Rookery Profile: TaiPing Island

English name: TaiPing Island

Chinese name: 太平島 (Tai-Ping-Dao)


View Larger Map Location: 10.3750° N, 114.3667° E

Sand type: Coral

Studied since: 1995 (only occasional, short research trips)

Predominant species: There is an relatively high number of sea turtles nesting on this small, remote island. The number of sea turtles nesting each year likely exceeds that of any other Taiwanese rookery. However, data on this nesting population is limited due to the fact that the island is extremely remote, and the military allows very limited stays on the island. During peak season, over 20 turtles can be encountered nesting in one night.

Interesting facts:
- Turtle research patrols here are always accompanied by an armed military escort.
- This island is also claimed by China, Vietnam, Malaysia, The Philippines and Brunei.

Selected readings:

Cheng, I-J. 2007. The nesting ecology and post-nesting migration of sea turtles on Taipin Tao, Nansha Archipelago, South China Sea. Chelonia Conserv. Biol. 6(2): 277-282.

Cheng, I-J. 2000. Sea turtles at Dungsha Tao (Pratas Island) and Taipin Tao (Spratly Islands), South China Sea. in Pilcher, N. and G. Ismail (eds.) “Sea Turtles of the Indo-Pacific: Research, Management and Conservation” pp. 59-68. ASEAN Academic Press, London.