TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Images of low-altitude mountain wildlife, including the small Indian civet, Swinhoe's pheasant, and Formosan serow, have been captured for the first time in the Taitung Beinan River reforestation area, the Taitung Forestry Bureau reported Tuesday.

Low-altitude mountains are defined as regions below 800 m in elevation. These areas include natural landscapes such as streams, wetlands, grasslands, and forests, along with human-influenced environments like farms, orchards, woodlands, grazing pastures, and parks.

Historically, habitat fragmentation around the river caused by agricultural land, roads, and settlements led to the belief that the area was unsuitable for mammals. However, recent images of mid- to low-elevation animals venturing into the flat river mouth area mark a major milestone in the region's ecological development, the bureau said.

This discovery contributes to ongoing efforts to build a rich local ecological network, furthering achievements in Taitung’s regional green network. The Taiwan Ecological Network in Taitung includes six conservation corridors, one of which is the Beinan River conservation corridor.

A key focus for the Beinan River corridor is to link ecological pathways and create wildlife passages that support biodiversity. Ecological corridors reconnect fragmented habitats, enabling wildlife to avoid traffic while moving freely within their natural environments.

To reduce dust and wind-blown sand, native tree species have been planted around the Beinan River estuary and high sandbars. These trees not only help minimize environmental disturbances but also create suitable habitats for local wildlife.

Through years of ecological surveys and monitoring programs, the bureau’s findings suggest a potential ecological connection between the Coastal Range and the Beinan River estuary. Notably, species such as the small Indian civet, Swinhoe's pheasant, and Formosan serow are all endemic to Taiwan.

Looking ahead, the Forestry Bureau plans to identify potential animal corridors linking the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. The bureau intends to continue planting local native trees and grass species through ecological afforestation, providing shelters for wildlife and reducing risks associated with habitat movement.

Additionally, the bureau encourages the public to support eco-friendly farming practices, avoid feeding stray animals, and collaborate to create a wildlife-friendly environment.