The tatus, also called the coconut crab, is a large native crustacean found mostly in the coastal forests of islands like Sibay and Sibolo in Caluya. It resembles a giant hermit crab with a hard shell up to 16 inches wide and can weigh up to 4 kg, showing colors from violet to orange-red. Locally, tatus is a prized delicacy, and its shells are sold as souvenirs, though harvesting is banned during mating months (August to September) to protect the species. The Tatusan Festival celebrates the crab’s cultural importance and promotes local pride and conservation awareness. Despite protections, threats like habitat loss, illegal hunting, and invasive species have caused population declines, prompting municipal laws to safeguard the tatus.
Domain:
Photo Credit/s:
Team Ekis Production Facebook Page, 2023
Mappers:
Lolita P. Importante, Noeta E. Yap, John Lester Y. Dionela, Baby Jane B. Panganiban, Arnee Lorraine P. Importante, Romuel Palacios, Dezhel Jane S. Maubol, Edison N. Biadora, Jr.
Tags:
Antique Philippines, August to September, Biodiversity Threats, Caluya, Coastal Forest Habitat, Coconut Crab, Community Conservation, Conservation Awareness, Cultural Celebration, Cultural Heritage, Eco-Friendly Practices, Endemic Species, Giant Hermit Crab, Habitat Loss, Illegal Hunting, Invasive Species, Large Land Crab, Local Legislation, Local Seafood, Mating Season Ban, Municipal Wildlife Protection, Native Crustacean, Orange-Red Shell, Population Decline, Shell Souvenirs, Sibay Island, Sibolo Island, Species Protection, Tatus, Tatusan Festival, Traditional Delicacy, Violet Crab, Western Visayas
Want to know more?
Inquire about this specific heritage by filling up the form below.
We will get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.
