Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Christmas Island's red crabs undergo their annual migration

Every year, more than 100 million red crabs travel across Christmas Island in Australia, from the rainforest to the sea, in order to mate and spawn

By Âé¶¹´«Ã½

29 October 2025

3D0DY3R In this image supplied by Parks Australia, a young boy walks amongst red crabs during their annual migration, Oct. 19, 2025 on Christmas Island, Australia. (Parks Australia via AP)

Credit: Associated Press/Alamy

A young boy walks beside some red crabs on Christmas Island, an Australian territory, as they embark upon their annual migration. More than 100 million red crabs travel across the island annually, going from the rainforest to the sea to mate and spawn. Roads are often closed to facilitate the migration, which began this year in October. A major spawning event is expected to take place in mid-November.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop