Taiwan’s tallest tree found with help of citizen science
Researchers in Taiwan identified the country’s tallest tree, an 84.1-meter Taiwania fir named “the Heaven Sword of the Da’an River,” using airborne laser scans and data analyzed by 372 citizen scientists. The discovery, made after a decade of searches, highlights the role of community involvement in ecological research and reveals the presence of 941 giant trees across the island. The tree, located in a remote mountainous region, is part of a rare species that thrives in Taiwan’s unique climate and has cultural significance to Indigenous communities. The findings underscore the importance of protecting these ancient forests, which store significant amounts of carbon but face environmental threats.
Researchers in Taiwan found the country’s tallest tree, an 84.1-meter Taiwania fir, with help from citizen scientists who analyzed data from airborne laser scans.
The discovery highlights the role of citizen science in conservation and shows how technology can help locate and protect ancient, carbon-storing trees under threat from climate change and logging.
This story celebrates collaboration between scientists, local communities, and technology to uncover natural wonders and protect them for future generations.
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