Before it's too late
The Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai is doing its bit to raise public awareness of a worldwide die-off of frogs and other amphibians by holding the 2008 Year of the Frog Thematic Exhibition, which runs until the end of next month.
The exhibition showcases 12 species of frogs, nine of them endemic to wetlands.
Tanks modelled on frogs' natural habitats provide a rare opportunity for a close encounter with the amphibians. The exhibition also features information boards about the threats frogs face worldwide, facts and figures, and interactive computer games.
This year has been designated Year of the Frog by conservation groups in an effort to address what they are calling a 'major amphibian extinction crisis'.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has called amphibians 'the canaries of the global coalmine', as their highly porous skin, which absorbs water and oxygen, makes them extremely susceptible to the effects of air and water pollution.
More than a third of all amphibian species - frogs, toads, salamanders and newts - are threatened with extinction, with about 165 already extinct, and about 500 beyond saving, according to Amphibian Ark, a specialist amphibian conservation group. A major cause of extinction is a disease known as the chytrid fungus, but pollution, pesticides, habitat destruction and erratic weather patterns are also thought to be contributing factors.
At the Hong Kong Wetland Park, an exhibition worker sprayed antiseptic on the hands of six-year-old Tsang Man-yi before placing a frog on one of her palms. 'It's so cute,' the Primary Two student said.
Wendy Chan Li Po-shan, senior adviser with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, explained the antiseptic spray was to ensure bacteria would not pass from humans to the frogs, not the other way around.
Exhibition helpers were also on hand to explain to visitors the various threats frogs face and conservation measures adopted to save the species from extinction.
Michael Lau, a Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden expert on amphibians, said many amphibian species had become threatened as a result of human activities.
'Their permeable skin makes them vulnerable to water pollution from urbanisation and agricultural development,' he said.
Student tickets to the Wetland Park cost HK$15.
Frogs on our doorstep
Three species of frog on display at the exhibition:
Romer's tree frog
The Romer's tree frog is Hong Kong's smallest indigenous species. The largest population is on Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. They had their moment in the spotlight in the 90s when they were removed from their breeding site at Chek Lap Kok to make way for the new airport.
Hong Kong cascade frog
The disc-like suckers on the cascade frog's digits allow it to cling onto rocks. It is found in fast-flowing mountain streams.
Chinese bullfrog
The Chinese bullfrog is yellowish green with black spots. Considered a delicacy among Chinese people, its population is plummeting due to excessive poaching for food, along with habitat destruction.
Courtesy of Hong Kong Wetland Park
