Cat Island Introduction
Miao Yu (Cat Island) is located about 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an Island in Penghu, and comprises two islands, named Big Cat Island and Small Cat Island due to their shapes resembling two crouching cats. The islands are composed of basalt and have an area of approximately 10 hectares. Small Cat Island is situated to the east of Big Cat Island and is connected to it by a channel that appears at low tide. The highest point of Big Cat Island is 70 meters, making it the highest peak in the Penghu archipelago. The northern sea cliffs feature a massive sea arch that cuts through Big Cat Island, with the arch's exit located at a sea cave to the west of Big Cat Island, which only becomes visible at low tide. Miao Yu administratively belongs to Wang-an Township, Penghu County, and is an uninhabited island consisting of Big and Small Cat Islands and several rocks, located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an Island. From a distance, it resembles two cats lying on the surface of the sea, hence the name. Its elevation is about 70-79 meters, making it the highest peak in the Penghu archipelago. There have been historical records of military and fishing activities in the area. In 1991, the Penghu County Government designated Big and Small Cat Islands as a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Conservation Act, marking Taiwan's first wildlife reserve. In addition to the land area of about 10 hectares, the reserve includes an ocean area extending 100 meters outward, totaling 36.2 hectares. Miao Yu is the largest breeding ground for the Black-naped Tern in Asia, and other species like the White-fronted Tern, Crested Tern, and Black Swift also breed on the islands. While landing on the islands is strictly prohibited, boat tours can be taken to enjoy the surrounding waters during the summer tern breeding season. The land area of Big and Small Cat Islands is approximately 10 hectares, characterized by steep terrain with sheer cliffs on all sides. Big Cat Island is a massive rock formation that rises from the seabed, towering above Small Cat Island, which lies to its east across a channel about 10 meters wide that appears at low tide. There is also a sea erosion platform on one side, and the surrounding reefs are scattered with swift currents, making it difficult for boats to approach or pass through. The upper layers of the area's rock formations are primarily basalt, with columnar jointing often appearing curved; the lower layers consist of volcanic breccia, showcasing unique and spectacular volcanic rock geological features. Furthermore, in 1991, the Miao Yu Bird Sanctuary was designated, and its designation was amended in 1997. Due to its status as a bird sanctuary, many species of birds inhabit the islands. Records indicate there are over 45-55 species of birds from 20 families, with the Black-naped Tern and White-fronted Tern being the most common, comprising about 90% of the total. During the breeding season from March to September, flocks of seabirds gather here to breed and forage, reaching numbers of up to tens of thousands, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. As a bird protection area, general tourists cannot land on the islands and can only cruise the surrounding waters, as all forms of disturbance to the seabirds and ecological damage are prohibited. Landing on the islands requires an approved application for research activities.
Surrounded by steep cliffs, with a wave-cut platform on one side.
