(Source: Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters)

The Vibrant Animal World

The lush vegetation and varied landforms in Yangmingshan National Park provide excellent habitat and forage for all kinds of animal life. Many types of animal communities are present in the park.

Wildlife surveys indicate that the park is home to 20 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 21 species of amphibians, 48 species of reptiles, and more than 160 species of butterflies.

Medium-size mammals include many red-bellied squirrels, Formosan hares, Formosan ferret-badgers, and Formosan rock-monkeys (macaques); the Formosan pangolin and Formosan gem-faced civet are also occasionally seen. The Formosan rock-monkey and Taiwanese small leaf-nosed bat are found solely in Taiwan. Birds commonly seen at low elevations include the Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Gray-cheeked Fulvetta, Chinese bamboo partridge, Muller's Barbet, and Taiwan's distinctive Formosan Blue Magpie. Many migratory birds pass through the area in October and March, making the park a popular spot for bird-watching. In particular, the red-bellied thrush is extremely common during its spring and fall migrations. Migratory birds present in summer include the Barn Swallow, Cattle Egret, and Cuculus saturatus, which are commonly seen at Lengshuikeng and Siaoyuken from April to September. For its part, Cuculus saturatus is widely distributed throughout the park's mountain forests.