Boundaries:

The wetland extends east to Ocean-view Bridge on Houlong River, west to the windbreaks and intertidal zones at south of Wanwa sentry, and south to the railway at the western corridor.

Introduction:

The shallow waters in the wetland are less polluted and of better water quality. The wetland covers Wanwa Veneridae Conservation Area. Harvesting is prohibited from Dec. 1 - Mar. 31, although people can harvest fish in the intertidal zone during the remainder of the year. Sand dunes formed by wind are about 3 meters high. Casuarina windbreaks cover approximately 3 ha with Pandanus odoratissimus and Hibiscus tiliaceus. Abandoned farming fields accumulate shallow water during the rainy season and become grassland during the dry season.

Ecological resources of importance:

Birds in the wetland include the common Anas poecilorhyncha and the rare Ardea purpurea. Beaches and sand dunes are habitats for Kentish Plover. From 1983-1989, the Bureau of Fishery discharged Veneridae along the Wanwa coast, and in 1999, based on Fisheries Act, the Miaoli County Government proclaimed a three-acre "Wanwa Veneridae Conservation Area" at the Wanwa coast.

Rare and valuable species:

Pomatorhinus ruficollis

Endangered species:

N/A

Other species needing protection and conservation:

N/A

The wetland's current status and potential threats:

Due to its privacy, the coastal windbreak has generally been a major habitat for egrets and ducks. However, since expansion of a bike path and completion of a windmill in 2009, the wetland has borne greater pressure from visitors, and wetland management has become more important and imminent.

Organizations involved in supporting the wetland:

Miaoli County Government

Xihu Wetland

Number:
TW010

Name:
Xihu Wetland

Category:
Coastal natural wetland, artificial wetland

Area:
142 ha

Administrative area:
Houlong Township, Miaoli County 120o44'29"E, 24o36'35"N

Legal position:
The area includes Wuwua Veneridae Conservation Area

Management Authority/Agent:
Economic Affairs Bureau, Miaoli County Government