Wollhand crab invasion in Oldenburg: Conservationists raise the alarm!

Wollhand crab invasion in Oldenburg: Conservationists raise the alarm!

Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Deutschland - In Oldenburg, an unwanted invasion is currently underway. The city is overrun by the so -called Chinese wool hand crabs - hairy arachnids, which cause a stir in both their aesthetics and in their way of life. The number of sightings of the crabs up to 30 centimeters tall, which can weigh up to 400 grams, is increasing. Especially in urban areas you can see them not only in the parks, but even in door frames or on lanes, where they are often run over.

The wool hand crab, which originally comes from China, has adapted to the north German climate in recent years. Near the North Sea, the animals find optimal living conditions that make it easier for them to survive and reproduce. On your daily hikes you can cover up to 10 kilometers, which explains your quick spread in unattended areas.

The threat to the ecosystem

The rapid increase of these crabs, however, leads to worrying consequences. Conservationists are serious about the effects on the local ecosystem. On the North Sea, the wool hand crabs have become a plague and appear in droves, which is a significant threat to other animal species. As an omnivore, they are particularly dangerous for the larvae of other animals, which has far -reaching consequences for biodiversity.

fishermen on the coast also complain about the destruction of their fishing nets by these crustaceans. In places where woolen hand crabs occur, a decline in other animal species such as mussels and worms can often be observed. Anyone who observes the coastal waters will quickly find that the crabs are not only annoying, but also cause ecological damage.

In order to combat the wool hand crabs, researchers and fishermen have taken creative measures. In Bremerhaven, special traps have been developed that are intended to catch the crabs. A pipe system, similar to a rain gutter, is used to lead the crabs into the trap when crossing the bank refreshments. These measures show that the need to control the crab population is there to protect the balance in the ecosystem.

origin and distribution

The origin of the wool hand crab is as interesting as their behavior. Around 100 years ago she probably came to Europe as a "blind passenger" in ship ballast water from Asia. This unwanted import has become a serious problem that now affects coastal regions and cities like Oldenburg.

Actually, these crabs prefer fresh water, but they sit in salt water for reproduction. These special living conditions that occur in the mixed zones of sweet and salt water offer them an ideal environment without natural enemies. This makes the fight against wool hand crabs even more difficult.

The city of Oldenburg is confronted with a fascinating but threatening phenomenon. Due to the constant increase in sightings and the growing number of animals, not only the urban image is affected, but also the entire environment. The question remains how Oldenburg and the surrounding regions will deal with this unplanned takeover. More details on this situation and its effects on the region are find .