Similan Islands national park’s plea for hermit crab homes

Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga province is sounding the alarm and calling on the public to donate shells to provide new homes for hermit crabs. This urgent campaign aims to boost the crab population and enhance marine biodiversity.

Hermit crabs are vital beach cleaners, eliminating bacteria and disease to maintain the park’s ecosystem. Due to their soft exoskeletons, they rely on discarded shells for protection from predators.

However, the hermit crabs in the Similan Islands face a dire shortage of natural shells, forcing them to use marine debris like small bottles and cups. This adaptation not only jeopardises their safety but also threatens the delicate ecosystem, as stated by the Protected Areas Regional Office 5 in a recent Facebook post. The crabs’ desperate turn to rubbish is a clear indicator of the urgent need for natural shells.

To address this crisis, the office is now accepting donations of freshwater and seawater mollusc shells left over from human consumption. These donated shells will be transformed into safe new homes for the crabs.

The park officials urge the public not to collect shells from beaches, as this could disturb the ecological balance. Instead, those wishing to contribute can contact the Mu Ko Similan National Park head office in the Thai Mueang district. Donations can be arranged by calling 076453272 or 076453275.

Mu Ko Similan National Park, a gem in the Andaman Sea, comprises nine stunning islets. Among them, Ko Miang stands out, renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkelling, reported The Nation.

In related news, Thailand’s national parks achieved a monumental milestone, breaking revenue records by collecting a whopping 1.785 billion baht between October 1 last year, and June 20 this year. This incredible sum surpasses the total amount collected in the whole of 2023, which stood at 1.467 billion baht.