Cambodian Frog Trade (2)

The Rugulose frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) or Chinese edible frog is the most harvested frog in Cambodia.

Found in rice paddies and other agricultural settings, its size, which can reach up to 125 millimeters, makes it  popular on Cambodian villagers and city-dweller dining tables. It  is often hunted using a wooden harpoon gun. This frog sells for about US$2 a kilo in the wet season and the price doubles in the the dry.

Cambodian Rugulose frogs are exported to both Vietnam and Thailand. Despite their popularity the frog is not considered endangered.

Cambodian Frog Trade (1)

Cambodian Frog Trade (1)

Frogs are an important source of protein for may rural Cambodians. And they appear on the menu of many Phnom Penh restaurants as well.

Easily caught after the first big rain of the season the frogs pass through several middle-men before arriving at city markets. 

During the wet season approximately 2,500 kilograms of frogs are sold daily in the capital's markets. This figure can fall to less than 600 kilograms in the dry season.

Most frogs are caught at night- moonless nights provide the best hunting- snared in bamboo gill traps with fermented fish as the lure. 

                                                   These traps typically hold 6-8 frogs with most trappers owning around 10 traps.

Photo: www.garrisonphoto.com