Shei-Pa National ParkShei-Pa National Park

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 Results Flowers 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 salmons To 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 area In 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 countermeasures The 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 Park The 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 Guanwu Photo 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.

Situated in Northern Central Taiwan, the Shei-Pa National Park is an alpine national park harboring important species and cultures and providing a place for citizens to hike, receive environmental education and experience ecotourism. 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 terms of education and interpretation, 12 pieces of promotional materials were published. Six hundred sixty-four themed activities and courses on school and social environmental education were held. 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.’We continuously implemented the “snow season service” in line with the “mountain opening” policy of the Executive Yuan, so as to assist mountaineers in climbing mountains safely, based on our spirit of service. 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.   

In line with the policy for open forests and mountains, Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters will be adjusting its park admission regulations and requirements to be consistent with other alpine-type national parks. Starting from October 1, 2020, visitors who wish to hike in the park can submit an application 2 months to 5 days prior to their park entry date. Applications are accepted from 07:00 to 23:00 every day. Please go to theOnline Application for Taiwan National Park Permits site to view and apply for park admission. Foreigners can apply 4 months to 65 days prior to their park entry date, from Sunday through Thursday (excluding consecutive national holidays and long weekends). There are 24 slots available at each of Qika Lodge, Sanliujiu Lodge, and Jiujiu Lodge. For other special requests, please submit your application three months in advance. For further information, please refer to the Guidelines on Foreigners’ Applications for Park Permit for the Conservation Areas of Shei-Pa National Park and the special entry permit application procedures. Inspections will be conducted from time to time to protect the rights of visitors, maintain the quality of accommodations at the lodges and campgrounds, and reduce the number of park admission applications in violation of the regulations. Those in violation of the park admission regulations and major offenders will be fined and indicted by the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters.

Situated in Northern Central Taiwan, the Shei-Pa National Park is an alpine national park harboring important species and cultures and providing a place for citizens to hike, receive environmental education and experience ecotourism. In 2019, 8 commissioned projects and 1 commissioned research project were completed in relation to ecological conservation. In addition, based on the theme of ”exploring alpine ecology and raising conservation awareness”, we held 12 sessions of lectures on ecology and conservation, which attracted 1,238 participants in total, encouraging the public to explore the environment and ecology in an intimate manner. In 2019, the wild population of Formosan landlocked salmon was estimated to be 10,532, a record high and the only count exceeding ten thousand in 4 decades. 2019 was the 100th anniversary since Formosan landlocked salmon were scientifically named, and it marked the 25th year of Shei-Pa National Park’s restoration efforts of Formosan landlocked salmon. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters celebrated the occasion by organizing the event of “Escaping Extinction, National Treasure Celebrates its Centennial,” which paid homage to the predecessors working on national treasure’s restoration and showcased the achievements of the 25-year Formosan landlocked salmon restoration program. In terms of education and interpretation, 6 pieces of promotional materials were published. Eight hundred ninety-five themed activities and courses on school and social environmental education were held, in which 16,623 people took part. In terms of improving service and safety in the alpine environment, we have completed the sign improvement project of Xuezhu (Main Peak of Xue Mountain) Trail, the final presentation of the Sanliujiu Hut (369 Hut) construction project, and the Dongxishui Mountain and Beikeng Mountain trail improvement project, held seven sessions of lectures in the mountain climbing ecology classroom, in which a total of 562 people participated. We continuously implemented the “snow season service” in line with the “mountain opening” policy of the Executive Yuan, so as to assist mountaineers in climbing mountains safely, based on our spirit of service. In the aspect of management, we amended the “Prohibited Activities Regulations in the Domain of Shei-Pa National Park” by adding #17 regulating “political activities and actions with the potential to cause social disputes or conflict,” contacted various agencies and convened 4 indigenous people co-management meetings, and completed 4 sessions of public exhibition and hearings on “Shei-Pa National Park Project (The 3rd Comprehensive Review) Case.” In 2020, we will continue to implement the comprehensive review of “Shei-Pa National Park Project”, work on releasing Formosan landlocked salmon into Sijielan River and Nanhu River in order to create new habitats for this national treasure and expand its growth space. In addition, we will continue to promote the construction project of Sanliujiu Hut and the rejuvenating, transformation and remodeling project of Qika Hut/Xueshan Trail Entrance Service Station, and publicize the mountain climbing safety education and environmental education experiencing activities, to provide citizens with a quality national park environment and services. Snowfield training team: Post the designated campsite for snow season and mark the range of campsite in the cirque The 100th anniversary of scientifically naming Formosan landlocked salmon & releasing activity Three generations have fun together: Let’s go hand in hand to Wenshui to catch some fish

Wenshui Service Area in Shei-Pa National Park attracts numerous domestic and overseas visitors every year. Thanks to the governmental efforts to promote tourism and the New Southbound Policy, the number of visitors has increased substantially in recent years. To build a friendly environment for tourists, Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters has established a Muslim prayer room at Wenshui Visitor Center. The floor of the prayer room is made of wood, and there are seats where visitors can remove their shoes and conduct prayers. The seat design also allows prayers to “orient themselves towards Mecca”. In addition, a Koran, prayer rugs and other items required for prayers are available to Muslim visitors. The adjacent special barrier-free restroom is equipped with bidet sprays. We are indebted to the Islamic Association of Taiwan for its assistance and advice during the planning and design of the prayer room. The Koran was offered by Taichung Mosque. The construction of the prayer room was completed in 2019 and is open to the visitors. Those who wish to use the room may apply at the service counter of the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters and will have someone assigned to provide help. We hope the prayer room will provide a more satisfactory experience to Muslim visitors.  

1.This regulation is established by Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Park Administration) to facilitate foreign hikers in applying for entry to the park,    and planning their trips to Taiwan in advance. 2.Reservation period and method: Open for reservation from Sunday to Thursday, excluding continuous national holidays; 24 vacancies per day are reserved for foreigners at Qika Hut, Saliujiu Hut and Jiujiu Hut each. 3.Application eligibility: The foreigner’s place of residence has to be a foreign address, except for exchange students and foreigners residing in Taiwan. 4.Applicant team and number of people: Each team shall comprise 12 members, and may include local members; the ratios are as follows: (1)Team with 1-5 foreigners may have 1 local team member. (2)Team with 6-10 foreigners may have 2 local team members. (3)A maximum of 4 locals may be included in the foreigners’ reservation quota for Qika Hut, Saliujiu Hut and Jiujiu Hut each. 5.Application period: Application is open from 4 months before the date of exit to 35 days before the date of entry; vacancies will be released to “Standard Application” if the quota is not filled. 6.Application method: Application shall be done online via “Online Application for Taiwan National Park Permits” within the application period. For details on application method and process, please refer to “II. Notes to online application for park permit” of “Application Guidelines for Entry into Shei-Pa National Park Conservation Areas”, as well as other relevant regulations, and enclose the relevant documents. 7.Matters not covered herein shall be handled in accordance with the National Park Law, public notices of prohibited actions, provisions outlined in the park entry permit application, and other relevant regulations.

Situated in the Xue Mountain Range of North Central Taiwan, Shei-Pa National Park is an alpine national park harboring important species and populations, and providing a place for citizens to hike, receive environmental education and experience ecotourism. In 2018, 5 commissioned projects and 1 commissioned research project were completed in relation to ecological conservation. One of them was the filming of “The Canopy of the Holy Ridgeline,” which won an award in the US Best Shorts Competition. Thirteen sessions of ecological conservation lectures were hosted, attracting a total of 1500 participants to cultivate citizens’ ability to explore the natural environment in their daily lives. Three thousand Formosan landlocked salmon were released into the river in the “2018 Protecting Species from the Source, a Cross-Park Collaboration.”     In terms of interpretative education, 16 pieces of promotional materials were published, including the "Love for Shei-Pa” photo album, "Want to Fly” picture book and other brochures. Two hundred themed activities and courses on school and social environmental education were held, in which 16,623 people took part. In terms of improving service and safety in the alpine environment, the placement of mile piles on the Xuejian Trail, the geotechnical investigation for constructing the Sanliujiu Hut (369 Hut), and the improvement project of Xueshan Main Peak summit marker were completed, 7 lectures on hiking ecology were held, in which 450 people attended, new signs of successfully reaching the 100 peaks of Taiwan were set up in the Park for hikers to take photos and maintain a clean environment, and the service period for the snowy seasons replaces the regulation period, assisting hikers to hike safely with a service-oriented spirit during the snowy seasons, which has received positive feedback from the hiking community.               In the aspect of management, Article 5 in the “Prohibited Matters in the Shei-Pa National Park” on regulations governing drones was amended, 5 meetings on the communication between various agencies involved and co-management with the aborigines were held, the renovations and the opening ceremony of Xuejian Visitor Center was completed to include the application of 3D paintings and AR technology, allowing visitors to experience and participate in environmental education through the mobile phone-guided tour mode. Four public hearings, 2 coordination meetings between central and local governments and 1 expert consultation meeting for the “Project on the Shei-Pa National Park (Third Overall Review)” were completed.   In 2019, we will continue the overall review of the National Park Project, the construction of the Sanliujiu Hut and the installation of signs for the Xuezhu Trail, promoting the serial events celebrating the 100th anniversary for the restoration of Formosan landlocked salmon and experience activities for hiking safety education and environmental education, providing citizens with quality national park environments and services.    

Autumn is the best season for mountaineering in Taiwan, and Shei-Pa attracts many mountaineers at this time of the year. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters reminds mountaineers that as autumn approaches, bees and wasps are more active. Please keep quiet and calm, and leave quickly by detour if you encounter them. Also, the temperatures fluctuate widely in the mountains during autumn. Please bring enough warm clothes with you. Enjoy the red maple in the mountains during autumn Compared to the hot, humid and unstable weather of summer in Taiwan’s mountainous area, the weather is more stable in autumn, with lower rainfall and cooler temperatures. It is the best season for mountaineering. This custom could also be seen on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in ancient time, as described in Du Fu’s 7-character regulated poem (a.k.a. Lushi) “Ascending Heights”, Wang Wei’s “Thinking of My Brothers on Mountain-climbing Day”, etc. With the cool autumn breeze, deciduous trees begin to decorate the mountains, where Taiwan Mountain Ash dyes the Xueshan (a.k.a. Snow Mountain), and the red maple paints the Qijiawan Creek red. This is the best time to enjoy the sea of clouds from the mountains. However, with the approach of autumn, bees and wasps become more active. There have been cases of mountaineers being stung by hornets at Shei-Pa National Park in recent years; hence, we need to stay alert. Detour if you encounter a swarm of bees or wasps Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters reminds the public that there were cases of hornet attacks in Taiwan’s mountain areas every autumn because this is their nesting and mating season, and they are more alert in protecting their nests or hunting for food for the winter. They are also more aggressive towards humans during this time. When stung by a bee/wasp, the symptoms include swelling of the wound, severe pain, vomiting, clouding of consciousness, difficulty in breathing, decrease in blood pressure, blood hypoxia, etc. In more serious cases, there may even be renal dysfunction or danger of death; hence, we have to take extra precaution. The public are advised to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and hats whose colors which are not too bright when they visit the mountainous area, and should refrain from putting on perfume. Fruit peel and food should be tightly wrapped to prevent the smell from attracting bee/wasp swarms. One should try to detour when encountering a beehive or hornet’s nest. If bees or wasps are hovering nearby, do not provoke or slap them, but keep quiet and walk briskly in the opposite direction from where the hornets are coming, or in an upwind direction. Do not run to avoid being an obvious target. If you’re being attacked by a swarm of bees or wasps, protect your head, neck and hands with a jacket (preferably light color and smooth surface) and leave quickly; do not lie on the ground. Apply an ice pack on the stung wound to reduce swelling and pain. When removing a bee or wasp sting, do not use your hands to squeeze it directly or more venom will be released into the body. You should see a doctor even if there is no obvious symptom. Pay attention to mountain wind As autumn approaches, the temperature gradually drops, and the day and night temperatures differ greatly. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters reminds mountaineers to keep warm during the night and early morning. The warm temperature during the day often makes the mountaineers misjudge the chill of the night. Also, there are still chances of typhoon in the near future, and mountaineers should pay attention to the weather information at all times, and cautiously assess the impact of the weather changes on their mountaineering plans, especially for those planning long distance trips. To enter the ecological reserves of the National Park, one needs to apply for an entry permit for the mountain and the Park. Have a proper plan before the trip, be well- trained physically, and prepare food supplies and an emergency response plan. Remember, a safe return is the most important mission of the trip.  

In early June, the Shei-pa National Park Headquarters found a pair of black-naped monarchs feeding their young on a tree at the Wenshui Office. There were 3 young birds in the nest waiting to be fed. The parent birds took turns to feed them with captured worms and were busy cleaning away their wastes. To avoid bothering them much, the staff from the Headquarters used binoculars to record the entire process of their growth. One morning after a heavy rain, the staff found that two young birds had fallen out of the nest; they were soaked through and unable to fly. After an assessment, they used plastic bags to pick up the young birds and used tissues to wipe them dry. They climbed up the aluminum ladder to replace the two birds into their nest. Luckily, the parents came back to feed them again, allowing the staff to witness the successful parental care of their young. Summer is a peak season for birds to reproduce and raise their chicks. As many young birds leave their nests to learn to fly, we often find wounded or fallen young birds in municipal parks, residential areas, or suburbs. Kind animal lovers are eager to help these wild animals. The Headquarters reminds everybody to stop, watch, and listen, so that your kindness will not turn into cruelty that breaks apart a family of parents and their young.     As expressed by the Headquarters, when finding a fledging, stop and pause, as there is no need to reach out your hands and pick up the bird in a hurry. Watch! Watch again to see if the young bird can jump short distances normally, or observe how it flutters its wings. Listen! Listen for any chirping and calling by its parents nearby. When the behaviors above are observed, it is very likely that the young bird is simply fluttering its wings, learning to fly and leave its nests, and the parents are supervising and guiding it nearby. Move the young bird to a safe area in nearby bushes or a small tree. It is also OK not to move it at all because its parents will come to bring it back to safety on a tree or in a nest nearby.     As suggested by the Headquarters, when seeing any abnormal behavior or obvious wound on young birds, ensure that you have sufficient means of isolation before offering further help for the wounded birds, as there is still a risk of passable infection between human and birds (such as bird flu). For tips on catching and aiding birds, it is advised that priority should be given to one’s self-protection and the young birds. Avoid catching them with your bare hands. Use an easy-to-get towel or old clothes (preferably darker color). Wrap the whole body of the bird and cover its eyes to avoid startling it. Place the bird in a carton or soft box before sending it to an animal hospital or emergency aid agency for wild animals. There is no need to provide water or food on the way. If you are unable to handle the situation, it is advised that you seek assistance from professional agencies.     In addition to associations for wild birds, the Headquarters also offers a list of agencies below for people to seek assistance: Chinese Wild Bird Federation Forestry Bureau’s offices for conservation, first-aid sheltering and investigation

According to the preliminary results of the 2018 resource surveys, Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters found several records of bats near Taoshan Waterfall in the Wuling area. Several images of yellow-throated marten, a protected species, were also captured near Xinda and Taoshan Cabins, major recreation stops along Sixiu Trail. Since its establishment in 1992, the Headquarters has been dedicated to tasks such as conservation research, biodiversity protection and environment education related to alpine animals. Especially in the recent 10 years, with a re-survey conducted on resources along Xueshan Trail, Wuling Recreation Area, and Dabajianshan Trail, as well as an update on the list of species, the research team from Tunghai University was invited again this year to conduct surveys on animals along the Sixiu hiking trail in the Wuling area located within the Cijiawan River Wetland Reserve. The team has set up digital infrared auto-cams to gather invaluable images of wild animals. According to the preliminary results of this year’s survey on resources, 31 species of wild mammals were recorded from March to June, including 13 species of bats (the order Chiroptera), which account for one-third of Taiwan’s bat species. Species recorded included Asian barbastelle, mountain pipistrelle, Horikawa's brown bat, fraternal myotis, Chinese water myotis, Taiwan tube-nosed bat, etc. Most of records were found in the humid area around Taoshan Waterfall. Downstream of the Waterfall is Cijiawan River, which is the habitat of Formosan landlocked salmon. The Headquarters urges visitors to join the effort to protect the habitats of these bats and salmon when visiting Taoshan Waterfall to enjoy the scenery. In addition to the records of bats, we were thrilled to find several images of the yellow-throated marten, a protected species, captured near Xinda and Taoshan Cabins along the Sixiu Trail of the Wuling area. It caused such excitement because in the past only one photo of yellow-throated marten a year was recorded in Xueshan and Dabajianshan within Shei-Pa National Park. The yellow-throated marten belongs to Level-2 (rare and valuable) protected animals, whose fur on its chest looks like a golden scarf. With a long and dark tail, yellow-throated martens are mainly distributed in mountainous areas over 2000 m. Predominantly carnivorous, it was said that yellow-throated martens would join in a pack to catch Formosan Reeve's muntjacs, making them also known as "tigers for muntjacs". The population of yellow-throated martens seems to have increased in recent years. The research team will continue its monitoring to determine if the Sixiu area of Wuling in Xueshan Range is an important habitat for these martens. In addition, masked palm civets were recorded several times around Xinda Cabin; in some photos they were suspected to be with their young. Judging from the records surveyed by the team in Xueshan and Dabajianshan in the past and in Wuling Sixiu this time, these civets can run about in alpine areas over 3000 m, contrary to the belief that they are commonly distributed in low- and mid-altitudinal hills. The two-year research and survey project will continue, and the results of the surveys for various areas will be consolidated in the future to present the status of the complete rich animal resources in the alpine ecosystem of Shei-Pa National Park.  

Only by acknowledging and understanding the importance of safety can you enjoy climbing and coming back down the mountain without harm. Shei-pa National Park Headquarters asks those who go mountain climbing to plan properly and make a risk assessment before setting off. If you have any kind of unexpected reaction to the high mountain environment, please use the Management Office’s methods to deal with altitude sickness Shei-Pa National Park mountain huts have continued to provide the Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) sponsoring by Taiwan Wilderness Medical Association for use. This Portable Altitude Chamber is mainly used in serious cases of altitude sickness to alleviate the symptoms, for the correct method you must immediately descend the mountain to a lower altitude after its use and must not continue ascending the mountain. According to the working records of Shei-Pa’s conservation volunteers, it is dangerous and incorrect to continue climbing to the top after suffering from altitude sickness and using PAC to alleviate the symptoms. In addition, there have been many mountain climbers who change their route from the planned route at the time of their entry permit application; this violates the National Part Act, Article 13.1, Clause 8 which rules that when entering an ecological conservation area it is forbidden to deviate from the permitted route or itinerary. If someone changes their route, it is harder to contact the relevant unit to request a helicopter lift down the mountain in the event of altitude sickness. The headquarters recommends that those wishing to go mountain climbing properly plan their route and slowly ascend the mountain, as letting the body adapt to the change in altitude is the most important rule to prevent altitude sickness. Additionally, avoid strenuous activities, stay hydrated, keep warm, do not drink alcohol, and avoid using sleeping pills and narcotic pain medications etc., as these are all ways to reduce the dangers of altitude sickness. If you climb a mountain over 3,000 meters tall, the headquarters recommend that you spend one night at around 2,500 metres to adapt to the altitude first. If you want to use medicines to prevent or treat altitude sickness, they must be prescribed by a doctor, and taken according to the doctor’s instructions. The headquarters reminds the public once more, in the event of altitude sickness, take a responsible attitude to deal with the sickness and do not neglect any adverse reaction to the altitude. If you cannot reach the top this time then please come back another time, the mountain and scenery will always be here.

When summer comes, the temperature steadily rises to new records on low lying land, driving people there into the mountains to escape the heat. However, in Taiwan, July-September is the most unstable season, and so it’s necessary to pay close attention to the climate before performing outdoor activities. Look out for thunder showers in the afternoon, the influence of frontal lows, and typhoons. Ultraviolet rays are also greater in high mountain areas than on level ground, so wear a lot of sunscreen and keep drinking water when climbing mountains, to avoid sunburn, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Therefore, understanding the climate and weather is essential homework to do before you go mountain climbing in the summer. In addition, the exercise of mountain climbing in the summer takes a lot of energy and is a strain on your body if you spend a long time exposed to the sun. Prolonged sun exposure can make people lose salt and become dehydrated, causing cramp and sunstroke. Heat exhaustion is also very common. In serious cases this could even lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal. Do not overlook this. Nevertheless, even in July and August, mountains high above sea level can see the temperature drop at night to below 5ºC, so bringing cold weather clothing is equally important. Shei-pa National Park Headquarters warns everyone who goes mountain climbing about the importance of gathering basic mountaineering information, including a comprehensive map, equipment, route information, eating plans, stamina training, and contingency plans in case of an emergency. According to the regulations, you must also apply for a permit to enter the park and mountains. Although the park got rid of the requirements of applying for a permit and embarking on a climb with a guide and three people in a group, in consideration of your safety, the headquarters still recommend that you climb in a group, and it is best to choose an experienced and trustworthy mountain guide. You should also check the weather forecast for the week in advance, and assess how changes in the weather could affect your group’s safety. Furthermore, the headquarters recommends that you take out comprehensive insurance according to the nature of your activities, in order to give yourself and your family one more guarantee.

New Website for Making Online Applications for Entrance to Shei-Pa National Park   In an effort to reduce the red tape for mountaineers, the Construction and Planning Agency under the Ministry of the Interior has launched a new website: Online Application for Entry Permission to Taiwan’s National Parks (http://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/index.aspx) for its namesake purpose. The website is an integrated online platform offering one-stop permit application services for three high mountain national parks: Yushan, Taroko and Shei-Pa, with particular emphasis on the consistency of user interface and application procedure, plus a shared, searchable database. The new park entrance system has been available since November 25, 2015.   To ensure safe climbing, the Shei-Pa National Park Administration Office adopts a multi-grade permit system and a modified version of park entrance rules, the details of which can be found at http://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/news_4main.aspx?ID=1548 For more information about the climbing route grades and entrance rules for Shei-Pa National Park Ecological Protection Area, please visit http://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/news_4main.aspx?ID=2548   The biggest change with the new system lies in its 6-grade climbing permit system. Entry permits are issued according to six grades from A, B, C, C+, D to E based on three criteria: length of activity, geologic hazards and seasonal snow, with the applicants required to submit a letter of commitment or proof of mountaineering experience under certain circumstances. Also under the new system, applications for the park and mountain entrance are combined, the waitlist period is lengthened from 3 days to 5 days, extra scenic spots are recommended and disqualification provisions will be further specified to thwart non-compliant climbers, while attaching equal importance to convenience and fairness.