|
Coqui invaion in Hawaii
FOUND THIS WHILE SEARCHING FOR A COQUI IMAGE :
WHAT BS this is-
Why Are Coqui Frogs a Problem in Hawai'i?
The coqui frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui Thomas (Anura: Leptodactylidae), was accidentally introduced into Hawai'i from Puerto Rico in about 1988. Aside from being a major noise nuisance, the frogs pose a threat to Hawai'i’s island ecosystem. Coqui frogs have a voracious appetite that puts Hawai'i’s unique insects and spiders at risk. They can also compete with endemic birds and other native fauna that rely on insects for food. The frogs are quite adaptable to the different ecological zones and elevations in the state and have been found from sea level to 4,000 feet elevation (at sites in Volcano on Hawai'i). Scientists are also concerned that an established coqui frog population may serve as a readily available food source if (or when) brown tree snakes are accidentally introduced in Hawai'i.
Click to read the Star-Bulletin article (June 24, 2003)
Coqui populations have exploded in the last 15 years from presumably a single infestation to over 200 on the Big Island alone. They are also present on Maui (40 or more infestations), O`ahu (5 sites) and most recently on Kaua`i (1 site, subject of an eradication effort with citric acid in June 2003). Puerto Rico averages 40 frogs (reproductively mature adults, not including juveniles) per 20 x 20 m plot compared to > 200 in Big Island plots, primarily because of the lack of predators (owls, snakes, tarantulas, scorpions) in Hawai'i.
And yes the sky will fall in Hawaii because Coquis are there. lol
|
25th February 2007, 08:04
Linear Mode
