How was the coqui frog introduced to Hawaii?

Coqui Frogs were accidentally introduced to the Big Island in the late 1980’s on imported nursery plants. Beloved in their native Puerto Rico, coqui in Hawaii lack the natural predators that keep their population in balance, and their numbers quickly exceeded population densities of their home range.

What is special about the coqui frog?

Its scientific genus name—Eleutherodactylus—means “free toes” because, unlike many frogs, the coqui doesn’t have webbed feet. These amphibians have special disks, or toe pads, on their feet that allow them to climb up vertical structures and cling to trees and leaves.

How did coqui end up in Hawaii?

It is reported that the Coqui (pronounced Ko Kee, like the sound it makes) was accidentally transported to Hawaii in a shipment of plants, either in living or frog-egg form. Despite Hawaii’s efforts, including their “frogicides”, the Coqui has spread due to lack of natural predators, like scorpions and tarantulas.

What does the coqui frog symbolize?

As the sun sets in Puerto Rico, the volume rises as the tiny coquí begins its evening chorale, and locals and visitors are serenaded into sweet slumber by the little male frogs’ call of “Co-kee! This is why the coquí is the perfect national symbol for Puerto Rico: small island, small frog, BIG VOICE.

Why is the common coqui invasive?

Although native to Puerto Rico, the coqui invaded vulnerable island habitats by hitching rides on commercial nursery plants. These high densities likely arise because the frogs have escaped their natural predators and diseases, factors that regulate coqui numbers in Puerto Rico.

Are Coquis poisonous?

Coqui frogs vary in size, color and markings. The coqui frog is sometimes confused with another invasive Caribbean species, the greenhouse frog, Eleutherodactylus planirostris. Neither species appears to be poisonous. Coqui and greenhouse frogs have other key characteristics used to tell them apart (see poster below).

Are coqui native to Hawaii?

Although native to Puerto Rico, the coqui invaded vulnerable island habitats by hitching rides on commercial nursery plants. In Hawaii, home to thousands of endemic species, the coqui has had catastrophic impact following its introduction in the late 1980s.

Why are coqui frog bad for Hawaii?

Aside from being a major noise nuisance, the frogs pose a threat to Hawai’i’s island ecosystem. Coqui frogs have a voracious appetite that puts Hawai’i’s unique insects and spiders at risk. They can also compete with endemic birds and other native fauna that rely on insects for food.

Why do coquis sing at night?

Although you can listen to choruses of male coquís singing from dusk ’till dawn, most species prefer to sing at night. The female coquí acts like a judge in a singing competition: they are looking for energy and pitch.

What are facts about the coqui frog?

Interesting Puerto Rican coqui Facts: Puerto Rican coqui can reach 1 to 2 inches in length and 2 to 4 ounces of weight. Puerto Rican coqui has light brown body with grey or yellowish-brown markings on the back. Scientific name of the frog ” Eleutherodactylus ” originates from Greek language.

Is the coqui the smallest frog?

The Coqui Frog is a tiny frog. The smallest example of the species is the Burrow Coqui, which is 15 mm long. The biggest is the Web-footed Coqui, which is 80 mm long.

How does the coqui got to Hawaii?

How the Coqui Got to Hawaii . It is reported that the Coqui (pronounced Ko Kee, like the sound it makes) was accidentally transported to Hawaii in a shipment of plants, either in living or frog-egg form. The response from Hawaiians was as if the sky was falling. The mayor of Hawaii declared a state of emergency.

What does coqui frog mean?

Definition of coqui. : a small chiefly nocturnal arboreal frog ( Eleutherodactylus coqui ) native to Puerto Rico that has a high-pitched call and has been introduced into Hawaii and southern Florida.