In Taiwan’s misty mountain wilderness, a thousand-year-old Taiwania fir has been crowned the tallest tree in the country at 84.1 meters high, standing taller than many modern buildings. This discovery was made possible by a unique blend of expert fieldwork, remote sensing technology, and citizen science participation.
- The tree measures 84.1 meters (276 feet), taller than a 20-story building.
- Nearly 400 volunteers helped refine data through citizen science.
- Indigenous guides were integral to navigating Taiwan’s steep terrain.
What happened
After nearly a decade of searching mountainous forests, a team of ecologists, remote sensing experts, climbers, and Indigenous people confirmed Taiwan’s tallest tree: an 84.1-meter Taiwania fir over 1,000 years old. The team used a combination of field expeditions and airborne lidar technology to scan the dense forests of northern Taiwan. Volunteers online sifted through tens of thousands of candidate trees by marking their height profiles to help narrow the search.
The most promising candidate was reached during a challenging January 2023 expedition near the Da’an River. Climbing the tree, researchers measured its exact height by dropping a tape from the top to the base. This tree surpassed all previous records, standing nearly 5 meters taller than earlier estimates from lidar data. Indigenous knowledge was crucial throughout the process for navigating the rugged terrain and ensuring respectful access to the sacred forest.
Why it feels good
The discovery highlights the powerful impact of combining scientific tools with community involvement and Indigenous expertise to achieve remarkable natural discoveries. The blending of cutting-edge technology with crowd-sourced data creates a new model for exploring and protecting natural wonders worldwide.
This achievement also celebrates Taiwan’s rich forest heritage despite past logging. With nearly 60% forest coverage today including pockets of ancient trees on steep slopes, the find reminds us of nature’s resilience and the value of protecting these irreplaceable giants. It brings pride in local stewardship and inspires deeper connections to the environment.
What to enjoy or watch next
Nature and adventure lovers can explore Taiwan’s diverse landscapes and learn about its unique tree species including the Taiwania fir, known locally as “the tree that hits the moon.” Documentaries and future research from the Taiwan tree seekers team are expected to share more about this fascinating ecosystem.
You can look forward to expanded citizen science projects that invite global volunteers to help monitor forests using remote sensing tools. Taiwan’s Giant Tree Map has identified hundreds of other towering trees, offering many new stories to uncover and celebrate the island’s majestic natural heritage.