Merry Migration: Annual red crab migration underway on Christmas Island

On Christmas Island, traffic grinds to a halt during the annual migration of red crabs. The display is nothing short of spectacular.

And, photographer Kirsty Faulkner has been documenting the trek of the Santa Claus-red crustaceans ever since she, and her husband, Jon, arrived on the island more than seven years ago. It is considered the world’s largest land migration of crabs as the little gaffers are focused on one task: laying their eggs near the Pacific Ocean.

Faulkner has posted a new series of stunning photos of the natural phenomenon, which occurs with the onset of wet season rains, usually over a six- to seven-week period in November and December, on Facebook.

“Starting their journey from the jungle, they slowly make their way to the edge of the water to clean, mate & eventually release their eggs,” she writes.

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“So, this is me…enjoying the afternoon with some very busy crabs! Its migration time & our red crabs have started making their way across the island on their annual migration. Come with me over the next few weeks as I follow the crabs on their journey to the sea!! “

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“My gorgeous little man posing with the crabs!”

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But while the migrations features tens of millions of crabs, thousands are squished by passing cars. That’s why officials in the Australian territory have erected a bridge to help the crabs safely cross the road.

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The Christmas Island Tourism Association also reminds drivers to slow down.

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Be sure to watch the barriers at the side of roadways since there may be the occasional escapees.

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And, mind the road closures.

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Yvonne McKenzie of Wondrous World Images has also been documenting the sight, which will continue for another few weeks.

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Check out her amazing time-lapse video of the crab bridge in action.

About the author

Recovering newspaper reporter.

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