Ascension : Conservation Weekly - Land crabs visit North East Bay
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 13.03.2008 (Article Archived on 27.03.2008)

Last week more than 600 land crabs descended onto North East Bay to mate and lay their eggs.

The majority of crabs on the beach were female crabs with a sponge (a large mass of eggs).  More than 400 female crabs were counted, and several were observed depositing their eggs at the water’s edge.  This amazing phenomenon happens every year, and this year the crabs have been at North East Bay since January.  March is likely to see the peak of the breeding cycle, so motorists should continue to take care when driving along North East Bay at night.  If you are interested in learning more about the land crabs or volunteering with the weekly census, please contact the Conservation Dept. at x6359.

REMINDERS:

The Conservation Department has FREE collars for all cats on the island; you can pick one up in the Conservation Centre, x6359.  Please make sure that you cat is wearing a collar.