Hong Kong cascade frog

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.

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

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]

  • 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. 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. 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. 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.

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