White-spined Cascade Frog

A white-spined cascade frgo is seen on a rock by a stream at Wutong Mountain, Luohu District.

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Nestled within the mountainous regions of Shenzhen, a remarkable amphibian species thrives, the White-spined Cascade Frog (Amolops albispinus). This unique and captivating creature has a distinctive appearance. It is a medium-sized frog, measuring around 5 centimeters in length. Its slender body has bumpy brownish skin adorned with beautiful darker markings that aid in camouflage. Its feet are webbed, helping in its fantastic ability to swim, and each finger ends in a rounded disc-shaped structure that allows it to stick to surfaces.

白刺湍蛙是一种栖息在深圳山地的本土蛙类。它们体型中等，相貌独特，易于辨识，拥有崎岖的、具有黑色斑纹的棕色皮肤，能够与周遭环境很好地融为一体。足具蹼，擅游泳；趾具吸盘，因此也擅攀援。

This species’ number is decreasing, and is listed as a vulnerable species. In Shenzhen, it can only be found inspecific mountainous areas like Wutong Mountain, making it a true gem of the local biodiversity. It prefers pristine, clear, and fast-flowing mountain streams as its habitat. These water bodies provide the ideal conditions for the White-spined Cascade Frog’s survival, including cool temperatures, oxygen-rich water, and abundant prey.

近年来，白刺湍蛙的种群数量不断下降，已被列为“易危”物种。它们在深圳的分布范围十分狭窄，仅见于梧桐山，是名副其实的“深圳特有种”。这些蛙类喜欢水质清澈、水流湍急的原生山地溪流，而梧桐山的溯溪径气候凉爽，水体中氧分充足，水生生物丰富，是白刺湍蛙的理想栖息地。

The White-spined Cascade Frog is a carnivorous amphibian with a diverse diet. Its menu consists of various invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and small crustaceans, which it captures using its agile tongue and powerful hind limbs.

白刺湍蛙属肉食蛙类，以各种各样的无脊椎动物为食，包括昆虫、蜘蛛和小型甲壳类等。它们灵活的舌头和强壮的下肢是非常高效的捕猎工具。

A white-spined cascade frgo rests on a rock.

The White-spined Cascade Frog plays a vital role in Shenzhen’s ecosystem. Firstly, as an indicator species, its presence or absence can reflect the health of the surrounding environment. Its sensitivity to changes in water quality and habitat conditions makes it an important indicator of ecosystem integrity.

白刺湍蛙在深圳的本土生态系统中扮演重要角色。首先，它们是重要的环境指示物种，对水质和环境条件的变化十分敏感，它们存在与否，能够直观地反映所处生态系统是否完整、健康。

Additionally, the White-spined Cascade Frog acts as a predator, maintaining the population levels of various invertebrates within its habitat. Regulating the abundance of prey helps preserve the delicate balance of the local food web. This, in turn, contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem and the biodiversity of Shenzhen’s mountainous regions.

此外，白刺湍蛙也是重要的捕食者，能够有效地调控所处生境中无脊椎动物种群的数量，维护本地食物链的动态平衡，并进一步地促进深圳山地生态系统的健康，丰富生态多样性。

The White-spined Cascade Frog’s survival depends on the preservation of its natural habitat — an intricate web of mountain streams, vegetation, and surrounding ecosystems. As Shenzhen continues to develop, it is vital to recognize the importance of preserving these natural areas within the city.

白刺湍蛙的栖息范围狭窄，高度依赖于满足其全部生存需求的自然生境，即具备山地溪流、茂密植被及丰富食物的生态系统。因此深圳的城市建设者必须意识到，城市扩张不应以改造自然环境为代价，必须建立生态保护地，以维护这些蛙类赖以生存的栖息地。

Preserving these natural habitats ensures the White-spined Cascade Frog’s survival and protects the broader ecological balance. By safeguarding the mountainous regions, Shenzhen can maintain its rich biodiversity, enhance the resilience of its ecosystems, and provide a sanctuary for many other plant and animal species. 

保护城市中的自然栖息地不仅能为白刺湍蛙的生存创造条件，也能对更广泛意义上生态平衡的保护做出贡献。通过保护山地生境，能够丰富本土生态多样性，增强生态系统的恢复能力，并为许多其他动植物提供庇护所。