EEB Student Evaluation Seminar - Jenny Flores, EEB PhD Student

Jenny Flores presents their preliminary seminar.

Preview: The common coqui (Eleutherodactylus coqui) offers a compelling case study into how narratives and perceptions shape species management. Commonly found on coffee farms across Puerto Rico and Hawai'i, the coqui occupies a dual role as both a native and invasive predator. While it potentially serves as a natural predator, offering biological control of common coffee pests, it also poses risks by consuming beneficial species. The diverse cultural attitudes toward the coqui in these regions starkly contrast. How has the coqui emerged as an infamous species in Hawaii while becoming a revered national icon in Puerto Rico? Furthermore, coffee farms serve as crucial habitat for the coqui, yet the management practices employed can profoundly influence habitat quality. How do transitions in farming practices impact this balance? In this talk, we will delve into the intricate world of the coqui, exploring three chapters to begin unraveling its complexity.