India's Pioneering Effort to Save Ancient Horseshoe Crabs

Introduction to Horseshoe Crabs in India

• Two species found in India: Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda
• Present along the eastern coast, particularly in Odisha and West Bengal
• Considered living fossils, existing for over 450 million years
• Protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Tagging Initiative and Conservation Efforts

• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Odisha Forest Department launch tagging program
• First-ever tagging effort for horseshoe crabs in India
• Goal: To understand population patterns, habitat utilization, and migratory routes
• 70 crabs tagged initially, with plans to tag hundreds more over three years
• Tags include serial numbers and ZSI contact information
• Collaboration with Fakir Mohan University of Balasore and other experts

Importance and Threats to Horseshoe Crabs

• Crucial for medical research and pharmaceutical testing
• Blue blood used to test for bacterial contamination in medical products
• Chitin from outer layer used in treating burn wounds
• Population decline due to destructive fishing practices and illegal harvesting
• Illegal smuggling reported from Odisha and West Bengal coasts
• Lack of precise population estimates, but noticeable decrease observed

Future Conservation Plans

• Proposal for advanced research using satellite telemetry
• Push for development of a Species Recovery Plan
• Efforts to identify and prohibit destructive fishing practices in key areas
• Emphasis on curbing illegal trade
• Potential for long-term monitoring and habitat protection