Millions of Crabs Begin Migration on Christmas Island

CHRISTMAS ISLAND, Australia – Tens of millions of red crabs have started their annual migration on Christmas Island, creating a stunning crimson flow across roads and forest floors. This natural spectacle kicks off with the first rainfall of the wet season, typically occurring in October or November, according to officials from Christmas Island National Park.

Each year, around 50 million crabs emerge from their burrows in search of mates and begin their journey toward the ocean to lay their eggs. “The migration is one of the largest animal migrations on the planet,” a park official stated. Residents have begun sharing their roads with these iconic crustaceans, ensuring safe passage for the creatures.

As the male crabs lead the way to the beaches, females follow, digging burrows where they can produce up to 100,000 eggs. On high tides, females crawl into the sea to release their eggs, after which they return to their forest homes.

Christmas Island residents prepare for the influx by carrying rakes and leaf blowers in their vehicles. Alexia Jankowski, acting manager of Christmas Island National Park, remarked, “We have to put rakes in our cars to ensure the crabs have a safe passage.” For many locals, driving in the morning and late afternoon is avoided to provide more freedom for the crabs.

This year, the crab population is estimated to be around 100 million, a remarkable increase from about 55 million in the early 2000s. Brendon Tiernan, the park’s threatened species coordinator, attributed the growth to the introduction of a microwasp in 2016 that helped control a major predator, the yellow crazy ants.

With heavy rains forecasted this week, Jankowski mentioned residents are anticipating an “onslaught” of crabs. “Everyone here really values the crabs, and it’s seen as a real treat,” she said. Megs Powell, a local resident, noted that up to 100 crabs could line her driveway during this migration, causing some residents to work from home when possible.

David Watchorn, chair of the Christmas Island Tourism Association, emphasized that while crabs can be seen all year, the migration draws a significant number of tourists. “It’s one of the most amazing wildlife experiences you can see on the planet,” he added.