Taiwan endemic species introduction
create by Hung-Yu Chen
Taiwan's natural environment is teeming with unique biodiversity.
Including many endemic species of animals.
This virtual jewelry collection is inspired by Taiwan's endemic animals.
Blending their forms and colors to showcase their characteristics.
Introduction
Syrmaticus mikado
帝雉
colors
introduction
The Taiwan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea), a unique species to Taiwan, is one of the animals featured on the one-thousand New Taiwan Dollar banknote. The male bird showcases a glossy deep blue-black coloration with a purplish-blue fish-scale pattern on its chest and abdomen, and a white band only on its tail. The female, smaller in size, displays an olive-brown hue with faint longitudinal streaks and a black bar on the tail. These magpies have a diverse diet that includes both plants and insects.
https://swiftandtit.com/mikado-pheasant/
Agehana maraho
寬尾鳳蝶
colors
introduction
The Taiwanese Swallowtail Butterfly, an endemic species, boasts a wingspan of about 9.5-10 centimeters. Its forewings have a black-brown base, while its hindwings feature large white patches and red crescents. The tail-like protrusions are exceptionally wide and red. The caterpillar feeds on Taiwanese Cherrylaurel and is classified as a critically endangered first-class protected species.
http://dearlep.tw/species.html?namecode=431361
&photo_id=a1242bc00172d5cb1667c0f97e9942cf
Polycyathus chaishanensis
柴山多杯孔珊瑚
colors
introduction
The Chai Shan Cup Coral is an endemic stone coral to Taiwan, known for its diverse and changing colors. Its unique shape evokes images of fluffy flowers or intricate wine glasses, with graceful curves and delicate patterns. This precious coral was first discovered in the Chai Shan marine area of Kaohsiung. Despite thriving in shallow waters, the Chai Shan Cup Coral exhibits traits of both deep-sea and shallow-water corals.
https://www.facebook.com/Taoyuanalgalreefs/
posts/1910866325720481/
Prunus
taiwaniana Hayata
霧社山櫻花
colors
introduction
The Wushe Mountain Cherry Blossom, exclusive to Taiwan, boasts an elegant tree shape and snow-white petals that resemble snowflakes, creating a captivating scene. This deciduous small tree has ovate leaves, measuring around 36cm in length and 2.5cm in width, with serrated edges. Its elongated petals bloom in late March. Common in central mountains, it serves as both a landscape tree and a food source for birds.
https://guatemala.inaturalist.org/taxa/442634-Prunus-taiwaniana
Leopard cat
石虎
colors
introduction
The Leopard cat , resembling the size of a domestic cat, is gray-brown with black spots on its body. It bears black-brown stripes on its forehead, resembling the patterns of a clouded leopard. It's a nocturnal creature, resting in tree hollows or caves during the day. Agile in movement, it preys on fish, rodents, birds, frogs, and young animals. It inhabits broad-leaved forests and shrublands below 1500 meters above sea level. Currently rare in numbers, its elusive behavior makes it difficult to spot.
https://www.justaiwantour.com/blog/2020/09/16/please-dont-leave-us-taiwans-endanger-species-leopard-cat/
Machlolophus holsti
黃山雀
colors
introduction
The Yellow Tit is a rare bird in Taiwan, with a beautiful appearance, including a yellow face and underparts, yellow-green back, and black crest. It mainly eats insects and lives in mid to high elevations in forests. It is endangered due to its low population. You can see it in places like Taroko National Park. Both males and females look similar and have pleasant and varied sounds.
https://swiftandtit.com/mikado-pheasant/
Cirsium tatakaense
塔塔加薊
colors
introduction
The Tata Thistle is one of the plants featured on Taiwan's one-thousand-dollar banknote. It's an endemic species to Taiwan, elegantly displaying its vibrant purple flowers on the banknote. Beyond being a beautiful illustration, it symbolizes the Taiwanese people's appreciation for and commitment to nature. It represents Taiwan's value of environmental protection and natural resource conservation, along with the resilience and courage shown in the face of challenges.
https://jalife.cafe/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0968-2-1.jpg
Anoectochilus roxburghii
金線蓮
colors
introduction
Anoectochilus roxburghii is one of the plants featured on Taiwan's one-thousand-dollar banknote, is endemic to Taiwan, thriving in shaded and cool damp environments. A terrestrial orchid, it boasts elliptical green leaves with velvety texture, adorned with golden thread-like veins on their tops and light purple-red on the undersides. Its white flowers bear yellow tufts on both sides. Blooming in summer and fall, it also possesses medicinal properties.
Zhangixalus moltrechti
莫氏樹蛙
colors
introduction
Green tree frogs are typically rare and conservation-dependent. Yet, Mo's Tree Frogs stand out as relatively common among their kind, found frequently in orchards and woods. Usually hidden in trees, they intensify their presence during mating seasons with loud calls. Sporting red and black-spotted thighs, this red pattern serves as a defense mechanism, surprising and confusing predators for a potential escape.
Provided by Taipei Municipal Zoo, photo by 詹德川
Dendrobium catenatum
黃花石斛
colors
introduction
Dendrobium catenatum is a rare variety that usually blooms in spring. It grows on branches or rocks, and its blossoms can last for fifteen to twenty days. The color of the flowers changes gradually from light green to yellow-green and creamy yellow. Typically, a cluster of Dendrobium catenatum can produce over a hundred blooms, creating a spectacular sight. It holds both ornamental value and can also be used for medicinal purposes.
https://eol.org/pages/1100132