Profiling abundance, size, and shell utilization patterns ofCoenobita clypeatus(Fabricius, 1787) (Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobitidae) in protected and highly frequented beaches in Puerto Rico

Abstract

AbstractThe coastal Caribbean is a well-known harbor for biodiversity, yet it is mainly valued for its ample resources and services. Economic interests typically supersede conservation efforts, introducing anthropogenic-related factors such as noise, chemical pollution, and geographical disturbances into the littoral zone, where ecological diversity is abundant. Although human activity is known to be detrimental to biodiversity across habitats, the effect of conservation measures that limit anthropogenic activity on coastal populations remains understudied. To measure the benefit of conservation in the littoral environment, we sampled populations of the hermit crab Coenobita clypeatus (Fabricius, 1787) of highly frequented (non-protected) and protected beaches in northern Puerto Rico. We profiled 1,119 individuals by using transects, describing their size and shell utilization patterns during winter and summer. The C. clypeatus population was larger (P < 0.0001 during both seasons) and more abundant (P = 0.0006 during winter, P < 0.0038 during summer) in the protected beach than in the non-protected beach, with no effect of season. Shell utilization patterns were more consistent in the protected beach, likely due to the greater availability of gastropod shells. These results suggest that the conservation measures implemented in the protected beach promote the survival, reproduction, and growth of hermit crabs in the location. Expansion of protected habitats through governmental and civilian efforts should enhance the conservation of the biodiversity of protected areas.