Taiwan park implements traffic controls to protect migrating land crabs

Taiwan's Kenting National Park is taking measures to ensure the safe passage of land crabs during their annual migration to the sea. From July to September, during the full moon nights of the lunar calendar's sixth to tenth months, countless pregnant land crabs embark on a perilous journey across Provincial Highway 26 to release their offspring. This critical breeding ritual often results in many crabs becoming victims of traffic, a phenomenon known as "roadkill."

To safeguard these "strongest moms on land," the Kenting National Park Administration is re-implementing traffic control measures along the highway. The controlled section spans from Xiangjia Bay to Shedao (kilometer markers 39.5 to 41.5). The controls will be in effect during peak migration times: July 28-30, August 27-29, and September 25-27.

During these periods, the four-lane highway will be reduced to two lanes. A flexible traffic management system will be employed, involving a 10-minute road closure followed by a 10-minute opening. This aims to ensure the safety of both the crabs and motorists. Additionally, a 0.3-kilometer stretch (39.6k to 39.9k) with a significant drop will have pedestrian control to prevent unauthorized access.

The park administration urges drivers to significantly reduce their speed when passing through the national park at night. They also encourage the public to leave the roads and beaches clear for the crabs whenever possible. Any reports of illegal crab hunting or habitat destruction should be immediately reported to the park administration or the local police.