Coconut Crab Monitoring

SANMA Coconut Crab Monitor’s Programme

The species Birgus Latro (Coconut Crab) has been identified by the International Union Conservation Network (IUCN) as an endangered species. The nature of the species means it is particularly vulnerable to over harvesting. The Coconut Crab is listed in Vanuatu’s National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy as a rare/vulnerable animal species, an animal species locally vulnerable to exploitation and as an animal of cultural and economic value.
Increasing pressure has been placed on the coconut crab population as demand for it as a food source has increased and a source of income as communities sell coconut crabs to restaurants.

In Sanma province, a ban on taking coconut crabs was put in place from 2004 – 2007 and a second ban from 2007-2012. From December 2006 – February 2007, the Sanma Krab Kokonas Task Force (a group of representatives from Government agencies and an NGO) carried out population surveys at 21 sites throughout the Sanma Province to determine the effectiveness of the ban. 

The Taskforce reported the following findings:

• Coconut Crab population numbers had increased only slightly in the period of the ban 2004 – 2007.
• There was plenty of evidence that many people in villages were still taking Coconut Crabs
• There was a general lack of awareness in the communities about the life cycle and ecology of the Coconut Crab, or the reasons for the ban. There was significant damage to many places with good Coconut Crab habitat.

The project is addressing these problems by improving local knowledge about the endangered species (including its contribution to biodiversity and the importance of protecting suitable habitats).  This has a flow on effect in ensuring the community is more aware of its own responsibilities for the ongoing management of its natural resources.

The project will also address the problem of lack of enforcement of the ban.  One of the primary reasons cited for lack of enforcement of the initial ban was that Fisheries officers were not aware of offences committed in villages.  By training village-based monitors, this project aims to increase monitoring at a local level and ensure communities become more conscious of complying with the ban season.  The training of monitors to prepare good quality reports will improve the response of Police and Department of Fisheries to breaches of the ban.

Project Objectives

1. Increase the numbers of Coconut crabs in the Sanma Province
2. Increase local knowledge about the species (including its contribution to biodiversity and the importance protecting suitable habitat).
3. Ensure the target communities are more aware of their roles and responsibilities for the ongoing management of their natural resources.

Activities

1. Training of 50 village based Krab Kokonas Monitors
2. Carrying out stock assessment of the Coconut Crab population in the Sanma Province
3. Carrying out awareness and monitoring of Coconut Crab populations 
4. Designing, printing and distribution of educational materials

Outputs

• Community members more aware of the importance of conserving the species
• The Task Force has an increased capacity and ability to monitor and carry out activities, including enforcement of ban
• Monitors are trained and more confident to report any cases of breaches of the ban
• Increased awareness across Vanuatu, including restaurants and tourists of the importance of the Coconut Crab
• Replicate project success in other provinces with populations of Coconut Crabs