https://wistron-backend.azurewebsites.net/?project=let-raptors-soar-freely-in-the-sky
Achievements | Let Raptors Soar Freely in the Sky

Background

For many years, the Wistron Foundation has focused on promoting raptor-related issues. In 2015, the foundation sponsored the theatrical release of the documentary Fly, Kite, Fly, directed by Liang Chieh-te and produced by the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan. Following this success, the foundation partnered with the National Geographic Channel in 2020 to launch the documentary Night Hunters: Taiwan Grass Owls. This collaboration, featuring directors Yang Shou-yi and Wan Chun-ming, brought the image of this nocturnal raptor into the public eye.

To help more people learn about and understand raptor ecosystems and conservation, the foundation has been assisting the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan since 2021 in establishing the Grass Mountain Raptor Center, the first raptor education center in Taiwan. This initiative promotes raptor-related environmental education and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, the foundation supports a series of critical projects, including raptor conservation and rescue, raptor toxicology analysis, provision of medical and diagnostic equipment, and maintenance of rescue facilities. By supporting the collection of front-line field survey data and toxicological test results, the foundation provides a scientific basis for raptor conservation strategies, encourages public awareness of raptor ecology, and inspires more people to join the ranks of raptor protectors.

0 raptors rescued

2022-2024 Raptor Rescue Statistics

0 cases

2022-2024 Raptor Toxicology and Pathology Analyses

0 participants

2022-2024 Environmental Education

草山猛禽中心

Raptor Rescue and Pathology Analysis

Before the establishment of the Grass Mountain Raptor Center, the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan founded the first dedicated raptor rescue station on Yangmingshan in 2017. This station has since become a sanctuary for wild raptors in northern Taiwan, receiving between 100 and 200 individuals annually. This effort not only allows raptors that have fallen to the ground to return to the sky but also provides valuable species and environmental information from the blood and tissue samples collected from injured, sick, or deceased raptors.

Raptor Education Exhibition and "Eagle Meet" Lecture Series

To help the public better understand these mysterious raptors, the center continually promotes environmental education through various events such as special exhibitions, guided tours, and lectures. It operates the Grass Mountain Raptor Center as a conservation hub for urban biodiversity and a sustainable environment. The center hosts two special exhibitions annually and is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Saturday. Groups of 10–30 people can also schedule guided tours. These diverse methods are employed to effectively raise public awareness about raptor species and their ecological importance. Furthermore, speakers from various fields are invited to share their knowledge of raptors and other ecological topics, delivered both in-person and online. This outreach helps more people appreciate the inseparable connection between the environment and humanity.

Grass Mountain Soaring Eagles: A Workshop Connecting Mountains and Raptors

Each year, the center arranges for free visits for students and communities from underserved or non-urban/rural areas. Through these environmental education programs, participants learn about raptor habits, their crucial role in the food chain, and how to identify these birds in their own neighborhoods. This experience sows the seeds of a mindset that is friendly to the environment, animals, and agriculture in the hearts of children.

Raptor Research Group of Taiwan (Grass Mountain Raptor Center)
Address: No. 7, Jianye Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei City
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Related Links
Raptor Research Group of Taiwan Official Website
Raptor Research Group of Taiwan Facebook Page

Outcome

2024Conservation efforts resulted in the rescue of 236 raptors, with 139 individuals successfully released back into the wild. In public education, special exhibitions—including "Seasonal migrants: Raptors traveling between latitudes" and the "Crested Goshawk Comic exhibition"—hosted 24 group tours, attracting 907 visitors. Furthermore, five "Eagle Meet" lecture sessions drew 831 participants, and the Grass Mountain Soaring Eagles Program successfully engaged 167 teachers and students from six remote schools.

2023Raptor conservation efforts led to the rescue of 224 raptors, with 139 successfully released back into the wild. For public education, the center held special exhibitions, including "Bird Window Collisions: Invisible Trap" and "Be with owl: whole nature around," hosting 28 group tours and attracting 699 visitors. Additionally, eight "Eagle Meet" lectures were conducted, drawing 762 participants, and the Grass Mountain Soaring Eagles Program engaged 84 teachers and students from four remote schools.

2022The Grass Mountain Raptor Center was established to focus on raptor rescue and educational outreach. Conservation efforts successfully rescued 224 raptors, with 140 individuals released back into the wild. For public education, two special exhibitions—"RRGT’s Throwback Exhibition: Searching for that Silhouette in the Sky" and "Poisoning in Raptors: Food Safety Crisis"—were held, hosting 23 group tours and drawing a total of 749 visitors. Furthermore, ten 'Eagle Meet' lectures were conducted, attracting 1,767 participants, and the Grass Mountain Soaring Eagles Program engaged 205 teachers and students from six remote schools.

Click to expand
One Two