Taiwan Completes "Tiger Fence" to Protect Endangered Leopard Cats from Roadkill

Authorities in Changhua, Taiwan, have completed a significant wildlife protection project, installing a 340-meter "tiger-protecting" iron fence along the eastern outer ring road. This measure is specifically designed to prevent the critically endangered leopard cat, Taiwan's only native feline, from being struck by vehicles while attempting to cross the busy roadway.

The initiative comes in response to a tragic increase in "roadkill" incidents involving leopard cats. In 2024 alone, seven leopard cats have died after being hit by cars in Changhua County. Two of these fatal incidents occurred on the eastern outer ring road at the 8K mark, prompting the highway bureau's Changhua Works Section to implement the protective fencing alongside warning signs urging drivers to slow down.

Beyond safeguarding the leopard cat population, the new fencing also aims to reduce the risk of collisions with Sika deer. These animals are also known to emerge from nearby mountainous areas and cross the eastern outer ring road, leading to numerous accidents and injuries. The completion of the "tiger-protecting" fence is expected to significantly enhance safety for both wildlife and motorists in the region.

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The eastern outer ring road has heavy traffic flow, and there have been multiple accidents involving Sika deer darting out from the mountains and crossing the road. The two leopard cats killed at the 8k mark in 2024 were also hit by vehicles while crossing the eastern outer ring road.