Christmas Island is home to over 20 species of crabs, but the red Christmas Island crabs make a wonderful view for tourists and locals between the months of October and January.
Every year, millions of crabs make their way to the coast, where they spawn to bring to the world a new generation of crabs. You will often find them in gardens, homes, and even on the road.
Have you been to the Christmas Island? If not then this article is for you as we have uncovered details about this adventurous island.
Facts About the Christmas Island?
The Christmas Island sounds like an island where Santa lives or a place where you can visit to feel the Christmas vibe, but that is far from it.
Christmas Island was actually discovered by Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company (founded to trade with the East Indies and later with East Asia).
Do you know why this island is called Christmas Island? Well, it is because Captain William discovered it on the 25th day of December 1643.
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Where is Christmas Island?
Although Christmas Island is in Australian territory, it is geographically closer to Indonesia’s Java island.
What makes this island popular is the large number of Christmas Island crabs that take over between October and January every year. Christmas Island crabs usually migrate in large swarms, making such an amazing sight.
Although there are over 20 species of land crabs that exist on the island, the red crab seems to be more abundant in population, and this can clearly be seen during the months of their migration.
The red Christmas Island crabs are able to survive due to the favorable provisions that the island makes for them, including the following:
- Rocky cliffs
- Rainforest
- Sandy beaches
Facts about the Christmas Island Crabs
Christmas Island crabs inhabit the tropical forest of the island but will migrate in swarms during the rainy season. They migrate to the sea to breed (spawn).
This process usually occurs once a year between the months of October and January and is a rare sight to behold as they come out in their millions all with one purpose: BREED!
The moisture in the air helps them to breathe through their gills, so breathing is not a problem for these crabs.
The roads are even closed to ensure the safe passage of the crabs. During this period, you will find them in homes, rooftops, gutters, and even beds. Lol!
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What Happens During the Christmas Island Crab Migration?
Locals would often find their experience during the Christmas Island crab migration a funny one, and here is why: The crabs make it to every part of the home, including the toilets, beds, and, shockingly, the fridge. Lol!
Despite this amusing experience, locals still love, care for, and take pride in Christmas Island crabs. The island is not famous because of the Christmas in its name, but because of the red crabs.
It will also amaze you to know that despite the claws that these crabs have, they are not in any way harmful and can even be gently moved outside if you find them inside the house.
There are Christmas Island crab bridges that are even constructed by local authorities to ensure the safe passage of the crabs.
Park rangers and volunteers are also kept busy as they have to frequently sweep the crabs off the road with rakes for the passage of vehicles.
Once the female crab safely reaches the coast, she releases her eggs into the ocean. The crabs then head back to the tropical forest of the island after spawning.
Conclusion
Christmas Island is a place you would definitely want to pay a visit to with friends and family during your Christmas breaks. The red crabs make such a wonderful sight to behold.
Do well to travel with your camera, as you’d want to take some lovely pictures of the island and its amazing wonder—the Christmas Island crabs.
Thank you for reading!
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