Evidence of Birgus latro (Linnaeus, 1767) population in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

The general distribution pattern of coconut crab or Birgus latro (Linnaeus, 1767) shows patchy and insular populations which are influenced by ecological needs and human pressures. Historical records in the Philippines, including global occurrence databases (GBIF 2026) indicate a handful of intermittent sightings of the species in the country. The research note documents a newly recorded population of the B. latro in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. Random field surveys and interviews with key informants conducted from October 2024 to April 2025 confirmed the presence of individuals of B. latro in three different coastal and islet limestone, ultramafic forests in Surigao del Sur, indicating evidence of a population of the species. This record expands the known population and distribution of B. latro in Mindanao, where previous reports suggest a discontinuous national distribution, extending to southern Sulu and Batanes on the Northern Pacific coast and island regions. The finding is significant for both scientific inquiry and conservation, given the vulnerable status of the species within its known population and distribution range in the country. The confirmed population in Surigao del Sur represents an important record that fills the gap in the occurrence and distribution of B. latro on the Pacific seaboard of Mindanao, Philippines, which could serve as a basis for localized species and habitat management.