Cat Islet Introduction
Miaow Island is located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an Island in Penghu, comprising two islands known as Big Miaow Island and Small Miaow Island due to their resemblance to two cats crouching. The islands are formed of basalt and cover an area of about 10 hectares. Small Miaow Island is situated to the east of Big Miaow Island, connected at low tide by a channel. The highest point of Big Miaow Island is 70 meters, making it the highest point in the Penghu Archipelago. At the northern cliffs, there is a massive sea arch that runs through Big Miaow Island, with its exit emerging from a sea cave on the west side of Big Miaow Island, visible only at low tide. The administrative division of Miaow Island belongs to Wang-an Township, Penghu County, and it is an uninhabited island formed by Big and Small Miaow Islands and several reefs, located about 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an Island, resembling two cats lying on the sea surface, hence the name. The elevation is approximately 70-79 meters, making it the highest peak in the Penghu Archipelago. Historically, there have been records of military and fishing activities in the area. In 1991, the Penghu County Government designated Big and Small Miaow Islands as a seabird sanctuary under the Wildlife Conservation Act, making it Taiwan's first wildlife sanctuary. In addition to the land area of about 10 hectares, the sanctuary includes 100 meters of marine area extending outward from the land, totaling 36.2 hectares. Miaow Island is the largest breeding ground for the Black-naped Tern in Asia, with other species such as the Whiskered Tern, Crested Tern, and Common Tern also nesting on the islands. Although access to the sanctuary is strictly prohibited, boat tours to the surrounding waters can be taken during the summer tern breeding season. The land area of Big and Small Miaow Islands is about 10 hectares, characterized by steep terrain with sheer cliffs on all sides. Big Miaow Island is a giant rock formation that towers over Small Miaow Island, which lies to the east, separated by a channel about 10 meters wide at low tide, with a wave-cut platform on one side and scattered reefs nearby, making it difficult for boats to approach or pass through. The upper layers of the area's rock formations consist mainly of basalt, often displaying curved columnar jointing, while the lower layers are composed of volcanic breccia, featuring unique and spectacular volcanic rock geological characteristics. Additionally, in 1991 (the 80th year of the Republic of China), the area was announced, and in 1997 (the 86th year of the Republic of China), it was revised as the "Miaow Island Seabird Sanctuary of Penghu County." Designated as a seabird sanctuary, the islands are home to many bird species, with records indicating 45-55 species from over 20 families, predominantly Black-naped Terns and Whiskered Terns, comprising about 90% of the total. During the breeding season from March to September, large numbers of seabirds come here to breed and forage, reaching up to tens of thousands, creating a stunning scene. Visitors are generally not allowed to land on Miaow Island, but can take boat tours to admire the surrounding marine area, and any activities disturbing seabirds or damaging the ecological environment are prohibited. If landing is necessary, prior approval must be obtained for research activities.
Surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, with a wave-cut platform on one side.
