Hong Kong cascade frog | |
---|---|
Scientific 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.
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]
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]
Media related to Amolops hongkongensis at Wikimedia Commons