Balasore, Nov 11: In a groundbreaking initiative in Odisha’s Balasore, scientists are leading the charge in conserving the ancient horseshoe crab through innovative in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. Often referred to as "living fossils," these remarkable marine creatures have existed for over 445 million years, outlasting even the dinosaurs.

Despite their longevity, horseshoe crabs are currently classified as endangered, primarily due to human activities and habitat loss. In response, collaboration between Fakir Mohan University (FMU) and the Association for Biodiversity Conservation and Research (ABCR) has introduced a unique conservation approach utilizing IVF.

Researchers stimulate egg and sperm production in injured horseshoe crabs through gentle electric shocks, achieving a remarkable 90–92% fertilization success rate significantly higher than the 60–70% success seen in natural conditions. Once the larvae develop tails after three months in the laboratory, they are released into the sea, a process known as sea ranching.

This project, funded by the Central Government with Rs 29 lakh since its inception in 2016, is part of FMU's newly established Centre for Research and Conservation of Indian Horseshoe Crabs (CRCIHC).

Horseshoe crabs are crucial to the marine ecosystem, supporting various coastal species, including birds and fish, through their nutrient-rich eggs. Additionally, their unique blood, which contains the protein Limulus Amebocyte Lysate, is invaluable to the pharmaceutical industry for medical testing.

The CRCIHC and ABCR aim to increase the release of larvae into the wild while continuing research to better understand horseshoe crab habitats and breeding patterns. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has also joined the conservation efforts, working to identify areas for government protection and creating safe habitats for these ancient marine survivors.