Species information
Scientific name: Geothelphusa miyakoensis
Japanese name: ミヤコサワガニ
Chinese name: 宮古澤蟹
English name: Miyako freshwater crab
Origin: Miyakojima
Ecology and description
Miyako freshwater crab is an endemic freshwater crab species of Miyakojima. The carapace is about 3 cm wide. Currently, only 4 known habitats exist at groundwater outflow locations. The population is very limited, facing threats from habitat destruction and predation pressure from the domestic invasive species Yaeyama Yellow Pond Turtle (Mauremys mutica kami). The species is designated as a “Nationally Rare Wild Fauna and Flora Species,” prohibiting any capture or trade activities.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
