Abstract

The efficiency of the can trap for the collection of Cardiosoma armatum was examined for 2 year (2003 - 2005). The trap was designed with popular Nigeria beverages. The circumferences of the traps determined the size of individual crabs to be caught. The cans circumference ranged between 30.45 and 40.23 cm. The trap operated on trigger mechanism. It was baited with orange peels, onion bulb and fish trash. The trap reduces stress of land crabbing, made the operation easy and less strenuous. The highest catch (500 crabs at 58.14%) of crabs was recorded for can trap followed by the hand picking (300 crabs at 34.8%) and the least was recorded for barricading of crab holes with nets method (60 crabs at 6.98%). The bigger the crabs, the higher the market values. Can trap is effective for the operation and a means of livelihood for the youth around the study area.

Key words: Can trap, Cardiosoma armatum, crabbing, hand - picking.