Where do Christmas Island red crabs migrate to?

Australia
Christmas Island red crabs are famous throughout Australia and the world for their bright red color and for their spectacular annual migration to the sea. Millions of crabs become rivers of red as they move from Christmas Island’s interior rainforests to the ocean to breed and lay eggs.

What time of year do red crabs on Christmas Island mate?

This is usually in October or November, but can sometimes be as late as December or January. Red crabs all over the island leave their homes at the same time and start marching towards the ocean to mate and spawn.

How long does the red crab migration last?

The main migration commences on the plateau and can last up to 18 days. Masses of crabs gather into broad “streams” as they move toward the coast, climbing down high inland cliff faces, and over or around all obstacles in their way, following routes used year after year for both downward and return migrations.

Can you eat red crabs on Christmas Island?

They aren’t edible. Even if you can’t eat them, it’s definitely worth dropping by Christmas Island in December or January to watch a blanket of Red crabs migrate to the ocean and back – just be sure to wear boots.

Where to watch red crab migration on Christmas Island?

The red crab migration is Christmas Island’s biggest tourist attraction, drawing nature-lovers from all over the world. The easiest places to watch the migration and spawning are Drumsite, Flying Fish Cove , Ethel Beach and Greta Beach .

What kind of crabs live on Christmas Island?

Gecarcoidea natalis (Pocock, 1888) The Christmas Island red crab is by far the most obvious of the 14 species of land crabs found on Christmas Island. It is estimated that 40 – 50 million of these bright red land crabs live in their preferred shady sites all over the island.

Why are red crabs dying on Christmas Island?

Certain human activities have led to increased numbers of Red Crabs dying during their annual migration to the sea. As well as there being a greater risk of crabs dehydrating when forced to cross areas cleared of forest cover, thousands of adults and young are crushed by vehicles while crossing roads.

When does the red crab migration in the forest occur?

When does the red crab migration occur? Red crab in the forest. The migration starts with the first rainfall of the wet season. This is usually in October or November, but can sometimes be as late as December or January. Red crabs all over the island leave their homes at the same time and start marching towards the ocean to mate and spawn.