Miaoli Community Rescues Rare Turtle Suspected of Being Bitten by a Domestic Dog

A rare protected turtle found injured in Miaoli County is recovering after Mingde Community residents rushed to report it for help. The Asian yellow pond turtle was discovered in July with injuries suspected to have been caused by a domestic dog.

The community in Touwu Township joined a forest and nature conservation program last year. Its patrol work led residents to spot the animal and contact the relevant authorities. After examination and treatment, the turtle’s condition became stable. It will return to the mountains once it has recovered.

The Hsinchu branch of Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said the rescue showed the value of the community’s routine patrols. It also pointed to the role of cooperation among public agencies, residents and local groups in protecting wildlife.

On Sept. 2, the branch and the Agricultural Ministry’s Biodiversity Research Institute held a conservation workshop at the community center. The session introduced the turtle conservation program, citizen-science tools, habitat creation and wildlife-friendly farming. Authorities urged people not to disturb, capture or keep wild animals, and to report injured animals rather than treating them themselves. They also warned that stray dogs and cats can threaten wildlife, asking residents not to feed them and owners to keep their pets under control.