scenery. The East Coast National Scenic Area offers views of the Pacific Ocean and Taiwan's Central Mountain Range. The third designated scenic area is located 24 nautical miles off Taiwan's west coast. It consists of 64 small islands collectively known as the Penghu National Scenic Region. This area offers some of the best fishing and diving to be found anywhere in the world. Also buried under the sea are ancient ruins and burial sites. A huge number of terns make the Penghu archipelago and bird watcher's paradise.
The Ten Best Birds Watching Sites In Taiwan
