For many Puerto Ricans, the nightly croaking of the coquí frog is a cherished symbol of their culture, often described as a national lullaby. However, a now-deleted Reddit post from May raised alarms when a tourist complained about the noise, sparking concerns among locals and environmental advocates. The post prompted calls on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, urging visitors to appreciate rather than silence the coquí, which has millions of views. Some users even suggested that those who dislike the frog’s sound should reconsider traveling to Puerto Rico.
Alejandro Ríos-Franceschi, an associate professor of ecology at the University of Puerto Rico, remarked that he had never encountered attempts by locals to harm the coquí prior to this incident. The coquí holds a special place in the hearts of Puerto Ricans, who are taught to respect and protect it from a young age. Ríos-Franceschi emphasized that the coquí is part of the island’s identity, with its croaks serving as a “living soundtrack.”
Despite the frog being non-endangered, some species were listed as endangered in 2017. Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory means that harming the coquí could lead to legal repercussions under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services regulations. Ríos-Franceschi, also a research director for Proyecto Coquí, warned that if tourists resorted to harmful measures, it could disrupt the island’s ecosystem.
Even prominent figures like Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny have highlighted the importance of the coquí in their work, indicating a cultural connection that resonates deeply within the community. Ríos-Franceschi underscored that while the coquí may be an adjustment for visitors, it shouldn’t justify harming this beloved creature.
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