Its
large size and the quality of its meat means that the coconut crab is extensively hunted and is very rare on islands with a human population.
[46] The coconut crab is eaten by
Southeast Asians and
Pacific Islanders and is considered
a delicacy and an aphrodisiac, and intensive hunting has threatened the species' survival in some areas.
[12] While the coconut crab itself is not innately
poisonous, it may become so depending on its diet, and cases of coconut crab poisoning have occurred.
[46][47] For instance, consumption of the sea mango,
Cerbera manghas, by the coconut crab may make the coconut crab toxic due to the presence of cardiac
cardenolides.
[48]
But it takes a brave man to try and cook it!
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