A recent study conducted by Edith Cowan University and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has shed light on the detrimental impact of WA's golden ghost crabs on endangered loggerhead turtle hatchlings.
The research has highlighted the challenges faced by newly hatched turtles, including being trapped, decapitated, and having their heads severed by the crabs.
Professor Glenn Hyndes, an expert in coastal ecology at ECU, explained that while ghost crabs primarily feed on brown algae, they show a preference for sea turtle hatchlings and eggs, posing a threat to the survival of loggerhead turtle populations.
High densities of ghost crabs on certain beaches have led to multiple crabs feeding on hatchlings over several nights, often resulting in significant damage to turtle clutches.
Source: WAtoday
