Scientists discover two new crab species in Sarawak

The new Arachnothelphusa rimba crab found in Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary - pix courtesy of SFC

KUCHING: Two new species of freshwater crabs have been discovered in Sarawak, says the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).

The new species, named Arachnothelphusa rimba and Arachnothelphusa bako, were found in the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary and Bako National Park by a joint survey team of scientists from SFC and the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

With the discovery of the new species, SFC chief executive Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said Sarawak has at least 51 freshwater crab species that have been described.

"We are honoured and proud to be able to share the discovery of two new species of crabs from totally protected areas in Sarawak," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 9).

Prof Dr Peter Ng, a team member from NUS, said the discovery of the two new species of tree-climbing crabs was a testimony to the "fantastic" animal life in Sarawak's forests.

"The Sarawak government and SFC must be complimented, not just for conserving this biodiversity but facilitating the discovery through working with regional collaborators," he added.

Meanwhile, Zolkipli said the discovery was made through SFC's international collaborative platform known as Rimba (research for intensified management of bio-rich areas of Sarawak).

Rimba was initiated by SFC to open the state's totally protected areas to international scientists to conduct research and use the findings to help Sarawak better manage its national parks, as well as to train and equip the state's young scientists.