This teeny tiny “froggy” makes his loud voice heard all over Puerto Rico. To be sincere I don’t like frogs, except the Coquí. This is because of its miniature size. I see this tiny creature defenseless and vulnerable. The Coquí is native to Puerto Rico’s forests. Taíno natives stories and legends include the Coquí. They are found in Taíno art pictographs and pottery.

The “Coquí” name is derive from the loud and strong calling sound the coquí male makes (Ko-kee). The Coquí is about one inch long, with colors going from yellow to dark brown. They have large toes for climbing trees. Unlike most frogs, coquis lay their eggs on the leaves of trees and plants rather than in water. There are thirteen species of coquis in El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico.

This species has undergone considerable decline in the Luquillo Mountains. They are currently classified as vulnerable and endangered. They have been introduced to other countries, like for example the US Virgin Islands. It is the unofficial “mascot” of the island of Puerto Rico. It’s not surprising that it is an appropriate national symbol.