I’m always fascinated to learn about an animal I wasn’t familiar with before, hence this newest post. I was watching Netflix tonight, and started viewing this series called 72 Dangerous Animals: Asia. It’s truly outstanding and I can’t wait to watch the next season.
Digressing from that recommendation, let me introduce you to the the Coconut Crab. The coconut crab (Birgus latro), also known as the robber crab or palm thief, is a fascinating species of terrestrial hermit crab that is native to several islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This thing is a monster.
The coconut crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world. Adult individuals can reach a leg span of up to 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) and weigh as much as 9 pounds (4 kilograms). Their large size and impressive appearance have earned them the title of “crabzilla” in some instances.
Coconut crabs are found on various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including parts of the Indian Ocean, the southern coast of Asia, and across many Pacific islands, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Christmas Island, and several islands in the Indo-Pacific region.
As omnivores, coconut crabs have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on fallen fruits, nuts, and seeds, including coconuts, which gives them their name. They also consume the husk of coconuts. In addition to plant matter, they scavenge on carrion and will eat other small animals like birds, crabs, and even sea turtle hatchlings if the opportunity arises.
There have been instances where coconut crabs have been observed feeding on human remains, but it’s important to understand that such cases are extremely rare and generally occur when a person has died in a remote area where these crabs are abundant. Coconut crabs are opportunistic scavengers, and like many other creatures, they will feed on whatever organic material is available.
If a human body is left exposed and unburied in the proximity of coconut crabs, they may scavenge on the remains. On a darker note, some historians and biologists believe that the reason they could never find the body of Amelia Earhart, is because the remains were devoured and carried off by coconut crabs.
Coconut crabs are predominantly nocturnal creatures, being most active during the night. They are skilled climbers and can scale trees to find their food. During the day, they typically hide in burrows or crevices to avoid predators and conserve moisture. They are known for their powerful claws, which they use for defense, climbing, and cracking open coconuts and other food items.
Like other hermit crabs, the coconut crab undergoes a series of molts as it grows. When they outgrow their exoskeleton, they shed it and develop a new, larger one. The molting process leaves them vulnerable until their new exoskeleton hardens. Mating typically occurs during the wet season, and females carry fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until the larvae hatch. After hatching, the larvae go through several stages of development before returning to land as young crabs.
The coconut crab is considered vulnerable in many areas due to habitat destruction, overharvesting, and predation by introduced species. In some places, they are protected by law to prevent their decline.
In some cultures, coconut crabs are considered a delicacy and are hunted for food. However, harvesting them without regulation can negatively impact their populations.
In places where coconut crabs are protected, ecotourism based on responsible observation and education is becoming increasingly popular.