MNPH New Publication Debut on April 19th Presenting the Newest Research Findings on Dongsha Atoll and Southern Penghu Four Islands

  • 2014-03-28
  • Marine National Park Headquarters

The Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as MNPH) is scheduled to hold the 2013 Conservation Research Results Presentation for Dongsha Atoll National Park and the South Penghu Four Islands on April 19 at the Third Lecture Hall of the National Museum of Natural Science. The event aims to present the remarkable research achievements of the past year to the public.

Over the past year, MNPH has carried out coral reef ecological surveys and terrestrial and marine biological resource investigations in Dongsha Atoll. The findings further confirm the health status of the coral reef ecosystem and the habitat utilization patterns of various species. Invited scholars for this event include Associate Research Fellow Kung Shou-yeh of the National Museum of Natural Science, Professor Wang Chien-ping of National Cheng Kung University, and Professor Luo Liu-tzu of National Kaohsiung Normal University. They will share research findings on the evolutionary history of Dongsha Atoll and Dongsha Island over nearly a million years, as well as studies on the sicklefin lemon shark and avian resources around Dongsha Island. 

In 2013, MNPH also continued ecological resource research in the South Penghu Four Islands (Dongji Islet, Xiji Islet, Dongyuping Islet, and Xiyuping Islet). The results have been transformed into interpretive publications, including Diving into the South Penghu Four Islands and Geological Journey: South Penghu Four Islands. To enhance public understanding of the South Penghu Four Islands, Professor Chen Wen-shan of National Taiwan University, one of the handbook authors, along with the research team from the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, will be invited to share insights into the magnificent basalt landscapes and vibrant underwater ecological hotspots of the islands.

A prize quiz session related to the new publications will be held during the event. Participants who answer correctly will receive a complimentary copy of one of the books. The new publications will also be available for purchase on-site at a 40% discount. Interested members of the public are welcome to download the event brochure and register via email or fax. For further inquiries, please contact Ms. Chen of the Conservation and Research Division at MNPH (07-3601886).

 

Figure 1. MNPH South Penghu Four Islands interpretive series; left: 'Geological Journey: South Penghu Four Islands'

MNPH South Penghu Four Islands interpretive series - 'Diving into the South Penghu Four Islands'.
Figure 1. MNPH South Penghu Four Islands interpretive series – “Geological Journey: South Penghu Four Islands” MNPH South Penghu Four Islands interpretive series – “Diving into the South Penghu Four Islands”

Figure 2. A view of the wave-cut platform at Dongji Islet, South Penghu Four Islands.

Figure 3. Healthy coral reef coverage at Dongji Islet, South Penghu Four Islands.
Figure 2. Wave-cut platform at Dongji Islet, South Penghu Four Islands. Figure 3. Healthy coral reef coverage at Dongji Islet, South Penghu Four Islands.

Figure 4. Juvenile sicklefin lemon sharks are often found in Dongsha Island’s small lagoon and surrounding seagrass beds, identified as nursery grounds.

Figure 5. The ruddy turnstone, a dominant shorebird around Dongsha Island, named for its habit of flipping stones to forage.
Figure 4. Juvenile sicklefin lemon sharks frequently appear in Dongsha Island’s lagoon and surrounding seagrass beds, identified as nursery habitats. Figure 5. The ruddy turnstone is a dominant shorebird around Dongsha Island, named for its habit of flipping stones while foraging.