:::
202410/05
The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is an endangered, protected wildlife species, currently stable in only a few regions: Miaoli, Taichung, and Nantou. The low hills and stream habitats of Taichung serve as a vital corridor, connecting the northern and southern populations of leopard cats. Since 2023, the Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) has promoted the Leopard Cat-Friendly Farming Label in Taichung, with 21 farmers receiving the certification to date. On the occasion of Leopard Cat Day (October 5), the Taichung Branch released footage of a leopard cat feeding on a mouse in a certified orchard, highlighting that wild animallife-friendly habitats serve as the best form of pest control. Officials hope this will inspire more farmers to join the initiative, creating wildlife animal-friendly habitats while balancing both farmers’ livelihood and production needs.
The Taichung Branch shared that the footage of the leopard cat in the orchard was captured by a Murcott farmer, Liu Chi-Chung, in Dongshi District. Liu, who received the Leopard Cat-Friendly Farming Label - Safe Pesticide Use earlier this year, maintains around three hectares of wild animallife-friendly farms. He explained that elders in his family had previously used conventional farming methods to grow fruit trees, applying fertilizers and herbicides, which led to soil compaction in the orchard. Seeking to improve soil quality and sustainability, Liu switched to grass-based cultivation for his fruit trees ten years ago. Last year, through the Taichung Branch’s wild animallife-friendly farming promotion initiatives at the Dongshi District Farmers’ Association, he gained a deeper understanding of how to incorporate Formosan leopard cat conservation principles into environmental management. He committed to improving the quality of leopard cat habitats by refraining from using herbicides and materials harmful to wildlife. By maintaining grass coverage in his fields, providing accessible open spaces for animals, and refraining from keeping pet dogs and cats, he has created a leopard cat-friendly habitat. Using automatic infrared cameras in the orchard, Liu has recorded the movement of various wildlife, including the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), Formosan ferret-badger (Melogale subaurantiaca), and Pallas’s squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus). To his delight, the cameras also captured footage of a leopard cat visiting the orchard to hunt, appearing in the footage with a mouse in its mouth, walking slowly by. The farmer happily expressed that having a leopard cat visit his farm so soon after receiving the Leopard Cat-Friendly Farming Label was the best possible endorsement of his efforts in promoting wildlife animal-friendly farming.
The Taichung Branch has been conducting long-term monitoring of leopard cat populations in the Dongshi area, a crucial link for leopard cat populations between Miaoli and Nantou counties and a key node for their expansion into the Daxue Mountain region. Since 2022, the branch has been promoting environmentally friendly agriculture support programs in Dongshi, Shigang, Xinshe, and other areas. This year, the branch continues to expand these efforts, incorporating Formosan leopard cat conservation courses to help farmers integrate conservation principles into their farming practices. The programs aim to enhance habitats while also supporting farmers’ economic benefits.
The Taichung Branch highlighted that habitat destruction and loss are among the major challenges that threaten the survival of the leopard cat today. The branch hopes to raise people’s awareness through Leopard Cat Day, emphasizing continuous commitment to creating wildlife-friendly farming habitats. Through label certification and marketing promotion, the branch aims to enhance the sales value of agricultural products and encourage the public to choose produce with Leopard Cat-Friendly Farming Labels. By doing so, everyone can contribute to protecting the leopard cat’s home together, encouraging more people to join in safeguarding leopard-cat friendly habitats.