UN 
In the cloud forests of central Taiwan, researchers have confirmed the country’s tallest known tree—a 79.1-meter Taiwania cypress—thanks in part to citizen science efforts. The thousand-year-old giant, now officially named ‘the heaven sword of the Da’an River,’ was measured by a climbing team during the Lunar New Year holiday, drawing attention from conservationists and local communities alike.
The discovery, announced this week by Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, caps a months-long collaboration between professional botanists and volunteer mappers using LiDAR data and GPS tagging. The effort highlights Taiwan’s growing use of grassroots participation to boost biodiversity monitoring, a focus area in the nation’s 2026 climate adaptation strategy.
On site, three climbers ascended the tree, lowering a tape measure from the crown to the mossy forest floor—a process that took over six hours in humid, windy conditions. Officials say the confirmed height puts the tree among the top 10 tallest in Asia, and marks it as a flagship for Taiwan’s old-growth conservation ambitions.
While the measurement is a milestone, experts caution that the tree’s future is not guaranteed. Climate-driven typhoons and illegal logging remain key threats, especially as Taiwan’s summer storm season intensifies this month. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has pledged to expand patrols and invest in community-led forest stewardship, but details on funding and enforcement will be scrutinized in the second half of 2026.
The high-profile find comes as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its reporting on SDG 15 (Life on Land) and increase protected forest area by 2% before the end of 2026. Whether the momentum from this discovery translates into measurable policy delivery remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest known tree in Taiwan?
The tallest known tree in Taiwan is a 79.1-meter Taiwania cypress, officially named ‘the heaven sword of the Da’an River.’
How was Taiwan’s tallest tree measured?
A climbing team measured the tree by lowering a tape measure from the crown to the forest floor, a process that took over six hours.
Who helped discover and confirm the height of Taiwan’s tallest tree?
The discovery was a collaboration between professional botanists and volunteer citizen scientists using LiDAR data and GPS tagging.
What threats does Taiwan’s tallest tree face?
The tree faces threats from climate-driven typhoons and illegal logging, especially as Taiwan’s summer storm season intensifies.
How does this discovery relate to Taiwan’s conservation goals?
The discovery supports Taiwan’s efforts to monitor biodiversity, report on SDG 15 (Life on Land), and increase protected forest area by 2% before the end of 2026.
