Fauna
Plant

Taiwan Keteleeria

Keteleeria davidiana formosana

Also known as Formosan Keteleeria, Taiwan Fir-Pine

Taiwan Keteleeria is an ancient evergreen conifer endemic to the low-to-mid elevation ridges of northern and central Taiwan. Its flat needle leaves and large upright cones resemble firs, though mature cones release winged seeds while remaining attached to high branches. Habitat loss and poor natural regeneration leave surviving wild groves isolated on dry, rocky slopes.

ConiferEndemicEvergreen
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, low seed viability, land development
HabitatsSubtropical montane forests, dry rocky ridges
Life span300–500 years
  1. FamilyPinaceae
  2. SpeciesKeteleeria davidiana formosana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Identified by dark grey rough bark, flat notched needles, and distinct upright woody cones on upper branches.
Support conservation
Avoid stepping around root bases or collecting seeds and foliage from wild trees.
Responsible observation
  • Cone Identification: Look for barrel-shaped cones standing upright on high branches during late autumn.
  • Bark Features: Observe the thick, dark grey, deeply fissured bark on mature trunks.
  • Trail Etiquette: Stick to designated hiking paths to protect fragile root zones from compaction.
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