Yangmingshan Research Articles

Using the pedogenic oxide ratio in distinguishing volcanic soil weathering intensity in subtropical region

Pedogenic oxide ratio (POR) helps identify and understand pedogenic processes. However, POR is seldom used to study and distinguish the weathering intensity of volcanic soils that are moderately weathered in the subtropical region. The research was conducted by collecting thirty-three subtropical volcanic soils from the northeastern Tatung Volcanic Group (TVG) region in Yangmingshan National Park, near Taipei, located in northern Taiwan. These volcanic soils could be grouped into two groups with different weathering intensities based on three weathering indices, pedogenic Fe-oxides ratios (PORs) - Feo/Fed, ((Fed-Feo)/Fet), and total reserve in bases (TRB): the highly weathered (HW) group and the lower weathered (LW) group. The two PORs show significant differences between the two groups, but not for TRB, which indicates the PORs are a good indicator for providing quantitative measurements of weathering intensity. Except for the soil bulk density (BD) meeting andic soil properties, the soils of the HW group have a lower content of Al plus 1/2 Fe content (by ammonium oxalate) (Alo + 1/2Feo) and phosphorus (P) retention, and soils of the LW group only have a lower P retention. Within those soil physicochemical properties and selective dissolution analysis results and index values, Alo + 1/2Feo, pyrophosphate extractable C (Cp), P retention, and dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) extractable aluminum (Ald) are four critical factors for the discrimination of the soils. The soils in the study area still have relict volcanic soil properties after moderately weathered. Our research results indicate that the PO and POR are good indicators of moderately weathered volcanic soils in the subtropical region, allowing for a more precise assessment of the soil weathering process, in addition to quantitative measurements of weathering intensity.

Geothermal feasibility analysis inside Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Geothermal power generation has gradually attracted attention due to the rise of green energy approaches in recent years. The Tatun Volcanic Group (TVG) in northern Taiwan has abundant hot springs and fumaroles, which have the potential for geothermal development. However, due to overlapping territory with Yangmingshan National Park (YNP) and the issue of high acidity in thermal water, research-oriented geothermal projects were mostly carried out in the metamorphic rock area of eastern Taiwan or outside YNP. After years of renewable energy policy from the government largely focusing on solar and wind power developments, geothermal is now being revisited in the revised direction of net-zero carbon emissions. The government is pursuing new initiatives to attract private industry players for collaboration, and advocates for special geothermal regulations and amendments to the current national park rules that facilitate resource exploration.Assuming favourable rulings for geothermal exploration are established, our study assesses the feasibility of geothermal potentials in the Tatun volcanic area by analysing multiple factors to determine the best targets for the geothermal development projects inside YNP. We select the geothermal potential map of TVG in northern Taiwan and the land use classification map of YNP as two major elements for the geological characteristics and the social limitations. Play fairway methodology is used to integrate the geological and social constraints, determining three viable targets as the geothermal development sites in Matsao, Leng-shui-keng, and Long-feng-ku areas. Maps of geologically susceptible and landslide-sensitive areas are digitized and superimposed for use in further analysis to factor in the stability of the land for protecting natural environment. According to this method, the most feasible prospect accommodating the most geothermal potential and the least damage to the landscape of the national park—once the national park regulations are moderately loosened—is the Matsao area, where great geothermal potential has been corroborated by many researches over the years.

Effectiveness and appropriateness of core areas in an integrated protected area: A case study of Ecological Protected Areas in Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

While few studies have examined the situation of core areas in a large and integrated protected area, the present study targeted and evaluated the management effectiveness of the Mt. Huangzui and Lujiaokeng Ecological Protected Areas in Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan, using the Enhancing our Heritage (EoH) toolkit as a holistic and systematic approach. During 2016–17, data and information were gathered through literature review, interviews, and focus groups. In total, 69 interviews were conducted and 14 workshops were held, creating 132 field records. The study results showed that the current wilderness paradigm could not achieve good results for the management of core areas in Yangmingshan National Park. Accordingly, we strongly recommended specific management plans or plan chapters for both sites. Poor local participation was another major deficiency. Many of the same weaknesses were also identified in Forestry Bureau Protected Areas. Located near urban areas, both of the Ecological Protected Areas in Yangmingshan National Park faced similar types of threat/pressure from invasive/alien species, recreational activities, and problematic native species. The study results further showed that the core area of a protected area could be holistically reviewed through management effectiveness evaluation. However, without the participation of stakeholders, even experienced professional park officers may be found to have group blind spots through such evaluations. This study also found the accumulation of sufficient data support to be a key prerequisite for implementing EoH.

Detecting the Spatial Matching Relationship between Supply-Side and Demand-Side of Recreation Ecosystem Services (RES) from the Perspectives of Resource, Management, and Beneficiary: A Case Study in Yangmingshan National Park

Recreation ecosystem services (RES) link closely to human well-being and might mutually benefit biodiversity conservation while well managed. However, assessing and detecting the spatial matching of RES remains challenging. This study considered the nature of RES supply-side and demand-side in assessing and detecting the spatial matching relationship from the resource, management, and beneficiary perspectives. The proposed method consisted of assessment and overlay analysis parts. RES Supply Potential and Recreation Accessibility were assessed from the resource and management perspectives. RES Demand Potential, RES Flow, and RES Match/Mismatch were assessed from the beneficiary perspective. An overlay analysis was then conducted to examine the spatial relationship between the RES Match/Mismatch and the resource supply and management status to provide specific management information for protected areas. For the Yangmingshan National Park (YNP) in Taiwan, as a case study, this study revealed four RES Match/Mismatch levels in YNP, including MM+2 (RES Demand Potential ≫ RES Flow), MM+1 (RES Demand Potential > RES Flow), M (RES Demand Potential ≈ RES Flow), and MM−1 (RES demand Potential < RES flow). Only 5.51% of YNP belonged to M, where the areas’ RES Demand Potential were close to RES Flow and mainly located in Zone SA (Scenic Area). MM−1, where the areas were over-visited, accounted for 7.12% and were mainly located in Zones SA and EUA (Existing Use Area). As a protected area, most areas of YNP were with high RES Supply Potential; and were mainly located in MM+2 (70.87%) and MM+1 (16.50%), where the areas’ RES Demand Potential much greater or greater than RES Flow and the Recreation Accessibility were low. MM−1 were the areas where the managers should first launch actions to avoid or minimize over-visited impacts. The proposed method could detect RES Match/Mismatch rationally and directly and obtain multiple spatial datasets to support decision-making.

Evaluating Management Effectiveness of Core Areas for Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan by UNESCO Toolkits

Evaluating Management Effectiveness of Core Areas for Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan by UNESCO Toolkits

User’s willingness to pay for natural environment conservation and protection with commitment

Using the commitment model, this study examines the effects of satisfaction, alternative choices, and investment scale about the environment would predict users' environmental commitments. Furthermore, this study also investigated the relationship between the commitment to environment and the willingness to pay for the environmental conservation at the particular natural site. A survey was conducted at Yangmingshan National Park. The data were collected from April to July 2019. The findings of the analysis suggested that satisfaction and investment scale had the significantly positive effects on the commitment to the environment; but the alternative choices had the significantly negative relationship with the commitment. However, the level of environmental commitment failed to predict the willingness to pay via the entrance fee for environment conservation and protection. The level of commitment did not mediate the effects of satisfaction, alternative choices, and investment scale in the environment on the willingness to pay more for the national park, which will require refinement in future research.

BLOOD LEAD AND ZINC LEVELS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH OF FREE-LIVING SMALL CARNIVORES IN TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Lead and zinc are recognized as the most widespread trace metals in nature and can, at high levels, compromise the health of wildlife and their habitat. Because of their position in a higher trophic level, wild carnivores can be valuable biological indicator species of trace-metal contamination in the environment. We assessed blood lead and zinc concentrations of four small carnivore species native to Taiwan, the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), the ferret badger (Melogale moschata), and the crab-eating mongoose (Herpestes urva), from urban and rural areas (Yangmingshan National Park, Xiuguluan River bank, and Da-an River bank). Blood samples were acquired from the anterior vena cava under general anesthesia, and lead and zinc concentrations, hematology, and serum biochemistry results were then obtained. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in ferret badgers in the Yangmingshan area. Although lead concentrations were comparable with those in humans and cats with lead toxicosis, there was no hematological or biochemical evidence that animal health was compromised. Blood zinc levels were within an acceptable range in all four species tested. Overall, we found significant differences in blood lead and zinc levels among four species of carnivores living in areas with different levels of land development in Taiwan. Anthropogenic pollution, mining history, and volcanic activities in Yangmingshan National Park may contribute to significantly high blood lead levels in ferret badgers in this area. Our results provided information about the potential impact of land development on wildlife and may be beneficial to wildlife conservation, public health, and environmental health in Taiwan.

Spatial and temporal relationship between native mammals and free-roaming dogs in a protected area surrounded by a metropolis

With rapid urbanization worldwide, anthropogenic impacts such as human settlements and invasive carnivores (dogs Canis familiaris, cats Felis catus) are altering spatial distributions and temporal activity patterns of native species. In this study, we focused on spatiotemporal responses of native mammals to anthropogenic impacts in a protected area surrounded by a large metropolis (i.e. Yangmingshan National Park inside Taipei-Keelung metropolis in northern Taiwan). We collected site use data of 11 mammal species (i.e. dogs, cats, nine native species) between 2012 and 2017 with a camera system comprising 121 camera sites. We quantified anthropogenic disturbances as distance to human settlements and activity levels of free-roaming dogs and cats. Species richness and occurrences of the native mammals increased with increasing distances to human settlements and decreasing activity level of dogs, with the latter having a stronger effect than the former. Diel activity overlap between native mammals and dogs was lower during April–July season, coinciding with the breeding season for several native mammals. In contrast, activity level of cats showed no relationships with species richness, occurrences or diel activities of the native mammals. This study demonstrated negative impacts of human settlements and free-roaming dogs on native mammal communities for protected areas in urban environments, and highlights dog activity as a major anthropogenic threat to wildlife.

Demography and welfare status of free-roaming dogs in Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Free-roaming dogs (Canis familiaris) cause threats to native wildlife and public health and raise concerns for their welfare. Understanding the demography of free-roaming dog populations is essential for developing an effective management plan. An evaluation of their welfare status would be beneficial to earn public support for the management plan. In this study, we estimated the population size, survivorship, and health of a free-roaming dog population in Yangmingshan National Park (YMSNP), Taiwan, during 2016–2018. YMSNP is a rural area with human settlements but also a protected area of conservation concern. We identified 191, 176, 216 individuals at our sampling sites in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. Using a photographic capture-recapture method and extrapolation, we estimated that there were 786–979 dogs in the park during this 3-year period. The annual apparent survival rate of identified dogs was 16.7% for 2016–2017 and 23.9% for 2017–2018. The dogs had a high rate of lameness and dermatosis of 5.1–8.8% and 14.2–18.1%, respectively. Thirty-five blood samples showed that 34.3% of the dogs were anemic, 37.1% showed abnormal white blood cell counts, and 68.6% exhibited abnormal platelet counts. These results suggested that the dogs were at high density with low survivorship and in poor health, and new individuals entered the population continuously. Interventions to manage this dog population and to improve their welfare must be carried out. Our study provides an example for monitoring and managing a free-roaming dog population in a rural, conservation area in Southeast Asia.

Additions to the oribatid mite fauna of Taiwan, with description of a new species of the genus Lohmannia (Acari, Oribatida)

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials (Acari, Oribatida) collected from Taiwan in 2017. A list of identified taxa, including 109 species/subspecies, 84 genera and 48 families, is presented; of these, 50 species/subspecies, 28 genera and 7 families are recorded for the first time in the fauna of this country, and 8 species and 1 genus are recorded for the first time in the Oriental region. A new species belonging to the genus Lohmannia (Lohmanniidae) is described from soil of the Yangmingshan National Park; L. douhua Ermilov sp. nov. differs from L. pseudoturcmenica Ermilov, 2017 by the broadly phylliform posterior exobothridial setae, narrowly phylliform rostral, epimeral and genital setae and clearly longer notogastral setae. An identification key to the known species of Lohmannia from the Oriental region is presented.

Conceptual model of the Tatun geothermal system, Taiwan

The Tatun geothermal system, located in northern Taiwan, is hosted by the Plio-Pleistocene Tatun volcanic group, consisting dominantly of andesitic lavas, domes and pyroclastic flows. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys, and the drilling of numerous exploration and temperature gradient wells were conducted at Tatun under the leadership of the Mineral Research and Service Organization (MRSO), the predecessor to the geothermal group at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). Deep (1–2 km) wells encountered commercial temperatures (200–300 °C) in the Matsao area, but these initial exploration efforts were discouraged by the presence of very acidic (pH <3.5) and highly corrosive fluids. Numerous geoscience studies conducted over the past 15 years at Tatun have shown that the central portion of the system is dominated by corrosive volcanic fluids, as evidenced by abundant SO2 as well as HCl. More reduced gases are encountered on the flanks of the system, suggesting that water-rock interaction may have at least partly neutralized the volcanic-derived fluids on the margins of this geothermal system.Scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and ITRI have been working together to develop an updated evaluation of the Tatun geothermal system, with the goal of evaluating the geothermal resource potential of the NE margins of the Tatun geothermal system (Zone C), just outside of Yangmingshan National Park. This study provides a review and analysis of existing and new fluid geochemistry data, describes new magnetotelluric data and associated 3-D modeling conducted at LBNL, and incorporates these data and analyses with information from previous studies to create an updated conceptual model for the Tatun geothermal system, with a focus on the Zone C region. These data all suggest that the Zone C area is located on the margin of the main Tatun geothermal system. An exploration well drilled by ITRI will provide important constraints regarding the thermal regime and fluid compositions for this marginal portion of the system.

Artificial magnetic disturbance from the mass rapid transit system in Taiwan

AbstractAn obvious magnetic disturbance has been repeatedly observed by magnetometers located outside of urban areas in Yangmingshan National Park and has affected the monitoring of volcanic activity in the northern region of Taiwan. The disturbance has amplitudes of approximately 3–5 nanoteslas, and regularly appears for approximately 21 hours per day, except during the New Year period, when it is observed continuously for 45 hours. This change coincides with the annual extended operation of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. A 750‐volt direct current drives the MRT trains and leaks to the ground, with a maximum value of approximately 1000 amperes measured along the routes. The disturbance is dominated by the unbalanced supply and return currents resulting from the leakage. The daily changes in the magnetic noise levels are correlated with the electricity consumption of the MRT system because the leakage is proportional to the use of electric power.

Preliminary Study of UAS Equipped with Thermal Camera for Volcanic Geothermal Monitoring in Taiwan.

Thermal infrared cameras sense the temperature information of sensed scenes. With the development of UASs (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), thermal infrared cameras can now be carried on a quadcopter UAV (Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle) to appropriately collect high-resolution thermal images for volcanic geothermal monitoring in a local area. Therefore, the quadcopter UAS used to acquire thermal images for volcanic geothermal monitoring has been developed in Taiwan as part of this study to overcome the difficult terrain with highly variable topography and extreme environmental conditions. An XM6 thermal infrared camera was employed in this thermal image collection system. The Trimble BD970 GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) board was also carried on the quadcopter UAV to gather dual-frequency GNSS observations in order to determine the flying trajectory data by using the Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) technique; this will be used to establish the position and orientation of collected thermal images with less ground control points (GCPs). The digital surface model (DSM) and thermal orthoimages were then produced from collected thermal images. Tests conducted in the Hsiaoyukeng area of Taiwan’s Yangmingshan National Park show that the difference between produced DSM and airborne LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data are about 37% between −1 m and 1 m, and 66% between −2 m and 2 m in the area surrounded by GCPs. As the accuracy of thermal orthoimages is about 1.78 m, it is deemed sufficient for volcanic geothermal monitoring. In addition, the thermal orthoimages show some phenomena not only more globally than do the traditional methods for volcanic geothermal monitoring, but they also show that the developed system can be further employed in Taiwan in the future.

Cicada sound impacts avian dawn chorus in a subtropical forest of Taiwan

Acoustic space is a limited resource for animal communications. To reduce signal competition, animals could differentiate their acoustic frequency range or time to produce sound. Many birds call or sing at dawn for higher signal transmission efficiency. However, in tropical and subtropical forests, the dawn chorus were frequently interferenced by cicadas. In order to examine the effect of cicadas on the avian dawn chorus, we used automated acoustic recorders at subtropical forest of Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan, to monitor acoustic signals of eight bird species and three cicada species. We found that all bird species postponed their acoustic activities during cicada's breeding season. Meanwhile, we also found frequency partitioning of acoustic signals between birds and cicadas when their acoustic signals overlapped temporally. The results show that cicadas could play a crucial role in the avian dawn chorus. Birds would delay their signal producing time and acoustic frequency to partition the acoustic niche.

Tourists’ participation and preference-related belief in co-creating value of experience: a nature-based perspective

We draw theoretical support from the concept of customer participation and cognitive dissonance theory to investigate the moderating effects of the preference-related belief of nature-based tourists, that is, the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), on relationships between tourist experiential components and outcomes. The responses of 500 visitors to the Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan indicate that actively participative experiences (APEs)—that is, education and escapism—are more positively related than passively participative experiences (PPEs)—that is, entertainment and esthetics—to pleasure and memorability. Furthermore, tourists’ NEP appears to reinforce the effects of APEs and to weaken the effects of PPEs. We also found that tourists’ NEP has a stronger reinforcing effect than a weakening effect. Our study contributes further evidence to current insights into the importance of tourists’ participation in co-creating value of tourist experiences.

Recreationist-environment fit and place attachment

Place attachment implies affective bonds between people and their surroundings, while R-E fit describes the compatibility between recreationists and recreation settings. Close connections exist between R-E fit and place attachment since R-E fit shares some common ground with critical antecedents such as destination attractiveness. However, related research that touches upon this issue is still sparse so far; therefore, this study proposed and tested the relationships between six dimensions of R-E fit and three dimensions of place attachment.A convenience sample of hiker on trails of Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan was chosen to be interviewed. Data were collected by using face-to-face interview. The procedure resulted in interviewing 392 hikers. The results showed that all dimensions of R–E fit except facilities have significant positive impacts on place dependence and place identity. In addition, interpersonal opportunities and operation/management have significant positive impacts on social bonding.

Coping as a Moderator of The Relation between Recreation Hassles and Hiker Satisfaction

The study attempted to explore the relationships among recreation hassles, coping, and hiker satisfaction and to examine the moderating role of coping in the relationship between hassles and satisfaction. Questionnaire surveys were conducted on trails in Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan in spring 2011. Overall, 316 questionnaires were completed, of which 301 were valid. The results indicated that recreation hassles correlated positively with all coping strategies. Further analysis indicated that the coping behaviors of rationalization significantly moderated the relationship between recreation hassles and hiker satisfaction. The study suggested that an increase in the perceived hassles decreases the satisfaction of hikers. It also indicated that the engagement of the coping strategy of rationalization was likely to decrease the negative effects of hassles on hiker satisfaction. Although a number of studies have discussed a similar argument, relevant empirical works were insufficient. This study clearly confirmed the moderating effect of emotion-focused coping on the relationship between recreation hassles and hiker satisfaction. The study suggests that the Park Headquarters should give the hikers more information on the difficulties and the use of the trails so that the hikers could choose one in accordance with their abilities as well as the frequency of the use of trails.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Problem-Focused Coping, Emotion-Focused Coping, Moderating Effects&#x0D; &#x0D; To cite this document: Wei-Li Hung and Li-Wen Hsieh, "Coping as a Moderator of The Relation between Recreation Hassles and Hiker Satisfaction", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.4, pp.273-286, 2014.&#x0D; &#x0D; Permanent link to this document:&#x0D; http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12579

A Discussion on the Reuse of Disused Mining Areas from a Land Reclamation Point of View, Using Dayoukeng as an Example

The rapid development of land resources and the sharp growth in demand for land have resulted in land degradation. Therefore, the reclamation, planning and management of such areas, including plans for implementing corresponding measures, are a very important topic at present. Located in the Yangmingshan National Park, the Dayoukeng disused mining area has craters created by volcanic activities and hot springs, and it was once the mining centerpiece of Taiwan. In addition to related literature review and field investigation as well as discussions on the operational procedures of ecological planning methods, this research carried out studies on landscape reclamation cases at home and abroad. Afterward, this research analyzed the land fitness of the Dayoukeng area based on landscape conservation principles. Finally, according to the analysis results, this research proposed land reuse planning principles and concept planning for the landscape reclamation and reuse. Meanwhile, the author expects to build up the experience of this case's research to serve as a reference to the reuse planning of disused mining areas in the future.

Soil organic carbon stocks in relation to elevation gradients in volcanic ash soils of Taiwan

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are controlled by factors with varying degrees of importance at different spatial scales. In this study, soil data were collected from recently sampled pedons and previous studies on volcanic origin soils in Yangmingshan (YMS) National Park in northern Taiwan. This study evaluated the effect of soil order, vegetation type and elevation on the SOC stocks of humid subtropical volcanic ash soils. Analysis results indicate that SOC stock (mean±standard deviation) was 15.6±4.5kgm−2m−1 (n=40) for Andisols and 17.3±7.3kgm−2m−1 (n=20) for Inceptisols with andic soil properties. Meanwhile, SOC stocks under silver grass (17.4±5.5kgm−2m−1, n=20) and bamboo (17.9±2.5kgm−2m−1, n=8) were significantly higher than those under secondary forests (14.9±6.0kgm−2m−1, n=32). Additionally, statistically significant linear regressions were found between the mean SOC stock and the mean of elevation classes. Climate, vegetation types and soil mineralogy vary along elevation gradients in the complex terrain. Our results demonstrated that elevation is a simple and effective predictor of SOC stock.

Association of water depth and aquatic-plant competition in conservation of Isoetes taiwanensis in the Menghuan Pond wetland in Taiwan

Isoetes taiwanensis DeVol, discovered in 1971, is a critically endangered aquatic plant endemic to Taiwan. The only natural habitat of I. taiwanensis is the Menghuan Pond wetland in northern Taiwan. With competition of some aquatic plants and terrestrial plants, I. taiwanensis was close to extinction in 2006. The bottom of the Menghuan Pond wetland was compacted and fractures were filled along the shore to improve the average water depth in 2008. The I. taiwanensis population was restored, but factors crucial to its survival remain unclear. To analyze the factors, we monitored 24 plots in the Menghuan Pond wetland monthly from January to December 2010 to record the coverage rates of potential competitive plant species and hydrology data. The wetland was found to be an ideal environment for growth of I. taiwanensis with annual mean water depth 50 cm. The species did not grow in plots with annual mean water depth lower than 30 cm. The species had an advantage over other species in plots with annual mean water depth 46.8–185.6 cm. The coverage rate of I. taiwanensis was positively associated with annual mean water depth. With the deepest annual mean water level, >60 cm, more than 90 % of the area was covered. Fluctuation of the water level may reduce the competition among I. taiwanensis and other species, particularly Eleocharis congesta, E. dulcis, and Schoenoplectus mucronatus. These data may help in designing a protocol for sustained conservation of I. taiwanensis in Yangmingshan National Park.