Hermit crabs worldwide, known for using scavenged shells as protection, are increasingly resorting to plastic waste instead, a study reveals.
The analysis, based on photos shared by wildlife enthusiasts online, depicts the extent to which these creatures inhabit discarded human rubbish, a development described by scientists as “heartbreaking.”
“We started to notice something completely out of the ordinary,” explained Marta Szulkin, an urban ecologist from the University of Warsaw.
“Instead of being adorned with a beautiful snail shell… they would have a red plastic bottle cap on their back or piece of light bulb.”
In their study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, researchers found 386 hermit crabs using artificial shells, mainly plastic caps.
Prof. Szulkin emphasized that this behavior is observed in two-thirds of terrestrial hermit crab species globally.
While the impact of these materials on the crabs remains uncertain, Prof. Szulkin noted the need to understand the animals’ adaptation to their environment.
“We really need to understand the fact that we are living in a different era and animals are making use of what is available to them.”
The widespread use of artificial shells raises questions about the interaction between coastal crustaceans and plastic, as well as its potential effects on their evolution.
Prof. Szulkin highlighted the decline of natural snail shells, suggesting that the availability of artificial alternatives might be influencing the crabs’ behavior.
Amidst growing concerns about plastic pollution, with an estimated 171 trillion pieces of plastic floating in oceans, there is hope for action.
Experts warn that without intervention, this number could triple by 2040. However, there is optimism for the signing of a global treaty in 2024 to address the issue.
Mark Miodownik, a professor at University College London, emphasized the importance of reusing plastics, drawing a parallel between human behavior and that of the hermit crabs.
“Just like the hermit crabs,” he stated, “we should be reusing plastics much more, instead of discarding it.”
Source-BBC
