202509/30
To deepen conservation efforts for a precious and rare native amphibian, the Taipei grass frog (
Hylarana taipehensis, also known as the “thunder frog”), the Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA Yilan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “Creation of Wildlife-Friendly Habitats at the Alibang Ecological Leisure Farm” with Mr. Wang De-Chang, representative of the farm’s landowners, and the Trust in Nature Foundation (TNF) on September 30, 2025. This collaboration aims to jointly safeguard native species habitats and establish a model for cross-agency cooperation.
The Taipei grass frog was once a common frog species in Taiwan’s plains. However, in recent years, its distribution range has been significantly reduced due to pesticide overuse, habitat fragmentation, and human interference. The species is now confined to areas such as Shimen and Sanzhi in New Taipei City, and Yangmei in Taoyuan. The Alibang Ecological Leisure Farm, with its low-impact development strategy, once hosted the highest population density of Taipei grass frogs in New Taipei City, demonstrating its habitat-friendliness and conservation value.
Located at the foot of Yangmingshan, the Alibang Ecological Leisure Farm is situated at the hub of the North Coast low-elevation mountain conservation corridor of the Taiwan Ecological Network. Spanning approximately 10.3 hectares, the farm boasts a diverse ecosystem of wetland, streams, and forest. It originated from Mr. Wang De-Chang’s “Nature Deposit” initiative, which rallied 60 families to collectively fund the land purchase for environmental protection. Starting in 2022, the project has been managed by the TNF, which continues to promote habitat conservation and environmental education. Through long-term monitoring and investigation by the Environmental Ethics Foundation of Taiwan (EEFT) and the Alibang Working Group of the TNF, it was discovered that the farm is the last bastion of the native Taipei grass frog along the North Coast, making it a critical site for its restoration. Surveys also identified the presence of protected species including the yellow-margined box turtle (
Cuora flavomarginata), yellow pond turtle (
Mauremys mutica), and red-bellied annulate keelback (
Trimerodytes annularis), indicating rich biodiversity.
Conservation should not rely solely on the government, grassroots participation from the bottom up is particularly crucial. The relatively enclosed environment and appropriate management of the Alibang Ecological Leisure Farm provide a safe and stable habitat for native species. In recent years, the farm has actively engaged in habitat creation, removal of exotic species, and promotion of nature education, yielding fruitful results. FANCA Yilan also utilized a variety of policy tools. Apart from existing research programs, it also included the farm in the “Red-bellied Annulate Keelback Payments for Ecosystem Services Demonstration Program” and designated it as a key promotion area for the other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM). Through the signing of the MOU, the Taipei grass frog will be designated as an umbrella species to safeguard the diverse native species inhabiting this land. Both parties will initiate further collaborations in site management and educational outreach based on the contents of the MOU. Furthermore, the Alibang Ecological Leisure Farm will be used as a demonstration model, jointly leaving a solid legacy of protection and hope for Taiwan’s natural environment.