Shedao Ecological Protection Area Introduction
Sandy Island is located 1.5 kilometers north of Eluanbi, featuring a pristine white beach that earned its name due to its accumulation of fine sand resembling an island. The sandy beach is approximately 220 meters long and consists mainly of shell fragments, coral debris, and the year-round deposition of benthic foraminifera. The lack of nearby rivers carrying sand or impurities results in a shell sand content exceeding 97%, making it the finest among all beaches in Kenting. To preserve this precious natural resource, it has been designated as an ecological conservation area. Sandy Island is a bag-shaped bay with a 90-degree angle, where the wave energy is relatively low, leading to the accumulation of fine sand formed from the long-term impact of marine organisms. This creates an enchanting shell sand beach. Due to prolonged wave action, the shell sand appears vividly bright and transparent, causing many visitors to be captivated by the beautiful sand. Therefore, a shell sand exhibition hall has been specially constructed within the ecological area to showcase the fine sand for tourists to enjoy. The Sandy Island Ecological Conservation Area is situated adjacent to the Pinger Highway, limiting the growth of plant communities to the sandy terrain, which surprisingly produces many valuable plant habitats. It can be divided into a coastal shrub plant zone and a sandy herbaceous plant zone, making it the smallest plant ecological conservation area in Kenting National Park. The characteristic of the shrub plant zone includes thick leaves and thorny stems, with common species such as Scaevola taccada, Keruing, and Podocarpus macrophyllus, among which Scaevola taccada is the dominant species, often densely growing to form a windbreak. The herbaceous plant zone is characterized by multi-branched, fleshy leaves, waxy surfaces to prevent moisture evaporation, and the presence of adventitious roots to enhance water absorption, with common species including Telosma cordata, Dischidia nummularia, and Vigna marina, among which Telosma cordata is the dominant species. When you visit the Sandy Island Ecological Conservation Area, don't think it is just a beautiful white shell sand space. There are also these sunlight-loving green plants, so don't forget to greet them!
