Distribution, habitat utilisation and conservation status of the freshwater crab, Somanniathelphusa zanklon Ng & Dudgeon, 1992 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) endemic to Hong Kong

Main Article Content

David J. Stanton
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1461-325X
Michael R. Leven
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8125-818X

Abstract

Somanniathelphusa zanklon Ng & Dudgeon, 1992 is a tropical freshwater crab currently considered endemic to Hong Kong.  The present study shows that S. zanklon has been found in a variety of lotic and lentic habitats, mostly lowland, slow moving streams and marshes.  The species is more widely distributed than previously known, and potentially occurs outside Hong Kong.  However, its habitat is under threat from development and channelization of watercourses.  The life cycle of the crab requires both slow moving streams and marshes for adults and adjacent terrestrial habitats for brooding females, highlighting the need for integrated conservation of lowland streams and their riparian corridors.  It is hoped that understanding of the species habitat requirements will encourage others to further explore lowland watercourses in the Pearl River Delta and aid in habitat conservation.

 

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

David J. Stanton, AEC Ltd., 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong

David J. Stanton is a professional ecologist and director at AEC Ltd. based in Hong Kong.  Authors conduct surveys for a wide range of faunal groups and input into a range of large scale Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Planning Studies in Hong Kong and Asia.

 

Michael R. Leven, AEC Ltd., 127 Commercial Centre, Palm Springs, Yuen Long, Hong Kong

Michael. R. Leven is a professional ecologist and director at AEC Ltd. based in Hong Kong.  Authors conduct surveys for a wide range of faunal groups and input into a range of large scale Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Planning Studies in Hong Kong and Asia.

 

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