• Waqas Ahmad Shams

• Gauhar Rehman

• Khurshaid Khan

• Ibrar Ahmad

• Saima Bibi

• Saif Ul Islam

• Dawood Safi

• Saba Gul Ayaz

Abstract

The crab found in fresh water is a source for proteins having immense importance and its use as a food is not hidden from anyone. Its use by the traditional healers and animal therapists as a healthy calcium supplement and in healing of other injuries is also proven. In the present study, the diversity and abundance of crabs from Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan were looked over, over a period of three years extending from June 2013 till June 2016, collected at different sampling points. Extensive surveys were conducted for three years at different timings during the active periods of crab life. To have a comprehensive study of the crab fauna of Buner District, nine different localities were selected for conduction of survey. The results showed that there were two crab species yawi and Smalley. These species belong to Allacanthos. They have gonopod with a distal portion of mesio laterally flattened. They have a cephalic sub distal portion which is concave. There is a narrow marginal process with an almost straight distal end and a sharp tip lateral part with an apex. Periodic and corporal aspects inclined the abundance of Allacanthos. The dominant species was Allacanthos yawi (62.9%). The abundance was variable according to habitat type. Allacanthos yawi had abundance in Pir Baba and Budal localities. The season was also a factor for variation in their diversity. They were mostly found the June, July month. There is a regular decline in the diversity of these species so research on crabs are necessary and an improved understanding of localities are necessary to prevent biodiversity degradation and loss in this area.

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