Coconut Spiders: 10 Strange True Facts about Coconut Crabs.
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs or palm thiefs, are a type of
terrestrial hermit crab that lives on islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Coconut crabs are distinguished by their reddish-brown or purple
exoskeleton and long, spindly legs.
They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 9 pounds, making them one of the
world’s largest land-dwelling arthropods.
One of the most intriguing characteristics of coconut crabs
is their ability to climb trees.
They have strong claws that they utilize to cling to the trunk of the tree and climb to
the top where they can access the coconuts.
They can also climb back down the tree while holding a coconut, which is an impressive
feat for a creature that lacks a tail or other appendage to aid with balance.
Coconut crabs are also well-known scavenging coconuts for food.
They eat the meat within the coconut after cracking open the hard outer
shell with their strong claws.
They have also been observed eating various fruits, nuts, and even small
animals like birds, if they can be found.
The coconut crabs are found on islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans,
where it lives on rocky coastlines, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps.
Other island groups where they can be found include the Seychelles, the Chagos
Archipelago, and the Aldabra Atoll.
The coconut crab population is falling as result of habitat destruction and hunting.
They are considered a delicacy and hunted for their delicious meat.
The degradation of their natural habitats, such as mangrove swamps,
is also affecting their survival.
Coconut crabs are also regarded as a key species for the health of island ecosystems.
Their existence on an island can suggest a healthy and diverse
environment, whereas their absence can signal a declining ecosystem.
Here are 10 strange about coconut crabs:.
#1.
Coconut crabs are the world’s largest land-living arthropod, with some reaching 3
feet in length and weighing up to 9 pounds.
#2.
Their name comes from their extraordinarily claws, which can split whole coconuts.
#3.
They have also been recorded climbing trees and reaching heights of
up to 40 feet in search of food.
#4.
Coconut crabs are nocturnal, they are most active at night.
#5.
They are also known to be aggressive, their area from other coconut crabs.
#6.
They are also cannibalistic, eating coconut crabs if food is scarce.
#7.
Coconut crabs have a span of up to 60 years.
#8.
They are also known to be highly intelligent, with some studies
indicating that they can plan ahead of time and use tools.
#9.
In some regions of the world, they are considered a delicacy and are
frequently used in traditional dishes.
#10.
Coconut crabs are considered a vulnerable species and are protected by legislation
in various countries due to over hunting and habitat degradation.
To summarize, coconut crabs are fascinating organisms noted for their ability to
climb trees and search for coconuts.
They can be found on islands throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans and are
regarded as an important indicator species for the health of island ecosystems.
Their number, however, is declining due habitat degradation and over-exploitation.
To keep the population constant, it is critical to conserve the environment
of these wonderful species while also limiting hunting pressure.