Amphibian · GBIF taxon 5217769
Hong Kong Cascade Frog
Amolops hongkongensisAlso known as Hong Kong Torrent Frog
Hong Kong cascade frogs cling to slick boulder faces in roaring mountain torrents where suction-cup toe discs prevent them from washing downstream. Females deposit gelatinous egg masses directly onto wet rock surfaces within cascade splash zones, while tadpoles feature specialized abdominal suckers to graze perilously close to white water. Development relies entirely on clean, oxygenated mountain streams, making pristine forest watersheds critical to survival.
AmphibianNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Midges
- Beetles
- Mayflies
Predators
- Stream snakes
- Freshwater crabs
- Birds
ThreatsStream channelization, water pollution, habitat loss
HabitatsFast-flowing rocky mountain streams, cascades, splash zones
Life span3–6 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyRanidae
- SpeciesAmolops hongkongensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless frog; observe without handling to protect delicate amphibian skin.
- What to notice
- Look for a small, flattened frog with expanded toe discs resting on wet boulders near waterfalls.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a clean distance, stay on designated stream trails, and never collect wild individuals or disturb egg masses.
Responsible observation
- Observe at night: Use a warm flashlight beam to spot frogs perched along wet rocks.
- Watch your step: Avoid stepping on slippery splash-zone rocks where egg clutches are attached.
- Protect skin: Never handle wild amphibians to prevent spreading pathogens or disrupting skin moisture.
Frequent Companion Sympatric Species Close Relative
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