National Chiayi University, founded with a strong focus on agriculture, has long emphasized plant conservation, animal conservation, agricultural genetic resources, and the establishment of reserves for endangered species through its College of Agriculture and College of Life Sciences. These efforts are supported by continuous long-term projects. For example, the Department of Horticulture manages the Orchid Arts and Research Center, which has preserved Taiwan’s national treasure orchid germplasm for more than 80 years. A shorter-term initiative is the Chukou Turtle Conservation and Education Park, established in 2019. Such long-term conservation projects account for approximately 22% of all sustainability-related programs at NCYU. Below is a classification and introduction to the university’s long-term conservation initiatives:
Chukou Turtle Conservation Center
Taiwan is home to five native terrestrial turtle species. In recent years, pressures such as habitat loss, poaching, and smuggling have placed severe threats on their survival in the wild. Among them, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) and the yellow-margined box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) are listed as endangered protected wildlife, while the yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica) is categorized as a rare and valuable protected species. To strengthen conservation efforts for Taiwan’s native turtles, the Chukou Turtle Conservation and Education Park was established in 2019 as a research and education base for promoting turtle conservation. Since 2023, the park has been open for scheduled public visits each year, raising awareness and enhancing public knowledge of turtle ecology and conservation.
The leaves of the Senna siamea (Tree Senna) are covered with countless pupae of the migratory butterfly (Catopsilia pomona).
A newly emerged Catopsilia pomona must dry its wings in the sun before it can fly
The Lantan Campus of National Chiayi University (NCYU), located adjacent to the scenic Lantan Reservoir, is rich in ecological resources. Recently, large flocks of migratory butterflies (Catopsilia pomona) have been observed fluttering across the campus, attracting the attention of students, faculty, and visitors. This phenomenon demonstrates the high quality of NCYU’s natural habitat conservation. The migratory butterfly, a polymorphic species visible year-round, feeds on the leaves of leguminous plants such as Senna siamea and Cassia fistula. Their mass occurrence is closely linked to the vigorous sprouting of leguminous plants on campus and the reduced presence of natural predators.NCYU has long promoted ecological recording and wildlife conservation on campus. By the end of 2022, the iNaturalist “Lantan Back Mountain Project” had documented 1,633 species, including 803 vascular plant species and 740 animal species. These records include butterflies, moths, birds, amphibians, and many protected or rare species, highlighting the value of Lantan Campus for long-term habitat maintenance and biodiversity conservation.
These efforts embody the spirit of SDG 15.5, which emphasizes the protection of wild species and their habitats.
On May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity, National Chiayi University (NCYU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sun Link Sea Recreation Development Co., Ltd. to establish the Taiwan Rhododendron Genetic Diversity Conservation Center in the Sun Link Sea Forest Ecological Resort. This collaboration aims to promote the conservation and propagation of Taiwan’s native rhododendrons. Among the 17 native rhododendron species in Taiwan, 12 are endemic, representing a high endemism rate of 71%. Their distribution ranges from lowlands to high mountains, demonstrating remarkable ecological adaptability. Through seed propagation and the cultivation of seedlings, the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at NCYU elevates conservation from the species level to the genetic diversity level. By working with industry partners, the university seeks to establish an integrated supply chain that provides stable sources of seedlings for nationwide greening and landscaping. This initiative not only highlights NCYU’s responsibility in protecting indigenous plant resources but also echoes the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2.5, which emphasizes the conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Eastern Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris) is Taiwan’s only owl species that inhabits open plains and grasslands rather than forests. Its habitat is often located close to human settlements, but due to its nocturnal and elusive behavior, it is rarely observed. Early conservationists estimated the national population to be as few as 100 individuals or around 300–500, and the species is classified as a Category I critically endangered protected animal in Taiwan. To better understand its distribution and reproductive ecology, Professor Jo-Shi Tsai from the Department of Biochemical Science and Technology at National Chiayi University conducted population monitoring between 2015 and 2021 using both manual surveys and satellite tracking across central and southern Taiwan. The study estimated approximately 158 breeding pairs, totaling over 300 individuals, a figure consistent with earlier conservationists’ predictions. In 2025, a new nationwide assessment of the grass owl population will be conducted to determine any changes in numbers. This long-term conservation project continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the species and its habitats.
Study on carbon emission and soil sequestration under different cultivation systems in rice paddy field
Using the Eddy Covariance Tower System, large-scale open-field methane emissions are monitored. Continuous and real-time measurements are conducted throughout the entire rice growth period to assess greenhouse gas emissions from paddy cultivation. (Authorized by Professor Huang NCYU)
NCYU and Fisheries Research Institute Collaborate to Conserve Aquatic Genetic Resources
On October 4, National Chiayi University and the Fisheries Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture formalized a collaborative agreement to advance aquaculture innovation and secure aquatic genetic diversity in Taiwan. This partnership includes joint research on the collection, preservation, and utilization of aquatic genetic resources through the establishment of core broodstock gene banks. The initiative supports long-term conservation of economically significant aquaculture species, while reinforcing NCYU’s existing role in promoting scientific aquaculture and environmental management. The cooperation ensures the development of sustainable propagation and breeding techniques, serving as a strategic effort to preserve biodiversity and enhance food security under the pressures of climate change. The project directly contributes to SDG 2.5 on maintaining the genetic diversity of food-related species and SDG 15.5 on halting the degradation of biodiversity.
