Satoyama: Wild Neighbors

People have sought to create productive landscapes that balance human activity with biodiversity. In Spain, there is the “dehesa”; in Hawaii, the “ahupuaʻa”; in Japan, the “satoyama.” “Satoyama: Wild Neighbors” is a three-episode series that discovers how humans and wildlife live side by side.

Protecting the Taiwan Leopard Cat-Satoyama: Wild Neighbors Ep. 1

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Provider TaiwanPlus

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The Taiwan leopard cat is a critically endangered species which has long shared its habitat with people. This native feline appeared in Indigenous stories and lived alongside local communities for generations. Yet as human development expands, leopard cats face growing threats from road traffic and stray dogs. Much of their home range falls within “satoyama,” a patchwork of habitats where people and wildlife coexist. While this way of living supports rich biodiversity, it also brings leopard cats into closer contact with human activity. Researcher Lin Yu-hsiu has dedicated her career to better understanding and conserving this elusive species. At the Wildlife Rescue and Research Center, injured leopard cats alongside other animals are rescued, rehabilitated, and prepared for a return to the wild. Together, their efforts offer hope that Taiwan’s most iconic wild cats will continue to thrive for generations to come. “Satoyama: Wild Neighbors” takes you on a journey through Taiwan’s satoyama landscapes, where humans and wildlife live side by side. Discover remarkable creatures and the inspiring conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the habitats they call home.