Shedding Nature Park Introduction
The entire area of She-Ding Natural Park features an uplifted coral reef terrain, characterized by geological landscapes such as coral reef crevices, limestone caves, and grasslands. Additionally, the park is rich in a variety of herbaceous, nectar-producing plants and shrubby forests. To avoid excessive disturbance to the natural ecosystem, only simple walking paths and small informative signs are provided, making it a scenic area that retains its primitive character. The plant community in She-Ding Natural Park includes over 300 species. During the spring and summer seasons, the abundance of nectar-producing plants attracts various butterflies, resulting in a breathtaking sight of fluttering butterflies, with nearly 50 species recorded. Cicadas and water frogs also seem to join in this celebration of colors. In winter, the prevailing northeast monsoon affects the growth of coral reef trees in She-Ding Natural Park, causing them to grow at a slanted angle due to strong winds, forming unique wind-shear trees that predominantly lean towards the southwest, showcasing a rare example of natural plant artistry. Following the trails, one can appreciate diverse geological landscapes along the way. Rainwater seeps into the reef and flows out from the rock base, creating "springs"; small crevices formed by the tension during the dissolution or uplift of the coral reef; a "grand canyon" with rock fissures nearly 50 meters high, intermingled with surrounding trees, resembling a narrow sky when looked up at; as well as remarkable formations such as stalagmites, pillars, dissolution caves, dissolution grooves, and stalactites, all of which have high aesthetic value. Besides visiting the ecological area of She-Ding Natural Park, the entire She-Ding Village also showcases diverse ecological phenomena, including a 140-hectare mother persimmon forest, a large banyan tree that can only be embraced by 15 people, bioluminescent fungi known as ghost fire, night-dwelling fireflies, and successfully rehabilitated Formosan sika deer and species like the black-faced spoonbill and gray-faced buzzard. If given the chance, one should definitely take the opportunity to experience these stunning plant and animal ecosystems.
