Kuakata: Fishermen have netted a Raj Crab, a rare species, at the estuaries of three rivers adjacent to the Kuakata district here. The members of the coastal environment protection movement rescued the crab in a bloody state at 9 a.m. today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the crab was released at the sea shore adjacent to the Lembur forest at 2:30 p.m. after receiving primary treatment. ‘Our members have rescued the rare species of crab from the Lembur forest area … the crab is a very valuable resource in medical science,’ said K M Bacchu Mia, convener of the coastal environment protection movement.
He added that the scientific name of the species is Carcinoscorpius Rotundicauda, and its blood is blue. The species remains unchanged since its evolution nearly 450 million years ago, hence it is often referred to as a ‘living fossil.’
Kalapara upazila senior fisheries officer Apu Saha stated that while the crab has no use domestically, it has a significant demand abroad. The species is now on the verge of extinction. ‘It is the responsibility of all to protect the rare species … the fishermen have been trained several times not to catch such type of rare species,’ said AKM Maniruzzaman, range officer of the Mahipur forest department.