The coconut crab (Birgus latro)
Habitat
Coconut crabs vary in size and coloring.
Coconut crabs are considered one of the most terrestrial-adapted of the decapods,[53] with most aspects of its life oriented to, and centered around such an existence; they will actually drown in sea water in less than a day.[24] Coconut crabs live alone in burrows and rock crevices, depending on the local terrain. They dig their own burrows in sand or loose soil. During the day, the animal stays hidden to reduce water loss from heat. The coconut crabs' burrows contain very fine yet strong fibres of the coconut husk which the animal uses as bedding.[43] While resting in its burrow, the coconut crab closes the entrances with one of its claws to create the moist microclimate within the burrow, which is necessary for the functioning of its breathing organs. In areas with a large coconut crab population, some may come out during the day, perhaps to gain an advantage in the search for food. Other times, they emerge if it is moist or raining, since these conditions allow them to breathe more easily. They live almost exclusively on land, returning to the sea only to release their eggs; on Christmas Island, for instance, B. latro is abundant 6 km (3+1⁄2 mi) from the sea.[54]
Relationship with humans
Coconut crabs vary in size and coloring.
Coconut crabs are considered one of the most terrestrial-adapted of the decapods,[53] with most aspects of its life oriented to, and centered around such an existence; they will actually drown in sea water in less than a day.[24] Coconut crabs live alone in burrows and rock crevices, depending on the local terrain. They dig their own burrows in sand or loose soil. During the day, the animal stays hidden to reduce water loss from heat. The coconut crabs' burrows contain very fine yet strong fibres of the coconut husk which the animal uses as bedding.[43] While resting in its burrow, the coconut crab closes the entrances with one of its claws to create the moist microclimate within the burrow, which is necessary for the functioning of its breathing organs. In areas with a large coconut crab population, some may come out during the day, perhaps to gain an advantage in the search for food. Other times, they emerge if it is moist or raining, since these conditions allow them to breathe more easily. They live almost exclusively on land, returning to the sea only to release their eggs; on Christmas Island, for instance, B. latro is abundant 6 km (3+1⁄2 mi) from the sea.[54]
Relationship with humans
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22 September 2023
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