Pingtung expands grass owl conservation payments to Wandan, Changzhi townships

Pingtung County is broadening its efforts to protect the grass owl by incorporating Wandan and Changzhi townships into its ecological service payment program. This initiative encourages farmers to use environmentally friendly agricultural practices, aiming to balance farming with wildlife conservation.

Since the program's inception in 2022, Pingtung County has seen significant progress, with 95.75 hectares of farmland converted to eco-friendly methods by the end of 2025. Camera traps on raptor perches have recorded grass owl activity in 20 locations, indicating the program's growing success.

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Farmers can apply as long as they do not use rat poison or toxic bait and cooperate with friendly field management.

To further encourage participation, the county government will host three information sessions starting June 10. These sessions will guide eligible farmers on how to apply for subsidies, which can reach up to NT$33,000 per hectare for those using pesticide-free and rodenticide-free methods. The program also offers support for setting up raptor perches and provides agricultural chemical testing services. Additionally, community patrols have been included in the subsidies, offering up to NT$5,000 monthly for teams that monitor known or potential habitats and report illegal hunting tools.

The expansion adds Wandan and Changzhi to the existing five key areas: Pingtung City, Gaoshu, Ligang, Yanpu, and Jiuru townships. This move aims to strengthen the grass owl-friendly habitat network along the Gaoping River. The information sessions are scheduled for June 10, 11, and 16 at various locations, including the Pingtung County Agricultural Products Exhibition Center.

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The county government will hold three information sessions starting June 10 to assist eligible farmers in applying for subsidies of up to NT$33,000 per hectare.