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200 Million Red Crabs Migrate to Ocean for Breeding

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Up to 200 million red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) migrate to the ocean on Christmas Island, Australia, per Alexia Jankowski, acting manager of Christmas Island National Park.
The migration begins with summer rains as crabs move from forest burrows to shore to breed.
Residents help by using leaf blowers and rakes to clear roads for the crabs.
Spawning is expected around November 14–15, with young crabs returning about a month later.

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Story summary

Up to 200 million red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) migrate to the ocean on Christmas Island, Australia, per Alexia Jankowski, acting manager of Christmas Island National Park.
The migration begins with summer rains as crabs move from forest burrows to shore to breed.
Residents help by using leaf blowers and rakes to clear roads for the crabs.
Spawning is expected around November 14–15, with young crabs returning about a month later.