Anthropogenic Disturbances: the Red Ghost Crab (Ocypode Macrocera) Is under Threat at Lalkakrar Char, Kuakata, Bangladesh

The red ghost crab (Ocypode macrocera) is considered a bioturbator, an environmental architect, a geochemical engineer, a biological engineer, a physical engineer and a climate engineer. Lalkakrar Char (Shoal of red crab) is the paradise habitat of red ghost crabs in Bangladesh. In the near past, thousands of crabs came out of the holes and the shoal turned into the red island of scenic beauty during low tide. It is reported that the abundance of red crabs is declining in this area. The study aims to identify the threats to conservation and find out solutions. It was found that motorcycles and mechanized vans for carrying tourists destroy the residing hole of the little mermaid. Consequently, the red crabs are often found injured or dead on the beach. Resultantly, the oxygenation, organic matter decomposition and bioturbation on the beach soil are highly affected. The exotic high water-consuming trees cause scarcity of groundwater, which in turn, leads to the dryness of the shoal gradually. Incremental pollution accelerates eutrophication, turbidity, and hypoxia. As a result, the abundance of dead jellyfish shows an uptrend. The escalated trend of trash and plastic bottles chokes the penetration of the crab community. The study advocated some conservation activities.