The diversity and distribution of Gecarcinidae MacLeay, 1838 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura), a potential land crab as a valuable food resource, in Indonesia

Abstract

Gecarcinidae is one of the land crabs that is commonly found in intertidal and coastal areas comprises of 28 species worldwide. On some regions, this crab has been known as one of food resources. However, Indonesians have no interest yet in consuming this potentially high-value species. The present study aims to reveal the diversity and distribution of Gecarcinidae in Indonesia and discuss its potencies. Specimens of Gecarcinidae deposited in Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense (MZB) were used for observation and their morphological differences were recorded. Their recorded localities were used to define the hypothetical distribution. Their economic potential assessments were based on some literatures. In total, there are five species recorded in Indonesia, i.e., Cardisoma carnifex, Gecarcoidea humei, Gecarcoidea lalandii Tuerkayana hirtipes, and Tuerkayana magnum. The widest-distributed species are Cardisoma carnifex and Tuerkayana hirtipes. Among these species, the two largest species are Cardisoma carnifex and Tuerkayana magnum. In Pacific regions, Gecarcoidea is harvested as one of food resources. Therefore, these five species have high potency to support food sustainability and revealing the potencies and chance for captivity could serve as a catalyst to elevate community welfare, especially in coastal areas. Conservation on the natural habitat is necessary to maintain the sustainable utilization.