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Coqui Frog - Friend or Foe?


Mauna Kea Cloudforest

Coqui Frog  

10 members have voted

  1. 1. How do you like the Coqui Frogs

    • I love them, they lullaby me to sleep and eat my garden bugs and ants!
      3
    • They don't bother me, I don't really pay attention to them
      3
    • I absolutely hate them, exterminate the buggers even if you have to use a blow torch
      4


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Some people love them for both their lullaby and the fact that they eat a ton of bugs, others absolutely detest them. Some don't have them yet and are terrified at the thought of them arriving in their gardens. Others go out of their way to sneak them into their garden.

Where do you stand? Take the poll.

If you've never heard them, here is a nice little recording. In some Hawaii jungle settings, their collective song can reach 65db.

Some interesting facts about the coqui: it's rapidly disappearing in its native habitat, The big Island of Hawaii is actually one of the few places where it's thriving. This frog has actually become the center-piece of a new movement opposing the whole concept of considering a plant or animal species "invasive" since for many species, colonizing other parts of the world is their only chance for survival on an ever shrinking planet. Kind of like plants, where native activists are like the nazis in the old days trying to eradicate anything that is "foreign".

http://www.killerculture.com/environmental-health-your-culture-is-killing-earth/the-hawaiian-coqui/

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Axel your poll should include "I don't have coquis" but I said I don't pay attention, since I'm not in Hawaii.

They sound like tinnitus in the ears . . . .

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Axel your poll should include "I don't have coquis" but I said I don't pay attention, since I'm not in Hawaii.

They sound like tinnitus in the ears . . . .

I bought a bunch of large Bromeliads from Rancho Soledad a few years back. That summer every night we heard chirping in the yard. It went on for months. My wife and I figured it was some insect. A few months later while all this was going on we went to the Big Island for Ironman and heard the same noise at night. Putting two and two together, turns out I had a hitch-hiker from Hawaii running free in my yard. But this tale does not end well. The noise stopped late December. I think the cold did him in.

Len

Vista, CA (Zone 10a)

Shadowridge Area

"Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are."

-- Alfred Austin

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Don't centipedes or praying mantis eat them?

How do you pronounce coqui? Co-kee or co-coo-ee?

So many species,

so little time.

Coconut Creek, Florida

Zone 10b (Zone 11 except for once evey 10 or 20 years)

Last Freeze: 2011,50 Miles North of Fairchilds

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Don't centipedes or praying mantis eat them?

How do you pronounce coqui? Co-kee or co-coo-ee?

The frogs give you a good idea of how their name is pronounced. (It's the first one)

Keith 

Palmetto, Florida (10a) and Tampa, Florida (9b/10a)

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I think the tree frogs that we have are way louder and more intrusive-at least judging from Axel's video They can get really loud in the summer

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When I first bought my place in Hawaii, I felt they were absolutely deafening. They were so loud, so intense, and so persistent that I began to have audible hallucinations -- I thought I could hear a television news program or jazz music through the din, but it was just the coquis, my brain trying to make sense of the onslaught of sound waves. Now that I'm used to them, it's more like a loud white noise in the background, and I feel they are part of my Hawaii experience. They are quieter in December when it is cooler.

If I did not have them, I would not wish for them, that's for sure. They make no noticeable dent in the mosquito population whatsoever.

I didn't vote because none of the responses quite fits my attitude toward them. I have become accustomed to them.

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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I am opposed to anything that negatively affects my property value. Here is a typical discussion of the topic.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/big-island/1783165-do-coqui-frogs-affect-real-estate.html

Ha ha, not sure why you'd worry about the value of your property, I doubt you'll ever move away from that little slice of paradise you've got up there. :)

Axel your poll should include "I don't have coquis" but I said I don't pay attention, since I'm not in Hawaii.

They sound like tinnitus in the ears . . . .

I figured people who live in Hawaii would vote.

When I first bought my place in Hawaii, I felt they were absolutely deafening. They were so loud, so intense, and so persistent that I began to have audible hallucinations -- I thought I could hear a television news program or jazz music through the din, but it was just the coquis, my brain trying to make sense of the onslaught of sound waves. Now that I'm used to them, it's more like a loud white noise in the background, and I feel they are part of my Hawaii experience. They are quieter in December when it is cooler.

If I did not have them, I would not wish for them, that's for sure. They make no noticeable dent in the mosquito population whatsoever.

I didn't vote because none of the responses quite fits my attitude toward them. I have become accustomed to them.

We started our vacation in Kona and when we told folks we're doing our second week on the East side, everyone in Kona told us how horrible the frogs are. But after a couple of nights here south of Pahoa, I have to say I simply love them. I will really miss them when I go home. It's pretty warm down here near the water off 137, and it's been raining a lot, so they're very loud here. I can see how some people are bothered by it.

Maybe I need to order some bromeliads from RC so I can have some frogs in my garden back in Santa Cruz. :)

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I enjoy hearing them and am happy to have them help eat mosquitoes in Puerto Rico. They are cute too.

Thanks for the recording. It's better than my homemade one and lowers my blood pressure just to listen!

Cindy Adair

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I enjoy hearing them and am happy to have them help eat mosquitoes in Puerto Rico. They are cute too.

Thanks for the recording. It's better than my homemade one and lowers my blood pressure just to listen!

Cindy,

What isn't properly realized is that in Hawaii the populations are almost 5 times the densities of Puerto Rico, and still growing. From Wikipedia, "The common coquí is the most abundant frog in Puerto Rico, with densities estimated at 20,000 individuals/ha.[9] As an invasive species, it can reach up to 91,000 individuals/ha in Hawaii."

In addition, we were hoping that a by-product of the coqui would be a reduced mosquito (and possibly termite) population. However, our resident PhD and coqui researcher Dr. Karen Beard found no mosquitos, and less than 1% termites, in the stomachs of coquis after a rather detailed research project.

Conclusion: Because of their high densities and generalist feeding behaviors, the introduced frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, has been hypothesized to consume and potentially reduce endemic invertebrates in Hawaii. To address this hypothesis, I compared E. coqui diets to invertebrate abundances in 11 sites on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui in the summer of 2004. At each site, I collected between 22 and 119 frogs from 20 × 20-m plots, and invertebrates from light traps, beating trays, and leaf litter samples. Prey items in frog stomachs were identified to order, and invertebrates collected in environmental samples were identified to the lowest taxonomic category possible. Multivariate analyses of diet content and invertebrates collected at each site suggest that most prey was from the leaf litter. Non-native ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and amphipods (Amphipoda: Talitridae) comprised 30% and 22%, respectively, of the total prey items consumed. These non-native invertebrates were more abundant in stomachs of E. coqui than in the environment indicating a preference for these species. There was little evidence that E. coqui were reducing important invertebrate pests. No mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were found in stomachs, and termites (Isoptera) comprised <1% of the total prey items.

In fact, the newest invasive species problem, the "LFA" (Little Fire Ant), is exploding in areas already packed full of coquis.

animated-volcano-image-0010.gif.71ccc48bfc1ec622a0adca187eabaaa4.gif

Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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I enjoy hearing them and am happy to have them help eat mosquitoes in Puerto Rico. They are cute too.

Thanks for the recording. It's better than my homemade one and lowers my blood pressure just to listen!

Cindy,

What isn't properly realized is that in Hawaii the populations are almost 5 times the densities of Puerto Rico, and still growing. From Wikipedia, "The common coquí is the most abundant frog in Puerto Rico, with densities estimated at 20,000 individuals/ha.[9] As an invasive species, it can reach up to 91,000 individuals/ha in Hawaii."

In addition, we were hoping that a by-product of the coqui would be a reduced mosquito (and possibly termite) population. However, our resident PhD and coqui researcher Dr. Karen Beard found no mosquitos, and less than 1% termites, in the stomachs of coquis after a rather detailed research project.

Conclusion: Because of their high densities and generalist feeding behaviors, the introduced frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, has been hypothesized to consume and potentially reduce endemic invertebrates in Hawaii. To address this hypothesis, I compared E. coqui diets to invertebrate abundances in 11 sites on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui in the summer of 2004. At each site, I collected between 22 and 119 frogs from 20 × 20-m plots, and invertebrates from light traps, beating trays, and leaf litter samples. Prey items in frog stomachs were identified to order, and invertebrates collected in environmental samples were identified to the lowest taxonomic category possible. Multivariate analyses of diet content and invertebrates collected at each site suggest that most prey was from the leaf litter. Non-native ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and amphipods (Amphipoda: Talitridae) comprised 30% and 22%, respectively, of the total prey items consumed. These non-native invertebrates were more abundant in stomachs of E. coqui than in the environment indicating a preference for these species. There was little evidence that E. coqui were reducing important invertebrate pests. No mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were found in stomachs, and termites (Isoptera) comprised <1% of the total prey items.

In fact, the newest invasive species problem, the "LFA" (Little Fire Ant), is exploding in areas already packed full of coquis.

Hey Dean, a little off topic, but on the topic of exotic pests in Hawaii, why is the red mangrove considered so bad there? It's considered very important in pretty much every coastal tropical location because of the fact that they reduce erosion and provide breeding ground for fish, so why is it a problem that they are now in Hawaii? They form monotypic strands in most of the places that they're native, so I can't imagine that that would really be a problem, as this is because they colonize areas that most other plants can't.

Keith 

Palmetto, Florida (10a) and Tampa, Florida (9b/10a)

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I enjoy hearing them and am happy to have them help eat mosquitoes in Puerto Rico. They are cute too.

Thanks for the recording. It's better than my homemade one and lowers my blood pressure just to listen!

Cindy,

What isn't properly realized is that in Hawaii the populations are almost 5 times the densities of Puerto Rico, and still growing. From Wikipedia, "The common coquí is the most abundant frog in Puerto Rico, with densities estimated at 20,000 individuals/ha.[9] As an invasive species, it can reach up to 91,000 individuals/ha in Hawaii."

In addition, we were hoping that a by-product of the coqui would be a reduced mosquito (and possibly termite) population. However, our resident PhD and coqui researcher Dr. Karen Beard found no mosquitos, and less than 1% termites, in the stomachs of coquis after a rather detailed research project.

Conclusion: Because of their high densities and generalist feeding behaviors, the introduced frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, has been hypothesized to consume and potentially reduce endemic invertebrates in Hawaii. To address this hypothesis, I compared E. coqui diets to invertebrate abundances in 11 sites on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui in the summer of 2004. At each site, I collected between 22 and 119 frogs from 20 × 20-m plots, and invertebrates from light traps, beating trays, and leaf litter samples. Prey items in frog stomachs were identified to order, and invertebrates collected in environmental samples were identified to the lowest taxonomic category possible. Multivariate analyses of diet content and invertebrates collected at each site suggest that most prey was from the leaf litter. Non-native ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and amphipods (Amphipoda: Talitridae) comprised 30% and 22%, respectively, of the total prey items consumed. These non-native invertebrates were more abundant in stomachs of E. coqui than in the environment indicating a preference for these species. There was little evidence that E. coqui were reducing important invertebrate pests. No mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were found in stomachs, and termites (Isoptera) comprised <1% of the total prey items.

In fact, the newest invasive species problem, the "LFA" (Little Fire Ant), is exploding in areas already packed full of coquis.

Wikipedia is incorrect, the highest density of coqui frogs is found in Volcano, where densities reach almost 2x what is found in Puerto Rico. See http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui/population.asp. However, the rest of Hawaii has lower densities. The coqui frog problem seems greatly exaggerated.

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Densities are irrelevant. One single coqui frog can be more annoying than a hundred. I speak from experience. No one and I mean NO ONE has the right to be critical of those in Hawaii (and there are MANY of us) who are opposed to this invasive and very noisy pest. And only those who have lived here before the coqui became an issue will fully understand how this place has been changed for the worse. From totally silent nights to this outrageous inferno. Yeah, you do get used to them for the simple reason that you have no choice. However, anyone who suggests that it's not an issue in Hawaii or that people in Hawaii should like them because they are liked in Puerto Rico is arrogant and ignorant. Spare us the halting comparisons.

Leilani Estates, 25 mls/40 km south of Hilo, Big Island of Hawai'i. Elevation 880 ft/270 m. Average rainfall 140 inches/3550 mm

 

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So, what to do about them?

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Densities are irrelevant. One single coqui frog can be more annoying than a hundred. I speak from experience. No one and I mean NO ONE has the right to be critical of those in Hawaii (and there are MANY of us) who are opposed to this invasive and very noisy pest. And only those who have lived here before the coqui became an issue will fully understand how this place has been changed for the worse. From totally silent nights to this outrageous inferno. Yeah, you do get used to them for the simple reason that you have no choice. However, anyone who suggests that it's not an issue in Hawaii or that people in Hawaii should like them because they are liked in Puerto Rico is arrogant and ignorant. Spare us the halting comparisons.

Other Hawaiian residents who love the coqui have the right to criticize those who hate them. Those residents who depend on tourism for income are harmed by the demonization of the coqui. As a visitor, I enjoy them and their presence does not deter me from coming to Hawaii. Many other tourists don't consider the coqui to be a problem in Hawaii or Puerto Rico, but if Hawaiian residents tell the tourists they're bad, then that suggestion becomes a self fulfilling prophesy and will hurt tourism.

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Hey Dean, a little off topic, but on the topic of exotic pests in Hawaii, why is the red mangrove considered so bad there? It's considered very important in pretty much every coastal tropical location because of the fact that they reduce erosion and provide breeding ground for fish, so why is it a problem that they are now in Hawaii? They form monotypic strands in most of the places that they're native, so I can't imagine that that would really be a problem, as this is because they colonize areas that most other plants can't.

I can only make an educated guess. Speaking for the Big Island, and because it is so new, the only areas where it would grow are extremely fragile and almost completely destroyed already, areas that are unique in the world - both because of the topography and geology ( see Anchialine ponds/pools ), and because of the flora and fauna that live only in these micro-ecosystems.

On other islands, areas where mangroves would grow are also unique in their own ways, and there aren't a whole lot of these areas where they would grow. And I would suppose their habit of forming monotypic stands would pretty much wipe out most everything endemic that is there now.

animated-volcano-image-0010.gif.71ccc48bfc1ec622a0adca187eabaaa4.gif

Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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Wikipedia is incorrect, the highest density of coqui frogs is found in Volcano, where densities reach almost 2x what is found in Puerto Rico. See http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui/population.asp. However, the rest of Hawaii has lower densities. The coqui frog problem seems greatly exaggerated.

Axel,

If you would inspect your sources (and others on the web) more carefully you will find that many of them are old. And this population explosion is worsening exponentially year by year. Your source above was last updated almost 6 years ago. I chose Wikipedia because they are updated often, and it is closer to what I have experienced, read, and talked about with those engaged in recent research. But I would have to agree that there is a good chance they were only twice as dense as in Puerto Rico at the time your outdated source was written.

You may wish to place more faith in those of us who are dealing with this in real time, and up close and personal. Until you have slept a night in a densely forested area in July where the coqui have been breeding for ten years, you haven't experienced what is the eventual outcome of this onslaught - unless something changes.

Many of those who declare this opinion exaggerated live in dryer areas, or areas where the infestation is still growing. Or they live in a place with few trees close to the house and/or as much pavement as dense landscaping. For those of us who value lush densely packed landscaping with constant moisture, we have a totally different outlook.

But if you don't mind all your windows and doors closed tight during warm tropical nights, and using the sound of your air conditioner to dull the sound while using the most expensive electricity in the nation (like many locals do), then it's no big deal.

animated-volcano-image-0010.gif.71ccc48bfc1ec622a0adca187eabaaa4.gif

Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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I grow three species of tree frog and thus, have a lot more frogs than most people. They never bother me, actually I kind of enjoy how they start up, as soon as I start the water hose on my garden. They are amazing creatures that indicate a pristine environment, as frogs are the first to go in an ecosystem when pollution is introduced...

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I think it matters that folks in Hawaii remember what it was like before the "noise pollution".

In Virginia Beach, we must sign off when we buy property that we have been informed as to the level of jet noise. I for one wouldn't consider purchasing residential property where conversations become impossible (even inside) many times a day. So if I had been used to relative silence and then very noisy neighbors (even cute frogs) moved in I might hate them too.

When I first visited our farm, I quickly learned to associate the coqui "talk" with all that I love of the area so it's fine. People who live in the large flight paths of the master jet training base say they try to just think of it as the "sound of freedom". So I can sympathize with those in Hawaii who hate them much as I would hate for the jets to change their plans and regularly fly over my yard.

Cindy Adair

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Wikipedia is incorrect, the highest density of coqui frogs is found in Volcano, where densities reach almost 2x what is found in Puerto Rico. See http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui/population.asp. However, the rest of Hawaii has lower densities. The coqui frog problem seems greatly exaggerated.

Axel,

If you would inspect your sources (and others on the web) more carefully you will find that many of them are old. And this population explosion is worsening exponentially year by year. Your source above was last updated almost 6 years ago. I chose Wikipedia because they are updated often, and it is closer to what I have experienced, read, and talked about with those engaged in recent research. But I would have to agree that there is a good chance they were only twice as dense as in Puerto Rico at the time your outdated source was written.

You may wish to place more faith in those of us who are dealing with this in real time, and up close and personal. Until you have slept a night in a densely forested area in July where the coqui have been breeding for ten years, you haven't experienced what is the eventual outcome of this onslaught - unless something changes.

Many of those who declare this opinion exaggerated live in dryer areas, or areas where the infestation is still growing. Or they live in a place with few trees close to the house and/or as much pavement as dense landscaping. For those of us who value lush densely packed landscaping with constant moisture, we have a totally different outlook.

But if you don't mind all your windows and doors closed tight during warm tropical nights, and using the sound of your air conditioner to dull the sound while using the most expensive electricity in the nation (like many locals do), then it's no big deal.

Dean, since Hawaii is one place we're considering as a retirement place, I am doing a lot of research on the coqui. I've talked to many long time residents. Ironically, Kona side folks who are on the dry side of the island are 90% anti-coqui, and are terrified at their arrival. On the Hilo side I am hearing a completely different opinion. Maybe you didn't know that for example Jerry Hunter actually brought them to his property from elsewhere on the island.

We're told that the east side of the island is not for everyone, I've heard from realtors and others that people buy stuff on the East side and after a couple of years they split to Kona because they can't handle the rain, the frogs and rainforest living in general. These people escape to Kona which isn't really tropical, it's more like California unless you're down at the beach. Most of the Kona residences are above 1,000 feet where the not so hot Hawaiian lowland conditions are tempered even further. I've looked at the weather stats for the island, very little of the island even comes close to the oppressive heat found in the Southern United States or the tropics.

My main conclusion after talking to lots of folks is that at least part of the story lies in the attitude one takes towards this frog.

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Another piece of research: is Hawaii really tropical? Here are the stats for the climate of Hilo at sea level:

http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hihilo

Jan averages: 80F/64F

July averages: 83F/69F

I know I don't need AC to live in that. In fact, this week it's freezing over here, we've had to wear jackets at times.

Now take a look at Kailua: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hi2679

Jan: 75F/60F

July: 78F/66F

KE-AHOLE POINT is a bit hotter: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hi3911

Jan: 82F/66F

July: 87F/73F

Now that would be uncomfortable in the Summer.

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Now take a look at Kailua: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hi2679

Jan: 75F/60F

July: 78F/66F

Axel,

I don't expect people to understand Hawaii unless they have lived here for a while. For example, I have met plenty of locals who love their roosters. They love hearing them crow in mass. Same with the super aggressive guava. Many of the locals love it for the taste it gives their hunted pig. And these hunters love the pigs, the new "problem" deer, the goats, and the sheep - all of whom ravage the natural landscape, and your garden. And my attitude (and those of others) who want to rid the area of guava, roosters, barking hunting dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, etc. are seen as intolerant.

But there is a reason all the other islands are taking extensive precautions to keep these frogs away, and there is a reason it is considered a high priority pest by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC).

As to temps here --- if your windows are closed at sea level in summer because of dozens of calling coquis in your rain gutters and palms right outside your window --- you will definitely need your AC on. But as mentioned, living here is learning many things. For example, the temps for Kailua that you posted are for the wet windy Kailua on Oahu - not Kailua Kona which is almost always the warmest spot in Hawaii.

Something else for you to consider. Generally Feb is the coldest month of the year for us - with March not that much warmer. When in town during summer, I can't wait to get back up the hill.

animated-volcano-image-0010.gif.71ccc48bfc1ec622a0adca187eabaaa4.gif

Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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Wikipedia is incorrect, the highest density of coqui frogs is found in Volcano, where densities reach almost 2x what is found in Puerto Rico. See http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui/population.asp. However, the rest of Hawaii has lower densities. The coqui frog problem seems greatly exaggerated.

Axel,

If you would inspect your sources (and others on the web) more carefully you will find that many of them are old. And this population explosion is worsening exponentially year by year. Your source above was last updated almost 6 years ago. I chose Wikipedia because they are updated often, and it is closer to what I have experienced, read, and talked about with those engaged in recent research. But I would have to agree that there is a good chance they were only twice as dense as in Puerto Rico at the time your outdated source was written.

You may wish to place more faith in those of us who are dealing with this in real time, and up close and personal. Until you have slept a night in a densely forested area in July where the coqui have been breeding for ten years, you haven't experienced what is the eventual outcome of this onslaught - unless something changes.

Many of those who declare this opinion exaggerated live in dryer areas, or areas where the infestation is still growing. Or they live in a place with few trees close to the house and/or as much pavement as dense landscaping. For those of us who value lush densely packed landscaping with constant moisture, we have a totally different outlook.

But if you don't mind all your windows and doors closed tight during warm tropical nights, and using the sound of your air conditioner to dull the sound while using the most expensive electricity in the nation (like many locals do), then it's no big deal.

Dean, since Hawaii is one place we're considering as a retirement place, I am doing a lot of research on the coqui. I've talked to many long time residents. Ironically, Kona side folks who are on the dry side of the island are 90% anti-coqui, and are terrified at their arrival. On the Hilo side I am hearing a completely different opinion. Maybe you didn't know that for example Jerry Hunter actually brought them to his property from elsewhere on the island.

We're told that the east side of the island is not for everyone, I've heard from realtors and others that people buy stuff on the East side and after a couple of years they split to Kona because they can't handle the rain, the frogs and rainforest living in general. These people escape to Kona which isn't really tropical, it's more like California unless you're down at the beach. Most of the Kona residences are above 1,000 feet where the not so hot Hawaiian lowland conditions are tempered even further. I've looked at the weather stats for the island, very little of the island even comes close to the oppressive heat found in the Southern United States or the tropics.

My main conclusion after talking to lots of folks is that at least part of the story lies in the attitude one takes towards this frog.

I've never hear of anyone moving away from East Hawaii because of the coquis or the weather. The main reasons most people leave are because of family on the mainland, or because they are unable to assimilate into Hawaiian society.

Is Hawaii tropical? The islands lie south of the Tropic of Cancer, so yes. NOAA does a good summary, especially the part about "Terrain": http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages/climate_summary.php

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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The coqui frogs are here to stay, whether you like them or not. (And I don't like them, but I have certainly accepted this fact for the simple reason that I can't do anything about it). However, what's more offensive than the frogs themselves are people who are critical of the anti-coqui attitude, especially when these opinions are expressed by those who know little about the issue, or don't have the perspective of having experienced them being introduced here, many times deliberately. This is an invasive species in Hawaii, and it should never have been introduced here. We all have a right to our own opinions, whether we are for or against and it's not for others to judge or criticize those who don't support the "I love coqui frogs" attitude. I can't think of anything more inconsiderate and offensive than introducing an invasive pest on your property that will negatively affect your neighbors and in all likelihood also their property values. And I know people who have done just that. And I have every right to be critical.

Leilani Estates, 25 mls/40 km south of Hilo, Big Island of Hawai'i. Elevation 880 ft/270 m. Average rainfall 140 inches/3550 mm

 

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And for those who may be less than familiar with the issue of coqui frogs in Hawaii, I'd like to mention that it is a crime to "transport, sell or release the frogs here". In other words, those who take it upon themselves to introduce the frogs somewhere are criminals. And that's not just someone's opinion - that's a fact.

Leilani Estates, 25 mls/40 km south of Hilo, Big Island of Hawai'i. Elevation 880 ft/270 m. Average rainfall 140 inches/3550 mm

 

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The coqui frogs are here to stay, whether you like them or not. (And I don't like them, but I have certainly accepted this fact for the simple reason that I can't do anything about it). However, what's more offensive than the frogs themselves are people who are critical of the anti-coqui attitude, especially when these opinions are expressed by those who know little about the issue, or don't have the perspective of having experienced them being introduced here, many times deliberately. This is an invasive species in Hawaii, and it should never have been introduced here. We all have a right to our own opinions, whether we are for or against and it's not for others to judge or criticize those who don't support the "I love coqui frogs" attitude. I can't think of anything more inconsiderate and offensive than introducing an invasive pest on your property that will negatively affect your neighbors and in all likelihood also their property values. And I know people who have done just that. And I have every right to be critical.

You seem to have a very strong reaction to this topic, are the frogs really bad in your garden? I hope you don't perceive me of being critical of you, I am just trying to learn as much as I can and determine what attitude I need to take towards the frog if I were to ever consider living here. Luckily my whole family loves the frog chorus or even the single ones in the gutters and lanai here. My wife woke up at 2AM because the frogs stopped.

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Now take a look at Kailua: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hi2679

Jan: 75F/60F

July: 78F/66F

Axel,

I don't expect people to understand Hawaii unless they have lived here for a while. For example, I have met plenty of locals who love their roosters. They love hearing them crow in mass. Same with the super aggressive guava. Many of the locals love it for the taste it gives their hunted pig. And these hunters love the pigs, the new "problem" deer, the goats, and the sheep - all of whom ravage the natural landscape, and your garden. And my attitude (and those of others) who want to rid the area of guava, roosters, barking hunting dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, etc. are seen as intolerant.

So there is a reason all the other islands are taking extensive precautions to keep these frogs away, and there is a reason it is cosidered a high priority pest by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC).

As to temps here --- if your windows are closed at sea level in summer because of dozens of calling coquis in your rain gutters and palms right outside your window --- you will definitely need your AC on. But as mentioned, living here is learning many things. For example, the temps for Kailua that you posted are for the wet windy Kailua on Oahu - not Kailua Kona which is almost always the warmest spot in Hawaii.

Something else for you to consider. Generally Feb is the coldest month of the year for us - with March not that much warmer. When in town during summer, I can't wait to get back up the hill.

While in Kona last week I couldn't wait to head back up hill, I would never want to live in the sweltering heat down there by the beach. Sounds like Summer would be far worse. The East side seems much cooler at sea level. The stats from NOAA seem to confirm this.

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How bad they are on my property is not the point. And as much as I dislike them, I will also readily admit that as long you're not on a property with very dense coqui populations, they tend to become "background noise" after a few years and you do get used to them. But I do know properties that have turned into true infernos in the sense that you can't even have a phone conversation unless you're yelling and the TV will have to be turned up to its max volume. It's nothing like that where I live. Fortunately. What I object most to are people who have the arrogance to introduce these critters and then defend that criminal action, and people who insist that since they are loved in Puerto Rico, we should also love them here. That's presumptious and offensive. Nobody has the right to come here and preach to the people who have experienced this onslaught firsthand how they should feel about the coquis. Spare us your ignorance.

EDIT - and one more point: while they used to get started in the evening and stop first thing in the morning, that's not always so. On a cloudy day they keep going NONSTOP, 24/7. Right now it's 4:40 pm as I type this and I can hear their chirping all over the garden.

Leilani Estates, 25 mls/40 km south of Hilo, Big Island of Hawai'i. Elevation 880 ft/270 m. Average rainfall 140 inches/3550 mm

 

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Axel,

I think it worthwhile to consider that you are here at the coolest time of the year, and you are not staying in a place were there has been coqui breeding in thick and lush forest for a decade. I stayed at a place down on the water in Puna a few months ago, and in a place above Hilo in semi cleared "farmland," and the coquis were there, but were not an issue at all. So you should realize that you have not yet experienced the full onslaught that is a legitimate concern.

There are places where you cannot sit on your lanai at night and carry on in conversation. And the only way to achieve tolerable levels of noise is to clear your property much more than you would if you had no coqui. So if you like lush surroundings, then you will eventually have very noisy nights.

If you noticed, I have a buffer around my house with the thickly forested conditions relegated to some distance away. And what you didn't notice is that my downstairs is heavily insulated with double pane windows. And the road I built around the property is designed to help get access to my perimeter and hopefully keep them away. And so far, so good. But like most neighborhoods, one inconsiderate neighbor can ruin it for everyone else. And one neighbor is doing nothing, so the population continues to grow into his fifth year and still escalating every summer.

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Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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Axel,

I think it worthwhile to consider that you are here at the coolest time of the year, and you are not staying in a place were there has been coqui breeding in thick and lush forest for a decade. I stayed at a place down on the water in Puna a few months ago, and in a place above Hilo in semi cleared "farmland," and the coquis were there, but were not an issue at all. So you should realize that you have not yet experienced the full onslaught that is a legitimate concern.

There are places where you cannot sit on your lanai at night and carry on in conversation. And the only way to achieve tolerable levels of noise is to clear your property much more than you would if you had no coqui. So if you like lush surroundings, then you will eventually have very noisy nights.

If you noticed, I have a buffer around my house with the thickly forested conditions relegated to some distance away. And what you didn't notice is that my downstairs is heavily insulated with double pane windows. And the road I built around the property is designed to help get access to my perimeter and hopefully keep them away. And so far, so good. But like most neighborhoods, one inconsiderate neighbor can ruin it for everyone else. And one neighbor is doing nothing, so the population continues to grow into his fifth year and still escalating every summer.

The specific area we are staying along the beach is relatively dry and the frog chorus is super loud only on the nights it rains. However, down at Kehena beach, it's a massive jungle that has a very dense frog population. And visitors all seem to love the frog, the chorus of "zillions" of frogs is mentioned in a positive light in many reviews, it's definitely a known feature over there.

I am just a visitor and an observer, I have not encountered the mythical "sonic wall" of frogs anywhere, so I can't speak about the situation you are referring to. Maybe I would hate them if that was the case. I hope your efforts of stopping the frog's advance into your neighborhood succeeds. As a whole, I doubt anyone can do anything about the frog at this stage, so getting used to it might be a better strategy. Common sense dictates that a positive accepting perspective towards the frogs will make for a much happier co-existence.

My own perspective so far is that I consider the frog a friend and a positive aspect of my stay in Hawaii. I enjoy their chorus, and if I ever consider to actually select Hawaii as a place to retire, I would not be deterred by the coqui frog to do so. I will actually miss them when i go home. Because of Bo and your comments, I am actually going to drive down to Kehena beach tonite to listen to the super loud frog chorus to see how loud it is. A Youtube video I came across had folks measuring the frogs down there near 70 decibels.

You and Bo would be very unhappy in Costa Rica, the howler monkeys would drive you away instantly. :)

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Axel,

I'm afraid you have completely missed the point and you're continuing to miss it in a major way. Whatever your experience as a short term visitor here may be is totally irrelevant to those of us who live here. If you like them, fine. If not, fine. Makes no difference. What you experience in your brief time here on our island bears absolutely no relation to the reality of living here and having lived here long enough to know what this place was like before the coqui frogs were introduced. And I find your comments overbearing and offensive in their ignorance of that fact, And as far as howler monkeys go, both Dean and I have been to Costa Rica and we know what they sound like. We also know that there have been howler monkeys in Costa Rica for as long as there have been people, and probably longer. So exactly where does the coqui frog on the Big Island fit into that picture? Having been introduced here VERY recently. Not exactly a good comparison. As a matter of fact, there is no comparison.

Bo-Göran

Leilani Estates, 25 mls/40 km south of Hilo, Big Island of Hawai'i. Elevation 880 ft/270 m. Average rainfall 140 inches/3550 mm

 

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The coqui frogs are here to stay, whether you like them or not. (And I don't like them, but I have certainly accepted this fact for the simple reason that I can't do anything about it). However, what's more offensive than the frogs themselves are people who are critical of the anti-coqui attitude, especially when these opinions are expressed by those who know little about the issue, or don't have the perspective of having experienced them being introduced here, many times deliberately. This is an invasive species in Hawaii, and it should never have been introduced here. We all have a right to our own opinions, whether we are for or against and it's not for others to judge or criticize those who don't support the "I love coqui frogs" attitude. I can't think of anything more inconsiderate and offensive than introducing an invasive pest on your property that will negatively affect your neighbors and in all likelihood also their property values. And I know people who have done just that. And I have every right to be critical.

A real Hawaiian (not an import) once told me in a bar that their coqui frogs are white people. I guess reading your post one could substitute "coqui frogs" with "white people".

Len

Vista, CA (Zone 10a)

Shadowridge Area

"Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are."

-- Alfred Austin

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Axel,

I'm afraid you have completely missed the point and you're continuing to miss it in a major way. Whatever your experience as a short term visitor here may be is totally irrelevant to those of us who live here. If you like them, fine. If not, fine. Makes no difference. What you experience in your brief time here on our island bears absolutely no relation to the reality of living here and having lived here long enough to know what this place was like before the coqui frogs were introduced. And I find your comments overbearing and offensive in their ignorance of that fact, And as far as howler monkeys go, both Dean and I have been to Costa Rica and we know what they sound like. We also know that there have been howler monkeys in Costa Rica for as long as there have been people, and probably longer. So exactly where does the coqui frog on the Big Island fit into that picture? Having been introduced here VERY recently. Not exactly a good comparison. As a matter of fact, there is no comparison.

Bo-Göran

Bo, what am I missing? You miss the old quiet Hawaii nights before the coqui frog arrived and you hate the frogs. I am a visitor that doesn't have any pre-conception as to how Hawaiian nights should be and I like the frog. We're two people with two different lives and perspectives, that's all. I see nothing offensive about that. Feel free to spray your garden with caffeine, citric acid or poison if you like, put earplugs in your ears if you need to, or close all your windows and fire up the AC if you need to. I respect your perspective and I understand it. I actually went down the road to listen to the frogs, definitely was in the 70-80 decibel range, thousands of them. I see how that would be tough on some people. And it would be real tough on those who want things to be the way they used to be. It's kinda like moving to Glenwood (the locals call it Gloomwood?) and hating rain or moving to San Francisco and hating fog.

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As a parting shot I will try to get my point(s) across to Axel one last time, because he has also missed mine.

He is here in the "quieter" time of year. So no place he visits is indicative of how bad it can be. And places we visit in Hilo once or twice a year have still been progressively worse, year over year. But I doubt those who live there notice the gradual increase from day to day as the populations continue to grow. And so far there is nothing to prevent even greater numbers in the future.

But the biggest fear is that if a natural venomous predator like a snake, scorpion, tarantula, etc. were accidentally (or intentionally) introduced, the population of that creature would also explode out of control with the super abundance of easy food. The balance is delicate, and it has been thrown greatly out of whack - with the final chapter not yet written.

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Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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A real Hawaiian (not an import) once told me in a bar that their coqui frogs are white people. I guess reading your post one could substitute "coqui frogs" with "white people".

I'll bet you big money that "real Hawaiian" in the bar wasn't a real Hawaiian at all, but also had "imported" blood. If he was, then you were lucky enough to come across the 1 in 175 people here who is actually a real native Hawaiian.

But it has nothing to do with "white." Those born here from a Korean father and Filipino mother are no more Hawaiian than the kids born here from a white European couple. And there have always been way more "imported" non-whites than whites. But fortunately, the thoughts of your "real Hawaiian" are not shared by many others. Or you and I wouldn't be real Americans.

animated-volcano-image-0010.gif.71ccc48bfc1ec622a0adca187eabaaa4.gif

Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

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And for those who may be less than familiar with the issue of coqui frogs in Hawaii, I'd like to mention that it is a crime to "transport, sell or release the frogs here". In other words, those who take it upon themselves to introduce the frogs somewhere are criminals. And that's not just someone's opinion - that's a fact.

Aside from distributing frogs, committing a crime does not make a person a criminal. It is the habitual choice to break the law that makes someone a criminal. Everyone lies, but not everyone is a liar, Bo. Just wanted to clear that up.

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How bad they are on my property is not the point. And as much as I dislike them, I will also readily admit that as long you're not on a property with very dense coqui populations, they tend to become "background noise" after a few years and you do get used to them. But I do know properties that have turned into true infernos in the sense that you can't even have a phone conversation unless you're yelling and the TV will have to be turned up to its max volume. It's nothing like that where I live. Fortunately. What I object most to are people who have the arrogance to introduce these critters and then defend that criminal action, and people who insist that since they are loved in Puerto Rico, we should also love them here. That's presumptious and offensive. Nobody has the right to come here and preach to the people who have experienced this onslaught firsthand how they should feel about the coquis. Spare us your ignorance.

EDIT - and one more point: while they used to get started in the evening and stop first thing in the morning, that's not always so. On a cloudy day they keep going NONSTOP, 24/7. Right now it's 4:40 pm as I type this and I can hear their chirping all over the garden.

Bo, I agree with you that laws should be abided by and Islands are delicate ecosystems that can be harmed by introduced species--this can include palms! Since I am sure you have many plants on your property that are not natives, I think you can see this issue is not so cut and dry. Of course you want to think that the rare plants we bring in are only an addition to the landscape, but as with this boisterous frog, addition is not always a plus...

In this particular case, I can't see anyone's point holding water, if their point is to introduce these frogs--it is illegal. Hopefully people will be more careful next time, with the mindset that what was done here, cannot be taken back.

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I’ll give this one more shot! :)

Axel,

The reason I made my comments about you missing the point and about finding some of your comments offensive is very simple, and this is what you keep missing: I live here and you don’t. I have experienced all this from the beginning. I know people who have intentionally introduced coqui frogs on their land, without respect for their neighbors. I know how bad it can get, noisewise. It’s clear from your comments that you don’t. I respect everyone’s opinion, including all our visitors from elsewhere, and they are most certainly entitled to their opinion, without being criticized for it. And so I am. Maybe you’re not aware of this, but every post you add gives the impression that you’re lecturing us who live here that the coquis are not as bad as they are claimed to be. Coming up with “evidence” about lower populations and less noise etc etc. We, who live here, already KNOW that there are vast differences between various areas, and those areas can be very very close together. We don’t need for someone who knows next to nothing about local conditions to all of a sudden become the expert and try to get the point across to those of us who live here. And this is how you come across and this is what I find offensive. You have your opinion. Fine. I have no problems with that. I have no intention of trying to influence you. And I have my opinion. Which is that they should not have been introduced here. But, as I clearly stated, I also accept that they are here, and it’s been a VERY long time since I actually tried to do something about them. I co-exist with them here, and will continue to do so. They don’t bother me anymore. Doesn’t mean I like them. I am just not interested in others trying to push their opinion on me and every single post you add gives this impression. Which is why I said “spare us your ignorance”. You don’t know what others have gone through here, and you will never know, or truly understand, so accept the simple fact that there are people who have different opinions and who may not be interested in being lectured.

And Andrew,

Yes, the coqui frog is just one of many introductions here in Hawaii. And actually, every single living being, be they plants or people or animals, have been “introduced” here and that includes ALL plants for the simple reason that these are volcanic islands that rised up from the ocean floor. When they were first created nothing COULD grow here since it was molten lava, thousands of degree hot. All the so called native plants also originated elsewhere, as did all the so called “Hawaiians” who also came from some place else. The difference between the coqui frogs and all our exotic palms is very simple. Palms don’t spread like wild fire. Palms don’t keep you awake at night with a loud noise. The overwhelming number of exotic introductions here in Hawaii are fairly benign, and palms certainly fall in that category. Coqui frogs don’t.

Bo-Göran

Leilani Estates, 25 mls/40 km south of Hilo, Big Island of Hawai'i. Elevation 880 ft/270 m. Average rainfall 140 inches/3550 mm

 

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A real Hawaiian (not an import) once told me in a bar that their coqui frogs are white people. I guess reading your post one could substitute "coqui frogs" with "white people".

I'll bet you big money that "real Hawaiian" in the bar wasn't a real Hawaiian at all, but also had "imported" blood. If he was, then you were lucky enough to come across the 1 in 175 people here who is actually a real native Hawaiian.But it has nothing to do with "white." Those born here from a Korean father and Filipino mother are no more Hawaiian than the kids born here from a white European couple. And there have always been way more "imported" non-whites than whites. But fortunately, the thoughts of your "real Hawaiian" are not shared by many others. Or you and I wouldn't be real Americans.
Dean, I am not looking into semantics. The guy was 300 pounds, liked my USC shirt and wanted to talk football. Regardless of what you think, you "hoale's" were coqui frogs to him.

Oh, and these frogs have a few people's panties in a bunch. I will save the day. I will sneak in a few cane toads next time. Problem solved. You all can thank me later.

Len

Vista, CA (Zone 10a)

Shadowridge Area

"Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are."

-- Alfred Austin

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