Formosa Fauna

How do you accidentally catch a 200-kg sea turtle? | Ep99

Fri, 22 May 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is true about pet ownership in New York?
a) Horse ownership is banned
b) New Yorkers cannot own pet rats
c) The retail sale of dogs is banned

This episode is packed with current events including the 1,500 beagles that were rescued from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, U.S.A., New York’s ban on the retail sale of pets, four pygmy killer whales that were rescued in New Taipei City, and fishers near Chiayi County accidentally catching a 200-kilogram sea turtle.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!
See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taipei's rat infestation | Ep98

Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Members of the public have launched websites including "Rat Radar" and "Taipei Rat Tracker" which allow residents to upload photographs, submit reports, and search for rat activity by location. Does the recent rat problem expose deeper issues in how the city manages its infrastructure? Some argue that it does, while city officials maintain that rat reports to their 1999 hotline have actually decreased.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!
See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

'The Starry Giant by the Sea' picture book attracts youth to Taiwan's oceans | Ep97

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Taiwan hosts over 14,000 marine species, one of which thrives in Taiwan's waters despite having an endangered status globally: the whale shark.

Ocean Affairs Council Director Lu Shiau-Yun (陸曉筠) joins Tristan in this episode to talk about this year's picture book that follows a friendship between a whale shark and Indigenous boy.

Listen to this episode to find out why people in Taiwan once called the whale shark the "tofu shark."

Learn more about Taiwan’s oceans on the Ocean Affairs Council website: https://www.oca.gov.tw/en/

The Ocean Affairs Council sent a dolphin mascot to the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage this year to increase awareness about ocean conservation. (Photo: Ocean Conservation Administration's Instagram)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!
See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo gets primates to "read" | Ep96

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true about Kaohsiung’s Shoushan Zoo?

A) Mary was the name of a 30-year-old Formosan black bear
B) Ali was the name of a 52-year-old African elephant
C) Shakespeare was the name of a 10-year-old chimpanzee

Two of those are names of real animals at Kaohsiung’s Shoushan Zoo, and one is made up. Keep listening to Formosa Fauna to find out which is which.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Are seahorses fish? | Ep95

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Are seahorses fish? The answer to that question, and 99 others, are in the Ocean Conservation Administration's publication: "Top 100 Things You Didn't Know About the Taiwan Ocean." The Q&A style format with picture diagrams guides readers to better understand marine life as they quiz themselves one page at a time.

Ocean Affairs Council Director Lu Shiau-Yun (陸曉筠) joins Tristan in this episode to talk about the book and how ocean policy affects people far and wide.

Learn more about Taiwan’s oceans on the Ocean Affairs Council website: https://www.oca.gov.tw/en/

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The real reason cats scratch | Ep94

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0800

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), scratching is a natural and essential part of feline life... but why?

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Many animal firsts in Taiwan | Ep93

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Two Malayan sun bears previously housed at Taipei Zoo have been relocated to Japan as part of a conservation effort for the vulnerable species, leaving Taiwan without any Malayan sun bears. Taipei Zoo says they aren't sure what, if anything, will replace their habitat enclosure at the zoo.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly teach you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

In this episode:
- Taipei Zoo sends their remaining Malayan sun bears to Japan
- New Taipei opens its first wildlife rescue center
- New Taiwanese documentary follows mountain hawk-eagle for over 12 years
- Rescued Formosan black bear mother and her cub released into the wild
- Chiayi builds a fence to protect terns from dogs
- Iceland Fashion Week adopts a fur-free policy
- Retired racehorses are used in American miscarriage experiments

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Toxicity in the animal kingdom | Ep92

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Which animal found in Taiwan carries a powerful neurotoxin, and is still somehow eaten as a delicacy in certain parts of the world?

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

"Dinosaur" wasn't coined until 1841 | Ep91

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true?
a) Taiwan has a higher density of convenience stores than any other country
b) People in the 1700s and 1800s widely accepted there were extinct species because of fossil evidence
c) The word "dinosaur" wasn't coined until 1841

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Rare pandas, rarer pandas, and rarest pandas | Ep90

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true?
a) The leatherback sea turtle is the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile
b) Leatherback sea turtles cannot be found near Alaska, Canada, or the continental United States
c) Leatherback sea turtles have a lifespan of up to 300 years

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The monkey named Punch whose only friend is a plushie | Ep89

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true?
a) Human-raised macaques cannot integrate into troops
b) Birdwatching can boost cognitive function
c) Former house cats are being used in deadly cat research in the U.S.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly teach you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

In this episode:
- The monkey named Punch
- Taiwan’s orphaned monkey
- University of Missouri uses federal funding to experiment on dozens of cats
- British government’s official “Chief Mouser”
- Nine wild horses shot and killed in Arizona

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taipei's snake-breeding center responsible for all of Taiwan's antivenom | Ep88

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true?
A. Four people are responsible for all of the anti-venom in Taiwan
B. The Northern White Rhinoceros is “functionally extinct”
C. A vaquita is a kind of Mexican seafood dish

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Animal abuse registries increasingly common in US | Ep87

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0800

One woman realized she didn't have the proper paperwork to fly with her dog, then chose to ditch the dog at the airport and fly alone. What happened to the dog, nicknamed JetBlue by rescuers, is first in today's episode.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Two-thirds of the world will experience water scarcity by 2030 | Ep86

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Isn’t the Earth 70% water? Then why do 1.1 billion people lack reliable access to water? According to 2019 estimates, by 2030 as many as two-thirds of the world’s population could face water shortages. Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna to find out why.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Pangolins make a comeback in Taiwan and "pangolin diplomacy" | Ep85

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true?
a) You can name an un-sterilized cat after an ex, then pay for them to be sterilized
b) There are both greater and lesser flamingos
c) The oldest pangolin on record was born and lived in Japan

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna to find out which two are true, and which is false.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Japan is panda-less | Ep84

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true?
A) Kangaroos can trace their roots back to the Northern American continent.
B) You can buy bear curry in Taiwan.
C) Japan has no pandas.

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna to find out which two are true, and which is false.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

These fish are transitioning to land animals | Ep83

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Did you know that at least 12 groups of living fish have taken steps towards moving toward land? It would seem they’re fish who don’t want to be fish any longer.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

In this episode:
- Shei-Pa National Park adds another bat species to its records
- Six main reasons dogs misbehave
- Earthquakes are not all havoc and destruction
- Fish that don't want to be fish anymore

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taiwan repopulates salmon by helicopter drop | Ep82

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

There's something keeping Formosan landlocked salmon in the mountains, and it's not geography. In addition to helicopter drops to repopulate the critically endangered species, this episode explores Taipei Zoo's plans for the year of the horse, record culling of green iguanas across Taiwan, and what the world can learn from how Taiwan’s addressed stray dog population issue.

Featured guest: Faith for Animals Director Otis Kuo
To learn more about Faith for Animals, visit https://faithforanimals.org.tw .

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Spaying cats within one year reduces cancer risk by 86% | Ep81

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Need a good reason to sterilize your pet? When you spay female cats is directly correlated to their risk of developing mammary cancer. Kittens spayed before six months of age have a 91% reduction in risk compared to non-spayed cats. Spaying between six months and one year results in an 86% reduction in risk. Over 90% of feline mammary tumors are malignant, according to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Joanne Lynn Intile, meaning they grow invasively and spread across the body.

In this episode Tristan speaks to Faith for Animals Director Otis Kuo about solid reasons to sterilize dogs and cats, the organization's focused strategy that transcends TNR, and what determines a program's success.

To learn more about Faith for Animals, visit https://faithforanimals.org.tw .

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Why organizations only sterilize female dogs | Ep80

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0800

Faith for Animals isn't what host Tristan expected. Not only do they exclusively sterilize female dogs, dog catchers may even be laughed at for bringing a male dog in. Director Otis Kuo sits down with Tristan in this episode to talk about how the organization found the most effective ways of taking care of stray dog populations.

To learn more about Faith for Animals, visit https://faithforanimals.org.tw .

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

When universities hire animal lovers to do their dirty work | Ep79

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0800

As a university, what do you do when you have a stray dog problem and years of capturing and culling does little more than spark outrage among the student population? For one university, the next step was hiring some vet students to help with the culling incognito. They got more than they bargained for, though, as the group of animal lovers came up with a new plan that didn't require the euthanization of healthy dogs and actually solved the problem.

This week Faith for Animals Director Otis Kuo sits down with host Tristan Hilderbrand to talk about the origins of the organization that date back nearly 20 years.

To learn more about Faith for Animals, visit https://faithforanimals.org.tw .

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

These gender fluid fish poop out beaches | Ep78

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Parrotfish are both genderfluid and come in rainbow colors. The crystalline structure of parrotfish teeth is so sturdy it would beat gold, copper and silver in a fracture test according to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

In this episode we talk about:
- Taiwan cuts back on animal testing but struggles to meet international standards
- Gender-fluid fish: parrotfish
- British zoologist Charles Elton
- Rethinking the food chain
- How to get a dog to stop play biting

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Age fish by counting scales like tree rings | Ep77

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0800

A raccoon was caught red-handed after a drunk rampage in a Virginia liquor store passed out in the bathroom. That and more fascinating animal topics in today's episode.

In this episode we talk about:
– Taiwan ahead of new whale shark trade ban
– Steve Irwin
– Are deer farms zoos?
– Drunk raccoon rampage

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Angry owner, angry cat. Is it the owner's influence? | Ep76

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Plenty of people fear cats because they see them as animals who will love you one second, then attack you the next. As of 2020, 38% of owners surrendered their cats to shelters in the United Kingdom citing behavioral issues. Of that pool of owners, 44% cited aggression as the main factor. Science says it's probably not the cat's fault... it's the owner's.

In this episode we talk about:
– How big of a role the owner plays in determining a cat's personality or temper
– Fines for not registering your cat in Taiwan begin January 1
– Snails vs. slugs
– Australia's Emu War
– How to remove a leech

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

'Meet your mama': Placental mammals' common ancestor | Ep75

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0800

What do humans, mice, elephants, lions, tigers, bears, whales, and bats all have in common? Well, we are all placental mammals, and we all share a common ancestor. Scientists think they know what that common ancestor looked like.

In this episode we talk about:
– All placental mammals' common ancestor
– Distraction chicken in Taiwan
– Taiwan may phase out food waste as pig feed nationwide
– How to survive an unpleasant Formosan macaque encounter
– Deadly blue-ringed octopuses
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taiwan's AI-powered ocean platform expands to Palau | Ep74

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0800

What can Taiwan's AI-powered ocean knowledge platform do for diplomatic allies? “AI Blue” makes its first overseas deployment in Palau, Taiwan's strong diplomatic ally since 1999.

In this episode we talk about:
– AI-powered marine research between Taiwan and Palau
– Scientist of the week: Dr. Emily King
– Pheasant-tailed jacana habitat restoration in Taiwan
– Officials encourage planting cover crops in Taiwan
– U.S. CDC to phase out experiments with non-human primates
– Joaquin Phoenix calls for action against animal cruelty in California
– December is Cat Lovers’ Month
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taiwan's bat that's so large it's called the Formosan 'flying fox' | Ep73

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0800

The Formosan flying fox is the largest bat in Taiwan, with a wingspan that can stretch close to one meter — about the length of a standard baseball bat or the width of a medium-sized hawk in flight. These fascinating creatures are likely making a comeback in Hualien as sightings have increased.

In this episode we talk about:
– Formosan flying fox making a comeback in Hualien
– Recycled food waste banned for pigs in Taichung
– Eurasian otter cub populations growing stronger in Kinmen
– Young malnourished Formosan black bear captured
– Scientist of the week: Charles Johnson Maynard
– The common octopus
– Handling a dog's fear of the groomer and vet
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

It's easier for people in Taiwan to become vegetarian: Peter Singer | Ep72

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Did you know Taiwan has the third largest percentage of vegetarians in the world? Taiwan has a rich vegetarian culture, influenced by Buddhism, which has made plant-based dishes available all across the island.

Peter Singer is widely acknowledged as the father of the animal rights movement, having written a book that awakened millions of people to animal oppression, “Animal Liberation”, first published in 1975. In this episode of Formosa Fauna, Singer shares his expectations of how the first copy would affect the world differed from reality, and how he hopes the new traditional Mandarin Chinese translation of the newer "Animal Liberation Now: The Definitive Classic Renewed" will leave a different mark.

The book uses philosophy and facts from diverse sources to paint a picture the responsible consumer will want to know.

Majorly influential animal rights book translated for Taiwan audience | Ep71

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Every two minutes approximately 316,000 individual sentient beings are slaughtered. Is that truly necessary? It’s certainly not necessary to feed the world’s growing population. If the United States were to replace beef with another high-protein food, it would have the potential to feed an additional 190 million people. Replacing all animal-based items would free enough land to feed an additional 350 million people.

In this conversation, Peter Singer discusses his recent visit to Taiwan, where he promoted the traditional Mandarin Chinese translation of his book "Animal Liberation Now: The Definitive Classic Renewed". He shares insights on the culinary delights of Taiwan, the ethical implications of animal welfare, and the challenges of changing public perceptions about vegetarianism and factory farming.

Everything you need to know about Taiwan's African swine fever outbreak | Ep70

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Taiwan has enforced some of the strictest airport food regulations in the world for years, and with good reason. The island was one of the few places in Asia that had managed to stay free of African swine fever (ASF) until October, 2025. In this episode of Formosa Fauna, host Tristan Hilderbrand starts with the basics about what ASF is, where it came from, what it does to pigs, and what this means for Taiwan.

0:00 Introduction
1:26 Taiwan's hard-won disease-free status
2:40 The outbreak in Taichung
4:00 What is African swine fever?
5:30 Theories and suspicions: How did it spread?
7:40 Food waste as feed
9:30 The Taichung investigation continues
10:48 Misinformation and the government's response
14:10 Impact on pork sales, vendors, and markets in Taiwan
18:55 Could Taiwan regain its ASF-free status?

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays.

Endemic Taiwanese fish species repopulates after disappearing from main island in 1920s | Ep69

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0800

The large-scale lesser-bream disappeared from Taiwan's main island in the 1920s. Now, local government is working with Aquatic Renewal Workshop to repopulate them in what's being called potentially the "last refuge" for the species in Taiwan: Kinmen.

In this episode we talk about:
– Endemic fish species' second chance in Kinmen
– Taiwan's experimental forests
– Seep wells
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Why Taiwan banned declawing cats | Ep68

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is not true:
A) Goldfish can grow up to 20 inches (roughly 50 cm)
B) Declawing a cat is akin to amputating a human fingertip
C) Sloths are lazy

Just one of the above is not quite true. Based on the title of today's episode, you may have already guessed correctly that B is true. Declawing, or onychectomy, involves the surgical removal of a cat's claws along with part of the toe bone, akin to amputating a human fingertip. This is only one of the many reasons why the practice of declawing for non-medical, non-necessary issues is outlawed in Taiwan.

In this episode we talk about:
– Taiwan's beekeeping VR
– Training cats
– Koi fish
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The fascinating source of sea monster legends | Ep67

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is true:
A) Oarfish are up to 36 feet long and swim in a vertical posture
B) Jaguarundis eat salad
C) Jacanas are also known as “Jesus birds” because of their ability to walk on water

Listen to this episode to find out.

In this episode we talk about:
– Friend or foe
– March for Climate in Taiwan
– Jaguarundi
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Jane Goodall's passing, Taipei Zoo's Ghost Festival ceremony, and a panda caretaker's inside look | Ep66

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Which of the following is true:
A) Taipei Zoo celebrates the Ghost Festival
B) Taipei City has wild deer
C) Taiwan has two living native cat species

Listen to this episode to find out.

In this episode we talk about:
– News of Jane Goodall's passing
– Taiwan's Ghost Festival
– Hosted in Taipei, 200 Japanese educators and students delve into amphibian and reptile challenges
– Panda caretakers
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

PAW Patrol move aside, Taiwan's land crab patrol is here! All about Taiwan's deer island and more | Ep65

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0800

Taiwan has a deer island, land crab patrol, and now university campus geese etiquette lessons!

In this episode we talk about:
– Removing Jerusalem cherry plants from Taiwan’s deer island
– Land crab patrol
– Campus geese etiquette lessons
– Mixed signals when dog training
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

We won't give up on Taiwan's animals despite rejected petition: Local animal coalition | Ep64

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

A petition with over 10,000 signatures wasn't enough to comprehensively ban the wild boar snares in Taiwan. In this episode of Formosa Fauna we sit down with Dr. Chengheng Hu again to understand why Taiwan's Central Election Commission rejected the proposal, how Taiwan One Ecology Colation (TOEC) took the news, and what the coalition is going to do moving forward.

Have thoughts on today's episode? Send an email to tristan@rti.org.tw.

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The never-ending fight against wild boar snares in Taiwan | Ep63

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The wild boar snare is a hunting device that indiscriminately traps, mangles, and often kills unsuspecting victims. Such victims include stray cats and dogs, but also protected species such as Formosan black bears, Taiwanese leopard cats, and more. Even humans have been injured by such traps. Taiwan's Animal Protection Act bans the use of snares, but manufacturing and selling them is a gray area, and they remain being sold across the internet and local stores.

Dr. Chengheng Hu joined the Taiwan One Ecology Colation (TOEC), a team of 12 different organizations, to fight against the snares, and protect animals in Taiwan. For this episode of Formosa Fauna we sit down with Dr. Hu and get an inside look at the basics of the traps, their potential cultural significance, and why a petition with over 10,000 signatures wasn't enough to comprehensively ban them in Taiwan.

Have thoughts on today's episode? Send an email to tristan@rti.org.tw.

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Diners unknowingly consume shark marketed as "fish and chips" | Ep62

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Many people have eaten sharks without even realizing it. “Rock salmon," with an unsuspecting name for a kind of shark, has been a staple in British fish-and-chip shops for decades. The name-switching was part of a rebranding exercise aimed at persuading more people to eat the sharks that industrial fishers were beginning to catch a lot of.

According to Helen Scales, around the world various other shark species have been marketed under different, non-sharky names, including flake in Australia, whitefish and steakfish in the United States, saumonette in France, and vitello di mare, “veal of the sea” in Italy.

In this episode we talk about:
– Dolphins in Taiwan
– Climate change
– Taiwanese turtles
– The sharks salesmen do a great job at disguising
...and so much more.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Monkey caught red-handed after 3-month chase | Ep61

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

One Formosan macaque made the headlines this week for stealing across Beitou. Finally, after a three-month chase and countless robberies, he was apprehended.

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
– Formosan macaque burglar
– Lanternfish
– Taiwan's animal-related news
– Dogs who chew too much

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Beer makes dogs' coats shinier? Science says 'no' | Ep60

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The idea that beer would make a dog's coat shinier likely comes from old folk practices where ingredients such as brewer's yeast or malt were thought to improve skin and coat health. Veterinarians, however, strongly disagree and discourage giving pets any alcohol products.

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
– Global animal conservation updates
– Massive wingspan of Taiwan's biggest raptor species
– Lionfish
– Giving beer to dogs

The Asia for Animals (AfA) Conference will happen right here in Taiwan from August 25-29, 2025. It is the largest gathering of animal protection organizations in Taiwan. With speakers, panels, and workshops, notable figures from across the world will gather to spread and share knowledge pertaining to animal welfare.

Learn more about the AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

These can chew through bullet proof vests? | Ep59

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Resembling a tiny volcano, meet the limpet. Limpet teeth, according to the BBC, consist of the strongest biological material ever tested. Yes, that makes them significantly stronger than human teeth and even shark teeth.

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
– Why birds don’t lay more eggs when they certainly could
– Banded bullfrogs disturbing residents in Taiwan
– Limpets
– Chimp-loving woman lands herself in prison

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

International Cat Day: Taiwan's cats | Ep58

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This August 8 is International Cat Day. Can you tell which feline species is featured in the photo? Do you know how many native cat species there are in Taiwan?

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
– Taiwan's native cat species
– Threats to Taiwanese leopard cats
– Milkfish
– How to get dogs to take pills
– Animal Rescue Diaries update

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

My boss is the Taiwanese black bears | Ep57

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

While she may work in an office largely handling paperwork and replying to emails, today's guest Niya says her experience is much different because she isn't working to make a CEO richer, her boss is the Taiwanese black bears.

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
– The dream job: Working in animal conservation – with Niya
– Overcoming a fear of fostering – with Connie Chiang
– Taiwan's lizard bounty expands as the threat grows

The Asia for Animals (AfA) Conference will happen right here in Taiwan from August 25-29, 2025. It is the largest gathering of animal protection organizations in Taiwan. With speakers, panels, and workshops, notable figures from across the world will gather to spread and share knowledge pertaining to animal welfare.

Learn more about the AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Using drones and AI to catch stray dogs | Ep56

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Crabs that have survived millions of years? Natural treasure salmon? Drones and AI used to capture and neuter stray dogs? All happening right here in Taiwan!

Spend the next 20 minutes listening to Formosa Fauna so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

The Asia for Animals (AfA) Conference will happen right here in Taiwan from August 25-29, 2025. It is the largest gathering of animal protection organizations in Taiwan. With speakers, panels, and workshops, notable figures from across the world will gather to spread and share knowledge pertaining to animal welfare.

Learn more about the AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Volunteered as a photographer, was handed a microchipper | Ep55

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Was asked to microchip animals on her first day of volunteer work? Then signed up to be a dog midwife? We all start somewhere! Those who volunteer to help animals all have interesting stories. This week we sit down with Jenna Dodson to hear hers.

Spend the next 20 minutes listening to Formosa Fauna so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

The Asia for Animals (AfA) Conference will happen right here in Taiwan from August 25-29, 2025. It is the largest gathering of animal protection organizations in Taiwan. With speakers, panels, and workshops, notable figures from across the world will gather to spread and share knowledge pertaining to animal welfare.

Learn more about the AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The animal lovers who have to witness the worst of animal cruelty | Ep54

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 01:00:00 +0800

They say the worst job one can get for their mental health is a social media content moderator, having to review graphic and often violent reported posts one after another. What happens when a team of animal lovers is responsible for reviewing all of the animal cruelty cases in Taiwan?

This week we sit down with Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Taiwan Co-Founder Connie Chiang to talk all about this.

Spend the next 20 minutes listening to Formosa Fauna so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

The Asia for Animals (AfA) Conference will happen right here in Taiwan from August 25-29, 2025. It is the largest gathering of animal protection organizations in Taiwan. With speakers, panels, and workshops, notable figures from across the world will gather to spread and share knowledge pertaining to animal welfare.

Learn more about the AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Importing pets into Taiwan: "Fail and they will destroy them" | Ep53

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:00:00 +0800

"Fail and they will destroy your pet." Stakes are high as the year-long preparation process comes to a close and you head to Taiwan with your pet in tow. If anything along the way was done improperly, your year's worth of preparation may have all gone to waste, and you will be faced with the decision to either fly back with the pet immediately or have them euthanized and destroyed.

With seasoned pet importers Michelle and Cat with us, this episode functions as the handbook of how to bring your beloved pets into Taiwan. Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

More information is readily available in English on the APHIA website: https://www.aphia.gov.tw/

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The organization that responds to all animal cruelty reports | Ep52

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:00:00 +0800

The Asia for Animals (AfA) Conference will happen right here in Taiwan from August 25-29, 2025. It is the largest gathering of animal protection organizations in Taiwan. With speakers, panels, and workshops, notable figures from across the world will gather to spread and share knowledge pertaining to animal welfare.

Learn more about the AfA Conference Taipei 2025.

In Taiwanese culture, caring for animals is an all-hands-on-deck effort. In this episode, Connie Chiang, co-founder of the SPCA in Taiwan, discusses the challenges and successes of animal welfare in Taiwan with Tristan.

While the SPCA responds to cases where people are responsible, other individuals and organizations must respond to cases dealing with stray animals, like "Ài-mā." “Ài-mā," which means "loving mother" in Mandarin, is the term used to describe people who have taken on the role of helping stray animals in their communities.

Why dogs are afraid of vacuum cleaners | Ep51

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Which marine animal or fish has the biggest brain-to-body ratio? Manta rays, bettas, or great white sharks?

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
– Green sea turtle hatchlings in Kenting National Park
– Organisms change and construct the world around them
– The fish that weighs 3 tons
– Why dogs are afraid of vacuum cleaners
– Scientist of the day

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

What does contagious yawning mean in people and other primates? | Ep48

Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Do you yawn when someone else yawns? There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that contagious yawning, the tendency to yawn when you see or hear someone else yawn, is linked to empathy. Research has shown that the sight of an unknown bonobo yawning in a film triggers a yawning response in bonobos watching the film as well.

On today's menu for your mind to feast on:
–11-year-old Eurasian otter
–TSMC makes chips, what are they doing saving fish?
–Humans share 98.8% of our DNA with chimpanzees
–You can teach old dogs new tricks

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Otter conference in Kinmen | Ep47

Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

One of the world's most prominent primatologists will be visiting Taiwan soon, and a two-day conference all about otters will take place in Kinmen, Taiwan. Also, throw out everything you thought you knew about surviving a dangerous venomous snake bite, and potty training dogs.

The Kinmen Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Association is hosting a two-day conference all about Kinmen’s Eurasian otters and the efforts to keep them safe and thriving. While the conference has its academic side, the organizers want it to be open and accessible to everyone.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taiwanese dogs coveted in USA | Ep46

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

All about Formosan mountain dogs! Formosan mountain dogs were brought back from human-induced near extinction. In this episode Tristan talks to Jenna Dodson about this land race commonly mistaken for mutts, and sought after in the United States and Canada.

Jenna's latest foster dog can be found here.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

What makes this fish sarcastic? Not its sense of humor | Ep45

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Starfish takeover in Kaohsiung
- Survival tips
- Sarcastic fringeheads
- Scientist of the day: Mary Ward

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Native bear killed, albino dolphin spotted | Ep44

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Cat and dog meat on the market in Taiwan
- Formosan black bear is shot and euthanized
- Rare albino dolphin sighting in Taiwan

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Extinct dire wolves resurrected? | Ep43

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

After a 12,500+ year absence, has the dire wolf species returned? Experts weigh in on Colossal Biosciences' de-extinction success.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Dire wolves and de-extinction
- Formosan black bear kills guard dogs and chickens
- Sea cucumbers
- Jane Goodall
- Fears and phobias in dogs

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Dog finds toddler, walks side-by-side for miles | Ep42

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Hero dog leads missing toddler to safety
- Taiwan the new winter hotspot for black-faced spoonbills
- World Tapir Day on April 27
- The world's apex predators
- Moths vs. green lights

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taiwan's weasel weasels their way toward new prey | Ep41

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Are you a fan of Formosan black bears or yellow-throated martens? Several newsworthy animal-related events have been happening in Taiwan, which we will talk all about in today's episode.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Taiwan's yellow-throated martens
- Big blue octopuses
- Formosan black bears released back into the wild
- Teaching dogs the names of toys

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

How to foster and NOT get attached | Ep40

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Back in 2022 shelters across the United States had noticed something significant: Requests to foster had gone up 90%. Who wouldn't want to spend time with cute animals and be a part of their journey to find their forever home? Fostering also offers flexibility in the way of traveling, and most likely means you won't have to be around when the foster animals pass. All in all, many of those who have fostered speak of how it's the best decision they've ever made. Unfortunately, the fear of becoming attached is what keeps many potential foster homes from giving it a try.

In this episode we talk to Jenna Dodson, who has fostered dozens of dogs both in the United States and in Taiwan, without getting attached. Could her secret technique also work for you?

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Livestream "pearl party" scams | Ep39

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

You open up social media on your phone, and are presented with a livestream where someone is shucking oysters, some with pearls hidden inside. The oysters are shucked one at a time, leaving little doubt that the pearls inside are genuine. However, many dark secrets lie behind the "pearl party" facade, the scam that countless people have fallen victim to.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- How to survive a cattle encounter
- Human-cattle confrontation on Yangmingshan in Taiwan
- Urban sprawl
- Deceptive livestream oyster shucking
- Begging: Why dogs do it and how to stop it

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

This musical frog species is only found in Taiwan | Ep38

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

While first observed in the 1980s, this new frog species was not recognized as being its own distinct, endemic Taiwanese species until 2025. When compared to its closest counterpart, the species is smaller in size with higher-pitched, faster vocalization patterns.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- New Taiwanese frog species gains recognition
- Rise and fall of ivory use
- Carl Linnaeus: The man behind the scientific names we struggle to pronounce... like "Nidirana shyhhuangi!"

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Freeway Bureau responsible for butterflies in Taiwan? | Ep37

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Eating a spiny oyster at the right time of year can make you feel like you’re flying... Fact or fiction?

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- A happy ending for the three pigs left to starve in an art piece
- The Freeway Bureau is tasked with Taiwan’s butterfly conservation?
- Spiny oysters

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

How to tell if your dog has OCD | Ep36

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Could your dog have OCD? That and much more in today's episode.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Taiwan warns public not to push stranded marine animals back into ocean
- Young leopard cat rescued in Miaoli
- How to protect yourself from aggressive stray dogs
- OCD in dogs
- Aristotle on the animal kingdom
- Rabies returns to Taiwan
- Three new capybara pups in Taiwan
- Taipei's tiger exchange with Singapore
- Animal rescue diaries: Foster not ready for adoption

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

"Dog bear" or Formosan black bear? | Ep35

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The Formosan black bear goes by many names, the more well-known including "Taiwan black bear," "white-throated bear," and even "dog bear." The subspecies belongs to the Asiatic black bear species, but is unique in multiple ways. Formosan black bears are the only of the Asiatic black bear species to build nests, and they don't need to hibernate in Taiwan's temperate winters.

This week Niya joins us on Formosa Fauna to entertainingly educate you about this subspecies in Taiwan! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Formosan black bears have never attacked humans | Ep34

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Two Formosan black bears were sighted along a busy highway in Hualien this week, the first recorded instance of them appearing in high-traffic areas. Formosan black bears are shy, and there is no record of any Formosan black bear ever attacking humans in Taiwan.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Adoptable cats on Family Mart doors in Taiwan (02:00)
- Two Formosan black bears sighted along the highway (05:00)
- Greenland sharks can live hundreds of years (07:10)
- Repurposed buoys feed Taipei Zoo animals (10:45)
- How to get dogs to stop jumping on you (11:30)
- Elephants remain captive in the U.S. despite efforts (15:30)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Name a cat after your ex, then neuter them | Ep33

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

For the low price of US$15, rescues and shelters in the U.S. will let you name a cat after your ex, then have them spayed or neutered as part of their TNR (trap-neuter-return) initiatives. Listen to this week's episode to hear all about this event. Also, did you know that while "spay" is generally used for females, and "neuter" is generally used for males, "neuter" is technically a sex-neutral term? "Neutering" is the word for surgically preventing pets from reproducing.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Spay or neuter your ex?
- Different species of birds prefer different birdhouse heights
- Cat becomes a frequent flyer on Air New Zealand
- Environmentalist Edward Max Nicholson
- Baby Jesus wears octocoral around his neck in some depictions
- Taiwan and Shanghai exchange African penguins and red pandas

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Lovebirds and bird flu | Ep32

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Infected through commercial raw pet food, cats in the U.S. die of the bird flu, which has a 67% fatality rate in felines. In this episode we will learn how to lower the risk of contracting the virus to virtually zero.

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Fischer’s lovebirds
- Raw pet diets: Are they really the best?
- Bird flu fatality rate of 67% in cats
- Environmentalist Edward O. Wilson
- Leash training with dogs

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Welcome to the year of the snake | Ep31

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Antarctica is the only continent without snakes? This lunar new year's zodiac animal is the snake. Explore snakes as we welcome in the new year in Taiwan.

If you were born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013, you may have been born in the year of the snake. Just remember to search your birthday with the month and date as well, as zodiac animals are based on the lunar calendar.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- What the year of the snake means (01:20)
- Prairie rattlesnakes (05:40)
- Threats to biodiversity: HIPPO (07:50)
- US$65,000+ award to whoever knows who illegally shot a wolf in Colorado (14:45)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

People were using abalone shells 100,000 years ago | Ep30

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Which is a true statement: A) Dogs eat feces in an effort to maintain a clean environment, or B) Dogs eat feces because it smells like food?

The answer may not be what you think it is. Listen to this episode to uncover the truth.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- A pygmy hippo debut this Sunday in Taiwan (01:23)
- A brief animal rescue diaries update (02:45)
- All about abalone (06:28)
- Why around 16% of dogs eat feces (09:45)
- The woman who rescued 100 horses from the Los Angeles wildfires (14:45)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Lizards back on the chopping block as more cities reinstate bounty | Ep29

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Which is not a real animal: blue-footed booby or loveland frog? Listen to this episode to find out.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Another update to the never-ending lizard bounty in Taiwan
- Animal rescue diary
- Answer to which is real: the blue-footed booby or loveland frog

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Taiwan to ban 900+ species, including raccoons | Ep28

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Which animal has been observed as the more aggressive one: lemon sharks or mute swans? The answer is probably not what you think.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Ownership of 900+ species to be banned in Taiwan (01:20)
- Lemon sharks (04:07)
- "Busking" isn't just for Korean idols (07:19)
- Best way to teach dogs to sit and lay down (09:45)
- Will moss save you from getting lost in the forest? (14:10)
- Taipei Zoo mourns the loss of a special 24-year-old animal (16:30)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

The cute, puffy, and deadlier than cyanide pufferfish | Ep27

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

There's a religion that turns people into ”zombies" with pufferfish poison?

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Is Taiwan reinstating the lizard bounty? (01:45)
- A religion that turns people into "zombies" with pufferfish poison (04:20, 08:45)
- How big of a role does a dog's breed play when it comes to misbehavior? (13:24)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

How many animals have eyelashes? | Ep26

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Eyelashes do more than you may think. Since when is there no such thing as "alpha" wolves or dogs?

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Rare animal sightings in Taiwan (01:18)
- How many animals have eyelashes, and why? (04:30)
- Are there truly "alpha" wolves and dogs? (11:17)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

These fish are successful salon owners | Ep25

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Fish that open their own cleaning salons and massage parlors? Fact, not fiction! Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends.

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Tristan's new favorite fish: The incredible bluestreak cleaner wrasse
- Mutualism: More interesting than it sounds
- Is your dog... spiteful?
- Can we raise our own Formosan macaques in Taiwan?

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Why penguins' feet don't freeze | Ep24

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Deadly not-jellyfish have shown up on the shores of Taiwan
- Why penguins’ feet don’t freeze
- The first fundamental to dog training
- What Belgium has to do with dolphinariums

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Playing God: What it means to be an aquarist | Ep23

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Formosa Fauna is back this week with Rti's own beloved host and reporter Michelle to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends!

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Why people don't often say "aquatic pets"
- What it means to be an aquarist
- Playing God to an ecosystem

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Rat ownership: An underrated cuddly companion | Ep22

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Rats are one of the most widely owned pets in Taiwan. Despite that, there is still a decent amount of stigma people hold towards them. Today we talk to our very own Rti reporter and host Amanda Stephens about her experience having rats as pets. The journey was one that can be characterized as a happy accident, as she had originally wanted a hamster.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (animal photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Dog show champion | Ep21

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800

In today's episode we speak to junior champion dog handler Michelle Chiang about dog shows. From how different breed owners act differently right down to how you can identify show dogs out and about, we dig into it all.

The basenji breed comes up frequently in this episode as Michelle's award-winning dog belongs to the breed. Basenjis are contenders for the title of oldest AKC breed. (Photo: Pexels)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (animal photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

20 fun facts about Taiwanese native species | Ep20

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Formosa Fauna is back this week for its 20th episode to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends!

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- 20 fun facts about native Taiwanese animal species
- How to survive a shark attack
- Raccoons falling through the ceiling

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Toasters 100x deadlier than bears | Ep19

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- You are around 100 times more likely to be killed by a toaster than by a bear
- Deadliest shark attack in history happened in 1945 when the USS Indianapolis sank, leaving up to 150 crew to be eaten by sharks
- Hugh Glass crawled for nearly 200 miles after almost being killed by a bear

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Sea turtles return to the ocean in Penghu | Ep18

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Penghu in the news for conservation and sustainability
- Protecting yourself against wild bear attacks
- PETA guiding new legislation in Taiwan

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Yes, you're a primate, too. | Ep17

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Lemurs lemurs lemurs.
- You are also a primate.
- Is the fur trade or fur farming banned in your country?
- When aren't reptiles in the news?

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Animal performances in the name of education? | Ep16

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Ethicality of live animal performances at zoos around the world and Taiwan
- Choosing between becoming homeless or giving up your beloved pet
- Taiwan’s booming pet food industry

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Hungry raccoons send woman fleeing from her home | Ep15

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Raccoons (01:20)
- Self-domestication (08:45)
- Keep pets safe during storms (14:30)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Wanted dead or alive: Taiwan's lizard bounty | Ep14

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Two reptile species were so much of a perceived environmental threat in Taiwan back around 2016 that Chiayi county started offering bounties for them, dead or alive. What the government hoped would be environmental conservation ended up being criticized as a misguided conservation policy at best.

In this episode Tristan sits down with Reptile Conservation Association of Taiwan Chairman Chung-Wei You to go over the background and shortcomings of Taiwan's lizard bounty.

Suppose you're living in Taipei and see a gecko-like creature scaliing your walls. Should you be concerned, or delighted? Join us for this week's episode to find out.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

It's easy to spot wild reptiles in Taiwan | Ep13

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800

How reptile-dense is Taiwan? In Taiwan there are about 55 species of snakes, 31 species of lizards, 5 species of terrestial turtles, and 4 species of marine turtles! Taiwan is 81st in the world when it comes to having the most species of reptiles. Curious to know which nations are in the top 3?

Join Tristan and Chung-Wei You today as we talk about everything regarding reptiles!

De-extinction? Species that may make a return from the dead | Ep12

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends!

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- Are immigrants in the U.S. eating people’s pets? (01:20)
- De-extinction is nearing reality (03:26)
- Barbecue bonanza for zoo animals (13:00)
- Massive asteroid just misses earth (14:50)
- An animal fugitive, escaped from the zoo (16:10)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

President Lai's amputee dog and "less-adoptable" pets | Ep11

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800

On today's menu for your brain to feast on:
- What are "less adoptable pets?" (02:00)
- President Lai Ching-te adopting a disabled dog (08:07)
- UK national who dedicated his life to caring for stray cats in Taiwan, Jerry McKay (10:10)
- Reptiles running amok (14:40)
- How could a large urban city like Taipei be good for birdwatching? (17:50)

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Join us today for Formosa Fauna!

Birds with 8-foot wing spans | Ep10

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The Frigatebirds are birds with a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, that’s 213 to 244 centimeters, a width that’s longer than most of us are tall. The large black seabird is only one of around 700 species of birds found in Taiwan!

Join us this week for Formosa Fauna as we speak to Wild Bird Society of Taipei (WBST) CEO Nelson Chen.

Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos optional) to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Flightless bird or breeding mishap? | Ep9

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

What animals come to mind when you hear "flightless birds?" If chickens are one of them, you may be wrong.

Bird-window collision researcher Ginny Hsieh started on her animal conservation and research journey by taking on taxidermy at a museum.

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna where we search for the origin of Ginny's passion for birds and imagine how taxidermy could give a second life to the flightless, fallen birds.

Send in your own animal stories, photos, questions, or fun facts to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

Bird-window collisions in Taiwan: A serious issue often overlooked | Ep8

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

In the United States bird-window collisions can decimate up to 9% of the bird population annually.

Taiwan is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, one of the world's longest flyways of migratory birds. Are bird-window collisions just as much of a problem here? Can the same solutions be copy-pasted?

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna so you can learn all about bird-window collisions with guest Ginny Hsieh.

Send in your own animal stories, photos, questions, or fun facts to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

Goats most effective way to clear farmland | Ep7

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Did you know that one of the most cost-effective ways to clear farmland is to employ a flock of goats?

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna so you can learn all about the jobs goats take, and how much it costs to rent them. This week's episode is also full of pangolin sightings, dead fish, and the second half of Manly's story (listener submission).

Send in your own animal stories, photos, questions, or fun facts to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

Taiwanese crabs that live on land! | Ep6

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Terrestrial crabs are lineages of crabs that have evolved to live predominantly on land. Taiwan is home to six species of terrestrial crabs!

We finally have the first qualifying listener submission! Congratulations on your new box of animal-centric merchandise.

In this episode of Formosa Fauna:
- Terrestrial crabs
- Qatar Airways' new state-of-the-art pet handling services
- Caring for pets and animals in the heat
- Carol the Senegalese Parrot - listener submission
- Manly's servant - listener submission

Send in your own animal stories, photos, questions, or fun facts to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

International Cat Day is upon us! TNR no longer cutting it | Ep5

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:05:00 +0800

There are an estimated 600 million cats worldwide, 220 million of which are house cats, and 480 million of which are stray or feral! As International Cat Day approaches us on August 2, how will you be celebrating?

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna so you can learn all about the new initiative replacing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) in Taiwan: Trap-Neuter-Shelter-Adopt (TNSA)!

Send in your own animal stories, photos, questions, or fun facts to tristan@rti.org.tw!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

Origins of the dragon: What animals inspired its creation? | Ep4

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Dragons are very animal-like, and were perhaps inspired by a couple of real-life animals. Can you guess which ones?

In this episode Tristan talks dragons, Taiwanese pangolins, and dogs.

We also share a beautifully written submission from listener Sherry about her Boston Terriers (pictured below).

Thank you for your submission, Sherry!
Feel free to send your animal-related stories and photos to tristan@rti.org.tw so you can be a part of our program as well!

Join us next time on Formosa Fauna!

Are corals plants, animals, or rocks? | Ep3

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Coral reefs harbor many marine creatures. All sorts of marine life inhabit, breed, feed, and hide from enemies in coral reefs.

Taiwan's coral reef communities make up one-third of the world's variety of species. Of the 700 species of stony corals on the planet, 250 can be found along Taiwan's coast!

Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna so you can get to know coral reefs starting from the basics! Next time, you'll be able to confidently answer the question: Are corals plants, animals, or rocks?

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

Humans are only the second deadliest animals in the world... What could be the first? | Ep2

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Rat Catcher's Day is upon us! The July 22 holiday stems from German folklore.

While some cities deem rats "public enemy number one," they do make great pets and have contributed significantly to scientific research. One study has even revealed that rats can recognize when movies have rats in them!

By the way, did you know that Taiwan's infamous "little black mosquitoes" (小黑蚊) aren't mosquitoes at all? Listen to this episode to find out what they really are!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!

Taiwan's only remaining endemic cat species | Ep1

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 20:00:00 +0800

In the very first episode of Formosa Fauna, Tristan dives into the meaning and history behind "Formosa,” which dates back to 1517, and outlines what the program will be all about.

This episode is dedicated to the (arguably very adorable) leopard cat. While similar in size and weight to the domestic cat, leopard cats stand out due to their rounded ears, spotted patterns, and white splotches behind the ears.

What else will you learn in this episode? Dive in to find out.

Stick around to the end to find out how you can win a box of animal-centric merchandise!

Every Friday is Formosa Fauna Friday!