Assessment of the Coconut Crab (Birgus latro) - In Mauke, Cook Islands

Abstract

The coconut crab is a highly valued resource on Mauke Island, but has been subject to over harvesting by the local residents. in an effort to combat this problem and rebuild the crab population, the Mauke Island council has proposed that key areas of the habitat and migration pathways of coconut crabs be established as rau'i (protected areas).