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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Predation by Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab: New Ecological Observation on India’s East Coast

Why in the news?

Researchers from GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam, have documented the first confirmed instance of a horn-eyed ghost crab preying on a mottled lightfoot crab at Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh.
Published in: Journal of Threatened Taxa (November edition).

Significance of the Finding

• Demonstrates unusual predator-prey interaction not recorded earlier in India
• Indicates behavioural extension of the horn-eyed ghost crab into rocky intertidal zones
• Suggests flexible foraging strategies in shifting coastal environments

About Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab

• Belongs to genus Ocypode and IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List
• Keystone species and ecological indicator of coastal health
• Known for sandy intertidal habitat
• Roles in ecosystem: Regulates populations of smaller fauna and Burrowing influences sand structure and aeration
• Known predators of clams, snails, worms, insects, shrimps and even turtle/bird hatchlings
• India records six ghost crab species; Rushikonda hosts at least three (O. brevicornis, O. macrocera, O. cordimanus)

With reference to ‘dugong’ a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

(1) It is a herbivorous marine animal. 

(2) It is found along the entire coast of India. 

(3) It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

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