Wildlife

Wild Shorebird Ghost Crab Predation

Ghost crabs are effective predators of shorebird and sea turtle eggs and hatchlings, and their populations increase near human beach disturbance.

Key Facts

Ghost crabs excavate sea turtle nests to consume eggs and hatchlings
Their populations are higher on beaches with human food waste presence
Shorebird eggs and chicks are also vulnerable to ghost crab predation
Beach grooming that removes wrack eliminates ghost crab habitat

Welfare Considerations

Ghost crab predation on hatchlings causes direct welfare harm through predation stress and injury. The relationship between human beach use and elevated ghost crab populations means that recreational beach use indirectly increases predation pressure on vulnerable nesting species.

What You Can Do

Avoid leaving food waste on beaches that supports ghost crab populations
Support beach lighting management that does not attract ghost crabs to turtle nests
Participate in beach nesting monitoring programs
Advocate for beach grooming restrictions near turtle and shorebird nesting areas