Dahkeng Rhinoceros Beetles Allegedly Captured Illegally; Taichung City Government: Repeated Offenses Subject to Fines Up to NT$6,000

(CNA reporter Chao Li-yen Taichung, July 6) Dahkeng Trail No. 9 in Taichung City is lined with Formosan Gum trees, and the sight of rhinoceros beetles covering the trees in summer is known as "Insect Planet." This year, it is suspected that people have been capturing rhinoceros beetles, leading to a sharp decline in their numbers. The Taichung City Tourism and Travel Bureau stated today that repeated offenses after warnings will result in fines of up to NT$6,000.

Dahkeng Trail in Beitun District, Taichung City, attracts many visitors on weekends. Trail No. 9 is planted with Formosan Gum trees, which are often covered with rhinoceros beetles in the summer. Long-legged wasps, White Peacock butterflies, and Leopard Butterflies are also found around the trees, leading locals to call it "Insect Planet," attracting beetle enthusiasts.

Some visitors to Trail No. 9 recently discovered that the number of rhinoceros beetles has decreased this year. A poster has been put up on the trail stating, "The rhinoceros beetles have all been captured," urging visitors not to capture them arbitrarily, so that the Formosan Gum trees can once again be covered with rhinoceros beetles next year, interacting with other insects in a vibrant summer scene.

In response, the Taichung City Tourism and Travel Bureau stated in a press release that an investigation found the location where people were capturing rhinoceros beetles to be within parkland. Patrol officers have been instructed to issue immediate warnings. If warnings are ineffective, the bureau will collaborate with the Construction Bureau to enforce the relevant regulations regarding harm to flora and fauna under the Taichung City Park, Green Space, Boulevard, and Roadside Tree Management Self-governance Ordinance, which carries a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$6,000. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150706

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