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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Diversity and distribution of marine crab, their importance, threats, and conservation in different sites of Thoothukudi coastal areas
Authors
R Geetha, A S Santhalakshmi, K Bhanumathi, G Petchidurai
Abstract
As of 2023, in the world, more than 242,000 marine species have been documented.
An average of 2,332 new species per year is being described. There are 45,000
species of crabs living in the world, and 990 species of crabs in the Indian
Ocean. Crabs are an excellent environmental indicator. Many crabs feed on
detritus, algae, and decaying organic matter and protecting the ecosystem.
Crabs decompose dead organisms in the ocean and help to accumulate waste and
recycle marine water. Crabs are very useful in the field of medicine. Their
economic importance underscores the need for effective management and
conservation efforts to ensure the survival of crab populations and their
habitats, and increasing climate change has resulted in the decline of crab
populations in the ocean. In this study two sites are surveyed, namely Vellapatti
and Harbour Beach. Totally eighteen species belonging to twelve genera and
seven families to recorded in this study. The crabs are faced with various
threats from overexploitation, habitat degradation, pollution, invasive
species, and climate change. This study indicates the diversity and
conservation of crabs on the coast of the Thoothukudi district.
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Pages:198-203
How to cite this article:
R Geetha, A S Santhalakshmi, K Bhanumathi, G Petchidurai "Diversity and distribution of marine crab, their importance, threats, and conservation in different sites of Thoothukudi coastal areas". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 198-203
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