The Romer’s tree frog: green group and scientists thrilled by endangered amphibian’s surprise appearance in Tai Po wetlands survey - via Herp Digest

Once feared extinct, frog found only in Hong Kong is now breeding in more areas

Sha Lo Tung wetlands have shrunk, but ongoing survey records numerous animals

by Zoe Low, South China Morning Post, 11/11/19

An endangered frog native to Hong Kong has been spotted in an ecologically rich wetland region in rural Tai Po, in the New Territories, for the first time by a local green group.

“The Romer’s tree frog is a precious species only found in Hong Kong, so this is an encouraging find,” said Elaine Yuen Yan-ling, assistant education and conservation manager of local non-profit Green Power.

Scientists who have been tracking the tiny frog since the 1950s, and feared at one time that it was extinct, are excited to learn it is breeding in more areas today.

The group first spotted the rare amphibian while doing an ecological survey in Sha Lo Tung in June last year, as part of a management agreement with the government. The survey began in April last year and will continue for two years.

Presenting the preliminary findings of the survey on October 31, Green Power said it had so far found 128 butterflies, 56 dragonflies, 36 amphibians and reptiles, 13 freshwater fish, 11 mammals and 151 plants.

Aside from the Romer’s tree frog, it also spotted several rare animals including the crab-eating mongoose and Ryukyu Dusk-hawker dragonfly.