Cat Island Introduction
Matsu is located about 16 kilometers southwest of Wangan Island in Penghu, comprising two islands. They are named Big Cat Islet and Little Cat Islet due to their shapes resembling two cats crouching. The islands are composed of basalt and cover an area of approximately 10 hectares. Little Cat Islet lies to the east of Big Cat Islet and is connected by a channel during low tide. The highest point of Big Cat Islet reaches 70 meters, making it the tallest point in the Penghu archipelago. The northern sea cliffs feature a massive sea arch that penetrates Big Cat Islet, with the arch's exit located in a sea cave on the west side of Big Cat Islet, which only appears during low tide. The Cat Islets are administratively part of Wang'an Township in Penghu County and consist of uninhabited islands formed by Big Cat Islet, Little Cat Islet, and several reefs, situated in the waters approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Wangan Island, creating an appearance of two cats lying on the sea surface, hence the name. The elevation is between 70 to 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 declared Big Cat Islet and Little Cat Islet a seabird sanctuary under the Wildlife Conservation Act, marking Taiwan's first wildlife protection area. Aside from the terrestrial area of about 10 hectares, the protected area extends 100 meters outward into the sea, totaling 36.2 hectares. Matsu is the largest breeding site for the Black-naped Tern in Asia, with other species such as the White-browed Tern, Crested Tern, and Common Tern also nesting on the islands. While access to the sanctuary is strictly prohibited, boat trips to the surrounding waters for observation are allowed during the breeding season in summer. The land area of Big and Little Cat Islets is about 10 hectares, characterized by steep terrain surrounded by sheer cliffs. Big Cat Islet is a massive rock formation that rises above the surface, towering over Little Cat Islet, which is located to the east with a 10-meter-wide channel separating them during low tide. Additionally, there is a wave-cut platform on one side, and the area is surrounded by rocky reefs and swift currents, making it difficult for boats to approach. The upper layers of the regional rock formations are composed of basalt, often exhibiting curved columnar jointing, while the lower layers consist of volcanic breccia, showcasing unique and spectacular volcanic geological features. Furthermore, the Cat Islets were announced as the "Matsu Seabird Sanctuary, Penghu County" in 1991 and were revised in 1997. Designated as a seabird sanctuary, the islands are home to numerous species of birds, with records indicating 45-55 species from over 20 families, predominantly the Black-naped Tern and White-browed Tern, which together make up about ninety percent of the total. From March to September, during the breeding season, large flocks of seabirds come here to breed and forage, reaching up to tens of thousands, an awe-inspiring sight. As part of the "Seabird Sanctuary," general tourists are unable to land on the islands, but can take cruises to appreciate the surrounding waters, and any actions that disturb the seabirds or damage the ecological environment are prohibited. Landing on the islands requires prior approval for investigation purposes.
Surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, with a wave-cut platform on one side.
