Ecology of the facultative phytotelmic crab Platychirarma buettikoferi (De Man, 1883) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Sesarmidae)

Abstract The mangrove forests surrounding Douala, Cameroon, have a long history of human impact due to rapid urbanization, resulting in patches true forest interspersed with areas dominated by the mangrove-associated Pandanus species. A survey carried out assess possible shift crab fauna composition and dominance between revealed an undescribed phytotelmic habitat for Platychirarma buettikoferi . This species was found colonizing natural reservoirs fresh water represented spp. Our results show P. be ecologically dependent upon spp., absent on floor trees, strongly indicating adaptation. data suggest that this is facultative well adapted areas. Further studies reproductive biology feeding behaviour may shed light unique lifestyle its role ecosystem functioning.