The Survey Data of Mianhua and Huaping Islets Wildlife Refuge

Study Extent

The sampling sites for the study covered the route between Bachimen Fishing Harbor, the "Mianhua and Huaping Islets Wildlife Refuge" and the surrounding water. This study, which spanned from 1994 to 2024, included surveys of Tracheophyta, Algae, Benthic Invertebrate, Insecta, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Aves, Reptilia, Cetacea (since 2019). However, the study was not conducted every year. It took place in 1994, 2002-2003, 2005, and 2008-2024. The dataset was compiled from reports produced by various groups, including the National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwanese Coral Reef Society, Taiwan Leisure Fishery Development Association, Wild Bird Society of Keelung, and Ceta Explorers Co., Ltd. There was an additional terrestrial bird survey at Pengjia Islet, which was conducted by the Wild Bird Society of Keelung.

Sampling

Sampling methods vary based on different taxonomic groups, which are divided into eight categories: Aves (birds), Plants, Insects, Reptiles, Cetaceans, Algae, Fish, and Benthic Invertebrates.

Quality Control

From 1994 to 2020, the data were collected from various reports (without access to raw data), and quality control was conducted by the previous research team. Since 2020, quality control has been managed by our team. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) includes: Before the surveys: Ensure that the surveyors are experts in species recognition. During the surveys: Verify that there are no duplicate sightings at the individual level. After the surveys: 1. Check that the GPS coordinate records correspond to the correct zone. 2. Verify that there are no duplicate sightings at the individual level.

Method steps

1. 1).The Avian survey: The bird survey was conducted through sightings on the land of Mianhua Islet and the surrounding waters of Mianhua, Huaping, and Pengjia Islets. Also, sightings were recorded along the patrolling route, including the back-and-forth route from Bachimen Fishing Harbor to Mianhua and Huaping Islets. Last, the trail cameras were been set up at Mianhua Islet in the years 2023 and 2024 for additional data collection. 2).The Plant survey At Mianhua Islet: At Mianhua Islets, surveys were conducted using grid sampling and the line transect method from 2011 to 2018 and 2020 to 2023. The grid sampling consisted of twelve 5x5 square meter sample plots scattered across Mianhua Islets. The survey methods in other years were either unknown or varied. During these surveys, species recognition and coverage were recorded. 3). The Insect Survey At Mianhua Islet: The insect survey was conducted by random sighting. 4). The Reptile Survey At Mianhua Islet: The reptile survey on Mianhua Islet was conducted through random sightings. 5). The Cetacean survey At Mianhua Islet: Sightings were recorded along the patrolling route, including the back-and-forth route from Bachimen Fishing Harbor to Mianhua and Huaping Islets. 6). The Algae survey At Mianhua Islet : The method used for algae surveys is snorkeling. 7). The Benthic Invertebrates Survey At Mianhua Islet: The methods for benthic invertebrates include snorkeling, scuba diving, and intertidal surveys. 8). The Fish Survey At Mianhua Islet: The Underwater Visual Census (UVC), Roving Diver Method Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV), and Diver Operated Video (DOV) were introduced for fish surveys.

The checklist includes 8 groups, which are "Tracheophyta、Algae、Benthic Invertebrate、Insecta、Fish、Reptilia、Aves、Cetacea".

1. Tracheophyta
   rank: phylum
2. Chromista
   common name: Algae rank: kingdom
3. Cnidaria
   common name: Benthic Invertebrate rank: phylum
4. Insecta
   rank: class
5. Chondrichthyes
   rank: class
6. Osteichthyes
   rank: class
7. Reptilia
   rank: class
8.  Aves
   rank: class
9. Cetacea
   rank: infraorder
10. Plantae
    rank: kingdom
11. Animalia
    rank: kingdom
12. Arthropoda
    rank: phylum
13. Chordata
    rank: phylum
14. Mammalia
    rank: class

The territory includes Mianhua Islet, Huaping Islet, Pengjia Islet, and the surrounding water body.