The Coqui Frog on the Big Island

The coqui frog is a small, tropical amphibian that is native to Puerto Rico. The species was first discovered on the island of Hawaii in the late 1980s, and it is believed that the frogs were accidentally introduced to the island through the ornamental plant trade. The coqui frog is known for its distinctive, loud call, which can be heard at night and can reach up to 90 decibels.

The coqui frog has become a significant problem on the island of Hawaii, as their loud calls can disrupt the sleep of residents and visitors and can also impact local businesses. The frogs also compete with native species for food and habitat, and they can also damage agricultural crops.

In an effort to control the population of coqui frogs on the island, various methods have been implemented. One approach is the use of biological control methods, such as the introduction of predators, such as the coqui frog-eating snail, which is native to Puerto Rico. Another method is the use of pesticides, specifically, a fungal pathogen called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This fungus has been found to be effective in controlling the population of coqui frogs, but it also has the potential to impact other amphibian species.

Another approach is the use of physical barriers and trapping methods, such as the use of copper mesh barriers around ornamental plants, which have been found to be effective in preventing the spread of coqui frogs. Additionally, trapping and removal of adult frogs from areas where they are not wanted have also been implemented, but this method can be labor-intensive and expensive.

Despite the efforts to control the population of coqui frogs, some people enjoy the frogs and their calls. They believe that the frogs are a part of the island's culture and should be protected. They argue that the impacts of the frogs have been exaggerated, and that the efforts to control them have been costly and ineffective. They also believe that the coqui frog has a right to live and should be protected.

In conclusion, the coqui frog is an invasive species on the island of Hawaii that has become a significant problem for residents and local businesses. Despite the efforts to control their population, the frogs continue to thrive on the island. While some people believe that the frogs should be protected and enjoyed, others believe that more should be done to control their population and protect the native species and ecosystem. The best approach to this issue is likely to be a combination of methods, including biological control, pesticides, physical barriers, and trapping, as well as ongoing monitoring and research to assess the effectiveness of these methods and minimize any negative impacts on native species.