Ecological Resilience and Community-Based Conservation in Island Wetlands: A Case Study of Cingluo Wetland, Penghu, Taiwan

Cingluo Wetland, located in Penghu Archipelago of Taiwan, is a nationally significant wetland featuring diverse habitats such as intertidal zones, mangroves, and sandy spits, and supports vibrant biodiversity. Over the past five years, dynamic ecological monitoring has recorded 318 species of vascular plants, 22 butterfly species, 13 dragonfly species, and 231 species of mollusks. The little tern (Sternula albifrons), a key indicator species, has shown increased nesting and hatching success due to habitat restoration efforts, though it remains threatened by predation from stray dogs. The tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), considered a living fossil, maintains one of Taiwan’s most stable populations within this wetland, underscoring its high conservation value. This study synthesizes recent ecological surveys and habitat assessments to evaluate ecological resilience and conservation challenges. Findings indicate that habitat enhancement significantly improves reproductive success for key species, while unmanaged external pressures continue to pose ecological risks. The study recommends strengthening long-term monitoring systems and promoting multi-stakeholder cooperation, especially local community involvement, to foster sustainable island wetland governance. Furthermore, the wetland’s potential as a site for environmental education and eco-tourism should be carefully developed in line with its ecological carrying capacity.