With an El Nino weather pattern promising a longer dry
season, Christmas Island is gearing up for an extraordinary natural
phenomenon – the annual red crab migration.
Last year the migration occurred in October, however in 2023 it is anticipated to arrive in December.
Naturalist Sir David Attenborough has cited the Christmas Island red
crab migration as one of the most memorable moments in his television
career.
The migration takes place every year, with tens of millions of these
crustaceans travelling more than two kilometres from the forests, where
they live, to their coastal breeding grounds.
Christmas Island is an Australian external territory located in the
Indian Ocean around 350 kilometres south of Java and is the only place
on the planet this species exists.
“It’s an unbelievable sight as millions of surprisingly large land
crabs embark on an incredible migration, covering the island in a
vibrant red hue,” said Chris Bray, owner of Swell Lodge the
all-inclusive luxury eco retreat on Christmas Island.
“This awe-inspiring display has captured the imagination of people
worldwide and makes you feel as though you’re in the middle of a
real-life BBC documentary, standing amongst one of the largest
migrations on the planet,” he said.
“Lisa Preston, owner of Indian Ocean Experiences, added, “We are
never certain when the migration will take place, although the moon and
weather give some guidance and our tours offer a wealth of local
knowledge.
“The red crab migration does make touring a challenge, but the
highlight for many of our guests is participating in crab raking to
clear the way for the vehicle to get through,” she said.