Biodiversity of brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) from Uran, Navi Mumbai, west coast of India

摘要

In the present study, survey of brachyuran crabs for biodiversity was done along three substations; Sheva creek, Peerwadi coast and Dharamtar creek of Uran (Raigad), Navi Mumbai, west coast of India. Brachyuran crabs were collected during spring low tides from intertidal regions and shallow coastal waters monthly from June 2013 to May 2015. A total of 31 species of brachyuran crabs representing 20 genera and 11 families were identified. Of these, 9 species belongs to family Portunidae, 5 species each to Grapsidae and Xanthidae, 2 species each to Leucosiidae, Ocypodidae, Oziidae and Sesarmidae and 1 species each to Matutidae, Menippidae, Polybiidae and Porcellanidae. Maximum species diversity of brachyuran crabs is recorded during pre-monsoon and monsoon at open mud flats of Sheva creek and Dharamtar creek than rocky shore of Peerwadi coast. This could be attributed to the abiotic factors like wave action, slope and salinity of water which cause direct effect on diversity and distribution of brachyuran crabs inhabiting rocky shore habitat. The variation in abundance of brachyuran crabs at Uran coast could result from anthropogenic activities of Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), port related establishments, overharvesting, habitat loss and discharge of domestic wastes, sewage and effluents to the coast. This study reveals that brachyuran crabs from Uran coast are facing threat due to industrial pollution and anthropogenic activities.