Where are the coqui frogs?
How to locate and count coqui frogs
Locating and recording coqui frogs while males are calling at night is an important step in effective control. Accurate location information helps ensure citric acid is applied where it is needed, reducing waste and improving treatment efforts.
Keeping records of coqui counts over time also helps you monitor population changes and evaluate whether your control efforts are working.
If you plan to survey or count coqui on someone else’s property, always obtain permission from the property owner before beginning.
When to count coqui frogs?
Coqui frogs are generally most active and vocal shortly after sunset through the early hours of the night, often until just after midnight. Weather can also affect their activity. Coqui tend to call more frequently during warm, humid conditions, especially during or shortly after rainfall when temperatures are above 70°F. They are generally less active and vocal during cooler weather below 70°F and extended dry periods. For the best chance of locating calling frogs, plan surveys for warm, wet evenings.
Be stealthy!
Quietly approach to within about 10 feet of the area where you suspect coqui frogs are hiding. Coqui can be sensitive to sounds and light, so avoid whispering, crunching gravel, snapping branches, or shining flashlights and headlamps toward the suspected area.
Practice your patience.
Be prepared to sit or stand quietly for 15–30 minutes while waiting for the frog to resume calling. During this time, remain as still and quiet as possible, and keep your lights off. Giving the frog time to settle down may help you pinpoint its location.
Call out to the frogs
If you don’t hear any frogs calling, try whistling the two-tone coqui call to encourage a response. If you can’t whistle the call, you can play a recording instead.
Below are two different coqui call recordings you can use to try to prompt a frog to respond. Play the recording, then pause and listen quietly for a reply.
Take notes
Keep as detailed a record as possible of your coqui counts and submit your observations using the Public Coqui Submission Form.
Please include the following information:
- Date and time of the survey
- Your name and at least one contact method
- Location where you conducted the count
- Number of coqui frogs heard during the survey
MISC uses the following categories to estimate the number of calling coqui frogs heard during a survey: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6–10, 11–20, 21+, and 63+.
Consistent reporting helps MISC track coqui populations, monitor changes over time, and identify areas that may need additional attention.
Mark the location
Once you have confirmed the location mark the spot with string, surveyor’s tape or something similar to be able to return to it or direct someone else to the spot. Coqui frogs frequently stay in the same area so this will help to find them again.
Please remember to report your coqui frog count to MISC using this form: Public Coqui Frog Survey
