Endangered Species Conservation and Patrol Project Launched in Xingfu Wetland

Thirty years ago, Chishang Township’s (Taitung County, Taiwan) famous lunch boxes, Fanbaos, used to feature Aphyocypris kikuchii as a side dish, but their population declined due to habitat destruction and overbreeding of invasive species. In recent years, both the fish and the once-regionally-extinct Schoenus falcatus plant were rediscovered in the Xingfu wetland, inspiring the Taitung County Youth and Elderly Co-creation Social and Environmental Care Association to start their protection from 2019. The Association conducts hydrological surveys in the wetland and implements measures to monitor and protect it. They consult with professionals on the methods for invasive species elimination, train eco-tour guides, and encourage farmers to adopt the Satoyama spirit and transition to eco-friendly farming practices. To address the wetland’s water level drop caused by earthquakes and droughts and endangering Aphyocypris kikuchii, the Association translocated the broodstock to artificial ponds for conservation purposes.