You might be able to see them when you come to Kohama Island! Introducing popular tours where you can meet the endangered coconut crab!
Table of Contents
Find the endangered coconut crab!
Is there a way to meet people on Kohama Island?
Kohama Island is home to untouched nature and many creatures not found on the mainland. Among them are the rarecoconut crab (Birgus latro)It is.
It was said to have become extinct on Kohama Island due to overhunting, but local surveys have confirmed that it still lives there today.
jungleParticipate in night toursIf you do, you may encounter crab!
Click here for Kohama Island Ferry operation status & timetable.
↓For more information on how to get to Kohama Island, click here↓.
Characteristics of the endangered "coconut crab
Currently, coconut crabs can be observed in Japan on the islands of Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama.
In fact, it is said that coconut crabs cannot live underwater and cannot swim, so they may have arrived at the islands on drifting debris!
(1) Designated as endangered species
In Japan, coconut crabs are found in the Ryukyu Islands south of Yaku Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, and are especially abundant along the coasts of the Miyako Islands in Okinawa.
The overfishing and development of coastal areas could increase the risk of extinction,Designated as an endangered species II by Okinawa PrefectureThe first time the company was founded, it was a small company.
(2) What is the coconut crab a member of?
The hermit crab is a member of the hermit crab family, Hermit Crabs.
Because of their large size, it is difficult to find shells large enough to fit their bodies as adults, and as they grow older, they may use coconuts or other shells.
Unlike other hermit crabs, the abdomen is covered with a hard shell, which prevents evaporation of water from living on the ground.
3) How big is the coconut crab?
The male coconut crab is larger than the female, measuring over 40 cm in length and up to 1 m when its legs are spread. Weighing more than 4 kg, they are one of the largest crabs after the hawksbill crab.
In addition, coconut crabs are crustaceans specialized for life on land because they cannot breathe underwater, although in humid environments they can breathe by drawing moisture from the air into their gill chambers.
4) How to encounter coconut crabs?
The palm crabs live in burrows dug with scissors in rock crevices and underground in moist and humid areas.
During the day they live in their nests to avoid natural enemies and direct sunlight, and at night they come out of their nests to search for food, but it is not easy to find nocturnal coconut crabs in an unfamiliar jungle!
Search for coconut crabs guided by a guide.If you take a night tour, you will have a much better chance of meeting people.
↓Click here for popular Kohama Island night tours.
On the Kohama Island Night Tour, experienced guides will take you to places that are not even listed in guidebooks and that only locals know about.
《Mangrove》Gasami, eel, flying goby
Shrimps, sponges, turtles
Sea] cockatoo crabs, coconut crabs, luminous insects, etc.
The sights you won't see in your everyday life will surely be the best memories you will ever have.
Also being held on Ishigaki Island *Exciting!
Jungle Night Tour
Night tours are also held on Ishigaki Island. It is recommended as you can enjoy a different island night from Kohama Island!
Click here for details on Ishigaki Island Night Tour
It's not just coconut crabs!
Recommended tours to see the creatures of Kohama Island
Coconut crabs are not the only creatures you can encounter on Kohama Island. Here are some activities where you can meet creatures and plants unique to the subtropical climate.
(1) Snorkeling
Surrounded by coral reefs, Kohama Island offers many excellent snorkeling spots.
Observe colorful tropical fish and coral reefs up close. If you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles.
↓Learn more about snorkeling
(2) Fishing
Fishing at sea is also recommended! Even beginners can enjoy fishing with the support of a guide.
Why not try targeting high-class mibai, yellowtail snapper, and other fish unique to Kohama Island?
↓ Learn more about Kohama Island Fishing Tours
Canoe (kayak) mangrove tour
Kayaking around the brackish waters of Kohama Island, where saltwater and freshwater mix, allows you to enjoy both the ocean and mangrove rivers at once.
Why not take a closer look at the mangroves while listening to the guide's explanation?
Mangrove kayak tours are available here ↓↓.
↓Learn more about ↓ canoe (kayak) tours
summary
Because they are listed as an endangered species, there are said to be only a few coconut crabs living in Okinawa.
You may be lucky enough to find coconut crabs if you look in their habitat when you visit the beach, but you will have a higher chance of encountering them if you take a tour!
Please consider taking a night tour.
↓Click here to read the article.
