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Approximately fifty species of raptors inhabit Taiwan's skies, but the Mountain Hawk-Eagle is hailed as "The Elusive King" due to its magnificent physique and secretive nature. It is also classified as a critically endangered, Level I protected species. To raise awareness about this rare raptor hidden in the mountains, the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan, with the support of the Wistron Foundation, is hosting the "Mountain Hawk-Eagle Special Exhibition" at the Grass Mountain Raptor Center. This exhibition gives the public a chance to get an up-close look at these 'Rulers of the Sky.'
A Journey into the Life of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Upon entering the exhibition, visitors will first encounter the diverse naming history of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle. These names—including 'Bearded-foot Eagle,' 'White Eagle,' and the Indigenous term 'kuma-taka'—are more than just linguistic traces; they carry the memories of different cultures and their enduring connection to nature. The Mountain Hawk-Eagle inhabits remote, pristine mountain forests rarely visited by humans. It took the research team over two decades of meticulous tracking, which included fitting the eagles with GPS trackers, to gradually unravel the mysteries of their lives.The exhibition features the ecological documentary Mountain Hawk-Eagle on the Mountain, as well as the special live broadcast Salung's Bedtime Story, which once attracted 150,000 online viewers. These films immerse the public in the intimate family life of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle as they raise their young, soar, and forage in the mountain wilderness. Through these films, visitors can truly appreciate the magnificence of nature and the incredible resilience of life.
The Secrets of the Eagle's Menu and The Interactive Family Challenge
Apart from revealing the daily life of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle, the exhibition also introduces its dietary secrets to visitors. The Mountain Hawk-Eagle's menu commonly comprises flying squirrels, Muntjac fawns, and even snakes and lizards. Hawk-Eagle families in different regions often have their own "local menus," which fully reflect the balance and diversity of the ecosystem. The exhibition specially features the "Prey Weight Challenge" parent-child game, inviting both children and adults to try lifting models of simulated prey. Examples include a 2 kg Formosan Macaque, a 1.5 kg Muntjac fawn, and a mere 40 g Diploderma lizard, allowing participants to experience the Mountain Hawk-Eagle's arduous task of carrying its catch back to the nest.
The Mountain Hawk-Eagle's survival faces significant challenges from habitat loss and fragmentation, compounded by the persistent threat of poaching. While the population remains small, rising conservation awareness has led to research showing an encouraging trend of their distribution range expanding. This expansion symbolizes the resilience and hope for our mountain ecosystems. We invite everyone to bring your family to the Grass Mountain Raptor Center to learn about the Mountain Hawk-Eagle. While you are here, take a walk through the beautiful scenery of Yangmingshan and enjoy a wonderful time connecting with nature.
Exhibition Information Exhibition Period | September 23, 2025, to March 1, 2026 (Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Exhibition Venue | Grass Mountain Raptor Center (No. 7, Jianye Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei City) Admission | Free of Charge Organizers | Taiwan Raptor Research Group (TRRG), Wistron Foundation