Amphibians of Hong Kong
Amphibians of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, March 2025
We moved to Hong Kong back in 2019 and, ironically, long periods of ‘work from home’ or no work at all during the pandemic provided us with an unprecedented opportunity to thoroughly explore different habitats in this fascinating city. And just within the first couple of years in Hong Kong, we managed to find and photograph all amphibian species.
A little background on Hong Kong. It’s a special administrative region of China (which means that as a region, HK has the highest degree of - still somehow limited - autonomy from China’s central government). Hongkongers, for instance, have different passports to the Mainland Chinese and there’s border control between Hong Kong and Mainland China. The most commonly spoken language here is Cantonese, although we hear more and more Putonghua, mostly due to the increasing numbers of Mainland Chinese visitors. It is possible to communicate in English in most, especially touristy, places.
The total area of Hong Kong is just over 1,100 km2 (for comparison, London’s area is 1,570km2). Hong Kong is divided into three main areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hong Kong has 24 country parks and 22 'special areas' dedicated to conservation and recreation, covering more than 40% of the land area. It’s possible to go hiking and find yourself without any phone reception and a pretty long walk from any civilisation!
It’s those special green conservation areas where most amphibians can be found. There are 25 species of amphibians in Hong Kong (including non-native but well established species) - mostly frogs and one newt species. Let’s start with the newt.
Hong Kong newt (P. hongkongensis)
Hong Kong newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) is the only species of newt found in Hong Kong, protected under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170. They have gorgeous patches of orange/red markings on their ventral side. Juveniles tend to be much brighter or more orange in colour than adults; males have a blue stripe midway down the sides of the tail during breeding season. They are carnivorous and commonly found in or near streams.
White-spined cascade frog (A. albispinus)
Amolops albispinus
A medium-sized frog with a very flat body. They have well-developed adhesive toe pads on both forelimbs and hind legs which allow them to adapt to living in the fast-flowing stream. This species was once thought to be Amolops ricketti. However, ongoing research studying their molecular genetics by Lingnan University have shown that they are actually Amolops albispinus. Amolops albispinus is a species described in 2016.
Source: Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app
Hong Kong cascade frog (A. hongkongensis)
Amolops hongkongensis
A frog species native to Hong Kong and southern China, mainly found in fast flowing streams within forested areas. They are widely distributed in Hong Kong except for Lantau Island. They feed on small invertebrates and breed from May to August. This species is well adapted to its aquatic environment with suction-like toe pads that help it cling to wet rocks.
Source: Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app
Short-legged horned toad (B. brachykolos)
Boulenophrys brachykolos
A small stocky toad. Occurs beside hill and mountain streams which have well-wooded banks. Sluggish, strictly nocturnal and secretive. Widespread on Hong Kong Island; less common in the New Territories and Lantau Island.
Source: Karsen, S.J., Lau, M.W.N. and Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Hong Kong: A Provisional Urban Council Publication
Asian common toad (D. melanostictus)
Duttaphrynus melanostictus
Asian common toads, one of the most commonly seen amphibian species in Hong Kong, breed in still and slow-flowing rivers and temporary and permanent ponds and pools. Adults are terrestrial and may be found under ground cover such as rocks, leaf litter, and logs, and are also associated with human habitations. They are often seen at night under street lamps, especially when winged termites swarm. They have been noted to feed on a wide range of invertebrates, including scorpions. Tadpoles have been shown to be able to recognize kin. They have been recorded from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft) altitude, and live mostly in disturbed lowland habitats, from upper beaches and riverbanks to human-dominated agricultural and urban areas.
Source: Wikipedia
Greenhouse frog (E. planirostris)
INTRODUCED
Eleutherodactylus planirostris
The greenhouse frog is a small non-native frog species found in Hong Kong. Originally from the Caribbean, it was introduced through the plant trade. This species thrives in warm, humid environments and is often found in gardens, greenhouses, and forested areas. Unlike many frogs, it lays eggs that develop directly into tiny froglets, skipping the tadpole stage.
Hong Kong rice-paddy frog (F. multistriata)
Fejervarya multistriata
A medium sized frog species widely distributed in Hong Kong, preying mainly on invertebrates and breeding from March to October. Paddy frogs are voracious eaters, devouring up to 250 insects per night! They come in different shades of green to brown and some individuals have a green or brown mid-dorsal stripe.
Sources: (1) Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
East Asian bullfrog (H. chinensis)
Hoplobatrachus chinensis
Also known as Chinese edible frog.
The second largest frog in Hong Kong. These nocturnal amphibians feed on large insects, small frogs, mice and fish. They inhabit lowland areas, usually cultivated fields, ponds, rivers and marshes. Native H. chinensis compete with introduced individuals (the last photo below is most likely a released individual), which also bring diseases and disrupt their gene pool by cross-breeding.
This species is probably the most often “mercy released” frog during Buddha’s Birthday in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. Many captive animals are freed to earn merit, which is detrimental to local ecosystems. Although conservationists and local government in Hong Kong discourage this practice, it still takes place annually as it’s not officially illegal or prosecuted.
Sources: (1) Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
LaTouche’s frog (H. latouchii)
Hylarana latouchii
It’s a medium-sized nocturnal frog species found in southern China (including Hong Kong), Taiwan and Vietnam. It inhabits forests, wetlands and streams. They are often seen jumping around the forest floor and they tend to make loud calls.
Guangdong frog (H. macrodactyla)
Hylarana macrodactyla
Also known as the three-striped frog.
A small nocturnal frog species, found in marshes, streams and ponds with moderate vegetation on their banks. Three-striped grass frogs feed mostly on small inverterbates and are sadly not common in Hong Kong due to habitat destruction.
Sources: (1) Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Taipei frog (H. taipehensis)
Hylarana taipehensis
A rather small nocturnal frog, inhabiting wet grassy areas and fields. They feed on spiders and small insects. H. taipehensis are not very common in Hong Kong as they are restricted to a few localities only. Their call is really cute - some compare it to bird-like sounds, to me it sounds like a squeaky dog toy... When herping for frogs, it's crucial to listen for their calls in our opinion as many frog species in Hong Kong are not only tiny but they're also experts at making themselves invisible with their impeccable camouflage.
Sources: (1) Karsen, S.J., Lau, M.W.N. and Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Hong Kong: A Provisional Urban Council Publication; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Striped sticky frog (K. interlineatus)
Kalophrynus interlineatus
Also known as spotted narrow-mouthed frog.
A rather small frog feeding on ants, termites, woodlice, small cockroaches and bloodworms. When alarmed, it secretes a sticky pungent mucus over the body for protection. They can be found in cultivated fields, grassy hillsides and forests. As members of Microhylidae, they have large vocal sacs and make loud calls; therefore, as with many other frogs, the easiest way to find them is by listening for their calls. They are probably one of the most peculiar frog species in Hong Kong, as they are often seen… walking rather than hopping.
Source: Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Banded bullfrog (K. pulchra)
Kaloula pulchra
Also known as Asiatic/Asian painted frogs, rice frogs, bubble frogs or chubby frogs. Primarily ant eaters, consuming up to a couple hundred ants in one night (!), often seen sitting along an ant trail, picking off individuals one by one. Their clutch size varies from 1,574 to 7,000+ (!) eggs but less than 1% will survive beyond the tadpole stage. They can easily be considered the noisiest frogs in Hong Kong as they love getting into gutters for better acoustics and giving frog concerts (their calls sound more or less like a bellowing dying cow).
Source: Shahriza, S. (2021) "Reproductive Biology of Kaloula pulchra (Anura: Microhylidae) from Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia" Herpetological Review, 2021, 52(1), 68–70. © 2021 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Lau’s leaf litter toad (L. laui)
Leptobrachella laui
A small frog with numerous granules over the body. Dorsal side is brown with irregular dark spots, and presence of triangular marking behind the eyes. Chin and belly are white, and two white tubercles are present on its chest. They mainly prey on small invertebrates such as ants, termites and other insects.
Source: Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app
Big-headed frog (L. fujianensis)
Limnonectes fujianensis
A medium-sized frog with a wide and large head. Males are larger than females and are very territorial. Not very common in Hong Kong. They mainly prey on invertebrates, such as earthworm and other insects. Breeding period is from April to August.
Source: Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app
Romer’s tree frog (L. romeri)
Liuixalus romeri
A tiny frog species endemic to Hong Kong. L. romeri feed on termites and other small insects; they are mostly active at night. During breeding season - March to September - males emit a cricket-like mating call to attract females. They sit on low bushes, grasses or within the leaf litter and prefer well-wooded flat habitats with a water source nearby.
Sources: (1) Karsen, S.J., Lau, M.W.N. and Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Hong Kong: A Provisional Urban Council Publication; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Butler’s pygmy frog (M. butleri)
Microhyla butleri
Also known as tubercled pygmy frog.
A small frog inhabiting grasslands, wet cultivated fields and woodland. Microhyla butleri feeds on small insects such as flies, mosquitoes, ants and termites. Active mostly on rainy days.
Source: Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Ornate pygmy frog (M. fissipes)
Microhyla fissipes
A tiny frog found in cultivated fields, marshes, ponds in low elevation woodland and some reservoirs. Widely distributed in Hong Kong. Their main prey constitutes small invertebrates - ants, termites and other insects. Ornate pygmy frogs produce loud calls which can be heard on summer nights after rain.
Sources: (1) Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Marbled pygmy frog (M. pulchra)
Microhyla pulchra
A small frog with a triangular body shape and a series of brown ^ bars of varying width and colour on the back. This species feeds on termites and ants; it's nocturnal. Mircohyla pulchra can be found in cultivated fields, grasslands and forest edges; they breed from April to September and are relatively common. Arguably one of the most beautiful frog species in Hong Kong.
Sources: (1) Karsen, S.J., Lau, M.W.N. and Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Hong Kong: A Provisional Urban Council Publication; (2) Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Rough-skinned floating frog (O. lima)
LOCALLY EXTINCT
Occidozyga lima
Also known as green puddle frog.
The floating frog is considered locally extinct in Hong Kong due to habitat loss. There are recent records of this species but they have been confirmed as released animals. This species inhabits slow-moving freshwater habitats like ponds and marshes.
Green cascade frog (O. leporipes)
Odorrana leporipes
Also known as Longtoushan large odorous frog.
This species inhabits fast-flowing mountain streams and is known for its strong, webbed hind legs which help them navigate rocky waters. They tend to grow pretty large and they often greet herpers from rocks and banks on the trails.
Spot-legged tree frog (P. megacephalus)
Polypedates megacephalus
Also known as Hong Kong whipping frog or brown tree frog.
This species is found in Southeast Asia. It inhabits forests, wetlands, and other areas near water. They have a large head and distinctive calls, often heard during the breeding season. It is an adaptable frog, commonly found in both natural and urban environments.
Lesser spiny frog (Q. exilispinosa)
Quasipaa exilispinosa
Lesser spiny frogs inhabit fast-flowing streams and are known for a distinctive spiny texture on their back. This frog is typically found in mountainous regions and is adapted to living in cool, clean water environments.
Giant spiny frog (Q. spinosa)
Quasipaa spinosa
It is the largest frog in Hong Kong. Only a few populations are known from a high elevation locality in the New Territories. They mainly prey on invertebrates, such as earthworms, as well as different kinds of aquatic animals. Populations are heavily harvested (for human consumption), and overcollection has lead to substantial population decline.
Source: Pocket guide to freshwater species of Hong Kong app
Guenther's frog (S. guentheri)
Sylvirana guentheri
A relatively large frog, widespread in Hong Kong. Their mating calls can be heard from April until the end of summer. It is believed S. guentheri can produce a toxic fluid which is harmful to smaller frogs.
Source: link
References and useful resources
Karsen, S.J., Lau, M.W.N. and Bogadek, A. (1998). Hong Kong Amphibians and Reptiles (2nd Edition). Hong Kong: A Provisional Urban Council Publication
Chan, K.F., Cheung, K.S., Ho, C.Y., Lam, F.N, Tang, W.S., Lau, W.N., Bogadek, A. (2005) Field Guide to the Amphibians of Hong Kong
Frog calls (bottom of the AFCD page)
Freshwater Species: Hong Kong (mobile app by Freshwater Collective)
