Coqui Frog

Coqui Frog [Eleutherodactylus coqui Thomas].  Coqui frog control efforts and sprayer loan programs continued on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Community groups, plant nurseries, and private individuals were allowed to borrow spray equipment from the HDOA at no charge on these islands.

On the Island of Kauai, CM staff worked with members of KISC to prepare the one wild coqui infested site for chemical treatment. Ground and trail clearing was initiated to enhance access for personnel and to create less habitable environments for the coqui in designated areas. This also forced the frogs into green islands where treatment could be concentrated.  HDOA, KISC and private agencies contributed to funding for chemicals and equipment.  Because of the concerted group efforts, the frog population diminished to lower levels than those observed the previous year. This assessment was based on the decrease in male frog vocalizations. 

HDOA personnel assisted the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and the U.S. Army, with surveys at the one wild population on Oahu. HDOA participated in night surveys for the frogs and OISC sprayed infested locations during the day.  These efforts have decreased frog populations to a handful of frogs in a couple of locations in what was once a heavily infested fifteen acre site. HDOA, OISC, and DLNR monitored and treated Oahu commercial nurseries for coqui frogs. The nursery staff also received training for coqui frog control by these groups.  Frog populations have been eliminated at two of the three infested nurseries and have declined significantly at the third nursery due to these collaborative efforts.