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You are here: Home / Archives for Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung

Taiwan Rock Monkeys of Formosa Island

February 1, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

taiwan monkeys
Baby Formosan Rock Macaque

Taiwan Monkeys of Formosa Live In A Protected Habitat

Taiwan Monkeys (Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Monkeys) are the only monkey native to Taiwan. Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Monkeys are also known as Formosan Rock Macaque and Taiwanese Macaque. They live in the mountainous regions of northeastern and southwestern Taiwan. At one time it is believed that they may have lived nearer the sea coast. They likely were pushed back into the hills due to lack of vegetation and increased human activity. At times they can still be seen near the sea coast of Taiwan. They are generally found between 300 and 12,000 feet. They primarily prefer areas of mixed hardwood forests as well as bamboo and grasslands.

Some of the 22 known species of Macaques lack tails and they are often referred to as apes. These are true monkeys and have no relationship to the true apes. Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Monkeys generally are around 22-24 inches long and have moderately long tails of 17-18 inches. Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Monkey is brown or gray in color. One of the unique features of this monkey is the special pouches found in the cheeks. These pouches allow them to look for food and hoard it in their cheeks until they have returned to a safe location.

Taiwan Monkey Lifestyle and Interaction

Taiwan’s Monkeys have a very complex social chain and hierarchy. When a monkey of a lower level in this social structure has eaten berries or other morsels of food, they are stored in the pouch. If there are none left for a higher level monkey, then he may remove the berries from the lower level monkey’s pouch.

Formosan Rock Monkeys give birth to only one offspring per pregnancy. The gestation period is generally around 165 days. The Formosan Rock Monkey mates during the winter and gives birth in late spring or early summer. The younger females give birth every other year. The older females, those over the age of 9, give birth yearly. Most of the Formosan Rock Monkey’s nurse their offspring for approximately one year. The offspring usually are independent by the second year. Often permanent relationships are seen between the offspring and their mother.

Taiwan Monkeys (Formosa Rock Monkeys) are native to Taiwan. One of the most famous places to see this pesky monkey in his natural habitat is Shoushan National Nature Park in Kaohsiung. Below please find a link to the web site offering more information and travel guidelines. This web site is in Chinese with an English option at the top. Click on the word English and it will take you to the English version.

http://snnp.cpami.gov.tw/chinese/index.phpSpend the day, or take a half-day tour, but enjoy the warm welcome you will get from the Taiwan Monkeys of Formosa.

Exploretraveler.com

Taiwan Monkeys

Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Monkeys

 

Filed Under: Taiwan, World Travel Tagged With: bamboo, Formosan Rock Macaque, grasslands, hardwood forests, Kaohsiung, Macaques, northeastern Taiwan, Shoushan National Nature Park in Kaohsiung, southwestern Taiwan, taiwan monkeys, Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Monkeys. Taiwan, Taiwanese Macaque

Taiwan Monkeys Of The Formosa Rock Monkey Family

September 2, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

taiwan monkeysTaiwan Monkeys Having Lunch In The Garden

The Taiwan monkeys of Taiwan are situated off the coast of mainland China, is a small island nation that is part of the Republic of China. Taiwan, rich in wildlife and flora, has many amazing animals and spectacular flowers. One of these magnificent animals is the Formosan Rock Monkey, also called the Formosan Rock Macaques. These cute and mischievous monkeys are the only monkey native to Taiwan. These cute little monkeys, love trees, but they are not a major part of their environment. What they do love are tropical forests, temperate forests, and bamboo forests. On occasion, you will even find them living in the vast grasslands. Though they are excellent climbers, more than not, they prefer to stay on the forest floor. Though they are found all over the island, they are not seen as often near the coastal beaches. Since many keep building near the beaches, they are going deeper into the forests.

The Formosan Rock Monkeys are omnivores, so they eat many different plants, fruits, seeds, leaves, and small animals and insects. This monkey, in the above picture, is enjoying a rich banana for his lunch. Since they are comfortable around people, they often visit farms and consume a dinner rich in the crops of the planted fields. They love foraging for food among the fields at harvest time, though this can bring conflict with the farmers. On occasion it gets them killed, but they are protected by law as a disappearing species.

taiwan monkeysPlayful Baby Formosan Rock Monkey Testing Out The Vines

Though trees and vines are not a necessity for the Formosan Rock Monkey, these babies love to play in all the vines found in the jungle forest. Have you ever seen a young monkey that did not want to swing? This little fella is no exception, as he is swinging and playing with the vines found in his native forest playground in the mountains of Southern Taiwan.

taiwan monkeysFormosan Rock Money With Large Cheek Pouches

If you have ever watched a chipmunk foraging for nuts and acorns, you will notice that they have huge pouches in their cheeks. Just like their little friend, the chipmunk, the Formosan Rock Monkey gathers the seeds, fruit, leaves, and other goodies he finds in the forest and carries them home in his special shopping bag, his cheek pouches. How convenient to have a built in a shopping bag that allows them to hoard their food and carry it home for a later time. The Formosan Rock Monkey, like the ant, prepares well for the future and the family.

taiwan monkeysClose up Of The Facial Features Of The Formosan Rock Money

The Formosan Rock Monkey is considered a medium-sized monkey that in winter has a beautiful dark grey to brown coat. During the warmer days of summer, his coat changes to olive or brown color. The different color changes help them to blend in with the foliage of the plants in the jungle. In the above photo, you will notice the salmon pink face. They have no hair on the face at all. Naturally, you can see the large cheek pouches that he carries his bounty after a profitable foraging session. The Formosan Rock Monkey is very resourceful!

taiwan monkeysJuvenal Taiwan monkeys Love To Play

Formosan Rock Monkeys live in troops ranging from eight members to forty-five members. Juvenal Male Monkeys usually strike out on their own sometime after the fifth year. Until that time of maturity arrives, they will grow, learn and have a swinging good time. Each troop will have one alpha male, but it may have older males that live on the edge of troop life. Female monkeys often stay in the same troop that they were born into, but low-status female members sometimes branch off and form a totally new troop. These new troops are usually quite a bit smaller, with less than 10 members. This is a way of building status and importance for very low-status females.

The Juvenal female members of the troop usually begin breeding sometime after the fourth or fifth year. The breeding season begins in late fall, generally in November and lasts till early January. The mother carries her young around 165 days, giving birth sometime around April to June. Younger females have a single birth usually every couple of years, whereas older females often give birth each year. The mothers will continue to nurse their babies for around one year, during which she is also the primary caregiver of the newest member of the family. The Juvenal monkeys are pretty much independent once they reach two years of age.  However, the males often stay with the troop until close to five years. Female Juvenal Formosan Rock Monkeys may stay close to their mothers for their whole lifetime, retaining strong bonds.

taiwan monkeysQuite Content In His Perch In The Trees

The world of the Formosan Rock Monkey is quite protected and we see their numbers growing as they live without threat from poachers, researchers, and those wanting to use them for medical purposes. Even the pet industry had to be curtailed. This has been a major success story for Taiwan and a model for the world. But not all of the Taiwanese are part of their fan club. These monkeys are excellent foragers and often forge in the fields of farmers, carrying off their bounty in those chubby cheek pouches. As we can see, what is a success story for one group, is not for another.

Another problem that had come up with the increase in their numbers,  is that people were feeding them. This often led to the monkeys bothering people to get food, a trait that was not desirable. Thus, in the last few years, people have been asked to not feed the monkeys, but to enjoy their amusing behavior and amazing personality. No other animal can entertain any better, or hold the interest of a crowd any longer, than these amazing Taiwan natives to the Southern Mountains. These monkeys are smart, and when human behavior changed around them, they also made changes, no longer going after everyone to get food. This is just another of the success stories of Taiwan.

taiwan monkeysFormosan Rock Monkey Observing The World Around Him

This older monkey almost appears to be deep in thought. Is he planning his daily routine, or just languishing in the thoughts of his intelligent mind? Whatever the case, you almost want to offer him a penny for his thoughts.

This magnificent creature mainly lives in the Southwestern and Northeastern parts of the mountainous regions of the island. In times past, when the island had fewer inhabitants, he also enjoyed the coastal areas.  Now he spends his days in the mountains sharing his range with other inhabits like Bluetail Senegal and the American Bullfrog. What beautiful chores the American Bullfrogs can share. It must be amazing to share space with such a wonderful singer.

taiwan monkeysLiving The Good Life At Shoushan Nature Park In Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan is a city found in the South of the Island of Taiwan. Though many consider Taipei to be Taiwan’s grandest city, Kaohsiung is a major rival. If you enjoy hiking, geological and ecological sites, cultural history, and a laid back environment, then Kaohsiung should be a part of any Taiwan adventure. One of the most amazing sites is Shoushan, which is a part of Monkey Mountain. This is the first National Nature Park in Taiwan and it is the site of major hiking opportunities on Monkey Mountain, including an exciting visit to a tea station, and of course, there is Monkey Paradise.

Near the entrance to the Zoo are the trail heads to three of the best trails on the mountain. The middle trail is generally considered to be the best for those who may not have time to explore all three. As you climb the mountain you will see several ancient Banyan trees and also begin to get marvelous vistas of Kaohsiung and finally you will arrive at a Monkey station. All along the trail, you will find these ancient Banyan trees hanging onto the limestone cliffs. The rocky cliffs themselves are a source of beauty and enjoyment. Going a little farther and you will begin to see the only native monkey in Taiwan, the Formosan Rock Monkey. It is good to keep all food supplies hidden, and do not feed the monkeys. The monkeys have absolutely no fear of humans that they see hiking the trails, and should be treated with great respect.

taiwan monkeysWater Carrier Climbing To The Top Of Monkey Mountain

The climb up to the top of Monkey Mountain is steep and takes around an hour for a seasoned hiker. Can you imagine the job of bringing water to the tea and monkey stations? Just think, any water that is consumed by the humans or the monkeys needs to be carried up the same trail that you have been hiking. It is a beautiful and steep climb, but well worth the effort.  It really makes you think and appreciate the water that is used at the above stations.

taiwan monkeysShoushan Nature Park In Kaohsiung Home of the Taiwan Monkeys

Shoushan Nature Park in Kaohsiung is a dense Secondary Forest. Even though it is a forest that has been harvested once, signs of major disruption are no longer seen. Since this forest regrowth was not due to natural disasters of any kind, the dead trees lie on the forest floor providing major nutrients and major protection from soil erosion. This is what is the major plus with a secondary forest over a forest devastated by fire, wind, water, etc. This forest is lush, thick, and very green.

Among the many trees that provide for the needs of the Formosan Rock Monkey are the Dendrocnide Meyeniana Tree, also referred to as the Lipa Tree. While this may be a special tree for monkeys, it often causes rashes for people who happen to rub against it. The Chinese have an interesting name for this native tree that is not too friendly to humans. They call it the “dog bitten fruit.” This is the English translation of the not too favorable Chinese name. This tree, loved by monkeys and hated by humans, is native to Taiwan and is mostly found in the secondary forests of the Island of Taiwan. Regardless of how it affects humans, the monkeys often run and play in this tree found in the Shoushan Nature Park.

Another of the major trees of the overstory in Shoushan Nature Park is the Paper Mulberry Tree. This tree is native throughout Asia and also was brought over to the United States. It is considered to be important in Asia and the Islands of the Pacific Ocean for food, medicine, and even fiber. In China, they use it to make paper, and Japan uses the inner bark to make the famous Washi Paper.

In some of the Islands of the Pacific, the Paper Mulberry is used for ceremonial clothing. Many countries make furniture and cooking utensils from its wood. All over the world, wherever it grows, the edible leaves are cooked and the fruits are delicious. The Formosan Rock Money loves the seeds, bark, fruit, and leaves of the Paper Mulberry Tree. What a delicacy they provide for this monkey native to Taiwan.

Another major member of this secondary forest is the Banyan Tree. The Banyan Tree is noted for often starting life in a hole or crack or another tree. The Banyan Tree is commonly known as a Fig Tree and the Taiwanese Formosan Rock Monkeys love it’s nice ripe fruit.

taiwan monkeysShoushan Nature Park On Monkey Mountain

The secondary growth on all of Monkey Mountain is lush and heavily forested. The forest is blessed with a wide range of coniferous and hardwoods, as well as large selections of shrubs. This temperate forest also has areas of native bamboo, with other areas of less thick shrubs. There are also plenty of areas of clearings with native plants forming a ground cover, all this is perfect for a ground-loving species.

taiwan monkeysThe Formosan Rock Monkey Living On Monkey Mountain

Shoushan Nature Park is the “backyard of the city of Kaohsiung” and the beginning of a Southern Taiwan Adventure. Exciting cliffs, spectacular rocks, magnificent caves, and geological wonders, are all part of this unique and fascinating natural park, with it’s coniferous and hardwoods blended in. This is a monkey paradise! If you have a love of nature, hiking, and enjoy discovering unique places in nature, then this is the perfect adventure for you. Come join the fun on Monkey Mountain.

Taiwan Recommendations

Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge Taitung, Taiwan

 

taiwan monkeys

Filed Under: East Coast Taiwan, Taiwan, travel channel, travel the world, Travel Tips, Uncategorized Tagged With: Banyan Tree, China, Dendrocnide Meyeniana, Formosan Rock Macaques, Formosan Rock Monkey, Kaohsiung, Lipa Tree, Monkey Mountain, Paper Mulberry, Shoushan Nature Park, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan, taiwan monkeys, Washi Paper

Old Fongshan City Wall, Taiwan

April 8, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Old Fongshan City Wall, Taiwan
Old Fongshan City Wall, Taiwan’s first township gate fortified with a stone wall and moat

Old Fongshan City Wall

Old Fongshan City Wall is  located in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The old city of Zuoying, also known as Fongshan was the first walled city in Taiwan.  It is complete with a moat. What a fascinating city in this unique country! This defensive wall was built back in the Qing rule period. It was the first Taiwan city  to be so fortified. It also has a moat! Notice how sturdy the wall was built! It is amazing that the Old Fongshan City Wall is still standing today, though it has be renovated a couple of times.  You can still see the Old Fongshan City Wall in modern Zuoying, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It is another amazing reason to include Kaohsiung on your next Taiwan vacation.

The beautiful North Gate is also referred to as the Gongchen Gate. This granite gate is complete with two signs above the gate, one on each side. On the outside of the gate it reads Gongchen Gate. On the inside is simply says North Gate.  Just inside the gate is the remains of the old Gongchen Well. It was built over 200 years ago and latter removed.  The well was covered with  an iron lid thatwas placed over the hole.  Enter inside the Old Fongshan City Wall by the North or Gongchen Gate and it is still visible today. What amazing history inside the Old Fongshan City Wall!

Another beautiful granite gate is the South Gate or the Ciwun Gate. The Old Fongshan City Wall is no longer connected to the South Gate, so it stands alone in a traffic circle. Her beauty is still well preserved! In 1961 the gate was renovated and concrete blocks were put on the coroners of the gate for added stability. The stairway going to the top of the gate was fully renovated. The top of the gate gives a most fantastic view.

The delightful East Gate of the Old Fungshan City Wall is the best preserved of the four gates. It is also known as the Fongyi Gate.  A portion of the Old Fungshan City Wall is still connected to this beautiful granite gate. What beautiful living history lies in the Fongyi  Gate of the Old Fungshan City Wall.

The old West Gate is no longer in existence. It was also known as the Dianhai Gate. It was completely destroyed during the Japanese occupation and rule of the island.  Until an old Japanese map was found, the existence of this gate was unknown. In 2004, a monument to the Old West Gate was placed at its location. Thus the four gates of the Old Fungshan City Wall are now accounted for. What adventure there is in Kaohsiung! What amazing living history there is in the Old Fungshan City Wall!

On your next trip to Kaohsiung, take time to walk around the different gates and the sections of the Old Fungshan City Wall that are still standing. Feel the history of a time long past. Imagine the majestic walls with it’s four gates. Dream about living within it’s walls, protected by a moat. This is the living history of Taiwan. Make today the day you get out and explore……The Old fungshan City Wall and it’s granite gates!

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwan/

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Filed Under: East Coast Taiwan, Taiwan, Travel Tips, Uncategorized, World Travel Tagged With: Ciwun Gate, Dianhai Gate, East Gate, Fongshan, Fongyi Gate, Gongchen Gate, Japanese rule, Kaohsiung, North Gate, Old Fongshan City Wall, Qing rule, South Gate, Taiwan, Taiwan's First Township Gate, West Gate, Zuoying, Zuoying District

Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan

January 12, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan
Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan

Fo Guang Shan Is The Fastest Growing Buddhist Organization In Taiwan Today

Fo Guang Shan –What is it? Why is it growing so fast? The purpose of the article is to simply let the reader know what Fo Guang Shan is about. I give no opinion of my own. Fo Guang Shan is the fastest growing Buddhist Organization in the World today.  Its moderate approach appeals to the masses. Fo Guang Shan was founded in 1967 by Hsing Yun. The International Headquarters of this new movement is located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in the Dashu District. It is known as Buddha’s Light Mountain. It is widely believed that from this mountain goes out light to each of the 5 continents of the world. The order is known world-wide as the International Buddhist Progress Society. The society promotes a more humanistic form of Buddhism than other Buddhist Orders.  This order has a major emphasis on humanism and charity. It is also better known in the world, as a whole. This is due to its teachings, lectures, and workshops world-wide.  They also give many lectures within the many correctional facilities worldwide. They are also extremely active in the large Asian factories. They have large-scale lectures on both television and radio within Taiwan. They are world-wide. Devotees are encouraged to make yearly pilgrimages to Buddha’s Light Mountain.

This Giant Buddha statue
This Giant Buddha statue

There are four major objectives in Fo Guang Shan.

(1) To spread Buddhist teachings through cultural activities throughout the world. They are active on             every continent.

(2) To encourage talent through education. They run many colleges and Universities.

(3) To benefit society through charitable programs. They are best known for their programs for children          in need and the elderly who are destitute.

(4) To purify human hearts and minds through Buddhist practice and pilgrimage.

The official motto of the Fo Guang Shan is:  “May the Buddha’s Light shine upon the ten directions. May the Dharma stream continuously flow towards the five great continents.”

The following four major beliefs or goals  are set forth. They are a guide to each believer in Fo Guang Shan.

(1) May kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity pervade all Dharma realms;

(2) May all beings benefit from our friendship and kindness;

(3) May our ethical practices of Ch’an and Pureland help us to realize patience and equality;

(4) May we undertake the Great Vows with humility and gratitude.”

There are four major working principles set forth for members.

(1) Give others confidence.

(2) Give others joy.

(3) Give others hope.

(4) Render service to others.

The emphasis is on giving, not only money, but of yourself.

Sources: https://books.google.com/books?id=TWJjMCxUUWMC&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=BLIA+guidelines&source=bl&ots=hWa12HYVGd&sig=XoTppWfUH_D2tjZ4IudLm7Y-_CU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uhe0VOOiDdG0sATz2YK4DA&ved=0CEsQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=BLIA%20guidelines&f=false

The Fo Guang Shan Order has many free medical and social programs that serve the remote villages and the poorest of the poor. They also have many annual food and warm clothing drives. In Asia they have Children’s homes and homes for senior citizens. They are active in wildlife conservation.

Throughout Asia you will see many Temples and monasteries belonging to different Buddhist Orders. Like Christianity and Judaism, they have many denominations and sects. As we admire the many architectural delights in Asia, it is good to remember that these are places of worship. While we do not dwell on how they serve their gods, it is good to understand what they stand for. Knowledge helps us to have understanding. Understanding breeds respect. Respect is good among people.

For other Asian travel ideas and monuments, see our website:

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Filed Under: Taitung, Taiwan, World Travel Tagged With: Buddha's Light Mountain, Dashu District, Fo Guang Shan, International Buddhist Progress Society, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

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