Coqui frogs a growing threat in Hawaii

HONOLULU, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Invasive frogs known as coquis are posing an increasing threat to agriculture on the island of Oahu, Hawaii State Sen. Clayton Hee says.

Hee said coquis were first introduced to Hawaii around 1988 and the species is threatening native insects and spiders, as well as native birds with whom the frogs compete for food, Honolulu's KITV reported Sunday.

Hee said if action is not taken to limit the spread of the coqui frog population on Oahu, the island's farms could eventually be overrun by the species.

"Coquis have appeared throughout the south side of Oahu and one location in Haleiwa, and now (are making their way) to the east side and headed up to the north shore," the senator said.

"If we don't do anything about it, this cannot be anything but bad news for the state of Hawaii."

Some Hawaiian farmers suspect the spread of the frogs is due to a shortage in agricultural inspectors who are tasked with locating such species.

"Anytime you have invasive pests, the best thing to do is get aggressive with it immediately," Hee said.