Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
awoke they realized that the thick callous on their feet had been eaten by hungry hermit
crabs. On the second night, natives collected and ate 30 coconut crabs. Most of the landing
party became sick from the rich meal.
There were crabs on Nikumaroro (Gardner) (Hydrographic Office 1940).
According to Baarslag (1940), Nikumaroro (Gardiner) was overrun with coconut crabs,
Birgus latro, that weigh up to 3.6 kg (8 pounds). There were also land and hermit crabs
(Bryan 1941 and 1942). Maude (1952) reported that Nikumaroro (Gardner) had some of the
largest coconut crabs in the Pacific.
Garnett (1983) noted that the coconut crab, Birgus latro, were still present in large numbers.
In addition there were land crabs, probably Cardisoma carnifex, and land hermit crabs,
Coenobita sp. on Nikumaroro (Gardner).
In 1995, coconut crabs were observed at Maroro and Etanterawa on Nikumaroro
(Government of Kiribati 1995). Coconut trees were crowded at Niku, so it was assumed that
coconut crabs were also there. Land and hermit crabs were also found in large numbers.
In January 2000, coconut crabs were extremely sparse (Kepler 2000). Only 3 were observed
after many hours of searching. Land crabs, Cardisoma carnifex, occupied coconut crab
burrows. Kepler (2000) noted that during the 1999 expedition to Nikumaroro to find
evidence of Amelia Earhart there, the Fijian crew ate every coconut crab in sight. Kepler
(2000) advised the organizers of the Earhart expedition that they should not harvest coconut
crabs.
King et al (2001) reported coconut crabs on Nikumaroro. Bukaeireiti and Rabaua (2002)
noted that coconut crabs were abundant on Nikumaroro.
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.
ORONA (HULL)
Hermit crabs were present on Orona (Hull) (Bryan 1934). Bryan (1941 and 1942) reported
that land and hermit crabs were found on Orona (Hull).
Garnett (1983) noted that there were land and hermit crabs on Orona (Hull) (see also Bryan
1942).
In 1995, land and hermit crabs were noted on Orona (Government of Kiribati 1995).
Coconut crabs were also observed.
In January 2000, signs of coconut crabs were identified (1 pile of shredded fibers) (Kepler
2000). However, no coconut crabs were observed. Kepler (2000) noted that land crabs,
Cardisoma carnifex were abundant.
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