Exhibition Showcases Rare Carnivorous Plants and Conservation Efforts in Zhubei Wetland

An exhibition highlighting the unique ecosystem of carnivorous plants at the Lianhua Temple Wetland in Zhubei, Hsinchu County, is currently underway at the Hsinchu County Government building. Running until August 28, the "Carnivorous Plant Ecology and Conservation Status of Zhubei Lianhua Temple Wetland" exhibition offers the public a rare glimpse into a delicate and vital natural habitat.

The Lianhua Temple Wetland, located within a military-controlled area, is exceptionally rare in Taiwan for its concentration of carnivorous plant species. It serves as the sole stable habitat for the endangered long-leaved sundew (Drosera indica). The wetland's specific soil conditions, rich in iron and poor in nutrients due to its sandy, collapsible terrain, create an ideal environment for these specialized plants to thrive by trapping insects for sustenance.

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The wetland is located within a military control area and is not easily accessible to the public.

Despite its ecological significance, public access to the wetland is restricted. The county government has been supporting conservation initiatives led by the Wilderness Conservation Association Taiwan. The exhibition features actual specimens of carnivorous plants, accompanied by informative displays and guided tours by volunteers. These guides provide in-depth explanations of the plants' unique trapping mechanisms and survival strategies, allowing visitors to appreciate their fascinating adaptations up close.

Fu Chi-mei, Director of the Agriculture Department, noted that the 1.2-hectare wetland hosts a diverse array of carnivorous flora, including various sundews and butterworts, alongside rare associated plants like Hydrocharis formosa. She emphasized the critical conservation value of the long-leaved sundew, which is listed as Nationally Endangered (NEN) in Taiwan's Vascular Plant Red List. The exhibition also includes insights from Liu Yueh-mei, honorary chairwoman of the Wilderness Conservation Association, who shared her years of conservation achievements. The event aims to foster greater public understanding and support for the ongoing preservation of this ecologically sensitive area.

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The wetland breeds abundant carnivorous plants such as long-leaved sundew, small sundew, broad-leaved sundew, and long-spurred bladderwort, as well as rare associated plants like Hydrocharis formosa and桃園草. Among them, the 'long-leaved sundew' has been listed as Nationally Endangered (NEN) by the 'Taiwan Vascular Plant Red Book,' possessing significant conservation value.