Featured Alien: Coqui

Scientific Name: Eleutherodactylus coqui

How It Came To Hawai‘i :

The Coqui most likely came to Hawai‘i as a hitchhiker on nursery plants. It is a native of Puerto Rico and has probably been here since 1992. It is now on Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

Impact Since Its Arrival:

Coqui eat, compete and annoy! Since they eat native insects and snails, they compete with native forest birds for food. Plus, they annoy residents and visitors with a very loud, high-pitched call during the night. Many sleepless residents and visitors on Maui are miserable and there is concern that this miniature pest may harm the visitor industry.

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