KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Agriculture's (農業部, MOA) Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency Pingtung Branch (林業及自然保育署屏東分署) announced on Sunday (June 30) that the population of the endangered Tree Sparrow (山麻雀) is estimated to be less than 2,000 nationwide.
In collaboration with Kaohsiung Medical University (高雄醫學大學, KMU), the agency pledged to continue research and collaborate with local entities in conservation efforts.
The agency and the university identified the Namasia District (那瑪夏區) as the primary habitat of the Tree Sparrow. The bird species face five major threats: a lack of nesting sites, construction projects, habitat changes, insufficient research, and awareness.
In response to these threats, the branch has devised five conservation strategies. These include maintaining the quality of artificial nest boxes, refining standards for construction projects, preserving habitats and food resources, continuous monitoring and research to fill gaps in basic information, and promoting conservation awareness and friendly farming practices.
Yang Jui-fen (楊瑞芬), the branch's director, stated, "Conservation strategies for the Tree Sparrow require the accumulation of basic ecological data and the evaluation of appropriate local action strategies. We will continue to collaborate with the KMU."