A thousand years old and 20 storeys high: tracking down Taiwan’s tallest trees
Researchers have identified and measured Taiwan's tallest tree, a 1,000-year-old conifer named 'Heaven Sword of the Da’an River' that stands 84.1 meters tall. The study highlights the ecological importance of these giant trees as complex habitats for diverse wildlife.
Why it matters
These ancient trees serve as critical carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, making their preservation essential for climate change mitigation and ecosystem health.
The country’s biggest tree – named Heaven Sword of the Da’an River – is a carbon-storing behemoth hosting whole neighbourhoods of wildlife. But this and other giant trees are under threat
The article is a factual report on scientific research and environmental conservation without political framing.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in