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Liuixalus romeri
The Romer's Tree Frog - Liuixalus romeri is endemic to Hong Kong and was previously only recorded in 4 outlying islands off Hong Kong including Chep Lap Kok Island. As mitigation of the effects of airport construction on Chek Lap Kok, the Chek Lap Kok population was translocated to suitable sites on Hong Kong Island and the New Territories (including Tsiu Hang Special Area, Tai Lam Country Park and Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve). It occurs from sea level to 650m asl. I found this at Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve.
The habitat of the frog is well-wooded areas near small streams or other water sources suitable for breeding. This frog usually sits on low bushes, buries itself in fallen leaves, or rests on bare ground.
Romer's Tree Frog was named after John D. Romer, who first discovered it in a cave on Lamma Island in 1952. That population disappeared in 1953 due to the collapse of the cave. Once thought to be extinct, the frog was rediscovered on the island in 1984. Over 200 individuals of the species were rescued from Chek Lap Kok in 1992, before the construction of the new Hong Kong International Airport. The captives were bred successfully and the offspring were released into eight selected sites in Hong Kong Island and New Territories. The frogs in seven of the sites survived. Surprisingly, a very small number of them also survive in Chek Lap Kok.
Spotted on Sep 20, 2018
Submitted on Oct 2, 2018
2 Comments
Thanks, @Daniele for the nomination.
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated Albert!