Taiping Island: A Hermit Crab Haven in the South China Sea

New research highlights the rich biodiversity of the Taiwan-controlled island and its thriving hermit crab population.

Taipei, May 3 – A recent study by the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) has revealed that Taiping Island, controlled by Taiwan, remains a prime habitat for land hermit crabs in the South China Sea.

The NAMR announced its findings in a press release on Friday, detailing research conducted on Taiping Island in 2024. Researchers collected hermit crab specimens during both the dry season (March) and the wet season (July).

DNA analysis identified three dominant terrestrial hermit crab species on Taiping Island: Coenobita rugosus, Coenobita brevimanus, and Coenobita perlatus, with C. rugosus being the most prevalent.

The research showed that over 90% of the island's hermit crabs inhabit natural conch shells, specifically turban snail shells, instead of land snail shells or human-made litter. This indicates an abundance of conch resources, creating a thriving natural environment for the crabs.

The NAMR noted that a 2024 report by international academics indicated that 10 of the world's 17 known terrestrial hermit crab species have been found to use human litter as shelter.

Professor Chiu Yuh-wen (邱郁文) from National Chiayi University's Department of Biological Resources explained that the availability of conch shells for hermit crabs has diminished in recent years due to overfishing. This has led some hermit crabs to use giant African land snail shells and even discarded items for shelter, a less ideal situation.

In contrast, the abundance of conch shells on Taiping Island means that of almost 600 C. rugosus hermit crabs sampled, 81% utilized sturdy turban snail shells, and another 13% occupied other conch shells. Only 6% resorted to land snail shells, and no crabs were found using human litter. This demonstrates the island's rich natural resources.

NAMR President Chen Chung-ling (陳璋玲) stated that due to the distance from Taiwan proper, the academy established a research station on Taiping Island at the end of 2021. With funding from Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council and support from the Coast Guard Administration, the NAMR has been conducting vital habitat research.

The NAMR also aims to share its findings with both local and international academics, intending to establish the Taiping Island station as a center for marine life research in the South China Sea.