The coquí, a small frog whose nightly “coh-KEE” calls are integral to Puerto Rican culture, has recently become embroiled in controversy due to a now-deleted Reddit post suggesting the frogs be silenced for tourists’ comfort. This post sparked outrage among locals and conservationists, leading to widespread discussions on social media platforms, with TikTok videos urging visitors to respect the coquí. Many Puerto Ricans have expressed concerns that some tourists might harm the frogs, which are an essential part of the island’s identity and ecosystem.
Alejandro Ríos-Franceschi, an ecology professor at the University of Puerto Rico, emphasized the coquí’s importance, describing it as a “living soundtrack” of Puerto Rican culture. He noted that while some coquí species are endangered, the common variety is not, though all are protected under U.S. laws. The professor cautioned that attempts to silence or harm these frogs could disrupt local ecosystems, highlighting the balance of nature that these creatures represent.
The discourse has been amplified by the involvement of Puerto Rican celebrity Bad Bunny, who referenced the coquí in a recent Instagram post, linking its plight to broader environmental themes. Ríos-Franceschi acknowledged that while the sound may be bothersome to tourists, it does not justify harming the frogs. He articulated a need for visitors to appreciate, rather than attempt to silence, the unique aspects of Puerto Rican identity embodied by the coquí. Overall, the incident has sparked a cultural conversation about conservation and respect for the island’s natural heritage amidst the pressures of tourism.
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