The coconut crab, Birgus latro, is the largest land-living arthropod
in the world. It is also called the robber crab or palm thief, because
some coconut crabs are rumored to steal shiny items such as pots
and silverware from houses and tents. The species inhabits the
coastal forest regions of many Indo-Pacific islands.
in the world. It is also called the robber crab or palm thief, because
some coconut crabs are rumored to steal shiny items such as pots
and silverware from houses and tents. The species inhabits the
coastal forest regions of many Indo-Pacific islands.
The coconut crab climbs trees to eat coconuts or fruit, to escape
the heat or to escape predators. However, as they are omnivorous
creatures, they will consume certain other organic materials such
as tortoise hatchlings and dead animals. Coconut crab populations
in several areas have declined or become extinct due to both habitat
loss and human predation. It is a world-wide protected species.
However, the IUCN Red List requires more data to decide if the
coconut crab is indeed an endangered species.
the heat or to escape predators. However, as they are omnivorous
creatures, they will consume certain other organic materials such
as tortoise hatchlings and dead animals. Coconut crab populations
in several areas have declined or become extinct due to both habitat
loss and human predation. It is a world-wide protected species.
However, the IUCN Red List requires more data to decide if the
coconut crab is indeed an endangered species.
