Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
er, it was found that 70% of Taiwan's mammals, 17% of its birds, 26% of its plants
and 60% of its insects are endemic species.
What accounts for such a high rate of bio-density? It's Taiwan's long isolation
from the mainland, as well as a geographic environment that harbours a variety of
ecosystems in a small area. About the only ecosystem that Taiwan is missing,
scholars have noted, is a desert.
Subalpine (Cold Temperate Zone): 2800-3700m
You might think that this high-altitude zone is inaccessible unless you hike in, but you
can actually reach sections of it by road. Taiwan's highest pass sits at 3275m on Hwy 14,
just before Hehuanshan (Hohuanshan) Forest Recreation Area. The rolling meadows of
Yushan cane (a type of dwarf bamboo) that you can see from the roadside stand as one of
the most beautiful natural sights on the island.
Less accessible are forests of tall straight Taiwan fir and juniper (a tree-line species).
To see these you will need to put on your boots and strap on a knapsack.
You can see subalpine plants in the Hehuanshan Forest Recreation Area ( Click here ) ,
Snow Mountain, Tatajia and Wuling Pass.
Alpine (Subarctic Zone): 3500m plus
If you manage to climb your way to this elevation you'll be above the tree line. The zone
is divided into a lower scrub zone and an upper herb zone where tiny patches of vegeta-
tion cling to the exposed rocks. It's a chilly place even in summer but the amazing views
are worth every effort to get here.
You can see alpine plants on the peaks of Snow Mountain and Yushan National Park.
For a closer look at the variety of snakes in Taiwan, check out Snakes of Taiwan
( www.snakesoftaiwan.com ) .
Animals
Mammals
There are about 70 species of mammals in Taiwan, and about 70% of those are endemic.
Once over-hunted and threatened by development, species like the Formosan macaque,
wild boar, martin, civet, sambar deer, and the delightful and diminutive barking deer
 
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