How often do frogs arrive
in Volcano?
Coqui frogs are arriving every day in Volcano! They are brought here clinging
to nursery plants and building
materials. Most frogs arrive by hitchhiking on vehicles that park overnight
in infested areas.
Isn't Volcano too cold
for coqui frogs?
Coquis can easily breed and multiply in the cool climate of Volcano.
It is true that coqui males (the only noisemakers) do not call in the coldest
months December-March.
However, coquis live through the winter months and call and breed the rest of
the year.
In fact, coquis can live 4-6 years in Hawai`i
What
happens when coquis get established in Volcano?
The optimal habitat for coqui frogs is dense vegetation. Because Volcano is
mostly forested, it could
potentially support frog populations among the highest on the island, over 2,000
adult frogs per acre.
Is
the coqui invasion inevitable?
Yes, It is happening right
now.
The strategy of
Volcano's grass-roots coqui control program is to increase the number of volunteer
frog
controllers and educate residents about how to avoid bringing frogs into Volcano.
Dedicated
volunteers may be able to catch frogs on your property or immediate surroundings
before they multiply out of control.
.
Some Volcano residents are not upset by one or two coqui calling in the distance.
In fact, some people
say they like to hear some night sounds. However, the one or two coqui, if left
unchecked,
will inevitably become thousands within a few years. That's why they need to
be removed
as soon as they arrive.
How
are coqui frogs controlled?
Coqui frogs live in leaf litter on the forest floor or in holes and crevices
in tree trunks and elsewhere..
At night they climb high into the vegetation to call. Only males call loudly.
Currently, solitary frogs are captured by hand. Volunteers zero in on the male
frogs by their sounds.
However, when there are
several frogs or eggs, we spray
food grade citric acid (same as you buy
in the supermarket) which is approved for coqui frog control by the EPA.
How
can I find out more about controlling coqui frogs?
For complete information
on the biology and control of coqui frogs please see
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/coqui