The Amazing Migration Pattern of the Christmas Island Red Crab Explained

Every year with the lunar cycle, the red crabs of Christmas Island make their way across land and to the beach. AJ+ explains why this happens and how the residents of the island accommodate the amazing migration.

Tens of millions of red crabs live on Christmas Island, a small Australian territory near Indonesia. Each year, in sync with the lunar phases, they migrate en masse from the forest to the sea. It’s stunning to watch.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.