Latest news with #RafflesBulletinofZoology
The Star
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
QuickCheck: Have they discovered a new vampire crab on Gunung Jerai?
DISCOVERIES of new species often excite the scientific community and the public alike, especially when they are found in mysterious and remote locations. Recently, reports have surfaced about a new species of vampire crab discovered on Gunung Jerai in Kedah. Could this incredible find be true? Verdict: TRUE A new species of vampire crab, named Geosesarma bunian , has been discovered at an elevation of 1,100 metres on Gunung Jerai. This crab is part of the Geosesarma genus, which includes freshwater species known for their vibrant appearances. The name bunian draws from local folklore, referring to mythical forest spirits known as Orang Bunian. These beings are often imagined as elusive and beautifully adorned, mirroring the crab's striking colours and its previously unnoticed presence in the wild. Adapted perfectly to its freshwater environment, this crab does not need to migrate to the sea for reproduction. Its large eggs hatch directly into juvenile crabs, a unique trait that sets it apart from other crabs. This discovery was announced in a paper authored by Peter K. L. Ng, S. Khadijah-Ahmad, and Amirrudin B. Ahmad and published in the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology this year. As a side note, the "vampire crab" moniker has nothing to do with the little critters eating habit, but rather with the bright, contrastingly yellow eyes of some species of Geosesarma. Aside from Malaysia, species of these freshwater crabs can also be found across Southeast Asia, India and even on several Pacific islands. References: 1. 50183-vampire-crabs-origins-
Rakyat Post
09-05-2025
- Science
- Rakyat Post
New Crab Just Dropped: Malaysians Already Asking If Can Make Kam Heong
Subscribe to our FREE A new species of vampire crab was recently identified at Gunung Jerai, Kedah. According to a Geosesarma bunian , with bunian referring to 'hidden people of the forest'. It says that the orang bunian – supernatural beings who dwell in forests – are often described as beautifully-dressed. The naming convention alludes to the beautiful colours of the Geosesarma crab that has escaped scientific attention until now. Besides its colour, the crab's next most distinctive feature is its quadrate carapace – a square-shaped top shell compared to the more common round or oval-shaped shells found on most crabs. Image: Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Image: Raffles Bulletin of Zoology The crab makes its rounds on social media and Malaysians are already asking if it's edible In true Malaysian fashion, the first thing that comes to everyone's minds is whether the crab can be eaten or not. As citizens of a Southeast Asian nation, we really shouldn't be surprised with this query. Perhaps the first thing one should ask is whether the species is an endangered one or not. It's simply a matter of ethics before we go munching an animal to extinction. How are you guys saying 'boleh makan tak?' to this newly discovered species that's probably endangered? 😭 — aidil (@climateaidil) However, some believe it's a valid question. After all, humans have been living off the land (and sea) for millions of years. Still, conservation efforts to prevent an extinction of a species is serious business. Besides, doesn't the Geosesarma bunian crab look too cute to eat? Some on social media seem to think so. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology is a peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal published by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore. Authors Peter K.L. Ng, S. Khadijah-Ahmad, and Amirrudin B. Ahmad published the paper titled 'On a new species of vampire crab from the Geosesarma foxi speciesgroup (Crustacea: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) in northern Peninsular Malaysia' on 19 March, 2025, about the newly-discovered vampire crab found 1,100 meters above sea level at Gunung Jerai, Kedah. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
New 'vampire crab' species discovered in Gunung Jerai
KUALA LUMPUR: A new species of freshwater "vampire crab" has been discovered on Gunung Jerai in Kedah, adding to Malaysia's growing list of endemic highland wildlife. Known scientifically as Geosesarma bunian, the crab belongs to a genus of vividly coloured, land-dwelling crabs, often referred to as vampire crabs due to their glowing eyes and dark hues. Unlike typical crabs, they live entirely in freshwater and hatch directly into their juvenile form. The species was found at elevations above 1,100 metres and is named after the elusive "Orang Bunian" of Malay folklore — spirit beings believed to inhabit hidden forest realms. The name reflects both the crab's striking appearance and the fact that it had escaped scientific detection until now. The discovery was made by a team of three researchers from the National University of Singapore and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, working in collaboration. Their findings were published in the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology on March 19. "The combination of colour, claw structure and reproductive features clearly sets this species apart from its closest relatives," the authors noted in the paper. Geosesarma bunian is closely related to other species in its genus but can be distinguished by the shape of the male reproductive organ and the unique pattern of bumps on its claws. The team encountered the crabs at night, nestled in soil burrows along a forest path. One specimen was seen perched on a low shrub, suggesting the species may be at least partly arboreal. Specimens have been deposited at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore for further study and reference.
