As the male and female crabs reach the shore, mating begins. The males dig little holes and the females join them. The males retreat and head back to land while the females release their fertilized eggs into the sea.
Once the eggs hatch in the ocean and the babies develop a little, they leave the ocean and make their way toward the forest. They aren’t seen too much during the first few years of life, but if you do come across them, it sometimes looks like a giant red blanket covering the forest floor.
Photo source: Crazytopics.blogspot.com
Many tourists flock to Christmas Island during the months of October and November to witness this amazing migration. In this brief time, the island is magically transformed as crabs take over island life, interrupting everything from driving to golf games.
Check out this cool video about the migration’s impact on Christmas Island. You won’t believe what the locals have to put up with:
Unfortunately, the red crab population is being significantly reduced because of an invasive species called yellow crazy ants. An article in the Telegraph states that the ants have almost halved the number of red crabs on the island. Though experts are working on solutions, nothing has squashed the problem permanently, so head to Christmas Island to see the migration while you can. The island’s official Web site lists the best travel days to witness the phenomenon.
Ecologists and nature enthusiasts agree that the red crab migration is one of the most amazing spectacles in all of nature.
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