Puerto Rico’s frogs, including the coqui species, play a crucial role in monitoring the health of the island’s ecosystems through the use of bioacoustics by scientists, as reported by Benji Jones for Vox. The presence of these frogs is a clear indicator of a thriving environment, making them key indicators of ecosystem health in Puerto Rico.
By utilizing bioacoustics to monitor frog calls, scientists can track changes in climate and environmental conditions across the island. Research has shown that many frog species are migrating to higher elevations due to rising temperatures, which is impacting the effectiveness of current wildlife reserves.
One of the challenges faced in monitoring frog populations through bioacoustics is discerning whether detected calls are from one active individual or multiple less active individuals. Estimating population density using bioacoustics remains a complex task, as explained by Ben Gottesman from the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at Cornell University.
Understanding the movements of frog populations and the impact of climate change on them is crucial for guiding conservation efforts in Puerto Rico. By protecting biodiversity and ecosystem health through conservation efforts, scientists can ensure the health and balance of wildlife in the region, which in turn is essential for human well-being.