This isn’t what we mean by “recycling.” A recent study has revealed that the majority of land hermit crabs are now using trash - literal garbage - as shells.
This study, the first of its kind, analyzed publicly available images and past scientific literature to discover that 386 examples of hermit crabs were found encased in garbage, with approximately 85% using plastic caps and the remainder using metal and glass.
This garbage may offer camouflage or be more readily available to hermit crabs than natural shells, leading to this alarming adaptation. However, this behavior highlights the pervasive impact that plastic pollution has on marine wildlife.
The consequences are dire. Plastic poses significant dangers to hermit crabs, including entrapment and death. In fact, a 2019 study found over half a million hermit crabs on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands crawled into a piece of garbage and died.
This is a call for action! We must address the root causes of this issue by reducing plastic pollution and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting and conserving marine life. Will you donate now to support our SEEC Members in Congress who are leading this fight?
With your support, we can fund more research and conservation projects, support legislative efforts to reduce plastic and increase recycling, and protect our most vulnerable species.
Simply put, we have to turn the tide on plastic pollution once and for all.
Please, join us in this effort by making a donation to support our SEEC Members today. Together, we can safeguard our planet's biodiversity for future generations.
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