Rare crab-eating mongoose spotted in central Taiwan
台灣中部發現罕見食蟹獴
| Environmental patrol by Tsou Indigenous group spots the creature on Alishan
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The crab-eating mongoose, a Category III conservation-deserving species in Taiwan, was spotted in Alishan Township’s Shanmei Village by a member of the Tsou Indigenous group during a routine environmental patrol. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency’s Chiayi Branch issued a press release on Wednesday (Dec. 18) including an image of the pink-nosed mongoose with a white stripe extending from the cheeks to the shoulder. The natural habitat of this animal is typically streams, wetlands, and bamboo forests, per CNA. A member of the Alishan Tsou Hunters Association was conducting routine environmental patrol when he came across the crab-eating mongoose near a stream. The crab-eating mongoose feasts not only on crustaceans but also on fish, shrimps, snails, and insects. The animal plays an important role in the environment by controlling the population of invertebrates and small mammals, ensuring balance in the food chain. The mongoose's habitat has gradually decreased due to human development. When encountering such an animal in the wild, one should adhere to the principles of "no contact, no interference, and no feeding." |
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| Sean Scanlan, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2024-12-18 |
