August 26th 2024.
According to sources, the horseshoe crab population in Mahakalpara is rapidly declining, but authorities have not yet taken action to save the species. These marine creatures are abundant in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district, but measures to preserve them have only been implemented in Balasore district by the Zoological Survey of India and the Forest Department through geo-tagging. This process allows for tracking of the crabs' population and habitats, ultimately aiding in their conservation efforts.
The horseshoe crab species is not found in many places, with only a few select areas being home to these creatures. They can be spotted in Balasore district and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, primarily in Hukitola, Shola sea mouth, Launch Ghola, Tanda, Agarnasi, Barunei sea mouth, and the Mahanadi river basin. These crabs typically mate from January to March, but unfortunately, during this time, many of them become entangled in fishing nets and perish.
Sources have stressed the urgency of taking immediate action to preserve this unique species of crabs. In January, large numbers of male and female crabs can be observed mating in Gahirmatha and the Mahanadi river basin. During this process, they can be seen submerged in mud, with their mating often occurring during a full moon night. This is crucial for maintaining the biological diversity of the sea. One interesting fact about horseshoe crabs is that their blood turns blue when exposed to air, due to the presence of a copper-based respiratory pigment called 'hemocyanin.' This blood is highly valuable and in demand for research and medicinal purposes.
Sources have revealed that a liter of horseshoe crab blood can cost up to Rs 11 lakh. Many medicines, including those for treating diseases like cancer, are made using this blood. Environmentalist Samarendra Mahali has stated that the decline in horseshoe crab population can be attributed to the cyclones in 1971, 1982, and the Super Cyclone in 1999. He believes that the Forest Department should take immediate action to geo-tag these marine creatures.
The Forest Department has already completed the geo-tagging of 70 crabs in Balasore district, and Mahali suggests that a similar process should be implemented in Gahirmatha as well. When contacted, Divisional Forest Officer Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav from Rajnagar Wildlife Division stated that they have not yet received any orders regarding the geo-tagging of horseshoe crabs. However, he assures that once they receive the orders, they will promptly implement them.
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