A group of rare migratory geese have arrived at their wintering ground in the eastern county of Hualien. Their arrival has attracted many bird watchers to the area—an environmentally aware group that respects the birds’ habitat.
Unfortunately, other visitors to the area remain unaware that the habitat is a protected zone, and they continue practices that could damage the surrounding wetlands.
Five greater white-fronted geese have flown in from Siberia to spend the winter on Taiwan’s balmy east coast. For the next few months, they will live in protected wetlands around where the Hualien River empties into the sea.
Though five birds isn’t that many, it is a lot considering how rare sightings of this species are to begin with. Crowds of bird watchers and photographers have come to the river mouth for a glimpse of the birds.
However, the area is also crowded with tourists, who aren’t always aware that the area is protected. The only activities allowed are nature-related, the only exception made for fishermen who had already been fishing in the area before the protected area was created.
Still, four wheelers are a regular sight, rolling over the delicate marshland and potentially upsetting its ecological balance. Local authorities warn that those caught disturbing the local wildlife in this way could be fined up to NT$1.5 million (US$53,000).