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.
Waqas Ahmad Shams, Gauhar Rehman, Khurshaid Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Saima Bibi, Saif Ul Islam, Dawood Safi, Saba Gul Ayaz. (2020) Species Diversity and Abundance of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Allacanthos in Buner District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Punjab University Journal of Zoology, Volume 35, Issue 1.
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