The Survey of Terrestrial Invertebrate Fauna in Green Island

Project Duration	2005-12-31 ~ 2006-12-30
Research Title	The Survey of Terrestrial Invertebrate Fauna in Green Island
Contracted Organization	I-Shou University
Principal Investigator	Chao Jen-Fang
Project Personnel	Lien Jih-Ching, Hsu Huan-Chih, Fu Chien-Ming, Tsai Wen-Chuan, Lin Ying-Chun, Cheng Shu-Fen, Chang Chia-Hao
Keywords	Land snails, land crabs, spiders, insects, conservation
Abstract	This study was conducted from August 2007 to July 2008 to survey the terrestrial invertebrate fauna of Green Island, providing reference data for future resource planning and management. A total of 460 terrestrial invertebrate species were recorded, including 21 land snail species, 19 land crab species, 64 spider species (including mites and scorpions), and 356 insect species. Four species are classified as rare and protected wildlife: the coconut crab (Birgus latro), the Golden Birdwing butterfly (Troides aeacus formosanus), Tsuda’s giant stick insect (Megacrania tsudai), and the Lanyu large-leaf katydid (Phyllophorina kotoshoensis). Among these protected species, the coconut crab and Tsuda’s giant stick insect warrant particular attention for conservation and further study. Coconut crabs face threats from human harvesting and road mortality. Tsuda’s giant stick insect has shown a declining population trend in recent years due to habitat alteration and environmental change, and requires continued monitoring. In terms of habitat conservation, three areas were identified as important habitats for invertebrates on Green Island: Zhuangyuan area, the mountainous region near Guoshan Ancient Trail, and the coastal forest near Haishenping. These areas should be prioritized for protection. Overall, the composition of Green Island’s invertebrate fauna represents a transitional zone between Taiwan and the Philippine archipelago, though it shows greater similarity to that of mainland Taiwan.