Cover image courtesy of Bjorn Spiteri.
Meet the Maltese freshwater crab, or il-qabru if you’re a local. This little crab is so loved in Malta that it’s made it onto their national coin. But beyond the claim to fame lies a bigger story, one of survival, science, and the fight to save a species on the brink.
The Il-Qabru Crab
These greenish-grey freshwater crabs are endemic to the Maltese Islands. They make their homes in underground burrows alongside streams, which can be up to 60cm deep, cleverly digging deep enough to trap water to keep their gills moist.
The Threats
Unfortunately, the Maltese freshwater crab is now officially listed as critically endangered by the Environment and Resources Authority, following research by the University of Malta. This is the last chance before extinction unless urgent action is taken. The main threats include water pollution, the drying up of rivers and streams and human capture.
The sad truth is that what was once a thriving freshwater species is now struggling to hold on in a rapidly changing landscape. With only a few estimated to be left in the wild, the urgency to act is real. Unlike marine crabs, these freshwater crabs can’t simply relocate to a new coastline as they’re tied to a very specific ecosystem.
The Comeback
Luckily, there’s hope on the horizon, with multiple conservation projects underway to save the species in Malta. One notable effort is the Freshwater Crab Conservation Project, which is making real progress. This project focuses on repopulating juvenile crabs raised in controlled environments while closely examining their natural habitat. It involves mapping water resources, assessing climate resilience, and evaluating human impacts to develop an action plan aimed at restoring and safeguarding the crabs' freshwater ecosystems. This initiative will serve as a model for conserving other freshwater species facing similar challenges.
Support With Style
At LOVE BRAND & Co., we’re passionate about our wonderful world and on a mission to help do our bit to give back to and be a voice for the endangered wildlife and habitats on the brink of disappearing. We are celebrating the freshwater crabs of Malta with a limited edition swim short featuring an embroidered il-qabru crab design.
Our Il Qabru Embroidered Staniel Swim Shorts are crafted from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic, and each pair of swim trunks saves on average 15 plastic bottles from landfill. These trunks are finished with intricately embroidered and hand-placed crab motifs, making them a conversation starter and a way to raise awareness for one of the Mediterranean’s most overlooked species.
LOVE BRAND & Co. is a proud member of 1% For The Planet, and each year, we donate a percentage of our revenue back to conservation. This year, we are delighted to include support for the Malta Environment Foundation, helping conserve the natural environment of Malta and the wildlife that call it home. Thank you for your support of our mission to help endangered wildlife. And when you are on the beach, don't forget to tell the story of Il Qabru, stitched into your swim shorts!
