Rare giant crab not seen on tsunami-ravaged island in over 150 years found in remote cave
The 2004 “Boxing Day" Indian Ocean tsunami claimed more than 230,000 human lives and devastated coastal habitats of coconut crabs across the Andaman and Nicobar islands off the coast of India. Nearly 20 years after the tsunami, scientists were surprised to find the large blue crab in a small cave.
Remembering the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
On Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southeast Asia, triggering the worst tsunami in recorded history. According to United Nations estimates, more than 220,000 people were killed and significant damage was reported across 15 countries.
A rare crab known for its bright blue color and giant size hasn’t been spotted on an Indian Ocean island following a deadly tsunami in 2004 – until now, when scientists stumbled upon the massive coconut crab in a cave.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami was generated when a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off the northern coast of Sumatra. More than 230,000 people across a dozen countries were killed during the tsunami, which is considered one of the deadliest in modern history.
The tsunami also devastated many coastal habitats of animals in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to a rare and massive crab known as the coconut crab.
A photograph of the Coconut Crab Birgus latro from April 2024.
(Dhanesh Ponnu)
The coconut crab, or Birgus Latro, is the largest land arthropod and one of the decapod crustaceans. The leg span of one of these crabs can grow up to 3 feet, and an adult crab can weigh up to 11 pounds. Coconut crabs can live up to 60 years and primarily live off scavenging foods from fallen fruits and nuts, including eating through the shells of coconuts.
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According to the research paper published this week in the peer-reviewed Journal of Threatened Taxa, the coconut crab had not been spotted on Car Nicobar Island since 1874, but had been sparsely documented on neighboring Nicobar islands. A research team combined the island in 2012 for the elusive crab but came up empty.
A photograph of the Coconut Crab Birgus latro climbing the walls of a cave from April 2024.
(Dhanesh Ponnu / FOX Weather)
On April 13, 2024, a single coconut crab was observed inside a limestone cave about 2 miles inland from the coast of Car Nicobar Island. Researchers believe the presence of coconut fruit and litter inside the cave may have attracted the crab.
A photo taken by the researchers shows the large crab within some rocks, visible with its bright blue coloring.
The team said this sighting is the northernmost recorded crab within the Nicobar Islands. Researchers said the discovery shows that including interior forests and inland caves is crucial in post-tsunami survey efforts.