The Singers operate a sanctuary for the maligned frog in Puna
November 16, 2008 – Opihikao, Hawaii
The invasive frog that has been the subject of local angst and a target for eradication may find refuge at a private residence on the Big Island.
The Singer family, who operate the Coqui Hawaiian Integration and Reeducation Project (CHIRP), run a 60 acre sanctuary for the maligned frog. They location in Puna is not unique for its coqui population (the frogs are already found almost everywhere on the islands’ east side), but rather its attitude. While most seek to rid their property of the creatures, known for the song of their evening call, the Singers embrace the chorus of the tiny frogs.
The Singers believe coqui frogs, which have thrived on the Hawaii islands since their accidental introduction from the Caribbean, are victims of calculated character defamation, and can actually be beneficial to the environment. They believe eradication is cruel, and that it is also nearly impossible.
The State Department of Agriculture sees the frog as a threat to the Hawaii environment, and is participating in a multi-agency campaign to stop the spread of the coqui in Hawaii.
by Big Island Video News
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STORY SUMMARY
The Singers operate a sanctuary for the maligned frog in Puna November 16, 2008 – Opihikao, Hawaii The invasive frog that has been the subject of local angst and a target for eradication may find refuge at a private residence on the Big Island. The Singer family, who operate the Coqui Hawaiian Integration and Reeducation […]