Christmas Island Red Crab Migration

Every November, Christmas Island red crabs take over Christmas Island as millions march to the shores of the Indian Ocean. These crawling critters stop at nothing to reach their mating grounds. They halt traffic and even fall from cliffs! This title is filled with facts, maps, and fascinating graphics that take readers through the rain forest to the ocean with Christmas Island red crabs.

Description and photographic illustration of the annual breeding migration of the endemic Christmas Island Red crab

When Crabs Cross the Sand follows the migration journey of one specific Christmas Island crab, subtly teaching the role of migration in the crab's life cycle while engaging readers with a story-like narrative. Includes a "fast facts" page, a glossary, and realistic, text-match illustrations that pull readers right to the water's edge.

Christmas Island is an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 360 kilometers south of Java and 2,600 kilometers northwest of Perth. It is only 135 square kilometers in size, making it one of the smallest territories in Australia. The island is famous worldwide for its spectacular annual red crab migration where millions of red crabs march from the forest to the sea to spawn. The island was discovered by the British in 1643 and named after the day of its discovery, which was Christmas Day. In 1958, the island was transferred to Australia, and today it is an Australian territory with a mixed population of mainly Chinese, Australian, and Malay. The island is known for its rich natural diversity and cultural heritage. It is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including over a hundred bird species, several endangered species such as the Golden Bosun (an endemic bird), and several types of crabs unique to the island. The island's distinct culture is a blend of Asian and Australian influences, with its primary language being English, but dialects such as Chinese Malay and Indian dialects are also spoken. Visitors to Christmas Island have the opportunity to experience its unique culture and outstanding natural beauty, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Animals of all shapes and sizes make epic journeys across our planet, through harsh weather, avoiding hungry predators, in their efforts to survive. Travel around the globe with some of the world's most incredible animals and discover their unique migration stories. Follow the emperor penguin through snow, ice and bitter temperatures; watch as the great white shark swims 10,000 km in search of seals; track huge herds of elephants, on their yearly hunt for water and be amazed at the millions of red crabs, migrating across Christmas Island. With stunning colour illustrations, uncover the astonishing migrations of 20 creatures, in this truly inspiring narrative. Written by Mike Unwin, a UK Travel Writer of the Year, and illustrated by Jenni Desmond, winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, prepare yourself for a journey like no other. Follow the amazing migrations of these 20 creatures: Arctic tern, barn swallow, bar-headed goose, ruby-throated hummingbird, osprey, wandering albatross, whooping crane, emperor penguin, African elephant, blue wildebeest, caribou, straw-coloured fruit bat, humpback whale, green turtle, Southern pilchard, salmon, great white shark, monarch butterfly, globe skimmer dragonfly, Christmas Island red crab

Christmas Island is an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 360 kilometers south of Java and 2,600 kilometers northwest of Perth. It is only 135 square kilometers in size, making it one of the smallest territories in Australia. The island is famous worldwide for its spectacular annual red crab migration where millions of red crabs march from the forest to the sea to spawn. The island was discovered by the British in 1643 and named after the day of its discovery, which was Christmas Day. In 1958, the island was transferred to Australia, and today it is an Australian territory with a mixed population of mainly Chinese, Australian, and Malay. The island is known for its rich natural diversity and cultural heritage. It is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including over a hundred bird species, several endangered species such as the Golden Bosun (an endemic bird), and several types of crabs unique to the island. The island's distinct culture is a blend of Asian and Australian influences, with its primary language being English, but dialects such as Chinese Malay and Indian dialects are also spoken. Visitors to Christmas Island have the opportunity to experience its unique culture and outstanding natural beauty, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination.