Watch the spectacular migration of millions of red crabs to Christmas Island (where everything stops to let them pass)

Every year, between October and November, Christmas Island transforms into a unique natural spectacle: millions of red crabs leave the tropical woods to reach the sea, where the females lay their eggs. The phenomenon, closely linked to seasonal rainfall and lunar phases, marks the beginning of the wet season and attracts the attention of tourists and biologists from all over the world.

The island, which lies about 1,500 kilometers off the Australian coast, is home to an estimated population of more than 100 million crabs, almost double the number in the early 2000s. During the migration, streets, schools and even gardens turn red, forcing residents to change their daily routines.

When nature dictates the rules

For the residents of Christmas Island, the crab migration is not just a natural event, but a shared tradition. Motorists travel with rakes and blowers in their trunks to clear the roads and many prefer to work from home to avoid the risk of crushing animals. Local authorities, together with Parks Australia, temporarily close some streets and build elevated walkways to facilitate the crabs’ path to the coast.

“Here everyone respects crabs“explained Alexia Jankowski, manager of the national park, underlining how the community experiences this period with enthusiasm and respect. Some residents even speak of “a red parade”, a living carpet that accompanies the island to the sea.

An ecological rebirth

In recent years, the crab population has grown dramatically thanks to the introduction of a microwasp that reduced the presence of yellow crazy ants, an invasive species that threatened the crustaceans. According to Brendon Tiernan, coordinator of protected species, the measure has led to a “incredible return of baby crabs”.

After deposition, the eggs are dragged by the sea and, after about a month, the surviving larvae return to land. When this happens, nature reclaims its spaces and for a few weeks the inhabitants of Christmas Island stop, letting the red crabs dictate the pace of life.

Not only in Australia, the case of Lake Varese

With due proportions, a similar migration also occurs from the waters of Lake Varese where Louisiana red crayfish have settled for years. A silent population that, even for long periods, is not seen until, especially in summer, it begins to leave the body of water to head, unfortunately, towards the provincial road. Here, also due to the high speeds on that stretch of road, many of them find their death crushed by cars which – unlike what happens on Christmas Island – make no sign of letting them pass unharmed and undisturbed.

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