The coconut crab, which is also known as the robber crab and Birgus latro, is not just the largest arthropod on our planet; it is also considered one of the most fascinating creatures. Native to the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this giant crab is famous for its impressive strength of claws, tree-climbing skills, and breaking coconuts open. The coconut crab may reach a length of about one meter and weigh up to four kilograms. It is currently being studied by scientists who are intrigued by the unusual qualities of this wonderful creature, including its strong shell, peculiar behaviour, and decreasing numbers because of overfishing and habitat destruction.The Coconut Crab’s “mighty claw” and incredible strengthThe coconut crab has been nicknamed for good reasons, due to its impressive and frightening pincers. It has been shown that this creature can exert a holding power of 3,300 newtons – enough to crack open coconuts, bend branches, and even shatter bones. As reported by Britannica, this crab utilises its pincers to tear off coconut husks and then opens its shell.The research conducted on the crab's outer shell by scientists in Japan proved that this shell is one of the most durable in the arthropod world. The research published by the National Institute for Materials Science in Materials Today Bio in 2021 stated that the crab's exocuticle was characterised by "superior mechanical resistance". It turns out that the layers of the claw ensure durability and lightness simultaneously.These crabs may be scary because of their appearance, but they are generally scavengers. Coconut crabs feed on fallen fruit, nuts, dead bodies, and small animals. The crab's other name, "robber crab", has been coined due to its habit of stealing any shiny object, including cooking tools.Where Coconut crabs live and how they surviveThe coconut crabs are distributed in tropical islands ranging from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. In India, they are primarily found on Great Nicobar Island and in some parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Uniquely different from most other crabs, the adult coconut crabs spend their entire life on land and may drown if kept in water for prolonged periods.As indicated by the research article ‘A case study of the coconut crab Birgus latroon Zanzibar highlights global threats and conservation solutions,’ young coconut crabs start their life in the ocean but then move to land, where they utilise empty shells of hermit crabs for protection. As they grow older, their abdomen becomes hard, and they no longer utilise any shells.In addition, the coconut crabs are also excellent climbers. According to the Western Australian Museum, they can climb as high as 10 meters above the ground in order to look for food or shelter. It is fascinating to watch a huge creature climbing up a tree.New research and conservation concerns around Coconut CrabsHowever, recent studies have brought up issues surrounding the conservation status of the coconut crab populations. Their exploitation for food has greatly depleted their numbers in many places. The 2020 study concluded that large male coconut crabs were becoming increasingly scarce in some areas because of hunting pressure.Furthermore, genetic studies have revealed that coconut crab populations are increasingly becoming fragmented. Experts researching the biology of Birgus latro warned that habitat fragmentation and over-exploitation might jeopardise the gene pool of the species throughout the Indo-Pacific range.Now, conservationists are urging the establishment of better protection measures, especially in islands where the species is endangered. However, despite the threats facing coconut crabs, researchers believe that they still remain one of the most fascinating animals in the tropics.