Solomon Islands: Tetepare – Coconut Crabs
Tetepare Island is also home to the endangered coconut crabs, the largest land crabs in the world. They can weigh up to 4 kg/9 lb. The coconut crabs are actually just a species of hermit crabs that somehow evolved into growing to immense sizes and discarded their shells. They are super powerful and can crack open a count (hence the name), or seriously damage or even chop of human fingers, and their grip is almost impossible to unlock. They live in burrows, but can easily climb trees. They can’t swim, but need to come to the water to spawn into the sea. Coconut crabs are eaten by humans (although there isn’t much to eat), and are critically endangered or even extinct on many islands. They are fully protected here on Tetepare.
