14 Apr 2017
A new species of arboreal crab - Kani maranjandu, has been discovered in the Western Ghats in Kerala. Sightings of the crab were first reported to a team of researchers surveying the region, by the local Kani tribe of Kerala, after whom the new species was named. They reported having seen a long legged species of crab that could climb trees. The researchers, with the help of members from the Kani tribe, were finally able to capture a specimen of the species on September 05, 2015. Distinguishing features of the crab include a hard upper shell, elongated abdominal structure in males, and elongated legs that help in climbing trees. The species can be found living in tree- hollows and canopies.