Indonesia discovers 2 new crab species in Papua

Typhlocarcinops raouli, a new crab species discovered by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in Mimika, Papua, Indonesia. (Photo courtesy of LIPI)

The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has discovered two new crab species in Mimika district, Papua province, a researcher said on Wednesday.

Professor Dwi Listyo Rahayu, oceanography expert at LIPI, said the two species were named Typhlocarcinops robustus and Typhlocarcinops raouli.

"The rivers in Mimika have a rich ecosystem, providing habitats for many species such as crabs," Rahayu told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Rahayu added that Typhlocarcinops robustus has a sturdy and strong body shape and claws, while Typhlocarcinops raouli has a rectangular body with slender and fluffy claws.

The assessment process for these two species has been ongoing since 2016.

LIPI has discovered a number of new species in Mimika, including 29 floras and 101 faunas, 50 species of insects, two species of mammals, 26 species of reptiles, two kinds of fish, and 21 types of crabs.