Research on and protection of the Romer’s Tree Frog in Hong Kong

Prepared byChow Wai Kin

6B (6)

A. General Introduction

Introduction

• First discovered by the naturalist Mr. J. D. Romer on Lamma Island in 1952

• Philautus romeri• Can only be found in Hong Kong• Protected Wild Animals under the Wild Ani

mals Protection Ordinance

Introduction

• Metamorphosis is completed in 4 to 5 weeks

• The smallest amphibian among frogs and toads found in Hong Kong

• Breeding season is from early March to September

• Feed on small arthropods

The different stages of the frog

Tadpole Subadult Adult

Appearance and body structure

• Average body length: 1.5 to 2.0 cm• A dark X-shaped mark on its back• Female is slightly larger than male• Brown- body• Have small suction discs

Significance

• Brown- body --- Match with its surroundings and gives camouflage against the background

• Small suction discs --- Allow the frogs to suck tree branches or leaves

Suction discs

X-shaped mark

Habitat

• Well-wooded area near streams• Other water sources suitable for breeding

Woodland in Ngong Ping Poi Toi

Their habitat in Hong Kong

Chek Lap Kok

Lautau Island Lamma Island

Po Toi

B. Protection

What have the government done?

• Part of Ngong Ping in Lantau, has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in May 1999

• Rescued over 200 individuals from the Chek Lap Kok before construction of the new Hong Kong airport there and released them to several sites in the territory

What have the government done?

• The Herpetofauna Working Group of AFCD has initiated a regular monitoring of the Romer's Tree Frogs in the native and release sites since 2002.

Artificial breeding pool in Tsui Hang

One of the release sites - Tai Lam

Release of captive-bred Romer's Tree

Frogs

Ngong Ping SSSI

Translocation Sites

• Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden • Pat Sin Leng Country Park• Tai Lam Country Park• Tsui Hang Special Area • Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Ga

rdens

References

• http://resources.emb.gov.hk/biology/english/environment/enviro/hk_endangered.html

• http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_fau/con_fau_rom/con_fau_rom_gen/con_fau_rom_gen.html