Researchers from the Churashima Foundation showed that individual identification of endangered coconut crabs is possible by studying the patterns on their shells. The ability to identify individuals has allowed many aspects of coconut crab ecology to be revealed. Monitoring of this species is continuing at Expo Park, and usually individual identification is determined by an expert through visual observation. To optimize this process the foundation has adopted artificial intelligence to compare and identify coconut crabs from photos of their shells.

Starting next year, we endeavor to approach this challenge from various angles to assure its accuracy. We expect this system to be widely used to monitor coconut crabs in the future.

The patterns on a coconut crab’s shell remain the same even after it sheds, making it possible to identify individuals.

A screenshot of the comparison system.