Reasons for Extinction

Taiwan's coastal areas suffer from numerous environmental problems due to the rapid development of the economy and rapid growth in population. The current environmental problems in Taiwan's coastal areas include pollution, stratum subsidence, soil salinization, accelerated coastal erosion, and different types of land development, which ultimately led to the decline of natural resources and the collapse of the entire ecological system. Below are some of the common problems that coastal areas in Taiwan face.

Pollution from rivers contributes primarily to coastal pollution in Taiwan. In addition to municipal sewage and industrial sewage, livestock wastewater is a major source of pollution. The tiny penetration rate of Taiwan's sewers and sewage systems makes most sewage flow into rivers. It is inevitable that rivers flow into the sea through estuaries, therefore, various types of pollution will flow into estuaries along with rivers, thereby affecting the coastal environment.

Furthermore, due to the lack of human gathering activities in coastal areas, garbage is usually dumped there. Additionally, some waste materials are often disposed of in coastal areas because environmental protection agencies do not inspect them adequately. The western coast of Taiwan suffers from stratum subsidence as a result of the large amount of groundwater pumped for aquaculture, and in areas where this occurs, seawater backflow often occurs during the rainy season or typhoons, leading to salinization of the land. As the coastal current parallel to the coast is capable of carrying a considerable amount of sand, sand drifting along the coast may cause accumulation in some places, and may even generate new Haipu land; however, it may also result in erosion along some coasts.

The improper setting of many ports has led to changes in walruses and the so-called "raised dike effect", causing many naturally formed coasts to gradually erode and disappear due to ocean currents. In addition, due to the construction of reservoirs and other water storage facilities along many of Taiwan's rivers, these water storage-related facilities will hinder the flow of sand from the river to the estuary, which will result in an inadequate replenishment of sand sources along the coast and estuary.

There are wetlands along the western coast of Taiwan, ranging from north to south. The functions of wetlands include regulating water volume, providing water sources, maintaining nutrient cycles, producing natural products, providing wildlife habitats, and providing recreation and cultural activities. Wetland ecosystems play a very important role in the landscape. In the past, coastal wetlands, intertidal zones, and estuaries served as habitats for growth, reproduction, and incubation. However, due to a variety of human-made development activities, many of these vital and important ecological environments are being altered. Additionally, due to its original wetlands on the west coast of Taiwan, from Guandu and Kuziwei in the north to Xinfeng, Xiangshan in Hsinchu, the Dadu River in Taichung, the Aogu in Chiayi, the Haomeiliao, the Zengwen River in Tainan, and Yongan in Kaohsiung in the south, there are a number of wetlands with important ecological status for migration. As well as being transitional zones between land and sea, wetlands and mangroves play an important ecological role. In coastal areas, further fragmentation will eventually lead to the depletion of biodiversity.

About Black-faced Spoonbills

Black-faced spoonbills have a flat, lute-shaped beak, and they have white feathers all over their bodies. During the breeding season, their back feathers and the area under their necks turn yellow.

Black-faced spoonbills are one of the world's most endangered species due to their scarcity. The species is only found in East and Southeast Asia. Taiwan's Zengwen River is their winter destination, accounting for about 60% of the world's population during that time.

A black-faced spoonbill is mainly active in shallow water (less than 25 cm in depth). As a natural habitat, black-faced spoonbills are found mainly in the intertidal zones of estuaries that cover a wide range of environments from exposed beaches to swamps and mangrove wetlands. As well as natural water environments, such as river estuaries and seaside intertidal zones, black-faced spoonbills and herons forage in manmade environments such as recreational fishermen, abandoned fishing camps, salt pans, reservoirs, shallow ponds, and fallow paddy fields in Taiwan.

It is often found in estuaries, tide pools, wetlands, and intertidal zones, along with rivers that are highly polluted and have little human activity. Black-faced spoonbills serve as environmental indicators, which makes them even more precious.

In addition to habitat loss and destruction, human activities, disease, and natural enemies pose threats to the Black-faced Spoonbill. There is currently no clear explanation for the reason why the Black-faced Spoonbill is so rare today. Nevertheless, the disappearance of known habitats will directly affect the Black-faced Spoonbill. A variety of human activities threaten black-faced spoonbills, including hunting, overfishing, pollution of the water, and reductions in food availability and quality. In order to migrate north in the winter, migratory birds must store energy in winter areas. A large number of external interference factors may prevent them from returning to the breeding grounds smoothly if they consume too much energy.

About Ciconia Boyciana

Ciconia Boyciana is a type of Oriental White Stork with black peek, red legs, and white fur. In 2012, December 9th, Tianjin Beidagang Wetland Nature Reserve found an unprecedented amount of 5000 Oriental White Stork. This gathering, however, suggests the loss of hospitality in other places. As a matter of fact, such species are already declared extinct in both North and South Korea with restoration projects on track. Likewise, China is not far from declaring it. According to IUCN, 59% of coastal wetlands have disappeared in the past ten years, and this percentage is still expected to grow. Notably, 22 countries committed themselves to protecting storks including their migration route between seasons. Though, China has no formalized law about protecting wetlands, making all their attempts to solve these issues void and vague. Thankfully, there are many evident efforts. Efforts to save the Ciconia boyciana, or Oriental white stork, usually involve habitat conservation, captive breeding programs, and community engagement to raise awareness about their importance. Conservation organizations collaborations to ensure a sustainable future for this endangered species. For example, the Japan Bird Research Associations often cooperate with other international committees such as the previously mentioned IUCN. Their way of expanding efforts have reminded our group of the need to cooperate with great communities or even invite the smaller ones to join us.

About Eurasian Otter

The Eurasian otter, scientifically named Lutra, is a captivating semi-aquatic mammal with a sleek, elongated body, webbed feet, and a distinctive pointed snout. Resilient, these creatures adapt to diverse aquatic environments, including freshwater rivers, lakes, and coastal areas across Europe and Asia.

Known for their playful behavior, Eurasian otters engage in activities like sliding down riverbanks and indulging in water games, showcasing their intelligence and agility. Their curiosity often leads to exploring surroundings with adaptability, enabling them to thrive in both freshwater and coastal habitats.

Eurasian otters exhibit versatility in terms of diet, including fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and occasionally small mammals and birds. Their hunting prowess is aided by remarkable swimming abilities, allowing them to hold their breath for up to eight minutes underwater.

The otter's distinctive fur is vital for adaptation to aquatic life, comprising waterproof guard hairs and a dense underfur layer, providing buoyancy and insulation against the cold, allowing comfortable navigation through various water bodies.

Reproduction is a notable aspect of their life cycle. Eurasian otters breed at any time during the year, likely determined by individual physiological states and reproductive maturity. Gestation lasts for 60 to 70 days, with each female bearing 2 or 3 pups. Born at a weight of 99 to 122 grams, the pups open their eyes at one month and leave the nest after two months. Weaning occurs at 3 months, and they remain with their mothers until 14 months old, reaching reproductive maturity at 2 or 3 years.

The Eurasian otter faces unique challenges in specific regions, such as Kinmen, Taiwan, where conservation efforts take center stage. Recent initiatives, highlighted by the Kinmen County Government, underscore the importance of preserving otter habitats. In Taiwan, as the Taipei Times reported, otters' presence in urban areas raises awareness about coexistence and sustainable urban planning. Local and global conservation strategies aim to secure a thriving future for Eurasian otters in diverse ecosystems.

Description of Estuary

Reasons for Extinction

About Black-faced Spoonbills

About Ciconia Boyciana

About Eurasian Otter