New species of crab discovered in Binh Thuan.

In late November, Vietnamese scientists announced to the world a new genus and species of freshwater crab after four years of research.

The new species, scientifically named Binhthuanomon vinhtan, was discovered during a survey conducted in 2011 in the Nui Chua area (Vinh Tan commune, Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province). The crab is medium-sized, with a red to reddish-brown carapace and bright red claws and legs. They live in deep burrows, about 50-100 mm underground, near water sources. The new species is typically active from late afternoon until early morning, feeding mainly on insects and plants around streams.

Binhthuanomon Vinhtan crab species. Photo provided by the research team.

To achieve this announcement, the research team from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology spent approximately four years analyzing and researching, facing numerous difficulties. In mid-2011, during a survey project, experts from the Institute of Tropical Biology found the crab specimen. However, at that time, only two individuals were collected due to the limited sample size and unfavorable conditions, forcing the research to be temporarily suspended.

In July 2014, researchers Phan Doan Dang and Le Van Tho returned to search for specimens. "The terrain was steep, making travel very difficult. We had to hire locals to guide us to the correct location, then set up camp to search at night," Dang recounted.

Their nocturnal feeding habits, their tendency to appear in large numbers only during rainy weather, and the rugged terrain made accessing the specimens difficult for the team. Dang and his colleagues had to stay awake from night until morning, and after many trips, the team finally collected 16 crabs and began the process of comparing and contrasting the samples.

The area where the crabs were found is in a rocky mountainous region at an altitude of approximately 800 meters above sea level. They are distributed along both banks at the end of a small stream, within a very narrow range, about 80 meters along the stream bank and about 30 meters wide from the stream bed. The section of the stream where the crabs reside is relatively flat. At the end of the stream are many large, treacherous rocks.

The crab is of medium size, with a carapace ranging from red to reddish-brown, and claws and legs that are bright red. Photo provided by the research team.

Upon obtaining the specimens, the Institute of Tropical Biology collaborated with Dr. Do Van Tu at the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources to conduct research. Comparing them with previously collected specimens, foreign publications, and with the assistance of international experts in documentation for over a year, the team announced the discovery of the new crab species at the end of November 2015.

"Initially, we thought it was just a new species, but after careful research, we determined it was not only a new species but also a new genus for science. We were even more delighted when our research was accepted for publication in a prestigious international journal, because this is not easy for young researchers," said Dr. Do Van Tu.

According to Dr. Tu, this research contributes to laying the foundation for the conservation of freshwater crab diversity in particular, as well as aquatic biodiversity in Vietnam in general. "Many species of freshwater crabs in Vietnam are still unknown to the scientific community. They are facing the threat of extinction due to habitat degradation and destruction," said Dr. Tu.

According to Vnexpress