Coconut crabs were once common and widespread on islands throughout the tropical South Pacific. They have long been regarded a delicacy and have now disappeared from many former locales. After three extensive trips through the Pacific over the last ten years, my dream of seeing a live Birgus was fulfilled on Atiu (Cook Islands) July 2001. This specimen caught on an offshore, uninhabited island was destined to win a favor from an Atiuan chief. For more on the marine resources of the Cook Islands visit the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources pages.
images Copyright 2001 N. Dean Pentcheff