TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A rare sighting of a yellow-throated marten attempting to hunt a Mikado pheasant was observed by conservation officer Ho Chang-ying (何昌穎) in Yushan National Park.
Known for its diverse ecosystem, Yushan National Park has been a focal point for wildlife observation. This particular sighting occurred after researchers had witnessed a male and female yellow-throated marten engaging in mating behavior for 40 min in the Tataka area in December, per CNA.
Ho, who has worked in the park for 21 years, is accustomed to seeing yellow-throated martens chase Formosan muntjac. This was the first time he observed one hunting a Mikado pheasant.
While walking through the forest understory, Ho heard a male Mikado pheasant extend its neck and emit a warning call. Turning around, he spotted a collar-wearing yellow-throated marten rapidly approaching.
The male and female pheasants fled in opposite directions. Unable to capture footage of both, Ho heard the pheasants leaping into trees to escape, eventually fleeing into the valley, with the marten observing from a distance.
Yellow-throated martens are primarily carnivorous and prey on small animals like birds, rodents, snakes, and lizards. They are also known to work together in groups to hunt larger animals such as Formosan muntjac and goats, sharing their catch, according to the National Taiwan Museum.
These martens are typically found in mountainous regions between 2,000 and 3,000 m. While their population remains stable globally, they are classified as a Category II protected species in Taiwan.
Yushan National Park Headquarters said the marten's breeding, rearing, and mating habits are still unknown. However, years of ecological surveys have revealed that yellow-throated martens often form “male alliances.”
In the ongoing research project in the Tataka area, scientists collect data on the species' life history, focusing on the timing of estrus, mating behaviors, and rearing patterns. The project has produced Taiwan's first-ever footage of yellow-throated martens mating.
