The horse shoe crab is called a "living fossil" because it has been on earth for millions of years. A relative of the spider and the scorpion, this space ship like creature with blue blood holds some of the most fantastic secrets that could revolutionize medical history.
They are estimated to be at least 300 million years old. Today, four species of horseshoe crabs inhabit the earth's oceans. Yet, it has been unknown and ignored for thousands of years.
It is not presently endangered, but harvesting and habitat destruction have reduced its numbers at some locations and caused some concern for these animals' future. To this effect Earth Matters Foundation has started a campaign to ensure that the Horseshoe Crab be protected under the Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Protection Act with immediate effect and also the breeding grounds of the Horseshoe Crab be protected.

The film ‘Timeless Traveller- The Horseshoe Crab', produced by Mike Pandey, has generated new interest and research started in India after news snippets of this film were shown.