Kani maranjandu is a species of tree crab first identified in 2017.[1] K. maranjandu has, to date, only been observed in the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, India., it is the only species in the genus Kani.
Kani maranjandu represents a newly discovered genus (Kani), named for the local Kani tribe.[2] The species name maranjandu means tree crab in local language (Malayalam). The discoverers have placed the genus within the family Gecarcinucidae.[1]
Kani maranjandu is distinguished from other crabs of the family Gecarcinidae by its distinctive carapace and the structure of the male abdomen, as well as its very long walking legs.[1] [3] The species is entirely arboreal, relying on water held in small hollows of trees for survival.[3]
Kani maranjandu type locality is the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in the Western Ghats. It is endemic to this area.[4]