Battle to save Kuaigu’s ancient cypress forest

Affectionately known as “The Misty Forest” by locals, the ancient cypress forest of Kuaigu sits nestled high in the clouds at an elevation of 2500 meters, 141km along the Southern Cross-Island Highway. Estimated to be more than 1000 years old, this forest of towering Formosan cypress attracts visitors from far and wide.

Sadly, ever since Typhoon Morakot and a huge landslide roughly 60 meters in the valley below cypress tree No. 171, the ancient cypress trees of Kuaigu have been under serious threat. Unless we immediately stabilize and support the slopes, it is only a matter of time before we lose these majestic 1000-year-old guardians of the mountains.

以下為中英文對照

聳立南橫數千年 ，檜谷神木陷生存危機

位於南橫公路141公里有一處檜谷神木區，標高近兩千五百公尺的檜谷，因午後常有雲霧繚繞，因此有迷霧森林之稱。高聳入天的紅檜預估已經有超過千年的歷史，吸引到訪遊客的目光。

  八八風災後，檜谷巨木生存出現威脅，位於檜谷下方出現了大面積的崩塌，崩塌點甚至已接近171紅檜下方約六十米處。除非有堅固的岩盤支撐，否則樹齡千歲的紅檜也岌岌可危。

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