On Sept. 1 this year, the Executive Yuan formally announced that plans for the Kenting National Park on the Hengchun peninsula in southern Taiwan had been drawn up. In 10 years, the park, which will be used primarily for preservation, research, and recreation will be completed at an estimated cost of NT$2.8 billion (US$70 million). Then, on Nov. 1 the Executive Yuan announced plans for the creation of two more national parks, at Mt. Morrison (Yushan) and Yangmingshan, and plans for them are now being prepared.
The establishment of Kenting represents the first time the Republic of China has ever set up a national park, and it has profound implications for progress in recreation, social activities and the economy. The project illustrates the importance that the people and government are beginning to attach to the preservation of natural resources, and promotes the government ideal of developing the spiritual as well as the material aspects of life.
The new parks will comprise protected areas which will be passed down to posterity in their pristine state. Anything which might destroy or influence their natural beauty, such as logging, mining, hunting or construction, will be strictly limited.
The Yushan National Park surrounds Taiwan's highest mountain, including parts of Nantou, Chiayi, Hualien, and Kaohsiung counties, the 100,000 hectare area of the park will make it easily the largest of the three.
In addition to the central peak of Yushan, at 3997 meters the highest in Southeast Asia, the park will include four other high peaks to the north, south, east, and west. The name Yushan, means Jade Mountain, and is a reference to the reflections from the snows which cover in winter. Because of the remoteness and high elevation, the forests are still in their original state, and the vegetation ranges through several climatic zones, from frigid to tropical.
Last year, the Academica Sinica and the National Taiwan University began research on the flora, fauna and history of the region. According to their findings, the area contains a wide variety of plant and animal life, in addition to valuable cultural relics.
The highest area is from 3,500 to 3,900 meters where only frigid zone vegetation will grow. Below that, at more than 3,000 meters, is the coniferous forest zone, known for its cedar and pine. The 2,500 to 3,000 meter zone is also made up primarily of coniferous forests, interspersed with grassy plateaus. Above 2,100 meters there is a mixture of confiers and indigenous hardwoods, and below that mostly sub-tropical hardwood forest. The area is 87 percent forested, and can be considered a national treasure in itself. In addition, three of the largest rivers flowing through central and southern Taiwan originate in the area, and part of the purpose of setting up the park is to keep them pollution-free.
The park is also a wildlife refuge where many rare birds and animals can be found. According to the National Taiwan University's Department of Zoology there are 31 species of mammals in the park, including at least seven which are only found in Taiwan and several which are faced with extinction.
There are also 114 species of birds, of which 14 are endemic, 250 species of butterfly, 27 reptiles and 13 amphibians.
Members of two aborigine tribes in the park's area, the Bunun and Tsou, still live much as they always have, with men doing the hunting and women the farming.
Yangmingshan National Park is located in the mountains to the north of Taipei. Covering an estimated 100 sq. km. of volcanic mountains, it includes such natural features as sulfuric fumaroles, hot springs, and waterfalls. Despite its proximity to Taipei, the Yangmingshan Park contains 46 species of birds, and the area around the highest peak of Chisingshan is popular with bird watchers. Yangmingshan is also noted for its wide variety of butterflies, lizards, snakes, frogs and toads.
As for flora, six species of azalea are found on Yangmingshan, and every spring the mountains are covered with their beautiful blossoms. The presence of sulfur and hot springs gives rise to specially adapted vegetation which is of particular interest to scientists.
The national parks are being established in Taiwan to preserve a few pure, unpolluted places where people can go to see the wonders of nature. After the completion of the projects for the Kenting, Yushan and Yangmingshan parks, it is planned to set up more on Orchid Island, Hsuehshan (Snow Mountain), the coast near Hualien, and in the Taroko Gorge. It is intended that through the establishment of these national parks, people living today and future generations will be able to appreciate their natural heritage more fully and at close quarters.
[Picture Caption]
1. The eastern exposure of Mt. Morrison. 2&4. Because the area around Mt. Morrison is so high, the vegetation found there is different from other parts of Taiwan giving it both research and scenic value. 3. Minister Walter H. Fei of the Executive Yuan said, "The development of national parks represents the importance we are placing on the living environment and on preserving natural resources." 5. A high plateau.
1. After a fire the forest takes on an eerie air. 2. Autumn leaves are one of Mt. Morrison's many wonders. 3. Yunlung waterfall. 4. This trail is now 107 years old. 5. The Patungkuan Plateau.
Because of the varied climate and geography around Mt. Morrison there is an abundance of wild life and flora. 1. A squirrel. 2. A salamander 3. The red bamboo snake. 4. Brown faced oriole. 5. The Mt. Morrison azalea. 6. A cluster of "Buddha's Armor".
Because the area enclosed by Yangmingshan National Park was formed by volcanic activity there are many unusual sights. 1. A hot well. 2. Sulfur mines. 3. Sulfur. 4. Some of the beautiful scenery to be found around Yangmingshan. 5. Volcanic scenery near Mt. Chukao. 6. A hot spring. 7. The Fengtsun waterfall is a big attraction.
1. The natural beauty of Yangmingshan. 2&3. Two of the many flowers which grow wild on Yangmingshan. 4. Evil lurks in this paradise.
Because the area around Mt. Morrison is so high, the vegetation found there is different from other parts of Taiwan giving it both research and scenic value.
Minister Walter H. Fei of the Executive Yuan said, "The development of national parks represents the importance we are placing on the living environment and on preserving natural resources.
Because the area around Mt. Morrison is so high, the vegetation found there is different from other parts of Taiwan giving it both research and scenic value.
After a fire the forest takes on an eerie air.
Autumn leaves are one of Mt. Morrison's many wonders.
This trail is now 107 years old.
A cluster of "Buddha's Armor".
Some of the beautiful scenery to be found around Yangmingshan.
Volcanic scenery near Mt. Chukao.
The Fengtsun waterfall is a big attraction.
The natural beauty of Yangmingshan.
Two of the many flowers which grow wild on Yangmingshan.
Two of the many flowers which grow wild on Yangmingshan.
Evil lurks in this paradise.
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