Glyphoglossus molossus Günther, 1869

Taxonomic Classification

Glyphoglossus molossus Günther, 1869 is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae.

Common Names

Its common names are the blunt-headed burrowing frog and the balloon frog.

Geographical Range

This species occurs naturally in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Habitat Types

Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical seasonal forests, moist savanna, intermittent freshwater marshes, rural gardens, temporary ponds, and heavily degraded former forest.

Harvest for Food

In some regions where this species lives, it is collected in large numbers for food during its breeding season.

Culinary Use in Thailand

The balloon frog is a popular food item in Thailand, where it has long been considered a traditional delicacy in Thai cuisine.

Its texture and taste are reportedly so exquisite that it can be eaten whole.

Overharvesting Impact

However, overharvesting has severely reduced natural populations of this amphibian across most areas of Thailand.

Conservation Breeding Efforts

Today, breeding and release projects are carried out to restore populations of this frog in its natural habitat.

First Captive Breeding Project

The first captive breeding project for this species was established at the Phayao Inland Fisheries Research and Development Center in 2009.

Additional Captive Breeding Work

Additional captive breeding work was later started at the Lamphun Inland Fisheries and Development Center in 2011.