AN UNEXPECTED NATIVE OF CYPRUS
A UNIQUE, SEMI-TERRESTRIAL CRUSTACEAN
The Cyprus freshwater crab (Potamon potamios) is a unique, semi-terrestrial crustacean native to Cyprus’s rivers and mountain streams. Similarly, this decapod inhabits forest streams, lakes, ponds, and rivers across several other southern European countries.
AN OMNIVOROUS, SHY CREATURE
Found deep inland, within freshwater ecosystems, they are also known locally as the ‘Kavouras Glykou Nerou’, which translates to the Sweet Water Crab in Greek. The island’s mountain rivers and streams, as a result, form the perfect habitat for them. In light of this, these omnivorous, shy creatures, which can live up to 12 years, remain unpretentious in the environment.
HEAVILY CAMOUFLAGED
These heavily camouflaged and exceptionally shy creatures prefer rocky environments and muddy substrates where they can dig burrows. Often found near wet grounds and riverbanks, it is recommended not to interfere with them, as they are an aggressive species that is known to attack with its pincer claws.
AN ENDANGERED SPECIES
The wider European population of this crab species is officially classified as critically endangered by the INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE. Although they do not have many natural predators, they are also on the verge of extinction in Cyprus. Their numbers have failed to recover since they were historically decimated by extensive and uncontrolled toxic insecticides that were used for historical anti-malaria campaigns across the island during the mid-20th century.
A SERIES OF THREATS
Although these campaigns have long since ceased, the crabs today still face a series of threats. These include climate change, which is thought to be causing one of the biggest problems for them across the island. Prolonged droughts year after year have been drying out riverbeds, and this, along with habitat drainage and localised poaching, has caused their numbers to steadily drop further. Organisations like TERRA CYPRIA are working to emphasise the importance of protecting the island’s fragile river ecosystems and to ensure the crab’s survival.
A NEW PROPOSAL
Proposals, which resemble those taken for the GRIFFON VULTURE, which is another endangered species on the island, are underway. If accepted, these proposals will see freshwater crabs imported from other parts of Europe to help replenish numbers across Cyprus.
NATUAL HABITATS ACROSS CYPRUS
They are most commonly encountered in the following places
Akamas Peninsula: Specifically within protected coastal gorges and streams.
The Troodos Mountains: Mainly located in the Paphos, Machaira, and Limassol forest regions.
Major Rivers: Frequent sightings have been recorded near the Diarizos and the Kryos River.
