Cat Island Introduction
Miao Island is located 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an and 8 kilometers south of Hua Island, belonging to Hua Village, Wang-an Township. It includes both Big and Small Miao Islands and the surrounding reefs. Both islands are composed of basalt and are surrounded by steep cliffs, making climbing difficult. Big Miao Island is a giant rock formation that rises above the surface, with an elevation of about 70 to 79 meters, making it the highest point in the Penghu Islands. The sea erosion terrain is well-developed, with many sea caves, and there is a huge sea arch on the northern sea cliffs. On the eastern side, a sea erosion platform emerges at low tide, where numerous potholes can be found. Small Miao Island is located to the east of Big Miao Island and features even steeper terrain. At low tide, a volcanic conglomerate rock connection appears between the two islands. There is a saying in Penghu: “No birds on Bird Island, no cats on Miao Island.” Miao Island is named for its shape, which resembles two cats crouching, and not because of a large number of cats, as it is an uninhabited island. However, many migratory birds inhabit here, with terns choosing the remote and rugged Miao Island for breeding during the summer, primarily the White-browed Tern and the Black-naped Tern, with approximately 3,000 to 5,000 breeding on Miao Island each year. In Penghu, to see Black-naped Terns, Miao Island is the primary spot, as they are rarely seen in Beihai, with only occasional sightings. As a result, the Penghu County Government designated Big and Small Miao Islands as the “Miao Island Seabird Protection Area” in 1991, which includes land and a marine area extending 100 meters. Without special requirements, landing on the islands is not allowed, but visitors can take a boat to admire the beautiful sight of terns flying nearby.
