Cavers discovered a blue crab in Car Nicobar, marking the first sighting of this at-risk species in the region since 1874. Known as the coconut crab, it is the world's largest terrestrial arthropod, although the specimen found was much smaller than the species' maximum size. Habitat loss and natural disasters have endangered these crabs, which are rare and nocturnal, adding to their vulnerability. The find underscores not only the resilience of nature but also the ongoing risks posed by human waste to wildlife.
After the 2004 tsunami pummeled ecosystems across the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, scientists traveled to the region to see what species had survived.
The species is perhaps more commonly referred to as the coconut crab, due to its penchant for tearing open the hard-shelled fruit with its nutcracker-like claws.
This latest sighting marks the first confirmed sighting of the invertebrate on the island since 1874.
Scientists believe this particular specimen may have been attracted to the area by a nearby pile of coconuts and human trash.
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