 ¡@Mammals
Around 80 species of wild land mammals have been identified
in Taiwan, belonging to 20 families in eight orders. Of these,
Over 40 species and subspecies are endemic. Typical examples
include the Formosan rock monkey, the Formosan pangolin, the
Formosan black bear, the Formosan clouded leopard and the Formosan
sika deer. In recent years, the rapid growth of the human population
and continued development of mountain land have brought about
dramatic changes to wildlife habitats, seriously jeopardizing
the survival of those species affected. Furthermore, because
most mammal species are relatively large, and because of long-standing
folk beliefs that they have medicinal and tonic properties,
people's desire to use animals' skin, organs and flesh creates
hunting pressure which has caused their populations to dwindle.
Some, such as the Formosan sika,the Formosan clouded leopard,the
chinese otter ,the Formosan flying fox, the Formosan black bear
and the Formosan pangolin have been driven to extinction or
near extinction.
Since TESRI was set up, we have been conconducting research
into such biological characteristics of Taiwan's mammals especially
endemic and endangered species-as their distribution, population,
reproduction, and habitat, and into methods of conserving
them. We have also been working to collect and put in order
previous research and observation data on local mammals. As
well as using such data in our own research, we also actively
provide information and technical services with the aim of
increasing local people's understanding of wildlife and strengthening
the practice of wildlife conservation, in order to make conservation
work in the Taiwan a success.
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