Authors : Canan Tureli , Onder Duysak , Erhan Akamca and Volkan Kiyagi
Abstract: Spatial distribution and activity pattern of Ocypode cursor (L., 1758) were studied for 2 years (2000-2001) in 40x15 m sand beach of Yumurtalik Bay in Turkey. Analysis of frequency distributions of the ghost crab population was based on indirect census, with burrow diameter measurement. Burrow diameter was a good estimator of crab size. Burrow diameter/carapace length and length/width relationships were estimated from samples obtained by excavating burrows and individual capture by trap. These relationship were adjusted by the following equations, respectively: BD = 0.25+1.13 CL; CW = 2.44+1.13 CL (BD is burrow diameter; CL is carapace length; CW is carapace width). Spatial distribution analysis was performed based on distance and altitude to water line. Most small burrows were found close to the sea, while larger burrows were mostly found in places higher up the beach. O. cursor was absent from the dry portion of the beach next to the dunes. The activity pattern showed that crabs are more activity during night than day-time. Burrow shape also was analysed. These burrows were in L-or j-shapes.
Canan Tureli , Onder Duysak , Erhan Akamca and Volkan Kiyagi , 2009. Spatial Distribution and Activity Pattern of the Ghost Crab, Ocypode cursor (L., 1758) in Yumurtalik Bay, North-Eastern Mediterranean-Turkey. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 165-171.