Coqui Frogs
Please listen to the video on the right to hear the distinctive mating call of the male Coqui frog. Coquis are originally from Puerto Rico but they have made their way to Hawaii. Maliko Gulch and parts of Haiku are infested with Coquis whose calls can reach a decibel level of 120. The Health Department has declared anything above 70 decibels as harmful to hearing. The first three Coquis were heard in Kuau Bayview in Sept & October 2022. Thanks to the Coqui Team of the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) and vigilant owners, these three frogs were quickly located and eliminated. 2024 Update: One Coqui was heard in the RB behind Lot 29 on 2024-07-30. MISC sprayed unsuccessfully in mid August but a second spray on 2024-09-03 finally got him. Everyone please inspect any plants you bring into KB, and keep an ear out for their bird-like calls.
Coquis are much smaller than the common cane toads (Bufo toads) that we often see in our yards. Coquis are mostly found on the ground but the males climb up into trees to call and attract a mate. Coquis are nocturnal and rarely seen. The females do not make any sounds. Coquis have no amphibian stage. The young hatch directly from eggs in the same way that geckos emerge from eggs.
Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)
If you hear a Coqui, please call the Coqui Team led by Megan Archibald at 808-633-1203 and describe the location. Record the sound if possible. It is imperative that we prevent these frogs from getting into the Retention Basin where it would be almost impossible to locate them, and extremely expensive to try. Needless to say, Kuau Bayview would become virtually un-liveable and property values would tank if Coquis gained a foothold here.
Drones to curb invasive coqui found at higher elevations on OahuBufo Toads
Bufo toads (bufo marinus) have nodules on their backs that exude toxic secretions known to cause illness and death in domestic animals that come into contact with them, such as dogs and cats, and wildlife, such as snakes and lizards. Human fatalities have been recorded following ingestion of the eggs or adults. Humans don't need to be afraid of Bufo toads but you should keep your pets away from them and wear gloves if you have to pick them up.
