202505/29
To enhance the ecological functions and biodiversity of plantation forests, the Hsinchu Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA Hsinchu) has actively promoted forest structure optimization and habitat enhancement for wildlife in recent years. Since 2023, efforts have been underway in the 6th forest compartment of the Da’an River Working Circle near Xingde Temple in Sanyi Township, Miaoli County. A strategy of vertical stratification and site-based planting has been adopted, incorporating a variety of native and ecologically functional plant species in the understory and canopy gaps. Through vertical stratification through multi-layered planting design, the forest’s heterogeneity and biodiversity have been comprehensively enhanced in terms of vegetation structure, food resources, shelter conditions, and breeding environment. It filled the structural gaps between the understory and open areas in the canopy or forest floor, gradually transforming the once biodiversity-depleted afforestation site into a more natural and vibrant forest, where wildlife is more likely to thrive.
The FANCA Hsinchu stated that the site was originally an illegally occupied orchard, which was later reclaimed and converted into afforestation land, with reforestation efforts ongoing for over a decade. The main tree species planted are Formosan ash (
Fraxinus griffithii), Taiwan incense cedar (
Calocedrus formosana), and green maple (
Acer oliverianum var. nakaharai). The trees grow well, gradually forming a dense forest. However, the understory vegetation is monotonous and sparse, and lacks shelter, food sources, and a diverse structure to effectively support the habitat and reproduction needs of a wide variety of wildlife.
To address this, FANCA Hsinchu launched an “understory enrichment” initiative in 2023. In addition to retaining existing native tree species, native shade-tolerant shrubs such as cape jasmine (
Gardenia jasminoides), orange jessamine (
Murraya paniculata), and coralberry (
Ardisia polysticta) were selected for planting in the understory space. The dense branches and leaves offer good shade and shelter, with two to three plants planted in clusters according to the actual local environment to quickly form shrubbery to act as a hiding space for wild animals. The aim is to create a suitable environment for ground-active mammals such as Formosan masked palm civets and Formosan ferret-badgers, or small birds such as Swinhoe’s white-eye, where they can forage, move around, and even build nests. The fruits of these colorful shrubs, whether berries or drupes, are favorites of birds. The sweet and tasty fruits of the orange jessamine and coralberry especially attract many frugivore birds and wildlife to stop and savor the fruits, which indirectly assists in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. In addition, the planting of small native trees, such as common elaeocarpus (
Elaeocarpus sylvestris) and Formosan magnolia (
Magnolia compressa), in the forest gaps also strengthens the vertical layers of the forest and forges pathways for tree-climbing animals like Pallas’s squirrels. The trees autumn and winter fruiting characteristics also provide a stable source of food for wildlife during the resource-scarce seasons.
After more than a year of building and installation of automatic infrared cameras, a number of wildlife species have been recorded. These include groups of Formosan wild boars, as well as typical small carnivorous mammals found in low-elevation mountain areas, such as Formosan masked palm civets, Formosan crab-eating mongooses, and Formosan ferret-badgers; as well as medium and large-sized birds that prefer moving on the ground, such as Swinhoe’s pheasants, Taiwan bamboo partridges, and Malayan night herons. What’s more exciting, leopard cat excrement was also found at the site, indicating that this area is gradually becoming a safe habitat for wildlife. These creatures’ “homeward imprints” appearing on-site bear witness to changes in the forest—there are now fruits to eat, shade to hide in, and layers to live in. The structure of the forest has been enhanced in tandem with the diversity of resources. Such habitat optimization results bear great significance to wildlife conservation in the national forests connected to hills of low-elevation mountains.
The FANCA Hsinchu stated that well-managed plantation forests not only function as carbon sinks, but also offer ecological value in the support of biodiversity through structural optimization and understory management, becoming a steady and vibrant green base in the mountains and forests. Contemporary forestry management is no longer limited to afforestation and timber production, but advances towards a new direction that places equal emphasis on ecological conservation and sustainable development. The FANCA Hsinchu continues to combine the scientific principle of “site-based suitability” with local experience to actively promote the improvement of forest habitat structure as an important strategy to enhance forest resilience and promote biodiversity conservation. The FANCA Hsinchu will also continue to review the current status of afforestation land within its jurisdiction, and adjust more flexible habitat creation plans based on previous implementation results and field feedback. It will also further expand the composition of supplementary plant species, including native tree species, such as Asiatic ardisia (
Ardisia quinquegona), oriental white oak (
Quercus aliena), dark-spotted cherry (
Prunus phaeosticta), Formosan beauty-berry (
Callicarpa formosana), thick-scaled oak (
Quercus pachyloma), and ring-cupped oak (
Quercus glauca).
Through these ongoing and forward-looking efforts, FANCA Hsinchu aims to transform conventional plantations into multifunctional forests that integrate ecological, economic, and cultural values. These forests will not only provide safer, more stable habitats for wildlife but also form a solid foundation for the long-term goals of sustainable forestry.