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The tadpoles that like to take a very hot spring swim

Soaking in water at 40oC may be uncomfortable for many people, but larval Japanese tree frogs take great pleasure in swimming in steamy hot springs at more than 50oC.

Species

Among the hundreds of different tadpole species, only larval Japanese tree frogs enjoy taking spa baths, a local expert on amphibians said.

Between late winter and early spring, more than 100 larval Japanese tree frogs have been found swimming in steamy Lisung Hot Spring, located over 1,000m above sea level in Taitung County.

The location can be reached via the Southern Cross-Island Highway -- also known as Taiwan Highway 20 -- one of the major tourist attractions in the south.

Hot water

Chao Jen-fang (趙仁方), an assistant professor at Minghsin University of Technology, said that of the 30-plus types of frogs commonly seen in Taiwan, the Japanese tree frog, or Hyla japonica, is the only amphibian species that can breed in hot water.

"Despite of what it is called, the Japanese tree frog doesn't seem to like to live in trees," Chao said, adding that it prefers residing in stream beds, particularly hot springs.

Freezing

Among the hot springs located in Taitung's wilderness areas, the Lisung Hot Spring is the only one where "spa frogs" have been found. In a neighboring freezing stream can be found a type of black tadpole that can only survive in water at 3oC to 4oC.

"Upon seeing such a sharp contrast, I am amazed by the wonders of Mother Nature," Chao said.
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