The “Protecting Every Owl” project was launched in 2021 by Professor Yuan-Shiuan Suen’s team at the NPUST Institute of Wildlife Conservation. The team has long been engaged in practical work, such as raptor monitoring, nest box installation, field inspections, and teaching material development. Over the last several years, more students have joined the team, helping to expand the work from the university campus to elementary schools and diverse rural settings, assisting with habitat restoration and cross-discipline communication. The team’s work has been an excellent example of the profound power of academic continuity and local practice. By the end of 2024, the project had installed over 100 owl nest boxes in farmlands in Gaoshu, Pingtung; Dongshan, Tainan; and Wufeng, Taichung. They also documented 53 successful breeding cases, with some locations having maintained stable breeding for four consecutive years. Over 100 Farglory Life corporate volunteers participated in nest box painting, farmland inspections, base visits, and the sourcing of non-toxic agricultural products, and together, they are gradually integrating ecological issues into corporate culture and life values.

In addition to carrying out on-site conservation work, the NPUST team has been holding lectures and experiential courses for farmers and young students. They also designed a series of picture books and teaching kits, including “When You Become an Owl” and “The Coexistence of Raptors and Agriculture”. By participating in the project, NPUST students have gained valuable experience collaborating with businesses, gained deeper understandings of ESG and sustainable governance, and honed practical cross-disciplinary skills.

In its fifth year this year, “Protecting Every Owl” project entered is now led by Assistant Professor Shiao-Yu Hong of the Institute of Wildlife Conservation and Hui-shan Lin, a doctoral student in the Biological Resources Program of the College of Agriculture. This year, the project team was also recognized at the sixth Global Views Magazine USR Awards, receiving the Model Award in the “Ecological Common Good” Category—a clear indication of the positive impact that their joint efforts are having on ecological conservation and social engagement.

The Taiwan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) is a rare and precious subspecies of pangolin which is endemic to Taiwan. According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Biodiversity Research Institute, over the past decade more than 70% of pangolin injuries were caused by dog ​​attacks. These attacks often cause broken tails which make it impossible for the pangolin to carry their pups—thus affecting the success rate of the rearing process. With the results of Sun’s recent study, the field of pangolin conservation now as new and important reference to consider. Additionally, the data collected by Sun’s team has also helped develop a clearer picture of the symbiotic relationship of pangolins, termites, and various vegetation. The researchers intend to use their results to establish local pangolin conservation models and create ecological industries. They also hope to promote their model throughout Taiwan and work with various partners to protect Taiwan’s fragile shallow-mountain ecosystems and its rich biodiversity.

The morning session was hosted by Professor Chao-Nan Lin of the NPUST Department of Veterinary Medicine and Professor Joey Jai-Wei Lee of the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation. Researcher Tatsuya Nishi of Japan’s National Institute of Animal Health shared on the current situation of the Japanese swine fever epidemic and the progress of related research. Professor Elijah G. Kiarie of the Department of Animal Science of Guelph University (Canada) shared on the application of enzymes in pig nutrition.

At noon, Dr. Satoshi Otake provided an introduction to the upcoming 11^th Asian Pig Veterinary Society’s (APVS) 2025 International Symposium, and invited related professionals to attend the event in Fukuoka City, Japan from November 9^th to 12^th. Director Ming-Chung Deng of the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Research Institute then briefed the participants on the current status of the domestic swine vaccine and the future plans for improving the vaccine industry. The afternoon session was jointly hosted by Cheng-Yao Yan, Director of the NCHU Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology; Professor Shao-Yu Peng of the NPUST Department of Animal Science; and Assistant Professor Chao-Wei Huang of the NPUST Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation.

Assistant Professor Chia-Yi Chang the NTU Department of Veterinary Medicine shared her research on the different genotypes of the classical swine fever virus; Professor Xin Zhao of the Department of Animal Science at McGill University in Canada shared on nutritional intervention measures for pig production and intestinal health; Chief Cheng-Da Tsai of the Veterinary Administration Section of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency shared on Taiwan’s eradication of classical swine fever and Deputy Director Shen-Chang Chang of the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute shared on the application of AI and Internet of Things in pig breeding and management. Twelve students from participating schools also give oral presentations and shared new information from the research they are conducting.

NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang said “this ultrasound equipment will not only add to the bolster the school’s resources for training students in diagnostics, but will also enhance the clinical service capabilities of the teaching hospital. In the future, the NPUST College of Veterinary Medicine will continue to build a professional veterinary education platform to further promote the development of Smart and precision animal medicine. “

Jui-Yang Hsu, Director of Toufen Animal Hospital, said “during my school years, equipment limitations meant that opportunities to do ultrasound imaging diagnosis were less available. Now, I am very pleased to see the progress and excellence of my alma mater. I hope that through this donation, my juniors will be able to accumulate more experience in veterinary imaging. More hands-on opportunities will help them acquire professional skills and allow them to cultivate talent in imaging diagnostics. We hope these devices will create more possibilities to precision animal medicine and health.”

During the four-day program, training was provided to SENACSA ​​laboratory testing personnel, Animal Husbandry Department personnel, ​​slaughterhouse and food hygiene personnel, and sixth-year students of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Asunción. More than 300 people attended the lectures. Professor Lin’s lively lecture style matched his lecture topics and he used real-world cases to make the concepts easier to follow. The NPUST professor was very well received by SENACSA ​​staff and the university students.

After the lectures, Professor Lin met with Secretary Chieh-Han Yang of the Taiwan Embassy in Paraguay to discuss the implementation of the plan and ways to promote exchanges between the veterinary medicine departments in the two countries in the future. Taiwan has opened up to the import of Paraguayan pork since the end of 2022 and as of 2023 it has become the largest market for Paraguayan pork. The exchange and interaction that has resulted from the cooperation plan is creating new opportunities for businesses and more choice for consumers— but more importantly, it is helping to promote the production of safe and healthy food sources.

Hans Nauwynck, professor of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University in Belgium and founder of the Provaxs Center, was among the keynote speakers at the forum. With focus given to “Immunology and Vaccine Development”, the participants exchanged research technologies and recent developments in the field. The event attracted industry professionals, academics, and students from related areas of study.

The forum included three keynote speeches and a series of comprehensive discussions. The first session was taught by Omkar Vijay Byadgi, Assistant Professor at the NPUST International College, who shared a “Discussion on the Relationship between Fish Disease Vaccines and Microorganisms”. The second lecture was provided by Center for Sustainable & Smart Pig Breeding Technology professor, Chao-Nan Lin, who shared an “Analysis of the Current Situation of PRRS in Taiwan”. For the third session, Professor Hans Nauwynck of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University shared on “PRRS Immunology and Vaccine Development”. Following the three keynote speeches, questions were raised and lively discussions took place. During the intermission, the participants also had a chance to peruse research posters at the tea and refreshments room, and learn about the research taking place at the NPUST Research Center for Animal Biologics.

The conference was attended by such VIPs as Vice Minister Wen-Jane Tu of the Ministry of Agriculture, President Chin-Lung Chang of NPUST, President David Tan of the Taiwan Veterinary Medical Association, President Kun-Hui Lin of the Ping Tung Veterinary Medical Association, President Isao Kurauchi of the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations, and President Juhyung Hur of the Korean Veterinary Medical Association.

During the conference an award for “Special Contributions to Veterinary Medicine in Taiwan” was presented to Dr. Chun Tsai Lin, who joined the Institute of Animal Epidemic Serum Production (the predecessor of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Research Institute) in 1943 and made fundamental contributions to the research and development of swine fever vaccines. He continually dedicated himself to the mission of preventing infectious animal diseases during his nearly 50 years of public service, often saying “if I can see with my own eyes that swine flu in Taiwan has been completely eradicated in my lifetime, that will be enough!”

Dr. Lin, was able to get what he hoped for, as Vice Minister Wen-Jane Tu of the Ministry of Agriculture noted in her speech: “at this grand event, I would like to express my special thanks to veterinarians for the three areas of their expertise. First, for keeping African swine fever at bay and eradicating foot-and-mouth disease since 2018; and also quickly eliminating bovine nodular rash and fending off goatpox and traditional swine so that Taiwan’s livestock industry could flourish. Secondly, veterinarians not only take care of our furry friends and families at home, but also the black bears, pangolins and other protected animals in the wild. And thirdly, they are working together for One Health. 60% human diseases come from animals, 75% of emerging infectious diseases also come from animals, and 80% of the pathogens which cause biosecurity threats around the world come from animals. The contributions of veterinarians is very important; so today, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, I would like to thank all the veterinarians present on this special day.”

NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang expressed his gratitude to veterinarians in his speech while pointing out that “this year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, and our school of veterinary medicine has been here since the beginning. Over the past century, countless of outstanding veterinarians have been trained at this university and have made significant contributions to the country and society. In the future, NPUST will continue in its commitment to cultivating outstanding professional talents in the field.”

President Chin-Lung Chang of NPUST said in his speech: “NPUST continues to carry out this environmental protection and ecological restoration project with Farglory Life Insurance, and the results of our mutual cooperation thus far are very outstanding and eye-catching. Through the use of biological control methods, we can improve public health, protect ecosystems and reduce the impact of pesticides. I hope that we can continue to reap greater benefits as we promote such meaningful pursuits, so that in addition to seeing flourishing ecosystems, we can also set the best example for each other as we contribute to society”.

Farglory General Manager Hsueh-hsin Chao said: “Farglory supports NPUST’s USR team as they help companies invest in ecological conservation. This action resulted in Farglory Life Insurance winning the Taiwan Insurance Institute’s Excellence Award, the Taiwan Sustainability Action Award, and the Asia Responsible Enterprise Award—and make the shortlist for the Global Vision Magazine ESG Corporate Responsibility Award. The results are beyond expectations, and I hope very much that we can continue to work together with NPUST on this “USR X CSR” conservation work”.

The “Protecting Every Owl” project, which was launched three years ago, currently has ecological restoration bases in Pingtung’s Gaoshu, Hengchun, and Checheng townships and also in the ShengHsian Community of Tainan’s Dongshan District. Working in these areas, teachers and students from the NPUST Institute of Wildlife Conservation have helped erect a total of 13 field perches and 81 owl nest boxes. When conducting ecological restoration surveys, a total of 53 species of birds, including 9 species of protected raptors were recorded (black-winged kite, crested goshawk, sparrow hawk, crested serpent eagle, gray-faced buzzard, crested honey buzzard, common kestrel, collared scops owl, brown hawk owl). Thanks to the nest box installations, a total of 7 pairs of collared scops owls got settled in and bred 16 young birds, which successfully matured and left the nest. Huishan Lin, a doctoral student at NPUST who is responsible for this project, said: “The most important thing about University Social Responsibility (USR) is whether university teachers and students can put actions to practice that contribute to society. The ecological surveys we conduct in the field are more than records, more importantly they help influence local communities to take action together. And so, the farmers who are willing to change their farming methods in these in ecological restoration bases are playing a key role.”

President Chin-Lung Chang of NPUST said in his speech: “NPUST continues to carry out this environmental protection and ecological restoration project with Farglory Life Insurance, and the results of our mutual cooperation thus far are very outstanding and eye-catching. Through the use of biological control methods, we can improve public health, protect ecosystems and reduce the impact of pesticides. I hope that we can continue to reap greater benefits as we promote such meaningful pursuits, so that in addition to seeing flourishing ecosystems, we can also set the best example for each other as we contribute to society”.

Farglory General Manager Hsueh-hsin Chao said: “Farglory supports NPUST’s USR team as they help companies invest in ecological conservation. This action resulted in Farglory Life Insurance winning the Taiwan Insurance Institute’s Excellence Award, the Taiwan Sustainability Action Award, and the Asia Responsible Enterprise Award—and make the shortlist for the Global Vision Magazine ESG Corporate Responsibility Award. The results are beyond expectations, and I hope very much that we can continue to work together with NPUST on this “USR X CSR” conservation work”.

The “Protecting Every Owl” project, which was launched three years ago, currently has ecological restoration bases in Pingtung’s Gaoshu, Hengchun, and Checheng townships and also in the ShengHsian Community of Tainan’s Dongshan District. Working in these areas, teachers and students from the NPUST Institute of Wildlife Conservation have helped erect a total of 13 field perches and 81 owl nest boxes. When conducting ecological restoration surveys, a total of 53 species of birds, including 9 species of protected raptors were recorded (black-winged kite, crested goshawk, sparrow hawk, crested serpent eagle, gray-faced buzzard, crested honey buzzard, common kestrel, collared scops owl, brown hawk owl). Thanks to the nest box installations, a total of 7 pairs of collared scops owls got settled in and bred 16 young birds, which successfully matured and left the nest. Huishan Lin, a doctoral student at NPUST who is responsible for this project, said: “The most important thing about University Social Responsibility (USR) is whether university teachers and students can put actions to practice that contribute to society. The ecological surveys we conduct in the field are more than records, more importantly they help influence local communities to take action together. And so, the farmers who are willing to change their farming methods in these in ecological restoration bases are playing a key role.”