Mud Lobster (Thalassina anomala): Mangrove Ecosystem Engineer

Mangroves are among the most critical ecosystems on the planet, supporting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and prtecting coastlines. PT Kandelia Alam (KLIA) manages extensive mangrove forests that are home to a remarkable species: the mud lobster (Thalassina anomala), locally known as Udang Tanah.

Locally called Udang Tanah in KLIA, this species digs into the ground to create mounds that serve as nests and places for social interaction. Across Indonesia, this crustacean is known by various names, reflecting its cultural significance: Makohe (South Sumatra), Udang Ketak Darat (Jambi), Ketam Busut (Riau Islands), and Udang Kalajengking (North Sulawesi).

The Role of Udang Tanah in the Mangrove Ecosystem

Mud lobsters are unique inhabitants of mangrove forests, building mounds that resemble small volcanoes, which can exceed 1 meter in height and 2 meters in depth. These structures are not merely nests but critical components of the ecosystem, providing shelter and foraging grounds for other species such as fiddler crabs (keramak in local terms), mudskippers, mangrove clams, insects, and snakes like bockadam.

Interestingly, while fiddler crabs often utilize these mounds, it is the mud lobster—not the crabs—that constructs them. This distinction highlights their indispensable role in creating microhabitats within the mangrove ecosystem.

Ecosystem Engineering and Indicators of Health

Mud lobsters’ digging activities aerate the soil, recycle nutrients, and enhance the fertility of the surrounding environment, supporting the growth of mangrove vegetation. These mounds serve as natural markers of tidal levels, with their peaks always above the highest tide, further emphasizing their ecological significance.

Moreover, the presence of mud lobster mounds is now recognized as an indicator of mangrove health. These structures demonstrate the interplay between biodiversity and ecosystem functionality, underscoring the critical importance of mangrove conservation.

Threats to Mud Lobsters and Mangrove Ecosystems

Despite their adaptability, mud lobsters are vulnerable to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as mangrove deforestation, pollution, and land conversion. Rising sea levels, driven by climate change, pose an additional threat to mangroves, which in turn affects the species that depend on them, including mud lobsters.

Within the Nusantara Climate Initiative (NCI), KLIA strives to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems, supporting vital biodiversity like the mud lobster. Through sustainable mangrove management, research into the ecological roles of species, and active community involvement, KLIA aims to contribute to the balance between environmental health and local livelihoods.

KLIA also works to safeguard the natural processes of the mangrove ecosystem. Mud lobster mounds, which are essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting diverse species, are preserved to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy and resilient. This approach reflects KLIA’s commitment to fostering harmony between nature and the communities that depend on it.

Globally, mangroves are recognized as vital ecosystems in the fight against climate change, contributing to carbon sequestration and coastal protection. In Indonesia, home to over 20% of the world’s mangroves, efforts like those led by KLIA play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of these critical habitats. Mud lobsters are more than just a species inhabiting mangroves; they are engineers, biodiversity supporters, and indicators of ecological health. By protecting mangroves and preserving the habitats of species like Thalassina anomala, KLIA contributes to a sustainable future where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously.

Author: Randi Agusti

Copy Edit: Yessi Agustina; Barakalla Robyn

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