Cat Island Introduction
Cat Island is located about 16 kilometers southwest of Wang'an Island in Penghu and includes two islets, known as Big Cat Island and Little Cat Island due to their resemblance to two cats crouching. The islands are composed of basalt and cover an area of approximately 10 hectares. Little Cat Island is east of Big Cat Island and is connected to it by a channel that appears during low tide. The highest point of Big Cat Island is 70 meters, making it the highest point in the Penghu archipelago. The northern sea cliffs feature a huge sea arch that passes through Big Cat Island, with the arch's exit being a sea cave on the west side of Big Cat Island, which can only be seen during low tide. Cat Island is administratively part of Wang'an Township in Penghu County and consists of uninhabited Big Cat Island, Little Cat Island, and several reefs located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Wang'an Island. Viewed from a distance, it resembles two cats lying on the sea surface, hence the name; its elevation is approximately 70-79 meters, making it the highest peak in the Penghu archipelago. There are historical records of military and fishing activities in the area. In 1991, the Penghu County Government designated Big and Little Cat Islands as the Cat Island Seabird Protected Area under the Wildlife Conservation Act, making it Taiwan's first wildlife protected area. In addition to the land area of about 10 hectares, the protected area extends 100 meters into the sea, totaling 36.2 hectares. Cat Island is the largest breeding ground for the Black Naped Tern in Asia, and other species such as the White Browed Tern, Crested Tern, and Common Tern also breed on the island. Although landing on the protected area is strictly prohibited, visitors can take boat trips to the surrounding waters during the summer seabird breeding season for viewing. The land area of Big and Little Cat Islands is about 10 hectares, with steep terrain and cliffs on all sides. Big Cat Island is a massive rock formation emerging from the surface and is taller than Little Cat Island, which lies to the east; a 10-meter-wide channel separates the two islands during low tide, with a sea erosion platform on one side. The surrounding reefs and turbulent currents make it difficult for vessels to approach. The upper layers of the area's rock formations are primarily composed of basalt with curved columnar jointing; the lower layers consist of volcanic breccia, showcasing unique volcanic rock geological features. In 1991, it was announced as the Cat Island Seabird Protected Area, and in 1997, it was amended as "Penghu County Cat Island Seabird Protected Area." As a designated seabird protected area, there are numerous bird species residing on the island, with records indicating more than 45-55 species across about 20 families, with the Black Naped Tern and White Browed Tern being the most prevalent, accounting for about 90% of the total. During the breeding season from March to September, large flocks of seabirds can be seen breeding and foraging here, with numbers reaching tens of thousands, creating a breathtaking scene. General tourists are not allowed to land on Cat Island and can only cruise the surrounding waters; any acts of harassment towards seabirds or destruction of the ecological environment are prohibited. To land on the island, prior approval is required for investigation purposes.
Surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, with a wave-cut platform on one side.
