With its spectacular endemics, vast numbers of wintering shorebirds and exciting forest birding, Taiwan is firmly on the birding destination map. However, the island also offers superb mammal watching, including a handful of highly desirable endemic species. During a short visit in March this year (see the May issue of Birdwatch for a full report), the BirdGuides and Birdwatch team sought out some of these mammals, with great success.
Taiwan Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel was common in the premier birding region of Dasyueshan and gave great views in and around Anmashan Lodge. This wonderful species – and the similar Formosan Giant Flying Squirrel – are endemic to Taiwan, with the population of the latter in the capital city Tapei playing a starring role on the recent David Attenborough-narrated BBC series, Asia.
Taiwan Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel (Ed Stubbs).
Also seen in Dasyueshan were the two larger endemics: Taiwan Serow and Formosan Rock Macaque. The serow was found after dark along the mountain road, while the macaques were scattered at different locales, but never especially tame.
Formosan Rock Macaque (Ed Stubbs).
Taiwan Serow (Ed Stubbs).
Taiwan's wonderful wildlife
Squirrels were a theme in Dasyueshan, too. Perny's Long-nosed Squirrel was few and far between and is apparently being outcompeted by Pallas's Squirrel, which is increasing at higher-elevation locales. Maritime Striped Squirrel was common and, like Pallas's, it may be split one day.
Pallas's Squirrel (Ed Stubbs).
In Taroko NP, fantastic views of two Yellow-throated Martens were had at the Hehuanshan Lookout car park – an apparently reliable site for this mustelid. The endemic Taiwan Vole was found nearby, too.
Yellow-throated Marten (Ed Stubbs).
There are plenty of other species found on the island, from the rare and elusive Asian Black Bear and shy Chinese Ferret-badger, to myriad species of bats. Visiting the island of Lanyu via ferry is popular among birders and, although we didn't have time to do so on this occasion, it's known to be good for cetaceans, with Blainville's Beaked Whale among the species recorded on the crossing before.
So, if you're planning a trip to Taiwan, remember to factor in time for some of the special mammals on offer, as well as the birds.
More information
- Taiwan Bird Guide: taiwanbirdguide.com
- Taiwan Tourism Administration: eng.taiwan.net.tw
