Hong Kong Cascade Frog

Hong Kong cascade frog
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Ranidae
Genus: Amolops
Species:
A. hongkongensis
Binomial name
Amolops hongkongensis
(Pope and Romer, 1951)
Synonyms

Staurois hongkongensis Pope and Romer, 1951

Hong Kong cascade frog or Hong Kong torrent frog (Amolops hongkongensis) is a species of true frog from southern coastal China,[2] once thought to be endemic to Hong Kong. Their eggs are laid on rock faces in the splash zones of cascades.[3] In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170.

Distribution and habitat

Originally described from Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong, populations are now also known from Guangdong.[1][2] In Hong Kong, the species is found in the New Territories and on Hong Kong Island.[3] It was found in rather small streams in Lung Fu Shan.[4]

Amolops hongkongensis inhabit forest-fringed, small hill streams, particularly those with cascades. Tadpoles have a ventral sucker helping them to maintain their position in the stream. Its habitat is threatened by silviculture, clear-cutting, and dam and other infrastructure construction.[1]

Description

Both male and female Amolops hongkongensis grow to a snout–vent length of 40 mm (1.6 in). Tadpoles are up to 25 mm (0.98 in) in length.[5] The diameter of its suction discs is 3-4 times the width of the fingers. It contains the tarsal fold and has white velvety nuptial pads on the first fingers.[3]

Gallery

  • Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis) at a waterfall in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis)
  • Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis) at a waterfall in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis)
  • Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis) at a waterfall in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis)

References

  1. ^ a b c IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2021). "Amolops hongkongensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T58210A63852284. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T58210A63852284.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Amolops hongkongensis (Pope and Romer, 1951)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  3. ^ a b c Lau, Michael (2005). "The South China Cascade Frog, Amolops ricketti, found in Hong Kong". Porcupine!. Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, HKU. 32 (March 2005): 8. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  4. ^ Sung, Yik Hei (2006). "Night safaris in Lung Fu Shan Country Park, Hong Kong". Porcupine!. Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, HKU. 34 (September 2006): 16–17. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  5. ^ Fei, L. (1999). Atlas of Amphibians of China (in Chinese). Zhengzhou: Henan Press of Science and Technology. p. 242. ISBN 7-5349-1835-9.

External links

Media related to Amolops hongkongensis at Wikimedia Commons