Geothelphusa miyakoensis
Japanese Name: ミヤコサワガニ
Chinese Name: 宮古澤蟹
English Name: Miyako Freshwater Crab
Origin: Miyakojima (Miyako island)
The Miyako Freshwater Crab is an endemic freshwater crab species of Miyakojima, with a carapace width of approximately 3 cm. Currently, it is known to inhabit only four groundwater spring sites, making its population extremely small. Furthermore, the species is facing a decline in numbers due to habitat destruction and predation by the invasive Yaeyama Yellow Pond Turtle (Mauremys mutica kami). It has been designated as a “Nationally Rare Wildlife Species,” and the capture and transfer of the species are prohibited.
