Tree frogs are found throughout the world.  In many places of the world, tree frogs are endangered and protected.  The coqui tree frog has now come to Hawaii, accidentally transported with plants from the Caribbean. 

These coqui frogs are non-poisonous and are small, about the size of a quarter.  They climb up trees at night to sing their mating song, and later parachute down from the trees using their webbed feet.  They are also interesting biologically in that they are born as tiny frogs, instead of as tadpoles.  They are an important part of a tropical environment since they control insect populations.  They eat insect pests such as mosquitoes, leaf hoppers, tree borers, centipedes, termites, and virtually anything smaller than themselves, including other frogs.  Their consumption of insect pests makes them a benefit to the environment, agriculture and human health. 

Apart from sea turtles and sea snakes, there are no native reptiles in Hawaii, which has a unique environment due to its isolation from other continents and its recent volcanic history.   There are also no native frogs.  However, one of the most beloved creatures in Hawaii is the gecko, an alien reptile that has become a common sight and sound throughout the Islands.  There is a large environmental niche for these insect-eating reptiles, since Hawaii has many invasive insects and few insect predators.  In fact, there are so many insects in Hawaii that there are plenty to go around to feed the coqui frogs.

Some people fear that the frogs will increase in numbers indefinitely, taking over the Islands.  However, just as the gecko’s population came into a natural balance, the same will happen with the frogs.  One fact about the frogs that will keep their numbers down is their homing behavior.  This means that the coquis tend to stay in one area unless moved elsewhere by people.  As the coqui population in one area grows, the insect population declines, which limits frog numbers.  The frogs will even eat other coquis if hungry, further reducing their numbers.  And predators, such as birds and rats, will learn that coqui frogs are good food, further controlling frog numbers.  Then there is disease, which naturally happens with over-population.  So frog numbers will stabilize, as this new immigrant species reaches a natural balance with the environment.

Why the Frog War?  It all has to do with the nighttime song of the frogs, which some people don’t like, and the desire by government and private exterminators to have Federal money for killing and controlling invasive species. 

Visit our Coqui Sanctuary and Nature Preserve!