Dongpu Indigenous Community in Nantou Joins Forces with Forestry Agency to Remove Illegal Hunting Gear and Protect Wildlife

Central News Agency Report

(Central News Agency reporter Hsiao Po-yang, Nantou County, July 16) Residents of Dongpu Village in Xinyi Township, along with the Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, conducted comprehensive inspections of mountainous areas to remove outdated and illegally placed hunting tools and traps. A total of five such devices were cleared during two operations. The branch also promoted awareness of proper usage of improved hunting tools and reiterated the current nationwide ban on leg-hold traps.

To prevent harm to wildlife from illegal hunting gear, the Dongpu Bunun Natural Resources and Cultural Self-Governance Association collaborated with the Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture. Comprehensive inspections of old and illegal hunting tools around the tribal area were carried out recently and today. The two operations removed five outdated illegal devices. The Nantou Branch also promoted the policy of a complete ban on leg-hold traps and educated the community on the correct use of improved hunting tools.

The Nantou Branch stated that the area surrounding Dongpu Village in Xinyi Township hosts rich biodiversity and serves as a critical habitat for protected wildlife species such as the Formosan black bear, leopard cat, and pangolin. At the same time, the region preserves Indigenous traditional hunting culture. In the past, old or illegal hunting tools may have been left in the forests, posing indiscriminate and severe threats to wildlife. With local residents familiar with the terrain leading the way, agency personnel conducted thorough inspections and removals of illegal gear and outdated traps.

Dongpu tribal members involved in the operation expressed through the Nantou Branch that there may indeed be old traps or snares set by outsiders in the mountains, posing dangers not only to animals but also to tribal members entering the forests. Traditional Indigenous culture emphasizes harmonious coexistence with nature, and thus there is strong consensus among the community to proactively participate and help protect the land inherited from their ancestors.

The Nantou Branch emphasized that to balance farmers' rights and animal welfare, individuals or tribal members seeking to prevent agricultural damage—such as crop destruction by wild boars—should refrain from using traditional illegal traps or leg-hold devices. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency will continue promoting awareness and replacement programs for improved hunting tools, aiming to foster a wildlife-friendly mountain environment in collaboration with local communities, while respecting traditional culture and addressing agricultural protection needs. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150716

Stand with the facts. Your support safeguards press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.