Capital

Taipei

Official Language

Taiwanese Mandarin

Fun Fact

Garbage trucks in Taiwan play classical music to alert residents to come out and bring their trash to the truck

Unofficial National Animal

Formosan Black Bear

Unofficial National Bird

Taiwan Blue Magpie

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Animal Laws of Taiwan

The Animal Laws of Taiwan PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Taiwan. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Taiwan

Taiwan Blue Magpie

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Taiwan Blue Magpie is a striking bird found only in the forests of Taiwan. It is recognized by its brilliant blue plumage, bright red bill and legs, black head, and exceptionally long tail tipped with white. Highly social and intelligent, Taiwan Blue Magpies live in family groups and feed on fruits, insects, small animals, and carrion. As an important seed disperser, they play a valuable role in maintaining Taiwan's forest ecosystems.

Formosan Black Bear

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Formosan Black Bear is an endangered subspecies of the Asiatic Black Bear found only in the mountain forests of Taiwan. Recognized by its shaggy black fur and distinctive white V-shaped chest marking, it feeds on fruits, nuts, insects, honey, and small animals. An excellent climber, it spends much of its time in trees searching for food. Habitat loss and illegal hunting have made this unique bear one of Taiwan's most important conservation priorities.

Taiwan Serow

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Taiwan Serow is a sure-footed goat-antelope found only in the rugged mountains and forests of Taiwan. Recognized by its sturdy build, coarse gray-brown coat, and short backward-curving horns, it is an excellent climber that easily navigates steep cliffs and rocky terrain. Taiwan Serows feed on leaves, grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation and are an important part of the island's mountain ecosystems.

Chinese Pangolin

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Chinese Pangolin is a nocturnal, scale-covered mammal found in the forests and grasslands of East and Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its overlapping keratin scales, long sticky tongue, and powerful claws used to dig into ant and termite nests. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball for protection. Illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat loss have made the Chinese Pangolin critically endangered and one of the world's most heavily trafficked mammals.

Formosan Rock Macaque

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Formosan Rock Macaque is the only monkey native to Taiwan. Recognized by its gray-brown fur, pink face, and long tail, it lives in forests from lowlands to high mountain regions. Formosan Rock Macaques feed on fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and other plant material while living in highly social troops. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in a variety of forest habitats across the island.

Swinhoe's Pheasant

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Swinhoe's Pheasant is a brilliantly colored bird found only in the mountain forests of Taiwan. Males are recognized by their shimmering blue plumage, bright red facial skin, white crest, and long barred tail, while females are mottled brown for camouflage. They feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates while foraging on the forest floor. Habitat protection has helped conserve this beautiful endemic species, which is one of Taiwan's most iconic birds.