Local survivor! Getting to know the endemic and endangered Maltese Freshwater Crab
This creature requires a permanent source of freshwater to survive – a rare commodity in Malta!
Several locals might have gone their whole life without having come across the Maltese Freshwater Crab, known to locals as ‘Qabru’ or ‘Granc tal-Ilma Helu’. Given that freshwater is far from abundant in the Maltese Islands, this crab lacks habitat space and for this reason (among others), is rare, endangered and protected by law.
This species of crab is also endemic to the Maltese Islands, meaning it can only be found here! There’s a chance of spotting one in the few inland areas that contain fresh surface waters. These consist of three streams – Bahrija Valley and Luq Valley (Siggiewi) in Malta, and Lunzjata Valley (between Fontana and Kercem) in Gozo, and two pools, namely Il-Qattara (San Lawrenz) and L-Ghadira ta’ Sarraflu (Kercem), both of which are in Gozo. These water bodies are all found within areas that are protected under national and international legislation in view of their ecological importance.
The Maltese Freshwater Crab is generally found near watercourses, where it digs into the sediment, creating burrows. Such burrows can, at times, exceed half a metre in length, and can have more than one opening, to enable the crab to escape if threatened by a predator.
The Freshwater Crab may also inhabit rubble walls close to a permanent source of flowing freshwater, and is able to sustain itself on leaves, fruit, as well as small fauna, such as large insects and snails.
The organisation ‘Ambjent Malta’ is encouraging locals and foreigners alike to help protect this endangered creature, by being respectful of its space when exploring the few freshwater environments left on the island.
Have you ever spotted a Maltese Freshwater Crab?