eng International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Arthropods 2224-4255 2026-6-1 15 2 78 89 1 article Huma Khan 1 2 Farzana Yousuf 1 2 Qadeer Mohmmad Ali 1 2 Quratulan Ahmed 1 2 Farhana S. Ghory 1 2 Ateeqa Baloch 1 2 Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan The Marine Reference Collection and Resource Centre, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan Crabs are referred as keystone species of mangrove ecosystem and are essential as their burrowing habit promotes bioturbation and organic matter degradation that sustain the health of mangrove forests. The present research is an attempt to review the diversity of crabs in two mangrove areas of Karachi: Sandspit backwater and Korangi-Phitti creek, emphasizing the importance of mangrove ecosystems as habitats for brachyuran crabs and highlights the intricate interplay between seasonal variations and species composition. The sampling was conducted on seasonal basis pre-monsoon (January-February), monsoon (August-September) and post-monsoon (November-December). By documenting 14 species and analyzing upto species level distributions across the Sandspit backwater and Korangi-phitti creek areas, this research provides a comprehensive baseline for future ecological and conservation focused studies in Pakistan's coastal mangroves. http://www.iaees.org/publications/journals/arthropods/articles/2026-15(2)/diversity-distribution-and-seasonal-abundance-of-crabs.pdf diversity distribution seasonal abundance mangrove Brachyuran Karachi coast