Yulungchuan Ecological Trail。Luye Yong’an Community

玉龍泉是台東鹿野永安社區內的一條天然湧泉野溪，順著一小段階梯下行，便能見到涓涓流動的清澈溪澗。這裡為下切的小峽谷地形，有著豐富的動植物生態，想要尋寶很容易，翻起一個石塊，便很有機會像我一樣，找到雙色澤蟹的蹤影。

Yulungchuan is a natural mountain creek in Luye Yong’an Community, Taitung. With a few steps down, the clear stream water flow can be seen. Because of the incised valley terrain, it is rich with flora and fauna. Just by turning around a rock, you can find the 2- color tones crab (Geothelphusa Olea).

玉龍泉沿溪的小路為早期永安社區與鹿野高台兩地的往返捷徑，後來道路開通後，居民改騎車或開車，而這條小路便掩沒在荒煙蔓草之中，在社區居民合力整治下，而有了玉龍泉生態步道。

This small path along the Yulungchuan creek used to be the shortcut between Yong’an Community and Luye Plateau. After the road was built, the residents started to drive or bike. Because of this road, this small path has been abandoned until the residents re-built it as an Ecological Trail.

步道從社區起點開始，僅需步行一小段階梯，便能見到涓涓流動的清澈溪澗，照片裡幾處泛著漣漪的地方就是湧泉處。

The trail starts from the village. In just a few steps down lies a stream with trickling water. The places shown with ripples in the photo are locations of the mountain springs.

「玉龍泉生態步道的前段為高架木棧道，溪水就在棧道底下潺潺流動」

The beginning part of the ecological trail is an elevated wooden pass. The creek flows below.

高架木棧道兩旁的淺溪處是螃蟹的棲息地，導覽義工廖先生翻起一個石塊，果然一隻肚子護佑著數隻幼蟹的雙色澤蟹便出現在我們眼前。

On both sides of the wooden pass are the crabs’ resting places. Mr. Liu, a volunteer tour guide, picked up a piece of rock and turned it around. A 2-color tones crab showed up with babies under her belly.

在尋找雙色澤蟹的蹤影時，在溪水邊發現了一顆顆黑色的圓形果實，這是血藤的種子，相當的可愛討喜。

While I was searching the crabs, I found the black round shape seeds by the creek. This is the seed of Rusty-Leaf Muuna. They are so cute!

高架木棧道的盡頭連著一段下行的木階梯，從這裡就進入步道的第二段。我在階梯的底端處又發現一隻澤蟹的蹤影。

Towards the end of the wooden pass, you can enter the second part of the trail. I found another crab below the steps.

原本涓涓細流的溪水，在這裡因為地形的關係，水量變多流速也變快許多。玉龍溪兩旁的野薑花盛開，陣陣花香撲鼻而來，讓人視覺與嗅覺都能獲得滿足。

The trickling water flow began to flow faster and with more volumes in this area due to the terrain. The area is full of blossoming Butterfly Lilies. The fragrance of the flowers feels so satisfying.

步道裡利用荒池設置的生態池，種植了多種的水生植物，是觀察青蛙、蜻蜓及豆娘的最佳之地。生態池的四周植有蜜源植物，可以看到蝴蝶不時飛舞其中。

Lots of abandoned ponds have become ecological ponds filled with water plants. It is a great place to observe frogs, dragonflies and damselflies. Nectar plants are around the ponds attracting many fluttering butterflies.

玉龍泉生態步道可以觀察到相當多種類的蛙類，而且數量相當的多，蛙季時走在步道上都要小心別踩到他們，阿忠大哥說的眉飛色舞，我光聽就覺得很興奮。這段處於泥濘之地的花輪步道，是利用百餘個廢棄的彩繪輪胎所鋪成的步道，高度不僅隔絕了泥濘，還能讓避免蛙、蟹被踩到，這是社區居民的創意與巧思呢！沿著步道繼續上行，便能抵達鹿野高台，可以一覽高台的美麗景緻。

All kinds of frogs can be observed along the trail. During the peak time, be careful not to step on them. I was so excited by Mr. Liu’s description. The muddy trail here is covered by the colorful tires. The elevated used color- painted tires are for people to walk on so that the frogs and crabs would not be stepped on. This is a very thoughtful idea. Following this trail takes you to the Luye Plateau known for a breathtaking view. Read More