Tree Hole Crab

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Scientific Name:
Globonautes macropus

Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Guinea, Liberia

The tree hole crab (Globonautes macropus) is a crustacean (crab) belonging to the family Gecarcinucidae. It is a rare species endemic to the upper Guinea forest block of western Libera (Bong, Lofa, and Mesurado Counties) and Guinea. Populations may also occur in the forested parts of Sierra Leone which lie between these two known populations. Only a few specimens remain in the ten sites where it can be found.

The species is restricted to rainforest and requires specialized habitat (rainwater filled natural holes found in suitably-sized trees from one to two meters above ground-level.)

The tree hole crab is threatened by loss of habitat due to human disturbance (deforestation and war/political unrest).