Formosa Fauna

The Frigatebirds are birds with a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, that’s 213 to 244 centimeters, a width that’s longer than most of us are tall. The large black seabird is only one of around 700 species of birds found in Taiwan!

Join us this week for Formosa Fauna as we speak to Wild Bird Society of Taipei (WBST) CEO Nelson Chen.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to [email protected]!

What animals come to mind when you hear "flightless birds?" If chickens are one of them, you may be wrong.

Bird-window collision researcher Ginny Hsieh started on her animal conservation and research journey by taking on taxidermy at a museum.

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna where we search for the origin of Ginny's passion for birds and imagine how taxidermy could give a second life to the flightless, fallen birds.

In the United States bird-window collisions can decimate up to 9% of the bird population annually.

Taiwan is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, one of the world's longest flyways of migratory birds. Are bird-window collisions just as much of a problem here? Can the same solutions be copy-pasted?

Did you know that one of the most cost-effective ways to clear farmland is to employ a flock of goats?

Terrestrial crabs are lineages of crabs that have evolved to live predominantly on land. Taiwan is home to six species of terrestrial crabs!

We finally have the first qualifying listener submission! Congratulations on your new box of animal-centric merchandise.

There are an estimated 600 million cats worldwide, 220 million of which are house cats, and 480 million of which are stray or feral! As International Cat Day approaches us on August 2, how will you be celebrating?

Dragons are very animal-like, and were perhaps inspired by a couple of real-life animals. Can you guess which ones?

Thank you for your submission, Sherry! 

Coral reefs harbor many marine creatures. All sorts of marine life inhabit, breed, feed, and hide from enemies in coral reefs.

Taiwan's coral reef communities make up one-third of the world's variety of species. Of the 700 species of stony corals on the planet, 250 can be found along Taiwan's coast!

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna so you can get to know coral reefs starting from the basics! Next time, you'll be able to confidently answer the question: Are corals plants, animals, or rocks?

Rat Catcher's Day is upon us! The July 22 holiday stems from German folklore. 

In the very first episode of Formosa Fauna, Tristan dives into the meaning and history behind "Formosa,” which dates back to 1517, and outlines what the program will be all about.

This episode is dedicated to the (arguably very adorable) leopard cat. While similar in size and weight to the domestic cat, leopard cats stand out due to their rounded ears, spotted patterns, and white splotches behind the ears.

What else will you learn in this episode? Dive in to find out.

Stick around to the end to find out how you can win a box of animal-centric merchandise!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!