Focus Taiwan
Date: 03/26/2020
By: Kuan Jui-ping and Matthew Mazzetta

Taipei, March 26 (CNA) The population of Taiwan's critically endangered Formosan landlocked salmon has surpassed 10,000 for the first time on record, according to survey results released Wednesday by Shei-Pa National Park.

The endemic subspecies of salmon, which is considered a national treasure in Taiwan, is only found in freshwater streams at altitudes above 1,500 meters.

The park's 2019 survey estimated the species' total number at 10,532, with major populations of 5,392 in Qijiawan River, 3,575 in Hehuan Creek and 1,126 in Luoyewei Creek, the park's management office said in a press release.

According to Cheng Jui-chang (鄭瑞昌), deputy director of the office, the park's first survey of the species in 1992 showed it dangerously close to extinction, with a single population of around 200 fish remaining in the Dajiawan River basin.    [FULL  STORY]