¡@Amphibians

In Taiwan, around 32 amphibian species have been recorded, belonging to nine genera in six families from two orders: the Urodela (salamanders and newts) and the Anura (toads and frogs). Among the Urodela, the Formosan salamander and Sonani's salamander, both endemic to Taiwan, are relic species which were left behind when ice-age glaciers retreated. Among the Anura, Taiwan has seven endemic frog species: the emerald green tree frog, Rhacophorus moltrechti, Buergeria robustus, Chirixalus idiootocus,the Taipei green tree frog, Rhacophorus aurantiventris, Rhacophorus arvalis.
Amphibian have long been important in the lives of people in Taiwan. The croaking of frogs is an essential part of the night-time atmosphere, and memories of angling for frogs are among mamy people's sweetest recollections of childhood. But the numbers of amphibians in Taiwan have fallen greatly,and rare species restricted to particular geographical areas, such as the Taipei brown frog and the emerald green tree frog, are already highly endangered. For the time being, TERSI's work will concentrate mainly on surveying and monitoring amphibian populations and researching management methods. We will also actively survey the detailed geographical distribution, habitat and reproduction of various amphibian species, especially endemic species, as a basis for devising conservation strategies and defining conservation areas.