The five species of Salamander in Taiwan are all endemic to the island
Salamander are not fish; they are amphibians that undergo three distinct life stages: eggs, tadpoles, and adults. They have existed on Earth for millions of years, witnessing the domination of dinosaurs, surviving the mass extinction of dinosaurs, and the emergence of humans.
During the distant glacial period, Salamander from the north crossed over land bridges and spread to Taiwan. However, as the glaciers receded and sea levels rose, the population of Salamander in Taiwan became isolated and could no longer return.
The cold and rugged forest floor of Taiwan's middle to high-altitude areas is where the Salamander, these glacial relics, survive. They are truly a rare and precious gift bestowed upon the people of Taiwan. However, due to global warming, rising temperatures, habitat destruction, and human interference, the Salamander are facing a significant threat to their survival. If their natural habitats disappear, they will lose their homes and be unable to continue reproducing.
In support of biodiversity conservation, the Wistron Foundation is backing the theatrical release of the film "Mountain Comes Alive," which introduces the ecology of Taiwan's Salamander and the environmental crisis they face. The film is a genuine and moving portrayal, not only achieving impressive box office results of 13 million tickets sold, ranking among the top 7 highest-grossing Taiwanese documentaries, but also being nominated for the "Best Documentary" award at the 25th Taipei Film Awards in 2023.