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Coqui Frog Working GroupCoqui Frogs-A Brief Summary of Their Natural History and Non-Chemical Methods of ControlAccidentally introduced to Hawaii from Puerto Rico in the mid-1990’s, the coqui frog has quickly spread on the Big Island. Aside from noise, economic problems include quarantine restrictions and possibly declining property values. Potential ecological problems include decline of native arthropods and competition with native insectivorous birds. Frogs may be a food source for any snakes accidentally introduced, putting Hawaii’s already struggling native forests at risk of further damage. Although eradication of coqui frogs from the Big Island is unlikely, residents can practice non-chemical control methods to minimize the spread and size of coqui populations on the island. Coqui frogs are nocturnal and avoid the sun during the day by hiding in shady, moist underbrush, leaf litter, or holes among rocks. Prolonged periods of drought and cool temperatures will force them into hiding as well. Coqui frogs breed throughout the year, with females laying clutches containing approximately 16-35 eggs. Following breeding, males will sit on the egg mass protecting it from predation, disease, and desiccation until the eggs hatch two weeks later. The coqui frog biology is rare among amphibians because the tadpole stage is bypassed, with fully formed froglets emerging directly from eggs. This unique adaptation releases them from being dependant on standing water. By modifying frog habitat to reduce the number of retreat and nesting sites available, you can limit the number of frogs in your area. Removing dead leaves from plants, pruning and thinning shrubs, and raking up debris will limit frog habitat. Coqui frogs have a higher association with certain types of plants than with others. Minimizing these coqui friendly plants from your property will reduce the number of retreat and nesting sites. Plants associated with coqui frogs include albezia, heliconia, clidemia (Koster’s curse), banana, monstera, ti, broad-leaved bromeliads, and any plant that holds water at the base of its leaves. Removal of dead leaves from large-leaved plants such as palms and banana is important. Since direct contact with frogs of citric acid or hydrated lime is necessary, removing plant material prior to treatment will maximize the effectiveness of these treatments. Dispose of green waste properly– cuttings piled in your yard or dumped by the side of the road are ideal habitats for coqui and greenhouse frogs. Other non-chemical methods of coqui frog control that are being developed include physical barriers to prevent movement of frogs into an area, hot water treatments, sterilization, PVC pipes for trapping frogs, and frog-specific parasites. More information and updates may be found at http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui/ Chickens are active during the day while the frogs are taking refuge from the sun; chickens will eat active coqui frogs they encounter when scratching, but frogs are not their primary food source. Similarly, cats, rats, and mongoose may opportunistically eat coqui frogs, but frogs are not their primary food source and it is highly unlikely they reduce frog population sizes. Given the potential for an increased number of feral animals, and ecological problems and noise disturbances associated with them, these animals are not recommended as coqui frog controls. Shenandoah Marr Coqui Frog Working Group
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