Once lively inhabitants of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf coastline in southeast Bangladesh, the red ghost crabs (Ocypode macrocera) are now becoming increasingly rare, according to local media reports. Known for their agility and burrowing abilities, these elusive crabs play a critical role in the beach ecosystem by controlling organic debris and serving as prey for larger species.
Shahidul Islam Kajal, a marine researcher who grew up on these shores, recalls the joy of watching these crabs. But now, he says, “It’s heartbreaking to see them tangled and killed by synthetic nets that litter the beach.”
The shrinking population of red ghost crabs signals a broader environmental issue: the destruction of their habitat.
The development in the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf coastline, particularly the construction of the 80-kilometer (50-mile) marine drive, has led to a surge in tourism and businesses, but at significant environmental costs.
In addition, the Bangladesh Navy built a 1-km- (0.62-mi-) long jetty in Dec. 2022 for international naval exercises, which is now also used for tourist ship operations.
While authorities cite benefits such as increased tourism and maritime security, experts claim these activities have taken a toll on the natural habitat.
“Human activities like unregulated tourism, vehicle traffic and pollution have disrupted the red ghost crab’s behavior and destroyed their habitat,” explains Shahidul.
Pollution, primarily from ship-breaking activities in Chittagong and municipal waste from nearby areas, has also contributed to the degradation of coastal biodiversity.
The coastal region, home to 28% of Bangladesh’s population, faces mounting ecological pressure, which has pushed species like the red ghost crab to the brink.
“Red ghost crabs were abundant along the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf coastline in the 1980s and 90s. Even during COVID-19, they were plentiful,” says Mohammed Solaiman Haider, director at the government’s department of environment (DOE).
“Population pressure is a major issue. Cox’s Bazar is a top tourist destination, and nature isn’t getting a break from human activity,” he adds. “Without red crabs, the beach loses its unique character.”
Although the red ghost crab is currently classified as Least Concern by IUCN, local experts argue that the situation on the ground has changed significantly in the region.
“The 2015 IUCN study does not reflect the present scenario, rather it reflects conditions from 2010,” says Hadayet Ullah, a scientist at Worldfish Bangladesh and a visiting scientist at the University of Adelaide. “Since 2015, the country’s coastal ecosystems have undergone drastic changes, yet no updated comprehensive study has been done.” He stresses that further research is needed to accurately assess the current population of red ghost crabs.
Ecological guardians of the coastline
In Bangladesh, red ghost crabs are found on the sandy beaches of Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans and other coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. They play a vital role in coastal ecosystems, besides also being an attraction for tourists. They are part of the food chain as prey for birds and other predators. Protecting them ensures the stability of the coastal ecosystem.
Marine ecologist Edwin Cruz-Rivera, an associate professor at Morgan State University, says about their significance, “Species in the superfamily Ocypodidae are key to maintaining coastal ecosystem balance. They are widely distributed across tropical and temperate regions and thrive in sandy beaches, mangrove forests, marshes and wetlands.”
Cruz-Rivera adds that crabs like the red ghost crab also contribute to estuarine ecosystems by feeding on organic matter and oxygenating the soil, which supports plant and animal life. “They’re essential to maintaining the health and balance of these ecosystems.”
According to IUCN, red ghost crabs are omnivores, eating worms, small shellfish, fish and detritus. They are active both day and night, digging burrows in sandy beaches for shelter and spreading sand around.
However, the tourism boom in Cox’s Bazar has accelerated environmental degradation. Experts suggest that promoting sustainable tourism practices, regulating beach traffic, and enforcing bans on harmful fishing nets could help protect red ghost crabs and other species.
The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy (2021-2036), too, promotes the development of eco-friendly tourism policies in coastal biodiversity hotspots such as the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Saint Martin’s Island and Kuakata.
Solaiman Haider advocates for a comprehensive beach management plan to restore the coastal ecosystem. “Without such measures, we risk losing these species that make our beaches unique,” he says.
Protected areas offer hope
A new study has emphasized the critical role of protected areas in safeguarding ghost crab populations in Bangladesh.
The study, conducted by WorldFish and Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh II (ECOFISH II) in Kuakata, compared ghost crab populations and their burrowing characteristics on protected and unprotected beaches.
Researchers found that protected beaches had a significantly higher population of ghost crabs, demonstrating their effectiveness in providing a safe haven for the species.
“Crab burrow density on protected beaches was 19 times higher than on non-protected beaches,” says Hadayet, who co-authored the study. “This highlights the importance of expanding conservation efforts along the Cox’s Bazar coast.”
“Moreover, protected beaches were found to have a higher number of small burrows, indicating that they serve as breeding and nursery grounds for ghost crabs,” he adds. “This is crucial for the long-term survival of the species as it ensures a continuous supply of juveniles.”
This success highlights the role of protected areas in preserving coastal biodiversity. These areas not only protect ghost crabs but also safeguard species like sea turtles. Kuakata’s efforts provide a model for broader conservation, Hadayet notes.
Inani Beach in Cox’s Bazar, famous for its vibrant red crab population, is also called the “red crab beach.” In the peaceful hours of early morning and late afternoon, thousands of crabs blanket the beach, offering a stunning and tranquil scene. Locals are urging authorities to take action in protecting and conserving this extraordinary natural wonder.
In some places, however, conservationists and researchers often encounter resistance from local communities due to a lack of awareness. Educating these communities living along the coasts about the value of their natural resources and promoting sustainable practices is crucial for conservation in Bangladesh.
“The marine diversity of Bangladesh is poorly studied, but it’s vital and beautiful, providing essential ecosystem services. I wish the local government offered more support to native scientists to advance marine science in such an incredible place,” says Cruz-Rivera.
(This article was republished from Mongabay under Creative Commons License)
Mahadi Al Hasnat is a freelance writer specializing in environmental journalism and a communication professional.
