Penglai Stream Fish Conservation Trail Introduction
Penglai Stream is located in the southwest of Nanzhuang and is an upstream tributary of the Zhonggang Stream. The stream is situated in a remote mountainous area, flanked by steep peaks on both sides, surrounded by a mix of bamboo and natural broadleaf forests, creating a lush and towering landscape. Amidst this natural setting, one can often hear the dialogue between the forest and the mountain winds, and the joyful sounds of the stream and fish. The unspoiled natural scenery allows people to easily release their stress, settle their chaotic thoughts, and get rid of the noisy distractions. Here, one simply wants to take a deep breath, touch the cool waters, and observe the graceful form of "苦花" (Bitter Flower) as it swims through the water. Walking through the trees and across the stream, one can return home filled with fresh air and energy. Looking at the clear stream and the schools of fish, it is hard to believe that fish were once absent here. The current beautiful appearance is a result of the hard work of the local residents of Nanzhuang. Initially, a group of locals who loved their hometown formed the “Penglai Stream Guardian Patrol Team” out of concern for the degradation of the stream's ecology. They patrolled the stream to remind and advise tourists engaging in activities in the stream to reduce the pressure on the ecosystem, hoping to restore the stream to its original state. In 2001, the Miaoli County Government announced measures to protect the fish in the middle and upper reaches of Penglai Stream, completely prohibiting any fishing or angling activities in the protected areas, making it the first stream in Miaoli County to implement conservation actions. Thanks to the active efforts of the residents, fish protection in Penglai Village has been successful. In 2002, it was awarded the "Charming Towns and Villages Award for Excellent Natural Scenery" by the Ministry of the Interior. Today, the water is crystal clear, and one can easily see schools of fish swimming in it. The bitter flowers and stone (fish) glisten beautifully in the water, and occasionally one can witness fish leaping over rocks. The fish protection path is 2.4 kilometers long, and if you walk quickly, it takes about one and a half hours to make a round trip. However, since you are here for hiking and to immerse yourself in nature, it is sincerely recommended that you slow down, linger, and explore the fish, insects, plants, and small animals shyly hiding behind trees and stones along the way. The wonders of nature’s ecology always provide unexpected surprises! The water sprite of Penglai Stream, the Taiwan chub (common name: bitter flower), has a mouth positioned lower down, making it prone to bumping its head when feeding on algae on stones. Therefore, it has evolved a survival mechanism that allows it to escape by flipping its body, showcasing its silvery belly in the water, earning it the nickname "firefly of the water." The Taiwan dace prefers cold water and is strong and agile, mostly inhabiting the upper reaches of rivers and their tributaries. They are omnivorous but lean towards carnivorous diets, primarily feeding on aquatic insects. A notable characteristic is a slightly wider blue-black lateral stripe extending from behind the gill cover to the end of the tail, with adult fish reaching lengths of up to 20 cm. The Taiwan stone loach is a species endemic to Taiwan, found in the clear, turbulent waters of the middle to upper reaches, especially in deep pools. They feed at night and have an omnivorous diet, with juvenile fish exhibiting seven black transverse stripes on their sides, which become less distinct as they mature. Along the way, you will see various plants: - The arrowhead vine (Sagittaria) is a perennial evergreen herb that grows in low-altitude stream environments. Its rhizomes are creeping, and its leaves are linear and about 30 cm long. It is also known as “water sword grass” due to its sword-like shape, and all parts of the plant have a distinctive aroma and can be used medicinally. Since ancient times, arrowhead has been favored by scholars, along with orchids, chrysanthemums, and daffodils, known as the "Four Elegant Flowers and Grasses." - The large flower Datura is an evergreen shrub with alternate leaves and drooping, trumpet-shaped white flowers that bloom year-round, emitting a strong fragrance at night to attract nocturnal insects for pollination. All parts of the Datura are toxic, especially the flowers and seeds, and it is often mistaken for lilies, which can be hazardous if ingested. - The Taiwan clubmoss (Lycopodium) is also known as the Taisan Shuhua and is found in the evergreen broadleaf forests of low-altitude Taiwan. It often grows on tree trunks or rocks and is an indicator species of subtropical broadleaf forests. - The flying dragon's blood (Dracaena) is a perennial climbing shrub with opposite leaves and trifoliate leaflets. It can be found in secondary forests or coastal hills at low to mid-elevation across the island. Be careful when encountering the flying dragon's blood, as its thorny stems can cause severe bleeding if touched; this is how the name "flying dragon's blood" was derived.
