Giants of the Land
Coconut Crabs: Giants of the Land
Juvenile coconut crabs inhabit shells from sea snails (gastropods), but as they mature, they grow large and live without shells on land. They are among the largest crabs, with weights exceeding 4 kg and reports of individuals reaching up to 14 kg. Adults feature powerful crushing claws and long legs, allowing them to climb trees with ease. Their coloration ranges from light violet to deep purple and brown.
Coconut crabs are found on tropical islands from the Indian Ocean to French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, their vulnerability to predators like dogs and pigs, along with habitat destruction, has contributed to their decline on many islands and atolls.
Kepiting Kelapa: Raksasa di Darat
Kepiting kelapa muda menghuni cangkang dari siput laut (gastropoda), tetapi saat mereka dewasa, mereka tumbuh besar dan hidup tanpa cangkang di darat. Mereka termasuk salah satu kepiting terbesar, dengan berat melebihi 4 kg dan laporan individu yang mencapai hingga 14 kg. Dewasa memiliki penjepit yang kuat dan kaki panjang, memungkinkan mereka untuk memanjat pohon dengan mudah. Warna mereka bervariasi dari ungu muda hingga ungu tua dan cokelat.
Kepiting kelapa ditemukan di pulau-pulau tropis dari Samudra Hindia hingga Polinesia Prancis di Samudra Pasifik. Sayangnya, kerentanan mereka terhadap predator seperti anjing dan babi, serta penghancuran habitat, telah berkontribusi pada penurunan jumlah mereka di banyak pulau dan atol.