CHIAYI (TVBS News) — Adorable mountain sparrow (山麻雀) plush toys, launched by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (林業及自然保育署) in Chiayi Forest District Office (嘉義分署), went on sale on Friday (Dec. 13) to raise public awareness about the endangered species.
The agency aims to engage the public in conservation efforts through these creatively designed products, the office said in a press release. The mountain sparrow has a population of fewer than 2,000 in Taiwan.
The plush toys are available at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (阿里山國家森林遊樂區), the Chiayi Forest District Office, Chiayi County Wild Bird Society (嘉義縣野鳥學會), and Ruifeng Community (瑞峰社區) in Chiayi's Meishan Township (梅山鄉).
Chiayi Forest District Office deputy director Lee Ting-chung (李定忠) highlighted the close relationship between the mountain sparrow and human habitats, stating that due to habitat changes or destruction, insufficient food and nesting sites, conventional farming practices, and species competition, the mountain sparrow population has dwindled to less than 2,000, nearing extinction.
In recent years, the agency has actively implemented conservation measures in several local townships and villages. These initiatives include installing nest boxes, planting millet to provide energy during breeding and wintering seasons, and encouraging community residents to adopt sparrow-friendly practices, such as reducing herbicide and pesticide use.
