Yushan National Park was established in 1985. It was Taiwan’s first mountain national park and Taiwan’s second national park after Kenting National Park. It has achieved outstanding results in ecological restoration, environmental education and tourism and leisure and helped the people of this beautiful island better understand the importance of protecting the natural environment.

In terms of raising the profile of the park, Yushan represents Taiwan in the high-profile new seven wonders global vote organized by a Swiss company. In the face of stiff competition it reached the last 77 sights and came top in the mountain category. This was followed by the expert evaluation stage and even though Yushan was without the support of the people of Taiwan this time it managed to reach the final stage, news that cheered the people of Taiwan. Yushan is called “Pattonkan” by the Zou tribe which means “bright mountain”. It is hoped that in 2011 Yushan will be chosen as one of the new natural wonders of the world and will be the “glory of Taiwan.”

In terms of conservation, Taiwan’s national parks tirelessly engage in Formosan black bear restoration work and, in recent years, the efforts have borne fruit. Researchers from National Donghua University’s wildlife research team encountered a black bear five kilometers along the trail from Walami to Dafen and were able to film 1.30 minutes of footage of bears and people in close proximity. This precious close-up footage is the first time bear(s) have been film up close since researchers from National Pingtung University of Science & Technology filmed a mother and two cubs in the Dafen area from a distance, and is very moving because it shows people and nature existing in harmony.

Global warming is an issue being given great importance all around the world and Taiwan, as an island, needs to pay special attention to related developments. In Formosan Salamanders (Hynobius sonani) are the animal most suitable for monitoring to record the impact of global warming. Yushan National Park has, consequently, entrusted a research team from National Taiwan Normal University with carrying out long-term monitoring of Alishan salamander. Eggs were discovered in the Yuanfeng area of Yushan. They showed no signs of embryos, however, this is the first time the eggs of the Alishan salamander have been officially recorded, representing a major conservation breakthrough and also affirming Taiwan national parks’ efforts to counter the effects of global warming.

Yushan National Park will continue to move forward in pursuit of the vision of “ecological Yushan,” “safe Yushan,” “Taiwan’s sacred mountain” and “internationally well-known mountain.” National parks are venues for the sustainable management of natural resources, public environmental education, and ecological and cultural asset research. We will work even harder to protect the pristine land of our national parks for future generations.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Yushan National Park Headquarters