Oncorhynchus formosanus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oncorhynchus_masou_formosanus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Formosan landlocked salmon faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Taiwan's high-altitude streams, where rising water temperatures due to climate change exceed the species' thermal tolerance. Dam construction and water diversions have fragmented its already limited range in the Dajia River system, while agricultural runoff and sedimentation degrade water quality in remaining habitats. The species' restriction to cold mountain streams above 1,500 meters elevation makes it particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures.
Habitat
Endemic to cold, high-altitude mountain streams in Taiwan's Central Mountain Range, primarily in the upper Dajia River watershed above 1,500 meters elevation. Requires pristine, well-oxygenated waters with temperatures below 20°C and rocky substrates for spawning.