The island's high mountain forests are predominantly cyprus, although camphor used to grow in abundance. Taiwan was once home to many endemic species, including the Formosan black bear, the Formosan Sika deer and the Formosan landlocked salmon. In its headlong scurry towards economic prosperity, Taiwan has managed to destroy most of the western coast's habitat and wipe out a species or two, although the inaccessibility of the rest of the island has made it a natural wildlife reserve. But in the last 20 years Taiwan has declared 67 reserves, including six national parks, and instituted some fairly hefty environmental legislation. Summer is hot and sticky all over the low parts of the island, with drenching rains in the mountains.
Taiwanese culture is very similar to that of China.
Most Chinese music is made with string instruments or flutes, but you'll have to go out of your way to hear the delightful melodies these produce. You're far more likely to hear the strident noise of temple trumpets and gongs. The Taiwanese take health and longevity very seriously. If you're an early riser, you will often see groups of people gliding through the graceful motions of taijiquan as the sun rises. Despite this, people do die, and when they do the tip-toeing attitude goes out the window.