Chatianshan Nature Reserve

Information

Date of Proclamation	March 12, 1992
Size of Area (ha)	7,759.17
Primary Object for Protection	Oak forests, ecosystems of rare animals & vegetation
Scope of Administration	For those areas in Dasi District of forest lots of land with ordinal numbers 13 to 15, 24 to 26, and 32 not including the 75 hectares of Daguanshan [Daguan Mountain] Natural Preservation Park that has already been developed plus those areas of Wulai District of forest lots 18, 41 to 45, 49 to 53 and forest lot 35 not including the 850.22 hectares of Manyueyuan [Full Moon Park] Forest Leisure Area.
Authority in-charge-of	Hsinchu Forest District Office

Origin

Taiwanese beech is 1 of 11 rare vegetations in Taiwan and can be found in abundance. There is a swath of land in Lala Mountain of Taipei County that stretches furthest southward in the northern hemisphere. The tree is an important subject of study and the surrounding forested region is rich in wild animals and plant species, including many endangered and rare& valuable species.

With an ever-growing influx of tourists to Chatian Mountain, the Council on Agriculture officiated the “Chatianshan Nature Reserve” on March12, 1992; total area 7,759.12 hectares.

Location

Chatianshan is located in Wulai Village and Sansia Township of Taipei County and Fusing Village of Taoyuan County and has four (4) separate access paths via: Fushan [Prosperity Mountain] Village in Wulai, Siao Wulai [Little Wulai] in Fusing, Manyueyuan [Full Moon Park] in Sansia & Daguanshan [Da-guan Mountain] Natural Preservation Park in Shangbaling. The northern section points to the northeast and the southern section points southeast. The 7,759.17 hectares of Chatianshan is located in Sinjhu forest Management agency of Wulai District forest lots compartment 43 to 45, 49 to 53, 18, 41, and 42 and Dasi District forest lots 13 to 15, 24 to 32 and 33.

An Introduction

The region centered on Lala Mountain is highest in elevation along the northern expanse of Syueshan Mountain Range. In the general vicinity are Fufu Mountain, Meikuisimo Mountain, Kui Mountain, Southern Chatian Mountain, and Kabao Mountain. Its elevation is 300 to 2,129 m above sea level. Major waterways in the area include Dasi Creek to the west and Nanshih Creek to the east and their respective branches. There are many fresh creeks within the zone and cliffs have formed due to water erosion and gradual collapsing of the earth from its own weight. Some break offs are steep and there are spectacular waterfalls that tumble from great heights to the surface below.

The earth in the region consists mainly of Tertiary period sandstone and shale and topsoil is podzol. Yearly temperatures average 15.6°C falling to a range of 5°C to 10°C during winter, keeping at around 20°C in summer. Effected by northeastern monsoons, yearly rainfall averages 3,290 mm but remains fairly consistent from month to month. Humidity stays above 90% and climate is hot & wet, ideal for vegetation growth.

Local vegetation community consists mainly of banyan trees & conifer-leaf woods. Main water source is from the Shihmen [Stone Gate] Dam & Feicuei [Jade] Dam creating an ideal habitat for animals and vegetations.

Biological Resources

Local woods consist mainly of Machilus-Castanopsis forest zone, except in lower elevations, which is classified as Ficus-Machilus forest zone. Coniferous trees grow above 1,800 m in the southeastern nook, primarily flat cypress, juniper & hemlock spruce. There are approximately 10 huge juniper trees, averaging 800-1,500 years old that serve as landmarks. Among the most precious vegetation is Taiwanese beech, over 350 hectares worth of the trees can be found from on an expanse of land from Deerback Mountain to Lupei Mountain where there are swift winds and sharp mountain ridges. The fallen leaves of these birches are considered highly valuable in their own right and as a subject of study for the purpose of academic research. Upon the ground can be found a rhododendron called red-star cuckoos (Rhododendron hyperythrum Hayata), Chinese New Year Flower (Enkianthus quinqueflorus) and a single-leaf orchid Pleione formosana.

Facus hayatae, the “poster board” species of the Council of Agricultural Affairs can be found in the region. The Cyclobalanopsis glauca species, or Taiwanese beech, is a member of the Fagaceae family myrsinaefolia class. The beech trees can exceed 20 meters, with diameter of more than 70cm. The tree grows in mountainous and steep cliff regions and forms a rare pure grove of Taiwanese beech in the region. Seeds grow not oft and they sprout so rarely.

Red-star cuckoos, flowers that bud in April are a kind of evergreen brush and can be found in foggy regions of northern Taiwanese forests and they have an important presence in the region.

The zone has many species of animals, some very scarce and some on the brink of extinction. A total of 14 families and 23 species of mammals, like black bear, macaque, musk cat, crab, tiger, pangolin, deer & goat. A total of 28 families and 72 species of birds, like partridge, menivet, crow, tit, babbler, sparrow, hawk, vulture & woodpecker perch in the area. A total of 5 families and 14 species of amphibians make their home in the area and butterflies, such as the purple butterfly face extinction.

Conservation Results Till Now

Local scenery, soil, hydrology, animal & vegetations ecosystems are top class in northern Taiwan and therefore of crucial importance. Basic data already exists for mammals, birds & amphibians and insects are still under categorization.

Directions of future efforts include establishing loting plans for those on the brink of extinction, clearly mappings relevant habitats, conducting periodic observations and preventing poaching. A local hydrology observatory for further detailed research studies needs to be established.

Most serious current threat is tourism, particularly at the exits of Daguan Mountain & Full Moon Mountain, where total annual tourists have already reached 220,000 & 120,000 persons respectively. Though guard stations have been set-up, they are ineffective at preventing environmental damage, pillaging and poaching. Ecosystems in the region are under pressure on a “quota system” to protect nature’s is highly recommended.

We also strongly recommend setting-up core area and buffer zone, as well as barriers & surveillance rounds. Proper nurturing of Taiwanese beech is crucial.