Hermit crabs are 'wearing' our plastic rubbish - BBC News

Hermit crabs all over the world are using our discarded plastic and other waste in place of their natural shells.

14 hours agocommentsCommentsShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Shawn MillerBy Victoria GillScience correspondent, BBC NewsHermit crabs all over the world, which scavenge shells as armour for their bodies, are turning increasingly to plastic waste instead.

The conclusion is based on analysis of photos, taken by wildlife enthusiasts, and published online.

Scientists said they were "heartbroken" to see the extent to which the animals were living in our rubbish.

They said two-thirds of hermit crabs species were pictured in "artificial shells" - items that humans discarded.

The discovery is published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68071695?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

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