Population dynamics of the coconut crab Birgus latro on Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles

Abstract

Birgus latro, the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world, has undergone a substantial decline globally over the last decades, with only a few healthy populations remaining where they are actively protected. We aimed to quantify demographic and spatio-temporal dynamics of a protected population of B. latro on Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles). Based on results along 2 transects on the atoll from 2007 to 2016, we calculated an average (±SE) density of 23.7 ± 1.1 ind. ha-1. This suggests a population of around 5000 B. latro in the coastal area of Picard Island, which is likely to be an underestimate due to the cryptic nature of the species. The average density within the study area was stable over the study period, and over the yearly cycle, the population exhibited high spatial and temporal variability in count, size and sex ratio and in association with the lunar cycle. Aldabra’s B. latro population is male-biased (3:1 male:female) and sexually dimorphic, with males being larger than females. Males and females moult at different times of the year, and the breeding season overlaps with the region’s wet season (December-March) and was in synchrony with the lunar phase. B. latro on Aldabra present colour polymorphism in a 4:1:1 ratio of orange:blue:intermediate (mixture of orange and blue). Results confirm that Aldabra is an important refuge for B. latro and potentially a natural source population for other areas in the region. Similar long-term studies on B. latro are encouraged to improve knowledge on the species and to support conservation actions to halt the species’ decline.