TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area Headquarters plans nightly closures of Meiren Road in Xiaoliuqiu from May 1 to Sept. 30 to prevent land crab roadkill.

Land crabs in Xiaoliuqiu migrate to the sea during their mating season from May to October, resulting in nearly 1,200 dead crabs since April 27, per CNA. Conservation volunteers have identified Meiren Road, along with Huandao Road near Sunset Pavilion and Wild Boar Ditch, as the top locations for crab deaths.

Headquarters official Chen Jung-feng (陳榮豐) told CNA that Meiren Road will be closed nightly during the period, turning it into a pedestrian zone. He said the plan is awaiting approval from the Pingtung County Government.

Chen added that the headquarters will hold a meeting to explain the changes to local tour guides. A conservation volunteer surnamed Wang (王) called the decision a good start.

Wang noted that since starting night ecological tours, land crab sightings have steadily decreased, despite efforts to reduce roadkill. He said that during the egg-laying season, a dozen crabs are killed daily, with the number rising to more than 100 on weekends.

Wang said the regular closures will make roads safer for land crabs and more accessible for tourists and residents. He added that the absence of traffic could improve the touring experience along Meiren Road.

In May, the headquarters announced increased conservation efforts, including new signs and stickers to raise awareness, per Commercial Times. It also proposed roughening smooth surfaces on retaining walls and coastal fences to help crabs descend to the sea more easily.

In 2024, volunteers reported land crab sightings had dropped to 20% of 2023 levels, with over 1,000 crabs killed between June 6 and July 16, per UDN. National Chiayi University Professor Chiu Yuh-wen (邱郁文) urged the government to take concrete steps to conserve the island’s land crab population.