Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs are ecologically important crustaceans whose populations are valuable indicators of coastal ecosystem health. Current research focuses on developing efficient and automated monitoring methods, primarily utilizing drone-based imagery analysis coupled with deep learning techniques like YOLOv8 and related architectures for improved object detection and accurate population assessments. These advancements aim to replace labor-intensive traditional surveys, providing cost-effective and scalable solutions for monitoring and conservation efforts. The improved accuracy and efficiency of these methods will significantly enhance our understanding of hermit crab populations and their role in coastal environments.