On 3rd July 2014, 24 Romer’s Tree Frogs were successfully translocated into a suitable habitat at KFBG. This is a conservation project being carried out by the Fauna Conservation Department, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG). Romer’s Tree Frogs are endemic to Hong Kong and highly restricted to several localities. The relocations were initiated after a large population of the species found on Chek Lap Kok was threatened by the development of the Chek Lap Kok International Airport in the mid-1990s. The rescued frogs were basically moved to several locations on Hong Kong Island and the New Territories, including KFBG.

In 2011, a new conservation area in KFBG was enhanced with planting and construction of pools where a new population of frogs could be translocated. In September 2013, the two groups of tadpoles were collected from Tai Po Kau Country Park and Sai Kung Lion Nature Education Centre and raised at KFBG with permission from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Our aim is to release another 200 adult frogs into the site in order to secure the establishment of the species and further widen its distribution across Hong Kong.

Animal Profile

Common Name: Romer’s Tree Frog

Scientific Name: Liuixalus romeri

Distribution: endemic species; natural distribution restricted on Lantau Island, Lamma Island and Po Toi Island and several sites; across Hong Kong through translocation project

Habitat: well-wooded areas with a small stream or other water pools nearby

Size: around 2 cm in length on average

Features: a dark brown mark on the upper and lower part of the back respectively.
Diet: mainly feed on small insects
Major Threats: predation and habitat loss caused by human activities
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Endangered; Protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong