To survey the dependent plants in the Xuejian area’s natural broad leaved forest, a special imported catapult was used to shoot the guide rope into the tree crowns then the guide rope was used to pull up the main climbing rope. Then specialized tree climbing straps, rings and an ascender were used by researchers to climb into the tree crown to conduct the survey.

De to the technical challenges of climbing a tree and potential danger, surveying a single tree took 3-4 hours. One time a researcher was almost hit by a falling branch. The remains of Fagaceae family fruit left in a tree hole by a flying fox were also observed and the amusing sight of Taiwan sibias(Heterophasia auricularis) fighting over Loranthaceae nectar.

Up to the present 182 species of dependent plant have been recorded in the area, including climbing plants, epiphytes, strangling plant and semi-parasitic plants Of this total 84 are epiphytes. Endangered plants include Pentapanax castanopsidicola, Rhododendron kawakamii, Dumasia miaoliensis and Dedrobuim clavatum.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Shei-pa National Park Headquarters