Published in the 23rd issue of the “Tropical Natural History” journal, an exciting discovery has emerged from the thickets of Thai research. The man leading the charge was the esteemed Pan Yeesin, an influential figure from the Technology and Industries Department, housed under the Faculty of Science and Technology at Prince of Songkla University, nestled in Pattani province.
Collaboratively, they worked diligently alongside other experts from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum in Songkhla province. Their team was further strengthened by the experienced Professor Peter Ng from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore.
Unveiling their findings, Pan declared the spotting of the Geosesarma Todaeng vampire crabs, unearthed within the intricate root system of Lum Phee (eleiodoxa conferta). This unique plant belongs to the palm family and thrives in a swamp forest located in Narathiwat.
The discovered vampire crabs belong to the lowland species known as G. foxi species group. These species have certain distinct attributes which help in differentiating them from others—primarily their carapace, male pleon, and male first gonopod features.
Sharing a common feature with other Geosesarma crabs, the Todaeng variant also possesses a square carapace and bright yellow or orange claws complemented with black or brown legs. However, one distinguishing characteristic it holds is its more prominently arched carapace when viewed from the front, as pointed out by Pan.
With the arrival of Geosesarma Todaeng, the curators of Geosesarma species native to Thailand now have a new addition. This expands their collection to a total of three unique species. The other two members from the G. foxi species group previously recorded include the G. Krathing, native to Chanthaburi province, and the G. Serenei, indigenous to Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
According to Reungrit Phromdam, a distinguished scientist at Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Thai researchers are fully geared up to continue their exploration of the swamp forests in the southern region of Thailand. The objective is to unearth additional species from the Geosesarma family that have yet to be officially documented.
Furthermore, he noted how vital it is to understand the habitats of these crabs. Endeavoring to deepen our understanding of these creatures, Phromdam mentioned that crabs from this family have not been found in canals, in or around waterways connected to the swamp and mangrove forests, nor paths leading towards the sea, opening an exciting chapter in the study of these fascinating creatures.
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