Assessment of the status of the coconut crab Birgus latro on Niue Island with recommendations regarding an appropriate resource management strategy
At the request of the Niue Government a FAO-SPADP funded pilot-stock survey was conducted on Niue in 1988 to assess the status of the coconut crab population. The study found that the coconut crab was in all probability suffering from over-exploitation and that immediate remedial measures were necessary to ensure that stock levels did not decline further. The study recommended that an immediate detailed population study of the coconut crab be conducted to provide the data necessary for formulati on of a resource management plan. An interim series of conservation measures, including protection of crab with eggs, closed seasons and cessation of crab exports, were also provided to assist the Niue Government in halting/slowing the decline of its coconut crab resource. The initial findings indicated that the decline of the coconut crab was the result of exporting large numbers to Niueans resident in New Zealand. Unfortunately the interim conservation recommendations were not acted upon. Fort uitously coconut crab exports declined dramatically from mid 1988 through to late 1989 as a result of a major disruption to air services linking Niue with New Zealand. The detailed coconut crab population survey, which is the subject of this report, commenced in 1990 and ran for 71/2 months. The primary aim of the study was to gather detailed population data to enable the formulation of a viable coconut crab management strategy. In addition, educational materials (coconut crab poster and video movie) were to be developed for use in a public awareness programme
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Project biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1992
|
| Online Access: | https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/AC281E http://www.fao.org/3/a-ac281e.htm |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|