TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Forest and Nature Conservation Agency (林業及自然保育署) honored the Tsou Hunters' Association (鄒族獵人協會) Friday (Oct. 17) for their crucial role in achieving the island's African Swine Fever-free status. The Chiayi Branch ceremony recognized the indigenous hunters' assistance in wild boar sampling and testing that provided essential evidence for disease prevention. The recognition follows the World Organisation for Animal Health (世界動物衛生組織) declaring Taiwan a "swine fever-free country" in May.
The Chiayi Branch reported the Tsou Hunters' Association has implemented a self-management hunting plan since 2020, establishing self-governing conventions and wildlife monitoring through automatic cameras. Recent monitoring in the Alishan (阿里山) region shows stable wild boar populations, demonstrating the Tsou Indigenous people's success in balancing traditional hunting with ecological preservation. The initiative reflects how indigenous knowledge systems can effectively support modern conservation efforts.
Since 2021, the association has sent samples of hunted wild boars to the Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary Research Institute for testing, confirming Taiwan's wild boars remain uninfected with swine fever. Branch Chief Ting-Chung Lee (李定忠) presented a certificate of appreciation at a local work station, acknowledging the hunters' sustained contributions to disease prevention efforts. The systematic sampling program provided critical scientific data supporting Taiwan's international disease-free certification.
Eight tribal branch leaders from the association report hunting quantities and collaborate on scientific wildlife monitoring through their self-managed hunting system in Alishan Township. Tsou hunter An Chih-chien from the Saviki (山美村) tribe has contributed 18 wild boar samples since 2021, directly supporting Taiwan's swine fever-free achievement. The collaborative approach demonstrates how traditional hunting practices can serve modern public health objectives.
