Workers successfully capture 5 more coqui frogs on Oahu and Kauai

Invasive-species workers caught a coqui frog in Kaha­luu and another in Wai­ma­nalo this week, and three others were captured at a Kauai nursery.

On Oahu one coqui was found on a dry-docked boat at a home in Kaha­luu, the same place where another coqui was caught April 2. A Department of Agriculture crew captured the frog Monday. Another tiny frog was captured by an Oahu Invasive Species Committee member at a Wai­ma­nalo nursery Tuesday.

On Tuesday evening a Kauai Invasive Species Committee field crew captured three coqui frogs at a nursery but were unable to capture at least one more frog.

"It is important to report suspected coqui frogs as soon as possible," said Scott Enright, chairman of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, in a news release. "Our experience proves that the sooner we hear about it, the easier it is for us to eradicate coqui infestations."

Up to a foot away, the mating call of a male coqui frog can reach the decibel level of 90 to 100, comparable to the noise level made by a lawnmower, table saw or helicopter.

Darcy Oishi, acting manager of the Plant Quarantine Branch, said coqui frogs on Oahu and Kauai are well controlled. "We don’t have established breeding populations that we know of at this point on Oahu and Kauai," he said.

Oishi noted they received more calls about coqui frogs from residents in recent weeks as expected due to warming temperatures, when the amphibians are more likely to mate.

Coqui frogs are widespread in parts of Hawaii island, primarily the east side.

Arnold Hara, entomologist of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, said there has been an emphasis on Hawaii island to reduce "hitchhikers" on plants shipped to the neighbor islands and mainland.

"The emphasis now is that we ship coqui-free products," Hara said.

Those who spot or hear coqui frogs are asked to report it to the state’s toll-free pest hotline at 643-PEST (7378). To hear what a coqui frog sounds like, go to www.hear.org/AlienSpeciesInHawaii/species/frogs.