Part A. Background of Biological Diversity and Cultural Heritage of Lanyu
Lanyu Island is a small island situated in the Western Pacific off the south-east
coast of Taiwan. The geographic location of Lanyu is at longitude 121o30'~36',
and latitude 22o00'~05'. It is located between Taiwan Island and Philippine
Archipelago. The distance to Taitung Harbor in Taiwan is about 56 miles (90 km),
and to Yami island in the Philippines is 40 miles (64 km). The only general traffic
way is by ship, and airlines are expensive and infrequent due to the severe wind
storms. (From the weather statistics, the number of wind-storms, where windspeed
is over 10 meter per second, is high with 275 days annually.)
Lanyu Island is the second largest island around Taiwan, with approximately 46 square
kilometers in area size (29,940 acres , 460 hectares, or 18 square miles) and abundant
rainfall (344 cm precipitation per year). The oceanic weather also brings the relatively
high moisture (90% for annual mean RH) in Lanyu. The tropical wet climate is very
hot with an average of 26 o Celsius for mean annual temperature. According to the
high mean annual precipitation and temperature, this undeveloped and unstudied forest
is full of tropical rain forest species and have a huge biodiversity.
In a human viewpoint, the earliest historic record was in 1618 during the Chinese
Ming Dynasty. It was also named by early explorers with "Botel Tobago",
"Botol Tobago" or "Red-head" island by the Dutch navigators in
the 18th century. In 1947, the Taiwanese government named this island with "Lanyu",
due to the famous endemic 5-leave orchids, which are elegant and beautiful flowers
that grow in lush rain forests with great varieties on the island's steep hills.
There are about one hundred rare plant and animal species living in its unexploited
tropical forest without any protection management, because the distant location and
inconvenience of communication retard the modernization and limit the economic development.
The island not only has rich natural resources, but is also the area in which the
Yami tribe lives. The Yami, Taiwan's smallest and most primitive aboriginal tribe,
call it home. The Yami population numbers about 3,100 people living scattered over
the island's low land. The evolution of Yami's cultural richness is dependent on
the abundant natural resource and biodiversity.
First, in their social life within the Yami society, there are no clearly defined
class distinctions. They are a gentle people who cling to centuries-old customs without
tribe chiefs. The tribe's fate and general affairs are decided by mutual consultation.
As most disputes are usually settled by negotiation, they respect for elders greatly
because of their experience and wisdom to handle the conflicts. The social life in
the tribe is the result of joint discussion.
Second, in the natural aspect, the Yami's life activities is based on the observation
of natural principles and the optimal use of forestry and fishery. They do some farming
but live mainly by fishing. Flying fish are a vital part of their diet, and they
follow ancient rules and taboos in catching and preparing the fish. The fishing and
farming system relies on working together for the mutual benefits. This spirit, which
works together for all families and relatives, is of great advantage to people. The
other example is when a Yami person builds his own house, the whole tribe will co-operate
in order to assist him. In summary, the Yami culture is extremely rich and complex,
and their distinctive culture is a valuable example of the most well preserved oceanic
cultures.