About 500 Discovered in a 600-Meter Stretch
City: "An Example Demonstrating the Excellence of the Wetland Ecosystem"
Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province, announced on May 22 that a large habitat of the "Red Fiddler Crab," designated as a Class II endangered wild animal and a marine protected species, has been confirmed in the Ansan Reed Wetland, located at the uppermost part of Sihwa Lake.
The "Red Fiddler Crab" found in the Ansan Reed Wetland area, the uppermost part of Sihwa Lake. It is the largest habitat confirmed so far in the metropolitan area. Provided by Ansan City
The Red Fiddler Crab belongs to the Sesarmidae family. It has a carapace length of about 28 mm and a width of approximately 33 mm. Its distinguishing features include a square-shaped carapace, a convex dorsal surface, walking legs covered with brownish hair, and a reddish front part of the carapace along with its claws.
It has been known to inhabit only limited areas such as the lower reaches of the Han River, Siheung Gaetgol, some regions along the West and South Seas, and Jeju Island.
A research team from the Ansan Environmental Foundation and Seoul National University recently confirmed that up to 500 individuals inhabit a stretch of about 600 meters from the entrance of the Ansan Reed Wetland to the Jangjeonbo section. This is the largest habitat identified in the metropolitan area.
The research team analyzed that the uppermost part of Sihwa Lake provides the optimal habitat for the Red Fiddler Crab because it features a large tidal range, low salinity mudflats, and extensive reed colonies, all of which are ideal for the crab's feeding activities and hiding places.
Ansan Mayor Lee Minguen stated, "The discovery of this habitat is an important example that demonstrates the ecological excellence of the uppermost part of Sihwa Lake and the Ansan Reed Wetland."
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