30-Second Overview: Although Taiwan occupies only 0.025% of the world's land area, it hosts over 50,000 recorded species of flora and fauna. Its forest coverage reaches 60.71%, ranking 33rd globally—double the global average of 30.3%. From sea level to the 3,952-meter summit of Yushan (Jade Mountain), the island forms a complete ecological gradient, nurturing an astonishing proportion of endemic species, including 71% of its mammals and 60% of certain insect groups.
Why is this small island located on the Tropic of Cancer a global biodiversity hotspot? The answer lies in Taiwan's unique geographical position and complex terrain.
A Small Island with Great Vitality: Miracles Behind the Numbers
According to the Taiwan Species List published by Academia Sinica in 2009, there are over 50,000 recorded species in Taiwan, accounting for approximately 2.5% of the world's total species. While this percentage may seem low, considering Taiwan's land area is only 36,000 square kilometers, the biological density is staggering.
Even more striking is the proportion of endemic species:
- Mammals: 71% (e.g., Formosan Black Bear, Formosan Macaque)
- Amphibians: 31% (e.g., Taiwan Salamander)
- Plants: 25%
- Certain insect groups: As high as 60%
These figures reflect the uniqueness of Taiwan's island geography—its separation from the mainland has promoted the evolution of endemic species, while complex terrain and climatic variations have created diverse ecological niches.
A Vertical Ecological Wonder: From Tropical to Alpine
Taiwan's most unique ecological feature is its vertical ecological gradient. Within an elevation change of less than 4,000 meters, it presents a complete range of climate zones from tropical to alpine:
Sea level to 500m: Tropical monsoon forests, characterized by banyan and ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan).
500–1,500m: Subtropical broadleaf forests, where camphor and Machilus trees grow lushly.
1,500–2,500m: Temperate mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, featuring massive stands of Taiwan Cypress (Chamaecyparis formosensis).
2,500–3,500m: Subalpine coniferous forests, where Taiwan Fir and Taiwan Hemlock have adapted to the cold.
Above 3,500m: Alpine vegetation zone, dotted with Rhododendron dennisonii (Yushan Rhododendron) and Primula taiwaniana.
This vertical distribution is extremely rare globally, allowing Taiwan to concentrate ecosystems from most of the Earth's climate zones within just 36,000 square kilometers.
Kingdom of Forests: 33rd in Global Green Coverage
Taiwan's forest coverage rate is 60.71%, ranking 33rd in the world and doubling the global average of 30.3%. This figure is even more precious given the high level of development in many regions.
Forest coverage varies significantly across counties:
- Taitung County: 81.64% (Highest)
- Hualien County: 80.54%
- Yilan County: 78.55%
- In contrast, forest coverage in western plain counties is often below 20%.
These forests are more than just beautiful scenery; they are the core of Taiwan's biodiversity. Approximately 86% of forests are legally protected, with natural forests accounting for 73% and plantations for 27%.
The Last Bastion for Endangered Species
Formosan Clouded Leopard: The Vanished King
In 2014, scholars officially declared the Taiwan clouded leopard extinct, with the last confirmed sighting recorded in 1983. The disappearance of this endemic subspecies became a major turning point for biodiversity awareness in Taiwan, prompting society to place greater importance on the conservation of extant endangered species.
Formosan Leopard Cat: An Indicator Species for Low-Mountain Ecosystems
The Formosan leopard cat, the only native felid remaining in Taiwan, is currently estimated to have only about 500 individuals, primarily distributed in the low-mountain areas of Miaoli, Taichung, and Nantou.
Roadkill is the most direct threat facing the leopard cat. According to statistics from the Ah-Hu (Tiger) team, 25 leopard cats were killed by vehicles in 2021, with 15 incidents in Miaoli, 6 in Nantou, and 2 each in Taichung and Changhua. Death locations are mostly situated along the banks of rivers such as the Houlong, Zhuoshui, and Maolo Rivers, demonstrating the severity of habitat fragmentation.
Formosan Black Bear: King of the Mountains
Taiwan's largest terrestrial mammal, currently estimated at approximately 500–700 individuals. Although legally protected, it still faces threats such as habitat fragmentation and human-bear conflicts. In recent years, both the government and civil society have actively promoted conservation programs, including the installation of electric fences and the establishment of monitoring systems.
Rich Treasures of Marine Ecology
Surrounded by sea on all sides, Taiwan's 1,566 km coastline nurtures rich marine ecosystems. Multiple currents, such as the Kuroshio Current and the China Coastal Current, converge here, bringing abundant nutrients and life.
Coral reefs are the jewels of Taiwan's marine ecology, distributed in the Northeast Cape, the North Coast, Green Island, Lanyu, and Kenting. Taiwan records approximately 300 species of coral, representing one-third of the world's total. However, climate change, marine pollution, and excessive tourism pose serious threats to these reefs.
A Conservation Success Story: The Miracle of the Black-faced Spoonbill
The Black-faced Spoonbill is a model for successful conservation in Taiwan. In 1988, only 288 individuals remained globally. Through collaborative efforts between Taiwan and South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Japan, an international cooperation network was established.
Through habitat creation, international monitoring, and environmental education, the population of Black-faced Spoonbills has grown steadily, reaching 6,162 in 2024, with areas like Qigu in Taiwan becoming vital wintering habitats. This success story proves that transnational cooperation and long-term commitment can reverse the fate of endangered species.
Invasive Species: The Invisible Killers of Ecosystems
Taiwan faces serious issues with invasive species:
The bullies of the plant world: Bidens pilosa (smallflowered beggar-ticks) covering wildlands, and Leucaena leucocephala (leadtree) altering soil properties.
The destroyers of waterways: Golden apple snails disrupting paddy field ecosystems, and the Red Swamp Crayfish threatening native freshwater organisms.
The invaders of the soil: Red Imported Fire Ants establishing massive underground kingdoms and exhibiting extreme aggression.
Lacking natural predators to keep them in check, these invasive species often expand rapidly, posing a severe threat to the balance of native ecosystems.
The Challenge of Climate Change
Climate change poses the greatest impact on Taiwan's alpine ecosystems. As temperatures rise, suitable habitats for alpine plants are continuously retreating upward, eventually leaving them with nowhere left to go.
Alpine endemics such as the Yushan Rhododendron and Taiwan Fir face a "no way back" dilemma. Scientists estimate that if global temperatures rise by 2°C, Taiwan's alpine ecosystems will undergo drastic changes.
Rising sea levels also threaten coastal wetlands, which serve as vital stopovers on migratory bird routes. Finding a balance between development and conservation remains a long-term challenge for Taiwan.
Future Outlook: Technology Aiding Conservation
Taiwan is utilizing new technologies to strengthen biodiversity conservation:
Taiwan Biodiversity Network (TBN): Integrating biological survey data from across the island to provide an online query platform.
DNA Barcoding Technology: Accelerating species identification and the discovery of new species.
Remote Sensing Monitoring: Real-time tracking of forest changes and assessing conservation effectiveness.
Citizen Science: Mobilizing public participation in biological monitoring through platforms like eBird Taiwan and iNaturalist.
Taiwan's biodiversity is the most precious asset of this island. Against the backdrop of the Earth's sixth mass extinction, Taiwan, as a biodiversity hotspot, bears the heavy responsibility of protecting the planet's treasury of life.
From the conservation of the Formosan leopard cat to the recovery of the Black-faced Spoonbill, and from forest protection to the maintenance of marine ecosystems, Taiwan is writing an inspiring story of "great conservation on a small island." Facing the dual challenges of climate change and development pressure, how to ensure this land continues to nurture abundant life will be a shared mission for all people in Taiwan.