Matsu islands Tern Refuge

Information

Date of foundation	January 26, 2000
Area( hectare )	71.6166
Primary Object for Protection	Island ecosystem, seabird habitats and special geological landscapes
Scope of Administration	Shuangzi Reef of Dongyin Township; Sanlian Islet, Zhong Island, Tiejian Island, Baimiao and Jin Islet of Beigan Township; Liuchuan Reef of Nangan Township; Sheshan (Snake Mountain) of Juguang Township; and the buffer zone extending 100 meters from the subtidal line into the sea
Authority in-charge-of	Lianjiang County Government

The Chinese crested tern is also called “the bird of legend” as it was rarely seen by humans since it was named in 1863 and was once thought to be extinct. In 2000, four pairs of them were found in Matsu, the only known breeding site back then in the world and now the only one in Taiwan. Before 1992 when Matsu still served as a battlefield, frequent military shooting drills and collection of bird eggs by fishermen caused the tern population to shrink. Thankfully government ecological surveys revealed the importance of protecting this area and eventually the Matsu Islands Tern Refuge was set up. Nowadays this beautiful species has been successfully bred and is appreciated by many visitors in tern watching activities from a safe distance to avoid any disturbance.