Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, National Park Service, Ministry of the InteriorShei-Pa National Park Headquarters, National Park Service, Ministry of the Interior

Unveiling the Survival Secrets and Conservation Challenges of the SalamandersTo increase the public’s understanding and conservation awareness of alpine ecosystems, the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters (the Headquarters) held an ecological lecture at the National Library of Public Information. The first session of 2025 invited ecological documentary director Mai, Jue-Ming to speak on the topic "I Come from the Distant North ~ Asiatic Salamanders 2.0," sharing his years of documenting Taiwan's rare endemic species—the salamanders—and his ecological observations. The event attracted over 250 participants interested in natural conservation, including families, students, teachers, and environmental education workers. The venue was filled to capacity with enthusiastic response, making it not only an intellectual feast but also a spiritual journey about mountain and forest life.Exploring the Ecological Wonder of Salamanders: Living Fossils from the Ice Age to TodayThe Asiatic salamanders are alpine amphibian species endemic to Taiwan. There are 5 species of salamanders in Taiwan, with an evolutionary history dating back to the Ice Age, earning them the title of "living fossils." They are mainly distributed in mid-to-high altitude, cool and clear streams, and are extremely sensitive to habitat conditions, making them highly indicative environmental species. Due to climate change and human activities, the salamanders are facing habitat fragmentation and survival crises. The Headquarters has been conducting long-term population and habitat ecological surveys of salamanders. Since 2020, it has collaborated with Yushan National Park Headquarters and Taroko National Park Headquarters on cross-domain salamander research. Through educational promotion, they aim to increase the public’s awareness of salamander conservation. The efforts of the national parks are not only aimed at protecting the salamanders' living environment but also hope to draw society's attention to natural ecology, encouraging more people to commit to the conservation of Taiwan's 5 endemic salamander species.From the North to Shei-Pa National Park: Revealing the Salamanders’ Survival Secrets and Conservation ChallengesDirector Mai, Jue-Ming shared his interactions with researchers and locals during filming, demonstrating the possibility of human-nature coexistence. He emphasized that the documentary is not only about scientific discoveries but also a heartwarming narrative of life, hoping that through images, more people will pay attention to "the life hiding under stones." Through video documentation, the salamanders display various parental care behaviors, including wrapping strings of eggs around their heads to ensure successful hatching. The precious footage from Professor Ju, Yu-Ten of National Taiwan University in his captive breeding experiments initiated in June 2021, and the most recent record of successfully hatched baby salamanders on January 1, 2025. These bring new hope to salamander conservation efforts, allowing everyone to feel the challenges and beauty of salamander survival.Shei-Pa National Park Launches "Asiatic Salamanders Exhibition," Helping Children Learn About Conservation Through Family Interactive ActivitiesAdditionally, the "Exploring Asiatic Salamanders Exhibition" jointly organized by Shei-Pa, Yushan, Taroko National Park Headquarters, and the National Library of Public Information began officially on April 23, 2025, at the Library's first-floor lobby. Originally scheduled to end on June 15, 2025, the exhibition has been extended to July 6, 2025, due to overwhelming public reception. This exhibition aims to enhance public understanding of the salamanders and their habitats. During the exhibition period, the Headquarters’ volunteers provide professional guided interpretation services every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and arrange family-friendly interactive activities, including salamander habitat painting, paper sculpture making, and puppet shows, which have attracted many families to participate. The quiz competitions and junior interpreter experiences designed by the Headquarters’ volunteer team allow children to learn conservation knowledge through games. Participating children expressed hopes to become "forest guardians" in the future, while parents agreed that this lively approach brings children closer to nature and cultivates environmental awareness.Deepening Environmental Education Promotion, Working Together to Protect Taiwan's Alpine Ecological TreasuresLin, Wen-ho, Director of Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, pointed out that the salamanders are Taiwan's endemic relic species from the Ice Age, invaluable witnesses to the natural evolutionary process. Their sensitivity to temperature, water quality, and habitat conditions makes them early warning indicators of ecological crises under climate change. National parks have long collaborated with academia to conduct salamander population monitoring and habitat restoration, while continuously investing in environmental education through ecological conservation lectures, exhibitions, and campus outreach programs, enabling more people to understand the ecological value of these "mountain forest hermits." The Headquarters will continue to combine imagery with diverse resources to promote conservation actions with public participation, hoping that through our collective efforts, we can create a more sustainable future for Taiwan's mountain forests and the wildlife living within them.

【Recommended Video｜The Hidden Truth Behind the "Critically Endangered" Formosan Landlocked Salmon】Did you know?Taiwan’s national treasure fish — the Formosan landlocked salmon — is totally different from the salmon we usually eat! This little survivor from the Ice Age is one of the rarest fish in the world.On the YouTube channel "Chia Expeditions", host Chia Li (李嘉心) shares a super engaging video that starts with a plate of salmon sashimi and leads us all the way to the crystal-clear waters of Qijiawan Creek in Shei-Pa National Park.Chia takes us on an adventure to uncover the salmon’s fascinating journey, from how it migrated south to Taiwan thousands of years ago, to the ongoing efforts to protect and restore its population. She even visits the actual spawning grounds and breeding facilities, showing us the hard work behind every little salmon swimming upstream.It's fun, informative, and highly recommended for anyone who loves nature or wants to learn more about Taiwan's wildlife.Watch it and you’ll fall in love with this tough little fish and the beautiful mountain streams it calls home!▶ Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjfAG8_bP14#FormosanLandlockedSalmon #TaiwanTreasure #ChiaExpeditions #NatureLovers #SheiPaNationalPark

Shei-Pa has installed auxiliary guide posts, serving as beacons for winter hikers. However, hikers must also be well-prepared to maintain winter hiking safety.Shei-Pa Report: With the current cold front, according to the latest snow conditions reported by Shei-Pa conservation volunteers and hikers today, Snow Mountain's main peak has approximately 20cm of snow accumulation. Plants in the Snow Mountain cirque are showing signs of frost. Even with sunshine, areas without direct sunlight remain extremely cold, and some trail sections have loose snow. Shei-Pa reminds hikers to proceed with caution.Furthermore, Shei-Pa asks: How often do hikers encounter a white wall while hiking? Does it depend on luck? Do you feel anxious when the trail is covered in thick snow or when guide posts are barely visible through the fog?Not to worry - Shei-Pa has built beacons in the white wall for hikers - auxiliary guide posts. In October 2024, they first held a meeting with experts and scholars to discuss the style, color scheme, quantity, and installation locations of these auxiliary guide posts. After reaching a consensus, by the end of 2024, they installed 15 new auxiliary guide posts from Snow Mountain's main peak-North Ridge Saddle towards Cui Pond, bringing the total to over 20 guide posts with the existing ones. These auxiliary guide posts aim to provide clear markers for hikers when the rocky slope trail from Snow Mountain's main peak to Cui Pond is covered in snow or shrouded in thick fog during winter season, hopefully reducing the chance of getting lost.However, if you do encounter a thick white wall and lose your sense of direction in the whiteness, Shei-Pa urges everyone to stop, make good use of map and compass (does anyone still use these?) or offline maps. If you find yourself lost, remember to stay put, stay calm, and follow the STOP principle:S - Stop your movement.T - Think about where you got lost; if you can't return to your original path, stay where you are.O - Observe your resources, such as food and equipment, and look for nearby shelter from wind and rain. Avoid descending into valleys.P - Plan your rescue strategy, ration food and water, and stay warm.Of course, while Shei-Pa's auxiliary guide posts can help hikers identify trails, it must be emphasized that these are supplementary guidance facilities. Winter hikers should still do their own pre-trip planning and preparation, download offline map apps (and know how to use them!), or follow professional winter trek leaders. Most importantly, you should manage your own itinerary and plans because the person most capable of helping you is yourself.

The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters (SPNPH) under the National Park Service, Ministry of the Interior, will implement winter season management measures from January 2 to March 31, 2025. Visitors can submit their winter hiking applications up to two months before their planned departure date. The SPNPH emphasizes that winter hikers must be proficient in using winter equipment, have a detailed snow hiking plan, take adequate precautions against cold weather, and possess proper snow climbing gear and skills to ensure safety during the winter season.Four Essential Safety Guidelines for Winter Park AccessThe SPNPH emphasizes that winter mountaineering carries significantly higher risks compared to other seasons. Inadequate preparation can lead to injuries or, in severe cases, fatalities. To balance hiking safety with environmental protection, the SPNPH has established four winter management guidelines with an open and service-oriented approach: (1) Applications for the winter Holy Ridge Trail are now open, requiring submission of a "Mountain Safety Assessment Form." Groups of three or more are recommended for this route; (2) Regular applications are restricted to groups of 1-6 people (leader included), and group leaders must hold winter training certification, snow climbing guide certification, or demonstrate experience on notable snow routes either domestically or internationally; (3) When snow depth in Xue Mountain Cirque exceeds 30cm, designated camping areas will be available for winter training groups, who must submit an "Environmental Impact Self-Assessment Form"; (4) All groups must demonstrate competency with snow climbing equipment (crampons, ice axes, and helmets) and be prepared for snow-covered trails and challenging terrain. Complete guidelines are available on the "One-Stop Service Platform for Taiwan Mountain Climbing Application."Winter Season Support Services Remain ActiveTo maintain winter hiking safety, the SPNPH has implemented comprehensive winter support services, including: Volunteer rangers will be stationed at popular trailheads and mountain huts to assist hikers with proper equipment usage and provide winter hiking guidance. They will also support emergency rescue operations when necessary. Additionally, the SPNPH regularly updates their Facebook group "Shei-Pa National Park Climbing Forums" with current conditions, including snow levels, water availability, and trail status, which hikers should check before departure.Personal Responsibility is Key to Mountain SafetyThe SPNPH reminds visitors that while enjoying access to the mountains, they must practice Leave No Trace principles and contribute to forest conservation. Most crucially, hikers must conduct their own risk assessments and maintain self-discipline, prioritizing safety above all. The responsibility for personal safety ultimately rests with the individual - relying on others for your safety in the mountains is not advisable. Therefore, carefully evaluate weather conditions and ensure thorough preparation before winter hiking. Those lacking experience or proper equipment should avoid snow-covered and icy sections to prevent accidents. In conclusion, each hiker must take full responsibility for their actions - remember to climb with the goal of returning safely.Figure 1: Winter hikers must be familiar with proper equipment usage (right to left: crampons, helmet, ice axe, trekking poles).Figure 2: Winter ascents of Xue Mountain require proper cold weather preparation and vigilance on snow or ice-covered trails.

Accordance: No.19, National Park LawAll of the trails in Shei-Pa National Park will be reopening from 00:00 am on November 19, 2024.All trails within the  Shei-Pa  National Park Ecological Protection Area will be reopening from 00:00 am on November 19, 2024

Have you ever seen a group of volunteers in red plaid shirts quietly working on mountain trails or in mountain huts? While people across the country celebrated the Double Tenth National Day, volunteers from Shei-Pa National Park used their own vacation days to work in the mountain huts and trails. They repaired facilities, maintained the environment, checked on hikers, and assisted with monitoring and admonishing for violations in the national park. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters, also appealed to hikers to follow the Leave No Trace principles and cherish the valuable facilities in the mountains.More Than Just Coffee! A Variety of Volunteer ServicesMany hikers are likely familiar with Shei-Pa volunteer He Chien-Jung, who often shares coffee in the mountains. Weary hikers arriving at a hut are warmly welcomed by him, reminded to stay safe, and feel as if they’ve met a neighbourly elder. He also shares anecdotes on Facebook about life in the mountains. These stories range from hikers enthusiastically helping to carry trash down the mountain, to hikers facing higher risks due to inadequate preparation, giving everyone a deeper understanding of the mountains. Volunteer Li Yun-Fang, with a background in fire and rescue, not only provides emergency medical assistance but also checks that solar-power facilities and portable altitude chambers (PACs) in the huts are working correctly, reassuring hikers about their hiking safety.An All-Round Team Making a Concerted EffortMeanwhile, on the remote long-distance Xuejian Trail, a group of dedicated volunteers led by volunteer Hsu Chih-Mao crossed Taiwan’s second-highest peak, Xue Mountain, to reach the juniper-lined Cui Pond. They replaced a dim light at the entrance of the hut and brainstormed how to repair broken lights in the restrooms. On the way to Dajian Mountain, being notified of a potential landslide hazard by passing hikers, they scouted the trail and decided to create a detour, ensuring that future hikers could pass safely. At Yebulan Mountain Hut, they found that the water troughs were overgrown with moss and used local materials to clear them, allowing access to clean water for hikers. They also trimmed the Yushan Cane along the trail to prevent hikers from getting wet when relieving themselves. Finally, they collected six large bags of garbage around Yebulan Mountain Hut and carried it all down the mountain. Along the way, they also checked the hornet nest reported by hikers near the 0.5-km point of Sungmao Forest Trail trailhead to Dajian Mountain Trail, advising hikers to pass as quickly as possible. All members agreed the trip was rewarding.Hanging Together to Protect the Beauty of the Mountains The Headquarters Director Lin Wen-He stated that the 127 volunteers come from all walks of life, all sharing a love for the mountains. It is greatly appreciated that all hiking lovers could join forces to protect the fragile mountain environment while enjoying the stunning views. Avoid leaving food in PAC storage barrels, take your trash with you, and cherish the facilities available in the mountains, making every mountain trip a shared memory between people and nature. Picture 1. Volunteers checking the PAC inside the mountain hutPicture 2. Volunteers taking a group photo with the trash they collected at the Yebulan Mountain Hut campsitePicture 3. Volunteer Lai Kuang-Liang (top) and Hsu Chih-Mao (bottom) checking solar-power facilities in the Cui Pond Mountain Hut restroomPicture 4. Volunteer He Chien-Jung (right), Li Yun-Fang (middle), and a fellow hiker taking a group photoPicture 5. Abandoned food left in Cui Pond Mountain Hut

Wild bees play a crucial role in pollination of plants. However, with the increasing demand for high-altitude fruits and vegetables, the reclamation of agricultural land and the use of pesticides and fertilizers pose serious threats to bee populations. This has made plant reproduction difficult and thus led to poor crop yields. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters, has been actively promoting the empowerment for ecotourism in recent years. Since 2020, the Headquarters has been working together with the R'uyan Tribe to restore wild bee population, combining the wisdom inherited from the Atayal elders with domestic and international experiences, which has achieved significant results. On September 4, 2024, the Headquarters made a presentation on the achievement of ” Mid-Altitude Atayal Wild Bees Conservation Project” at Feng-Fu Bee Farm in collaboration with the R'uyan Tribe Sustainable Development Association, hereinafter referred to as the Association, and Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station. The tribal residents were invited to the event for learning about the results of attracting and keeping wild bees by integrating traditional and modern methods, and the development of multifunctional beehives. Participants also engaged in a tasting of wild honey and Italian honey, made beeswax products, enjoyed low-carbon diet dishes made from local nectar source plants, and experienced the wild-bee-related dietary culture of the Atayal people.Cultural Transmission and Development of Greater CohesionThe R'uyan Tribe is located in the mid-altitude region of Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County. The tribe is rich in biodiversity, and is also the traditional living area of the Atayal people. It has a long history of wild bee keeping, and to continue and preserve this traditional knowledge, the Headquarters and the Association have specifically selected four ecologically healthy and pesticide-free areas for wild bee attracting and keeping. With traditional beekeeping knowledge taught by experienced tribal elders, they work on improvements of beehives, observation and documentation of wild bee behavior, and sharing of beekeeping experiences. This aims to build consensus on cultural transmission, fostering a sustainable development model that integrates good ecology, good living, and good production for the R'uyan Tribe.Difficulties of Keeping the Eastern Honey Bee, Compared to the Western Honey BeeMr. Li Yung-Fu, who is responsible for studying the life history of wild bees, notes that the native wild bees of Taiwan (the eastern honey bee) differ significantly from the Italian bees (the western honey bee) kept in common bee farms. The former have a wide altitudinal range and prefer diverse nectar sources, while their honey has a higher nutritional value. However, they yield less honey, and are also sensitive to environmental changes and tend to escape once disturbed. As a result, key challenges in wild bee keeping include creating an environment that attracts wild bees, preventing their escape, and supporting the population to survive the winter with scarce nectar sources and the summer with wax moth infestations. Additionally, the density of bee colonies should be limited to prevent conflict and death due to lack of nectar sources, which can even lead to colony collapse. The carrying capacity of the surrounding environment needs to be considered. With assistance from the Headquarters and years of accumulated experience, the beekeepers of the tribe have attained proficiency and will further research nectar sources, strengthening the connection between people and wild bees.Passing on Beekeeping Experience and the Urgent Necessity of Ecological ConservationThe Headquarters emphasizes that national parks are dedicated to the promotion of conservation. Since wild bees are closely related to people's daily life, preserving the stability of wild bee populations also ensures the survival of plants and animals, protects biodiversity and enriches the contents of ecotourism promoted by the tribe. The Headquarters expresses profound gratitude to the R'uyan Tribe for their attention to and efforts in environmental protection, hoping that such exchange of experiences will raise more awareness about environmental issues and foster collective efforts to safeguard our natural ecosystem.  Picture 1. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters joins hands with the R'uyan Tribe to hold an event for mid-altitude Atayal wild bees conservation.Picture 2. Displaying the result of attracting bees.Picture 3. Incorporating nectar source plants into dishes.Picture 4. Explanation of traditional Atayal beehives and modified beehives

The Shei-Pa National Park has been dedicated to researching bats and promoting environmental education since 2008. A total of 29 bat species have been documented in the park, accounting for 82% of all bat species in Taiwan proper and including multiple rare and protected insectivorous species. The park’s research efforts have led to numerous achievements, including the construction of Taiwan’s first bat condo and the first-ever discovery of natural roosts of the Taiwan long-eared bat (Plecotus taivanus).Since 2023, the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters has been collaborating with the Formosa Golden Bat’s Home in Yunlin County to upgrade its bat condo. The agency has also worked with Chung Yuan Christian University to conduct disease carrier screenings. So far, no viruses that could infect humans have been detected in the bats.The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters has been actively engaged in bat conservation education. It has built DIY bat houses with students from nearby tribal schools, published brochures explaining ecosystems, and organized environmental education forums. In the future, the headquarters will continue to work on bat research and conservation, integrate visits to its bat condo into tribal ecotours, and host citizen science events, thereby achieving the United Nations’ biodiversity conservation goals.Xuejian and Guanwu have recorded the only protected insectivorous bat in China - the Taiwanese tailless leaf-nosed bat

 As Typhoon GAEMI approaches with intensity, staying at home for typhoon preparation is the most appropriate action. Mountain trip plans should be postponed to avoid causing concern for friends and family about one's safety. According to the dynamic analysis of Typhoon GAEMI released by the CWB at 14:00 on July 21, Typhoon GAEMI formed in the eastern waters of the Philippines on the afternoon of the 20th. It is moving northwest, turning north, and is expected to gradually intensify as it moves northward. There is a higher probability that it will approach Taiwan as a moderate typhoon. The Weather Bureau plans to issue a sea typhoon warning between early morning and morning on the 23rd.Typhoon GAEMI will be closest to Taiwan from the evening of the 23rd to the 25th. During this time, there is a chance of heavy rain or localized torrential rain in the central to northern regions, northeastern areas, and mountainous areas across Taiwan. Due to the influence of the typhoon or its peripheral circulation, the weather will be unstable this week, with possible rainfall in all areas. The rainfall, accumulated precipitation, and strong gusts in mountainous areas should not be underestimated.To reduce the threat of the typhoon to outdoor activities, the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters urges the public to postpone their mountain trip plans in the coming days and cancel their original park entry and mountain climbing itineraries. It's advised to prepare for the typhoon at home. After the typhoon has passed and mountain roads and trails have stabilized, outdoor recreational activities can be rescheduled. More preparation means less disaster damage.

Shei-Pa National Park is located in the Xueshan Range in north-central Taiwan. As a high-mountain national park, it harbors important biological species and groups, providing places for hiking, environmental education, and ecotourism experiences for the public. In 2023, regarding ecological conservation, the Park completed 7 commissioned projects including resource surveys and habitat monitoring. It cooperated with the Yushan National Park Headquarters and Taroko National Park Headquarters and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency to host the "2023 International Symposium on Formosan Salamander Conservation" at the Taipei Zoo. 5 scholars from Russia, South Korea, and Japan were invited to exchange on conservation, research, and management of Formosan Salamanders, contributing to future conservation research and habitat management. Additionally, regarding this year's Taiwan Landlocked Masu Salmon conservation, its population in the wild reached a historic high of 18,630 individuals. A new salmon release technique was developed, and 1,000 eggs were released to Zhongyangjian River by burying eyed-eggs, solving the issue of long-distance transport. For environmental education, 615 themed events and courses were held. Participating in the "Tourism Spotlight Award" event, the Park won the "Top 10 Experience Award" and "Best International Recommendation Award" for its "Formosan Salamanders Lead You into Guanwu - Shei-Pa Ecological Tour Series." To enhance mountain safety and services, construction continued on the "Sanliujiu Lodge Project", 5 hiking ecology lectures were held, and the "Snow Season Service" was implemented following the government's mountain opening policy to ensure hiker safety. For operations and management, 5 meetings were held with local agency communication and indigenous groups for co-management. The Park also partnered with nearby agencies and schools to host cultural, conservation, and root-tracing promotional events to deepen indigenous culture and implement the partnerships. In 2024, the Park will continue reintroducing the national treasure to historic streams, Taiwan Landlocked Masu Salmon conservation develop in-depth environmental education curricula, improve hiking environments, promote hiking safety education and environmental experiential activities.  

Taiwan Salmon Eco Center is a popular spot in the Wuling area, attracting over 100,000 visitors every year. However, the facilities have been in place since the opening in 2006, which means it is now in need of an update. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters carried out a 9-month renovation on the center, and reopened it on July 2, 2024.The new display cabinets are designed to replicate natural creek ecosystems, showing landscapes such as waterfalls and deep pools, along with Qijiawan native plants. Visitors could observe the salmon from all angles to better identify their characteristics and their ecosystems.Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters also works with cable television networks to set up underwater cameras near the Qijiawan fish-watching platform, allowing people to watch real time footage in the center or by searching for “Oncorhynchus masou formosanus Reality Show (臺灣櫻花鉤吻鮭實境秀)” on YouTube.The center is open every day except Monday, from 9:00 to 12:00, and from 13:00 to 17:00. After renovations, the center offers an even finer visitor experience for everyone to discover more about the unique ecosystem around Formosan Landlocked Salmon.The display tank creates stream topography such as waterfalls and slow flows.

      The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) of the National Park Service of the Ministry of the Interior celebrated its 32nd anniversary today, June 28, with the opening of the Explore the Alpine Islands - Asiatic Salamanders Exhibition. The exhibition is an updated version of the permanent exhibition at the Wenshui Visitor Center and focuses on the Taiwan salamander (Hynobius formosanus), a protected species found in Taiwan’s high mountains. In addition to the Taiwan lesser salamander (Hynobius fucus), which is endemic to the Shei-Pa National Park, the exhibition also allows the public to learn about the ecology of four other salamander species endemic to Taiwan, gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these mysterious creatures and their habitats, and work together to protect them in the future.      The Headquarters plans to hold a hand-puppet storytelling performances in the environmental education room of the Wenshui Visitor Center during the summer vacation, which school classes can attend after appointment, and also organize lectures on specific topics. The events will be announced on the official website and Facebook fan page of the Headquarters, and all interested individuals are welcome to participate.attending the opening ceremony of the Shei-Pa salamander exhibitionGuided tour for teachers and students led by a salamander hand puppetSalamander hand puppet theater performanceSalamander hand puppet theater performance

Shei-Pa National Park, located in the Xueshan Mountain Range of northern-central Taiwan, is an alpine national park home to important plant and animal species and populations. It is also the place where citizens can go hiking for pleasure, carry out environmental interpretation and education, and conduct ecotours. In terms of ecological conservation in 2022, we completed a total of 11 entrusted projects on resource surveys, habitat monitoring, etc., and organized 4 sessions of “2022 Shei-Pa Conservation Pioneer Lectures.” 2022 was a fruitful year for the conservation work of the Formosan landlocked salmon, whose wild population reached a record high (15,374). For environmental interpretation, we held 665 sessions of themed activities and environmental education courses. The short film “The Legend of KoKo’ Ta’ya” was awarded the Best Educational Film in the 2022 Universe Multicultural Film Festival held in California of the United States. In the aspect of improving safety in alpine environments and services, we completed the “construction project of the Piaodan and Youpolan Huts,” organized 8 sessions of hiking ecology classroom lectures, and in line with the Executive Yuan’s Open Mountain and Forest Policy, carried out the “Snow Season Services” to ensure hiker safety. In terms of management, we organized 6 sessions of agency communication and co-management meetings with indigenous peoples, launched the scholarships in 2022 for outstanding indigenous students within the range of Shei-Pa National Park  and from its neighboring communities, and held activities jointly with nearby agencies and schools on cultural traditions, ecological conservation and trips to connect with one’s roots in order to promote indigenous culture and build partnerships.      In 2023, we will continue the restoration and releasing of our national treasure -- the Formosan landlocked salmon -- into rivers of its historical habitats and develop the teaching plan related to its in-   depth environmental education; we will also continue to promote the construction project of Sanliujiu Cabin, so as to increase the awareness of hiking safety and popularize environmental education experience activities. Images of  Guanwu – Walk and Learn Guanwu Trail Youpolan Hut A group photo of the trilateral co-management committee Experience the local Atayal culture at Xuejian

The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters announced the results of the 2022 Formosan landlocked salmon wild population research and monitoring project. The total number of monitored wild salmon reached around 15,374, a record high. In addition to the stable population in the basins of Cijiawan Creek and Hehuan Creek—which are the main distribution areas of the salmon population, signs of activity have been observed in other creeks such as Luoyewei Creek, Yousheng Creek, Nanhu Creek, and Bilu Creek, indicating that the salmon population has been able to grow robustly and reproduce itself in the wild.Taiwan's Formosan landlocked salmon population has successfully expanded to the upper tributaries of the Dajia River and the range of its habitat has reached 80% of that in the 1970s. Looking back to when the restoration efforts began in 1995, there were only a little over 200 salmon recorded in the wild, a historical low. But after years of efforts, the number of restored fish has increased by 60 times, which is a testament to the efforts of all sectors in conserving this "national treasure fish". 

Shei-Pa National Park is located in the Xueshan Range in north-central Taiwan. It is a national park in an alpine zone with important species and populations, providing visitors a place for recreation, environmental education, and ecological tourism. In 2021, with respect to conservation, we completed 11 commissioned projects, including resource surveys and habitat monitoring, and held four sessions of "Shei-Pa Conservation Lecture Series." This year, we found 8,542 individuals of the Formosan landlocked salmon population. Moreover, we worked with the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute to release Formosan landlocked salmon into their historical habitat at Piluchi basin to further expand their habitat range. In terms of education, 236 events and environmental education lectures were organized. Additionally, the office was awarded the 2021 Wetland Medal by the Ministry of the Interior for the "Environmental Education of the Chichiawan Creek Wetland in Shei-Pa National Park," further enhancing the ecosystem service of the wetland and deepening the related environmental education. To improve the safety and services in the mountain area, the contractors started to carry out the construction work of the "369 Hut Construction Project" and the "2021 Refuge Cabin Construction Project"; three sessions of mountaineering and ecology classroom series were held. As the Executive Yuan lifted access restrictions on Taiwan's mountain and forest areas, we continue to offer services during the "snow season service period" to protect the safety of mountain climbers. In terms of management, four inter-organizational and indigenous co-management meetings were held. The "Guidelines on Scholarships for Outstanding Indigenous Students Within and Around Shei-Pa National Park" was formulated. The "Regulations on Shei-Pa National Park's Subsidy to Organizations" and the "Prohibited Activities Regulations in the Domain of Shei-Pa National Park" were revised. In 2022, we will continue to release Formosan landlocked salmon in rivers of historical habitats to expand the range of their habitats. We will also continue to carry out the construction works of the 369 Hub, Piaodan and Youpolan Refuge Cabins and promote mountaineering safety and environmental education. Hiking while learning about valuable forest resources     Understanding the difficulties Formosan landlocked salmon are facing through the kamishibai board  Volunteers and participants erecting signs of a handmade trail      Observing nocturnal species through observation boxes

In 2020, the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters conducted 13 research projects, including exotic plant surveys, alpine botanical phenology, animal monitoring, and indigenous cultures.Since 2012, the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters has commissioned a research team led by Prof. Tzeng Hsy-Yu of the Department of Forestry at National Chung Hsing University to continuously monitor the entire length of the Xueshan Trail. They analyzed a total of 422 species of flowering and fruiting plants from 68 families and 210 genera. They published a new book, titled Flowers and Fruits of Bbu Hagay in Four Seasons, using scientific research knowledge as the main focus to link to the seasons of the Xueshan region and the Xueshan East Peak trail, weaving them into a popular science story that presents both plant phenology and ecology.Sanliujiu Lodge is the most important accommodation before reaching the summit of Xueshan. It will be demolished and rebuilt after its impact on the environment has been assessed. The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters commissioned a research team from Tunghai University to conduct animal monitoring. The current survey results showed 11 species of large mammals, including Reeves’s muntjac, Formosan serow, Formosan wild boar, Formosan macaque, yellow-throated marten, and weasels. There were also three species of pheasants: Mikado pheasant, Swinhoe’s pheasant, and Taiwan bamboo partridge.The Wind from the Snowy Mountains: Shei-Pa 2020 Conservation Research ResultsFlowers and Fruits of Bbu Hagay in Four Seasons

The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters closed all hiking routes in the mountains' ecological protection areas during the Level 3 COVID-19 alert period. To provide a more comfortable and safe hiking environment for hikers visiting Shei-Pa after the closure, collaborating indigenous organizations were specially commissioned to clean up remote mountain cabins and maintain the trails. A total of 11 people were employed to clean up the mountain cabins and more than 60 workers were employed to maintain the trails.These include three mountain cabins and their surroundings—Shei-Pa South Mountain Cabin, Shei-Pa North Mountain Cabin, and Sumida Mountain Cabin, while the popular trails include Taoshan Mountain Trail, Karaheye Mountain Trail, and the eastern slope of Dalu Forest Road. More than 200 kilograms of garbage were cleaned up in total, with a budget totaling around NT$400,000. This gave job opportunities to indigenous collaborators who have no income during the pandemic, allowing them to receive economic relief. During this period, everyone worked together to clean the mountain cabins and give maintenance to the environment of the trails. It is hoped that hikers will enjoy a better quality of hiking in the future after the Shei-Pa National Park is re-opened.For hikers visiting Shei-Pa after the closure, collaborating indigenous organizations were specially commissioned to clean up remote mountain cabins and maintain the trails.

The total number of Formosan landlocked salmons in the wild reached 12,587 at the end of 2020, once again reaching a new record high. The largest population increase are the 4,650 fish found in Hehuan Creek, a cross-regional cooperation area under the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters and the Taroko National Park Headquarters. This number is second only to the 6,727 fish population of the Chichiawan Creek basin, and the population is healthy enough to self-perpetuate without the need for wild release. The other creeks where salmons were released include Luoyewei Creek with 962 fish, the upper reaches of Yousheng Creek with 92 fish, and Leshan Creek with 156 fish. The population of each basin is growing steadily and can all self-perpetuate. The populations are also gradually spreading to the middle reaches of the creeks.A cross-regional cooperation area under the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters and the Taroko National Park Headquarters to wild release.Formosan landlocked salmonsTo share this good news of conservation with the public, you can find out about the salmons' everyday happenings at home with just a few clicks during the pandemic period. The "2020 Formosan Landlocked Salmon Conservation Results" film will be showing for the first time on the Facebook fanpage @sheipa.np of the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters. Come and watch the film to see these treasured fish swimming about freely and learn about the conservation journey of the Formosan landlocked salmon over the years.

In aspects of ecological conservation, in 2020, we completed 7 commissioned projects, including resources survey and habitat monitoring, held 3 sessions of serial lectures on ecological conservation, and received the best results in the conservation of Formosan landlocked salmon. The salmon population reached a record high of 12,587, reducing the risks of extinction of this natural treasure. In aspects of mountain safety and services, we completed the revitalization and transformation construction project of Qika Cabin & Trailhead Service Station of Xue Mountain and the improvement project of the sign system in Wuling Quadruple Mountains Line, and held 3 sessions of serial lectures of ‘mountain-climbing ecology classroom. In aspects of management, we held 5 sessions of organizational communication with communities and individuals and co-management meetings with indigenous peoples and completed the “Shei-Pa National Park Project (the third comprehensive review)” and “Survey Project of the cultural connotations of the traditional names (Atayal) of mountains, rivers and historical relics in Shei-Pa National Park.” In 2021, we will continue to release Formosan landlocked salmon into the river habitats to expand its survival space, carry out the construction projects of Sanliujiu Cabin and Piaodan and Youpolan Shelters, and promote the educational activities of mountain climbing safety and environmental education activities. Shei-Pa and Taroko National Parks jointly release Formosan landlocked salmons into Hehuan River Guided reading of environmental picture books in the story house Rescue training using ropes and stretchers  

Due to its beautiful natural environment, Guanwu area in Shei-Pa National Park has attracted numerous domestic tourists. This area boasts high biodiversity (e.g., species diversity) and complex vegetation, as well as rich and variable forest physiognomy. There are numerous delicate and ornamental native species, such as Impatiens devolii, a touch-me-not species endemic to Taiwan and characteristic of the area, Alishan gentian (Gentiana arisanensis), whose flowers are tiny and exquisite, long-calyx fringed pink (Dianthus longicalyx) with bright-colored flowers, and two Viburnum species (V. plicatum var. formosanum and V. sympodiale) with conspicuous sterile flowers. New data for the study of alien species invasion in Guanwu areaIn 2020, Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as “the Headquarters”) entrusted National Chiayi University to carry out a research project on the survey and management of alien plant species in Guanwu. According to the survey results, there are 715 species of vascular plants from 123 families, among which there are 78 alien species from 25 families; some of them are planted for ornamental purpose. At present, rescuegrass (Bromus catharticus) and dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) from the family Poaceae have spread on a large scale and mainly occupy both sides of the road. On the other hand, mannagrass (Glyceria sp.) and a species of the genus Deyeuxia, also from the Poaceae, are found in Taiwan for the first time. It is presumed that they were mixed with the seeds of other grasses for soil and water conservation and introduced accidentally during the side-slope projects. However, both Glyceria and Deyeuxia had been removed by Headquarters before they had a chance to spread.The ecological impact of alien plant species in Guanwu and the countermeasuresThe ecological impact of alien plant species on the habitats of indigenous species should not be taken lightly. The removal of alien plant species is urgently required. In the summer or fall when the fruits of the plants in the early stage of naturalization have not yet ripened, it’s the best time to carry out the removal activity. Headquarters held two sessions of removal activities of alien plants in the surrounding areas of Guanwu Station of the Park in September, 2020, which invited over 40 participants from Hsinchu Forest District Office of Forestry Bureau, volunteers of Shei-Pa National Park and the general public to jointly remove alien plants, which mainly consist of numerous alien species such as common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), lesser trefoil (Trifolium dubium), rescuegrass, Vasey’s grass (Paspalum urvillei) and dallisgrass. In the future, Headquarters will irregularly call upon the volunteers and the general public to jointly take part in the removal of alien and invasive species, in the hope that the activities help eliminate the alien plants in the Guanwu area and bring new opportunities for the environment. A little more effort and a little more caution. Visitors are advised against bringing the seeds of alien species into the ParkThe seeds of alien plants can disperse easily. They could have been brought in attached to the tires of vehicles after being run over, or attached to the clothes of visitors entering the Park. During the construction, the seeds of alien species are brought in when the earth used for the engineering projects is transported from the lowland to the higher-altitudinal areas. These can all be causes of the entry of alien plants into Guanwu area. Before entering Guanwu Recreational Area, visitors are advised to examine their clothes to see whether there are some seeds of alien species attached. If the seeds are found, they should be removed and discarded, so as to help the conservation of indigenous plant species. Photo 1: Naturalized alien plants are most densely distributed on both sides of forest trails.Photo 2: Rescuegrass (Bromus catharticus) – the most dominant naturalized alien species in GuanwuPhoto 3: Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters holds the removal activity of naturalized alien species and boasts good results.Photo 4: Parents and children work together to eliminate alien plant species.