Get to know the three-colored crabs found in West Kalimantan

Researchers from BRIN discovered a new type of three-colored crab called "Lepidothelphusa menneri".

BRIN

A new type of three-colored crab discovered in Gunung Kelam, West Kalimantan. The crab has the name Lepidothelphusa menneri.

Some time ago, researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN discovered a new type of three-colored crab. The crab with the nameLepidothelphusa menneriwas found in Gunung Kelam, West Kalimantan.

The discovery of a new type of three-colored crab has been published in the journalZootaxa Number 5397 Volume 2 on January 4 2024. In scientific literature it has been recorded that crabs with the genus Lepidothelphusa were previously discovered in 1920 in Sarawak, Malaysia. The discovery of a new type of three-colored crab was made by BRIN and a team from the National University of Singapore.

Researcher Daisy Wowor from BRIN Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center stated that the etymology of the name for the new species of three-colored crab was taken from the name of Jochen K Menner. Jochen was the first person to inform researchers about the existence of the new species in Kalimantan. Jochen also facilitated the collection of specimens with residents in Sintang for research purposes.

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This new type of three-color crab is mini-sized with a very unique color combination. Its carapace has a smooth texture with a three-color pattern that contrasts.

The discovery of new species opens up new potential in our understanding of biodiversity.

One third of its body, the head and eyes, are bright yellow to orange. While the middle part of the body is dark brown to purplish black. The other third of the body, namely the back (posterior), is pale to bright blue.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN (HAS)

Researchers from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) succeeded in discovering three new species of wayang frogs from the highland forests of Sumatra, namely Sigalegalephrynus gayoluensis (Gayo, Aceh), Sigalegalephrynus burnitelongensis (Telong, Aceh), and Sigalegalephrynus harveyi (Dempo, South Sumatra) whose specimens were shown at the LIPI Biological Research Center laboratory, Cibinong, West Java, October 2019.

"This crab has a small body, approximately 10 x 8.8 millimeters. It can be confirmed that this crab is not a climbing type. Finding it requires precision because it lives on the edge of shallow tributaries with gravel and rock substrates," said Daisy in a press release published on BRIN's website in early March 2024.

He added that this new type of crab is quite difficult to find because it likes to hide behind leaf litter and roots. This crab also has unique traits that can be seen from its larger claws on one side.

The claw on the right is smaller than the claw on the left. The condition of the smaller claw on the left is not because it has been cut off, but because it is a typical morphological characteristic of Lepidothelphusa menneri.

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Daisy said that previously, the genus for crabs Lepidothelphusa was divided into six species, namely Lepidothelphusa cognetti, Lepidothelphusa flavochela, Lepidothelphusa lime, Lepidothelphusa lio, Lepidothelphusa padawan, and Lepidothelphusa sangon. The six species originate from western Sarawak in the East Malaysia region.

Conservation

He stated that the conservation status of the new three-colored crab species is still difficult to achieve. This is due to the uncertain knowledge of its distribution area.

Meanwhile, local collectors are increasingly angry collecting the crab species for trade in Singapore, China, and Europe. It is hoped that the status of this species can be considered for inclusion in the vulnerable status.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO (TOK)

The blekok rice bird (Ardeola speciosa) catches fish in the Angke River, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, July 2021. Ardeola speciosa is a bird species that is widespread in Southeast Asia. This blekok rice field bird has a body length of around 46 centimeters. Apart from fish, the food of this blekok rice field is insects and crabs.

"Considering that most species of Lepidothelphusa have small brood sizes with limited egg-laying capacity, namely around 21 eggs, exploitation of this species as a pet certainly has the potential to pose a threat so the status of this species needs to be considered as vulnerable," said Daisy .

Previously, the Head of the Center for Biosystematics and Evolution Research at BRIN, Bayu Adjie, stated that BRIN has targeted to increase the discovery of new taxa every year, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. By 2024, BRIN targets to discover 50 new taxa.

Also read: BRIN Targets Discovery of 50 New Taxa by 2024

The discovery of new taxa is very important to identify biodiversity in Indonesia. Apart from that, this discovery is also important for further studies of the species found, including related to biological studies, utilization or bioprospecting, as well as necessary conservation efforts.

"The discovery of new species opens up new potential in our understanding of biodiversity and emphasizes the urgent need for protection and conservation of these species, considering the various threats they face," said Baru.