As part of its commitment to environmental conservation, ASUS continues to address biodiversity issues and has released its Natural Capital Strategy Map. In 2024, ASUS launched the "Dasyuehshan Middle-Altitude Pangolin Habitat Enhancement and Conservation Project,” and its annual achievements have been officially recognized by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, making ASUS one of the first certified corporations under this initiative. Through scientific surveys, habitat restoration, and conservation education, ASUS strives to restore natural ecosystems while deepening employee understanding and participation in conservation efforts. Since last year, ASUS has rolled out a series of awareness activities focused on pangolin conservation—from documentary screenings and expert panels to this year’s “Training Program for Pangolin Conservation” held before the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). The event once again invited Dr. Ching-Min Sun, a leading expert in pangolin conservation from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, to share his latest research and guide participants through practical conservation tasks.
 

 

Understanding Taiwan’s Pangolins: Exploring Conservation through Rare Videos and Specimen

With over 15 years of experience tracking Taiwan’s pangolins, Dr. Sun delivered an accessible and engaging presentation on this Critically Endangered species as listed by the IUCN Red List. He introduced the audience to pangolins’ taxonomy, habitat, and behaviors, using rare video clips and photographs. Attendees also had the unique opportunity to closely examine a preserved pangolin specimen, enhancing their learning through direct observation. Dr. Sun highlighted growing threats faced by wild pangolins in Taiwan, particularly from stray dog attacks. To address these challenges, his research team employs radio tracking and ant species identification techniques to monitor pangolins over time. These efforts contribute valuable insights to both local and global pangolin conservation.
 

 

Decoding the Pangolin Diet and Tracking Simulation: Experiencing the Reality of Conservation

Beyond knowledge sharing, the event featured hands-on activities to give participants a glimpse into the daily work of conservation professionals. Dr. Sun explained that understanding pangolin diets and tracking movements are key components of field research. The black-winged subterranean termite are a primary food source for pangolins, forming a complex food web that is critical to ecosystem health. According to Dr. Sun, a single pangolin scat sample may contain up to 80,000 to 100,000 termites. By identifying and counting termite mandibles within scat, researchers can map out ecological interactions and foraging behaviors. To further engage participants, Dr. Sun brought along actual radio transmitters and receivers. Employees simulated tracking exercises indoors, searching for a hidden transmitter (representing a pangolin) using sound signals. Despite being in a controlled environment, the task proved challenging—offering a deeper appreciation for the complexity of wildlife tracking in the wild.
 

 

In the final Q&A session, attendees actively raised questions about pangolin conservation, and some even shared personal encounters with wild pangolins. Dr. Sun explained how to handle injured pangolins and procedures for rehabilitation and release. The training session drew nearly 50% of last year’s documentary participants, with over 100 employees taking part in the series events. It not only enhanced awareness of endangered species but also received highly positive feedback. ASUS remains committed to continuing its involvement in the "Dasyuehshan Middle-Altitude Pangolin Habitat Enhancement and Conservation Project,” with the hope of increasing public and employee engagement in biodiversity issues.