Sado Island Ecological Reserve Introduction
Sardine Island is located 1.5 kilometers north of Eluanbi, featuring a pristine white sand beach named for its accumulation of fine sand into an island. The beach is approximately 220 meters long and is primarily composed of shell fragments, coral debris, and benthic foraminifera accumulated over the years. Due to the absence of streams carrying sand or impurities, the content of shell sand exceeds 97%, making it the best among all beaches in Kenting. To preserve this precious natural resource, it has been designated as an ecological reserve. Sardine Island is characterized by a bag-shaped bay with a 90-degree angle, where the lower energy waves allow fine sand composed of marine biological debris to accumulate, forming an attractive shell sand beach. The long-term impact of seawater on the sand gives it a bright and translucent appearance, captivating many visitors. An exhibition pavilion for shell sand has been constructed in the ecological area to showcase the fine sand of the island for tourists to enjoy. The ecological reserve is adjacent to the Ping'e Highway, which restricts plant communities to grow on sandy land, resulting in various precious plant formations, divided into coastal shrub plant zones and sand herbaceous plant zones, making it the smallest plant ecological reserve in Kenting National Park. The shrub plant zone features plants with thick leaves and spiny stems. Common plants here include Nannochloropsis, beach peanut, olive tree, Lanyu Taiwan pine, white chaste tree, and stink bug tree, with Nannochloropsis being the dominant species, often densely growing together to form windbreaks. The herbaceous plant zone is characterized by multiple branching, fleshy leaves, waxy surfaces to prevent moisture evaporation, and the development of adventitious roots to enhance water absorption. Common plants found here include saddle vine, rootless vine, and beach pea, with saddle vine as the dominant species. When visiting the Sardine Island Ecological Reserve, don't think it's just a bright and clear shell sand area; there are also these sun-loving green plants, so be sure to greet them!
