Just recently, in the latest 23rd edition of the “Tropical Natural History” journal, a groundbreaking discovery has been reported. Infusing fresh vitality to the realm of academia, this breakthrough is spearheaded by Pan Yeesin. Pan Yeesin, helming the Technology and Industries Department, is a noted academic attached to the esteemed Faculty of Science and Technology at Prince of Songkla University, located in Pattani province.
In order to actualize this scientific revelation, Pan’s department crossed hands with an illustrious roster of researchers from leading institutions. This includes collaborators from both the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, a respected institution in Songkhla province, and with Professor Peter Ng, who is a leading light at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, at the National University of Singapore.
Delving right into the intriguing discovery, Pan revealed that they stumbled across Geosesarma Todaeng vampire crabs taking up residence in the intricate root system of a palm-family plant in a swamp forest in Narathiwat. Known as Lum Phee (eleiodoxa conferta), this tropical plant provides sanctuary for this unique species of crabs. Classified as part of the G. foxi species group, this lowland species flaunts distinct features on its carapace, male pleon and male first gonopod, separating it from its cousin species.
The Todaeng variant of geosesarma crabs, similar to many others in its family, possesses an instantly recognisable square carapace, claws doused in shades of vibrant yellow or exotic orange, and legs cloaked in the inky depths of black or the earthy tones of brown. However, the Todaeng variant offers an unmistakable twist – the panoramic view from the front reveals a carapace bearing an outstanding arc, distinctly unique to its brethren, as noted by Pan.
The unearthing of Geosesarma Todaeng has added a new dimension to our understanding of the Geosesarma species. This discovery now amplifies the documented Geosesarma species in Thailand to a trio. Joining the Todaeng in the G. foxi species group are previously recorded members G. Krathing – discovered in Chanthaburi province – and G. Serenei, found in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
Reungrit Phromdam, a revered scientist hailing from the Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, pledged to continue the crusade to decipher more about the intriguing world of crabs found in the rich swamp forests of southern Thailand. Specifically, they aim to unearth more species from the Geosesarma family that have evaded official documentation so far. Interestingly, he noted that these crabs have defied detection so far in canals or waterways linked to swamp forests or mangrove forests, and have been conspicuously absent in routes leading to the open source of infinite mysteries, the sea.
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