These two species of frogs are similar in terms of size, colour and camouflage. However, one is a invasive and prolific species (spotted tree frog) hunted by various conservation groups while the other (white-lipped tree frog) is a endemic species endangered by the more efficient breeding of its competitor. Taiwan’s endemic white-lipped tree frog lays about 300 eggs at once, while the spotted tree frog, an Indo-China species which has been introduced into Taiwan along with imported aquatic plants, lays about double that number.

To control the population of the spotted tree frog, the authorities have rolled out a series of initiatives. In 2011, the Forestry Bureau announced the “Remove Every Frog” campaign targeting at the invasive spotted tree frogs, encouraging children to capture these frogs. Volunteer groups also meet regularly on night hunts to hunt down the invasive frogs in places such as the Taipei Zoo and the Fuyang Eco Park. The captured frogs are sometimes used as food for other animals in captivity in the Taipei Zoo. Some of the frogs are also given to the Wild Bird Society of Taipei which will use them as food for injured water birds in rehabilitation.

More research is currently being done on the impact that the ​spotted tree frog​ has on native frogs.

Detail pictures:

Related Exhibitions:

Related Works: