During the summer vacation period, coinciding with the high temperatures of the season, many tourists flock to Liuqiu Island in Pingtung, Taiwan, to enjoy water activities and cool off. However, this period also coincides with the land crab breeding season, leading to a tragic increase in roadkill incidents involving female crabs carrying eggs.
Between April 27 and June 29, in just two months, as many as 1,190 land crabs were killed by vehicles, according to reports from Sanli News Network and TVBS News Network. The highest number of deaths occurred during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, with a single day recording 102 crab fatalities. The top three hotspots for these incidents were Sunset Boulevard, Wild Boar Ditch, and Meiren Cave Road.
Last year's observations showed the peak period for land crabs migrating to the sea to release larvae occurred from July 19 to 21. During that time, the influx of tourists also contributed to severe roadkill incidents. Recently, after rainfall, even more land crabs have emerged to forage, facing heavy traffic threats and suffering significant casualties.
"Many land crabs are crushed by cars and motorcycles, their eggs spilling out," explained a volunteer. Land crabs must carry their full egg sacs to the sea on full moon nights. Upon reaching the water, they open their abdominal shells and vigorously shake their bodies to release larvae in a process called "larval release". However, to complete this, they must first safely cross roads.
To protect both the crabs and people, numerous volunteers have been conducting night patrols since May, successfully escorting 557 land crabs and hermit crabs across roads. They urge visitors to Liuqiu Island to reduce vehicle speeds to 30 km/h, maintain a 10-meter distance between vehicles, avoid overtaking, and thus reduce the risk of crushing crabs.
In response, the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Administration recently convened with relevant agencies and proposed nighttime road closures on Meiren Cave Road, one of the most dangerous sections. From May 1 to September 30, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., the area from the Liuqiu Management Station and Visitor Center slope to the second ticket booth at Meiren Cave Scenic Area will be designated a pedestrian zone. Alternative routes will be arranged to minimize inconvenience to residents and tourists.
The administration has committed to holding meetings with local tour guides to explain the new traffic control measures, aiming to ensure that land crabs do not become casualties of Liuqiu Island's booming tourism industry.
