Imagine Puerto Rico without its beloved Coqui?
Rafael Joglar and Patricia Burrowes, biologists at the University of Puerto Rico, report that the Coqui is disappearing from Puerto Rico's rainforests--and that it's due to global climate change. They contend that increases in global temperatures has disturbed the ecological balance necessary for Coquis to survive in Puerto Rico.
Something must to be done noe to ensure the survival of the Coqui of Puerto Rico.
Surprisingly, the Coqui has found a new habitat 5,000 miles away on the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Yes, Coquis in Hawai'i!
According to here and here, the Coqui is proliferating in Hawai'i--but they are unwelcomed.
Unlike Boricuas who love the nocturnal sounds of the tiny frogs, Hawaiians destest what they hear as unrelenting noises. The coqui is a national symbol in Puerto Rico and few there would purposely harm the Coqui; but Hawaiins are up in arms over the invaders--prompting local governments to eradicate them through fumigation and even lacing their food supply with toxins.
But the Coqui--like the Taíno spirit--can not be so easily killed off. And we should never allow anyone to harm the ecologically friendly amphibians.
Here's an important mission for Coqui lovers everywhere: Organize a campaign to protect the Coqui in Puerto Rico--and stop Hawaiian efforts at extermination.
WE HAVE TO UNITE TO KEEP OUR COQUI GOING AND LIVING HOW IT WANTS!------
ReplyDeleteDo NOT put or bring "coquis" to Hawaii because the "coquis" came from Puerto Rico.
ReplyDeleteFrom a Puerto Rican boy
How could Hawaii people not love the beautiful sounds our coqui makes
ReplyDeleteGee! What ever happened to quiet nights, the sound of crickets and other night creatures. Drowned out by the coqui
ReplyDeleteIt probably isn't a severe problem in Puerto Rico because there are natural predators that keep them in control. Here on the Big Island, its only my wife and I who hunt them in the evening. I was actually looking for a site where we could post our coqui kills when I found this emotionally filled location. Weird!
I like the sound of the coqui and Hawaii's eco-systems are unique and delicate due to its isolation in the middle of the Pacific. I wish it were possible to catch them and send them to Puerto Rico where they are beloved.
ReplyDeleteEventually the Qoqui will win in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Being small in Hawaii is and advantage and the fact that its jungle is so dense in those islands they will survive their hate. It will take a few more years for the next Hawaiian generation to start to appreciating the song of that little frog. They might be able to kill some but not all. Puerto Rico the same thing, jungle is on the side of the Qoqui...!
ReplyDeletethe coqui's should be saved, & returned to Puerto Rico where they belong !
ReplyDelete