Wildlife in Taiwan
Including Kenting National Park and Taiping Mountain Forest Recreation Area. On the map.
The vibe
Tracking endemic macaques and rare forest birds through dense, mist-shrouded canopies feels intensely primal and hidden. Early spring mornings offer the clearest visibility and active breeding behavior across the reserves. Most coastal and lowland nature watching is completely open, while deep mountain sanctuary zones require a quick digital pass.
Online ecological reserve permit for deep forest zones
Kenting National Park
Pingtung County
Outlookxp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Kenting is a vital corridor for raptor migration, specifically the Chinese sparrowhawk and grey-faced buzzard. The park's diverse landscape of coastal forests and grasslands makes it a unique hub for observing large-scale bird migrations.
Access. Accessible by bus or car from Kaohsiung; birdwatching spots are concentrated around the Longluan Lake area.
Notes. The raptor migration season peaks in September and October.
Taiping Mountain Forest Recreation Area
Yilan County
Photo by IAN on Pexels
This high-altitude forest is one of the best places in Taiwan to spot endemic bird species, including the Mikado pheasant and Swinhoe's pheasant. The lush, misty temperate forest provides a serene environment for birders seeking rare, high-mountain avian life.
Access. Accessible by car or shuttle bus from Yilan County; requires a park entry permit for certain restricted areas.
Notes. Weather can change rapidly; bring appropriate gear for wet and cold conditions.