COQUI FROG REPORTS
Hawai`i County Newsletter May 5, 2006
FEATURE ARTICLES
Coqui Frogs -- Hawai`i Tackles an Alien Species
The following article was contributed by Bill Kenoi, Executive Assistant to Mayor Harry Kim, as an introduction to the problem and an update on what is being done to deal with it.
Coqui Frogs make their unwelcome debut in Hawai`i
In 1992, Caribbean tree frogs, Eleutherodactylus coqui, more commonly known as coqui frogs, were first 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.
Documented sightings and reports of the coqui frogs increased from eight reported sightings in 1998 to more than 85 by 2001. Currently, the coqui frog has established populations on the Islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.
The Island of Hawaii has the largest number of infestations, currently estimated at more than 200 sites. Maui has over 40 sites where coqui frogs are present.
Adverse effects galore from this screeching nuisance
The species' shrill, incessant mating calls, compounded by the animals' high population densities, shatter the peace and quiet of residents and visitors alike.
The coqui’s loud chirping is the mating call of the male frog. Coqui noise has been measured at levels exceeding 70 decibels. Population densities can exceed 8,000 frogs per acre.
It is clear that coqui infestations present a serious threat to the quality of life for our Island residents.
Learning about how to deal with coquis
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.
Joining forces to battle the coquis
In 2001, an Invasive Species Management Plan was started by an ad hoc working group.
This working group consisted of members from the State Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaii, the United States Department of Agriculture (Wildlife Services Division and the National Wildlife Research Center), the County of Hawaii, private industry representatives, and community associations.
The goal was to establish a short-term, medium-term and long-term strategic plan focused on eradication and control of coqui frog infestations.
The initial focus of the Coqui Frog Working Group was to increase communication between government agencies and private entities to ensure cooperation and minimize duplication of efforts to limit the spread of coqui frog populations. Bimonthly meetings were held between community stakeholders.
Laboratory and field research, control and abatement efforts, chemical and biological control methods, as well as educational materials were developed over a two-year period by the Coqui Frog Working Group.
Benchmarks of progress
During this two-year period, many people and agencies contributed to the following accomplishments:
Citric Acid and Hydrated Lime, chemicals that were readily available and inexpensive, were found to be effective to eradicate coqui frogs.
Dr. Larry Woolbright, a Siena College, NY, specialist on coqui frog biology and habitat, visited Hawaii Island to share control information.
A homeowners brochure and a coqui frog poster with practical information were widely distributed on the Neighbor Islands.
100-gallon sprayers were made available for community associations and local organizations to control coqui in their neighborhoods.
Petitioning of the EPA for a pesticide exemption to allow cheap, cost-effective and safe chemicals to be used for coqui control.
Wal-Mart and other retailers began to inspect, spray, and eliminate coqui frog populations in their shops after requests from Coqui Frog Working Group.
DOA Plant Quarantine personnel began visually inspecting all inter-island shipment of nursery plants – violations required citric acid spray.
A habitat modification effort was tested at the Lava Tree State Park, with citric spraying and re-planting of native plants.
Dr. Richard Speare of Australia came to Hawaii and presented on a fungus known as chytridiomycosis, that is lethal to frogs in parts of the world.
A hot water drenching system to control coqui frogs and allow safe, clean, shipment of nursery plants was developed.
Coqui population monitoring plots were set up at Puainako Street, Keaau Transfer Station and Lava Tree Park to determine population density.
Community associations report success in eliminating coqui frog infestations in Ka’u, Kapoho, and in North Kohala.
The Federal, State, and County governments are firmly committed to the eradication and control of the coqui frog as evidenced by recent Federal reports, State legislation and a County emergency declaration.
Final environmental assessment was prepared
A final environmental assessment for Caribbean tree frog control in the State of Hawaii was completed on May 24, 2004. This report was prepared by the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services, in cooperation with the DOA's Plant Industry Division, DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife; University of Hawai`i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; and the US Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service.
This final environmental assessment was prepared to assess the impact of a proposed coqui frog control program to reduce high density populations of coqui frogs on all Islands, if eradication is not feasible.
It is hoped that this final environmental assessment will also lead to significant federal resources to implement the control program.
State of Hawaii declares coqui frog an agricultural pest
The State of Hawaii has officially declared the coqui an agricultural pest .
Intentionally transporting the coqui frog is a petty misdemeanor under state law (HRS Chapter 124).
In 2003, the State Legislature established the Hawaii State Invasive Species Committee to coordinate a response to invasive species like the coqui frog. The act creating the Hawaii State Invasive Species Committee acknowledged that alien species are the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people and visitors.
Mayor signs emergency declaration vs coqui frog
In April 2004, Mayor Harry Kim signed an emergency declaration amid the mounting threat that the coqui frog poses to the environment, the economy, and the health and well-being of Hawaii’s people.
This declaration recognized that we must work together with all levels of government and with our communities to reduce and eliminate this threat to our fragile ecosystem and our unique way of life.
It is hoped that a comprehensive, coordinated effort will prove effective in reducing the threat of the coqui frog to Hawaii Island and its people.
Hawai`i County loan sprayer program
The County of Hawaii in cooperation with the USDA, the DOA, and the UH has established a Hawaii County loan sprayer program. This program is administered by the Coqui Frog Working Group, and makes available 100-gallon sprayers for residents and community associations to use to eliminate coqui infestations.
This comprehensive program includes:
Instruction on the biology of the coqui frog
Instruction in the proper use of the sprayers
Instruction in the necessary mixture and preparation of chemicals
Instruction in the effective application process
An evaluation to measure the spraying's efficacy and to assist in future coqui control efforts.
For further information, please contact :
USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services – 808-961-4428 ext. 28
Hawaii State Department of Agriculture – 808-974-4000 ext. 67378
Big Island Invasive Species Hotline – 808-961-3299
The Coqui Frog Working Group – 808-974-4105
The County of Hawaii – Mayor’s Office – 808-961-8316
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