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
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
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]

Gallery

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  Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis)
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  Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis)
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  Hong Kong cascade frog (Amolops hongkongensis)