A rare purple crab has been spotted in Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, with officials calling it a “precious gift from nature” and an important sign of the park’s ecosystem health.
The crustacean, nicknamed the “Princess” or “Sirindhorn” crab, is a panda crab species usually known for black-and-white markings. This vibrant purple variety is considered extremely rare. Rangers captured photos of the crab, which measures just under an inch across its shell.
According to Popular Science, the crab was documented in 1986 at Ngao Waterfall National Park. Panda crabs are used by conservationists as indicators of environmental stability. The find highlights the rich biodiversity of Kaeng Krachan, which is home to wildlife including leopards, elephants, and king cobras.
Rare sighting underscores conservation value
Park officials say the discovery reinforces the importance of preserving habitats that support species found nowhere else. The sighting also offers a reminder of how even small, elusive animals can signal the health of entire ecosystems.
“The discovery is considered a precious gift from nature,” the park said on Facebook. “The appearance of the Princess Crab is not only a rare sighting of an elusive species, but also an important indicator of the ecosystem’s health.
“The appearance of the royal crab serves as a reminder of the value of our world heritage forest, which we must all help to preserve.”
Earlier in August, officials found a panda crab in the more common black-and-white variant.
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