My research interests focus on (1) ecology and behavior of a tree-hole breeding tree frog, Chirixalus eiffingeri, (2) physiological ecology of vertebrates, particularly in amphibians and reptiles, (3) biodiversity and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in central Taiwan.

(1) Ecology and behavior of a tree-hole breeding tree frog, Chirixalus eiffingeri
Chirixalus eiffingeri, which is a small frog (snout~vent length ca. 30-40 mm) and endemic to Taiwan and two adjacent small islands, Iriomote and Ishigaki, has very unique reproductive mode. In the montane areas of Taiwan, farmers grow bamboo trees, Phyllostachys edulis and Sinocalamus latiflorus, for many commercial purposes. The bamboo is cut periodically and the stumps remain for several years before disintegrating. Bamboo trunks are hollow, when cut, they collect rain water and become ideal nesting sites for C. eiffingeri. During the breeding season (February~August), male frogs call from bamboo stumps. Frequently, more than one male frog occupies a bamboo stump, and they compete for females. Female frogs deposit fertilized eggs above the waterline on the inner walls of tree holes or bamboo stumps. Upon hatching, tadpoles drop into the pool of water where they grow and develop until metamorphosis. Male frogs moisten the eggs during the embryonic stage, but leave the stumps after the embryos have hatched. Female frogs visit and feed tadpoles at night at intervals of about 8 days. The length of the larval period, from hatching to metamorphosis, is 40~60 days. Tadpoles are not cannibalistic, but they sometimes scavenge the remains of dead siblings. The effects of scavenging on the growth and development of tadpoles are negligible.
This tree species is the only rhacophorid in Taiwan that exhibit such complex reproductive behavior. We have used this species as a model animal to address various ecological, physiological, behavioral questions and the results are fruitful. In the past few years, we have been focused on the ecological and behavioral aspects of maternal care.

(2) Physiological ecology of vertebrates, particularly in amphibians and reptiles
We have been studied (a) the osmoregulatory physiology and ecology of Rana limnocharis tadpoles that inhabit in the intertidal pool along the coastal line of Taiwan; (b) the thermal physiology of Buergeria japonica tadpoles that inhabit in the geothermal hotsprings; (c) behavioral thermoregulation and metabolic compensation of tadpoles inhabiting in different habitats; (d) the ecology and physiology of the overwintering tadpoles of Rana adenopluera and Polypedates megacephalus; (e) the diet of stream-dwelling tadpoles (Rana sauteri and Bufo bankorensis).

(3) Biodiversity and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Taiwan
We have been conducted the biodiversity inventory in the central Taiwan and established a database of amphibians and reptiles. After a few years of intense investigation and assessment, we had concluded that the Puli basin is one of hot spot for amphibians and reptiles in Taiwan. We are now conducting several studies in the Lien-hua-chih of Puli basin to study the biodiversity of amphibians. In addition, we have compared the effectiveness of direct sampling method, automated recording system, and pit-fall methods in sampling the amphibian and reptiles. Our goal is to establish the most effective and standard sampling methods for herpetological survey in Taiwan.