The crabs’ breeding timetable is fixed around the phases of the moon. Spawning (the dropping of their eggs into the sea) must occur before sunrise on spring tides during the last quarter of the moon, regardless of any other factor. The timing of spawning is the only certain and predictable part of the whole migration; all other stages of the migration will vary with the prevailing weather.
The crabs will start their migration if there is enough time for them to complete their downward migration, mate and develop eggs before the next suitable spawning date.
The red crab breeding migration comprises a series of separate actions on the crabs’ part that follow on from one to the other in a programmed sequence. These separate actions in combination make up the breeding migration and one action will not occur unless the preceding action is accomplished. If there isn’t enough time for them to be able to do all of these things before the next spawning opportunity, they will delay the start of their migration and attempt to meet the following month’s spawning date.
The red crab migration is Christmas Island’s biggest tourist attraction, drawing nature-lovers from all over the world.
The easiest places to watch the migration and spawning are Drumsite, Flying Fish Cove, Ethel Beach and Greta Beach.
To protect our red crabs, some sections of roads may close for part or all of the day during the peak migration time, often at short notice. But you can park your car and carefully walk among the sea of moving crabs as they make their way to and from the beach.
You will also see crab bridges built over the roads. These are great places to stand and watch the flow of crabs.
Picture Credit : Google
