The research team of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong releases the initial batch of tagged adult horseshoe crabs in Tung Chung Bay to study their breeding patterns and help save them from extinction on Feb 21, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Researchers from the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong released on Wednesday the first batch to of tagged adult horseshoe crabs in Tung Chung Bay in a pioneering conservation effort meant to help save the crabs from extinction.

OPCFHK, with the generous support of Edrington Hong Kong, initiated the design and implementation of the first underwater automated acoustic telemetry system for a pilot tracking study of endangered horseshoe crabs in the territory.

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The researchers will continuously track and investigate the tagged adult horseshoe crabs’ residency and movement, with a primary focus on studying crucial aspects such as breeding patterns.

Hong Kong, known for its ecologically important horseshoe crab habitats, is home to two of four existing horseshoe crab species - the Mangrove horseshoe crab and the endangered Tri-spine horseshoe crab.

These creatures are facing the threat of extinction due to human factors affecting their habitat and low survival rates of juvenile horseshoe crabs.

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The study aims to provide more accurate evaluations of their habitat and breeding site requirements, offering valuable insights to support future ecological monitoring and habitat conservation efforts for these creatures.

China Daily’s Andy Chong took these photos.