Purpose of This Page

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is committed to transparency, ethical education, and the protection of wild land hermit crab populations. This page explains how our educational content is sourced, how our programs operate, and how we relate to other organizations and projects within the hermit crab community.

Our goal is clarity. We believe understanding these relationships helps build trust and ensures our work is evaluated on its mission, integrity, and impact.

Organizational Relationships

Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS)
LHCOS is a nonprofit organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our mission focuses on education, advocacy, and programs that improve the welfare of land hermit crabs while reducing harm to wild populations.

The Crab Street Journal (CSJ)
The Crab Street Journal is an independent educational platform focused on land hermit crab care, biology, and welfare. While CSJ content is frequently referenced, cited, or linked by LHCOS due to its depth and relevance, CSJ operates separately from LHCOS. Educational decisions made by LHCOS are not directed or controlled by CSJ.

Hermit House
Hermit House is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping wild hermit crabs wild through conservation, captive breeding, and public education. Hermit House and LHCOS work closely together in support of aligned missions, but remain separate organizations with independent governance.

Crab Con
Crab Con is an educational conference that operates under Hermit House. LHCOS co-hosts Crab Con in support of shared educational and conservation goals.

Content Sources & Permissions

LHCOS educational content is developed using a combination of:

  • Original material created by LHCOS volunteers and contributors
  • Referenced scientific research and publicly available studies
  • Curated educational content used with permission from creators
  • Community knowledge refined through ethical care standards

When external content or imagery is used, permission is obtained where required, and credit is provided when appropriate. LHCOS does not claim ownership of research or materials it does not create.

Financial & Non-Financial Relationships

LHCOS does not receive compensation for educational opinions, care standards, or advocacy positions. Participation in LHCOS programs, including Approved Sellers, does not grant influence over educational messaging, policy positions, or advocacy efforts.

Collaborative relationships exist to further shared conservation goals, not to promote commercial interests.

Editorial Independence

Educational guidance published by LHCOS is based on animal welfare, conservation ethics, and best-available knowledge at the time of publication. Content decisions are made independently and are not shaped by vendors, donors, or partner organizations.

Commitment to Transparency

Transparency is a core value of LHCOS. This page exists to provide clarity, context, and accountability for our work and our relationships. Questions about this page or our programs may be directed through our official contact channels.