COM 1013.003 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

HAWAII COUNTY COQUI FROG PLAN Draft I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND In 1992, the first sightings of caribbean tree frogs, Eleutherodactylus coqui, more commonly known as Coqui Frogs, were identified on the Island of Hawaii. It is believed that their accidental introduction to the Island of Hawaii occurred in the early 1990's when this alien species hitched a ride in potted nursery plants. The documented sightings and reports of the coqui frogs increased from eight (8) reported sights in 1998 to over eighty-five (85) by 2001. Currently, the coqui frog has established populations on the Islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. However, the largest numbers of infestations, currently estimated at over two hundred (200) sites, are on the Island of Hawaii. Maui has over forty (40) sites. . The adverse and negative impacts from the coqui frogs are measured by its loud and noisy mating calls, its high population density, and its impact upon native species, the nursery industry, real property values, and the peace and quiet of residents and visitors alike. The coqui's loud calls are the mating sounds of the male frog and have been measured at levels exceeding 70 decibels. Combined with population densities that can exceed 8,000 individuals per acre, coqui infestations present a serious threat to the quality of life for our Island residents. Research on controlling the coqui frogs began in 1999 by the USDA National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Hawaii Field Station, in collaboration with the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture (DOA). Early efforts were focused on finding a chemical (pesticide / pharmaceutical) solution to eradicate and control coqui frog populations. Initially, success was found with caffeine and pyrethroids but the cost, effectiveness, and federal requirements proved to be hurdles in establishing these chemicals as effective eradication and control tools. In 2001, an ad hoc working group started an invasive Species Management Plan. 1