Chishang Dapo PondExplore Wetlands—

Railway ecology tour

Dapo locates to the east of Chishang, and is immediately next to the Coastal Mountain Range's Jinyuan River terrace cliff. It is a "fault pond", formed as a result of fault activity in Chishang. Its water comes from an underground stream located at the tip of the Sinwulyu River's alluvial fan. The pond river flows north towards the lowlands, becoming one of the sources of the Siouguluan River. The name Chishang, "above the pond" is a reference to Dapo Pond. In early years, the fish and shrimp found in Chishang's lunchboxes came from the Dapo area.

Except the diverse ecosystem, visitors can also enjoy the biking activity in Chishang. Chishang Bike Path is designed by the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration. The whole Path was completed on January 19, 2002. The total length is 5.8 km. The height difference along the path is about 5 meters. Along the path there are many scenic spots where you can stop and enjoy the countryside scenery of Chishang. This Path is excellent for relaxation especially in the mornings and in the evenings. It takes about two hours to complete the trail.

Dapo pond is one of the biggest lake wetland in Taiwan and has diverse freshwater species. The aquatic plants provide the shelter and food for many animals.

Fauna

Yellow Bittern

Categorynumbe

rBird 54Amphibian 2Mammal 4Reptile 7Others (Insect, Fish...)

27

Total 94Rotio of endemic species

22.34%

Animal species account

You can enjoy the dragonfly and damselfly surround you while walking along the footpath in Dapo pond. Among those dragonflies, picturewing is especially beautiful and attractive. 。

Rhyothemis variegata arria

During this investigation, there are 18 aquatic animals; Chinese bitterling, rosy bitterling and carp are the common fish here.

Rosy bitterling Scale carp

Taiwan striped barb

Besides, 54 bird species are recorded in Dapo pond, Chinese little bittern, white-breasted waterhen, ring-necked pheasant and Taiwan bulbul can be found here.

White Eye

Ring-necked PheasantSkylark

White-breasted Waterhen Black-crowned Night Heron

Dapo pond wetland is mainly planted with artificial ornamental plants, especially the terrestrial species. Because the environment of wetland system, most plants are aquatic. It also attracts many water birds to visit.

Category NumberFerm 14Gymnosperm 4Monocotyledons 4Dicotyledons 78Total 100

Plant species account

water hyacinthwater willowAlyce CloverKnottedflower Phyla

Hibiscus tiliaceus 、 Taiwan cotton roseCinnamomum kotoense 、 Chinese Tallow Tree

Griffith's Ash 、pop-gun seed 、Autummn Maple Tree 、 Eriobotrya deflexa

Large-leaved BanyanHauil Fig TreeIndian Almondpoongaoil pongamia

Small-leaved BarringtoniaMolucca MallotusChinese Soap BerryFlueggea suffruticosa

Litsea glutinosa Yellow OleanderFire-thornWhite Popinac Lead Tree

water hyacinth

water willowKnottedflower Phyla

Knottedflower Phyla

Hibiscus tiliaceus Taiwan cotton rose

Cinnamomum kotoense Chinese Tallow Tree

Griffith's Ash pop-gun seed

Autummn Maple Tree Eriobotrya deflexa

Litsea glutinosa Yellow Oleander

Fire-thorn White Popinac Lead Tree

Small-leaved Barringtonia

Chinese Soap Berry

Molucca Mallotus

Flueggea suffruticosa

Large-leaved Banyan Hauil Fig Tree

Indian Almond poongaoil pongamia