Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
In 2002, coconut crabs were observed breaking bird eggs with their pincers (Yoshinaga
2002). According to Yoshinaga (2002), “small red coconut crabs were common in troicbird
nests under shrubs and rock shelves.”
Pierce et al (2006) examined the species diversity of various terrestrial crab species on
Abariringa (Kanton), Birnie, Enderbury, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (see
Table III-3.14 above). Crabs species included the hermit crab, Coenobita spp., land crab,
Cardisoma spp., and coconut crab, Birgus latra.
MANRA (SYDNEY)
Hermit crabs were found on Manra (Sydney) (Hydrographic Office 1940; see also Bryan
1941 and 1942).
Garnett (1983) reported the hermit crab, Coenobita sp., on Manra (Sydney). Garnett (1983)
also noted the presence of spiders on Manra (Sydney).
Government of Kiribati (1995) reported hermit and land crabs on Manra.
Kepler (2000) reported that two medium-large coconut crabs were transported from Flint
Island to Manra and released.
MCKEAN
Several kinds of crabs were noted on McKean (Hydrographic Office 1940). Bryan (1941 and
1942) noted that hermit and other crabs were present on McKean.
Garnett (1983) reported the hermit crab, Coenobita perlata, and land crab, Geograpsus
grayii, on McKean.
Garnett (1983) reported the Arachinda, Ornithodoros capensis, on McKean.
Pierce et al (2006) examined the species diversity of various terrestrial crab species on
Abariringa (Kanton), Birnie, Enderbury, McKean, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki (see
Table III-3.14 above). Crabs species included the hermit crab, Coenobita spp., land crab,
Cardisoma spp., and coconut crab, Birgus latra.
NIKUMARORO (GARDNER)
Coconut crabs were so numerous that in the 1880’s Niue workers named the island, “motu
oonga”, island of coconut crabs (Bryan 1941 and 1942). Ellis (1937) reported that there were
extraordinary numbers of large coconut crabs on Nikumaroro (Gardner) (see also Wiens
1962). Many were up to 3.6 kg (8 pounds). There were only 7 or 8 coconut trees on the
island, so they must have fed on something else besides coconuts.
During the 1937 survey of Nikumaroro (Gardner) in advance of resettlement, a landing party
was sent ashore (Bevington 1990; see also Maude 1937). After the first night, when they
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